I was driving somewhere in northern Namibia when the SOS function on my iPhone went off. Crap! Fumbling to turn off the warning while navigating a multi-vehicle convoy was an added layer of stress I could have lived without. The corrugated roads thrashed and rattled the vehicles for hours on end, to the point where my iPhone kept slipping through the holder, causing the emergency button to activate.
Eventually, the only solution was to duct tape my phone to the mount. The sticky residue and inability to quickly grab my device when needed proved the importance of a fully functioning phone mount. It brought back memories of a suction cup holder I owned once. It freed itself from the windshield on the regular, tumbling and crashing like an English cheese-rolling contestant in Gloucestershire. It let me down, and this one had, too.
The best phone mounts reduce distracted driving by keeping the device close to eye level without obstructing the driver’s line of sight. They also prevent that pesky phone from sliding or falling on the floor or between seats. According to the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and State Highway Safety Offices, 34 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving, and for good reason. Smartphones increase crash risk and are among the most common causes of distracted driving.
While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have their own advantages, they aren’t available to everyone and don’t always include the navigation features we desire. Plus, universal phone mounts offer the ability to transport them with us wherever we go—this becomes especially helpful while bombing around in a rental vehicle or taking a family member’s car out for a spin (thanks, Mom!).
If you’re in the market for a phone mount, the options can seem endless. Most companies offer parts such as arms, clamps, and balls separately for the DIYer, but there are plenty of plug-and-play possibilities as well. Below, we will outline different types of phone mounts, discuss purchasing considerations, and provide an overview of several well-known brands. Whatever your choice may be, we hope the information contained in this Buyer’s Guide will help simplify the process.
Note: This article does not include motorcycle-specific phone mounts, as they deserve their own dedicated Buyer’s Guide.
Types of Phone Mounts
Phone mounts are typically categorized by mount location, the most common being fixed to the dashboard, air vents, cup holders, and windshield (more about that below). Techy options feature wireless charging capabilities, magnetic adhesion, or Apple MagSafe compatibility, while drilled mounts require users to modify the vehicle permanently. Here’s a bit more about each.
Dashboard: These vary greatly depending on your vehicle make and model and the mount manufacturer’s design. Some are drilled into the dashboard tray above infotainment screens or clipped into the dashboard’s existing seams. Other brands, such as Ram and Quad Lock, use 3M adhesives to secure the mounts to the dash, while 67 Designs specializes in mounted rail systems.
Vent: A very popular option, these mounts mechanically clamp to air vents. Unique designs vary by brand; for example, Hondo Garage’s Un-Holey Tacoma dash mount has found strength in a boomerang-shaped backing plate that clamps to the inside of the vent, while Scosche uses a rubberized vent grip, stabilizer, and locking nut to secure its wireless charging mounts. It is wise to consider the impact of blocking the air vent in terms of phone temperature and proper air circulation.
Cup holder and center console: If your cup holder isn’t already occupied by a water bottle or to-go coffee cup, you may consider occupying it with a universal cup holder mount. Most models feature an adjustable base and arm; Ram offers a separate ball base so you can choose your favorite matching components. If you’re keen to use your cup holders, several companies also sell universal mounts that attach to the side of the console.
Suction cup: Typically attached to the vehicle’s interior windshield, suction cup mounts create a vacuum against smooth surfaces. Unlike clamp or drilled mounts, suction cups are affected by ambient air pressure, altitude, and temperature. 67 Designs integrates a pump in some of its models, which cleverly allows users to increase the mount’s staying power over time.
Word About Suction Cup Mounts and Windshield Obstruction Laws
States such as Texas, California, and the state of Washington have enacted windshield obstruction laws prohibiting the use of any object that obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view through the windshield or side or rear window. This list is non-exhaustive, so it’s worth researching local regulations in your area.
Drilled: Requiring more elbow grease than clip-on or suction cup mounts, drill-down mounting solutions are great for the DIYer who doesn’t mind making a permanent modification to the vehicle dashboard. While this type of mount seems to be going out of style due to a plethora of vehicle model-specific options on the market, drilled mounts do provide choices for oddball cars not included in the usual lineup.
Magnetic: MagSafe is a proprietary magnetic system from Apple featuring a circle of magnets inside the iPhone, allowing users to attach a phone to a magnetic mount. Phone mounts and holders must be MagSafe compatible for the pairing to work, and most companies offer both non-charging and charging options.
Phone Mount Purchasing Considerations
Because phone mount availability is largely based on vehicle make and model and smartphone generation, this narrows the search for potential customers, especially those with older and rarer vehicles. The simplest way to view your choices is to visit the manufacturer’s website and use the search functions catered to your vehicle and phone details. Then, the decision comes down to the following considerations:
- Mount location preference matters. Do you want your phone mounted on the dashboard, vent, or windshield? Keep in mind that cup holder, center console, and cigarette lighter mounts bring down the driver’s line of sight, whereas higher mounts allow you to keep your eyes on the road with fewer distractions.
- To drill or not to drill. Are you willing to make permanent holes in the vehicle’s interior?
- If your phone is on the new side and comes with MagSafe technology, would you prefer a magnetic charger, wireless, or not?
- Materials. Aluminum is tough and lightweight while plastic is prone to degradation and malfunction over time.
- Budget. If you’re spending time off-pavement, a cheap, poorly built mount will likely have you searching for another in no time.
Without further ado, here is an overview of several well-known phone mount manufacturers, including 67 Designs, Hondo Garage, Nite Ize, Offroam, ProClip USA, Quad Lock, Ram Mounts, and Scosche.
67 Designs
Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 2012, 67 Designs’ mission is to focus on the highest quality modern design while delivering well-made products and executing timely customer service. Made in the USA, its aluminum and carbon fiber products include mechanical squeeze, MagMount, and MagSafe charging designs, as well as the Pro Series line, which combines the squeeze-style holder and MagMount units for the best of both worlds.
While products are available for Ford, Toyota, Jeep, Ram, Sprinter, and Nissan vehicles, 67 Designs has also crafted the Universal for Phones Device Holder G2 to fit various iPhone generations in any vehicle. Its highlights include an aluminum extrusion body and stainless-steel pins. The company also manufactures an extensive line of rail systems made from aircraft-grade aluminum that allow mounting of one or more 20-millimeter trackballs. These come in especially handy if you wish to install mounts for multiple devices. Printable templates can be downloaded from 67 Designs’ website to configure dashboard fitment prior to commitment.
According to 67 Designs, it is the only US manufacturer of carbon fiber arm mounting systems using American cast and molded components. The brand’s Pro Series Arms utilize CNC machined ‘internal teeth’ to increase loads, manage changes of rotation, and enhance articulation and placement of devices. This allows users to mount larger or heavier devices for more extreme terrain.
The company prides itself on designing and manufacturing each of its parts in the USA and using nearly all US-sourced materials.
Read more: 67 Designs is Fighting to Save Manufacturing Jobs in the US
Hondo Garage
In 2012, Hondo Garage founder Wiley Davis sat in a heatless 80-square-foot garage making stuff. With a benchtop CNC machine and a hacksaw, he constructed parts for bicycles and motorcycles, videography tools, and more. A successful Kickstarter campaign saw Davis quit his day job and find a shop with heat, marking the beginning of his career as a professional widget maker. Today, the shop houses four people and four robots who design and build gear and, most notably for our purposes, manufacture the Perfect Squeeze phone mount and Un-Holey Tacoma dash mount.
Although Hondo specializes in mounts suitable for Second- and Third-Gen Toyota Tacomas and 2014 to 2021 Tundras, universal kits can be constructed with the Perfect Squeeze mount and 1-inch Ram balls sold on the website. Designed for off-road motorcycle riders and racers, the Perfect Squeeze is made from precision-machined 6061 aluminum and stainless steel, acting as a tiny vice that locks to any device between 2.25 and 4 inches. The Un-Holey dash mount is made from anodized aluminum and clamps to the lip inside your vent ring with a boomerang-shaped backing plate, attaching to the Perfect Squeeze via two 1-inch Ram balls. Toyota owners may purchase the dash mount, phone mount, two Ram balls, and a Ram arm as a bundle. Plus, a recent design upgrade means the vent can stay open for maximum airflow when you need a bit of heat or cooling.
Hondo Garage proudly designs, manufactures, packages, and ships its products from Montana and offers a lifetime warranty.
Nite Ize
Nite Ize began in Boulder, Colorado, as a cabin-based startup in 1989 by CEO and Founder Rick Case. The company focuses on making everyday life more enjoyable, whether it’s by protecting your gear, lighting your way, or keeping organized. Product offerings include the Squeeze dash, vent, and cup holder mounts; however, the Steelie line is the most unique.
The brand’s Steelie systems feature a premium steel ball threaded onto a machined aluminum base that uses removable 3M adhesives for dashboard, vent, or windshield attachment. A Magnetic Phone Socket articulates around the mount, allowing users to dock their phone and easily adjust the viewing angle. The combination provides a powerful magnetic connection and easy rotation, attachment, and detachment. Nite Ize offers this option with an Apple MagSafe compatible dash kit as well.
While I haven’t tested any Nite Ize phone mount products, I do have experience with the Steelie Dash Kit used as a mount for an Icom ham radio. I can’t speak to how the ball and socket would work with an iPhone, but the magnetic strength is impressive for the purposes of docking a handheld radio. A potential downside is the phone attachment, which you may not want on the back of your smartphone 24/7.
In addition to its Worry-free Guarantee, which promises a repair, replacement, or refund during the first two years of ownership of the product, Nite Ize stands behind its environmental commitments involving onsite energy and water reduction, mindful engineering,and recycled, repurposed, and upcycled packaging.
Offroam
California-based phone mount manufacturer Offroam specializes in clamp-style and magnetic charging mounts that, in their words, grab onto the dash “like Alex Honnold to the edge of El Capitan.” As the story goes with many entrepreneurs, Offroam founders Dmitri Stepanov and Alexandra Birukova tried just about every phone holder on the market before deciding to design their own. “To us,” their motto reads, “this is not just a phone holder.”
While the marine-grade anodized aluminum mounts are custom fitted for Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, Nissan Frontiers, and a multitude of Toyota models, Offroam offers a universal fit holder that suits any phone size not exceeding 3.8 inches wide and 0.7 inches thick. Importantly, the mounts allow for positioning without blocking the driver’s field of view and don’t require drilling into your dashboard to install.
Dmitri was kind enough to design a prototype mount for our 1990 Toyota Pickup based on his own First-Gen Tacoma. I found the sliding and clamping mechanism to be quick and efficient and installation easy peasy, only requiring two screws that didn’t impact the vehicle. The whole thing has proven a win.
In addition to clamp models, Offroam also specializes in charging and non-charging magnetic mounts and phone holders. In collaboration with Peak Design, the wireless magnetic charging mount uses MagSafe-compatible magnets to hold the phone in place even, the company says, during the most spirited driving. This mount kit comes with a 20-millimeter ball, double socket arm, vehicle-specific base, and a USBC charger plug and cables.
Read more: Field Tested :: Offroam Phone Mount Kit for Jeep Wrangler JK and Gladiator
ProClip USA
After moving to the United States from Norway in the 1990s, CEO Bjorn Spilling started ProClip USA, eventually becoming the exclusive importer and distributor of the Swedish mobile device mounting solutions for North and South America. The company specializes in a two-part phone mounting system which includes an exact-fit vehicle mount and corresponding device holder. There are several mounts on offer, including suction cup, universal fit, cup holder, and dashboard, which clips into the dash’s existing seams.
I visited ProClip USA’s website to see which phone mounts were recommended for my 2008 Toyota Tundra. The process was straightforward; I entered the make, model, and year into the search function on the website under the “Choose Mount Base” tab. The site recommended a mount that attaches below the center vent of the Tundra.
Now, the second part of ProClip’s system—the device holder—is sold separately. There are plenty of options to choose from, including wireless, hard-wire, magnetic, USB-C charging, and non-charging adjustable. Note, however, that the holder is made for the device being mounted, so your generation of smartphone matters and is outlined in the search bar under “Choose Device Holder.” All holders are made in Sweden from high-grade ABS plastic.
There are a couple of important things to know about ProClip’s phone mounts. There may not be any models available if you drive a vehicle older than 1999 (sad face), and the company’s magnetic mounts and holders, and hands-free wireless charging phone mounts and holders, are not intended for off-road use.
Quad Lock
Well-known by bikers, bikepackers, and ADV riders, Quad Lock is synonymous with its Australian origins. Founders Chris and Rob rode bikes on empty roads, explored mountains on foot, and deserts in the car. The only problem: they lacked confidence in their phones to survive the journey unscathed. After a successful Kickstarter in 2011, the company has grown, now offering a multitude of cases for all pursuits from marine and aviation to off-road and cycling.
If you wish to construct your own mount, the Quad Lock 360 consists of a compatible head, optional arm, and base. With nearly every permutation and combination available, you can really geek out and create your own custom widget, mad scientist style. Those looking for a plug-and-play solution should check out the 4×4 Car Kits. All you need to do is choose your case (Mag or original) and mount (industrial-strength suction cup or adhesive dash/console mount). Materials include rigid polycarbonate, stainless steel screws, and anodized aluminum. Simply twist to lock the phone in place. The adjustable gimbal head allows users to position their phone at the optimal viewing angle, whether in landscape or portrait mode. For magnetic mounting, consumers will need to purchase a Quad Lock Mag case or Mag universal adapter.
Quad Lock supports World Bicycle Relief, which provides bikes to developing African communities so individuals can access education and healthcare. The company has also committed to removing plastic from its packaging, using 100 percent FSC paper with soy ink.
Ram Mounts
In 1990, inventor and designer Jeffrey Carnevali, working from his basement shop in Seattle, Washington, designed, tooled, and produced a propeller for the marine industry. From there, Carnevali continued to invent a variety of mounting solutions, and eventually, Ram Mounts was born. The company offers approximately 5,000 modular components and is backed by more than 400 employees who manufacture mounts for phones, tablets, cameras, GPS systems, marine electronics, printers, radios, and more.
From suction cups to drill-down, adhesive, wireless charging, and MagSafe options, Ram offers a vast selection of phone mounts. The components section of the company’s website allows prospective buyers to build custom mounts by choosing from an array of bases, compatible arms, device holders, or adapters for specific devices. Choosing the Ram Mount Builder button helps narrow down your choices based on type of device, vehicle, and mounting location. The sorting system even provides three options, including one top recommended. A great place to start is reading Ram’s Catalog in the Car and Truck Mounts section of the website.
I’ve had a decent amount of experience with Ram’s X-Grip phone mount with a Twist-Lock suction cup both on the Pan-American Highway and as a part of fly-and-drive adventures in rental vehicles in Costa Rica. The mount worked brilliantly 99 percent of the time, but over time, its adhesiveness succumbed to drops in temperature in Canada.
Ram uses powder-coated marine-grade aluminum, stainless steel components, and high-strength composite to construct its mounts, assembles its products in America, and offers a lifetime warranty.
Scosche
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In 1980, Roger and Scotia “Scosche” Alves started a car audio consulting business in their garage. Although the company has grown to over 200 employees, today it remains family-owned and run, with three generations of Alves working at the Scosche headquarters in Ventura County, California. Born from a “passion for cool vehicles, amazing sounds, the great outdoors, travel, motorsports, horsepower, and voltage,” Scosche not only manufactures phone mounts and accessories but also sells heart rate monitors, Bluetooth audio, vehicle chargers, and more. Due to its wide offerings, its products are most likely found in your local electronics store.
For our purposes, Scosche offers a wide array of aircraft-grade aluminum magnetic and wireless mount bases with built-in ball joints for angle adjustment. Accessories include those fitted to vents, windows, dashboards, CD slots, power sockets, cup holders, and more. The brand released several new products at this year’s recent SEMA Show, including the MagicMount Elite Charge 3-in-1 wireless charging phone mount and the Heavy-Duty Universal Phone Mount (HDGrip), which Scosche says is particularly suitable for trucks, off-pavement, and overland vehicles due to its shake-proof suction cup hold.
Interestingly, Scosche teamed up with ProClip USA to offer wireless charging and magnetic phone mounts paired with ProClip vehicle-specific mount bases that snap into the seams of your dashboard. The bundle comes with four phone mount options, including magnetic, MagSafe compatible magnetic wireless and non-wireless charging.
Lastly, through GovX, Scosche offers a 20 percent discount to eligible US military personnel, first responders, and government employees.
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