- 1. Cellet Cup Holder Tablet Mount
- 2. Linkstyle Car Tablet Holder, Tablet Dash Mount Holder for Car
- 3. Arkon Car or Truck Seat Rail or Floor Tablet Mount
- 4. Macally Car Headrest Mount Holder
- 5. APPS2Car Tablet Car Mount Dash Holder Stand for iPad
- 6. Tryone Car Headrest Mount
- 7. APPS2Car Tablet Car Mount Holder
- 8. SAWAKE Car Headrest Mount
- 9. TFY Car Headrest Mount Holder for All Kindle Fire
- 10. iBOLT TabDock Bizmount
- 11. Macally Store 2 in 1 Phone & Tablet Car Mount for Cup Holder
- 12. LISEN Magnet Phone Holder for Car
Tablets are not just a great source of entertainment. They can be used for many purposes such as navigation in a car that does not have a built-in system. However, the awkward size and hands-free laws in many states prohibit the use of such devices. The solution is to mount your tablet to a holder in your vehicle. A tablet provides a larger screen than a phone, so it’s easier to get all the information you need at a glance. With a tablet and a decent stereo system, you can stream your music, podcasts, and more right onto your screen. You can even play movies for passengers, turning even the most basic autos into mobile entertainment systems. Whether you use Apple, Android, or another type of operating system, a mounted tablet can take your ho-hum car to a plush ride. We have taken a closer look at the current tablet holders on the market and compiled a list of what we believe to be the best. Keep reading to find the best solution for you.
The Best Tablet Holder for Cars
The best tablet holder overall for your car is, in our opinion, the Cellet Cup Holder Tablet Mount. This innovative mounting system is one of the most popular vehicle tablet holders on the market. It is compatible with most of the tablets on the market including iPad and Samsung Galaxy models. It features a 10-inch, extra-strong arm that tilts and swivels to ensure that your tablet will stay where you need it. Thanks to the innovative cup-shaped base, it is easy to install in any vehicle with cup holders. Since this tablet mount utilizes the cup holder, it puts the tablet in a better position than other tablet holders because it is closer to the driver and allows a better visual without straining—while also maintaining an adequate distance from the air conditioner and heater vents and dash controls.
- 10-inch arm
- Fits vehicle cup holders from 2.86 inches up to 3.47 inches
- Protective, soft holder grips
- Universal device compatibility
- Brand Cellet
- Model PHC670M
- Weight 16 ounces
Adjustable base fits
360-degree rotational capability
Simple to install
Very limited angle options
Top part rattles
Not durable
The Linkstyle Car Tablet Holder, Tablet Dash Mount Holder for Car is our choice for best value tablet holder. Like many other tablet holders on the market, this one can accommodate tablets from 7 to 10.5 inches and is compatible with all of the most popular models. The robust suction cup with locking pressure button securely holds your tablet where you put it and is especially good for windshield mounting. The swivel ball joint offers 360 degrees of rotation for a highly customizable viewing angle. There is a locking adjustment screw on the back of the holder that ensures the tablet will not slip, even on a bumpy road. This tablet holder will also mount to the dash if your dash has a flat enough spot for the suction cup.
- Universal tablet suction cup mount
- Works for devices 7 to 10.5 inches
- 360-degree swivel joint ball
- Dash or windshield mount
- Brand Linkstyle
- Model B0753CY5XF
- Weight 0.81 ounces
Adjustable
Locking pressure button
Special tacky adhesive
Not durable
Shaky when driving
Clamp won’t lock into place
Our research leads us to believe that the most versatile tablet holder for any car or truck has to be the Arkon Car or Truck Seat Rail or Floor Tablet Mount. Not every vehicle has a cup holder or flat spot on the dash and in most vehicles, windshield-mounting a tablet creates dangerous blind spots. However, every vehicle has a seat that is bolted to the floor. This 22-inch-long tablet holder takes advantage of that completely universal mounting point to hold just about any tablet in the best position possible. It is compatible with tablets that have anywhere between a 7- and 18.4-inch screen size and comes with 10 different support legs so that it can fit almost all of the tablets out there. This, in our opinion, makes it the most versatile tablet holder for your car.
- Seat rail floor mount
- 22-inch gooseneck
- Slim grip holder
- Fits tablets 7 to 18.4 inches in screen size
- Brand ARKON
- Model TAB188L22
- Weight 1 pound
10 support legs included
Keeps tablet from blocking windshield
Optional floor brackets are included
Not a durable construction
Shakes while driving
Hard to adjust it
When it comes to road trips or even just a long drive in the car with kids, you can’t go wrong with a little bit of entertainment for your tiny passengers, and the Macally Car Headrest Mount Holder is the best way to do it. A tablet offers what seems to be endless entertainment for children; the problem comes when you have multiple kids and only one tablet. This headrest mount tablet holder’s solution for this is almost infinite adjustability. The design offers the ability to mount any device that is between 4.5 and 10 inches wide directly behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat headrest, or in between the two seats’ headrest. It mounts quickly and easily without the need for any tools and is made of strong aluminum that ensures stability over bumpy roads.
- Cradle fits devices 4.5 to 10 inches wide
- Mounts to most headrest posts (2 and 7.25 inches wide)
- Silver or black
- Ball-head for 360-degree rotation
- Brand Macally
- Model HRMOUNTPRO
- Weight 12 ounces
Adjustable installation
Designed to keep the tablet stable
Easy installation; no tools required
Sags with heavy devices
Not durable
Rotation ball can get damaged while adjusting
Sometimes the best mounting point for a tablet is the dash. Considering that not every dash has a good spot for a suction cup and adhesives can wreak havoc on vinyl dashes, we would turn to the APPS2Car Tablet Car Mount Dash Holder Stand for iPad for the best dash mount tablet holder. This tablet holder for your car utilizes the commonly unused CD slot in your radio to positively locate your tablet in the right place and securely hold it there. It is compatible with most tablets with a 7- to 11-inch screen. The thumbscrew makes for an easy, no-tools-required installation and the design allows for full use of the CD player, as long as the CD is loaded before the tablet holder is installed.
- CD slot phone mount
- Screw-locked base design
- Rubber pad for extra grip
- Full 360-degree rotation
- Brand APPS2Car
- Model IP02-CD2
- Weight 4.8 ounces
Wide compatibility and works for most cell phones
Cable hole design for charging cable
No interference with the CD player playback
Falls out
Requires a lot of force to adjust
Not durable
This adjustable tablet mount attaches to the back of the front seat headrest. It’s made of ABS plastic and premium aluminum alloy. An adjustable bar expands to hold between the two headrest bars. The tablet grips have anti-slip silicone to securely grip your tablet and prevent damage. This holder is compatible with headrest bars that are 4.9 to 5.9 inches apart and devices that are 4.7 to 10.5 inches in size.
You’ll like this tablet holder because it’s adjustable both for the headrest bars and the tablet. This makes it usable with a variety of devices. It also has multi-angle rotation. This makes it easy to view the screen from whatever angle you need.
- ABS Plastic and premium aluminum alloy
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, and Switch 4.7-10.5 inches
- Fits two metal posts 4.9-5.9in apart
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.8 x 2 inches
- Brand Tryone
- Model TO-23
- Weight 4.8 ounces
Anti-skip & anti-scratch silicone
Multi-angle rotation
One-handed installation and release within 2 seconds
Doesn’t fit tablets in cases
Not compatible with larger vehicles
Not very sturdy or durable
This windshield mount tablet holder uses a two-stage suction cup system to mount to the windshield. It has a 13-inch arm that’s made of aluminum and wrapped in rubber. The arm has additional support that rests on your dashboard. The bracket holding the tablet can fit a 7- to 11-inch tablet.
What’s nice about this holder is that it has a spring locking system to hold your tablet. This keeps it secure in the holder. You can rotate the tablet 360 degrees and swivel it for the perfect viewing angle. It also has an extra support piece for the arm to prevent drooping.
- Spring locking system
- Fits 7- to 11-inch tablet
- Suction cup phone mount
- 13-inch rubber-coated aluminum arm
- Brand APPS2Car
- Model IP2-S3L
- Weight 8.1 ounces
Two-stage locking system
Full 360 degree rotation and swivel
Dash support piece
Dash support doesn’t attach to car
Suction cup melts in high heat
Doesn’t fit all devices claimed
This adjustable tablet holder mounts on the back of your front seat headrests. There’s an adjustable arm that expands to grip the headrest bars. Then, there’s a folding arm that can be held in place with two adjustable locking screws. The holder can fit headrest poles that are 0.39 to 0.63 inches in size and 5.11 to 6.88 inches apart. You can hold devices that are 5 to 14 inches in size.
You’ll like this tablet holder because it can tilt and rotate 360 degrees. The grips that hold your tablet and your headrest poles have soft padding to protect both your device and your vehicle.
- Locking knob
- Fits headrest poles 0.39 to 0.63 inches in size
- Posts should be 5.11 to 6.88 inches apart
- Fits devices ranging from 5 to 14 inches
- Brand SAWAKE
- Model 8541533495
- Weight 11.3 ounces
360 degree rotation
Stabilizing arm
Soft padding to protect your device and car headrest
Can lose the adjustable locking screw
Holder is heavy
Your device droops when in the arm
This tablet holder mounts on the back side of the front headrest. It’s a single fabric strap that wraps vertically or horizontally around the headrest. There’s a Velcro section for securing material and another for mounting the tablet. The tablet is then held in place by two metal arms.
What’s nice about this holder is that your tablet securely mounts flat against the headrest. This keeps it out of reach and out of the way. It’s also universally compatible with a wide variety of sizes and both in and out of a case.
- Kindle Fire compatible
- Velcro wrap installation
- Two metal arms
- Portable
- Brand TFY
- Model 5KINDLE
- Weight 7.2 ounces
Mount fastens tightly against the headrest
Compatible with tablets in and out of cases
Tablet easily mounts and removes from the holder
May not fit your headrest’s size
Tablet can fall out while driving
Difficult to get the strap tight
This tablet holder permanently mounts to any flat surface with four screws. Attached to the base plate is an arm with two ball joints on either end. Then there’s a four-point bracket that holds tablets that are 7 to 10 inches in size.
What’s nice about this tablet holder is that the base plate securely mounts to your vehicle. This prevents the problems you’ll experience with suction cups and other style holders. The two ball joints give you full adjustability in how you position your tablet. You can rotate it 360 degrees if you want.
- Heavy duty multi-angle drill base pedestal
- 5-inch dual ball joint adjustable pedestal
- Constructed of durable composite material
- Fits tablets 7 to 10 inches
- Brand iBOLT
- Model IBBZ-33921
- Weight 9.6 ounces
Four points of contact holding your phone
Two adjustable points for optimal viewing positions
Rotates 360 degrees
Points of contact can push buttons
Doesn’t hold tablet securely
The ball joints are weak links
This cup holder tablet mount has a universal fit. The base adjusts 2.4 to 4 inches in width. The holder can adjust to hold devices that are 3.5 to 8 inches in size. You can rotate the base 360 degrees and adjust the arm any way you need for the perfect viewing angle. The adjustable arm measures 12 inches in length.
What’s nice about this holder is its adjustability. This lets you use it in different vehicles and with different devices. It also has a quick-release button for easy mounting and removal of your tablet. The grips holding your tablet have soft cushioning to protect your devices.
- Mount for cup holder
- Adjustable 12-inch flexible gooseneck
- 360 degree rotating base
- Fits devices up to 8 inches wide
- Brand Macally Store
- Model MCUPTABPRO
- Weight 1.25 pounds
Adjustable cup holder piece
Quick-release button
Soft cushioning on the holder grips
Wobbles
The arm can separate from the base
May not fit your cup holder
This two-pack of car mounts hook into your air vent and then use six strong magnets to hold your device in place. A three-point hook system secures the holder in the air vent, and then a magnetic plate holds your device to the holder. Your kit has two holders, four round plates, and two square plates.
These holders stand out because they have an upgraded design to hold your phone in the air vent. They have a broad compatibility with a magnetic plate that gets attached to your phone or case.
- Two pack magnetic car mount
- Six built-in strong magnets
- Four 3M round plate
- Two 3M square plates
- Brand LISEN
- Model TLV633
- Weight 3.51 ounces
Upgraded air vent mount
Universal device compatibility
Strong magnets
Not compatible with all air vents
Not compatible with all phone cases
Bounces
Best Tablet Holder for Cars Buying Guide & FAQs
Modern technology and devices are evolving at an advancing rate. While this is wonderful, it becomes frustrating when we try to incorporate them into our daily lives. Trying to find a place to put your tablet in your vehicle can become an impossible mission.
Tablet mounts give you a dedicated place and allow you to incorporate this technology in a safe and useful way. While you should never actively use your tablet while driving, a mount can help you with a variety of tasks. This guide will help you understand the different types of mounts available and how they’ll work in your vehicle.
Benefits of a Tablet Holder for Car
Having a tablet holder in your vehicle means you have a dedicated safe place for storing your tablet while driving. This prevents you from having extended periods of time where you’re looking away from the road. The convenient location and easily seen screen will help you to drive safer. This is important when following navigational directions from your tablet.
If you need to use your tablet while driving, having it mounted will make it easier to use. You’ll only need one hand to operate the screen because the mount will hold the tablet in place. A quick swipe and tap, and your apps are open and running. However, you shouldn’t be using your apps while operating your motor vehicle.
One long car ride or road trip, and you know firsthand that the passengers in your vehicle can get bored quickly. A tablet mount gives them a place to put their devices. Now they have endless entertainment during long trips. Installing a tablet for the rear seat will enable all of your passengers to have a place to put their tablet.
- Safer motor vehicle operation
- Easier use of apps on your device
- Passenger entertainment on car rides
Types of Tablet Holders for Cars
There are several different types of tablet mounts available. This is because there is a wide range of tablets and vehicles. You need to find the mount that’s compatible with both your vehicle and tablet.
Measure the size of your tablet and narrow down your options to those that have the right clamp size. Then look at the interior of your vehicle and find a mount that will safely, securely, and conveniently hold your tablet.
- Suction Cup Mount
A suction cup mount can be installed on your windshield or dashboard. The location you choose will depend on the actual construction of the mount. Some mounts are versatile and can go in either location, while others are meant for a specific place.
When looking at suction cup mounts, look for one that is durable. Your vehicle gets hot when parked, and you don’t want the suction cup overheating and falling off. Some suction cups come with an adhesive. These are nice because they give you an extra layer of stick to secure the mount. However, these adhesives can get gooey and make a mess in your car. So look for one that won’t do this.
Other suction cups come with a secondary locking mechanism. This is nice because it gives the suction cup more durability and strength.
- Cup Holder Mount
What’s nice about cup holder mounts is that they won’t block your line of sight. This is important because you need to have a clear and unobstructed view out of your windshield while driving. Tablets today can be quite large, and in your windshield, this is a lot of valuable space.
When looking at these cup holders, find one that is compatible with the size of your vehicle’s cup holders. Not all vehicle manufacturers make cup holders the same size. Some mounts have universal compatibility because they’re adjustable. This is nice, but the extra moving parts can create instability in the mount.
You’ll also want to look at the height and adjustability of the arm. This will tell you how easy it will be to adjust the tablet to the ideal viewing angle.
- CD Player Mount
While many modern cars skip the CD player completely, many of us still drive older vehicles that have them. If your vehicle has a CD player, you can use this port to have a tablet mount. These holders have a flat tongue-like piece that slides into the CD player slot. Then an arm with the clamp to hold your tablet is vertical.
Be careful with these, as they may or may not work depending on the location of the CD slot in your dashboard. It’s helpful if the mount has 360 degree rotation so that you can turn the tablet to a horizontal view.
Pay attention to the size of the slot tongue. Some are smaller so that they don’t interfere with the operation of the CD player but aren’t secure or stable. Others are larger and will prevent you from using the CD player but are more secure and stable.
What to Consider When Buying a Tablet Holder for Cars
You’ll see common similarities with the tablet mounts available. The type you choose will depend on the design of your vehicle. It can help to sit in your vehicle with your tablet. Hold your tablet up in possible positions to determine if a particular style of mount will work in your car. You may find that a CD player mount won’t work with the shape of your dash, or that there isn’t enough room for a windshield mount.
- Mount Style
The mounting style you choose will depend on the build of your car and where you want your tablet to sit. Some mounts will place your tablet up high, such as a windshield or dash mount. Other mounts will put your mount lower but still in front of you, such as a CD player mount. Then other mounts will have the tablet positioned even further down, such as a cup holder or rail mount.
Not all holders are for the front seat, though. Some mounts are meant for installation on the back of the front seats. Then the passengers in the rear seats can mount their tablets on them. These mounts typically use the supports for the front seat headrests.
- Device Compatibility
One of the most important features of your mount is device compatibility. If the mount can’t hold your tablet, then it’s useless to you. If you don’t know the size of your tablet, you can measure the screen size. All screens are universally measured by the diagonal measurement from one corner to the other.
You should also consider the weight of your device. Some tablets can be too heavy for the mount’s arm. If this happens, the arm can begin to sag. You can look for a mount with a solid arm to avoid this issue.
Many holders will have a clamp that can accommodate multiple sizes. Try to pick one where your device isn’t maxing out this range. Otherwise, you risk the clamp physically fitting, but not strong enough to hold.
- Stability and Durability
Look at the stability and durability of the mount. You don’t want to buy one and then have it break or fall apart within six months, and you have to shop all over again.
High-quality mounts are stable. This means your tablet will stay still while you’re driving. This reduces the micro shakes that less stable mounts have. The less movement there is, the easier it will be to see and use your tablet.
The fewer joints and adjustability a mount has, the more stable it will be. However, this also reduces the mount’s universal compatibility and functionality. Look for high-quality materials and solid construction.
Tips for Using Tablet Holder for Cars
When using your tablet holder, it’s best to set it and leave it. Constant movement and adjustment put undue stress on it and can cause it to break or fail prematurely. This is especially true for those with flexible arms.
Don’t try to force a holder’s clamp to hold a tablet that’s too big for it. This will put excessive stress on the clamp and could cause it to break. Similarly, don’t constantly bend the support arm. This will put stress on the connectors and on the arm itself.
Finally, try to not park your vehicle in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays are damaging and can cause the suction cup, adhesive, or plastic to fail.
- Don’t force a holder that isn’t quite compatible with your tablet.
- Try not to park in direct sunlight.
- Don’t bend it or extend it to the extremes.
Best Tablet Holder For Cars FAQs
As you can see, there’s no one holder that’s the best for all cars and tablets. The best for you will depend on what’s compatible with your tablet and vehicle. However, to ensure the tablet that you buy works, you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure you install it correctly, and it will work as expected.
Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. You may need to clean the surface before installation. Once installed, adjust the arm to angle your tablet into position.
The best tablet holder will securely hold your tablet in place with minimal shaking. It will also keep it out of your driving line of sight.
If you need to have your tablet viewable or accessible while in your vehicle, but holding it isn’t an option, then a holder is necessary.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick tablet holder for cars is the Cellet Cup Holder Tablet Mount. This cup holder mount has an adjustable base for universal compatibility. The tacky adhesive on the locking pressure button helps to keep the holder secure. You can rotate the tablet 360 degrees for perfect viewing. It’s simple to install and requires no tools. Once installed, it’s out of your line of sight and won’t interfere with your driving. However, it’s easily seen and used if needed.
Final Thoughts
The Cellet Cup Holder Tablet Mount is easy to install, secure, and safe. A more affordable yet durable option is the Linkstyle Car Tablet Holder, Tablet Dash Mount Holder for Car.