Buying guide for Best car phone mounts
Written by Jennifer Blair
Updated October 2024
With a car phone mount, you can take advantage of all your phone’s handy features — like GPS, weather monitoring, music, and traffic alerts —without taking your hands off the wheel.
Finding the right car phone mount is key. You want an option that holds your phone securely and allows you to see the screen without distracting you from the road. With so many options available, how do you find the best car phone mount for your vehicle? Consider why you need a car phone mount and what features will work best for your needs.
Using hands-free devices like a car phone mount can reduce phone use while behind the wheel, keeping you and your passengers safer.
Reasons fora car phone mount
Driving safety: Using your cell phone in the car can lead to distracted driving, which has been linked to traffic accidents. A car phone mount allows you to use your phone hands-free, so you can keep your focus on the road.
Improved conversation quality: A car phone mount can make your phone conversations easier to hear. You can take your calls on speakerphone and keep both hands on the wheel.
GPS navigation: If your car isn’t equipped with GPS navigation, you can use your phone’s app in the car phone mount and easily find your way to your location.
Traffic alerts: With your phone in the car phone mount, you can use your phone’s traffic alerts and avoid congested areas to make it to your location on time.
Music: If you have all your favorite tunes on your cell phone, you can enjoy them on your morning commute with your phone in the car phone mount. Many phones can be connected to your car’s sound system, too.
Charging: Some car phone mounts allow you to charge your phone, so you never have to worry about running out of battery power while on the go.
Types of car phone mounts
Dashboard mount
A dashboard car phone mount usually has a suction cup that attaches the mount to your car’s dashboard. Some dashboard styles use adhesive rubber to secure the mount to the dashboard instead. Dashboard mounts aren’t the most secure option, and they can affect your visibility behind the wheel.
Windshield mount
Like a dashboard style, a windshield mount, or glass mount, uses a suction cup to attach the car phone mount to your windshield. It’s very important to choose a windshield mount with a strong suction cup to ensure the phone doesn’t fall. The problem with windshield mounts is that they can block your view of the road. In fact, they’re illegal in some states because of visibility concerns.
"The suction cup on a car phone mount can lose suction over time, so you’ll likely need to replace it after a few years."
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Vent mount
A vent mount attaches to your car’s air vents with a vice, clip, or magnet. This is typically the most secure type of car phone mount, and it is very easy to install. With the car phone mount in place, you have limited use of the vent it’s attached to. However, your view of the road isn’t affected.
Mirror mount
A mirror mount attaches to the car’s rearview mirror with a vice. It places the phone in a location that’s easy for the driver to see and reach. This type of car phone mount is very secure and doesn’t affect visibility.
"If you use a protective case or cover for your phone, it may not be compatible with all car phone mounts. Be sure to check that your case or cover will fit before buying the mount."
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CD slot mount
A CD slot mount fits into a car’s CD player using a magnet. Because you can use your phone to play music, you won’t be sacrificing your sound system. It’s important to ensure that a CD slot mount fits your specific CD player. This type of car phone mount is fairly secure and usually doesn’t affect road visibility.
Cigarette lighter mount
A cigarette lighter mount combines a car phone mount and a charger in one. The mount plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. The port must be deep enough to support the weight of the phone. This type of car phone mount works best with vertical cigarette lighters. Your gearshift may hit a cigarette lighter mount when your car is in park in some models.
For your safety
Nearly 85% of Americans use their cell phones while driving. A car phone mount is important for keeping you safe.
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Features to consider when buying a car phone mount
Compatibility
Many car phone mounts work with virtually any cell phone. In particular, magnetic mounts and mounts with adjustable arms can accommodate most cell phones. However, some car phone mounts are only large enough to fit certain cell phone models. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure a car phone mount is compatible with your cell phone.
Road visibility
The most important thing to consider when buying a car phone mount is whether it obstructs your view of the road. In most cases, the higher the mount is placed in your car, the greater the chance it will impair your visibility. In particular, avoid windshield mounts and dashboard mounts if you have a large phone because these car phone mounts can place the device directly in your line of vision.
"The most important part of choosing a spot to place your car phone mount is that road visibility isn’t compromised."
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Ease of use
A car phone mount should be easy to use. That means you shouldn’t have difficulty placing or removing your phone from the mount. Magnetic mounts are usually the easiest to use. You simply place a metal plate on the back of your phone or phone case, which attaches to the magnetic head of the mount. To remove the phone, you pull it off the mount. Other car phone mounts have a one-touch mount system, which allows you to lock the phone in place and release it by pushing a single button.
Swivel tilt
To ensure that you can adjust your phone once it’s in the car phone mount, choose a model with a swivel tilt. Most mounts with swivel tilts mount the phone on an arm, so you can easily move the phone. In some cases, the arm is flexible for the most adjustability. This feature is particularly important if you want to adjust your phone to allow other passengers in the car to see it.
"Some car phone mounts’ swiveling arms allow for a 360° view, so your phone is visible throughout the car."
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Charger
Some car phone mounts charge your phone whenever it’s in the mount, either via a built-in charger or by connecting the phone and mount with a cable. If you’re interested in a mount that can charge your phone, make sure it’s compatible with your cell phone model.
USB port/audio jack
Some car phone mounts feature a USB port or audio jack. If you plan to listen to music on your phone while it’s in the mount, the USB port or audio jack lets you connect your phone to your car’s sound system for better sound quality. With a USB port, you can also charge your phone or connect it to other devices.
Did you know?
Vent mounts, mirror mounts, CD slot mounts, and cigarette lighter mounts are usually the best options for road visibility.
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How much should you pay for a car phone mount?
Car phone mounts vary widely in price based on the type and features, but you can typically expect to spend between $7 and $70.
Inexpensive
For a basic car phone mount, you’ll usually pay between $7 and $15.
Mid-range
For a standard car phone mount with a few extra features, you’ll usually pay between $15 and $30.
Expensive
For a high-end car phone mount that also holds larger devices, you’ll usually pay between $35 and $70.
Tips for using car phone mounts
When you’re choosing a spot to mount your phone, be careful not to place it directly in front of the airbags. Also, don’t place a car phone mount high up on the dashboard where it might fly off and injure someone during an accident.
If you’re having trouble getting a car phone mount with a suction cup to stick, clean the cup and surface you’re placing it on to ensure there’s no dirt or residue, which can affect suction.
Many smartphones have an “auto answer” setting, so you don’t need to touch your phone to accept a phone call. Turn auto answer on before mounting your phone for truly hands-free driving.
If you’re using your phone for GPS or music, the battery can drain in a hurry. Connect your phone to a charger if possible while it’s in the car phone mount.
Tired of kids asking, “Are we there yet?” With a car phone mount, you can stream videos for your children on long car trips.
FAQ
Q. Are car phone mounts legal?
A. Most car phone mounts are legal, though some styles are not permitted in certain states. In particular, windshield mounts with suction cups are legal in only a few states, so check your local laws before you buy a car phone mount.
Q. Will a magnetic car phone mount damage my phone?
A. Most phones’ hard drives aren’t magnetic anymore, so there’s no risk of damage by exposing them to a magnet. In addition, most magnetic car phone mounts are designed with an extra barrier to keep the magnetic field from affecting the phone’s components.
Q. Can car phone mounts accommodate other devices?
A. Some car phone mounts are adjustable to fit a variety of phone sizes. Larger mounts can be expanded to accommodate tablets, which works well if you want to entertain children in the backseat of the car.
