As an iPhone user, having the right accessories in your car can enhance convenience and improve your driving experience. Think of them as essential add-ons that complement your iPhone while you’re on the road.
So, if you’re wondering which accessories are must-haves, we’ve done the research for you. Here’s a roundup of the best car accessories in each category to help you make the perfect choice.
How to pick the right iPhone car accessories for your needs
We’ve rounded up the must-have car accessories in this blog based on firsthand user reviews from platforms like Reddit and Amazon. This follows our testing and research guidelines. However, since we’ve featured multiple products under each accessory category, you might wonder how to pick the right one for your car.
The first thing you should ask yourself is whether you truly need the accessory based on its features. Then, check if it’s compatible with your iPhone model and car type to avoid purchasing something that won’t work. For example, a MagSafe iPhone mount won’t be useful if you have an iPhone model older than the iPhone 12.
It’s also best to opt for MFi-certified accessories, as they’re more reliable and work seamlessly with iPhones. While we’ve already vetted the products in this article, checking user reviews and ratings can give you a clearer idea of what to expect. This also helps you understand the accessory’s features and whether they’re genuinely useful to you.
Lastly, consider your budget. There are plenty of affordable options that still offer great value, so choose accessories that fit your needs without overspending. Following these steps will help you make an informed decision and get the best accessories for your car.
Essential iPhone car accessories for convenience & safety
After thorough research, we’ve selected the best iPhone car accessories. Here’s a quick rundown of our top picks, highlighting their benefits and why you need them.
1. Car iPhone mounts & holders
Car iPhone mounts and holders are a smart investment, whether you use your iPhone frequently in the car or not. They help keep things organized while making navigation and hands-free calls much easier. Plus, they prop up your iPhone for quick access and even allow you to use it as a dash cam.
There are various types to choose from, including dashboard clips, windshield mounts, and magnetic holders that secure your iPhone without side clamps. Some even feature MagSafe charging to keep your phone powered on the go.
Here are our top picks to check out:
- ProClip USA: I’ve found this to be one of the best brands for custom car mounts. It offers options based on your car’s make, model, and year and supports a wide range of popular car brands. It ensures a sturdy mounting bracket that securely holds your iPhone in the best spot on the dashboard.
Aside from regular iPhone holders, it also has magnetic and wireless charging mounts for those who need extra functionality. You can also browse mounts designed specifically for your iPhone model instead of choosing based on your car—perfect if you already know what will fit your dashboard. - ESR for MagSafe Car Mount: This iPhone car mount gives a sturdy and flexible way to hold your iPhone in place with strong magnetic support. You can attach it to the dashboard, on top of your car’s touchscreen, behind it, or anywhere else with a flat surface.
What I like most about it is its rotating feature, which lets you switch between portrait and landscape mode seamlessly. The arm also swivels and folds, giving you the flexibility to position your iPhone exactly how you need it. It’s compatible with iPhone models from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 16. - Belkin MagSafe Vent Mount Pro MagSafe iPhone Mount For Car: If you need a vent iPhone mount with MagSafe support, this Belkin mount is a great pick. It works with all MagSafe-compatible iPhones and locks securely onto most car air vents. What stands out is its ball joint, letting you rotate your iPhone 360 degrees and tilt it for the perfect viewing angle.
2. Car chargers & Wireless charging pads
To charge your iPhone on the go in your car, you’ll need either a wired charger or a wireless charging pad. Some car mounts even come with built-in wireless charging, and certain car models offer this feature as well. Additionally, some cars have a USB-A output, allowing you to plug in a cable for charging. Keep these options in mind when selecting a car charger. Also, remember that newer iPhone models now use USB-C instead of Lightning, so be sure to check the charger port before purchasing.
So here are some of the best car chargers you can use:
- Nekteck’s 45-watt charger: If you’re looking for a reliable wired charging solution for your iPhone in cars with a cigarette lighter, the Nekteck 45W USB-C Car Charger is a solid choice. This compact charger features a USB-C port and comes with a 1-meter USB-C to USB-C cable, delivering fast charging with a 45W maximum output. While iPhones typically charge at 18W, this charger still ensures efficient power delivery. It’s USB-IF certified for safety and also includes a smart USB-A port that automatically adjusts the charging speed for iPhones and iPads.
- Anker USB-C Car Charger: The Anker USB-C car charger stands out as one of the best options for iPhone users, praised for its durability and performance. With dual 20W USB-C ports, it delivers fast charging speeds. It supports PowerIQ 3.0, ensuring efficient, high-speed charging, and is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and other USB-C devices. Its ultra-compact design makes it easy to carry and use, providing convenience for on-the-go charging.
- BothLin Wireless Car Charger: If you’re looking for a reliable wireless charging solution for your car, this is our top pick. The BothLin Wireless Car Charger combines fast charging with a secure phone mount, making it easy to charge and use your phone while driving. It features auto-clamping and a 360° rotating mount to keep your phone steady and at the perfect angle for GPS. It offers 7.5W charging for iPhones. It’s also case-friendly and stays securely in place, even on bumpy roads.
3. Bluetooth & Audio adapters
If your car doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth support for its audio system or a wireless CarPlay connection, you’ll need either a Bluetooth adapter or a CarPlay adapter, depending on your needs. A Bluetooth adapter allows you to wirelessly connect your iPhone to your car’s audio system, even if it lacks native Bluetooth support.
On the other hand, a CarPlay adapter enables seamless iPhone integration with your car’s infotainment system, providing easy access to apps and features like navigation, music streaming, messaging, and hands-free calling directly from the display. These devices enhance your in-car experience, ensuring you get the most out of your iPhone while driving.
Here are a few examples of the products you can purchase for the functionalities:
- COMSOON Bluetooth Receiver for Car: If you want to add wireless audio to your non-Bluetooth car system, this is the product you need. It has a Bluetooth 5.0 chip for strong connections, quick transmission, and a wide signal range. It’s simple to use, and I find its intelligent noise-cancellation feature very useful—it makes calls in the car much clearer. It also comes with up to 16 hours of battery life and the ability to pair two devices at once.
- Ottocast U2-Air: This dongle is perfect for converting wired CarPlay to wireless CarPlay in your car. It connects seamlessly with your iPhone, giving you access to features like Siri, text reading, and more through your car’s infotainment system.
- VeoPulse Car Speakerphone B-Pro 2: This in-car speaker is perfect for anyone looking for clear audio while using their iPhone in the car. It’s easy to set up, connects automatically when you enter your car and delivers clean sound for making and receiving calls. Many users on platforms like Amazon have confirmed that it comes with a lasting battery.
4. Cable organizers & Multi-Port adapters
If you want a more organized car setup, cable organizers and multi-port adapters are essential. Cable organizers keep your charging cables neat and easy to grab, while multi-port adapters let you charge multiple devices at once. Together, they ensure your iPhone and other gadgets stay powered without the mess.
- TOLLEFE 5-in-1 USB Car Charger Multi Port: This car charger is perfect for charging multiple devices at once. It features 5 USB ports—3 on the adapter and 2 on an extended component for passengers in the back seat, keeping the car organized. Ideal for car trips with more than 3 people, this TOLLEFE charger supports charging 5 devices simultaneously at a maximum speed of 6.2A. The extended component also includes a back clip to help keep the car space neat.
- Adhesive Cable Clips: This accessory helps keep cables organized. It includes 60 super sticky and sturdy clips that reduce cluttered wires in your car.
5. Smart Dash Cams with iPhone Integration
Many drivers use dash cams for safety and recording. While some rely on their iPhone as a dash cam, dedicated dash cams that work with your iPhone offer a better experience. Here’s the best product we found in this category:
- REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear: This is one of the best dash cams available. It offers 4K + 1080p dual recording, capturing all critical details on the road with clarity. It also features night vision and built-in GPS. You can manage the camera through a dedicated app on your iPhone, allowing you to view and playback recordings. However, it comes at a premium price.
Signing off…
When choosing iPhone accessories for your car, make sure to select products that suit your needs and budget. For example, if you’re looking for a car mount, decide whether you prefer one for the dashboard or one that clips onto the air vent.
Additionally, consider the other factors discussed in this guide to help you make the best choice. We hope this guide makes your decision easier and more straightforward.
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