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Regulations surrounding the usage of phones while driving are getting tighter, and rightly so. The last thing you want to see on the road is someone looking down towards their lap with both hands off the steering wheel, so don’t be that person. Car phone mounts allow you to stay connected and view turn-by-turn directions without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The correct mount for you will depend on the vehicle you drive and how you want your cockpit to look. But rest assured, there are plenty of variations available that are sure to meet your needs.

Best Overall: Andobil Car Phone Mount

Honorable Mention: iOttie Easy One Touch 5

Best Magnet Holder: CoolPow Universal Magnetic 2-Pack

Best Vent Mount: Belkin Car Vent Mount

Best Case Mount: Quad Lock Car Mount

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

To choose the best car phone mounts, Mike Bumbeck tested the Andobil Car Phone Mount, Scosche MagicMount, and CoolPow Universal Magnetic 2-Pack. To complete the selection of products, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of other mounts. My selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry.

The Andobil Car Phone Mount is strong, versatile, and great value for money. It’s hard to think of a reason not to get it. If you’re on a tight budget, check out my value pick, the Scosche MagicMount. This model is great if you want something that has a low-profile design.

When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.   

To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips to finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner. 

The type of phone mount you choose is the most important thing to consider. For example, if you don't want your phone to interfere with the airflow from your vehicle's vents, then you might want a mount with a suction cup. For some people, suction cup mounts take up too much space, so they should consider a magnetic mount that uses an adhesive to stick to the dashboard. So think about what will work in your car and how you want the cockpit to look before you choose a mount.

The type of phone mount you choose is the most important thing to consider. For example, if you don't want your phone to interfere with the airflow from your vehicle's vents, then you might want a mount with a suction cup. For some people, suction cup mounts take up too much space, so they should consider a magnetic mount that uses an adhesive to stick to the dashboard. So think about what will work in your car and how you want the cockpit to look before you choose a mount. 

Some mounts have additional features worth spending a few extra bucks on. Wireless charging is a great option but is usually only available on high-end models. Look out for mounts that can hold your charging cable, so you can easily charge while you’re on the move. Lastly, some mounts have a one-hand operating system, which comes in useful if you need to place your phone in the holder while you’re driving.

For around $12, you can get a magnetic phone mount that sticks to your dashboard via an adhesive strip on the back. The majority of models are priced between $15 and $25. You’ll find vent, cup, suction, and CD mounts in this price range, some of which will have the extra features, such as the ones I mentioned above. For $25 to $60, you’ll get high-end mounts that are extremely secure and offer features such as wireless charging. 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

A: Some car phone mount companies list compatible phone models, but actual measurements are a better guide. Use the factory specifications for your phone or measure diagonally from the top and bottom of your screen.

A: Sometimes. Cases add bulk and weight to the phone, so consider the phone mount type and case-friendly features. Some gravity phone holders work better without a case, and thick cases can reduce magnet holders’ effectiveness.

A: No. The car phone holder magnets themselves do not cause damage to the phone or battery. Phones use solid-state storage and memory unaffected by magnets.

A: It can. If you want a magnetic phone holder and use wireless charging, be aware that the steel magnetic mounting plate can interfere with the power transfer. Mounting the steel plate to the case and removing the phone for wireless charging is a good solution.

A: Yes. Excessive heat can reduce the performance and longevity of your phone over time. Some phones have a built-in thermal overload shutdown feature, but this won’t help if the phone gets blasted with heat from an external source. Consider a different style of car phone mount if running your heater is a necessity.

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