A safe and secure way to view information on your phone while driving is to make use of a car mount, and that's especially true for older cars without features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can complete tasks and see information like directions, Now Playing music, or incoming phone calls. All this can be done without taking your eyes off the road thanks to car mounts, which typically clip onto air conditioning vents or stick to dashboards and windshields. Due to these connection methods, they are guaranteed to work with just about every vehicle make and model out there. Since there are a lot of different car mounts available, it's important to choose the right one.

Though a car mount can make your driving experience safer, it can also be disastrous if you choose the wrong one. Worst-case scenario: if your phone doesn't make a secure connection to the car mount, both devices can go flying off the dash. As such, you'll need to choose the right mount for the size and weight of your phone and any case you've installed. You can also pick mounts that include premium features like wireless charging. Luckily, most of these options are affordable and work with many of the best phones on the market. To help you out, we've curated a list of the best car phone mounts available in 2023.

• Editor's choice

  Belkin Car Vent Mount Pro

  For a premium feel at a reasonable price point, consider this mount. Belkin has been making Apple accessories for a while, and the Car Vent Mount Pro is sturdy, modern, and convenient, sliding into most air conditioning vent slats. But the grips are short, which may be incompatible with longer slats. Also, this model will only work with MagSafe-compatible iPhones or cases.

  $40 at Amazon $40 at Best Buy
• Best dashboard mount

  iOttie Easy One Touch 6

  iOttie is known for making excellent car phone mounts perfect for dashboard applications. Its latest version, the Easy One Touch 6, is the most slim and sleek version yet. Plus, as the name suggests, you can mount and unmount with one touch. 

  $27 at Amazon
• Premium pick

  Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger

  Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger takes the already-great Car Vent Mount Pro and adds a Qi-compatible charger. In fact, it’s the first MagSafe-certified car charging mount on the market. It’s a premium buy, but users will appreciate the one-touch mounting and charging on this accessory.

  $92 at Amazon $100 at Apple
• Best value

  Best Buy Essentials Magnetic Car Vent Mount

  If you’re searching for an affordable MagSafe car mount, look no further than this Best Buy Essentials option. It’s priced reasonably and comes from Best Buy's in-house essentials line. It attaches to a car’s air conditioning vents, and despite the low price point, it has a premium black and silver style.

  $15 at Best Buy
• Works with iPhone and Android

  Peak Design Mobile Car Mount VHB

  Peak Design’s Mobile Car Mount VHB brings the magnetic experience to iPhone and Android users. iPhones attach via MagSafe, and Android devices can connect with a Peak Design case. The mount attaches to a flat or curved surface with an adhesive, but has a limited range-of-motion once mounted.

  $45 at Amazon
• For small phones

  Belkin universal car vent mount

  Smaller phones will fit nicely in Belkin’s original Car Vent Mount, which was designed for the iPhone 6 series. Phones smaller than 5.5 inches will sit securely in the mount. It’s made out of premium materials, including aluminum arms, and is affordable. Like most mounts, it attaches to a car’s air conditioning vents.

  $25 at Amazon
• For fast charging

  Anker Magnetic Wireless Charger (MagGo) 613 Car Charging Mount

  The Anker MagGo wireless car charger brings the MagSafe experience to the dashboard. Instead of attaching to air conditioning vents, Anker’s option uses a suction cup or an adhesive pad to securely sit on a flat surface. It’ll also bring 35W charging in your phone's battery needs a little pick-me-up. And it’s worth noting that MagGo is not officially MagSafe certified.

  $70 at Amazon $70 at Best Buy
• For Samsung phones

  Samsung Wireless Car Charger Vent Mount Holder for Galaxy Qi Devices

  Samsung users, especially those with foldables, will appreciate the brand's charging mount. It can extend to fit an opened Galaxy Z Fold device, so you know it's not messing around regarding adjustability. However, the mount’s clamps are short, so thick cases won’t work well. This model also keeps tabs on power with the standard Qi charger (also compatible with non-Samsung devices).

  $30 at Amazon $60 at Samsung
• Strong magnet array

  ESR MagSafe Car Mount

  ESR is an accessory maker known for making great MagSafe accessories that are affordable, and the company's HaloLock car mount is no different. It attaches to your phone's car vent and has an adjustable slider to ensure it's secured. Since it has MagSafe support, it'll work with the iPhone 12 series and newer.

  $26 at Amazon
• Quick connection

  Spigen One Tap Car Mount (MagFit)

  This simple and sleek solution from Spigen uses MagSafe technology for quick connection and stability. That makes it great for iPhone users, but it can also be used by Android users with a MagSafe case. 

  $40 at Spigen
• Features swing arm

  UGreen Swing Arm Car Mount

  This swing arm mount from UGreen provides some sweet functionality. It attaches to your car's A/C vents, but swings outward, so it doesn't block the vents. That will come in handy when you're trying to stay cool in the summer or warm in the winter.

  $20 at Amazon
• For thick cases

  Torras Car Phone Mount

  This car phone mount from Torras is designed for thick cases with its wide and strong brackets. It can extend as far out as 1.35 inches, supporting even the thickest protective phone cases. Plus, it can attach to either the dashboard or a vent. 

  $36 at Amazon

MagSafe car mounts

If you’re looking for a low-cost car mount for a newer iPhone, the Best Buy Essentials Magnetic Car Vent Mount is a simple, reliable, and affordable option. It securely attaches to a car’s air conditioning vents, and it’s made out of quality materials, all for a modest price point. Since it connects to smartphones via MagSafe, it only works with the iPhone 12 or later — unless you use a MagSafe case or magnet ring.

For a more reliable MagSafe mount, look to Belkin’s Car Vent Mount Pro. It’s MagSafe certified, unlike options from Anker and Best Buy that simply use the same magnetic alignments. Plus, it’s made out of high-quality metal, silicon, and rubber that contorts to fit any air conditioning vents.

For wireless charging capabilities, Belkin offers a similar version at a higher price point. Like with other MagSafe car chargers, compatibility is limited to the iPhone 12 or later. But if you buy this model, you won’t have to pick up a standalone car charger for your smartphone.

Mounts for iPhone and Android devices

Android users should consider Samsung’s Wireless Car Charger Vent Mount Holder, which provides immense compatibility and Qi wireless charging functionality. Though the mount is made by Samsung, it is compatible with all the best Android phones out there.

There is also an option from Peak Design for Samsung and Apple devices. iPhones 12 or later can attach to the stand out-of-the-box, but Samsung devices will need a Peak Design case to magnetically connect to the mount.