Just when it seems like every mounting location inside a vehicle has been covered, one option still flies under the radar: the sunroof. It sounds unusual at first, but once you think about it, mounting a phone or tablet to the sunroof can actually solve a specific problem extremely well — rear seat visibility.
Unlike headrest mounts, which position a screen behind one seat, a sunroof-mounted device sits centered in the vehicle. That means both rear passengers get a clean, equal view without needing multiple mounts or awkward angles.
Why Use a Sunroof Mount?
The biggest advantage of a sunroof mount is positioning. A device mounted overhead and centered provides a much better shared viewing experience compared to mounts attached to a single seat.
This is especially useful for:
- Backseat entertainment on road trips
- Streaming video for kids or passengers
- Situations where headrest mounts don’t align well
It also keeps the device out of reach of younger passengers, which can help avoid accidental drops or constant adjustments.
What Makes a Good Sunroof Mount?
This is where most people get it wrong. Not every suction mount works upside down.
You need three things:
- Strong locking suction base — must hold against gravity
- Short or rigid arm — reduces wobble when driving
- Stable cradle — especially important for larger phones or tablets
Long flexible goosenecks might seem convenient, but they introduce too much movement when mounted overhead. That makes them a poor choice for video viewing.
Best Sunroof Mount for Tablets
For tablets, you need a mount that can handle both weight and width. One of the most reliable approaches is a suction mount paired with an adjustable tablet cradle that supports larger devices.
Look for mounts that explicitly support tablets up to 12–13 inches and use a locking suction base rather than a simple press-on design.
This style of mount works well because it combines a strong suction cup with a multi-point tablet cradle, keeping larger devices stable even when mounted upside down.
Best Sunroof Mount for Phones
Smartphones are easier to mount, but stability still matters. A compact suction mount with a rigid arm is the best fit for this application.
Avoid ultra-cheap mounts with weak suction pads. If the mount fails, the device is dropping from above — not something you want.
I have personally used this one on my sunroof. This is the one in the photo that accompanies this article. It’s from a company called Arkon and the mount has been marketed fro at least ten years. The company recently extended their warranty to lifetime so it’s a fairly inexpensive investment in a mount you can use for a very long time.
The mount includes an expandable cradle that opens wide enough for almost any phone and can even hold an iPad Mini (I have done that).
Alternative: Headrest Mounts (Often the Better Choice)
While sunroof mounts work, they are not always the easiest solution. In many vehicles, a traditional headrest mount is still the more practical option.
If your goal is backseat entertainment, you should also consider a car headrest tablet mount, which is often easier to install and remove.
However, the trade-off is viewing angle. Headrest mounts favor one passenger, while sunroof mounts center the screen.
What to Avoid
- Weak suction mounts — they will fail upside down
- Long gooseneck arms — too much wobble
- Adhesive mounts — can damage glass and limit sunroof use
- Vent mounts — completely unsuitable for this use case
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a suction mount stick to a sunroof?
Yes, but only if the glass is smooth and clean. Textured or coated surfaces will not hold suction properly.
Is it safe to mount a tablet overhead?
It can be, as long as you use a strong mount designed for larger devices. Always test before driving.
Can I still open my sunroof?
In most cases, no. The mount will need to be removed before opening the sunroof.
Bottom Line
Sunroof mounts are a niche solution, but a smart one when used correctly. They provide one of the best centered viewing angles for rear passengers, especially compared to single-seat mounting options.
The key is using the right type of mount. A strong suction base, short arm, and stable cradle make all the difference. Get those right, and a sunroof mount becomes a surprisingly effective setup for both phones and tablets.
