Nearly every US state restricts cell phone use while driving, and most require full hands-free operation, WIRED reported in a new evaluation of 12 car phone mounts. The review, by WIRED's Matthew Korfhage, tested holders for iPhones and Android devices over hundreds of miles on busy freeways and potholed city roads. The winner for iPhone and Qi2 phones is a compact $36 suction mount from Andery, while the top mechanical holder for Android is a $30 ball-joint mount from Andobil.
Hands-Free Rules Set the Benchmark
WIRED noted that the best car phone mounts offer an easy view of the phone's screen without blocking the view of the road, hold the phone securely, and keep vibration to a minimum. The review also found that the best mounts are not necessarily expensive or name brands — they are just smartly designed. With nearly every US state restricting handheld phone use and most requiring hands-free operation, a sturdy mount has shifted from an accessory to a compliance necessity for drivers.
Winner for iPhone and Qi2 Phones: Andery
The Andery suction mount is described by WIRED as a sturdy, compact device that holds "preternaturally fast" to both phone and dash and can also be attached to a window. Its nano-gel suction cup holds firmly on flat surfaces, and the 22-magnet MagSafe ring allows airflow to avoid overheating while holding stronger than most comparable Qi2 magnets. Unlike bulkier plastic mounts, the Andery uses an aluminum arm and stainless steel ring, keeping a low profile that does not block the driver's line of sight. The ring rotates 360 degrees, and the two-joint arm can fold tightly or extend outward.
WIRED cautioned that the Andery mount needs a relatively flat surface for a good bond and that some reports indicate the suction cup can lose adhesion over time if repeatedly re-mounted. It is also difficult to remove, though it leaves no residue. Non-Qi2-compatible Android phones require a MagSafe case to work with this holder. The review said it "performs leagues better" than a similar mount from Acer. Andery also sells a Qi2-compatible phone charger version, but WIRED has not tested that variant yet.
Best Universal Mount for Android: Andobil
For Android users or those without magnetic cases, WIRED picked the Andobil mechanical mount, which uses a sliding side grip to hold a broad range of phones and does not require MagSafe technology. The review called it the most compact mechanical mount tested when not in use, while still offering flexibility. Its nanogel suction cup is one of the most stable WIRED tested on a dash, and the extendable plastic arm feels less cheap than other models. The kit also includes an air vent mount with a three-point design that WIRED called among the most stable vent mounts tested, letting users position the phone so it does not block the vent. The company is described as a newer Chinese maker.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Andery Suction Mount | Andobil Mechanical Mount |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $36 | $30 |
| Best for | iPhones and Qi2 phones | Android and universal phones |
| Mounting options | Dash, window | Dash, windshield, air vent |
| Key materials | Aluminum arm, stainless steel ring | Plastic arm, nanogel suction cup |
| Special feature | 22-magnet MagSafe ring, 360° rotation | Three-point vent mount kit |
| Limitations | Needs flat surface, tough removal | Bulkier design, may block view |
Implications for Technology Procurement
For technology leaders equipping mobile employees with phones, WIRED's test results suggest that hands-free mounting hardware can meet safety-critical needs without premium pricing. The review's selection criteria — secure hold, low vibration, and unobstructed sight lines — align with the operational demands of using navigation and workflow apps while driving on congested highways and rougher city streets. The regulatory landscape described by WIRED, where nearly every US state restricts handheld phone use, makes a dependable mount a baseline requirement for any corporate mobile workforce.
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