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: checking the weather, passing time, or recording video of your hunt. The wrong mount rattles loose, blocks your camera lens, or simply does not fit the rail you are trying to clamp it to. This guide discusses the challenges of finding the right phone mounts for hunters and we make a few innovative recommendations.
This guide covers the best phone mounts for hunters across three 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.
Hunter’s Phone Mount Comparison
| Mount | Best For | Clamp / Mount Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lamicall Extra Long Gooseneck Phone Mount | Tree stands, flexible positioning | 2-inch round rail clamp |
| NEEWER Super Clamp Magic Arm with Phone Holder | Heavy-duty rails and bars | Round or flat super clamp |
| A2C Magnetic Compound Bow Phone Mount | Compound bow stabilizer port | Magnetic stabilizer mount |
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, and 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, but it is worth checking 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 a wide range of phone widths will serve you for years across multiple phone upgrades.
Best Tree Stand Mount: Lamicall Extra Long Gooseneck Clamp Mount
For tree stand use, a gooseneck clamp mount is an excellent choice. 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 gooseneck 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 a wide range of phone widths 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, which is useful when you need your field of view clear for your shot.
Best Heavy-Duty Clamp Mount: NEEWER Super Clamp with Magic Arm and Phone Holder
When you need something more compact and rugged than a gooseneck, the NEEWER Super Clamp with Magic Arm is an excellent choice. NEEWER builds clamp and arm kits originally designed for camera and lighting rigs, and the same hardware translates well to tree stands, rails, and bars because the clamp and arm are built to hold weight steady under vibration.
This kit includes a phone holder that clamps a wide range of phone widths along with action camera adapter attachments, so you are not stuck buying a separate cradle. Inserting your phone takes seconds: open the holder, place the phone, tighten. The super clamp opens to fit both round and flat surfaces, which makes it more flexible than a clamp built for round rails only.
The dual ball heads on the magic arm give you full adjustment in every direction, so you can angle the phone toward your face or position it to keep the camera lens clear for recording. The aluminum alloy and stainless steel construction holds up to outdoor use and cold weather, and the compact folded profile means it stores easily in a pack when not in use.
Best Compound Bow Mount: A2C Magnetic Compound Bow Phone Mount
Mounting a phone to a compound bow opens up a unique filming angle, capturing 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 Magnetic Compound Bow Phone Mount threads onto the stabilizer port and uses a set of strong magnets to hold the phone in place once a thin metal plate is attached to the back of the phone or case. The aircraft-grade aluminum build keeps the mount light without sacrificing strength, and a built-in vibration-damping foam strip helps smooth out the footage when the bowstring releases.
Because the mount relies on magnets rather than a clamp cradle, there is no bulky housing blocking the edges of the phone, which keeps the setup low-profile on the riser. It works with most compound bows that use a standard threaded stabilizer port, so check your bow’s stabilizer thread before ordering if you are unsure.
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. For mounting a camera or trail camera directly to a tree rather than a stand rail, see our guide on mounting a camera to a tree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phone Mounts for Hunters
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. A super clamp style mount with a flat jaw will grip both round and square surfaces, while a gooseneck clamp typically fits round rails only. 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. Magnetic mounts in particular are lightweight and sit 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 a wide range of phone widths will work across multiple phone generations without buying a new mount each time.
