SiriusXM has evolved a lot over the years, but one thing hasn’t changed: the factory mounts are still terrible. If you’ve ever had your radio fall off the dash mid-drive, you already know.
The good news is there are far better mounting options available today — ones that are more secure, easier to use, and actually positioned where you can safely control your radio while driving.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best SiriusXM mounting options for your car, how they attach, and which one is right for your setup.
Will This Mount Work in Your Vehicle?
Mount placement can vary depending on your dashboard layout, center console, and available mounting points.
SiriusXM Mounting Basics
Before choosing a mount, it’s important to understand how SiriusXM radios attach.
Most SiriusXM radios require a car kit, which includes:
- A cradle (radio holder)
- A power cable
- An external antenna
On the back of the cradle, you’ll typically find one of two mounting interfaces:
- AMPS 4-hole pattern (industry standard)
- T-slot connection (common on older models)
Any mount you choose needs to support one of these connection types. Most modern mounts support both.
There aren’t many companies making these mounts and you will find one that typically is mentioned is a company called Arkon. All our recommendations will feature mounts from that company. They have been in business for a long time and stand benhind their products.
Best SiriusXM Radio Mount Options
1. Seat Bolt Mount (Most Stable)
This is one of the most secure mounting options available. It attaches to the bolt that holds your seat to the floor and positions the radio near your center console. This is a proven mount that has been available since the first XM Radio. They work reliably and places the radio in a convenient location.
The key to an easy install is the availability of a seat bolt on the passenger seat left side. It’s a simple operation – loosen the seat bolt, place the seat bolt mount claw under the bolt head, tighten the bolt.
Be sure to use a wrench or pliers to tighten. The vast majority of issues with this mount are because the bolt was not tight.
- Extremely stable — no vibration
- Clean install with no adhesives
- Easy to remove and reinstall in a new vehicle
2. Cup Holder Mount (Easiest Install)
If you want something quick and tool-free, a cup holder mount is a great option. These expand to fit your cup holder and position the radio within easy reach.
- No installation required
- Works in most vehicles
- Adjustable height and angle
These work best in vehicles with deep, standard cup holders. They may not fit well in shallow or sliding designs.
3. Vent Mount (Compact Option)
Vent mounts are a simple and space-saving option. They clip directly onto your air vents and keep your radio at eye level.
- Good visibility
- No permanent install
- Best for lightweight radios
MOunts like these attach to most horizontal and vertical vents. Round vents have extra thich slats and might be problematic.
4. Windshield / Dash Mount (Flexible Placement)
This is the most common type of mount, typically included in car kits. It uses a suction cup to attach to the windshield or dashboard.
The Arkon model depicted in the photo that accompaies this article is this mount. Ansother solid option that is dependable and stable.
- Flexible positioning
- Widely available
- Works with most cradles
Suction mounts can lose grip over time, especially in extreme temperatures. This is a unique suction cup in that you can simply rinse the base to “recharge” the suction cup and reuse with renewed suction.
Which Mount Should You Choose?
- Best overall: Seat bolt mount (most stable)
- Best for convenience: Cup holder mount
- Best compact option: Vent mount
- Best flexibility: Windshield mount
Bottom Line
The default SiriusXM mounts simply aren’t good enough for daily use. Upgrading to a proper mount — especially a seat bolt or cup holder option — makes a huge difference in usability and safety.
Choose the mount that fits your vehicle layout and driving style, and you’ll have a setup that lasts for years (and easily transfers to your next car).
