We spent 47 hours researching and testing more than 15 different styles and types of phone mounts for the car and found that ease of installation, sturdiness, and type of mount were the most important factors for consumers shopping for phone mounts for the car. Kenu Airframe Pro Vent Car Phone Mount scored high marks in all categories and is our overall top pick. There are many great features that this phone mount has including an expandable grip that is extra-large and easily able to handle the larger smartphones on the market. The easy to install spring-loaded air-vent mount is safe for all vehicles and is very secure so the mount doesn’t fall.
Table of Contents Phone Mount for Car Reviews1. Kenu2. Torras3. VAVAPhone Mount for Car ComparisonPhone Mount for Car Buying GuideDifferent Types of Phone Mounts for CarsPhone Attachment StylesOther things you may want to knowConclusion
Phone Mount for Car Reviews
1. Kenu
Best Overall Phone Mount for Car
Last update on 2022-01-24 at 20:10 PST - Details
Kenu Airframe Pro Vent Phone Mount for Cars is a simple way to have a phone mount that has great features and the quality you want.
The extra-large grip holds all kinds of phones including the large Otterbox for iPhone 7 and others. The spring-loaded vent clip makes installation super easy and holds the phone mount securely so it will not fall.
Other features include a ball and socket that allows you to position the phone at any angle you need so you can safely and easily see the screen from where you are sitting.
To turn the air vent phone mount into a travel stand, just insert a bank or credit card into the push button clip and you’ve got a stand that is hands-free and that will work great on your side table or desk.
The Kenu airframe phone mount for your vehicle comes with a lifetime guarantee and will provide the convenience, safety, and stability you are looking for in a phone mount. It is very compact in size and will attach to any air vent in any vehicle.
2. Torras
Best Overall Phone Mount for Car – Runner Up
Last update on 2022-01-24 at 20:10 PST - Details
The Universal magnetic car mount will work with any type of GPS or cell phone and works in any vehicle. The extra strong magnet and 3M VHB adhesive provides plenty of stability and a secure hold that will work even with lightweight tablets under 8”.
There are three discs in this set that can be used to secure three different electronic devices. Installation is super easy and fast.
Using the Universal phone mount for cars to hold your devices keeps them on the dashboard where they will not be in the way nor be violating any laws.
Car owners are not allowed to attach phone mounts to the windshield of vehicles in 28 states so make sure you know the laws in your state before mounting one to your windshield.
Attaching your electronic device to the phone mount is super quick and easy and can be done one-handed. Just put your phone to the mount and you will feel it attach into place. There are no cradles or clamps necessary. The mount allows for 360 degree rotation so you have complete viewing freedom at any angle.
The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee that if you are not happy with this universal phone mount they will return every bit of your money. Each package comes with 1 black chrome stand that is ball-shaped, 1 socket that is magnetic, 3 metallic discs: 1 large, 2 small, and 5 reinstall kit components that include 3M VHB and 3 large stickers.
3. VAVA
Last update on 2022-01-25 at 12:50 PST - Details
The super strong VAVA magnetic phone mount for your car’s dashboard provides the strength and security to hold your electronic devices up to 6.6 pounds without allowing them to fall.
The super stickiness of the mount offers a secure hold that will stay until you peel it off. It is easy to remove and clean up after you’re done.
This mount can be used with one hand easily so you can attach or remove your phone or device from the mount without worry. The 360 degree rotation allows viewing from every angle no matter where you’re sitting in the vehicle.
You can use this mount with most phones on the market today including the popular Galaxy s8, iPhones, and many more phones by companies like LG, HTC, and more.
Summary of Our Top PicksThe three top-rated phone mounts for cars are all excellent quality products that will provide you with a secure and easy-to-operate mount that will keep your phone and other electronic devices within easy reach and viewing from any angle. All three of these selections are easy to install; one installs in the air vent and the other two on the dashboard.
Taking the time to find the right phone mount for your car that works well, holds your devices securely, and is easy to use
Phone Mount for Car Comparison
Kenu
Torras
Vava
Mpow
Beam
WizGear
Maxboost
Bestrix
Vansky
iOttie
Size
L – XL
All
All
M – L
M – L
All
All
L – XL
L – XL
L – XL
Style
Airframe Pro
Cradle
Cradle
Airframe
Airframe
Airframe
Airframe
Airframe
Airframe
Airframe
Color
Black / White
Black / Gray / Red
Black / Blue / Red
Black / Gray / Red
Black / Gray
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Material
Plastic
Alloy
Alloy
Plastic
Plastic
Rubber
Rubber
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
360° Pivot
Cell
Hold Type
Gravity
Magnet
Magnet
Gravity
Gravity
Magnet
Magnet
Gravity
Gravity
Gravity
Installation
Air Vent
Dashboard
Dashboard
CD Slot
Air Vent
Air Vent
Air Vent
CD Slot
Air Vent / Dashboard / Windshield
Dashboard / Windshield
Package
1
1
1
11
1
1
1
1
1
1
Warranty
(months)
18
18
18
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
Phone Mount for Car Buying Guide
When you are traveling your phone can come in handy as a means of road trip music and is also a popular method of accessing maps and other GPS information. Mounting your device to the dash or air vent is the best and safest way to put your phone within viewing distance without having to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the information you need to understand phone mounts and teach you about the different kinds available as well as the options they offer.
There are several things that you can expect a quality phone mount for cars will offer:
- Attach securely to the vehicle’s air vent or dashboard so it doesn’t detach even if you are driving on rough or bumpy roads.
- Position your device so the screen is easy to see without obstructing your view of the road in any way.
- Hold you phone securely while allowing the angle and display orientation, landscape or portrait, that you need.
- Hold any size phone in or out of the case, securely
- Easily attach or remove the device from the mount with one hand.
Different Types of Phone Mounts for Cars
There are three main types of car phone mounts on the market: Dashboard, CD slot, and Air Vent. The dashboard style is also sometimes mounted to the windshield but since there are many states that prohibit mounting to the windshield we don’t recommend mounting one to the windshield. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these three styles. We have listed them below so you can learn more about each one.
Dashboard Mount – This style typically uses a suction cup to mount the holder. When mounting a phone mount to the dashboard there is usually a special solution that is put on the dash first where you will be mounting the holder. This solution can damage the dashboard’s surface so be aware of this before using it. When positioning your car phone mount make sure you are not putting it in a place that will obstruct your view.
Air Vent Mount – Air vent phone mounts are mounted into the slats of the air vents and grip securely. These are typically small mounts that are very popular due to their size and the ease of use that will not damage your vehicle’s interior in any way. They are not good for use during cold weather if the heat is running because the hot air coming from the vent can overheat your cell phone, causing it to shut off. Make sure if you use a vent mount that it is able to handle the size phone you are mounting without pulling out of the vent.
Phone Attachment Styles
There are two types of attachment styles that phone mounts offer depending on the brand and style of that mount. These two types are magnetic and cradle.
Magnetic – Magnetic phone attachments are much more efficient than the cradle style. This type features thin metal discs or plates that are attached to the phone. Once the metal is applied all you have to do is hold it near the mount and the magnets will be drawn toward each other and then will hold the phone securely against the mount. Most magnetic phone mounts come with three discs that can be used for three different devices or however you want.
Cradle – Cradle mounts hold the phone with arms that come from the side of the mount and grip the phone. He ideal cradle style mount will be able to accommodate any size phone and will close around the phone securely so it will not slip or fall. It is also ideal that the user be able to attach and detach the phone from the cradle with one hand.
Other things you may want to know
There are a few other things that we have shared below about phone mounts for cars that will help you understand what they are, how they work, and how to determine the best ones.
Case-compatible holders – a phone mount for your car should have extra space and ideally be adjustable so it will work with a variety of phones, even those that are in cases. This will enable you to use them without removing your phone case first.
Charging phone mounts – If your phone mount has the capability to charge your device as well as hold it as some do, you want the capacity to range from 2 to 4 amps. You can also look for amps that are higher to allow you to charge two devices at the same time.
Washable Phone Mounts – Some phone mounts offer the ability to be washed. You can remove it from where you have it mounted, wash it in room temperature water, dry it and reattach it following the instructions. This is a good choice if you like things to be cleaned regularly.
Device-specific – In addition to the many universal phone mounts on the market there are also styles that are phone specific. These mounts are made specifically for certain devices and typically provide a better and more secure fit than the universal styles do. You can expect them to cost more and they may be harder to find but there are out there.
Swivel & Tilt – Many of the phone mounts on the market offer Phone mounts that offer tilt and swivel capabilities allow the device to be moved freely one you have attached it so viewing is possible from any angle. You want to be able to access the device’s screen easily once it is mounted as well.
Charging Phone Mounts – Some mounts offer charging capabilities that are very handy since you can charge the device if necessary while it is mounted. Some also come with audio jacks for music playing. The standard jack size that fits a large variety of devices is 3.5mm
Conclusion
Phone mounts for cars offer a convenient and safe way to have your phone visible for GPS reasons without having to take your hands off the wheel. These phone mounts are not excuses to text while driving.
It is important to keep your attention on the road and the drivers around you but sometimes people need to access their phone’s GPS features if they get lost or they are traveling to somewhere new. The right phone mount enables drivers to have the phone in view without obstructing their view of the road.
With so many different styles and choices on the market finding the right phone mount for cars that meets all your needs and that has the features you want and need is not going to be difficult, especially if you know what to look for.
The information you have learned in this guide and in the reviews we have provided above will make the sorting process much easier and will allow you to narrow the field you are choosing from to a more manageable amount. From this smaller pool of choices you can find the phone mount for cars that will work great for your devices and specific phone mounting needs.
The information in the buying guide has provided you with the knowledge you need to feel confident about your decision. It is very frustrating to choose a product, wait for it to arrive and then find out it is not what it was advertised to be or what you thought it was. Following the advice and tips in this guide will reduce the chances of you choosing the wrong mount so you are not disappointed.