Car phone holders can help prevent road accidents by letting you check GPS maps or make calls hands-free. There are a variety of mounts that stick to the windshield or dashboard, clip onto air vents, or sit in a cup holder.
Several of the best car phone holders feature wireless charging, which can save you the hassle of having to plug in multiple wires. Some can also accommodate thick protective cases.
Windshield Mount
Unlike suction mounts that require constant re-adjustment and may not hold the phone securely, this model uses an adjustable arm to find the best angle and a suspended Steelie ball design to support almost any smartphone. A locking lever engages the base for ultimate holding power and can be released with one hand. The iOttie mount is compatible with most phones and cases and can be mounted on the windshield or dashboard. The manufacturer recommends avoiding direct sunlight on the mount to prolong its life.
Our reviewers liked this simple, elegant design because it was easy to use and kept the phone in sight at all times. It slips into any vent, and our testers found that it held the phone securely without jiggling or falling out. It’s also relatively unobtrusive, so it won’t interfere with your driving view. This model is the least bulky option of the ones we tested. It’s ideal for drivers who don’t want a permanent mount on their windshield.
Dashboard Mount
Hand-held phone use while driving is illegal, and it’s easy to stray from your line of sight while using a navigation app or listening to music on the go. Thankfully, most of the best car phone mounts offer easy ways to keep your handset within reach and visible.
Some mounts feature integrated charging, such as this air vent-mounted option from Yosh. It slots between your vent blades, and you attach a plate (supplied) to the back of your handset that snaps onto the holder like a magnet.
The Yosh is a good budget pick, and you can also get a two-pack for a little more money. Unlike some other magnetic holders, this one is fairly light and doesn’t try to do too much. It’s also unlikely to damage your dashboard unless it’s made from an extremely delicate material.
Vent Clip
Keep your car smelling fresh and clean with Febreze’s air freshener vent clip. It destroys stubborn odors in your vehicle and fills the air with a light, fresh fragrance that carries notes of lemon verbena, leather, patchouli, and warm woods like a mystic breeze. To use, remove Vent Clip from sealed package and pull silver tab down to activate. Place directly in air vent after activation. Vent Clips contain a liquid membrane that controls fragrance release and may irritate skin or eyes.
Cup Holder
The cup holders in your car can become a sticky mess in no time. Perhaps it’s from an accidental spill or just the general use of your vehicle. It’s a good idea to clean them periodically, especially when your kids are driving in the back seat.
A TikTok user named bogielopez89 recently posted a video of his trick for keeping his car’s cup holders clean. He uses a cardboard drink tray, like those commonly handed out at drive-thru and takeaway restaurants. He slots one of the drink trays’ pockets into each of his vehicle’s two cup holders on its centre console.
Fill each of the pockets with potting soil and plant flowers, herbs or veggies in it. Once the seeds have sprouted, you can transplant them to a garden or window box. You can also cut the outside of each pocket into a snowflake shape, then paint it white and hang it in your home as decor.