The Best Car Vent Phone Holders for Safer Commutes
Whether you’re using your phone for GPS navigation, calls, music, or just want to keep it within your field of view while driving, a secure phone holder is a necessity for everyone.
Trying to wedge your phone between the windshield and the dash might be a temporary fix, but it eventually tips over and isn’t a long-term solution. A suction-based windshield or adhesive holder is better, but can obstruct your view, and fall off if you hit a heavy bump or pothole. The worst option of all is keeping the phone in your lap or resting it on the middle console, having to look down every time you want to check if you’re on the right route. A split second is all it takes for an accident to happen.
What Are the Best Car Vent Phone Holders?
The best car vent phone holder will latch onto the air vents in your dashboard, holding your phone steady and in a place you can still see without completely taking your eyes off the road. They’re easily reachable while driving in order to safely take calls, and rotate up to 360 degrees to better see in the sun’s glare (or if your passenger wants to change the music or podcast that’s currently playing). They’re also adjustable to clamp onto almost any phone, even ones in a bulky case, and still keep the charging port free and unobstructed, leaving room to run a cable from your car’s lighter port or power source.
A quick-release button also comes in handy when you want to move the mount to another vent or vehicle, or completely remove it to protect from theft when you’ve arrived at your destination.
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, go for one that’s designed to handle the heat (and cold). Some materials can expand and contract in fluctuating weather, ultimately warping the holder’s tight grip and letting your phone slip out.
None of these require any adhesives that could cause damage to your dashboard, leaving sticky residue that’s a pain to clean. Installation only takes a few minutes, if not seconds, and you’re good to get on the road.
With this in mind, we’ve selected a few of the top car vent phone holders on the market right now. Here are our favorites.
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1. Beam Electronics Car Phone Mount Holder
Beam’s vent-mountable holder fits pretty much any phone, and expands moderately wide – up to 3.7 inches, to compensate for bulky protective cases. The cushioned material cuts down on road vibrations, while providing a protective and comfortable place for your device to sit at just below eye-level.
This can handle the bumps in the road, but also extreme heat and cold temperatures without losing its grip. There’s even a sizable spot to slide your charging cable through at the bottom, and a quick-release button to free your phone when you’ve arrived at your destination.
Amazon
Buy: Beam Electronics Car Phone Mount Holder
2. Ainope Car Phone Holder Mount
Ainope’s folding auto-lock design clamps your phone down with some serious grip, while keeping it cushioned with silicone rubber on all sides. The triangular support points provide a unique design that’s practical too, and doesn’t block the flow of air coming out of the vents like some other clunky cases. There’s more than enough space to still slip a charging cable in, and this grips to both horizontal and vertical vents on most any vehicle.
Amazon
Buy: Ainope Car Phone Holder Mount
3. WixGear Magnetic Phone Car Mount
For those who prefer the quick and satisfying stickiness of a magnet mount but still want it secured to a vent, WixGear might just be the ideal mix. The magnet is surprisingly powerful and holds up to bumps and sudden stops. Simply slide the plate in between your phone’s back and its case, then slap it on to the holder. There’s no interference with cellular signals, and the clamps slide smoothly onto even thick vent grates.
Amazon
Buy: WixGear Magnetic Phone Car Mount
4. Lamicall Car Vent Phone Mount
Lamicall’s lightweight compact holder has two clamps in back for additional stability, and opens wide, all the way up to 6.5 inches, to accommodate most any phone or even small tablet. The rubber pads prevent your phone from scratches and slowly slipping downwards over time, and the holder rotates 360 degrees, giving you the option to view your screen in portrait or landscape modes. Installation is as simple as pushing it onto the vent’s grill and securing your phone in place. It’s also small enough to take with you when you’re done driving for the day.
Amazon
