Best Car Phone Mount for Navigation
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In this guide (9 sections)
Top picks at a glance
Best overalliOttie Easy One Touch 5View on Amazon
Best for iPhoneBelkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount ProView on Amazon
Best charging mountiOttie Velox Wireless Charging MountView on Amazon
Best valueAndobil Car Phone HolderView on Amazon
Most minimalScosche MagicMount ProView on Amazon
A good phone mount keeps navigation at eye level, so you glance at the map instead of looking down at your lap. A bad one drops your phone on every pothole, blocks a vent or slides off the dash in summer heat. The right mount depends on your car's dashboard shape, your phone and whether you want it to charge while you drive.
Quick answer: our top pick is the iOttie Easy One Touch 5, because it holds almost any phone and case on the dash or windshield and loads with one hand. iPhone owners with MagSafe should look at the smaller Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro.
This guide covers five car phone mounts, explains the pros and cons of each mounting style and how to place a mount safely.
How we picked
We compared mounting style, grip or magnet strength, adjustability, one-handed use, phone and case compatibility, and charging support. We used the makers' published specs and owner reports, and paid attention to how mounts hold up in heat and on rough roads. Brands cannot pay for placement.
Quick picks
| Phone mount | Mount type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOttie Easy One Touch 5 | Dash / windshield | Best overall | Check price |
| Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro | Vent, MagSafe | Best for iPhone | Check price |
| iOttie Velox Wireless Charging Mount | MagSafe, charging | Best charging mount | Check price |
| Andobil Car Phone Holder | Cup holder | Best value | Check price |
| Scosche MagicMount Pro | Magnetic | Most minimal | Check price |
Mount types compared
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | Eye-level view, stable | Suction can fail on textured dashes or in heat |
| Windshield | Very flexible placement | Can block view; restricted in some states |
| Air vent | Easy, no adhesive | Can block airflow; heavy phones may sag |
| Cup holder | Very stable | Lower view, takes a cup holder |
| Magnetic / MagSafe | One-handed, fast | Needs a magnetic plate or MagSafe-compatible phone and case |
Where to mount your phone
- Keep it low and to the side of your view of the road, not in the center of the windshield.
- Do not block airbags. Keep mounts and phones clear of airbag covers on the dash and steering wheel.
- Check local laws. Some states limit where you can mount a device on the windshield.
- Set navigation before you drive, and use voice control on the move.
The best car phone mounts
iOttie Easy One Touch 5
Best for: Most drivers who want a stable dash or windshield mount.
- Mounting Type
- Dashboard
- Additional Features
- Adjustable
- Compatible with Vehicle Type
- Automobile
- Item Dimensions
- 6.5 x 4.2 x 4 inches
- Item Weight
- 7.2 ounces
- Arm Length
- 8 inches
The iOttie Easy One Touch mounts to the dash or windshield. You press the phone against a trigger button and the side arms close around it. The universal cradle fits phones and cases of any size, and the telescopic arm extends from 5 to 8 inches and pivots 260 degrees. A magnetic tab keeps the charging cable tidy.
Pros
- One-handed phone loading
- Fits nearly any phone and case
- Telescopic arm extends to 8 inches
- Dash or windshield mounting
Cons
- Larger than vent or magnetic mounts
- Suction can loosen in extreme heat
Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount Pro
Best for: iPhone owners with MagSafe.
- Mounting Type
- Vent
- Additional Features
- Adjustable
- Weight Capacity Maximum
- 8.46 ounces
- Compatible with Vehicle Type
- Automobile
- Item Dimensions
- 4 x 3 x 6 inches
- Item Weight
- 160 g
The Belkin Vent Mount Pro clips to an air vent and holds a MagSafe iPhone with magnets. You can use it in portrait or landscape and charge the phone with a cable while it is mounted. It works with MagSafe cases, and Belkin backs it with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Strong MagSafe hold
- Portrait or landscape
- Snaps on and off with one hand
- Small vent clip
Cons
- For MagSafe iPhones or cases only
- Does not charge the phone itself
iOttie Velox Wireless Charging Mount
Best for: Drivers who navigate and charge at the same time.
- Mounting Type
- Vent
- Compatible with Vehicle Type
- Automobile, Truck
- Item Weight
- 91.5 g
- Enclosure Material
- Plastic, Silicone
The iOttie Velox Qi2 Mini is a vent mount that charges Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible phones at up to 15W. Built-in N52 magnets hold the phone, and a ball joint lets you rotate and tilt it. A 20W USB-C power adapter is included.
Pros
- Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W
- Strong N52 magnets
- Ball joint for easy angle changes
- Car power adapter included
Cons
- Needs a Qi2 or MagSafe phone or case
- Vent mount may not suit round vents
Andobil Car Phone Holder
Best for: Budget buyers who want a sturdy clamp.
- Mounting Type
- Cup Holder Mount
- Additional Features
- Adjustable
- Compatible with Vehicle Type
- Car,Truck
- Item Dimensions
- 3 x 3 x 15 inches
- Arm Length
- 15 inches
- Enclosure Material
- Rubber, Silicone
This andobil holder sits in a cup holder and raises the phone on a long aluminum gooseneck. The height adjusts from about 7 to 15 inches and the head rotates 360 degrees. The cradle has soft silicone padding to protect the phone.
Pros
- No adhesive, suction or vent clip
- Height adjusts from 7 to 15 inches
- 360-degree rotation
- Padded cradle
Cons
- Uses up a cup holder
- Gooseneck can sway on rough roads
Scosche MagicMount Pro
Best for: Drivers who want a tiny magnetic mount.
- Mounting Type
- Dashboard
- Additional Features
- Adjustable
- Compatible with Vehicle Type
- Automobile
- Item Dimensions
- 2.95 x 2.08 x 2.16 inches
- Item Weight
- 1.92 ounces
- Enclosure Material
- Plastic, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
The Scosche MagicMount Pro is a small magnetic dash mount with rare-earth neodymium magnets. It sticks on with an automotive-grade adhesive pad, and a metal MagicPlate goes on your phone or case. A ball joint gives 360-degree rotation, and there is a built-in cable clip.
Pros
- Very small and low-profile
- Strong magnets
- Works on smooth or textured dashboards
- Built-in cable clip
Cons
- Needs a metal plate on the phone or case
- Plate can block wireless charging
Tips for a mount that stays put
- Clean the surface with an alcohol wipe before attaching a suction cup or adhesive pad.
- Let adhesive cure for the time the maker recommends before mounting a phone.
- Use the included dash disc on textured dashboards.
- Re-seat suction cups a few times a year, especially after hot weather.
- Check vent clips are hooked behind the vent slat, not just on the edge.
Car phone mount FAQ
What is the best type of car phone mount?
It depends on your car. Dashboard mounts give the best eye-level view on flat dashes, vent mounts are easy and adhesive-free, and MagSafe mounts are fastest for iPhones.
Do magnetic phone mounts damage phones?
Modern phones are not damaged by mount magnets. Magnetic plates can interfere with wireless charging if placed in the wrong spot, so follow the mount's instructions.
Is it legal to mount a phone on the windshield?
Rules vary by state. Some allow windshield mounts only in certain corners. Check your local laws, and use a dash or vent mount if unsure.
Will a vent mount block my air vent?
Partly. A vent mount covers some of the vent, and heat from the vent can warm the phone. Choose a vent away from the heater in winter if possible.
Bottom line
The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the best car phone mount for most drivers. iPhone owners will love the one-handed Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro, and if you want to charge while navigating, choose the iOttie Velox.
Sources
Official sources for the standards, safety rules and products in this guide. Specifications change between model years, so confirm current specs and fitment on the manufacturer's site before you buy.
- Distracted driving laws by state — Governors Highway Safety Association
- iOttie — official site — current product specifications
