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It’s no secret that smartphones are incredibly distracting while you’re driving, but you need this essential gadget more often than not. It’s your GPS device, your real-time traffic source, and your way to keep in touch (hands free, of course). And while there are plenty of in-vehicle phone mounts that promise to keep your phone within eyesight and secure while driving, many don’t measure up. A magnetic phone mount is a good solution. From rotatable to pivoting to strong enough to hold phones or other gadgets, there’s a magnetic mount available for even the roughest roads and biggest, case-covered smartphones.
Our Methodology
To choose the best magnetic phone mounts, I took a look at products offered by the best-rated and highest-reviewed brands, paying particularly close attention to mounts that offered stability and secure, capable magnets that wouldn’t let phones slip or slide. Durability was also a key feature, as each magnetic mount needed to keep devices stable, even on rough roads. I looked for mounts that would work with a wide range of phones in varying sizes, and I also considered options beyond your typical car or SUV, including mounts made for bike handlebars and motorcycles.
Best Magnetic Phone Mount Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Peak Design Mobile Car Mount
Best Value: Ram Mounts
Honorable Mention: Quad Lock Car Mount
Best MagSafe Friendly: Ram Mounts Drill-Down Mount
Best for Motorcycles: Quad Lock Fork Stem Motorcycle Mount Kit
Best for Bicycles: Peak Design Mobile Bike Mount
Best Overall
Peak Design Mobile Car Mount
Best Value
Ram Mounts Magnetic Power Plate
Honorable Mention
Quad Lock Car Mount
Best MagSafe Friendly
Ram Mounts Drill-Down Mount
Best for Motorcycles
Quad Lock Fork Stem Motorcycle Mount Kit
Best for Bicycles
Peak Design Mobile Bike Mount
Our Verdict
When it comes to reliability and sleek design blended into one great magnetic phone mount, the Peak Design Mobile Car Mount delivers. This is a mount you won’t have to worry about, and it requires no extra adhesive pads or plates to get your phone connected (and it’s a seamless pick for MagSafe phones). However, the Ram Mounts is another great option, especially when you’re looking for bang for your buck, thanks to its wide-ranging versatility.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Magnetic Phone Mount
Most magnetic phone mounts work in a similar manner, but small details can really make or break different products. To narrow down your product options to the best picks possible, here’s what you should keep in mind as you shop.
Types of Magnetic Phone Mounts
Clip-On Mounts
While not the sturdiest kind of phone mount, clip-on mounts are incredibly easy to install and use. These products feature a clip back, which slides right over your vehicle’s air vent louvers and hooks in place. A magnetic upper surface holds onto your phone. These mounts can be prone to movement and vibrations, and they can also block the flow of heat or air conditioning from your vents while running. However, they are usually pretty affordable.
Suction Cup or Adhesive Mounts
Suction cup or adhesive phone mounts are one of the most popular varieties available. Easy to install and relatively secure, these mounts feature a suction cup or a sticky adhesive pad that adheres to the inside of your windshield or other flat surfaces in your vehicle, like your dashboard. Your phone is held by a magnetic flat surface. The downside of suction cups and adhesive phone mounts is that they don’t always hold securely, leaving your mount flopping or falling while you’re on the road. Additionally, they can’t be used in other vehicles.
Drill-On Mounts
If you’re looking for a seriously secure, movement-proof mount, a drill-on magnetic phone mount is your best bet. These mounts don’t rely on suction cups or clips; they’re permanent additions that can be secured with hardware. And because they’re extra-sturdy, these mounts can also be used on bicycles, ATVs, and motorcycles, with varying types of hardware and bases. However, they aren’t as temporary as other mounts, though their durability can outweigh this detail.
Pricing
On average, you can expect to spend around $40 for a good-quality magnetic phone mount. If you’re looking for something simple and easy to use, there are budget-friendly options priced at less than $20. The middle price range, covering products from $35 to $55, includes plenty of durable, strong-hold magnetic mounts for cars as well as bikes and motorcycles. And if you want a truly premium product with extra features, you’ll spend $60 or more.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Are magnetic car mounts safe for phones?
A: Your phone will be perfectly safe in a magnetic mount. While older phones relied on magnetic sequencing, today’s modern smartphones and their smarter chips don’t have any issue with magnets.
Q: Do magnets drain phone batteries?
A: Placing your phone on a magnetic mount should have zero impact on your battery. Most of today’s phone batteries are completely unaffected by your average magnet. In fact, while a super strong magnetic field may lead to a harder-working battery, even that shouldn’t noticeably drain your power.
Q: Are magnetic phone mounts legal in cars?
A: Yes. However, you’ll want to check your state’s regulations to make sure you aren’t installing the mount somewhere that hampers your vision while on the road. Some states do specify where mounts (for phones or items like GPS devices) cannot be placed.