The Best Car Dashcams, Phone Mounts, and Chargers
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
Getting ready for a drive? Whether you use your phone for navigation, music, or podcasts—or are just bringing it along for the ride—the right accessories can make it the perfect passenger. A good car mount will keep it within easy reach and in view, so you don't need to dangerously fumble for your handset and take your eyes off the road. You’ll also want to keep your device charged. Add a dashcam to document your trip. We have tested a range of mounts, chargers, dashcams, and other accessories that might be useful for your daily commute.
Looking for more? Drivers should also consider putting together a Car Emergency Kit and checking out our Best Travel Mugs guide to round out the driving experience.
Updated April 2024: We added mounts and chargers from iOttie, Nomad, and ESR, and updated prices.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
- Photograph: Nextbase
Best Dashcam
NextBase 622GW Dash CamA good dashcam provides an irrefutable record of any unexpected event that might occur when you’re driving. Video evidence can be helpful in an accident, and dashcams may even reduce your insurance premiums. After testing several dashcams, the NextBase 622GW stands out as the best, with crystal clear video, a parking mode that activates the camera if your car is bumped when parked, and a companion app that makes it easy to review video on your phone. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive options. It costs even more if you add the rear camera, but I recommend it if you’re worried about accidents, as rear-end crashes are the most common.
The adhesive works well but is tough to remove if you ever get rid of this dashcam. The cam slots into a magnetic mount, so it’s easy to clip in and out. A fitting tool pushes cables into the seams of your car’s interior panels. The video goes up to 4K at 30 frames per second, but I found 1440p HD at 60 fps got the best results (1080p at 120 fps is also an option). The footage is clear enough to read license plates, even in low light or bad weather, though I couldn't always see details at night, particularly when it was wet. Still, the night vision and image stabilization elevate this above other dashcams I tested. It has built-in GPS tracking with what3words support. The optional SOS function alerts emergency services if you crash but requires a subscription. I had no trouble connecting my iPhone and Pixel via Wi-Fi and using the NextBase app to review videos, though user reviews suggest some folks ran into issues here. It also boasts Alexa support for voice commands.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Dash Mount
iOttie 6 Easy One Touch 6What I like best about this phone mount is that you can use it one-handed. Adjust the bottom feet, and when you place your phone against the trigger button, the arms automatically close around it. To remove it, simply press the release bars. The telescopic arm allows you to tweak the placement, and the ball joint makes it easy to set an ideal angle. This thoughtful design carries over to your charging cable as well—there's a rubber clamp on the back to hold it in place (so you don’t have to fish around for it).
In my testing, the base with the locking suction cup was very secure, even on bumpy terrain. The downside? Removing the adhesive pad from my dashboard was tricky. This replaces the One Touch 5 (which is also great). Aside from the redesigned cable clamp (which was magnetic on the 5), the only other notable change is that iOttie removed the adjustment knobs (pull it forward to extend the arm now, and pull the feet down to adjust them).
- Photograph: iOttie
Best Wireless Charging Dash Mount
iOttie Wireless Car ChargerThis is the mount in my car now, and it maintains everything that’s good about iOttie’s previous mount but adds wireless charging support. You can get it with the suction cup for the dashboard or opt for a CD slot or air vent mount. It closes automatically around your phone and has adjustable feet, a rotating ball joint to angle your phone, and a quick-release bar that pokes out on both sides. The Qi wireless charging can deliver 10 watts to an Android phone or 7.5 watts to an iPhone, and your phone automatically charges when you place it in the mount and start the car. You'll want to make sure your smartphone supports wireless charging in the first place.
All you'll need to do is plug the supplied cable into your car’s power socket, and the other end goes into a MicroUSB port on the bottom of the mount. The car-socket end handily includes a second USB-A port you can use to charge another device.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Wireless Charging Vent Mount
iOttie Velox Mini Qi2It may be small and unobtrusive, but this magnetic vent mount from iOttie packs plenty of power and supports the very latest Qi2 wireless charging standard. It’s compatible with all MagSafe iPhones and can charge the iPhone 13 and later at 15 watts (7.5 watts for the iPhone 12). It is black, with a soft silicone coating and a clamp that slots into your vent. My only concern is that the stiff ball joint, which allows for minimal angle adjustment, might loosen over time. The permanently attached USB-C cable is 5 feet long, and you get a 20-watt car socket charger in the box.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Wireless Charging MagSafe Vent Mount
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Car ChargerWith a compact design and support for 15-watt wireless charging, Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro is our favorite MagSafe vent mount. The prongs cling to your vent securely, and a powerful array of magnets ensure MagSafe-enabled iPhones don't budge an inch, even on bumpy roads. (It works with the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 range.) Your mileage may vary with non-MagSafe iPhone cases. There’s also a ball joint, so you can slightly angle your phone for a better view. It's a shame the USB-C cable is permanently attached, as it’s long. There is a plug-in charger for folks without USB-C ports in their car, but I recommend snagging a separate dual or triple charger like the ones below to gain extra ports.
★ Another alternative: WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu really likes the Peak Design Car Vent Mount ($100). It stays super secure on the vent—there's no wobbling—and his phone stays secure to the magnetic charging pad. It works well with iPhones with MagSafe support, but you can also pair it with a Pixel or Samsung phone if you use Peak Design's Everyday Case.
- Photograph: Belkin
Best Minimalist Mount
Belkin Car Vent MountIf you recoil at the thought of a chunky cradle, you may prefer this sleek solution from Belkin. It’s a svelte, classy-looking silver and black vent mount that grips your phone surprisingly securely. You can rotate it to switch between portrait and landscape, and there’s a handy rubber clip on the back to hold your charging cable in place. It doesn’t work so well with larger phones, but smaller is better because this has no feet to support the bottom of the phone.
★ For larger phones: The Kenu Airframe Pro ($30) has a similar design but can accommodate larger phones and thick cases. It has a ball-and-socket joint that lets you rotate the device 360 degrees and slightly angle your phone for a better view.
.jpg)
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best MagSafe Vent Mount
Nomad MountClassy and understated, this durable magnetic vent mount from Nomad is my current favorite. This black glass square has rounded corners with a circular, rubbery magnetic pad in the middle. The vent attachment on the back is pretty versatile, and the ball and socket enable you to adjust to your preferred angle and tighten. While the Nomad Charge Mount ($80) adds wireless charging to the same design, it charges MagSafe iPhones at just 7.5 watts. (It can go up to 15 watts for other Qi phones, but they will need a magnetic case.)
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best MagSafe Dash Mount
iOttie Velox Pro Magnetic Wireless Cooling ChargerIf you prefer a mount on your dash or windshield, this classy MagSafe mount from iOttie is a smart pick for folks with an iPhone 12 or later. It attaches to a dashboard pad or windshield with a suction cup that proved secure in my testing. The telescopic arm combines with a ball joint to give you a wide range of movement to find the ideal position. Sadly, it maxes out at 7.5 watts for charging, but I like that the USB-C charging cable is removable, so you can detach and stow it when your iPhone is topped up. There is also a built-in fan to help keep the temperature down when the sun is out.
.jpg)
- Photograph: Scosche
Best Magnetic Dash Mount
Scosche MagicMount Pro Charge5If you are keen to get a magnetic mount but don’t have a MagSafe iPhone, try this system from Scosche. It comes with a metal plate you can stick to the back of any phone or slip inside your case, allowing it to magnetically stick to the mount. (It does also work with MagSafe iPhones.) However, the magnets are not especially strong, so if you have a thick case or a large phone, do not pick this mount.
The dash mount itself sticks securely and is adjustable. The charger that goes into your car socket has a spare USB-C port, which is handy, and there are two stick-on cable management clips in the box. I'm just not a huge fan of the permanently attached cable, which uses a proprietary cable instead of USB-C.
- Photograph: Scosche
Best Fast Charger
Scosche PowerVolt PD30 Fast MiniThere are two things that elevate this above your average car socket charger. First, it has a clever small fabric tab that makes it easy to pull out and allows it to sit flush in the socket. Second, it doesn’t only support the Power Delivery (PD) standard, but it also supports Programmable Power Supply (PPS), which means it can charge all the latest phones from Samsung or Apple at top speed. The USB-C port can deliver up to 30 watts, so you can even charge a MacBook Air. If you need a cable, check our Best USB-C Cables guide for ideas.
- Photograph: Otterbox
Best Dual Charger
OtterBox Dual Port Car ChargerPicking the right car charger obviously depends on what you need to charge, but if you have a couple of recent phones, you cannot go wrong with this one. You get two USB-C ports, one rated at 20 watts and the other at 30 watts. Both support Power Delivery and the 30-watt port also supports PPS, so you can fast-charge most phones or tablets. OtterBox offers a few different dual-port car chargers. They come in black or white, with a gold highlight, and each has a textured end that’s easy to grip.
- Photograph: Anker
Best Triple Charger
Anker 535 Car ChargerIf you want to charge multiple devices from your car socket, this triple charger from Anker has you covered with two USB-C ports and one USB-A. With nothing else plugged in, the first USB-C can deliver up to 67 watts, enough to charge a laptop. If you want to use the ports together, you can draw 45 watts from the first USB-C (which also supports PPS and PD) and 9 watts apiece from the other two ports. You get a 3.2-foot USB-C to USB-C charging cable with it.
- Photograph: Amazon
Best Portable Battery
Noco Boost Plus GB40 Jump StarterIt’s always a smart idea to have a power bank in your car, and you can find a range of options in our Best Portable Chargers guide. But this one from Noco could be a roadside lifesaver because it can jump-start your car when the battery is dead. The Noco Boost Plus is a 1,000-amp, 12-volt battery pack with jump leads. It also has a USB-A port to charge your phone or other devices and a handy built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight. It’s IP65-rated and good for temperatures from –4 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Sling it in your trunk as part of an emergency kit, but remember to charge it at least every six months.
- Photograph: Monoprice
A Charging Cable
Monoprice USB-C to USB-C Select Series 3.1 Gen 2If you want to top off your phone or another mobile device in the car, you need a cable, and this affordable option from Monoprice is great. It’s a short, thick, durable cable capable of 100-W charging and 10-Gbps data transfer. The shorter lengths (1.64 or 3.28 feet) are better for the car, and Monoprice offers a lifetime warranty. If you have an iPhone or USB-A port in your car, you’ll want to choose something else from our best USB cables guide.
Photograph: Simon HillHonorable Mentions
Other Car Accessories We Have TestedESR Wireless Car Charger for $22: It is very affordable, has strong magnets that work well with MagSafe iPhones, and charges at up to 15 watts, but I’m not keen on the superfluous logo and lights, and I have my doubts about the durability of this charger. It plugs into the ball joint of the vent or dash mount provided, but I had trouble with the vent attachment.
Nomad USB-C Car Charger for $60: It’s expensive and bulky, but this dual-port Power Delivery charger slots into your car socket and can supply 70 watts from either USB-C port. If you use both, the top blue port gives you 50 watts and the bottom supplies 20 watts.
iOttie Aivo View Dash Cam for $150: With a sleek, compact design, the iOttie Aivo View looks the part and records video at up to 1,600p and 30 frames per second. There’s a Bluetooth remote button to trigger recordings, and it supports Alexa for voice commands, but I found the app flaky and very slow to download videos.
Vantrue Element 1 Dash Cam for $150: This dinky dashcam from Vantrue records crisp video at up to 1,440p and 30 frames per second with support for HDR. It also has a park mode and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, but I could not get the app to connect, so I had to remove the microSD card to review the footage.
NextBase 222 Dash Cam for $60: This basic dashcam works reasonably well and has the same design as NextBase’s more expensive models with a color screen on the back. But it can only record at 1080p and 30 frames per second, and I found it hard to read license plates at night. It does support parking mode, but there’s no GPS, so videos lack information on coordinates and speed.
NextBase 522GW Dash Cam for $219: If your budget won’t stretch to the 622GW above, this is the next model down, and it boasts many of the same features, including parking mode, Alexa, and the optional emergency SOS subscription. Video tops out at 1,440p and 30 fps, there’s no what3words support, and nighttime performance is nowhere near as good, but this is probably your best option in this price bracket.
iOttie Velox MagSafe Wireless Charging Car Mount for $42: Our previous pick for the best MagSafe vent mount isn't just classy but also rock solid. It’s similar to the Belkin listed above but maxes out at 7.5 watts. If you don’t mind the slower charging speed, you can save money by choosing this mount.
Joyroom MagSafe Vent Mount Charger for $27: Here’s another wireless charging MagSafe vent mount for iPhones. It holds MagSafe iPhones and cases securely, and emits a soft blue light to make it easy to find in the dark (it turns off when you mount your iPhone). It is a solid option to have your iPhone in landscape orientation, but is not suitable for heavier Max models. Joyroom claims it charges at 15 watts, but it only charged my iPhone 14 Pro at 7.5 watts.
Mophie Dual USB-C Car Charger for $35: This is a solid dual USB-C port charger that only misses out on a spot above because it maxes out at 40 watts. It supports Power Delivery, has a durable aluminum finish, and there’s a handy grippy texture that makes it easy to remove.
Photograph: Nikolai Grigorev/Getty ImagesStay Safe
What to Consider With Car Mounts and AccessoriesMount or dashcam placement: Wherever you place your phone mount or dashcam, it’s vital to ensure it does not obstruct your view of the road. Many mounts and dashcams allow for dash or windshield placement, but you should check your local laws. (It's illegal to attach mounts to the windshield in many US states.) Dashcams work well behind the rearview mirror if permitted.
Cable placement: Think about where cables will run, and use cables just long enough to prevent tangles and excess. (Read our Best USB-C Cables guide for some recommendations.) Consider how to keep the end of the cable handy. (The best mounts have cable management for this purpose.) If you are using a dashcam, they usually come with a small tool you can use to push the cable into the seams of your car’s interior panels to tuck it away. That can work for charging cables too.
Keep your eyes on the road: Whether setting up navigation, picking a playlist, or doing anything that requires your attention, do it before you start driving. Once you’re on the road, use voice commands or have a passenger deal with any issues, and keep your focus on the road. Distracted driving leads to thousands of deaths every year.
Wired Coupons
10% Off Wayfair Promo Code with sign-up
20% off Dyson Promo Code
$50 Off In-Person Tax Prep When You Switch From Your Tax Current Provider
Up to $500 off cameras at Canon
Save extra 10% Off TurboTax
Exclusive: Up To 50% Off 6 Boxes With Factor Promo Code