Belkin Car Vent Mount review
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A solid mount that does the job, if a little spectacularly
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
Tom’s Guide Verdict
When it comes to simple car mounts, Belkin somehow manages to stand out with one feature others don’t often have — cable management.
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Pros
- +
The mount can be rotated into portrait and landscape mode
- +
Construction is solid and will stand up to daily use
- +
Cable management is a feature other mounts don’t have
- +
Nice soft grips mean your phone won’t be damaged
Cons
- –
There are cheaper options
- –
The mount doesn’t charge your device
- –
Some larger phones might not fit if they’re wearing a case
Why you can trust Tom’s Guide
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Today’s best Belkin Car Vent Mount deals
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Belkin Car Vent Mount specs
Price: $25
Wireless Charging: No
Color: Silver
Orientation: 360-degree rotation for landscape and portrait
Choosing a mount to hold your phone isn’t always an easy task, but anyone wanting a simple vent mount could do worse than check out the aptly named Belkin Car Vent Mount.
Some cars come with huge screens and their own navigation system, but few are all that great. Sometimes the humble phone and Google Maps is a better option, especially if you don’t want to buy a whole new car just to get CarPlay or Android Auto support.
Belkin Car Vent Mount: Price and availability
- Belkin Car Vent Mount at Amazon for $24.99
Priced at $25, the Belkin Car Vent Mount isn’t expensive in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a relatively costly option considering it’s a pretty basic mount.
You can order directly from Belkin, or via Amazon and you’ll get everything you need in the box. Namely, the mount itself.
An air vent attachment is the only way this mount can be attached to a car, as the name suggests. No accessories are provided in the box because none are needed, so if you want a simple mount this might be the one for you.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Despite being a simple car mount, the Belkin Car Vent Mount does manage to have an interesting feature up its sleeve. Buyers will benefit from the grip’s party piece in the form of a cable management area around the back of the grip.
Slots on either side are designed to have a cable threaded through them for two reasons. First, it gives you somewhere to wrap extra cabling if yours is too long. Secondly, it should mean your cable doesn’t fall on the floor when you aren’t using it. Tidy cabins for the win, as they say.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The mount itself can also rotate, making it easy to run your phone in portrait and landscape orientation depending on the app you’re using.
Google Maps and other navigation apps benefit greatly, here.
Belkin Car Vent Mount: Setup
Attaching the mount to your car is a simple case of finding a spare air vent and sliding it on. The part of the mount that grips the air vent is solid enough not to move around while still being soft enough that you don’t need to worry about scratching anything. It also has horizontal and vertical slots — perfect for those with air vents with slats in both directions. You’ll benefit from extra stability thanks to that design.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The Belkin mount holds your phone with two telescoping grips, one on each side. They both move when you pull just one side and they’re covered in rubber to protect the side of your phone. Inserting your phone is as simple as pulling those grips open and sliding it in.
Belkin Car Vent Mount: Performance
The Belkin Car Vent Mount does what it says on the box, in that it attaches to a car vent and holds your phone in place.
I found the cable management to be a welcome addition and it did indeed prevent the cable from falling between the seats, under the car mat, or anywhere else these things tend to end up. You might not need or use it, but it’s nice to have it there anyway.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
In terms of holding a phone in its place, Belkin’s mount does exactly that. The grips are solid and there was no way my iPhone 12 Pro was going to fall out, even over the most aggressive of speed bumps. The same can be said for the mount itself — its grip of my oddly-shaped air vent was strong and there’s little more you can hope for from this kind of design.
My only slight concern might be for those with huge phones with heavy-duty cases on them. Belkin says the Galaxy Note 9 fits, but it doesn’t say it will do so with a case. The same goes for Apple’s latest devices, too. Something to keep in mind if you’re a fan of big phones and industrial cases.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
One extra benefit of such a small design is the way the mount almost disappears when you aren’t using it.
It’s also very easy to remove if you want to go that route, too.
Belkin Car Vent Mount: Verdict
Cable management aside, the Belkin Car Vent Mount is a well-put-together version of a pretty standard car mount.
It doesn’t do anything truly great, but what it does, it does well. That isn’t something that can be taken for granted given the thousands of cheap mounts available on Amazon and other marketplaces.
I’d recommend this mount to anyone who wants just that — a mount for their phone. Anyone wanting more advanced features like wireless charging should look elsewhere.
Belkin Car Vent Mount: Price Comparison
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6 Best Car Phone Holders of 2023
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1
Best Overall Car Phone Holder
Belkin Car Universal Mount
1
Best Overall Car Phone Holder
Belkin Car Universal Mount
$30 at Amazon$30 at Walmart$30 at tigerdirect.com
Pros
- Strong suction cup with locking mechanism
- Comes with dash mount option
Cons
- Bulky base
When it comes to stability, this Belkin car phone holder seriously outperformed the competition. The suction cup for windshield application features a locking mechanism that allowed this phone holder to handle more force before coming off the window than any of the other suction cup mounts we tried. For states where mounting your phone on the windshield is illegal, this phone holder also comes with a base for mounting it directly to your dashboard. Although we love the stability of the base, it’s bulkier design may be hard to place on cluttered or tight dashboards.
The arm rotates 360 degrees and the grip can tilt 90 degrees, allowing for easy repositioning of your phone.
The pinching mechanism that holds the phone in place was also stable, passing our shake tests with both an iPhone 11 and 14.
| Compatible Phone Widths | 6.5 cm to 9.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Attachment Type | Windshield, Dashboard |
2
Best Value Car Phone Holder
iOttie Easy One Touch 5
2
Best Value Car Phone Holder
iOttie Easy One Touch 5
Now 26% Off
$25 at Amazon
Pros
- Strong suction cup
- Telescopic arm with ball-and-socket joint
Cons
- Dashboard mounting disc doesn’t work on curved dashboards
iOttie’s Easy One Touch 5 offers more functionality than some of its competitors at a slightly lower price. The phone holder can be applied to the windshield or dashboard and features a telescopic arm with a pivoting ball-and-socket joint, allowing for a wide array of customization in terms of viewing angle.
While we weren’t able to test this model ourselves, we were impressed with the one-touch system that allows you to insert and remove your phone with a single hand.
More than 75,000 five-star Amazon reviewers rave about this phone mount with many reviewers pointing out that the powerful suction keeps the phone holder in place even on bumpy rides. Some, however, point out that the dashboard mounting disc that comes with only works on perfectly flat surfaces, so if your dashboard has any kind of curve it’s best to look elsewhere.
| Compatible Phone Widths | 7.8 cm to 10.9 cm (claimed by manufacturer) |
|---|---|
| Attachment Type | Windshield, Dashboard |
3
Best Vent-Clip Car Phone Holder
Kenu Airframe Pro
3
Best Vent-Clip Car Phone Holder
Kenu Airframe Pro
$30 at Amazon
Pros
- Simple design disappears into dashboard
Cons
- Little ability to angle phone once installed
For those wanting a quick, fuss-free car phone holder experience that blends seamlessly with the rest of the car, the Airframe Pro offers pure simplicity.
It clips directly into car vents and the clip can rotate 90 degrees so you can use your phone in both portrait and landscape mode.
We found the grip of this product kept our test phones in place even when shaken vigorously, and we liked its cross-compatibility with different phone models, accommodating screen widths of 6.8 to 10.5 cm. Although this phone holder features a ball and socket joint for angling the phone, it has limited mobility, so there may be fewer locations in your car where you can place it and still see the screen clearly.
| Compatible Phone Widths | 6.8 cm to 10.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Attachment Type | Vent Clip |
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4
Most Versatile Car Phone Holder
andobil Car Phone Mount
4
Most Versatile Car Phone Holder
andobil Car Phone Mount
Now 36% Off
$23 at Amazon
Pros
- Dashboard, windshield, and vent clip options so you can see what works best for your driving style
- Compatible with many phone models
Cons
- Some reviewers report problems with the suction cup
If aren’t sure about where you’d like to mount your phone, Andobil’s Car Phone Mount is your safest bet.
The holder can be fixed to the windshield via a suction cup, the dashboard via the included dash mount or the vents via the included vent clip. It also has a ball and socket joint and telescopic arm, to provide the most versatile selection of viewing angles and placements.
We liked the overall compatibility of this phone holder too. It fits phones from 7.6 to 11.6 cm in width, and we found the locking mechanism was well-padded and held our test phones securely. The telescopic arm also extended further than any of the others we tested. The arm was stable when weighted and was easy to adjust for viewing. Although some reviewers on Amazon have reported difficulty with getting the suction cup to stick, it passed our tests with flying colors — just make sure to stick it to a flat surface and thoroughly clean that surface prior to application.
| Compatible Phone Widths | 7.6 cm to 11.6 cm |
|---|---|
| Attachment Type | Dashboard, Windshield, Vent Clip |
5
Best Car Phone Holder with Charger
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger with MagSafe
5
Best Car Phone Holder with Charger
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger with MagSafe
$100 at Amazon
Pros
- Charges while it holds phone in place
- Magnetic functionality allows for easy positioning and removal of phone
Cons
- Only compatible with iPhone 12, 13, and 14
This model by Belkin stands out for its ability to charge your phone via Apple’s MagSafe technology while it rests on the holder.
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman tested this model in her car and said that this vent-clip holder held the phone securely in both landscape and portrait orientation. She was also impressed with its speedy charging capabilities. We also love the sleek, minimalistic design of this holder which virtually disappears when a phone is fixed to it, and the novelty and convenience of fixing the phone to it via magnetic force.
Though we appreciate the innovative nature of this phone holder, it comes at the cost of universality. It’s only compatible with iPhones 12, 13, and 14, so owners of other phone makes and models will need to look elsewhere for their car charging and phone holding needs.
| Compatible Phone Widths | N/A (Works with iPhone 12 and up) |
|---|---|
| Attachment Type | Vent Clip |
6
Best Cup Holder Car Phone Holder
andobil Cup Holder Phone Mount
6
Best Cup Holder Car Phone Holder
andobil Cup Holder Phone Mount
Now 45% Off
$25 at Amazon$45 at Walmart
Pros
- Bendable neck for a myriad of viewing angles
- Compatible with cup holders of varying size
Cons
- Neck may become loose over time
If windshield mounting is illegal in your state and your car has limited space on the dashboard and vents, a cup holder-mounted phone holder might be the perfect solution.
This one features a bendable neck so you can find your perfect viewing angle. It also features the same locking mechanism in the phone grip as the other Andobil holder in this roundup that we loved.
While we didn’t test this model in the Lab, we were impressed with the design’s ability to fit many different cup holders thanks to its expandable base. It also has over 4,000 five-star Amazon reviews with many attesting to this product’s sturdiness in spite of its highly adjustable neck. Some noted that the neck isn’t the most durable and can become loose, but some reviews pointed out that customer service was able to quickly help them fix their holders/send replacement parts quickly.
| Compatible Phone Widths | 5.8 cm to 11.4 cm |
|---|---|
| Attachment Type | Cup Holder |
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How we test car phone holders
We tested car phone holders both in the Good Housekeeping Institute Lab and in our own cars.
In the Lab, we measured the grip size of the holders and compared them to manufacturer claims about compatible phone widths. We tested the gripping strength using an iPhone 11 and iPhone 14 Pro by inserting the phone models and vigorously shaking them to see how well they would keep the phone in place in bumpy driving conditions. Windshield-attaching phone holders were mounted to a large window in direct sunlight for six hours to assess the stability of the suction cup under the stress of heat. We then applied force to the arm of the holder and qualitatively noted how much force was necessary to detach each one. Finally, we asked test panelists to install phone holders in their cars and test any additional functionality like charging capabilities. We used feedback from real use case scenarios to help determine our picks for this article.
Where is the best place to put car phone holder?
The placement of a car phone holder is a matter of legality, convenience and personal preference.
While a windshield-mounted option is appealing in terms of clear visibility while driving, many states have laws forbidding drivers from this placement, so be sure to check your local legislation. Dashboard mounting provides a similar effect, just in a lower position in the field of view. Vent clips work similarly but tend to offer less mobility in terms of angling the phone toward the driver. Finally, cup holder mounts are a great option for those with a busy dashboard or limited vent space.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nikolas Greenwald has spent several months testing and researching different car accessories since joining the Good Housekeeping Institute. For this story, he spent over 10 hours researching, testing and comparing car phone holders and supplemented this research with real-use case consumer testing. As an engineer, he evaluates product design based on utility, intended use and fringe testing to find the most intuitive, effective picks.
Nikolas Greenwald
Lab Assistant
As the lab assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
Types of car holders
Smartphones have become an integral part of human life, which makes certain adjustments to the organization of everyday life. So, for car owners, the question remains – how to place the phone in the cabin for ease of use during the trip. To be able to quickly answer calls, use applications and the navigator, the smartphone must be securely fixed in front of the driver’s eyes. In this article, we will look at a number of ergonomic phone holders that the accessory market offers and list their strengths and weaknesses.
Clip with flexible cord
A rather specific type of attachment that will bring more problems to the driver than make life easier. In appearance, the convenient principle of fixation – with the help of a tenacious clothespin – actually causes inconvenience while driving. The clothespin is attached to the deflector grille, and the air flow shakes the holder, causing damage not only to the structure itself, but also to the phone. The only plus of the clip is the presence of a flexible cord on which the mobile can be rotated at any angle.
Suction cup holder
Suction cup mount expands the possibilities of fixing the phone, including uneven surfaces, without changing the interior of the cabin. The advantage of this option is open access to all working buttons and ports of the gadget, while the suction cup “sits” securely even on grounds with a sharp slope. You can install your smartphone on the windshield and the free area of the instrument cluster.
If over time the suction cup begins to peel off, it will be enough to wash it under running water, and degrease the surface of the glass or panel, these simple manipulations will restore the reliability of fastening. The disadvantages of the bracket on the suction cup include the rocking of the device while driving.
Handlebar holder
The device consists of a plastic plate with retaining edges, internal fixing springs and silicone rollers for mobile phones of any size. The design clings to the steering wheel with an elastic loop. Despite the apparent simplicity and ease of attachment, it has a number of serious drawbacks. So, the phone installed on the steering wheel partially closes the instrument panel, and also rotates with the steering wheel, causing motion sickness.
Adjustable bracket
Another option for fixing to the ventilation grill, but, unlike the clip, is more practical. The smartphone is inserted between the sliding limiters of the mount, while the size of the device can be any.
Unlike a clip-on, the adjustable arm is stable and doesn’t have a wobbly flex cord. Otherwise, the two types of fixation have similar disadvantages, in particular, noise and knocking while driving.
Ball with magnet
This mounting method is fundamentally different from the previous options. The fasteners are based on an aluminum-coated steel ball, which is fixed to the dashboard with acrylic double-sided tape. If necessary, the adhesive layer can be easily removed and does not damage the panel coating. On the other side of the ball is a magnet that securely holds the smartphone. As a layer between the gadget and the mount, there is a metal plate glued to the phone case with acrylic adhesive tape. The durable ball base rotates smoothly to keep your phone in position.
Magnetic holder
Compact and convenient way to mount your phone on the dashboard, which has many advantages over other options. The design is based on a neodymium magnet placed inside a metal holder, which is pre-mounted on the instrument panel.
The second part of the device, fixed on the body of the gadget, is attracted to the first one as soon as a mobile phone is brought to it. Thanks to the elastic rubber gasket, the phone rotates in different directions without jumping off the base. The only downside to a magnetic holder is that it cannot be repositioned, so you need to think carefully before you finally secure it.
Flexible silicone pad
The mat is made of silicone, which itself is tacky and adheres perfectly to the surface without additional fasteners. The phone is inserted into a special clip, located at an angle for convenience, while the control buttons and outputs to the ports remain open. The position of the phone can be changed from vertical to horizontal, as well as vary the angle of inclination.
Flexible stand-mat is equipped with two ports – a basic one with a USB output and a magnetic one with connectors for Lightning and micro USB. You can recharge your smartphone right during the trip, and the indicator light will inform you about the start of the charge.
3-in-1 combi holder
For those who can’t decide which mounting method to choose, there are universal models that combine several options. This lock allows you to fix the phone in three ways:
- on a magnet – due to a weak magnet, there is a risk of the phone falling;
- on a conical clip – more reliable than the previous one, but you may encounter difficulties when removing the phone;
- between polyurethane sliding tabs – the most secure fastener of the three options.
Mounting options make it easier if you use different smartphones at the same time.
Mesh pocket
These fasteners are a prime example of how simple genius is. A small flat pocket is held on the surface with double-sided tape and can accommodate a gadget of any size – from a regular push-button phone to a tablet. In addition to the phone, small items can be stored in the pocket – cigarettes, charging cord, etc. The choice of mounting location depends on your personal preferences, the main condition is that the surface must be flat.
What to do when there is no holder?
If you haven’t got a practical holder yet, but you need to somehow fix your phone, there are several ways to use the available tools from your everyday life:
- Stationery gum. Everyone will surely have such an accessory. Pass the elastic through the radiator grill so that two loops remain on the surface. Fix the phone on these hinges – the holder is ready. It is advisable to choose a new elastic band without cracks, otherwise it will tear and the phone will slip out. The disadvantage of such a homemade device is that the elastic band will cover part of the display.
- Paper clip. Remove the staples from the clip, bend them tightly and wrap them with thread. Install the clamp on the heater grill, and fix the phone. You should remove the gadget with the utmost care so as not to scratch the case.
- Homemade wire holder. At first glance, the method is barbaric, but in fact it can turn out to be a strong and reliable way to fix your smartphone.
The method is suitable for old cars, where it is not a pity to violate the integrity of the instrument panel. It is necessary to drill holes for the diameter of the selected wire and form a holder for the dimensions of the phone.
The method is suitable for old cars, where it is not a pity to violate the integrity of the instrument panel. It is necessary to drill holes for the diameter of the selected wire and form a holder for the dimensions of the phone. Car phone mount: photo, manual
In almost every modern car you can find some useful accessories. A smartphone mount is one of the most important pieces of equipment that helps you on your trip. A convenient accessory not only allows you to always keep your phone at hand, but also affects traffic safety – the driver does not distract attention from the road.
Smartphone holders
The modern market offers a wide range of different devices that hold the phone to the surface of the dashboard or windshield. The choice is huge, so many inexperienced motorists are faced with the problem of which holder to buy.
Tip 1
When choosing, you should focus not on the cost, but on the quality of the plastic, the method of fastening and the manufacturer.
Often, cheap Chinese holders break quickly and do not hold the gadget in a horizontal position well.
Advice 2
When buying a smartphone mount, you should not only consider the size and type of mount, but also clearly understand for yourself what the holder will be used for. For example, smartphones are often used for navigation – you will need a mount that can be flipped to a horizontal position.
Tip 3
If the smartphone is used for hands-free calls or music playback, the standard vertical holder will do. Most often, for such purposes, fasteners of the “crab” type are used. They are comfortable and simple, rarely break and hold the smartphone well. The device is attached with rubber clips.
Tip 4
If you rarely use your smartphone in the car, you can safely buy a silicone mat. Such a holder is installed on the surface of the torpedo. It is ideal for storing your phone and protects the gadget from accidental drops.
A high-quality mat will be able to hold the phone even when a car hits a pit. However, it does not adhere to all surfaces.
Tip 5
There is a separate category of magnetic plate holders. The device is mounted in the usual way in the air duct or on the windshield of the car. The phone is held by a powerful magnet and a steel plate, which must be glued to the gadget itself or to the body of the protective case.
Tip 6
If the phone is to be used as a navigator, small mounts should be chosen that can rotate horizontally and do not block the view. As a rule, they are attached to the duct grille using special clothespins. In this case, the smartphone does not block the view, and the driver always has the opportunity to look at the road.
Note! When choosing such a fastener, pay attention to clothespins. They should have soft tips that will not damage the plastic of the air duct.
Tip 7
The best way to store a small smartphone is with the strap attached to the control panel.
As a rule, such holders are used for small mobile phones, but today this is already a rarity.
Mount selection rules
When choosing a holder, pay special attention to the following points:
- The dimensions of the phone and the holder must match. Even if the mount is universal, it will have valid diagonal dimensions.
- The ability to charge your phone on the go is appreciated among drivers, so pay attention to the presence of a special hole for recharging.
- If you plan to use your smartphone for different purposes, you should choose a mount with a leg, which is the easiest to adjust in length.
- A phone with a thick case or large size will not fit every mount.
- Check the holder in place, the clips should hold the gadget firmly even with a strong impact.
- Usability is also an important point. The driver should easily get the gadget with one hand.
- Don’t buy handlebar or steering wheel mounts.
