Today, a majority of people rely on their phones to reach places, take calls, or use music apps while driving. However, operating or even just holding your phone in hand while driving is not at all safe. It can distract you from the road, risking safety.
Read on to learn how to pick the best spot to place your phone holder in your car, with a focus on safety, comfort, and legal rules. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of each placement area.
Double Phone Holder for Car Cup Holder
Why Proper Phone Holder Placement Matters
Before we talk about the best place to mount phone in car, you should know why it's important:
- Helps you see the road and phone at the same time
- Keeps both hands free while driving
- Reduces phone drops and distractions
- Prevents tickets or driving fines in many areas
- Improves ease of using GPS or music apps
Note: Keeping the phone at the correct spot means safer driving for everyone.
Best Places to Put a Phone Holder in Your Car
Below are the most effective and safe spots to mount your phone holder inside your car.
1. Dashboard
The dashboard is one of the most common locations. It’s ideal for quick glances and avoids blocking your view. It also does not require tools to install.
Pros:
- Easy to install and remove
- Keeps your view clear
- Works with most phone holder types
- Good for using GPS apps
Cons:
- Can get hot under the sun
- Adhesive might lose stickiness with time
- Not ideal for curved dashboards
Best for: Drivers who use navigation often and prefer eye-level viewing.
2. Windshield
The windshield is another popular location. You can mount the phone holder using suction cups that stick firmly.
Pros:
- Good visibility
- Easy access to phone apps
- Great for larger phones or devices
Cons:
- Can block view if not placed right
- Illegal in some states or regions
- May leave marks when removed
Best for: Cars without much dashboard space or drivers who want a clear sightline.
3. Air Vents
Air vent mounts are great if you want to keep your phone near eye level. These mounts use clips or magnets that attach to the car’s air vents.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Keeps phone cool from air vents
- No sticky residue
Cons:
- Blocks airflow
- May not fit circular vents
- Can damage vents if too heavy
Best for: Short drives and city travel. Good for smaller to medium phones.
4. Cup Holder Mount
These mounts fit into the car’s cup holder. They’re adjustable and can hold phones at a good angle.
Pros:
- Very stable and less shaky
- No need for adhesives or clips
- Good for bigger or heavier phones
Cons:
- Phone sits lower, less in sight
- Can take up drink space
- Not eye-level for quick glances
Best for: Drivers who prefer keeping devices secure at the best place to mount phone in car and out of direct sight. High-quality cup holders and phone mounts add to safety better than expected.
5. Rearview Mirror Mount
Some phone holders clip or hang from your rearview mirror. This keeps your phone close to your line of sight.
Pros:
- Great for navigation
- Does not block AC vents
- Easy to install and remove
Cons:
- Might block the rearview
- Illegal in some places
- Hard to reach with shorter arms
Best for: Highway driving and GPS-heavy trips.
6. CD Slot Phone Mount
If your car has a CD player, a CD slot mount works well. It slides into the slot and locks.
Pros:
- Keeps phone at center height
- Won’t block the windshield
- Very firm structure
Cons:
- Not all modern cars have CD slots
- Might damage or jam CD player
- Harder to use CD player again
Best for: Cars with unused CD slots and front dash space.
Where Not to Place a Phone Holder
Avoid awkward and unsafe areas to prevent future issues.
- Avoid placing the holder directly in front of airbags.
- Avoid blocking side mirrors or panels.
- Avoid your steering wheel or any hands-on driving areas.
- Avoid surfaces that make the holder shaky or loose.
Comfort and safety come before convenience. Always test visibility and reach before driving, as odd places can risk safety rather than helping with safety. Based on these factors, choose the best place to put phone holder in car.
Types of Phone Holders to Match Your Car Placement
Here are common types of phone holders that work well with the placements discussed:
- Magnetic Holders: Magnetic holders stick to dashboards or vents.
- Clamp Holders: Use grips to hold phones firm.
- Suction Cup Holders: Best for windshields or flat dashboards.
- Cup Holder Mounts: Best for secure, lower mounting.
- CD Slot Mounts: Use existing slot and work well for older cars.
Magnetic Base Flexible Cell Phone Holder for Car Cup Holder
Note: Each type has its use. Pick one based on placement and your car's layout.
Final Thoughts
The best phone holder position varies by car and driver. But for most drivers, the dashboard or air vent is ideal. These places keep your phone close, safe, and easy to view.
Use this guide to find the best spot in your car. The right phone holder placement improves safety, convenience, and comfort each time you drive.
