Beam Electronics Vent Mount

The budget pick — a simple, inexpensive spring-clamp vent mount that holds most phones securely for navigation with no frills, a long-time best-seller. Can block a vent's airflow and is more basic than the iOttie's one-touch grip, but unbeatable for a functional mount on the cheapest budget.

The Beam Electronics Vent Mount is the rock-bottom budget pick for a functional, secure mount for very little money. It's a simple spring-clamp vent mount that clips onto an air vent and grips the phone between adjustable arms — no suction, magnets, or frills. It's inexpensive, easy to install, holds most phones securely enough for everyday navigation, and is a long-time best-seller because it does the basic job cheaply and reliably. The trade-offs: vent mounts can block that vent's airflow and may sag on a loose or angled vent, the clamp grip is more basic than the iOttie's one-touch mechanism, and it lacks magnetic convenience. But for an affordable, no-nonsense mount that holds your phone for navigation without spending much, it's the value standout — the mount to buy when you just need something that works cheaply.

▶ Video review

Beam Electronics Car Phone Mount Review! Worth it?