This guide details various iPad Holders for the front seat of your car by explaining their premium traits and characteristics.
I am a long-time Apple user who has spent years working with different mounts. My own experience, backed by extensive research, allowed me to properly analyze and explain the models in this article.
I believe the Mayoga Tablet Holder is the top choice due to its streamlined design, easy setup, and solid build.
Where many attachable items take a lot to get working, the Mayoga is quick to put together. Not only that, but it fits a host of different tablets and phones. You can rotate it as you like and there’s even a one-hand release. The fall prevention structure protects your device too.
If you want to learn more about what makes that holder so useful, or if you’re interested in similar premium holders, read on through the following paragraphs.
Contents
Who Should Get This
The holders in this guide are obviously geared toward those who use their iPad for car-related purposes. That includes hands-free calling, music, or GPS. If you’re someone who needs access to their tablet as they drive, these are must-haves from a safety and practical standpoint.
Those who use their phone will enjoy them too. However, if you don’t use any devices as you drive, or if you’re someone who simply doesn’t have a tablet, you won’t need something quite so large in the front of your car.
Best iPad Holder for Car Front Seat: Top Picks
Here, I break down the top iPad holders for the front seat by looking at their traits and niches.
1. Mayoga Tablet Holder
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: Fully rotatable. Fall prevention design. One-hand release. Durable. Easy to operate and install.
- Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.54 x 3.15 inches
- Mounting Compatibility: Tablets, Phones
- Compatible Products: Apple products. Google Nexus 7, Samsung Note
This simple holder from Mayoga is one of the best and most well-rounded options on the market for those who want to use their tablet in the front seat. Being able to hold both phones and tablets, it has great versatility thanks to the unique 360-degree rotatable design.
Another huge bonus is this tablet’s streamlined construction. Where some models take a while to get going, setup is quick and painless. It can also be removed without tools. Add on the one-hand release alongside the fall prevention structure and you get a strong stand.
One important note to make when buying this holder is that it doesn’t work with round air vents. If you have those in your car, you should check out some of the other premium options on this list.
2. Arkon Tablet Mount
- Best For: Versatility
- Key Features: Bendable arm. Tough construction. Multiple mounting options and viewing angles. Spring loaded design.
- Dimensions: 14 x 8 x 2 inches
- Mounting Type: Seat
- Compatible Products: Apple products, Microsoft Surface Pro, Galaxy Tab 4
If you want options or versatility with your iPad mount, it’s hard to beat this model from Arkon. Outfitted with a true goose-neck design, you can freely turn or twist it as you need. Not only that, but you can also shift the support legs to get the fit you want and it has a 360-degree swivel.
The positioning here is accurate on several levels. There are even optional floor brackets if you want to screw the dock directly into your vehicle. It’s well-built, offers a range of unique viewing angles, and can be put in a variety of different places to match your preferences.
That being said, setup is not easy. You’re going to need tools to put this one together, which can be a bit of an involved process for those not familiar with mounts. The tablet can shake a bit going over bumps as well.
3. AHK Cup Holder Mount
- Best For: Usability
- Key Features: Anti-slip grip and metal build. Easily adjustable. 360-degree rotation and simple interface. Small footprint. Affordable.
- Dimensions: 10.59 x 3.19 x 2.91 inches
- Mounting Compatibility: Clip, Dashboard
- Compatible Products: All tablets and phones
Where many iPad holders work through vent or mirror attachments, this AHK model breaks from that mold and uses the cup holders. That not only keeps the entire package both tight and manageable, but it makes it incredibly easy to set up and operate as well.
This holder comes with a strong metal design that can withstand a lot of use. It cuts down on vibrations as well. The anti-slip grip does a great job of protecting your tablet on multiple levels and the wide compatibility means you can use this with different devices when you need.
Just be aware that the pole is a bit rigid. As this sits in the cup holder, there isn’t a lot of room for maneuverability. Where your tablet sits is likely where it’s going to stay.
4. Woleyi CD Slot Mount
- Best For: Space Saving
- Key Features: Secure grip. Tight, compact build. 360-degree rotation and open design. Padded surface protects your car
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.1 x 3.9 inches
- Mounting Compatibility: CD Slot, CD Player
- Compatible Products: All 3 to 14 inch devices
Though most premium tablets take up minimal space, this model from Woleyi takes it to the next level. Perfect for most older vehicles, the device slots right into a CD player to give you easy access to your iPad at any time. It’s simple to set up and hardly takes up any room.
In terms of features, this holder has a strong anti-skid design as well as a full 360-degree rotation. The plush material ensures it won’t scratch or damage your car, and the unique screw lock mounting system prevents your tablet from moving around as you drive.
The biggest downside here is the durability. The clip and mount should both last a long time. Even so, the actual material is prone to scratches and dents. Be careful when operating this one over bumpy roads.
5. Apps2Car Mount Holder
- Best For: Compatibility
- Key Features: Adjustable loading button. Spring locking system. Versatile. Long, flexible arm. Easy to rotate.
- Dimensions: 7.17 x 3.7 x 2.83 inches
- Mounting Compatibility: Dashboard, Wall Mount, Windshield
- Compatible Products: 7 to 12.4 inch tablets
The holder from Apps2Car is a more unique option that can be put just about anywhere. It has the ability to be affixed to the top of your car, but also works as a windshield and dashboard mount thanks to the open mounting system as well as the bendable 13-inch arm.
This gives you a great amount of control over your tablet. The suction cup is incredibly reliable and will hold anywhere you put it. The 360-degree rotation simply adds to that usability, while the powerful construction allows you to use it without any wear and tear.
One of the biggest pros of this device also happens to be something some users may not like. The suction cup is extremely tough. So much so that you need to be happy with where you stick it. Once it’s on, getting it off can be a bit of a pain.
How to Choose iPad Holder for Car Front Seat
These traits are vital to remember when getting a new iPad Holder for your car.
Durability
Though it’s easy to overlook, you want your iPad holder to be tough. A strong build is not something you may notice in the first few months of using it, but as time goes on it becomes essential. Get tough materials, as well as brands associated with reliability.
Maintaining a strong grip is important. If your holder weakens with age, it can then drop your tablet during bumps or dips. That’s a big problem when you’re dealing with something as expensive as an iPad, and it’s why that toughness is so critical.
Usability
A holder, regardless of its features, is nothing if it doesn’t make your life easier. There are plenty of models that look great but either take up too much space or are awkward to operate. You don’t want to fight with yours every single time you get in and out of a car.
Rather, look for ones that are fully rotatable or that come with special aspects like a one-hand release. Such features may not be at the forefront of your mind, but they go a long way when it comes to everyday practicality.
Size
Of course, as the above models all work with iPads, the grips need to be a certain size. The same isn’t true of the mount. When getting a holder, always track how much space it will take up in your car. For the most part, smaller is better. However, that’s not always the case.
The general rule is to get a mount that fits your available space. A smaller option that takes up less room is good, but it can get swallowed up by a bigger vehicle. Do your best to match what you have.
Useful Tips and Resources
Just because you have a mount doesn’t mean you know how to fully take advantage of your tablet. If you want to know exactly how to get the most out of it when on the move, this guide comes with plenty of excellent tips.
A car tablet holder is a great accessory that enhances what you can do while you pilot your vehicle. However, it’s far from the only one. These modern gadgets also help enhance your driving experience.
Final Verdict
The Mayoga Tablet Holder gets my vote as the best front seat iPad option on the market. It’s easy to use, simple to install, and allows you to use your tablet without it ever getting in the way. That’s important for both safety and general usability.
This option comes with a lot of versatility and utilizes a special fall prevention design to better protect your product. It’s durable, affordable, and will last quite a long time, even with regular use. It’s hard to do better than that.
