A car phone mount is a holder that fixes a phone in view of the driver, usually on the windscreen, dashboard or air vent, so it can be used for navigation or calls without being held. That is the difference from a phone sitting in a cup holder or on the seat, and it is why a mount is the safer and more convenient choice for driving.
Car phone mounts come in a few main types. Dashboard and windscreen mounts use a suction cup or adhesive base. Air vent mounts clip onto the vent blades and keep the windscreen clear. Magnetic mounts hold the phone with magnets, often through a MagSafe ring or a metal plate. Wireless charging mounts add Qi2 or MagSafe charging, heavy duty mounts use long arms for 4WDs, vans and trucks, and handlebar mounts are made for motorcycles and bikes.
The most useful number is charging speed for wireless mounts: the Qi2 chargers in this guide deliver up to 25W with active cooling, which is far quicker than the old 5W standard. Beyond charging, the choice comes down to where in the car you can mount it, whether your phone and case are MagSafe, how heavy your phone is, and whether the mount fits your specific vehicle.
This guide compares nine car phone mounts available in New Zealand across dashboard, vent, magnetic, wireless charging, heavy duty, Tesla and motorcycle designs.
Best car phone mounts comparison
| Product | Best for | Mount type | Phone compatibility | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iOttie Easy One Touch 5 | Best Overall Car Phone Mount | Dashboard and windscreen | Any phone and case | 4.4/5 |
| Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro | Best MagSafe Vent Mount for iPhone | Air vent, MagSafe | iPhone 12 to 14 | 4.4/5 |
| CARMOUNT F1 Magnetic Dashboard Mount (2-Pack) | Best Magnetic Mount | Dashboard, magnetic | Any phone with plate | 4.4/5 |
| Anker Prime MagSafe Car Mount Charger | Best Premium Wireless Charging Mount | Air vent, Qi2 25W | MagSafe and Qi2 phones | 4.5/5 |
| LISEN Qi2.2 25W MagSafe Car Charger Mount | Best Cooled Charging Mount with Adapter | Vent or dashboard, Qi2.2 25W | MagSafe and Qi2 phones | 4.2/5 |
| VION Tesla Model 3 and Y Magnetic Phone Mount | Best Phone Mount for Tesla Model 3 and Y | Dedicated Tesla fit | MagSafe or magnetic ring | 4.7/5 |
| Lamicall All Metal Motorcycle Phone Mount | Best Motorcycle Phone Mount | Handlebar clamp | 4.7 to 7.2 inch phones | 4.6/5 |
| Peak Design Mobile Bar Mount | Best Bike and Scooter Mount | Silicone-band bar mount | SlimLink magnetic | 4.7/5 |
| Heavy Duty Suction Cup Phone and Tablet Mount | Best for 4WDs, Vans and Trucks | Suction cup, long arm | 4.7 to 13 inch screens | 4.4/5 |
1. iOttie Easy One Touch 5 – Best Overall Car Phone Mount
The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the car phone mount to buy if you want something that works with any phone and any case, in almost any car. It has been refined over several generations and has more than 47,000 reviews, by far the largest review base in this guide.
The one-touch mechanism closes the side arms automatically when you press the phone against the trigger button, so you can mount or remove a phone in seconds with one hand. The universal cradle fits smartphones and cases of any size.
A telescopic arm extends from 5 to 8 inches and pivots 260 degrees to give a wide range of viewing angles, the foot adjusts to fit the dashboard or windscreen, and a magnetic tab on the base keeps the charging cable tidy.
Pros
- Fits any phone and case with a one-handed, one-touch grip
- Telescopic arm extends from 5 to 8 inches and pivots 260 degrees
- Dashboard and windscreen mounting with an adjustable foot
- More than 47,000 reviews
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- A clamp-style cradle is bulkier than a magnetic mount
- Suction mounting needs a clean, flat surface
Key specs: Universal dashboard and windscreen car phone mount. Easy One Touch mechanism. Telescopic arm, 5 to 8 inches, 260 degree pivot. Adjustable bottom foot. Magnetic cord organiser.
2. Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro – Best MagSafe Vent Mount for iPhone
The Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro is a simple, tidy air vent mount that holds an iPhone with a MagSafe magnet connection. It was reimagined for the iPhone 12 range, and the listing says it works with iPhone 12 through 14 models, including the Plus, Pro and Pro Max versions.
The magnetic connection makes it one of the easiest car mounts to use one-handed, and you can set the phone in portrait or flip it to landscape to use a navigation app. It does not block the dashboard or the windscreen.
It has more than 9,000 reviews and is rated 4.4 stars, so it is a proven choice for iPhone owners with a MagSafe case or a MagSafe phone.
Pros
- Strong MagSafe magnetic connection for iPhone
- Works in portrait and landscape
- Keeps the dashboard and windscreen clear
- More than 9,400 reviews
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Only for MagSafe iPhones, and the listing names iPhone 12 to 14
- Air vent mounting depends on your car having suitable vents
Key specs: MagSafe air vent car mount for iPhone. Works with iPhone 12 to 14 models including Plus, Pro and Pro Max. Portrait and landscape use. Silver.
3. CARMOUNT F1 Magnetic Dashboard Mount (2-Pack) – Best Magnetic Mount
The CARMOUNT F1 is a small, minimalist magnetic dashboard mount that works with any phone, because it uses a metal plate that you attach to the back of the phone or case. It comes as a two-pack, so you can fit one in each car or use two together to hold a tablet.
Each mount has 8 N52 magnets and is made from zinc alloy. The listing says it holds phones weighing up to 0.8 pounds and stays put over potholes and speed bumps, and the closed magnetic field does not interfere with the phone’s signal.
The ball joint gives 360 degree rotation and a 30 degree tilt. It attaches to a flat, smooth dashboard with nano adhesive, and the listing advises waiting 24 hours before use for the best hold.
Pros
- Compact zinc alloy mount that does not block the air vents
- Strong N52 magnets with 360 degree rotation and 30 degree tilt
- Two-pack, usable together for a tablet
- Works with any phone via a metal plate
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Needs a flat dashboard surface and 24 hours for the adhesive to set
- The metal plate has to be attached to the phone or case
Key specs: Magnetic dashboard car phone mount, 2-pack. Zinc alloy. 8 N52 magnets per mount. Holds phones up to 0.8 pounds. 360 degree rotation, 30 degree tilt. Nano adhesive mounting.
4. Anker Prime MagSafe Car Mount Charger – Best Premium Wireless Charging Mount
The Anker Prime is a premium vent mount that charges the phone as it holds it. It supports 25W Qi2 wireless charging with active TEC cooling, and the listing says it can charge an iPhone 17 Pro to 50 percent in 22 minutes, which is quick for a wireless charger.
The active cooling is the key feature: it keeps the phone cool while charging and using navigation, so charging speed does not throttle in a hot car. A 13N magnetic force and a locking vent hook keep the phone steady, and the listing says it was tested on eight rough road conditions.
You can switch between portrait and landscape and tilt by 32 degrees. The box includes a 60W two-port car adapter, a USB-C cable and a 24-month warranty. It is rated 4.5 stars from more than 800 reviews.
Pros
- 25W Qi2 wireless charging with active cooling
- Strong 13N magnetic hold and a locking vent hook
- Includes a 60W car adapter and cable
- 24-month warranty
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- The listing says it is not compatible with Tesla or Mercedes-Benz vehicles or round air vents
- Sits at the premium end of this guide
Key specs: MagSafe and Qi2 car mount charger. 25W wireless charging with TEC active cooling. 13N magnet. Locking vent hook. 32 degree tilt. Includes 60W car adapter, USB-C cable, cord organiser. 24-month warranty.
5. LISEN Qi2.2 25W MagSafe Car Charger Mount – Best Cooled Charging Mount with Adapter
The LISEN is a Qi2.2 certified 25W MagSafe car charger mount with a cooling fan and temperature regulation, and it comes with its own car charger. It works as a vent mount or sticks to the dashboard with 3M adhesive, which gives more flexibility than a vent-only design.
The listing says the phone stays between 31 and 36 degrees Celsius while charging, which prevents throttling in hot weather. iPhone 16, 17 and 18 models with iOS 26 charge at 25W, while iPhone 12 to 15 models and the iPhone 16e charge at 7.5W.
The box includes a dual-port 45W car charger with a 65W USB-C port, plus a braided USB-C cable. The vent clip supports vent blades up to 4.5mm thick.
Pros
- Qi2.2 certified 25W charging with active cooling
- Vent or dashboard mounting
- Includes a dual-port car charger and USB-C cable
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Older iPhones only charge at 7.5W, so the 25W speed is for newer models
- Rated 4.2 stars, lower than the Anker and Belkin options
- Vent blades thicker than 4.5mm will not fit
Key specs: Qi2.2 certified 25W MagSafe car charger mount. Cooling fan and temperature regulation. Vent clip or 3M adhesive dashboard mount. 45W dual-port car charger and braided USB-C cable included.
6. VION Tesla Model 3 and Y Magnetic Phone Mount – Best Phone Mount for Tesla Model 3 and Y
A Tesla has no air vents in the usual place, so a vehicle-specific mount is a better choice than a universal one. The VION is a magnetic mount designed for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, and it is the best-rated mount in this guide at 4.7 stars from nearly 400 reviews.
The listing says it fits the 2021 to 2023 Model 3 and the 2022 to 2026 Model Y, and it sits on the driver side so the phone is within easy reach without blocking the screen or windscreen. The dual-ring N52 magnets give a strong hold, and it works with MagSafe iPhones directly or with the included magnetic ring for other phones and cases.
The body is aluminium alloy rather than plastic, and it installs without drilling or permanent modification. Confirm the model and year before ordering.
Pros
- Designed for the Tesla Model 3 and Y
- Strong dual-ring N52 magnets
- Premium aluminium alloy construction
- No drilling needed
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Fits specific Tesla models and years only, so confirm yours first
- Non-MagSafe phones need the included magnetic ring
Key specs: Magnetic phone mount for Tesla Model 3 (2021 to 2023) and Model Y (2022 to 2026). Dual-ring N52 magnets. Aluminium alloy. Includes magnetic ring for non-MagSafe phones. Installs without drilling.
7. Lamicall All Metal Motorcycle Phone Mount – Best Motorcycle Phone Mount
A motorcycle phone mount has to survive vibration, rain and bumps, and the Lamicall is the best-reviewed one here, with more than 11,000 ratings. It is made from aluminium alloy and has a patented vibration dampener to reduce the shake from the engine at high speed.
A metal extension arm with two 1 inch ball heads and a safety knob connects the clamp to the handlebar, and the mount rotates 720 degrees. It fits phones from 4.7 to 7.2 inches, up to 17mm thick, and handlebars from 20 to 35mm in diameter, and it does not block the phone’s camera.
It also works on bicycles, scooters and similar handlebars, and the security lock design makes it harder for someone to steal the phone or the mount. It is rated 4.6 stars.
Pros
- All-metal construction with a vibration dampener
- 720 degree rotation with an extendable arm
- Fits 4.7 to 7.2 inch phones and 20 to 35mm handlebars
- More than 11,000 ratings
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Clamp-style, so a bit slower to load than a magnetic mount
- Phones thicker than 17mm will not fit
Key specs: Motorcycle and bike phone mount. Aluminium alloy. Vibration dampener. Extendable arm with two 1 inch ball heads. 4.7 to 7.2 inch phones, 17mm maximum thickness. Handlebars 20 to 35mm. Security lock.
8. Peak Design Mobile Bar Mount – Best Bike and Scooter Mount
The Peak Design Mobile Bar Mount is the tidier alternative to a clamp-style motorcycle holder, and it suits bicycles, scooters, strollers, golf carts and similar handlebars. It installs with a silicone band, which gives a secure connection and quick removal, and it works on any bar or bar-like surface.
It uses Peak Design’s SlimLink magnetic locking system, which locks the phone on securely with a magnetic connection. The mounting head clocks in 32 rotational positions, and the phone sits in portrait or landscape.
It is rated 4.7 stars from more than 260 reviews. Check the listing for the SlimLink case or adapter your phone needs.
Pros
- Silicone-band install and removal in seconds
- SlimLink magnetic locking system
- Fits bikes, scooters, strollers and golf carts
- 32 rotational positions
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Needs a SlimLink-compatible case or adapter on the phone
- Premium price for a bar mount
Key specs: Universal bar mount with SlimLink magnetic locking. Silicone band installation. Mounts on bikes, scooters, strollers, motorcycles and golf carts. 32 rotational positions. Portrait or landscape.
9. Heavy Duty Suction Cup Phone and Tablet Mount – Best for 4WDs, Vans and Trucks
A 4WD, van or truck usually has a tall, deep dashboard, and a standard short-arm mount can be too far from the driver or shake on rough roads. This heavy duty metal mount has three aluminium arms and three metal ball heads, with an adjustable arm length of up to 260mm, so you can place the phone where it suits the cab.
The base is an 86mm nano-material vacuum suction cup, and the listing says it stays on the windscreen or dashboard even on rugged mountain roads. A 100mm adhesive disk is included for uneven surfaces.
It fits 4.7 to 13 inch screens, so it holds a large phone or a tablet, and every arm locks with a single knob. It is rated 4.4 stars from more than 270 reviews.
Pros
- Long three-arm design that reaches across a deep dashboard
- Strong 86mm suction cup with an adhesive disk for uneven surfaces
- Holds phones and tablets from 4.7 to 13 inches
- One-knob locking
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Bulkier than a compact phone mount
- Suction cups need a clean surface and can lose grip in extreme temperatures if not re-seated
Key specs: Heavy duty metal phone and tablet car mount. 86mm nano suction cup plus 100mm adhesive disk. Three aluminium arms, up to 260mm adjustable length. 4.7 to 13 inch screens. One-knob locking.
How to choose a car phone mount in NZ
Start with your car. A standard car with air vents suits a vent mount such as the Belkin or Anker, while a dashboard or windscreen mount like the iOttie or CARMOUNT works where there are no suitable vents. A Tesla is better served by a vehicle-specific mount like the VION, and a 4WD, van or truck with a deep dashboard suits the long-armed heavy duty suction mount.
Then think about your phone. MagSafe iPhones work best with a magnetic mount, either a MagSafe vent mount or a charging mount, while any other phone can use the iOttie clamp or a magnetic mount with an attached plate. If you want charging at the same time, choose a Qi2 mount with active cooling, and check that the vent design in your car is supported. For two wheels, choose a handlebar mount and check the phone width and handlebar diameter.
Whichever you choose, mount it where it does not block your view and set up navigation before you drive. For more gear, see our guides to the best GPS navigation systems, dash cams, power banks, tablets and smartphones.
Verdict
The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the best car phone mount for most people in New Zealand, fitting any phone and case with a quick one-handed grip and a huge review base. For MagSafe iPhones, the Belkin Vent Mount Pro is the neatest option, and the CARMOUNT F1 is the best magnetic mount for any phone.
The Anker Prime and LISEN add fast wireless charging, the VION is the pick for a Tesla Model 3 or Y, and the heavy duty suction mount suits 4WDs, vans and trucks. For two wheels, the Lamicall is the best motorcycle mount and the Peak Design suits bikes and scooters. Whichever you choose, check current stock and pricing before buying, since both change regularly.
FAQs
What is the best car phone mount in NZ?
The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the best all-round car phone mount, because it fits any phone and case and has more than 47,000 reviews. For iPhone owners the Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro is the neatest option, and the CARMOUNT F1 is the best magnetic mount for any phone.
Are magnetic car phone mounts safe for my phone?
Phone magnets of this kind are designed to hold a phone without affecting its signal, and the CARMOUNT listing specifically says its closed magnetic field does not interfere with the phone. Magnets can affect a few things, such as cards with magnetic strips stored on the back of a phone, so keep those away from the mount.
Where is the best place to mount a phone in a car?
Choose a spot where the phone sits in your line of sight without blocking the view of the road, such as low on the windscreen or on the dashboard near the driver. Air vent mounts keep the windscreen clear, but they can be harder to use in vehicles with no vents or unusual vent designs, such as Teslas.
Can I use my phone in a holder while driving in NZ?
New Zealand rules restrict handheld phone use while driving, so a secure mount is the sensible way to follow navigation without holding the phone. Set up your route before you leave, avoid anything that takes your attention off the road, and check the current rules on the NZTA website.
What is the best phone holder for a motorcycle?
The Lamicall All Metal Motorcycle Phone Mount is the best choice here. It is all metal, has a vibration dampener, fits 4.7 to 7.2 inch phones and handlebars from 20 to 35mm, and has more than 11,000 ratings. The Peak Design Bar Mount suits bicycles and scooters.
What is the best phone mount for a Tesla Model 3?
The VION magnetic mount is built for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y and is rated 4.7 stars. A Tesla has no vents in the usual place, so a dedicated mount is a safer choice than a universal one, and the Anker Prime listing notes it is not compatible with Tesla vehicles.
