Best Magnetic Phone Mount: Keep Phones Stable Effortlessly
With one of these, you’ll always know where your phone is.
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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.
Peak Design Mobile Car Mount
- Works in multiple dashboard or console locations
- Ultra-sticky adhesive
- Smooth adjustment and articulation
- Somewhat short arm
Ram Mounts Magnetic Power Plate
- Two high-strength rare-earth magnets
- Works for smartphones and other devices
- Easy to install
- Some packages arrive without magnetic plate
Quad Lock Car Mount
- Tough, industrial-strength suction cup
- Locks smartphone into mount
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Expensive
- Quad Lock case or adapter not included
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
Specs
- Material: Aluminum and plastic
- Works with: Peak Design and MagSafe cases
- Allows wireless charging: Yes
Pros
- Works in multiple dashboards and console locations
- Ultra-strong, weatherproof adhesive
- Wide articulation range
- Instant one-handed attachment
Cons
- Arm is somewhat short
Keeping your phone within reach is as simple as using one hand with the Peak Design Mobile Car Mount. This sleek magnetic phone mount constructed out of machine aluminum and plastic looks like a top-tier mount, and it delivers a secure, strong hold and adhesive you can rely on. It uses built-in magnet technology called SlimLink to keep phones of all sizes secure, and it works with any Peak Design phone case or MagSafe case. The mount’s base installs onto your dashboard or console via ultra-strong, extra-durable, and weatherproof 3M adhesive (and it won’t leave residue or damage behind if you need to remove it). It’s easy to mount without affecting your field of view, and the magnet will hold your phone in both portrait and landscape mode. Plus, this mount is wireless charging compatible.
The only downside you might encounter is the length of the mount’s arm. It’s a bit short, which can limit your reach, depending on where you place the mount.
Specs
- Material: High-strength composite
- Works with: Included metal plate
- Allows wireless charging: No
Pros
- High-powered magnet works for phones and other devices
- Vibration dampening
- Metal plate can be used with many Ram mounts
- Strong, secure hold on devices
Cons
- Some mounts arrive missing metal plate for attachment
The Ram Mounts Magnetic Power Plate is as powerful as it sounds. Made with two high-power magnets that connect to seriously hang onto your smartphone, this mount is strong and effective, and it won’t bounce or lose its grip. It features two components, a small square magnetic plate that attaches to your smartphone with adhesive and a larger magnetic plate inside a rubber reservoir that’s meant to be placed within your reach inside your vehicle. The magnets connect with just one hand and hang onto one another, and they even work to reduce vibrations so you can see your phone clearly on the road. As an added bonus, the magnetic mount is tough enough to hold devices heavier than smartphones. If you’d like, you can purchase extra adhesive magnetic plates and use the same mount to place other gadgets you need behind the wheel.
Just make sure to double-check that your mount includes the magnetic plate you’ll need to attach to your smartphone. Some users do note that the plate was missing, so you’ll want to make sure to get yours from Ram Mounts ASAP if your package isn’t complete.
Specs
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Works with: Quad Lock cases and adaptors
- Allows wireless charging: Yes, with separate attachment
Pros
- Ridgid, tough body and adjustable head
- Industrial-strength suction cup
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Locks smartphones into place
Cons
- Expensive
- Purchase Quad Lock case or adapter separately
If it’s security you’re looking for, the Quad Lock Car Mount delivers. This device locks your phone in place, thanks to a two-part system that features a mount and a smartphone attachment (or entire case) that lock together with a single twist. Designed for dashboard or window mounting, this setup is made out of super rigid polycarbonate with an industrial-strength suction cup that’s meant to prevent popping free. A 360-degree swivel ball lets you adjust to see your smartphone easily, and attaching or detaching in landscape or portrait mode takes just a second. If you want to change up your mount, there are plenty of Quad Lock accessories that’ll allow wireless charging, more flexibility, and even different adapters.
The only real downside is you’ll need to invest in accessories beyond the mount itself in order to utilize it. This mount only works with Quad Lock phone cases or adapters, which do come at an additional price. The unique Quad Lock setup is extra secure, but it does require you to equip your phone to be able to take advantage of its perks.
Specs
- Material: Aluminum and composite
- Works with: MagSafe phones and cases
- Allows wireless charging: Yes
Pros
- Seamless fit with MagSafe products
- Drill-down, secure mounting
- Ball-and-socket adjustability
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Will not work with non-MagSafe phones or cases
If you have a recent Apple iPhone that features MagSafe technology, the Ram Mounts Drill-Down Mount is a fantastic option. You won’t need any extra sticky magnetic pads or a special phone case to be able to pop your phone right into a strong mount while you’re behind the wheel. This MagSafe-friendly product works with your phone’s existing technology. The drill-in-place mount is easy to install and permanent, which helps prevent wobbling and vibrations. It features a medium-length arm and a diamond ball base, so you’ll get almost infinite adjustability for your phone. It’s compatible with MagSafe phones and accessories, allowing you to charge while you drive too. This durable mount is constructed out of marine-grade aluminum and high-strength composite material.
However, you won't be able to use this magnetic phone mount if you don’t have an iPhone. Only MagSafe phones and cases will attach seamlessly here.
Specs
- Material: Polycarbonate, stainless steel, glass-filled nylon
- Works with: All Quad Lock cases and universal adapters
- Allows wireless charging: Yes
Pros
- Durable, outdoor-ready materials
- Adjustable clamps for various handlebar sizes
- Dual-stage locking mechanism
- Includes protective phone case
Cons
- Can loosen over time and on rough roads
- Vibration dampener is extra
Magnetic phone mounts that work for your average car or SUV don’t exactly work for the handlebars of your motorcycle, but the Quad Lock Fork Stem Motorcycle Mount Kit does. This specially designed kit will keep your smartphone secure right on your motorcycle, with a patented dual-stage locking mechanism that keeps your phone from slipping or falling. It quickly attaches and detaches, without any excess equipment or complex components. Made out of tough polycarbonate and impact-absorbing TPU, the impact-resistant case fits iPhone and pairs perfectly with the fork stem mount. The mount itself includes expanding clamps that suit tubes from 12.7 mm to 24 mm, giving you plenty of adjustability.
This phone mount is great at hanging onto your phone, but not as great at staying on your motorcycle. It can loosen over time, particularly on rough roads, so it needs regular adjustment. However, you can stop this by purchasing a separate vibration dampener.
Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Works with: Peak Design cases and accessories
- Allows wireless charging: No
Pros
- Machined, anodized aluminum construction
- One-handed functionality
- Includes magnetic phone case
- Weatherproof for outdoor durability
Cons
- Does vibrate a bit
Magnetic phone mounts can hit the trails or the city streets if you’re on your bike, and the Peak Design Mobile Bike Mount is a durable, easy-to-use choice. This mount is similar to Peak Design’s car version, but it only works with Peak Design-compatible phone cases and not MagSafe items. It installs right onto your bike’s handlebars with included hex or thumb screws, and you can position your phone anywhere you’d like. The magnetic surface holds phones in either portrait or landscape mode, and the SlimLink magnetic technology is extra-secure. Plus, the entire mount is weatherproof, lightweight, and tough enough for outdoor use. And you’ll be able to use your phone one-handed whether you’re reattaching it or repositioning it.
You’re likely to experience a little vibration while using this magnetic phone mount, but that’s to be expected on a bike. Fortunately, those who’ve given it a try note that the vibrations are so small they don’t impact your screen visibility.
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.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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