Stay Safe And Hands-Free With The Best Cell Phone Holders For Cars

Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:35 p.m.

You have a car, and you have finally realized how much you need a cell phone holder. It’s about time. Cell phone holders are commonplace now because of one main benefit. These cool tools allow you to use your phone safely and legally while driving. This means your GPS will be easy to see, and passengers will no longer lead you astray. It also means you can easily film yourself while driving, just like your favorite vloggers or James Corden. Additionally, you listen to music or use FaceTime. They are also a great assistant for Uber drivers. These products are so necessary that some cars are starting to come with built-in cell phone holders. For individuals who do not have access to this luxury feature, we have curated a list of the top cell phone holders for cars of 2023.

What Are the Benefits of Cell Phone Holders for Cars?

Car cell phone holders are highly effective tools delivering multiple benefits. They give you access to the functions of your phone you need while driving, all without you having to hold the phone. The first thing that these products help you with is using your GPS better, improving your navigation. A phone holder keeps your phone upright, and at a comfortable eye line, so you can see your route clearly. You no longer need someone else in the car, and you won't have to keep looking down at your phone. Cell phone holders allow you to use the hands-free features of your phone completely hands-free. You can use voice-activated commands to navigate, call, or text if needed. Lastly, cell phone holders keep phones safe while in cars. A phone can bounce around or slip down while your car is moving. A cell phone holder keeps your phone still and prevents it from jumping around.

Mount Locations for Car Cell Phone Holders

There are multiple mount locations on a car cell phone holder that can be placed. This location largely depends on the mount type, so the mount type should be considered closely – we’ll help you with this later. Before this though, you should know the different possible locations and their advantages.

Windshield

Placing a holder on the windshield gives you a great view of your phone while you have your eyes on the road. However, this location might block part of your windshield and can obstruct your view.

Air vent

The air vent is a great location for people who do not want to keep their phones too high or low. The clips allow you to attach your phone to your air vents. The car's air conditioning cools your phone, but it can also affect it if the heater is on. Also, it can be unsteady depending on the type of air vent.

Dashboard

You get excellent phone visibility with a dashboard mount without obstructing your windshield. It’s important, in terms of safety, to be careful to make sure your phone is not getting too hot under the sun's rays.

CD slot

This is a good location with no obstruction, but some might consider it a bit too low. It is also limited because many cars do not come with CD players anymore.

Cupholder

Cup holder mounts are steady, your phone won't obstruct your view, your steering, or use any messy wires. This location might also be considered too low.

Steering wheel

A steering wheel option is easy to use, stays right in front of you, and won’t divert your attention too much while on the road. It usually only supports landscape orientation.

How To Choose a Cell Phone Holder for Your Car

We have picked the very best products for our list, but not every cell phone holder on this list will be perfect for your car. Here are all the things you should check before purchasing a car cell phone holder.

Is the holder compatible with your phone?

No phone holder is compatible with every phone, so you have to choose carefully, especially if you do not own a typical rectangular bar phone. Some phone holders are suited to android, while others are compatible with iOS.

Is the cell phone holder compatible with your car?

This is where you consider the mount type and the possible locations in your car. This is most appropriate to choose based on your car's interior and your own preferences. Things like the slope of your dashboard or the size of your air vents are examples of the features of your vehicle that you should consider.

How will the cell phone holder grip your phone?

The most common way a phone holder will grip your phone is through a clamp, a magnet, or an adapter. It is vital to decide which one you prefer.

Clamps

These grip your phone with a clamp that is usually loaded with a spring. These phone grips are easy to use and do not require extra adapters or attachments. On the flip side, a clamp can prevent you from using your phone’s side buttons.

Magnets

These phone holders hold your phone with a magnetic surface and a metal plate you have to pre-attach. They are very stable but be careful you don’t yank out the whole car mount when taking out your phone.

Adapter

These versions work similarly to those with magnets, but instead of a metal plate, you need a special adapter attached to your phone. They are also stable but can make your phone pretty bulky.

How to Properly Use a Cell Phone Holder for Cars

Cell phone holders are easy to use. Attach the mount to your preferred location or the location the phone holder allows for. After making sure it is attached securely, you can place your phone in the grip. That's it.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Humixx Cell Phone Holder For Cars
• Most Convenient: Hussell Cell Phone Holder For Cars
• Most Secure: Mongoora Cell Phone Holder For Cars
• Most Adjustable: Vicseed Cell Phone Holder For Cars
• Most User-Friendly: Iottie Cell Phone Holder For Cars
• Most Compatible: Loncaster Cell Phone Holder For Cars
• Most Accessible: Apps2car Cell Phone Holder For Cars
• Rugged Construction: Vicseed Cell Phone Holder For Cars

Reviews

Are there any disadvantages with car cell phone holders?

Cell phone holders offer great convenience, but they can still be a bit distracting in a car, this is their major flaw. Some people have a hard time keeping their eyes on the road and can get easily distracted by their phones. Also, some phone holders can obstruct part of your windshield view. The solution for this is mounting your car cell phone holder so that it does not block your view. Considering this, a dashboard mount becomes preferable to a windshield mount. You should also never use your phone actively while driving.

Are cell phone holders with an air vent mount safe for my air vent?

If you have a heavy phone or flimsy air vents, it might be best to avoid this option. Your air vents need to be weight-bearing, if they are not sturdy enough, or you have a heavy phone, they can break.

Are magnetic mounts for car cell phone holders safe?

These mounts are safe and will also not affect your GPS. It takes a really large or powerful magnet to affect your phone's functions or damage it, and the magnets used for cell phone holders are relatively weak. Additionally, your phone's GPS works with a satellite and does not work like a traditional compass.

Can cell phone holders for cars be illegal?

Many people get cell phone holders to abide by the law and not use their phones while driving. However, some car cell phone holders are illegal in more than half of the states in the US. These are phone holders with a windshield holder. These states, as mentioned earlier, do not tolerate any objects that obstruct your windshield. If you choose a cell phone holder with a windshield mount, make sure to check the laws in your state. The states that do not allow windshield mounts are Alabama, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Virginia, Wyoming, Connecticut, West Virginia, Delaware, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, Iowa, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oregon, Louisiana, South Dakota, Montana, New Jersey, and Nebraska.

How can I make my car cell phone holder sticky again?

Over time, some cell phone holders can become less effective, and the suction may lose some of its "stickiness". Luckily, you can do some things to fix this. Some people find that washing the suction cup with warm water cleans off any debris accumulated over time without affecting its function. Rinse the suction cup thoroughly in warm water for one or two minutes and let the suction cup air dry. Another method is using moisture to keep the seal tight. You could use a little vaseline or oil and rub it on the rim of the suction cup. You could even try a little water and rub it lightly on the inner rim.