Buying Guide for Phone Holders for Bed
Why buy a phone holder for your bed?
Just like car phone mounts, bedside phone holders give you a convenient, hands-free method of holding your phone. They optimize your phone’s positioning while you are in bed so that you can text, watch videos, or video chat in comfort. Some models are even designed to help you maintain a natural posture while using your phone in bed, which can do wonders for an achy neck. Lastly, great phone holders tend to be surprisingly affordable, meaning you won’t have to break the bank in order to upgrade your bedside smartphone setup.
What should you look for in a phone holder?
- Mount: A phone holder’s mounting mechanism is a critical feature for an optimal hands-free experience. Whether it has a clamp, suction, or magnet, make sure to identify which mount would be best to secure the phone holder to your bed frame or nightstand. Some phone holders are even free-standing and can sit atop your table or even wrap around your neck.
- Arm: When it comes to arms, you’ll want to consider the overall length and flexibility. Some arm materials are more pliable than others. Other designs for arms simply pivot at a joint or offer a 360-degree rotation.
- Cradle: Lastly, you’ll want to consider the cradle that clips your device into the holder. Will it hold your cell phone or tablet even while it’s in the case? Is there a grip on it that will keep your cell phone in place? Is it large enough to hold your iPad or tablet? While many bed phone holders are universally compatible, most still have limitations concerning how large or small of a device they can hold.
What are some other factors that you should consider?
While some phone holders are incredibly easy to assemble and install, other models will require you to do most of the work and may even require some tools. If you aren’t adept at putting things together, it is a good idea to invest in a phone holder with minimal assembly and installation requirements, such as a durable gooseneck phone holder. Also, before settling on a design, be sure to factor in how you normally lay in bed so that you can choose a cell phone holder that can be utilized comfortably in your favorite positions.
Our Picks for the Best Phone Holders for Bed
Pros: Featuring a secure design and an attractive price tag, the Lamicall Gooseneck Mount utilizes its long, sturdy gooseneck to great effect. This phone holder is compatible with a wide variety of popular smartphones, including the iPhone 13, and its rugged clamp does well to preserve surfaces thanks to its non-slip silicone coating. While this isn’t the most pliable phone holder out there, it impresses in terms of its nice style offerings and is great for those who desire set-it-and-forget-it simplicity.
Cons: One problem that gooseneck phone holders like this one tend to have is excessive pliability, meaning it’s hard to keep them in a single set position. While this phone holder sports no such flaw, the opposite might be closer to the truth. Some have noted that this phone holder can be difficult to bend, especially for those with weak hands or arthritis.
Bottom Line: Thanks to its simple design and sturdy build quality, this budget-friendly phone holder will appeal to a wide variety of people. That being said, its rugged gooseneck looks far easier to manipulate than it actually is, so those seeking a phone holder that can be molded to their heart’s content may need to look elsewhere.
Pros: If you’re looking for a versatile phone holder that can be used almost anywhere, the B-Land Cell Phone Holder scores top marks. This product is straightforward to adjust thanks to its flexible design and rotating clip, and it’s even sturdy enough to be molded into a makeshift car mount if the need arises. However, it really shows its value when worn—it allows you to keep an eye on your phone while freeing your hands.
Cons: This phone holder is a little heavy, so it’s not designed to be worn around your neck all day. That being said, for short sessions, it’s a pretty comfortable way to be mindful of your posture while watching videos on your smartphone.
Bottom Line: Given this phone holder’s nearly unlimited degree of adjustability, it’s a product that will solve a lot of smartphone-related problems that many people don’t even know they have. While it may look a little goofy when worn around one’s neck, there’s no denying this device’s endless utility, making it one of the most versatile options you’ll find.
Pros: Sporting a rugged design that can be used with smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, the UGREEN Tablet Stand Holder is great for watching Netflix in bed. It’s also surprisingly quick and simple to set up thanks to its tool-free installation process and sturdy clamp. While this device holder is a little more pricey than other options, it outperforms most competitors in terms of weight capacity and the number of compatible devices it can be used with.
Cons: This device holder is a little bouncy when you tap your phone or tablet, so it’s probably not an ideal option for those who wish to play games from the comfort of their bed. That being said, it’s definitely stable enough to read or watch videos with.
Bottom Line: With a 4- to 12.9-inch width capacity, the devices that this mount won’t work with are few and far between. While this isn’t the stablest phone and tablet holder on the market due to its bounciness when tapped, it’s still an excellent option for those who will be interacting with their device with their eyes more often than their fingers.
Pros: Featuring a sleek and simple design that’s ideal for setting up on your nightstand, the Lamicall Adjustable Cell Phone Stand can be easily adjusted to achieve the perfect viewing angle. It does well to protect your device and the table it’s placed on from getting scratched, thanks to its two anti-slip rubber cushions. While this isn’t the fanciest phone holder on the market, its great price and unique style options make it an attractive choice for those seeking something simple and functional.
Cons: Unfortunately, this phone holder doesn’t include a weighted base, so it’s somewhat less stable than it would otherwise be. That being said, it’s still a great option for those who like lying on their side and watching YouTube videos on the phone situated on their nightstand.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a simple stand that works perfectly with plenty of today’s top smartphones, this one gives you the best bang for your buck. That being said, those with mischievous pets or children might want to invest in a stand with a weighted base since the potential to tip over does exist for this product.
Final Thoughts
Being comfortable in bed is one of life’s great joys, and it’s hard to be comfortable when your hands and arm are numb from awkwardly holding your phone. Thankfully, there are plenty of great phone holders on the market that are perfect for use in bed.
