Car Phone Holders: Vent, Dash or MagSafe? And How FM Transmitters Work
In short
A vent mount is the easiest to fit and move between cars, a dashboard mount keeps the phone higher in your line of sight, and a magnetic (MagSafe) mount is the quickest to use one-handed. A wireless charging mount powers the phone as you drive. If your car has no Bluetooth, an FM transmitter plugs into the 12V socket and plays your phone through the radio.
In this guide (6 sections)
| Mount type | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Air vent (gravity clamp) | Fits most cars, easy to move | Round or thin vents; heating blowing on the phone |
| Air vent (magnetic) | One-handed, snaps on and off | Needs a magnetic case or plate |
| Dashboard | Higher, closer to your eyeline | Must not block your view of the road |
| Wireless charging mount | Charges while you navigate | Needs power from the car's USB or 12V socket |
| FM transmitter | Phone audio and calls through an older stereo | Find a clear FM frequency in your area |
Which is better: a vent or dashboard phone holder?
A vent holder is easier to fit and swap between cars; a dashboard holder sits higher, so you glance less far from the road.
Vent options: the Baseus Metal Age 3 Gravity, Metal Age Go and the budget Metal Age II. For the dash, the Big Mouth Pro dashboard clip, or the 2-in-1 Gravity Mount which does both.
What's a gravity car mount?
The phone's own weight closes the side arms as you drop it in, and they open when you lift it out. It works with most phones and cases, no magnets needed.
Are magnetic car mounts safe for my phone?
Yes, a MagSafe iPhone is designed to work with magnets. Use a magnetic case so it holds firmly over bumps.
Magnetic options: the Baseus C02 Go Magnetic Mount, the GoTrip DC1, and the Magnetic Air Vent Holder with cable clip.
Can a car mount charge my phone?
Yes, a wireless charging mount does, as long as it's powered from the car. The Baseus CW01 Magnetic Wireless Charging Mount (15W) snaps on, and the Baseus Halo 15W charges by induction too.
How does an FM transmitter work?
It plugs into the car's 12V (cigarette lighter) socket, pairs with your phone over Bluetooth, and broadcasts the audio on an FM frequency. Tune the radio to the same frequency and your music, maps and calls play through the car speakers.
- Plug it in and pick an FM frequency with no station on it.
- Set the transmitter to that frequency.
- Pair your phone with it over Bluetooth.
- Tune the car radio to match.
The Baseus S-09 Pro FM Transmitter plugs into the 12V socket and pairs over Bluetooth; the Baseus S-09A also works as a car charger.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is it legal to use a phone holder while driving in Victoria?
Victoria's road rules limit how fully licensed drivers can use a phone, even in a mount, and learner and P-plate drivers can't use one at all. Check the current rules on the VicRoads website.
Q: Will a vent mount damage my car's vents?
Not if you fit it to a sturdy horizontal slat and don't overload it with a very heavy phone and case.
Q: Why is my FM transmitter crackling?
Another station is on or near that frequency. Try a different empty frequency, especially when you drive into a new area.
Q: Do you sell car phone holders in Heidelberg?
Yes, at Mobile Armour in Warringal Shopping Centre, for click & collect or delivery.
Products named were available when this guide was written; see the current range.
