While there are several types of cell phone mounts on the market today, taking a closer look at four will evaluate most of the mounts on the market. Those four are:
- VSM – Vehicle Specific Mounts
- Cup holder mounts
- Suction cup mounts
- Vent clip mounts
There are pros and cons to each type, and how each fits to your vehicle and your phone are certainly considerations. Being able to charge the phone while in the mount can also be an important factor. We have put together a list of some of the good and bad things to consider with these mounts to help you determine what might be best for your needs. Here is the list:
VSM – Vehicle Specific Mounts
Good
- More secure hold for the device and vehicle
- Typically better location for viewing the device and reception
- Specifically made for the vehicle so they fit well
- No damage to the vehicle or device
- Clip on mounts are easy to install
- Allow for many types of device holders to be attached onto giving you more options to choose from
Bad
- They are often but not always more expensive upfront
- The non-clip on style are much more difficult to install and often need a professional to install
Cup holder mounts
Good
- Relatively inexpensive
- Within reach
- Most vehicles have a cup holder for the mount
Bad
- Cup phone mounts take the driver’s eyes away from the road and cause distractions
- The loss of a cup holder for a cup
- Cup holders that sit under the center console are not located conveniently and pose a challenge
- Phones mounted in a cup holder are often difficult to read because they are low, below the dash
- Reception is not as good in the low cup holder location
Suction cup mounts
Good
- Relatively inexpensive
- Good for travel
- Many to choose from
BAD
- Restricted or illegal in many states
- Can block the view out of the windshield
- They fall off with temperature and weather changes causing potential vehicle or device damage
- Vibration from the vehicle can make it difficult to read the phone
- Often bulky, and can be hard to find a good location for it
Vent mounts
Good
- Cheap up front
- Can be purchased almost anywhere
- Easy to install
Bad
- Floppy and unstable hold to the vehicle and device
- They don’t work well with vents that are tall and narrow (vertically oriented) or oddly shaped
- They break vent louvers making them overall more expensive
There is no doubt that having a well-placed mount can help to balance function and distraction. Weighing some of these good and bad points that we have listed along with some of your own will help in determining what mount is best for your needs. Feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions.
The A-Tach Team
GTM-KSP4LST