The days of the humble AM/FM car radio were a more innocent and less complicated time for in-car entertainment. Now, most entertainment on the go is delivered online, often via our smartphones, so investing in a magnetic phone holder makes a lot of sense. Our reliance on our phones is only going to increase as we use them not only for communication and entertainment but also as a sat-nav device.
Until recently, the brackets and clips used on phone holders were inevitably flimsy and brittle, subject to breaking or rattling within a short space of time. But mercifully, small, powerful magnets are taking over the task of holding your phone steady while you drive. And some of them do a mighty fine job of it.
For a magnetic car phone holder to work as it should, there needs to be a firm grasp at both ends. The magnets in the holder need to be strong enough so that they snatch the phone from your hand when you attach it to the holder and allow an easy release. At the same time, the bracket needs to grip the air vent, dashboard or other in-car surface without rattling or shaking – or, indeed, falling off.
The best magnetic car phone holders at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Belkin BoostCharge – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best suction holder: APPS2Car Magnetic Phone Mount – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best compact mounts: Ivoler Car Phone Holder (2 pack) – Buy now from Amazon UK
Long story short, you get what you pay for. We’ve yet to come across a £5 phone holder that is at a satisfactory standard. Here are some of the best magnetic phone holders available just now..
The best magnetic car phone holder 2024
Editor’s pick
Rrp: $59.99
Rrp: $59.99
The MagSafe technology ensures a secure and stable fit with easy removal, and the installation process of fitting it to the air vents in the car should only take a few minutes. If required, it is available without the charging cable.
Pros
- Easy installation
- MagSafe Technology
Cons
- Can cause the air vent to face downwards
Best CD slot holder
Apps2Car have produced this mount which can hold any device up to an 11-inch tablet without compromising the ability to play CDs. Like the Belkin holder above, it fully rotates and swivels 360 degrees.
Pros
- Suitable for larger devices
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- Car CD player required
Best magnetic air vent holder
This air vent mount stands out because its attachment is much stronger and more secure. Like the others here, this phone holder can fully rotate and is compatible with a wide range of smartphones.
Pros
- Strong hook attachment to air vent
- Holds smartphones of up to 7 inches
Cons
- Can be tricky to adjust air vent once fitted
Best suction holder
The arm is sturdy and can extend between 11.7cm and 16cm. Its angle can also be adjusted, and the magnetic mount swivels 360 degrees.
Pros
- Arm extends up 16cm
- Adjustable angle
Cons
- Can bounce a little when fully extended
Best compact mounts
Pros
- Two-pack
- Compact size
Cons
- Only sticks to smooth plastic surfaces
Best for horizontal mounting
Rrp: $17.99
Rrp: $17.99
The sturdy metal ring contains 24 magnets, ensuring a secure fit, even for heavier smartphones, as you travel and allowing for easy adjustment.
Pros
- Good adjustability
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only suitable for flat, horizontal installation
FAQs
Will a magnetic phone holder damage my phone or interfere with my GPS or other functions?
No, a magnetic phone holder will not damage your phone or interfere with its functions. Modern smartphones are built with flash storage, which is not affected by magnets. Additionally, GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi signals are unaffected by the type of magnets used in phone holders. However, placing the magnet very close to a wireless charger may affect charging speed, so it can sometimes be better to remove the phone from the mount while charging wirelessly.
How strong is the magnetic grip, and will my phone fall off while driving?
High-quality magnetic phone holders are designed to hold your phone securely, even on bumpy roads or during sudden stops. They use powerful neodymium magnets to provide a firm grip without being overly bulky. When properly installed, they’re very reliable.
Can I use a magnetic holder if my phone has wireless charging?
Yes, you can use a magnetic holder with wireless charging-enabled phones. However, you’ll need to place the metal plate away from the phone’s wireless charging coil to avoid interference. If possible, remove the phone from the magnetic mount while charging to get the best performance from both devices.
Will the metal plate cause my phone to overheat?
Generally, the metal plate should not cause overheating. However, if placed directly on the phone’s back, the plate can slightly affect heat dissipation. It is recommended that the metal plate is attached to your phone case, as this helps minimize direct heat build-up. If overheating occurs, repositioning the metal plate further down the phone may help.
Will using a magnetic holder void my phone’s warranty?
Using a magnetic phone holder will not void your phone’s warranty. Manufacturers understand that these accessories are popular and are unlikely to cause issues with the phone’s internal components. However, it’s always best to follow the phone holder’s instructions to avoid any unintended damage.
Can I use the magnetic mount for larger devices like a tablet?
Magnetic holders are primarily designed for smartphones, as they may not be strong enough to securely hold larger devices like tablets. If you’re considering mounting a tablet, look for holders specifically designed for heavier devices.
How we choose
All of these magnetic phone holders have been hand-selected by our team of experts, who have spent hours investigating and researching magnetic phone holders to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
