Best Tablet Holder For Cars (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

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 

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.

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.