According to the World Health Organization, “distracted driving, particularly related to mobile phone use” is one of the significant risk factors to road injuries and fatalities. Surprisingly, one of the leading causes of mobile phone use is GPS.
While people have moved away from using their phone’s GPS to actual GPS devices as they offer a wider screen that is less distracting. However, having worked extensively building GPS systems, I know the dangers of using a car GPS without a holder. These holders allow you to concentrate on your driving while giving you unhindered access to the screen.
GPS devices have made travelling a convenient and safer experience. Whether you take short work trips around the city or plan a cross-country road trip, GPS devices can help you navigate.
These devices come with big and bright displays. Some of them support dual display orientation. They have detailed maps with 2D and 3D views. You can zoom in and out to get better visibility. No more peering into the tiny screen of your phone or fidgeting with it while driving.
Moreover, to improve the user experience, you can use an accessory like a GPS holder to keep the device in place. For example, you can mount the device on your dashboard or windshield.
The positioning of the holders is such that you can have a clear view of the street while also being able to see the map.
After carefully studying these holders as a GPS technology expert, I have compiled a list of the best GPS holders for cars for your convenience. The list can present you with your ideal GPS holder or help you understand the features you need to look for in the product.
Garmin Portable Friction Mount
Our Top Recommendation For GPS Holder For Cars!
- Four-arm shape conforms to your dashboard
- Garmin ball mount easily attaches to your existing cradle
- Compatible with nüvi series GPS navigators and StreetPilot C5XX series
- One-year limited warranty
5 Best GPS Holder For Cars in 2023
The GPS holders on this list are not universal, but they are compatible with various GPS devices. I have considered factors like design, assembly, ease of use, and customer ratings and will be discussing more on how used these factors in subsequent sections of this piece. Let us get started. It took a lot of research and testing, but here are my top five:
- Garmin Portable Friction Mount – Best Customer-Rated GPS Holder for Cars
- APPS2Car GPS Dashboard Mount – Best Compatible GPS Holder for Compact Devices
- 1Zero GPS Suction Cup Mount – Best Budget-Friendly GPS Holder for Cars
- iSaddle Friction Mount Holder – Best GPS Holder for Rough Terrain
- 1Zero GPS Dash Mount – Best Dash Mounting GPS Holder for Cars
1. Garmin Portable Friction Mount – Best Customer-Rated GPS Holder For Cars
If you want to try a GPS holder that is the most popular among the masses, then it has to be the Garmin portable friction mount.
It is rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon, with a total of 35,095 ratings, at the time of writing.
The holder offers a good grip and keeps the device in place when driving at speed or sharp bends.
Here is how the Garmin GPS holder performs.
Design
It is a dashboard mounting holder that has a four-arm-shaped base. This provides a stable foundation for the GPS device. You can contour the base to suit your dashboard design.
At the center, you have the ball mount, which connects to the GPS device. The ball joint size of the mount is 0.67 inches.
Usability
Depending on the package, you may first have to secure the arm with the ball joint to the center of the mount. Next, if there is a protective plastic film, remove it from the mount’s base.
Ensure there is no film of dirt or debris on the dashboard before placing the mount. You can attach the GPS and adjust the position of the arm to get the viewing angle you prefer.
When removed from the dashboard, the holder does not leave any sticky film behind. You can use the same holder on different vehicles as required.
If you feel the holder is losing its grip, you can clean the base of the mount and the dashboard surface with mild soap water, dry both surfaces, and try mounting the holder again.
Compatibility
Here are some of the GPS devices the holder is compatible with:
- Aera 500, 510, 550, 560
- Dezl 560LMT, 570LMT, 580-LMT-S, 760 LMT, 770LMTHD
- Garmin Drive 50, 50LM, 50LMT, 52, 53, 60LM
- Garmin DriveSmart 50LMT, 55 & Traffic, 66, 76
- Nuvi 3550LM, 3590LMT, 3597LMTHD, 3760LMT, 40LM, 42, 42LM, 44LM, 465LMT, 50LM, 52LM
- StreetPilot c510, c530, c550, c580, i2, i3, i5
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 12.5 x 9 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Mounting Type | Dashboard |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Price | From $34.99 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 out of 5 (35,095 ratings) |
Pros
- The holder is easy to install and use.
- It offers a firm grip and can be adjusted according to your vehicle’s dashboard.
- It is one of the highest-rated GPS holders.
- It is compatible with 200+ Garmin GPS devices.
Cons
- The holder can be bulky.
- Garmin could provide better mounting instructions.
2. APPS2Car GPS Dashboard Mount – Best Compatible GPS Holder For Compact Devices
If your GPS device has a display size of 3.5 to 6 inches, the dashboard mount by APPS2Car will work for you.
It is a dashboard mounting product. The holder is designed without magnets, so you do not have to worry about any hindrance to your GPS or smartphone.
Here is how the APPS2Car GPS holder performs.
Design
The holder is a beanbag friction mount. Once the mount is in place, you can keep any compatible GPS device inside its clip mouth.
The holder has a non-slip harsh texture pad that helps it remain firm and provide a good grip.
Usability
The holder is pretty straightforward to install and use. Open the clip mouth and place your GPS device. You can adjust the viewing angle by placing the device in any of the five slots available.
The device comes with a unique anti-slip jello block at the bottom. This provides the holder with stability. Remove the protective film and place the mount in your preferred location.
You can clean the jello block with water when required.
Compatibility
Here are some of the GPS devices the holder is compatible with:
- Garmin Nuvi 1200, 300, 1390, 2450, 3450, and other 3.5-6 inch models
- Tomtom 3.5-6 inch models
- Magellan 3.5-6 inch models
- Rand McNally 3.5-6 inch models
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 7.58 x 5.51 x 1.96 inches |
| Weight | 24.8 ounces |
| Mounting Type | Dashboard |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty (for registered members) |
| Price | $24.99 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 out of 5 (4,112 ratings) |
Pros
- It is compatible with different brands of GPS devices.
- Easy installation; no tools needed.
- You can register to get a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- It is the heaviest GPS holder on the list.
- It is not suitable for devices above the 6-inch display size.
3. 1Zero GPS Suction Cup Mount – Best Budget-Friendly GPS Holder For Cars
This is one of the budget-friendly GPS holders I found, with a good customer rating of 4.4 on Amazon.
It has a suction cup mounting process, and the product works well with GPS devices with a display size of up to 5 to 6 inches.
Here is how the 1Zero GPS holder performs.
Design
The suction cup comes with an adhesive gel base. It has a ball plunger extension arm that can be adjusted from 4.13 to 5.75 inches.
The product design has been changed to remove the screw adjustment part. Now, you can adjust the arm length push and pull one-hand operation.
Usability
The holder comes with a reusable sticky gel pad that can be used to attach the suction cup to the dashboard or the windshield. In my opinion, the suction cup works better on the rough surface of the dashboard.
The extension arm can pivot 240°. This allows for better device placement and viewing angle.
The problem with suction cup mounts is that the adhesive can lose its stickiness with time.
To extend the lifetime of the GPS holder, clean the mount and the dashboard surface periodically. Then, use plain water or a small dab of Vaseline to enhance the grip.
Compatibility
Here are some of the GPS devices the holder is compatible with:
- Garmin Nuvi 54 54LM, 55 55LM 55LMT, 56 56LM 56LMT, 57 57LM 57LMT, 58 58LM 58LMT, 60 60LMT 61 61LMT
- Garmin Drivesmart 50 51 60 61
- Garmin Driveassist 50 51 60 61 (LMT LMT-S LMT-D LMTHD NA)
- Garmin Zumo 220 340 345 350 390 395 396 450 550
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 4.88 x 3.03 x 2.64 inches |
| Weight | 5 ounces |
| Mounting Type | Suction cup |
| Special Feature | Rotatable |
| Warranty | NA |
| Price | $9.99 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 out of 5 (6,160 ratings) |
Pros
- It is a budget-friendly GPS holder.
- The extension arm is length-adjustable with one-hand operation.
- The extension arm can rotate at about 240°.
Cons
- The ball joint may loosen with extensive use.
- There is no warranty information available.
4. iSaddle Friction Mount Holder – Best GPS Holder For Rough Terrain
The GPS holder by iSaddle has a similar design to the portable friction mount by Garmin. It is a budget-friendly model that has shown durability.
The friction mount holder stays put even on rough terrain. I have not personally used the holder for an extended period. But I have come across reviews wherein the holder has been in use for months and has stayed in place.
Here is how the iSaddle GPS holder performs.
Design
The GPS holder comes with a four-arm-shaped base. It has a beanbag design that can conform to the shape of your dashboard.
The GPS holder works well with all devices that have a 17mm swivel ball mounting pattern.
Usability
The installation process is as simple as placing the holder on your dashboard. It has a non-skid bottom that keeps the mount in place.
If the ball socket is not attached, you can do so by using the locking mechanism at the top of the mount.
If the mounting bracket does not come with your GPS device, you will have to purchase it separately.
Compatibility
Here are some of the GPS devices the holder is compatible with:
- Garmin Nuvi 30, 40LM, 42 42LM, 50 50LM, 51LM, 52 52LM, 54 54LM, 56LMT, 285WT, 295W, 310, 350 350T
- Garmin Drive 40 50 51 52 55 60 61(LM LMT LMT-S)
- Garmin Drivesmart 50 51 55 60 61 65 (LMT NA LMT-S LMTHD)
- Garmin RV 660 760 (LMT LMT-S)
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 9.17 x 7.36 x 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 15.5 ounces |
| Mounting Type | Dashboard |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Price | $24.99 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 out of 5 (320 ratings) |
Pros
- The holder stays in place while driving in rough terrains.
- It comes with a 365 days money-back guarantee.
- Easy installation process.
Cons
- It is not suitable for devices with a 7-inch display size or bigger.
5. 1Zero GPS Dash Mount – Best Dash Mounting GPS Holder For Cars
It is one of the best dash mounts for GPS devices. It is a spring-locked mount that comes with a 3M tape base.
The holder can be used for phones and GPS devices alike. When not in use, you can fold the mouth of the holder and have it sit neatly on the dashboard. The matte black finish of the holder blends very well with the dashboard.
Here is how the 1Zero GPS holder performs.
Design
The holder has a three-slot design. This gives you options on how you want to place the GPS device.
The 3M tape at the base ensures the holder stays in place. It has a sunshine-resistance shell cover which will protect your device from the glaring sun rays and give better visibility.
Usability
Again, this is a straightforward GPS holder to install. All you have to do is remove the protective film and place the holder on the dashboard. The non-slip and sticky 3M tape will do the rest.
The upper flap of the holder can almost be adjusted 90°. This makes the device compatible with most brands of GPS devices and phones.
Compatibility
Here are some of the GPS devices the holder is compatible with:
- Garmin Nuvi 40 42 44 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 60 61 (LM LMT) and other 3.5-6 inch models
- Tomtom 3.5-6 inch models
- Magellan 3.5-6 inch models
- Rand McNally 3.5-6 inch models
- Navman Sat Nav portable GPS navigator
- iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14, 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13 Mini, 13, 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, S21 Ultra
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 5.87 x 4.3 x 1.06 inches |
| Weight | 7.4 ounces |
| Mounting Type | Dashboard |
| Special Feature | Spring-locked dashboard dock car mount |
| Warranty | NA |
| Price | $19.99 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 out of 5 (4,281 ratings) |
Pros
- It is compatible with several GPS devices and phones.
- It offers a firm grip and durability.
- The GPS holder is easy to install and use.
Cons
- It is not suitable for foldable phones.
- 1Zero does not provide any warranty details.
How I Picked And Tested The Car GPS Holders?
I started researching the best GPS holder for cars online. I looked at highly-rated brands, products, and their features. At this point, it was more about getting a high volume of quality holders rather than picking the best five.
By employing my knowledge in the industry I was able to pick, alongside the information I’ve learnt from research, I was able to pick out some of the best for testing. After shortlisting the GPS holders, I tested them separately on city roads. The devices used were Garmin Drive 52, TomTom GO Comfort 5, and iPhone 14.
Key-Decision Making Factors
I considered factors like mounting options, installation, and usability. For example, all GPS holders on the list are straightforward to install. You do not need any extra tools.
The products also come with different levels of adjustments. For example, some have 3 to 5-slot designs, while others have a rotating arm or arm extension.
Price is another factor. Most holders are below the $25 mark.
FAQ’s
The dashboard is the best and safest place to mount a GPS device. It could be in the center or on the driver’s left-hand side. Ensure the device placement provides you with a clear line of vision.
You can clean the surface of the suction cup with rubbing alcohol. Then, use a lint-free cloth to dry the mount. Applying moisture to the mount before placing it on a surface can help the mount stay in place.
GPS devices with a display size of 5 to 6 inches work well for most cars. Micro-sized devices are available for smaller cars, but you would be better off using phone GPS apps as they may provide better clarity. In the case of bigger cars, you can opt for 7 to 8-inch display screens.
Summary
Using a GPS holder, you can place your GPS device or phone at a convenient location in your car. Dash mounting and suction cups are the two popular design types.
The above list consists of products suited to various GPS devices with a display range of 3.5 to 6 inches. When looking for a holder, consider factors like mounting type, ease of assembly and use, durability, price, and customer reviews.
I hope my list of the best GPS holders for cars helps you find the right product for your car and GPS device.
Carson Harris is a highly qualified author and expert in GPS tracking technology. With a background in electrical engineering and machine learning, he has established himself as a trusted source of information. Carson’s work experience at Garmin and Panasonic has further enhanced his expertise. He possesses creative skills in website design and AI applications. Known for his clear and concise communication, Carson’s articles on Trax Family’s website provide valuable insights on GPS trackers.