Team Android or Team Apple - one thing is certain, we all want to take care of our mobile phones. You don't want it rattling around in the centre console or passenger seat so why not invest in a proper phone holder to keep it safe.
We've looked for the best phone holders for different needs. From dashboard-mounted examples to air vent models, each one has been selected for offering excellent quality and being a clever way to protect your phone.
The best car phone holders
Editor's pick
PopSockets are a bit different to other phone mounts. In fact, the PopSocket range goes beyond just phone mounts. How it works is you buy a PopGrip, which attaches to your phone. You can then attach your phone the wide array of PopSocket mounts. This PopMount can be used on the dashboard, windscreen or on your desk. It's multi-hinged and rotates so you can get basically any angle you want. It's great.
Pros:
Intelligent design
Versatile
Cons:
Tad pricey if you don't already have a PopGrip
Most secure phone holder
If your ride bikes, pedal or motor-powered, you may know about Quad Lock. The Melbourne-based company has been producing clever and rock-solid phone mounts for bikes for over a decade. The brand now covers other areas including phone mounts for cars these days. To fix your phone to the Car Mount, you'll need either the MAG Universal Adaptor or a Quad Lock phone case. You can even turn the Car Mount into a charger with the addition of the Quad Lock Wireless Charging Head.
Pros:
Super secure
Can turn into a charger
Cons:
Not as adjustable as the PopSocket mount
Best car phone holder for your air vent
Don't want to clutter your windscreen but still want somewhere to store your phone? You'll need this air vent magnetic mount from Heyner. It holds your phone in place with a powerful magnet and clips to a traditional air vent with ease. It's clamp is also coated in rubber to avoid any nasty scrapes.
Pros:
Compact and discreet
Strong magnetic grip
Cons:
Quad Lock mount is more secure
Best car phone holder for mounting in a cupholder
Another option if you don't want to mount your phone on your windscreen or dashboard, this phone holder is designed to it in your car's cupholder. The base expands to fit even the largest cupholders (think American XL cup specials) and it can rotate with ease too. It's easy to carry around with you but your phone is placed in an awkward (and maybe unsafe) location.
Pros:
Keep dashboard clear
Fits all cupholder sizes
Cons:
Not suitable if you want to use your phone as a sat nav
Best phone charging mount
This ESR charging mount is a simple way of keeping your iPhone charged while using it as a sat nav. The mount clips onto an air vent, plug the USB cable into the car's USB port (or USB adaptor if you're using one), and you're done. The ESR mount is MagSafe compatible . If you want to use this mount while your phone is in its case, use in conjunction with ESR HaloLock Universal MagSafe Ring.
Pros:
MagSafe compatible
Strong magnet
Cons:
Won't mount to round or lattice-design air vents
Phone holder FAQ:
Is it legal to look at your phone while driving?
You already know that it's illegal to use your phone while your driving but you are allowed to use a mobile in a phone holder so long as it's not a distraction (use it as a sat nav, not for making calls or playing Angry Birds). Just remember this is all up to the discretion of a police officer.
It’s legal to use a phone or sat nav while driving if it’s placed in a dashboard holder or a windscreen mount. This leaves you free to use a voice control system such as Siri or Google Assistant, along with the phone’s built-in sat nav.
As long as it's not too intrusive, a phone holder can be mounted on your windscreen so long as it doesn't intrude more than 40mm into the windscreen wiper part of the screen.
Where should I mount it?
This is mainly a matter of taste but there are some considerations to make. A cupholder phone holder will probably be awkward to look at while you'll need traditionally shaped air vents if you want to use them to hold your phone holder.
What if I want to charge my phone?
It's fairly easy to plug your phone into the majority of these holders and give them some extra juice on the go (magnetic ones will ensure the charging port is free). If you're wanting a taste of the future then we also have our favourite wireless phone chargers here.