Best Car Accessories Review & Buying Guide
This mount attaches quickly and firmly to a car’s CD slot and has the same magnetic mount as the other iTap Magnetic 2 versions. These non-slip cup holder coasters are flexible and cut with grooves to ensure a better grip on beverages. They come in a universal fit, and when you have a spill you can pop them out and clean them in a jiffy. This portable air compressor draws power by connecting to your car’s 12-volt port. Once on, the compressor can inflate from 29 PSI to 36 PSI in about a single minute.
The Apps2Car Universal Magnetic CD Slot Car Phone Mount does a good job of holding a phone in place, but it uses a screw and washer nut to tighten the mount in place in your CD slot, which is strange. This MagSafe mount offers simple installation, fast charging, and everything you need inside the box. We added details on new Qi2-powered mounts from ESR, iOttie, and Mophie that we plan to test in our What to look forward to section.
#1 Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler
After another round of testing, we’re happy to report that the iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 remains our top choice for car phone mounts. This mount stands out for its ease of installation, versatility, and ability to keep your phone securely in place. We’ve tried out the different versions of the iTap Magnetic 2, and we’re confident that the air-vent, CD-slot, and dashboard/windshield mounts will work well for any type of vehicle. The iTap Magnetic 2 system uses a magnetic plate to install, even with MagSafe iPhones, so if you have a newer iPhone, you may want to buy our MagSafe pick instead. You’ll also find that all of our selections were designed to be easy to install and with a universal fit in mind. Phone holders (#6) and chargers (Best on a Budget and #7) support both Android and Apple devices.
And again, with safety, the majority of the selections in our guide are designed to keep you safer on the road. Not having to grope under your seat for a dropped item, hold your phone as you drive, take a hands-free call, or a reduction in back pain can all go a long way to keeping you focused with your eyes on the road. That’s great, but jack stands aren’t always the best solution; there are instances where they can block what you’re doing, damage your expensive floors, or not even be able to fit under your Tips For Choosing Car Accessories vehicle. Available for $139, the Jack Rod is a quick and compact alternative for getting your car elevated safely. Once you have a corner of your vehicle jacked up into the air, you attach the Jack Rod between the axles of the floor jack.
After taking all of the above into account, we nominated the Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler as our Top Pick. We liked that this was a simple and easy to install device that solved a major problem — dropping items between your seat and the center console. The iOttie Auto Sense charging mount is ideal for those looking to keep their phone charged while mounted on their dashboard or windshield. It has a unique design that includes a telescoping arm, self-clamping tension grips, and wireless-charging capabilities for Android phones (10 W) and iPhones (7.5 W). And the Auto Sense is designed to be easy and straightforward to install, similar to the iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 dash mount.
Luno Air Mattress 2.0
Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). If you have an iPhone 12, 13, 14, or 15, the ESR HaloLock mount is a great MagSafe solution that doesn’t take up a lot of space and can securely mount your iPhone without extra hardware.
HEYTRIP Inflatable Air Mattress for Car Camping
After folding the back seats down and laying out a sleeping pad, I faced an uphill battle to get comfortable and keep things organized. Thankfully Luno’s inflatable air mattresses are custom made to fit your vehicle and quickly create a comfortable sleeping space. Luno also sells a handy magnetic storage bag that sticks to the outside of your vehicle—no more shoes stinking up the inside your car. Veteran overlanders will know that having running water is underrated at a campsite. Referred to as the Hydration Water Faucet, this solution has a magnetic base that keeps it in place and a touch-sensitive button on top for easy operation.