The Best Cup Holder Phone Mounts for Your Car
For most of us, smartphones are a third limb. We use them for everything and everywhere, especially in the car. We open our GPS app when we’re lost down windy roads and shamelessly belt out tunes from our rush hour playlist during traffic jams. But using a smartphone in the car can often be a nuisance, like when a friend sends you a text right when the light turns green, and your phone slides from the dashboard or the front passenger seat onto the grimy floor. Yes, you could keep one hand on the wheel and the other hand on your phone, but we all know this isn’t the safest solution. That’s where cup holder phone mounts come in handy — or should we say handless? Cup holder phone mounts allow access to your phone while remaining hands-free.
What to Look For
To find the best cup holder phone mount, you should consider a few things: adjustability, flexibility, and versatility. Our favorite cup holder phone mount was the WeatherTech CupFone. Its interchangeable base makes it easier for you to mount it in practically any car cup holder. However, the WeatherTech can have a harder time fitting larger phones with thick protective cases. If you’re looking for more versatility, consider Squish’s two-in-one universal cell phone holder and wireless charger. We loved that this phone holder acts as a charger and even came with a Type C cable. Read our reviews below to see why we think these are the best cup holder phone mounts on the market.
WeatherTech CupFone Phone Holder
A perfect fit
It’s easy to achieve a secure placement with this cup holder phone mount. Its unique design features five interchangeable base cups. Each one is sized for a different type of standard cup holder. You can try them all until you find the one that fits best in your vehicle. Simply slide the phone mount in, and it’s ready to use. The sides of the phone holder adjust, so you can get a firm grip on your phone. It can fit all major brands of smartphones, even if they’re in a slim protective case. The base rotates, so you can easily see your phone no matter which position your seat is in. The design also allows you to charge your phone while it’s in use, so you don’t have to worry about your battery dying before you reach your destination.
Pros:
- The interchangeable base lets you quickly size it for your car and securely mount it.
- The adjustable sides hold a variety of phone sizes.
- We love that you can easily charge the phone while it’s in use, thanks to the open access to the charging port.
Cons:
- We found that some phones won’t fit in the base if the protective case is too thick.
Topgo Car Cup Holder Smart Phone Cradle
Do the twist
This cup holder phone mount is quick to install in any size cup holder. It’s simple to adjust the size, so you can quickly move it between different vehicles. The heavy-duty base will hold up to a lot of use. Your phone is also protected in this cup holder phone mount. There are two holding feet to keep your phone from sliding out. The part that touches your phone is soft, so you won’t have to worry about it getting scratched. You can charge your phone while it’s resting in this holder. The phone holder can accommodate most iPhones, Samsungs, and more. However, it can only fit a thickness of up to 0.51 inches, so if you have a battery case or a thick protective case, it probably will not fit.
Pros:
- The easy release keeps a firm but padded grip on your phone.
- The two supportive legs keep your phone in place, even on bumpy roads.
- You can adjust the position both vertically and horizontally to achieve an unobstructed view.
Cons:
- While adjustable, this car cup phone holder is not compatible with battery charging cases. Simply remove the battery charging case before use.
Bokilino Car Cup Holder Phone Mount
Know your angles
One downside to putting your phone on a cup holder mount is, that depending on the location of your cup holders, your phone may be fairly low. To help overcome this problem, this phone mount features an adjustable gooseneck. This raises your phone higher, making it easier to see. The neck is strong, so your phone won’t shake while you’re driving down the road. With the flexible swivel ball and the jointed arm, you’ll be able to find a good angle for visibility. This mount holds phones between 2-4 inches wide and can accommodate up to 0.99-inches in thickness. It’s easy to install, so you’ll be enjoying hands-free usage in no time.
Pros:
- You’ll find that the flexible gooseneck remains sturdy after several uses.
- Its jointed arm and swivel ball rotates to make your phone’s screen completely visible.
- Unlike other car cupholders, the Bokilino can hold phones up to nearly an inch in thickness, making it compatible with most protective cases.
Cons:
- In extreme heat, the rubber on the sides of the cup holder may slide a bit, though it’s easy to retighten and adjust.
Squish Two-in-One Universal Cell Phone Holder and Wireless Charger
Wherever you need it
This phone mount is very versatile. It comes with everything you need to mount your phone in two different ways and keep it charged. The set includes an easy-to-use cup holder base, an air clip vent, a wireless car charger, and a Type C cable. It will quickly charge your iPhone or Samsung. The wireless car charger detects what type of current your device requires and then delivers the appropriate amount of juice. When you use the cup holder mount option, this phone holder can be adjusted to fit a variety of sizes. It will hold your phone securely in place so that you don’t get a headache trying to track a sliding screen. If you prefer to keep your phone closer to your natural line of sight, you can use the air vent clip instead. Many different phones will fit in this mount, no matter which option you use.
Pros:
- There are two options for mounting, so you can select the one that’s most comfortable for you to use.
- Its wireless charger is surprisingly fast.
- The base expands, so it fits in practically any cup holder.
Cons:
- The phone release button takes a bit of time to get used to, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it.
Bestrix Car Cup Phone Holder
Simple and effective
If you aren’t sure if you’re going to like having your phone mounted in your cup holder, this is the perfect product for you to try. It’s inexpensive, so you won’t be out a lot of money if you decide you don’t like it there. If your cup holder is large, there are three pads you can attach that will help it fit securely. There’s an adjustable gooseneck that raises your phone. The cradle head rotates 360 degrees, so you can find the position that works best in your vehicle. Taking your phone out is simple, thanks to the single-touch button design. It can accommodate phones of a variety of sizes; however, if your phone case is too heavy, the gooseneck will not be able to hold it up securely.
Pros:
- Once you mount this car cup phone mount, it’s not going anywhere unless you want it to. All you have to do is twist the lower adjustment knob.
- The flexible gooseneck easily rotates and can raise the phone an additional six inches.
Cons:
- If your phone uses a heavy protective case, you may need to remove it while using this car cup phone mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to install your phone in a cup holder?
If your cup holder phone mount is securely installed, it can be a great way to keep your phone hands-free in the car. You won’t have to worry about making permanent changes to your car. That being said, these holders don’t give you a free pass to break the law. Make sure you aren’t sending texts or playing with your phone while driving. Always pull over to enter a new destination or add songs to your playlist. That way, your attention is on the road while you are behind the wheel.
How do you install a cup holder phone mount?
The exact process for installation will vary from model to model. Typically, you will place the phone mount into the cup holder and adjust the base until it fits securely. You need a secure grip to ensure you don’t have to adjust your phone once it’s mounted. The fewer distractions while you drive, the better.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.