It’s a common saying that the best camera is the one that you have with you. For times when you don’t want to pack around your DSLR or mirrorless camera, using a phone mount or holder is a great way to get high quality images on a smartphone. Using a phone mount can turn your smartphone into a true powerhouse for taking photos, especially with the major advances in smartphone camera technology over the last few years. Here is our favorite smartphone mounts and holders right now.
Best Phone Mounts and Holders
NiSi Explorer MX-KIT Magnetic Tripod Phone Mount
Content creators will love the NiSi Explorer MX-KIT Magnetic Phone Tripod Mount. This tripod is compatible with any iPhone 12 or later using a MagSafe or MagSafe compatible case. This mini phone tripod comes with a small light that is perfect for on-the-go vlogging, photography, or video work where a light can help enhance your subject. The NiSi Explorer can be mounted by itself or on a larger tripod to reach greater heights.
Explorer MX-01 Mobile Explorer Phone Mount
The Explorer MX-01 Mobile Explorer Phone Mount is made from high-grade aluminum to ensure high durability. It can be attached to any arca swiss ball head, or mounted to any tripod with a ¼ inch screw. This phone mount is perfect for the photographer who may want to use their phone to take photos in addition to the camera and tripod that they are already carrying. The Explorer MX-01 is very small and can easily fit in your pocket to carry along with you next time you’re shooting.
Explorer MX-360 Mobile 360 Explorer Pro
This mobile tripod is made with aluminum alloy construction and easily attaches to nearly any tripod. The Explorer MX-360 uses Mobile 360 to allow for easy and quick rotation to shoot in either landscape or portrait orientation on your smartphone. Best of all, this phone mount is compatible with almost any smartphone, even without removing the case.
SmallRig Universal Smartphone Holder
The SmallRig Universal Smartphone Holder is designed to help smartphone users capture photos, live stream, vlog, and do interviews with their smartphone. It is arca swiss compatible, but it can also be used as a grip to allow handheld photos and video. The SmallRig can also easily fit in your pocket when folded down. This phone mount works well with most smartphones, and mounting and dismounting your smartphone has never been easier or quicker.
Zhiyun Smooth Q4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphones
If you’re looking for a phone gimbal that will help you take smooth video, look no further than the Zhiyun Smooth Q4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer. This gimbal feels great to hold in your hand, and it will help you achieve smooth video. Even better yet, the ZY Cami App allows you to create amazing video footage so you can create a masterpiece easier than ever. This Zhiyun Smooth Q4 is easy to operate, and packs up easily and quickly once you’re done with the shoot.
PanaVise PortaGrip Universal Phone Holder
If you want to take photos or videos hands-free while you drive, this is the mount for you! The PanaVise PortaGrip Universal Phone Holder has a telescoping suction mount that easily attaches to your windshield. It also has up to 18” of extra reach with the telescoping arm. There is a quick release button that allows for fast and easy access to your phone. The mount can easily turn, tilt, and rotate to get the perfect angle.
Panavise Deluxe Phone Mount with Knuckle Assembly
If you want true freedom to find the perfect composition, the PanaVise Deluxe Phone Mount with Knuckle Assembly is the perfect phone mount for you. You can easily rotate this phone mount to perfect dial in your composition before your shot. The base of it can be locked into place either with a knob or set-screw adjusting options — both of which are included in the package.
iFootage Spider Crab Versatile Phone Holder
If you’re looking for a phone mount small enough to fit in your hand or pocket — with the ability to freely rotate 360 degrees and shoot in both portrait and landscape orientation — the iFootage Spider Crab Phone Holder might be for you. This phone mount is very versatile and allows for many different ways of shooting. It comes with a cold shoe, ¼”, 38mm, and 50mm mounts so you can quickly set up your phone mount.
JOBY Swing Complete Kit
This product was designed in partnership with the motion control geniuses at Syrp Lab to improve linear movement. You can spread this tripod to stand on its own, or wrap it around an object if needed. This bundle comes with the GorillaPod 3K Stand, BallHead 1K, and GripTight ONE phone mount. It can also be controlled via the JOBY Motion app for iOS or Android.
What Kind of Photographers Should Have a Phone Mount?
If you already have a DSLR or mirrorless setup, you may be wondering why you would need a phone mount. Having a phone mount can help you achieve great shots on the smartphone that you probably already have with you. Most people don’t carry their professional camera with them everywhere they go. Having the ability to mount your phone and compose your shot on a tripod can be the difference between getting a shot or not. With how small many of these phone mounts are, you’ll hardly notice them in your pocket, purse, or backpack.
In addition, many photographers can benefit from having a phone mount with them when out shooting with their camera. Content creators will love having a phone mount because it allows you to shoot video or photo more quickly. Using a phone mount can help you create videos and photos of all types.
Check out 5 Ways to Use Your Smartphone to Make Creative Content for some ideas to get started.
How to Choose the Right Phone Mount
With thousands of phone mounts on the market, how do you know which one to choose? The best phone mount is going to vary for each photographer. The best way to choose the right one for you is to first look at what you wish to do with it. Some phone mounts are more catered towards video, while others are better for photos.
Also, some phone mounts are designed to be used by themselves, while others require a larger tripod to be with you. Consider the style of the mount, and what you need to use it, in addition to the size before you make a purchase.
Using a phone mount can help elevate your content creation and mobile and video photography. With smartphone technology improving by the year, it’s a given that you’ll be taking some photos with your phone. Investing in a phone mount will only benefit your photography.
Looking for more? Read Best Add-On Lenses for Mobile Phone Photography.
