The Garmin GLO 2 is a compact, powerful GPS and GLONASS receiver that delivers fast, accurate positioning data to your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re navigating backcountry trails, flying at altitude, or cruising on the water, getting your GLO 2 mounted properly can make the difference between a device that performs and one that gets tossed around or loses signal.
Unlike a traditional GPS unit, the GLO 2 doesn’t have a screen. It’s a puck-shaped Bluetooth receiver that pulls in both GPS and GLONASS satellite signals and sends that data to your phone or tablet wirelessly. That means your mounting strategy isn’t about visibility. It’s about signal strength and placement.
Mount it in the wrong place and you will lose accuracy. Mount it correctly and it dramatically improves GPS performance, especially in vehicles with coated windshields or weak internal GPS reception.
Don’t have a GLO 2 yet? Pick one up on Amazon before diving in.
Garmin GLO 2 Mount Comparison
| Mount | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Portable Friction Mount | Easiest setup, no tools | Dashboard |
| Arkon BT010 Windshield Suction Mount | Best signal, coated windshields | Windshield |
| RAM Universal Holder with Suction Base | Aviation, marine, multi-surface | Windshield, rail, bolt-down |
| Non-slip dash pad | Minimal setup, shared vehicles | Dashboard |
Understanding the Garmin GLO 2
Before choosing a mount, it helps to understand what you’re working with. The GLO 2 is designed to be placed in an open-sky location to maximize satellite acquisition. It doesn’t care about being angled toward a driver’s eye line. It cares about having a clear view of the sky.
The GLO 2 can lock onto satellites roughly 20% faster than GPS-only devices and maintains that lock even at high speeds. That performance, however, is entirely dependent on placement. Block its view of the sky and you undo the hardware advantage entirely.
The GLO 2 connects wirelessly to Garmin Pilot, ForeFlight, navigation apps, and other compatible software on your phone or tablet. It feeds position data continuously, so a secure, stable mount that won’t shift during a turn or bump is just as important as a clear sky position.
Best Garmin GLO 2 Mounting Options
Best Overall: Garmin Portable Friction Mount
This is the most purpose-built option for the GLO 2 and its predecessor, the original GLO. Garmin designed this friction mount specifically for these receivers. It uses a non-slip silicone base that sits directly on your dashboard, with a molded cradle that secures the GLO 2 in place without adhesives, clips, or tools.
The pliable silicone case conforms to mild dash curves and the weighted base keeps the unit from sliding during cornering. It positions the receiver near the windshield for a strong satellite view without requiring any installation.
Why it works: No installation required, easy to move between vehicles, keeps the GLO 2 near the windshield for solid signal acquisition.
Watch out for: Very steeply sloped dashboards or dusty surfaces where the silicone can lose grip over time.
Best Signal: Arkon BT010 Windshield Suction Mount
If you want maximum satellite visibility, mounting the GLO 2 directly to the windshield is the best possible position. This is the mount shown in the photo at the top of this article. Arkon’s BT010 was designed specifically for Bluetooth GPS receivers, radar detectors, and EZ-Pass transponders, and it is a natural fit for the GLO 2.
The mount features a 2-5/8″ x 2″ flat platform that attaches to your device using hook-and-loop tape (included). A PVC suction base with a one-touch lever holds it firmly to the windshield. The vertical adjustment lets you position the receiver exactly where you want it without fiddling with ball joints.
I have used this one for several years. It holds small devices that have flat bottoms. The included hook-and-loop creates a good hold and is easy to replace. The kit also includes a set of metal adhesive stickers for devices with magnetic bottoms like old school antenna pucks.
Why it works: Best possible sky visibility, works in vehicles with coated windshields, no permanent installation, easy to transfer between vehicles.
Watch out for: Suction cups can loosen in extreme heat. Check and reseat periodically in summer months.
Best Versatile Setup: RAM Universal Holder with Suction Base
RAM’s ball-and-socket system is one of the most adaptable mounting solutions available, and it works well for GLO 2 users who need a setup that goes beyond the car. The universal device holder pairs with a suction cup base for windshield mounting, but the same holder can be moved to bolt-down, adhesive, rail clamp, or handlebar bases depending on your environment.
This makes RAM the right call for pilots, boaters, and off-road users who move the GLO 2 between vehicles or need mounting surfaces that Garmin’s friction mount or the Arkon BT010 can’t accommodate.
Why it works: Modular and expandable, rock-solid hold, interchangeable bases for any surface, ideal for aviation and marine environments.
Watch out for: More components than a simple friction mount. Takes a few minutes to configure but stays put once set.
Where to Mount the Garmin GLO 2
Placement matters more than the mount itself. A great mount in the wrong location will still underperform.
Best locations by environment:
In a vehicle: The top of the dashboard near the windshield is ideal for most setups. Direct windshield mounting gives the best sky view. For vehicles with coated glass, position the GLO 2 in the uncoated strip near the top of the windshield or use an exterior-rated mount on the roof if your use case allows.
In an aircraft: Many pilots mount the GLO 2 on the glare shield or near a side window. It pairs with Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight and its multi-constellation support makes it a solid backup or primary receiver in the cockpit. RAM mounts are common in aviation cockpits for exactly this reason.
On a boat: The flybridge, helm console top, or any exposed deck location works well. Verify that the mount you select is rated for outdoor conditions and can handle spray and vibration. RAM’s marine-rated hardware is built for this.
Locations to avoid in all cases:
- Inside the center console or glove box
- Under seats or behind metal panels
- Tucked under a dashboard
- Adjacent to large powered electronics that could cause interference
Installation Tips
Test before committing. Before applying any permanent adhesive or drilling any holes, pair the GLO 2 with your device and check satellite acquisition from your candidate location. More satellites, faster fix, you’ve found the right spot.
Keep it away from interference. Avoid placing the GLO 2 directly next to other wireless devices, radar units, or large metal objects. These can degrade Bluetooth signal and satellite reception simultaneously.
Secure the USB cable. The GLO 2 charges via USB. If you’re running it plugged in, route and secure the cable so it doesn’t create tension on the device or become a distraction while driving.
Use industrial-strength hook-and-loop tape. If you’re using the Arkon suction mount or any platform-style holder, upgrade to industrial Velcro rather than the included strips. The difference in hold strength is significant, especially in hot weather.
Check suction cup seating seasonally. Heat causes suction cups to loosen. Any windshield mount should be checked at the start of summer and reseated as needed.
Does the Garmin GLO 2 Still Make Sense?
With modern smartphones offering increasingly capable built-in GPS, it’s a fair question. For casual daily navigation, most newer flagship phones perform well enough on their own.
But the GLO 2 still holds clear advantages for specific use cases. It connects to both GPS and GLONASS constellations, which means access to up to 24 more satellites than GPS-only devices. Lock times are roughly 20% faster, and signal consistency is noticeably better in challenging environments including urban canyons, dense tree cover, and vehicles with coated windshields.
Pilots, boaters, and motorsports users who rely on positioning accuracy rather than just turn-by-turn directions will still find the GLO 2 worth the setup. For those users, mounting correctly is not optional. It’s where the performance lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any phone mount with the GLO 2?
Most phone mounts are designed for devices with screens, not flat puck receivers. The Garmin friction mount and Arkon BT010 are purpose-built for the GLO 2’s shape and weight. A universal platform mount with hook-and-loop tape will also work.
Does the GLO 2 need to face a specific direction?
Yes. The flat top face contains the antenna and should always face the sky. Mounting it sideways or face-down will degrade satellite reception significantly.
Can I use the GLO 2 in a vehicle with a heated windshield?
Yes, but placement matters more in these vehicles. Heated and metallic-coated windshields block satellite signal through the glass. Position the GLO 2 in the uncoated strip near the top of the windshield, or use a dashboard placement that keeps it as close to the glass as possible.
Is the original Garmin GLO mount compatible with the GLO 2?
Yes. The Garmin Portable Friction Mount was designed for both the GLO and GLO 2. The dimensions are compatible across both generations.
Do I need to hardwire the GLO 2?
No, the GLO 2 has an internal battery. For frequent use, running it off a USB power cable keeps it topped off without relying on the battery. Garmin offers a 12/24V vehicle power cable as an optional accessory for permanent in-vehicle setups.
Bottom Line
The Garmin GLO 2 doesn’t need a traditional mount. It needs smart placement and a stable platform. For most vehicle users, the Garmin friction mount is the lowest-effort solution that still delivers good performance. If you want maximum satellite visibility, the Arkon BT010 windshield mount is the better pick. For pilots, boaters, and users who move between environments, RAM’s modular system offers the flexibility nothing else can match.
The rule is simple: give the GLO 2 a clear view of the sky, keep it face-up, and make sure it’s not going anywhere. Everything else follows from that.
Recommended products:
