Car headrests have looked essentially the same since they were first required in vehicles back in the 1960s. Two posts support the headrest from below, and those posts turn out to be one of the most useful mounting points in your entire vehicle. You can attach tablet holders, phone cradles, and action cameras to them — all without adhesives, drilling, or any permanent modification to your car.
This guide covers the best headrest mounts available today on Amazon for tablets, phones, and cameras. Whether you want to keep kids entertained on road trips, mount a dash camera without touching your dashboard, or give rear passengers their own dedicated screen, there is a solid option here for every situation.
How Car Headrest Mounts Work
Most headrest mounts clamp onto the two vertical posts that support the headrest. The posts are typically between half an inch and one inch in diameter. The mount slides onto both posts and locks in place with a tightening knob or lever. No tools are needed in most cases. The tablet or phone cradle attaches to the base and positions the device at a comfortable viewing height for rear passengers.
A second style uses a single post. These mounts clamp around one post and use an articulating arm to extend the device outward. This design works well for cameras and for vehicles where the dual-post style does not fit. We cover both below.
Best Everyday Headrest Tablet Mount: Tryone Car Headrest Tablet Holder
The Tryone Car Headrest Tablet Holder is our top recommendation for everyday back seat tablet use. It earns consistently high ratings on Amazon and delivers genuine versatility at a fair price. Installation takes under 20 seconds — slide the clamps onto both headrest posts and tighten them down by hand.
The cradle is spring-loaded and adjustable, holding devices from 4.7 inches up to 12.9 inches wide. That range covers everything from a large smartphone to a full-size iPad Pro. Rubber padding inside the cradle protects your screen from scratches. The arm is both extendable and foldable — push it out toward your rear passengers for a better viewing angle, or fold it flat when the seat is not in use.
A 360-degree rotation clamp lets passengers switch between portrait and landscape orientation with a single twist. The build quality is solid enough to hold position on rough or uneven roads without rattling. It handles the Nintendo Switch, Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and standard iPads equally well. This is the mount we recommend first for families who regularly travel with kids.
Best Budget Headrest Mount: FANGOR Car Headrest Mount Holder
If you want a simple, no-frills solution at a low price, the FANGOR Car Headrest Mount Holder is worth a look. It uses an elastic strap-and-net system rather than a rigid cradle. The tablet sits inside a stretchy net held by straps that wrap around the headrest posts. There are no clamps to tighten, no spring arms to adjust, and no tools needed at all.
The FANGOR fits tablets from 7 inches to 12.9 inches. It is angle-adjustable, and the elastic net accommodates tablets with cases easily without needing to remove them. This is a good pick for occasional use or for families who want a second screen in the car without spending much. It is not as rigid as the Tryone on rough roads, but for highway driving and smooth streets it holds up well. Setup takes about 30 seconds and it folds away to almost nothing when removed.
Best Center Extension Mount: Arkon TAB3-RSHM
When two kids share the back seat, a single headrest mount creates arguments about the best viewing angle. The Arkon TAB3-RSHM Center Extension Car Headrest Mount solves this directly. It attaches to the headrest posts of one front seat and then extends an arm outward, positioning the tablet between the two rear passengers.
The extension arm adjusts from 15 inches to 24 inches. That reach places the tablet squarely in the middle of the back seat so both rear passengers get the same viewing angle. The Slim-Grip cradle fits tablets from 7 inches up to 18.4 inches — one of the widest compatibility ranges available. A 360-degree swivel lets passengers switch orientations freely. The base is reinforced composite and feels noticeably more solid than budget options. It does not flex or sag even with a full-size tablet mounted on a fully extended arm.
This is a higher quality mount constructed with metal and heavy plastic. The company offer a lifetime warranty which is rare and a testament to the construction quality.
Best Camera Headrest Mount: Jaws Flex Clamp Mount
Dash cameras and action cameras are typically attached to the windshield or dashboard with adhesive mounts. That creates a real problem when you sell the car or switch vehicles. Removing adhesive mounts can damage surfaces and leave residue. A headrest camera mount is a clean, non-permanent alternative that moves between vehicles in seconds.
The GoPro Jaws Flex Clamp Mount is the best option for this purpose. The clamp jaw opens wide to grip a single headrest post firmly. The flexible neck bends and holds position in any angle — forward toward the road, backward through the rear window, or angled at any direction you need. The mount includes a GoPro-compatible ball joint at the end for precise camera positioning.
The clamp grips posts up to about 1.25 inches in diameter, which covers most standard vehicle headrest posts. The flexible neck is stiff enough to resist vibration at highway speeds without drifting out of position. It also works on roll bars, bike frames, and ski poles — so it doubles as a versatile action camera mount beyond the car. This is a GoPro official product, which means build quality and compatibility are reliable across the entire GoPro ecosystem.
One practical tip: clamp the mount onto the headrest post closest to the center of the vehicle. This gives the camera the cleanest forward view without the door pillar entering the frame. Make sure the post is at least 0.5 inches in diameter for the clamp to grip without slipping.
Headrest Mount Comparison
| Mount | Best For | Device Size | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tryone Headrest Mount | Everyday tablets and phones | 4.7″ – 12.9″ | Foldable arm, installs in 20 seconds |
| FANGOR Headrest Mount | Budget, occasional use | 7″ – 12.9″ | Elastic net, fits tablets with cases |
| Arkon TAB3-RSHM | Two rear passengers | 7″ – 18.4″ | Centers tablet between both back seats |
| GoPro Jaws Flex Clamp | GoPro and action cameras | GoPro compatible | Flexible neck, no adhesive needed |
More Mounting Guides
Looking for front seat options? We have guides covering every major mounting location. See our articles on car air vent mounts, dashboard mounts, and rearview mirror mounts. For tablet-specific front seat solutions, our tablet mount guide covers the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a headrest mount fit any car?
Most mounts fit any vehicle with standard dual-post headrests. Post diameter needs to be at least half an inch for most clamps to grip firmly. Vehicles with integrated or single-post headrests need a different style. Some European models like Volvo are not compatible with standard dual-post mounts.
Can I use a headrest mount for a full-size iPad?
Yes. The Tryone mount handles devices up to 12.9 inches. The Arkon TAB3-RSHM fits tablets up to 18.4 inches. Always check your tablet’s physical width against the cradle specs before purchasing.
Is a headrest camera mount better than a suction cup windshield mount?
For non-permanent use, yes. Suction mounts on windshields and dashboards can leave residue and occasionally damage surfaces. A headrest clamp removes cleanly in seconds and moves between vehicles without any cleanup.
What cameras work with the GoPro Jaws Flex Clamp?
The Jaws Flex Clamp is a GoPro official product and works with all current GoPro Hero and Max cameras. It also works with any third-party camera using a GoPro-compatible mount. It is not rated for the weight of DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
Do headrest mounts block the driver’s rearview mirror?
A standard dual-post mount sits low between the posts and generally does not block the rearview mirror. The Arkon center extension arm positions the tablet further forward. Always check your mirror sight line after installation before driving.
