Best Tablet Holders for Cars: Entertain Your Kids in the Back Seat

Keep the kids entertained on long trips with these tablet holders

byNoelle Talmon|
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BYNoelle Talmon/ LAST UPDATED ON June 4, 2023

These days, families rely on entertainment options in their vehicles to keep children docile and amenable toward any sort of trip. That makes a tablet holder an important device for watching movies, playing video games, and more for parents just needing to go on a grocery run. If you need to keep your children entertained while you focus on the road, the best tablet holders for cars can help by securely holding an iPad or other type of tablet in the back seat.


Many of these products have accessories that make them even more desirable, such as cup holders, too. Whether your car trip is short or long, the best tablet holders for cars will make the trip more enjoyable for the backseat passengers regardless of how they choose to entertain themselves.

Best Overall
Macally Car Headrest Mount Holder

Macally Car Headrest Mount Holder

Summary
This tablet holder is designed for backseat passengers and is kid-approved. It is easy to install and remove, just simply twist the knobs.
Pros
  • Fits most headrest posts
  • Secures tablets that are as large as 10 inches
  • Holds devices firmly in place without bouncing or slipping
Cons
  • Simple to install
  • Several storage pockets for toys, snacks, and more
  • Durable construction
Best Value

Tryone Tablet Headrest Holder

Summary
This tablet holder fits on any type of headrest and is compatible with most tablets, smartphones, and Nintendo Switch devices up to 10.5 inches long.
Pros
  • Takes just seconds to install
  • Adjustable with multi-angle positions
  • Has a charging hole
Cons
  • May pop off if you try to interact with the device while it's in the mount
  • Sticks out a little far
Honorable Mention

Luckybay Car Backseat Organizer with 10-Inch Touch Screen Tablet Holder

Summary
This tablet holder is part of a back seat car organizer. It can accommodate a 10-inch touchscreen iPad or Android tablet.
Pros
  • Simple to install
  • Several storage pockets for toys, snacks, and more
  • Durable construction
Cons
  • May be more than you need for a tablet holder
  • Comes in a pack of two, and you may just need one

Summary List

Our Methodology

We took several factors into consideration when choosing the best tablet holders for cars. We concentrated a large number of our selections on products that are designed for back-seat entertainment for children and families. However, we also included some options that are designed to hold tablets for front-seat passengers. We made sure to select items that are durable and designed to last. We chose tablet holders that stay firmly in place even when exposed to bumpy road conditions. The products listed are available in a wide range of prices to accommodate various budgets. We also looked at user feedback to see how these products perform in real-life conditions. For more information on our methodology, go here

Best Tablet Holders for Cars: Reviews & Recommendations

If you need to entertain young backseat passengers, check out the Macally Car Headrest Mount Holder as this tablet holder has been tested by kids and approved by parents, meaning you’ll rest easy on long drives knowing your children are entertained. It fits most headrest posts, can cradle and securely hold tablets up to 10 inches in size, and keeps any tablet (and even most mobile phones) stable even with a case in place. 


You may, however, notice that the tablet or smartphone can dip and bounce when moving over undulating terrain as the long extension bar can make it somewhat unstable. That’s furthered when the tablet is heavier than smaller tablets, though this doesn’t happen as much when the bar isn’t as extended. 


Product Specs:

  • Holds tablets up to 10 inches wide
  • 360-degree rotation
  • Weighs 1.1 pounds

Pros:

  • Fits most headrest posts
  • Stable
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Tablet may bounce if bar is fully extended
  • May be too large for certain devices

The affordable price, no-skip stability, and ease of use all make the Tryone Tablet Headrest Holder the best tablet holder for its price. With a budget-friendly price, this tablet holder is ideal for almost any car. It can be installed with one hand in just two seconds. It fits onto most headrests, giving backseat passengers the perfect point of view for any kind of entertainment. It’s compatible with any tablets, smartphones, and even Nintendo Switch devices that are up to 10.5 inches in size. 


Unfortunately, this tablet holder doesn’t extend outward and can make it awkward to view in some larger vehicles where you sit farther away from the seat in front of you. You’ll also want to make sure it’s compatible with the distance of your headrest bars. It needs to be able to fit between them to install it. Managing Editor Jonathon Klein has used this particular tablet in his in-law’s Acura RDX and found that it worked well, but was a pain to install as getting it to sit in between the headrest posts was difficult at best. 


Product Specs:

  • Fits devices 4.7 to 10.5 inches
  • Can be installed on most headrests
  • Requires 4.9-5.9 inch distance between headrest posts

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Easy installation
  • Multi-angle rotation

Cons:

  • Doesn’t extend outward
  • May pop off if you try to interact with device

The Luckybay Backseat Organizer comes with a 10-inch touch screen tablet holder and is sold as a two pack, so you can entertain two children at once. We like this option because it features numerous storage pockets and has a large capacity for a variety of items, including toys and snacks, so your children can watch videos or play games in comfort. It fits in most vehicles and is simple to install with an adjustable headrest and bottom straps with buckles. 


Measuring 24 by 16 inches, it is made of durable 600D polyester and waterproof frosted PVC, and it is designed to protect the seats from dirt, stains, and scratches as well as children's muddy shoes. However, it may be larger than you need if you're looking for a device that only holds a tablet and does nothing else. Also, it comes in a package of two, and you may only require one tablet holder for your vehicle.


Product Specs:

  • 600D polyester, nylon, and PVC construction
  • Weighs one pound
  • Headrest and bottom strap installation

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Several storage pockets
  • Durable

Cons:

  • May have more features than you need
  • Comes in a package of two, and you may only need one

Drivers who need to entertain backseat passengers will love the TFY Universal Car Headrest Mount. Compatible with both smartphones and tablets up to 10.5 inches, this tablet holder uses a silicone holding net to secure your devices to a car headrest. You can adjust the angle of the screen for comfort, and the stretchy net won’t scratch or damage your phone or tablet. It’s also case-compatible, which means you’re able to easily use this mounting gadget with a case that’s already on your tablet. 


One drawback of this holder is that it uses a silicone net to hold your tablet. This makes it less durable than other holders. However, it also makes it safer because it eliminates the need for protruding hard plastic pieces or brackets. Another note from Managing Editor Jonathon Klein, “This one is beyond easy to install, though tablets can begin to slip down when you hit a bump and you’ll need to adjust it.”


Product Specs:

  • Accommodates smartphones and tablets up to 10.5 inches wide
  • Installs on the headrest
  • Weighs 8.8 ounces

Pros:

  • Screen angle is adjustable
  • Compatible with cases
  • Stretchy net won’t scratch your device

Cons:

  • Not as durable as some other options
  • Does not fit some headrests

This easy-to-use tablet holder from Hikig will securely hold your tablet to the back of your front headrest. It has a single strap that wraps completely around the headrest that’s made of elasticated Velcro. To hold it on the headrest, there are Velcro and metal clips. The design is streamlined and made from durable materials to be stain-resistant and long-wearing. There are two bars that your tablet will hook into. 

Devices that are between 7 and 11 inches should comfortably fit and what’s nice about this holder is that you can use it with tablets that are in a protective case or cover. The downside of this holder is that it’s black and may not match your vehicle's interior. However, the high-quality material will look nice. The strap is also slim and unobtrusive to the passenger in the front, which makes it well worth it.

Product Specs:

  • Accommodates devices 7 to 11 inches wide
  • Universal design
  • Weighs 6.4 ounces

Pros:

  • Adjustable
  • Securely holds devices in place
  • High-quality construction

Cons:

  • Can be a hassle to adjust it snugly enough
  • May fall down if you hit a big bump

Give your backseat passengers a convenient way to hold their tablet with this headrest mount from Klsniur. It can rotate 360 degrees and extend outward up to 8.6 inches and can mount this on headrests with posts that are between 4.7 and 5.9 inches apart. There are also two knobs for adjusting the arm’s length. And the grip can hold tablets that are between 6 and 10.5 inches in size. What’s really nice about this holder is that the tablet and headrest post grips are lined with rubber. 

This helps to protect both your device and your vehicle. One downside of this mount is that it’s difficult to adjust as you’ll need to use the two screw knobs. But once you get it adjusted, you don’t have to worry about it moving out of place. Those knobs also give it a longer extendibility range than other tablet holders provide. 


Product Specs:

  • Accommodates 6-10.5-inch wide tablets
  • Rotates 360 degrees
  • Weighs 8.8 ounces

Pros:

  • Rubber lined to protect devices
  • Extendable
  • Holds tablets tightly

Cons:

  • Difficult to adjust
  • May pinch leather seats
  • May not fit tablets with large protective covers

Do you have a CD player in your vehicle that you never use? Then give your vehicle an upgrade with a tablet holder that mounts into it. This one can give you a secure hold with a screw-lock base that provides a stronger hold than other CD mounts. It’s also shallow enough not to interfere with the playback of your already-loaded CDs. It has broad compatibility with the ability to hold tablets that are 7 to 11 inches and cell phones that are 3.5 to 7 inches. 

You’ll have 360-degree rotation and a cable notch for charging while your device is mounted. This holder’s downside is that it won’t work if you don’t have a CD slot to insert it into...duh. However, if you do have one, this is a great way to modernize your vehicle without interfering with the performance of the stock features. 


Product Specs:

  • Accommodates 7- to 11-inch-wide tablets and 3.5- to 7-inch-wide cell phones
  •  Installs into the CD player slot
  • Compatible with numerous iOS and Android devices

Pros:

  • 360-degree rotation
  • Solidly constructed
  • Holds iPad vertically or horizontally

Cons:

  • Requires a CD slot 
  • May bounce around a bit
  • Requires retightening occasionally

Know that your tablet holder isn’t going anywhere when you permanently install it and this holder from Arkon has a 22-inch arm that extends from the seat rail upward. You can then adjust the gooseneck to angle your tablet into the perfect position. This makes it ideal for trucks and fleet vehicles that need the tablet for commercial use and the secure grip holds the tablet on the top and bottom to accommodate tablets that are 7 to 18.4 inches in size. 

You can use it to hold the Apple iPad 2, 3, 4, and Air, and it’s also compatible with the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and more. It comes with all of the necessary installation hardware, though the downside of this tablet holder is that it does require more labor-intensive installation. However, this is well worth it because you have a more secure and stable holder. 


Product Specs:

  • Accommodates tablets 7 to 18.4 inches wide
  • 22-inch extendable arm
  • Designed for trucks

Pros:

  • Angles to various positions
  • Holds larger devices
  • Good for offroading

Cons:

  • Installation is a bit labor intensive
  • Screws can loosen
  • May sway a bit

Here's another car seat organizer that doubles as a 10-inch tablet holder. This organizer by Novashion is 16.8 inches long by 23.8 inches wide and weighs less than a pound. It can accommodate a wide range of tablets that are under 10 inches wide and is designed to be easy to install on a car seat's headrest. It also features numerous pockets to store beverages, snacks, toys, books, and more. 


This organizer/tablet holder fits most cars, trucks, and SUVs, and it's easy to clean. The material is water-resistant and machine washable for convenience, but unlike many other tablet holders, it protects the seats from dirt, stains, scuff marks, scratches, and more. Overall, it's very functional and great for families who want to entertain their children with digital devices and also keep items clean and out of the way. However, it's not adjustable like other types of tablet holders are. Also, the top corners may flop around.


Product Specs:

  • Accommodates tablets up to 10 inches wide
  • Includes numerous pockets for storage
  • Holds beverages too

Pros:

  • Securely holds tablets in place
  • High quality
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Can’t adjust angle of tablet
  • Top corners may flop around a little

The EEEkit rear seat tablet holder is constructed of silicone, soft mesh, and nylon. It's flexible and designed to protect tablets and other electronic devices from vibration and scratches, and it comes with two installation methods, so you can choose the right one to access the buttons on your tablet's screen. 


The bracket is compatible with a wide-range of headrests, and it can hold tablets that are 7 to 10.5 inches wide, including the Nintendo Switch and Fire tablet. It's easy to detach the bracket when it's not in use. One downside is that the holder is not adjustable, so you can only view your tablet from one position. Also, the tablet will fall out if you don't firmly secure it in place during installation.


Product Specs:

  • Silicone, mesh, and nylon construction
  • Accommodates tablets up to 10.5 inches wide
  • Two installation methods

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Flexible and protective
  • Bracket is easy to detach

Cons:

  • Holder is not adjustable
  • Tablet can fall out if you don’t properly install it

Our Verdict on the Best Tablet Holders for Cars

Our top overall pick is the Macally Car Headrest Mount Holder. It's designed to hold tablets up to 10 inches wide as well as most smartphones. It won’t bounce and will stick firmly in place while the vehicle is in motion. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Tryone Tablet Headrest Holder.

What to Consider When Buying a Tablet Holder for Car

There are two types of vehicle tablet holders. Before you shop for one, decide whether you want to use the tablet in the front seat or the back seat. Some holders are designed to stick to a windshield or on an air vent, while others are affixed to the back of a headrest. It can be tempting to buy a cheap tablet holder for your car, but there are other factors you should consider in addition to the price. First, you need to make sure it's compatible with both your vehicle and your tablet. Also, it needs to be stable and easy to use, whether you're the driver or backseat passenger.

Types of Tablet Holders for Cars

Leverage-Based Mount

A leverage-based mount is inserted into either your vehicle's air vent slots, CD slot, or the stem of a headrest, which allows a person in the back seat to engage with the tablet. This is ideal for children and young passengers who seek digital entertainment during a car trip.

The nice thing about these mounts is you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to where you want to place the tablet. The downside is that the mount, in combination with the tablet, may be too heavy for a plastic air vent (and possibly cause it to break). Also, they are not particularly stable and can slide out of place due to bumps in the road or other vibrations.

Suction-Based Mount

The last mounting option for a tablet holder is one that relies on suction cups. These mounts are fairly secure when it comes to slippage, but they are not very versatile. There are not a lot of places in the front of your car in which you can stick the suction cup.

Another problem with these mounts is that some vehicles have windows with a large sloping angle. If you put the mount on this type of surface, the ability to angle the tablet becomes limited. However, you can mount it on either the right or left side of your steering wheel, so it's good for both right- and left-handed people.

Tablet Holder for Car Key Features

Compatibility

Some tablet holders are larger than others, so they can accommodate a larger range of tablets. Whether you have a smaller 7-inch tablet or a larger 12-inch iPad Pro, the holder needs to have a secure grip. Some devices are even designed with adapters to hold smaller electronic devices, such as smartphones.

You also need to consider the thickness of the tablet. Some holders have clips that work well with older tablets that aren't as thin or streamlined as newer devices. Also, make sure the holder fits the vehicle. If you choose one for the headrest, for example, it needs to be stretchy enough to go around it. If you have seats without removable headrests, you want to make sure the holder will work correctly. 

Stability

Tablets aren't cheap, so you want to make sure they're securely protected in the holder. If the mount isn't stable, your tablet may vibrate, making it difficult to see what's on it, or it may drop, which could potentially break it. That’s why a product’s stability is a top priority. 

Also look at the arm extension and make sure it's strong enough to keep your tablet from moving around. If you choose a headrest tablet mount, the elastic should be tight, so it keeps your iPad or other tablet firmly in place so it doesn't wobble.

Ease of Use

If you use a tablet in your vehicle, it needs to be easily accessible so you aren't distracted when you're driving. If you choose a leverage-mounted holder, take a look at the ways it can be configured. Some tilt at more angles than others, and some can pivot 360 degrees, which allows both the driver and passengers to access the tablet.

CD mounts are easy to use, particularly if you're the driver. It's not hard, for example, to reach forward and set GPS coordinates. This may be more difficult with a different type of mount. Headrest mounts, on the other hand, tend to be less adjustable. They may only allow a horizontal mounting position and may or may not have a tilting feature.

Vehicle Compatibility

The holder you buy needs to work in your vehicle. You may find that a windshield mount doesn’t work with the slope and style of your windshield. Or perhaps the air vent mount doesn’t fit into your air vents. Confirm that your chosen mount can be installed in your vehicle. 

Portability

Do you plan on traveling with your tablet holder? Maybe you have more than one vehicle. Or you plan on renting a vehicle for a trip. This will influence the type of holder you buy. You’ll want something easy and fast to install and take out. Plus, it needs to be compact for packing into a bag or luggage. 

Durability

The conditions in your vehicle can be quite harsh. Summertime means extreme heat, and winter can bring extreme cold. The holder you choose needs to be durable enough to last throughout the seasons. Lower-quality suction cups will get hot and melt. Low-quality plastic could become brittle in the cold and crack or break. 

Tablet Holder for Car Pricing 

Car tablet holders are relatively inexpensive. Less-expensive options are generally made of plastic and are slightly adjustable. They are fairly basic when it comes to their features. Devices that cost more than $20 are usually more durably made with longer arms, more flexibility, and the ability to accommodate a larger range of devices.

Tips and Tricks

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and tablet holders for cars. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

  • Get the exact measurement of your tablet before you buy a holder. Devices with a screen are measured diagonally on the screen only. 
  • Consider the design of your vehicle when buying your holder. Some air vent mounts work only with certain types of vents. Others work only with headrest support bars that are a specific size and distance. 
  • Consider the total weight of the tablet and its case when buying your holder. The support arm needs to be able to hold the entire weight. Otherwise, it will begin to droop and put extra stress on the holder. 

FAQs 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

Q. How do I install the tablet holder for a car?

A: In general, it's not difficult to install a tablet holder in your car. Some stick in the air vent, CD slot, or cup holder, while others you strap to the headrest. Some brands use suction cups and you stick them on the window.

Q: Can you mount a tablet to a car?

A: Clearly, based on the products above, you can. But you can both temporarily and permanently mount a tablet to your car. You’ll just need the right mounting hardware to do either. 

Q: How do you hang a tablet in a car?

A:  The best way to hang a tablet in your car is by installing a tablet holder onto the back of your car’s seat. Some car organizers include tablet holders, which hang off the front seat.

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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