Best Car Phone Mounts for 2019
By: Lyn Slater
Distracted Driving Laws 2019
Hands-free car phone mounts are a must. 19 U.S. states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands now have laws that prohibit drivers from holding phones while driving. Fines vary by state and territory, but typically increase significantly for more than one offense. In some states a violation of their distracted driving laws will result in points being added to your driver’s license, which can, in turn, result in increases to your insurance premiums. Apart from the significant financial and legal deterrents, it’s just not smart or practical to have your phone in your hand or resting on your car seat when your hand belongs on the wheel and your eyes and attention belong on the road. So whether you’re driving around the block, or across state lines, for the safety of you, your passengers and fellow road-users, get yourself a reliable phone holder for your car. The good news is that there are many great options when it comes to phone mounts for your car. The even better news is that you’ve found your way to Scosche, the maker of the #1 Mount Brand in North America*.Best Phone Mount Must-Haves
While it can be tempting to just grab a phone mount at your local convenience store or gas station, stop and consider the investment you’ve made in your smartphone. A quality mount will not only protect your phone, but may also save you from a ticket, an accident, or worse. Here are a few pointers on what to consider when shopping for your best car phone mount.- Build and Balance: Look for a mount that’s strong enough to hold your phone securely over all road (and off-road) conditions. Pay attention to the materials and build quality, read both customer and professional reviews and, of course, make sure it comes with a warranty.
- Visibility and Adjustability: Your mount should hold your phone clearly in your line of sight so that when you glance at it your eyes are off the road for the briefest of moments. It should be located close enough, and adjustable, so that your phone’s microphone can pick up your voice.
- Installation and Removal: The best mounts are easy to install and adjust, as well as move or remove. If you have more than one driver using the vehicle, or need to use the mount in more than one vehicle, you’ll quickly realize why this is important.
Which Phone Holder Do YOU Need
The sheer number and variety of phone holders can be daunting so narrow your search based on which features are most important to you, and which best fit your phone, your vehicle, and your lifestyle. Here are some options you might want to consider:- Qi Wireless Charging: If you own an iPhone 8 or later, a Samsung Galaxy S9 or later, as well as certain models of Google Pixel, OnePlus, LG, Sony and Nokia phones, your phone might be Qi-enabled. If so, you might prefer to get a wireless charging mount for your vehicle.
While the Qi charging mount will be connected to your vehicle’s 12V power source, the phone itself doesn’t need to be. Look for the Qi Certification logo on the box so you know it’s safe for your phone.
- Magnetic Mounts: If you’ve been reluctant to use magnetic mounts because you think they might harm your phone, it’s time to reconsider. Rare Earth Neodymium magnets are 100% safe for your devices and provide a very convenient and secure way to mount your phone.
- Universal Mounts: If you prefer a non-magnetic mount you should look for a universal mount that holds your phone in place with adjustable “arms”. The arms release when you either grasp the phone and remove it or, in some cases, when you press a release button.
- Mounts For iPads and Other Tablet Devices: If you need to hold something heavier than a standard smartphone, say a tablet, there are heavy duty mounts that have a larger and stronger mounting head for that very purpose.
Location, Location, Location!
No longer just the mantra of realtors, finding the ideal location for your car phone mount is important because you’ll be using it every time you get into your car. There are many options (see below) and the ideal one for you should be based on your preference, your phone and your vehicle.- Air Vent Mounts: If you wish to use your mount in more than one vehicle, including using it in a rental car, vent mounts are perfect. With vent mounts you simply slide the clips onto the fins of your AC vent and you’re ready to go. When you’re ready to change cars, just slide them off again and take them with you. Another benefit is that some vent mounts can also be used as a “kickstand” for your phone.
- Windshield Mounts: These type of mounts typically attach to your windshield with a suction cup base. They should be positioned so you can clearly glance at your phone as you drive but don’t block your view of the road. They are easily removed and relocated.
- Window/Dash Mounts: Like window mounts, window/dash mounts are usually secured with a suction base, but also have more of a “stand” design. They can be secured to the windshield or top of the dashboard and are easy to remove and relocate. Scosche window/dash mounts can also be used in your home or office. Our StickGrip™ base installs easily on any flat, or slightly textured, surface, so desks, countertops, workbenches, and tables are all location options.
- Dash Mounts: There are a couple of different versions of dash mounts. One kind attaches to either the top or front of your dashboard with automotive grade 3M adhesive. Although this is a more “permanent” way to secure your mount, it is still removable and reusable (with a new adhesive strip from Scosche Tech Support).
- CD Slot Mounts: If, like me, you have a slightly older model car that has an in-dash CD player, you can choose a CD slot mount. Just as it sounds, you insert the mount into the CD slot and lock into place and you’re ready to mount your phone.
- 12V Power Socket: This type of mount sits atop an arm connected to a charger that plugs into your vehicle’s 12V power socket. The arm is usually bendable so you can adjust and angle your phone for your best viewing angle. The bonus is that the mount will also have a built-in charging port for your device(s).