MagSafe devices use strong magnetic clasps to secure your device in an instant, sometimes with hands-free battery charging at the same time.
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MagSafe car mounts make driving while using your phone hands-free a breeze, thanks to the built-in magnetic clasps on Apple devices. Although MagSafe was first introduced for the charging ports on Macbooks, it has since been implemented on iPhones, offering a strong magnet for mounting, charging, and attaching accessories like wallets.
If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, simply place the phone on a MagSafe-compatible mount and it automatically sticks securely, allowing you to take phone calls, listen to music, and use navigation without hands-on distractions while driving. Powered MagSafe mounts can also deliver up to 15 watts of fast charging power while the device is connected, which is especially handy on long car trips.
We rounded up the best MagSafe car mounts on the market, plus the most important points to consider before you shop.
Looking for more ways to protect and charge your new iPhone? Check out our stories on the best MagSafe accessories, the best MagSafe cases, and the best MagSafe-compatible portable chargers.
MagSafe is a proprietary Apple feature, so competing devices such as the Google Pixel 7a are not compatible with MagSafe car mounts or chargers. The feature was first introduced to mobile devices with the iPhone 12, and it’s stuck around for all iPhone 13 and 14 models as well.
The new iPhone 15 is also on the horizon, and we expect the device will continue to offer MagSafe into the new generation as it’s become a beloved feature among Apple users. iPhones older than the 12th-gen do not include the feature, and will have to use traditional car mounts.
The first decision to make is whether you want a car mount that simply holds your iPhone or if you want charging capability, too. Some unpowered models are designed to work in tandem with MagSafe chargers and phone cases you may already own, which is a good option if you’re looking to save money.
If you choose a powered model, remember that you’ll need to plug the included cable into a cigarette lighter adapter or a USB-A or USB-C port in your car. Make sure the cable reaches your power source, and consider investing in some cable organizers to keep your cab tidy.
Both powered and unpowered mounts come in a range of installation styles, including suction cups, air-conditioning vent clips, and mounts with semi-permanent adhesive pads.
Suction cups are versatile in that they can be mounted anywhere on a windshield, or on a smooth dashboard surface. They do, however, have a tendency to loosen over time, especially if you push and pull on the suction when taking your phone in and out.
Air-conditioning vent mounts keep the phone from obstructing any forward visibility. They also put it within arm's reach for things like navigation, but they may interfere with some airflow from your car’s climate-control system.
Car mounts that use adhesive pads are easy to install and can work well depending on how the mount is designed, but if you have a larger and heavier iPhone Pro Max, a vent clip or suction cup may be a better option. Some people who live in extremely hot climates have trouble keeping these adhesives on—if that’s the case for you, we recommend vent clips or suctions that can be reused virtually infinitely.
We recommend a wide range of MagSafe mounts across multiple price points and styles. During our research, we considered mounts based on personal experience, only recommending the mounts that stay in place and hold your phone securely. To make our final selections, we compared mounts based on overall design and functionality, as well as charging power, warranty, and extra features like LED lights and phone cooling.
The OtterBox MagSafe car mount features a suction mount with an adjustable joint, which is handy for getting the perfect angle for your car. You can easily change the position of your phone from landscape to portrait mode. This car mount is also guaranteed to be compatible with any OtterBox phone case that supports MagSafe.
If you already have a MagSafe charger and MagSafe-compatible case, you can slot it into this budget-friendly, unobtrusive vent mount to create a car charging platform for your iPhone.
Once mounted up, the vent mount allows you to view your phone in either portrait or landscape orientation. It also features an integrated ball joint that lets you tilt the screen in any direction for optimal visibility. The mount is available in black or white, and the manufacturer recommends pairing it with a 20-watt or higher USB-C port.
This HaloLock mount comes with an internal cooling fan to push warm air away from the device as it charges. It’s a useful feature, as smartphones tend to overheat with prolonged sun exposure, and wireless chargers also generate heat of their own. It uses a vent clip, along with a quick-release lever for easy installation and removal, plus an articulating ball joint for a fully adjustable view.
Unlike most chargers, it also features a ring of LED lights, which can help you line up your phone in low light. Ten watts of power come from the included USB-C to USB-A cable. The Amazon listing also includes a version that comes with a USB to 12-volt adapter, and the Walmart listing for the same product has the charger, cable, and adapter all in one set.
This simple, unpowered car mount uses permanent magnets to hold your iPhone in place. It also contains graphene material inside, which passively absorbs heat and helps keep your phone cool on the road.
The standard mount is a vent clip that comes with a pivoting head to adjust the screen angle, and there’s an additional mount that uses basic adhesive pads, plus a flexible foot that you can bend to fit the curves of your vehicle’s dashboard. For a higher price, there’s also a version with built-in charging available.
This Anker charger features one of the sturdiest mount designs out there, with a semi-permanent adhesive pad that sticks to the dashboard and reinforces the extended arm of the device. With 134-degree angle adjustment, the mount has a wide rotation capability, and you can easily switch from landscape to portrait mode with your device,
Like the other MagSafe mounts, it works with recent iOS models, but only supplies 7.5 watts. That’s half the power supply that Apple allows, so charging will be on the slow side. A 5-foot USB-C to USB-A cable comes in the package, along with cable clips to keep your cords organized.
Once your phone is mounted, this vent clip charger from Belkin is practically invisible. It allows you to mount your phone in either portrait or landscape orientation, and offers 10 watts of charging power, which is slightly less than the 15 watts offered by the Apple standard. It comes with a slim 20-watt USB-C cable, and there’s a 12-volt plug adapter in the kit as well.
The Scosche MagicMount features one of the simplest designs for MagSafe holders. At barely an inch thick, it won’t intrude on your car’s interior styling, but a drawback of its small size is that it lacks built-in charging.
The adhesive pad included is also semi-permanent, so you’ll have to make a sure decision on where it gets installed. If you’d rather not use the adhesive, the mount is available in other styles, including a vent clip and suction mount, along with a cup holder insert and even a tripod holder.
This charging mount uses a flexible metal arm with multiple points of articulation. This allows the user to set the phone flush against the dashboard or mounted higher up, along with adjustments for rotation and phone orientation.
The suction cup mount can be affixed to a dashboard with a flat surface or onto the windshield, and the connection goes to a 3.7-foot USB-C cable. No 12-volt adapter is included, so you’ll want to purchase one if your vehicle doesn’t have a USB-C port. Its power output is 7.5 watts, which is definitely on the low end compared to the 10- and 15-watt MagSafe chargers that are available.
This unique MagSafe mount is suited to secure your iPhone to bicycles, motorcycles, and ATVs. The standard version uses a clamp for mounting on handlebars. Other mounting options include a brake lever clamp, and hard-mount options to bolt the phone holder directly to the vehicle frame. No charging is included, which is expected since your bike doesn’t have power, but it’s an excellent companion for long bikepacking trips where you need access to your map.
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