Three types of smartphone mounts we like

Smartphone mounts have become an indispensable part of how we get around nowadays, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Depending on your car and your preferences, the most handy place for you to cue up your driving playlist may be on your windshield, dashboard or air vent. Of the commonly available options, these are our picks for magnet, cradle and air vent mounts.

Magnets provide the quickest, easiest way of securing your phone before you get on the road. We like the Logitech +Drive Car Mount for its slick design, its sturdy, single-twist installation and its adjustability. It also comes with an adhesive disc that emulates the finish on glass so that you can attach the mount to your dashboard if you don’t want to attach it to your windshield. The magnetic connection is surprisingly strong, your phone will be safe on even the bumpiest roads, and no mounting method is quite as quick or as satisfying.

If you don’t want to attach a magnet to the back of your phone (though, we should say, magnets generally work through phone covers and don’t interfere with your service), an armed mount attached to your windscreen is the classic choice. We liked the solid build, firm suction and 360-degree pivot of the 3Sixt short-arm window mount. Its 80-millimetre width also means that it’ll accommodate larger phones, including the iPhone Max range or the Samsung Galaxy S9+.

If budget is a consideration, we like the Cleanskin universal phone vent clip. Mounting your phone in a nearby air vent is an ingenious, convenient way to secure it safely within eye’s reach. In fact, in many cars it’s the ideal place. Just slip the pincer-like attachment onto a slat and you’re good to go. The clip’s padded interior ensures no unsightly scratches on your phone, and it can also hold newer, larger devices.

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