The Best Universal Car Mounts to Keep Your Phone Secure and Easily Accessible While Driving

Introduction

Using a phone while driving can be distracting, but car mounts make it safe and convenient by securing your phone in an easily accessible position. From hands-free calling and navigation to playing music and responding to voice commands, a reliable car mount keeps your phone steady, visible, and within reach, all while keeping your focus on the road. This guide reviews some of the best universal car mounts, exploring their key features, types, and considerations to help you find the ideal mount for your car.

1. Why You Need a Car Mount for Safe Driving

With so many drivers relying on their phones for GPS navigation, calls, and even voice-activated texts, a secure car mount is essential for a safe, hands-free driving experience. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Hands-Free Use: A car mount enables hands-free control of your phone, so you can safely use voice commands to manage calls, texts, and navigation.
• Increased Focus: By keeping your phone in a fixed, easily visible spot, a car mount reduces the temptation to look down at your device while driving.
• Improved Navigation Access: With a car mount, you can clearly see maps and directions without having to hold your phone, making navigation safer and easier.

2. Types of Universal Car Mounts

There are several types of car mounts available, each offering unique benefits based on placement and functionality. Here’s a closer look at the most common types:

A. Dashboard and Windshield Mounts

These mounts use suction cups to attach to your car’s dashboard or windshield. They’re ideal for keeping your phone at eye level for easy viewing.

• Pros: Adjustable height, provides direct visibility, easy to install and remove.
• Cons: Suction strength can weaken over time, and placement on the windshield can obstruct the driver’s view.
• Best For: Drivers who prefer a higher mount position and easy access to maps or other visual information.

B. Vent Mounts

Vent mounts clip directly onto the car’s air vents, making them a convenient option that doesn’t obstruct the windshield or dashboard.

• Pros: Easy to install, doesn’t take up space on the dashboard, affordable.
• Cons: May block airflow, some designs may not fit all types of vents.
• Best For: Drivers who want a compact and accessible solution without cluttering the dashboard.

C. CD Slot Mounts

If you don’t use your car’s CD player, a CD slot mount is a great way to make use of it as a phone holder.

• Pros: Central placement, secure hold, does not obstruct windshield or dashboard.
• Cons: Limited to cars with CD slots, some larger phones may not fit securely.
• Best For: Drivers looking for a central mounting solution that doesn’t interfere with vents or dashboard space.

D. Cup Holder Mounts

Cup holder mounts fit directly into the car’s cup holder, providing a secure and stable base with easy reachability.

• Pros: Very stable, doesn’t obstruct dashboard or windshield, ideal for larger phones.
• Cons: Occupies cup holder space, limited adjustability.
• Best For: Drivers who prioritize stability and don’t mind using one cup holder.

E. Magnetic Mounts

Magnetic mounts often use adhesive or clip-based installation and hold the phone using a magnet on the back of the phone or case.

• Pros: Quick attachment and removal, minimalistic design, compatible with various phone sizes.
• Cons: Requires a metal plate on the phone, which may interfere with wireless charging.
• Best For: Drivers seeking a sleek, easy-to-use mount for fast phone attachment.

3. Top Universal Car Mounts for Your Phone

Here are some of the best universal car mounts on the market, each offering a blend of quality, stability, and convenience.

A. iOttie Easy One Touch 5

The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is one of the most popular dashboard mounts, featuring an easy-to-use one-touch mechanism and a telescopic arm for adjustability.

• Type: Dashboard and windshield mount
• Features: One-touch release, adjustable arm with 225-degree rotation, strong suction.
• Pros: Highly adjustable, stable suction, easy one-hand operation.
• Cons: Suction strength may weaken in extreme temperatures.
• Best For: Drivers who want an adjustable, easy-to-use mount with a secure grip on their phone.

B. WizGear Universal Air Vent Magnetic Mount

The WizGear Universal Magnetic Mount is a compact, magnetic vent mount that keeps your phone stable while allowing easy attachment and detachment.

• Type: Vent mount
• Features: Powerful magnet, compact design, fits on any vent.
• Pros: Minimalist look, easy installation, quick phone attachment.
• Cons: May block airflow, requires a metal plate that can interfere with wireless charging.
• Best For: Drivers who want a compact, affordable solution for quick phone mounting and detachment.

C. Mpow CD Slot Car Phone Mount

The Mpow CD Slot Car Phone Mount is perfect for drivers who don’t use their CD player but want a central mounting option for their phone.

• Type: CD slot mount
• Features: Adjustable grip, 360-degree rotation, universal fit.
• Pros: Central placement, secure grip, no obstruction to vents or windshield.
• Cons: Only compatible with cars that have CD slots, may not fit very large phones.
• Best For: Drivers looking for a stable central position that doesn’t clutter their dashboard.

D. Bestrix Universal Cup Holder Mount

The Bestrix Universal Cup Holder Mount provides a stable, adjustable solution for keeping your phone at hand’s reach without obstructing the windshield or vents.

• Type: Cup holder mount
• Features: Adjustable base for different cup holder sizes, flexible gooseneck for custom angles.
• Pros: Extremely stable, adjustable to any cup holder size, doesn’t obstruct view.
• Cons: Occupies a cup holder, limited height adjustment.
• Best For: Drivers looking for a stable, adjustable mount for larger phones without cluttering the dashboard.

E. Scosche MagicMount Magnetic Dash Mount

The Scosche MagicMount is a sleek, versatile dashboard mount that uses a magnetic design for quick attachment and detachment.

• Type: Dashboard mount (magnetic)
• Features: Strong magnets, 360-degree rotation, adhesive base.
• Pros: Minimalistic design, quick attachment, slim profile.
• Cons: Requires metal plate, adhesive may weaken in hot climates.
• Best For: Drivers who want a clean, minimalist mount that allows for fast and easy phone access.

4. Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Car Mount

When selecting a car mount, there are certain features to prioritize to ensure you find the right one for your needs:

Stability and Grip

A reliable car mount should securely hold your phone even on bumpy roads. Look for mounts with strong suction or magnetic force, and if you’re using a vent mount, make sure it has a firm clip.

Ease of Use

The best mounts allow for easy one-handed operation, letting you place and remove the phone with minimal hassle. Models with one-touch release mechanisms or magnetic mounts are particularly convenient.

Adjustability and Rotation

Choose a mount that offers 360-degree rotation or an adjustable arm, as this flexibility helps you find the ideal viewing angle and reduces glare or reflections.

Compatibility with Phone Size and Case

Ensure the mount can accommodate the size and weight of your phone, especially if you use a bulky case. Many universal mounts are designed to hold a range of phone sizes, but it’s always best to confirm.

Accessibility of Charging Port

If you often need to charge your phone while driving, make sure the mount allows easy access to the charging port. Some mounts may block the port, making it difficult to connect your charger.

5. Pros and Cons of Universal Car Mounts

Pros

• Versatile Fit: Universal car mounts are compatible with multiple phone models and sizes, making them a flexible choice.
• Enhanced Safety: Car mounts enable hands-free phone use, which can reduce distractions and improve driving safety.
• Affordable: Many universal mounts are budget-friendly, offering a practical solution without breaking the bank.
• Portable: Easy installation and removal allow for use in multiple vehicles, making universal mounts convenient for drivers with multiple cars.

Cons

• Limited Compatibility with Some Vent Types: Vent mounts may not work with irregularly shaped or small air vents.
• Suction Can Lose Grip Over Time: Suction mounts may weaken due to extreme temperatures or prolonged use.
• Potential Obstruction: Depending on the placement, mounts can block part of the driver’s view or airflow from the vents.

Conclusion

A universal car mount is an essential accessory for safe and convenient phone use while driving. Whether you need hands-free navigation, easy call management, or music control, the right mount keeps your phone secure and accessible, so you can stay focused on the road. With options like dashboard, vent, CD slot, cup holder, and magnetic mounts, you’re sure to find one that meets your preferences. Investing in a high-quality car mount not only enhances your driving experience but also contributes to safer, more focused trips.