Tried and tested: the best smartphone mounts and stands

We’ve tested the best mounts and stands to unlock hidden magnetic and wireless powers of our smart phones.

STM Goods Mag Arm

Such a weirdly useful accessory, you’ll wonder why it didn’t exist before

$70, stmgoods.com.au

The STM Goods Mag Arm.

PROS

Both connections secure

Will hold phone at a good angle

Can be fitted with MagSafe charger

CONS

Can be tricky to remove

Only one colour

Doesn’t fold up

For those who use a Mac and an iPhone, this smartly designed accessory could create a miniature portable office. The Mag Arm is a hinged device with a powerful suction cap on one end and a MagSafe magnet on the other. The suction cap locks to the back of your computer, while the magnet keeps your iPhone alongside it, like a small second screen. Both ends can rotate so you can have your iPhone appear above your screen — perhaps for use as a webcam — or swing it to its best angle.

4 stars

Satechi Magnetic Wireless Car Charger

A versatile iPhone mount that can be fitted to all cars

$90, macgear.com.au

The Satechi Magnetic Wireless Car Charger.

PROS

Holds iPhones securely

Compatible with all cars

Stylish design

CONS

No power adaptor

Supplied cable won’t fit old adaptors

Partially blocks air vent

It’s incredibly important to keep your iPhone secure in the car and, if you’re using maps, to keep it just a glance away. This smart gadget from Satechi achieves both and will do so in just about any car as its clip attaches to an air vent while an adjustable arm keeps it in position. Its aluminium body features a MagSafe-compatible magnet that holds iPhone 13 and 12 models securely and, pleasingly, it will do so vertically or horizontally. The device itself is solid, though it arrives without a power adaptor.

4 stars

Belkin Magnetic Phone Mount

A phone accessory for emerging TikTok artists

$80, belkin.com/au

The Belkin Magnetic Phone Mount.

PROS

Follows you while capturing video

Great for TikTok, Instagram uploads

Records in portrait or landscape

CONS

Can’t be used for video calls

Doesn’t charge your phone

Compatible with iPhone 12 and 13 only

This is gadget could make you shake your wallet or shake your head, depending on whether you film yourself for social media. Belkin’s creative iPhone accessory is designed to keep you in the centre of the frame while shooting videos, even as you move around. It does this by tracking your face with an app while the mount gently spins the camera into position. It only works with MagSafe-ready iPhones, it’s powered by AA batteries, and it won’t charge your device but fitness and food influencers should love it.

3 stars

Mophie Snap+ Wireless Charging Stand

Powerful iPhone-charging stand that can be used by Androids too

$90, jbhifi.com.au

The Mophie Snap+ Wireless Charging Stand.

PROS

Minimal, solid stand

Hold iPhones securely

Comes with magnet for other phones

CONS

No colour but black

Only one viewing angle

Extra magnet not as powerful

This simple stand will keep your iPhone charged, secure, and easy to view. The Mophie Snap+ Wireless Charging Stand comes with its own MagSafe-compatible charger and plug built-in (once you construct it), and it makes charging your phone as simple as placing it on the landing circle. The stand will hold your phone securely in portrait or landscape mode, and it also comes with a circular magnet to stick to older iPhones or Android phones so that they can also use it.

3.5 stars

Twelve South PowerPic Mod

This stylish gadget recharges all kinds of devices and also hold a photo

$100, twelvesouth.com.au

The Twelve South PowerPic Mod.

PROS

Attractive desk charger

Can be personalised with a photo

Works with multiple devices

CONS

One viewing angle

No power plug

Larger than some

Finally, we have a practical successor to the digital photo frame. This creation from Twelve South is actually a wireless charger that will power up Qi-compatible phones from Samsung, Apple, Google and other brands, and can also be used to recharge wireless earbuds too. In addition, it arrives in a stylish form, and users can choose to leave the lucite block as it is or remove its magnetic cover to add their own photo print.

4.5 stars