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How to choose a car phone mount by base

The phone holder matters less than the base it stands on. Start with the base your car allows, then pick the head.

Four bases, four kinds of car

• Suction: windshields and smooth dashes; easy to move between cars.
• CD slot: sedans with a spare slot; keeps the glass clear.
• Cup holder: trucks and SUVs; no contact with glass or dash.
• Adhesive: flat hard dashes; the most permanent.

Clamp or magnetic head

A clamp grips any phone in any case and suits heavy rugged cases. A magnetic head is quicker one-handed; MagSafe iPhones snap straight on, other phones need a thin plate or ring.

How long an arm?

Deep dashboards in pickups and SUVs need a long gooseneck to bring the phone near the wheel. In small cars or on rough roads, a short arm wobbles less.