strong>Cobblestone, unexpected downpours, emergency braking – a phone mount for bikes has to put up with a lot. We pushed 18 different phone mount models to their limits in tough, everyday riding conditions. From clever magnetic systems to finecky clamp mechanisms, we’ll show you which mounts impressed us with rock-solid stability and easy handling – and which ones you’re better off steering clear of.
18 models at a glance – but which one came out on top in our comparison test?
“Where do you put your smartphone?” It’s a question every cyclist has asked themselves at least once in their life – because these days, your phone is more than just a texting device. It’s your navigation system, your music player, and your camera, all rolled into one. Whether you’re commuting to work, weaving through traffic downtown, or heading out on your next gravel adventure, a solid phone mount is a must-have accessory. But which ones really keep your phone safe, even on rough cobbles and with sudden braking manoeuvres? And which ones actually make your day-to-day rides easier with intuitive handling and a good build quality?
The differences between models are surprisingly big. While some mounts focus on maximum versatility and are therefore compatible with a broad range of phones, others prioritise rock-solid connection for rough terrain and fast-paced rides. We tested a total of 18 phone mounts from 10 different manufacturers to find out which one suits your needs best – and what you should look out for before buying.
Table of contents
What really matters when choosing the right phone mount for your bike?
The right phone mount needs to do more than just hold your smartphone – it should make your everyday rides a more pleasant experience. First things first: will the mount actually fit your handlebars? And how tricky is it to install? Do you need tools – and if so, which ones? Also consider where you want to place it: on the handlebars or on the stem?
There are plenty of ways to mount a phone on a bike, so take a moment to figure out what works best for you and your setup. On many e-bikes, for example, the display unit may already take up space on the bars or stem, leaving limited room for additional accessories. It’s also worth checking whether the mount can be quickly removed and refitted to another bike – especially if you switch between different rides on a regular basis.
Checking compatibility is absolutely essential, especially with e-bikes! Does the display already take up the place where you would usually mount your phone?
A good phone mount should let you attach and remove your smartphone one-handedly – perfect for quickly checking directions, taking a photo, or skipping to the next track without fumbling around. Overly-complicated mechanisms that demand precise hand movements only add stress, especially in busy urban settings. And of course, stability is key: kerbs, rough roads, cobblestones and potholes shouldn’t turn into hazards. No one wants a mount that wobbles about – or worse, lets your phone fall off mid-ride.
If you switch between bikes on a regular basis, tool-free systems like those from Bone Collection are a practical option – they’re quick to fit and easy to remove. The trade-off? These solutions rarely enable the seamless integration of more fixed setups. Universal mounts ensure great versatility, but case-based systems like SP Connect provide a far more secure hold. They tend to be pricier and less compatible across devices, but the added peace of mind is really worth it.
Looks matter, too. A mount shouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb – it should blend in with your cockpit. Minimalist designs like the Loop Mount are a stylish choice for urban cyclists who appreciate clean aesthetics. And position plays a role too: do you want your navigation app right in your line of sight, or more discreetly tucked away on the stem? Portrait or landscape mode, charging access – your phone mount should adapt to your riding style, not the other way around.
Many systems also boast clever technical features and hard-wearing materials. If you’re looking for even more performance, extras like weatherproof covers or vibration-damping mounts can be a real game-changer.
The cases on test: From sleek, minimalist designs to rugged protective models – each one is tailored to its specific mount and plays a key role in overall stability and compatibility.
How we tested
What became clear early on in this test is that there’s no such thing as the perfect phone mount. – the requirements of different types of riders and situations are simply too varied. Commuters, touring riders and gravel adventurers all have different needs when it comes to securing their phones, and we wanted our test field to reflect that. To ensure fair comparison across the board, we tested all mounts using the same device – an iPhone 15 Pro – combined with the matching case for each system. That allowed us to put them through their paces under realistic, real-world conditions.
City commutes? Our test route included cobblestones, kerbs and stop-start traffic to evaluate stability and everyday usability. For urban adventures and weekend trips, we paid particular attention to how easy it was to mount and remove the phone on the fly – because when you want to snap a quick photo, the last thing you need is to wrestle with your setup.
And yes, we also took the holders off-road – though deliberately just on moderate gravel. Harsh trails and big drops aren’t the right place for a phone mount anyway. If you tackle the rough stuff, your phone is better off tucked away in a jersey pocket or hip pack.
At the end of the day, the best phone mount is the one that suits you and your riding style best. Whether you’re commuting, touring at the weekend or heading out on urban adventures, we’ve found a few clear favourites. In the next section, you’ll find out which ones made the cut.
The phone mounts on test
Manufacturer
Modell
Weight (g)
Price
Bone
Bike Tie Pro 4
56
€ 24.99
Bone
Bike Tie 5
74
€ 29.99
Bosch
Smartphone Grip
70
€ 59.90
FESCHD
Bike Mount
68
€ 35.00
FIDLOCK
VACUUM Mount GPS
39
€ 24.99
FIDLOCK
VACUUM Handlebar Base Flex
51
€ 29.99
Loop
Loop Mount
144
€ 64.95
Loop
Micro Mount
67
€ 44.95
Peak Design
Out Front Bike Mount
89
€ 79.99
QuadLock
Out Front Mount Pro
69
€ 69.95
QuadLock
Handlebar Stem Mount
25
€ 29.95
SKS Germany
COMPIT
110
€ 29.99
SKS Germany
COMPIT Stem
25
€ 24.99
SP Connect
Handlebar Mount Pro
47
€ 49.99
SP Connect
Handlebar Mount Pro MTB
48
€ 49.99
SP Connect
Universal Bike Mount
44
€ 29.99
SP Connect
Micro Stem Mount
15
€ 9.99
Topeak
Ridecase Mount
79
€ 29.95
Average
62
€ 38.66
If you want to know what else the mounts have to offer and how they performed in our test, read the full article in our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.
Words: Jan Fock, Manfred Schmitt Photos: Jan Fock