Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Car Phone Mounts

iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic Dashboard Mount vs RAM X-Grip Universal Phone Mount

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

RAM X-Grip Universal Phone Mount comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Riders, off-roaders, and anyone needing maximum security for any phone in high-vibration conditions, regardless of MagSafe. — read the strengths below before deciding.

iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic Dashboard Mount
Ranked #5 in Best Car Phone Mounts
iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic Dashboard Mount
$19.99as of Jun 7

The iOttie iTap 2 is the proven budget magnetic mount: a compact dashboard holder whose magnet is seriously strong enough to keep even heavy phones planted on rough roads, with a sticky-gel suction base. It feels plastic-y and predates MagSafe, so it uses an adhesive plate, but it remains a reliable, affordable hold and a sensible value option.

Strengths
  • Seriously strong magnet that holds heavy phones without wobble
  • Compact, low-profile design that stays out of the way
  • Sticky-gel suction base mounts on dash or windshield
Watch-outs
  • Mostly cheap plastic build that does not feel premium
  • Not MagSafe-native; relies on an adhesive metal plate
  • Superseded by the stronger, MagSafe-ready iTap 3
RAM X-Grip Universal Phone Mount
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Car Phone Mounts
RAM X-Grip Universal Phone Mount
$50.99as of Jun 7

The RAM X-Grip is the rugged, universal pick: a spring-loaded mechanical clamp that grips any phone of any size through whoops, rough roads, and vibration, built from composite and stainless steel and backed by a lifetime warranty. It is slower to use and bulkier than a magnetic mount, but for security in extreme conditions, nothing here matches it.

Strengths
  • Spring-loaded mechanical clamp holds any phone, with or without a case
  • Extremely rugged, high-strength composite and stainless steel build
  • Holds securely through rough roads, vibration, and off-road use
Watch-outs
  • Mechanical clamp is slower to use than a magnetic snap-on mount
  • Bulkier and less sleek than MagSafe mounts
  • Rubber corner grips can wear, tear, or fall off over time

How they stack up

iOttie iTap 2 Magnetic Dashboard Mount

The older, budget sibling of the iOttie iTap 3, with a strong magnet but no native MagSafe support and a more basic build. It holds nearly as well as the iTap 3 and Spigen OneTap 3 for less money, but lacks the charging of the iOttie Velox Pro Wireless and the rugged clamp of the RAM X-Grip.

RAM X-Grip Universal Phone Mount

The only mechanical-clamp, non-magnetic mount here, holding any phone regardless of MagSafe support, unlike the iOttie iTap 3, iOttie iTap 2, Spigen OneTap 3, and iOttie Velox Pro Wireless. It is far more rugged but slower and bulkier than those magnetic mounts, making it the specialist pick for extreme use.

Specs side-by-side

SpeciOttie iTap 2 Magnetic Dashboard MountRAM X-Grip Universal Phone Mount
Mount TypeDash and windshield suctionSuction cup with ball-and-socket arm
AttachmentMagnetic (metal plate)Spring-loaded mechanical X clamp
MagnetStrong neodymium array
BaseReusable sticky-gel suction
ProfileCompact, low-profile
AdjustmentTilt and rotateNear-infinite ball-and-socket
Wireless ChargingNo
CompatibilityAny phone with included plate
MaterialsHigh-strength composite, stainless steel
Grip RangePhones 1.87 to 3.25 inches wide
Phone SupportAny phone, with or without case
WarrantyLifetime on mounting components
ExtrasRubber corner tethers included
← See the full ranking of best car phone mounts