A good phone mount is an essential accessory for any vehicle that doesn't include a built-in navigation system. Whether it attaches to your dashboard or windshield, a secure phone mount provides a safe and simple way to make calls, get turn-by-turn directions, access the music on your phone, or use a voice assistant. But some mounts work better with certain cars and phones than others.

The other plus point about the TechMatte model is that it seems to have been designed by someone who clearly cares about preserving their car interior. Part with a few pennies for some uber cheap car phone holders on the market and you’re asking for trouble. Not so with the TechMatte edition as it attaches to a variety of dashboard vents without fuss or, indeed, leaving marks, scratches or scuffs in the process.

Size Matters

Suction cup mounts are the most ‘typical’ type of attachment. You simply place them where you like on a car windscreen or dashboard and often tighten them further with a lever.

It can make sense to have your mobile phone mounted on the windscreen, for example, if you're using it as a sat nav. For such occasions, or if you cannot use a vent-mounted option, we recommend this suction mount from Mous. If you don’t want something too fiddly and cumbersome, then this simple magnetic air vent mount is the ideal choice. Users love how sturdy the clip to the vent is, and how you can simply place your phone in any position you like on the mount.

One of the most popular options is a clip that attaches to your air-conditioning vent. These are ideal for lighter smartphones, but the grip might not be firm enough to hold heavier devices and it also obstructs the airflow. This car phone mount isn’t anything special in terms of the cradle itself, but what this phone mount does do is allow for total hands free control. The corresponding app allows you to control your phone completely via voice control and it is even compatible with Alexa so she can play you music, make calls, send texts and route your GPS for you. There is no adjustment features on this mount, but the air vent clip is sturdy and allows your phone to be at the perfect angle for viewing. There are two things to consider when buying a car phone holder. One, will it fit your phone? And two, will it fit your car? The good news is that the mounts listed below will work with all popular smartphones.

Mounts with built-in Qi wireless chargers are increasingly common. Your vehicle's DC port powers these mounts, which save you the trouble of plugging in your phone each time you hop in the car. Most are compatible with both Android devices and iPhones. If you often forget to plug in your phone and it supports wireless charging, this is a no-fuss way to keep it juiced up. Despite the pretty low-tech initial impression, the Exshow Car Mount actually turns out to be perfect for anyone who wants a viewing angle that’s higher up, thanks to that windshield mount design. The suction pad works fine while the precise positioning of your phone can be done thanks to a 360-degree flexible cable. Note the word ‘hold’. It’s actually legal to use a phone or sat nav while driving if it’s placed in a dashboard holder or a windscreen mount. This leaves you free to use a voice control system such as Siri or Google Assistant, along with the phone’s built-in sat nav. How to buy the right car phone holder, and how to use it

If you have a standard air conditioner vent (with horizontal slats), plenty of excellent options exist. Vent mounts are often not compatible with circular or small AC vents. Some car phone holders have a single cradle and more than one mount. If you have more than one vehicle, this allows you to install one mount in each vehicle and just take the cradle portion of the holder with you. Look for one that includes a variety of mounts, including vent, dash, and windshield, if you think this would be a useful feature. As is the case with many phone holders, there’s not a lot to it, but the design works really well. This is largely down to its simplicity, with nothing more than an adhesive pad to contend with in terms of fitting. It’ll work a treat on many surfaces, including vertical areas of your dash as well as less practical locations where other phone mounts can’t even get near. The best car phone holders allow you to secure your phone while driving safely. In this modern-day, cell phones are illegal to use while driving, but they could offer helpful functions like GPS.