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 with no adhesives, no drilling, and no permanent modification to your car.
This guide covers the best headrest mounts 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.
Headrest Mount Comparison
| Mount | Best For | Device Size | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSamcore Headrest Mount | Single rear passenger, deep cradle | 6″ – 11″ | Triangular stabilizing arm, fits thick cases |
| Tryone Extendable Arm Headrest Mount | Two rear passengers sharing one screen | 4.7″ – 13″ | 18.11″ biaxial arm, centers tablet between seats |
| Tryone Dual Support Headrest Mount | Between-seat placement, maximum stability | 4.7″ – 16.1″ | Spans both headrests, centered between seats |
| FANGOR Headrest Mount | Budget, occasional use | 7″ – 12.9″ | Elastic net, fits tablets in cases, tools-free |
| Suptig Jaws Flex Clamp Mount | Action cameras, no adhesive | Camera Mount | Flexible neck, grips single post, moves between vehicles |
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 required 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 Mount: eSamcore iPad Holder for Car Backseat
The eSamcore iPad Holder for Car Backseat is our top pick for single-passenger tablet use in the back seat. Where most headrest mounts use a basic spring-loaded cradle, the eSamcore adds a triangular stabilizing arm to the extension arm. That extra brace keeps the mount solid on rough roads and highways without any flex or sag at the connection point.
The clamp adapts to headrest rod distances from 3.7 inches to 6.5 inches, covering the vast majority of vehicles on the road. The cradle holds devices from 6 to 11 inches and features a maximum depth of 0.78 inches, which means tablets in thicker protective cases fit without needing to be removed first. The 360-degree rotatable clamp lets rear passengers switch between portrait and landscape with a single twist.
Installation takes under 30 seconds. Quick-snap design means the mount goes on and comes off without tools, so you are not leaving hardware in the car when you do not need it. Compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and most Android tablets in the 6 to 11 inch range.
Best for Two Rear Passengers: Tryone Extendable Arm Headrest Mount
When two kids share the back seat, a single headrest mount creates arguments about viewing angle. The Tryone Extendable Arm Headrest Mount solves this with an 18.11-inch biaxial extension arm that stretches the tablet to center position between both rear passengers. Both get equal viewing angles from either seat.
The arm uses a biaxial extension system combined with a 360-degree rotatable joint, giving you three modes: centered viewing for shared use, angled toward one passenger for individual viewing, or folded flat behind the headrest when not in use. The sliding spindle mechanism adjusts to headrest rod distances from 35mm to 215mm, covering 99 percent of vehicles including SUVs, trucks, and sport sedans. Device compatibility runs from 4.7 to 13 inches.
Construction is anodized aluminum with silicone-coated retaining jaws that protect surfaces from scratches. The double locking screws wrap completely around the headrest bar and absorb vibration on rough roads, a clear step up from basic plastic-clip designs. This is the mount to reach for on long family road trips.
Most Stable Mount: Tryone Dual Support Headrest Mount
Most headrest mounts attach to a single seat’s posts. The Tryone Dual Support Headrest Mount takes a different approach: it spans both the driver-side and passenger-side rear headrests, anchoring the mount at two separate attachment points across the back seat. That dual-anchor design eliminates the side-to-side wobble you get from single-seat mounts, and it positions the tablet naturally in the center of the rear cabin where both passengers can see it.
The cradle adjusts left and right with 360-degree rotation and 75-degree tilt. Device compatibility runs from 4.7 to 16.1 inches, which covers every tablet currently on the market including the full-size iPad Pro 12.9 and oversized Android slabs. Most headrest mounts top out at 12.9 or 13 inches, so that upper range is a genuine advantage if you run a larger device.
The hooks fit headrest bars up to 0.5 inches in diameter and accommodate headrest spacing from 18.9 to 31.9 inches across the back seat. Tryone includes two bonus headrest hooks in the box for hanging bags or headphones. Installation requires no tools and takes about 20 seconds. If you want the most stable rear-seat setup available and do not mind the mount spanning the full width of the back seat, this is the one to get.
Best Budget Headrest Mount: FANGOR Car Headrest Mount Holder
If you want a 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 to 12.9 inches. The elastic net accommodates tablets in cases without removing them first, and the angle is adjustable. This is a solid pick for occasional use or for families who want a second screen without much outlay. It is not as rigid as a clamp-based mount on rough roads, but for highway driving and smooth streets it holds up well. Setup takes about 30 seconds and it folds to almost nothing when removed.
Best Camera Headrest Mount: Suptig Jaws Flex Clamp Mount
Dash cameras and action cameras are typically attached to the windshield or dashboard with adhesive mounts. That creates a 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 Suptig 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 in any direction you need. A GoPro-compatible ball joint at the end provides precise final 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. 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. It works with GoPro Hero 13 through Hero 3, GoPro Max, Akaso, DJI Osmo, Insta360, and any camera with a standard 1/4-inch nut, which covers virtually every action camera on the market.
How to Choose the Right Headrest Mount
The most important decision is how you want the tablet anchored. Single-seat mounts attach to one headrest and position the device in front of one passenger. Dual-anchor mounts span both rear headrests and center the tablet between the seats for maximum stability and shared viewing. If wobble has been a problem with mounts you have tried before, the dual-anchor design of the Tryone Dual Support is the fix.
Post diameter and spacing matter more than most buyers expect. Posts need to be at least half an inch in diameter for clamp-based mounts to grip without slipping. The spacing between the two posts also varies by vehicle. The eSamcore accommodates 3.7 to 6.5 inches of spacing on a single headrest. The Tryone Dual Support spans 18.9 to 31.9 inches across the full back seat width. When in doubt, measure before ordering.
For cameras, the headrest is almost always better than the windshield or dash if you plan to move the camera between vehicles or return a lease. The Suptig Jaws Flex Clamp Mount is the only option here that handles camera weight and flexible positioning without any adhesive involved.
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 solutions across all mounting locations, 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 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 eSamcore handles devices up to 11 inches. The Tryone Dual Support goes up to 16.1 inches, covering the full iPad Pro 12.9 and larger Android tablets. Always check your tablet’s physical width against the cradle specs before purchasing.
What is the difference between the two Tryone mounts?
The Extendable Arm mount attaches to one headrest and uses a long arm to push the tablet toward the center of the back seat. The Dual Support mount attaches to both rear headrests simultaneously, spanning the full seat width for a more stable anchor. The Extendable Arm is better for a single passenger on long trips; the Dual Support is better when stability is the priority and you want the tablet fixed between the seats.
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 Suptig Jaws Flex Clamp Mount?
The Suptig mount is compatible with GoPro Hero 13 through Hero 3, GoPro Max, Akaso, DJI Osmo, Insta360, and any camera with a standard 1/4-inch nut. 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. Always check your sight line after installation before driving.
Can the Tryone mounts be used with a Nintendo Switch?
Yes. Both Tryone mounts accommodate the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED. The Extendable Arm is particularly useful for keeping the screen centered and visible to both passengers on a road trip.
