Hunting season means long stretches of waiting in a tree stand with nothing but your thoughts and your phone. A good phone mount keeps your device secure, within reach, and positioned so you can actually use it — whether you are passing time, tracking weather, or recording video of your hunt. The wrong mount rattles loose, blocks your camera lens, or does not fit the rail you are trying to clamp it to.
This guide covers the best phone mounts for hunters across three key scenarios: tree stands and rails, compound bow stabilizers, and general trail use. We also cover what to measure and think about before buying so you get the right fit the first time.
What to Think About Before You Buy
A few minutes of planning saves a frustrating return. Before selecting a mount, consider these four things:
Rail diameter: Tree stand rails vary in diameter. Measure yours before buying a clamp mount. Most clamps list a maximum jaw opening in their specs. A clamp rated for 1.25 inches will not fit a 1.5-inch rail no matter how hard you try.
Rail shape: Some rails are round, others are square or rectangular. Look for a mount that explicitly fits both shapes, or one that matches your specific rail.
Camera lens clearance: If you plan to record video, the rear camera lens must be unobstructed. Most cradle-style mounts leave the back of the phone exposed. Check the product images before buying to confirm the lens stays clear.
Universal cradle vs. phone-specific: Always choose a universal cradle. Phone-specific mounts become useless the moment you upgrade. A universal mount that fits any phone 4 to 7 inches wide will serve you for years across multiple phone upgrades.
Best Tree Stand Mount: Extra Long Gooseneck Clamp Mount
For tree stand use, a gooseneck clamp mount is hard to beat. The flexible neck lets you position your phone at any angle regardless of where the clamp is attached. You can aim the screen toward your face, tilt it away from glare, or angle it to keep the rear camera pointed at the field in front of you.
The Extra Long Gooseneck Phone Mount is our pick here. The neck stretches to 33 inches, which gives you enough reach to position the phone comfortably even when the clamp is attached to a rail at an awkward angle. The clamp jaw opens to two inches, which fits most standard tree stand rails. The included cradle accepts phones from 4 to 7 inches wide and rotates between portrait and landscape freely.
The gooseneck is stiff enough to hold position without drooping under the weight of a phone. Position it once and it stays put for hours. The extra length also helps when you want to keep the phone off to one side rather than directly in front of you — useful when you need your field of view clear for your shot.
Best Heavy-Duty Clamp Mount: Arkon Mobile Grip 5
When you need something more compact and rugged than a gooseneck, the Arkon Mobile Grip 5 Clamp Mount is an excellent choice. Arkon has been building professional-grade mounts for years and the Mobile Grip 5 reflects that experience. It is compact, solid, and purpose-built for rails, bars, and round or square posts.
The cradle is spring-loaded and opens to 3.9 inches wide — wide enough for virtually any phone currently on the market including the largest iPhone Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy Ultra models. Inserting your phone is a one-handed operation: press the side button, place the phone, release. The clamp jaw opens from 12mm up to 40mm in diameter and grips both round and square surfaces securely.
The ball joint at the base provides full 360-degree swivel so you can rotate into any orientation. The compact profile of the mount means it stores easily in a pack when not in use. Arkon backs this mount with a 2-year warranty — the same coverage we noted on the Andobil vent mount and worth paying attention to in this category.
Best Compound Bow Mount: KEAUP Bow Phone Mount
Mounting a phone to a compound bow opens up a unique filming angle — you capture exactly what the hunter sees at the moment of the shot. It is also useful for reviewing form, tracking movement, and recording trophy moments without needing a separate camera or tripod. Most bow mounts attach to the stabilizer, which is the threaded post on the front of the bow riser.
The A2C Bow Magnetic Phone Mount is a well-designed accessory for this purpose. The mount threads onto the stabilizer and includes a padded cradle that holds the phone securely without scratching. It works on both right-hand and left-hand bows. The cradle rotates 360 degrees so you can adjust the camera angle to match your shooting position.
The A2C mount fits most stabilizer threads and any phone or case that supports MagSafe. This includes iPhone 12 and newer as well as Android phones with a MagSafe compatible case.
This is made out of aluminum and has vibration dampening built in. We formally recommended a different brand, but this is a modern improvement. MagSafe compatible and less bulk versus mounts with a cradle.
Hunter’s Phone Mount Comparison
| Mount | Best For | Clamp Opens To | Phone Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Long Gooseneck Mount | Tree stands, flexible positioning | 2 inches | 4″ – 7″ |
| Arkon Mobile Grip 5 | Heavy-duty rails and bars | 12mm – 40mm | Up to 3.9″ wide |
| A2C Magnetic Bow Mount | Compound bow stabilizer | Stabilizer thread | MagSafe Attachment |
Related Articles
If you use a GoPro in the field, our article on GoPro hunting mounts covers dedicated action camera options for bow and tree stand use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best phone mount for a tree stand?
A gooseneck clamp mount works best for most tree stands. The flexible neck lets you position the screen at any angle after the clamp is attached to the rail. Measure your rail diameter first to confirm the clamp jaw will open wide enough.
Will a clamp mount fit a square tree stand rail?
It depends on the mount. The Arkon Mobile Grip 5 explicitly fits both round and square surfaces up to 40mm. The gooseneck clamp mount fits round rails up to 2 inches. Check the product specs for your specific rail shape before buying.
Can I record video with a phone in a tree stand mount?
Yes, as long as the cradle does not block the rear camera lens. Most universal cradle mounts leave the back of the phone exposed. Check the product photos before purchasing to confirm the lens is clear in the mounted position.
Does a bow phone mount affect my shot?
A properly installed bow mount adds minimal weight to the stabilizer and should not affect accuracy at normal hunting distances. The A2C mount is lightweight and the phone sits close to the riser. Most hunters report no noticeable difference in balance or draw.
Should I use a universal cradle or a phone-specific mount?
Always go universal. Phone-specific mounts become useless as soon as you upgrade your phone. A universal cradle that fits any phone from 4 to 7 inches wide will work across multiple phone generations without buying a new mount each time.
