The Best Magnetic Phone Mounts for Your Car

Lisen LV633 Car Phone Holder Mount

I need to vent

This unit clamps onto your vehicle's vents for stability and ease of use.

Best Overall

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We’re impressed by the way Lisen’s phone mount grips the air vents in such a simple yet reliable way. Instead of the standard claw model, this unit’s locking mechanism has a hook that tightens into place using the phone’s weight. Engineering quirks aside, the LV633 has six powerful magnets, comes with adhesives included, and is secure enough to support a phone or tablet for miles on end.

Pros:

• Three metal plates included for a secure fit
• Supports almost eight pounds of total weight
• The mount won’t leave marks or residue on your dashboard

Cons:

• Not compatible with vertical air vent blades

Aukey Car Phone Mount

Adapt to every angle

This compact mount attaches to your dashboard without interfering with your line of sight.

Best Dashboard Mount

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If you’re uncomfortable with the thought of flimsy vent blades supporting your precious device, we get it. Mounting to the dashboard or windshield is an excellent alternative to vent-attached mounts, and this mount from Aukey’s is a unique take that we love. Designed with a flat base and a long mounting arm, the mount’s articulated arm can bend up to 90 degrees, and the magnetic head has a ball joint that allows it to rotate fully so that you can angle your device exactly the way you want it. Combined, these design features make this mount one of our favorites.

Pros:

• Swap between circular or square mount head for different-sized phones
• Available in black or gray
• Holds firm even on rough roads

Cons:

• The adhesive pad can leave residue on the dashboard

Hussell Magnetic Phone Car Mount

Magnetic attraction

Easy to use, compact, and reliable, it's easy to see why this mount is so popular.

Most Compact

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If you’re looking for a compact phone mount that’ll hold your device in place without throwing off your car’s feng shui, this compact mount from Hussell is a fine choice. Here’s how its mounting system works: first, you place an adhesive magnet (which is included) on the back of your phone or inside your phone’s case. Then you attach the magnetic mount to the grate of one of your car’s AC vents. From there, you simply place the phone on the mount whenever you want to use it, and remove it with a light tug when you’re done with it. Low in price and high in convenience, this portable little mount makes it easy to keep your phone within sight any time you’re on road.

Pros:

• Very easy to attach and remove from your car’s AC vent
• Rotates 360 degrees to ensure it’s visible from whatever angle you choose
• Magnet is quite strong

Cons:

• The clamp may be too large for cars with thick vent grates

WixGear Magnetic Phone Car Mount (2-Pack)

More for less

This two-pack of easy-to-use mounts is great for those hunting for a value-packed purchase.

Best Value

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We understand that in an era in which we’re inundated by tech gadgets and new devices, most folks aren’t exactly itching to buy yet another tech accessory. But when it comes to something as practical as a magnetic phone mount, we think it’s worth the bother. With that said, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, and this two-pack from WixGear proves it. Designed to mount to your air vents and swivel to your preferred angle, these affordable mounts simply do the job they’re meant to in a reliable manner. Whether you want two mounts so you and your co-pilot can both clip your phones next to each other, or you simply want a backup, this purchase makes it possible at an excellent price.

Pros:

• Excellent cost value
• Great for those who want to prop up multiple devices, such as a tablet and a phone
• Sleek, understated design

Cons:

• You may have to re-tighten the clamp now and again, as the joint doesn’t have the strongest hold

Scosche MagicMount Universal Magnetic Mount Holder

Checkpoint secure

With an enormous range of mounts to choose from, all of which boast a highly secure grip, Scosche's selection is mighty impressive.

Most Secure

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Rather than offering just an AC vent-mounted option or a dashboard-mounted unit, Scosche decided to create various models to cover the needs of just about anyone. Choose from a huge variety of styles, including adhesive-based dash mounts, suction-style windshield mounts, vent-clamp units, and more. They’re available in multi-packs, too, so you can buy extras to hold up multiple devices, such as your tablet and your phone. Best of all, all of Scosche’s mounts boast a super-secure grip, so you can count on them to hold your phone in place without giving out when you least expect it.

Pros:

• Powerful neodymium magnets
• Good cost value
• Large variety of mounts to choose from

Cons:

• If you’re mounting to a highly textured surface, the adhesive may not work too well

Frequently Asked Questions

Are car phone mounts legal in the U.S.?

Depending on which state you live in, car phone mounts’ legality can be a tricky issue. Currently, legislation exists that restricts the use of both windshield and dashboard-mounted phone holders in various situations. While few states ban these tools outright, most jurisdictions follow common sense or “spirit of the law” interpretations that allow for mounts that don’t obstruct your view. That being said, you should definitely check your local laws to be sure you follow the requirements of your area.

Do car phone mounts work all the time?

Phone mounts, when applied correctly, are pretty reliable, even in rough conditions. The exception to this rule can occur with suction cup mounts applied to the windshield. When temperature swings occur, air particles contract and expand accordingly, causing the suction cup to lose pressure and dislodge. Additionally, adhesive backings can react poorly to high temperatures, so if you have a black that’s dashboard regularly exposed to intense sunlight, you might find yourself replacing these taped pads more than once.