Consumer Reports evaluated 15 cell-phone mounts, including models that attach to air vents or to the windshield, to find the best regardless of the vehicle.
Our car experts used each Universal phone mount in their daily driving for weeks and logged their impressions for this report.
We found that there are pros and cons to each type, and how each fits to your vehicle and to your phone are real purchase considerations. But even with individual considerations, the staff narrowed the group down to a few favorite models, all of them with suction cup mounts.
We also found that being able to charge the phone via the mount can be a welcome convenience. Having a well-placed mount can help balance function and distraction.
Despite the proliferation of infotainment systems in cars, there are many drivers who still want to use their cell phone as the primary source for navigation and in-car entertainment. And there are strong reasons to do so:
- An older car can be effectively “upgraded” with a well-placed smartphone that’s used for navigation and digital music.
- Using a phone can be more convenient than an infotainment system for navigation because it will display the latest maps, along with real-time traffic information and current points of interest. Plus, it’s often easier to search for something on the phone, then get directions (especially when using a digital assistant, such as Siri).
- Travelers may prefer to use their familiar phone, rather than a built-in system in a rental car, especially when navigation can be an added cost.
- No matter the reason, connected drivers need to keep the phone secure, charged, and in their line of sight.
Many newer cars and SUVs have Android Auto and/or Apple Car Play integration. This software mimics the connected phone and puts common music, mapping, messages, and phone apps directly on the infotainment screen. But a cell phone with a large screen can effectively mimic this feature, giving drivers of older cars much of the same functionality. However, drivers shouldn’t be tempted to use the social media apps on their phone while driving.
Types of Phone Mounts
While we evaluated six different styles of mounts, three types of holder are the main types on the market: Windshield mounts, suction cup dashboard mounts, and air vent mounts. The other mount styles—cup holder, 12-volt outlet, and permanently fixed to the dashboard—aren’t nearly as common.
The three main styles use two different methods to secure the phone. The first is by affixing a small metal tab to the back of the phone, which lets the phone be held in place by a magnet on the mount. The second way uses a clamp that secures the phone from the sides, from the top and bottom, or from both.
What We Found
Each style has its pros and cons, although some are far easier and more convenient to use than others. Below are the mounts we tested and our top pick.
HandleIt Pro™
Scosche
$24.99
Rugged Weather Resistant 2-in-1 Bike Mount for Action Cameras and Mobile Devices
• 2-in-1 design allows you to mount your device and GoPro at the same time
• Weather-resistant protection
• Built-in screen protector allows for full touch screen operation
• Securely mounts your device onto your bike
• HandleIt Pro™ works with iPhone 8 / 8 Plus / X / 6 / 6 Plus, Samsung S8 Note / S8 / S7 and more
• Adjustable pivot system allows you to fine tune your GoPro viewing angles
• 360 degree swivel allows for vertical and horizontal viewing
TerraClamp™ Magnetic Cell Phone Holder
Scosche
$29.99
• Mounts to Terra Clamp Magic Mount Triple Clamp or any virtually semi-flat surface
• This Best Magnetic Cell Phone Holder For Motorcycle includes two bases for maximum versatility and utility
• High Power Neodymium Magnets Ensure Secure Device Mounting
• This cell phone holder for motorcycle includes Durable Elastic Bands for Added Security
• This magnetic cell phone holder includes Large and Small Non-Magnetic Metal Magic Plate
100% Safe, Powerful Rare Earth Magnets
These powerful earth magnets hold your device securely in place even on the bumpiest roads and are 100% safe for Smartphones, Tablets, GPS and other mobile devices*.
Our Universal Phone Mounts adjust to fit your phone. Perfect for phones used with a case. Mount a Universal Phone Mount in your car today! Visit our website!
