The 10 Best Phone Grips
Special Honors
Kate Spade Flower Ring Stand This phone grip from Kate space features an attractive design comprised of four of the designer's signature spades that combine to create a decorative flower. Its rose gold ring is made of durable and water-resistant resin and can be looped around your finger, to help prevent drops, or used as a stand to prop up your device. katespade.com
Influcase Basic Matte Case For iPhone The Influcase Basic Matte Case For iPhone has a built-in collapsible finger loop that doubles as a kickstand, offering protection to your precious device in several ways. It's made of a shock-resistant TPU material and has raised edges on the front to guard your screen. You can order it for iPhone models ranging from the 6 to the 11 Pro Max, and in various colors. influcase.com
Editor's Notes
July 21, 2020:
The most important benefits of a phone grip are that it makes holding your device more comfortable and that it minimizes the chances that you drop and damage your gadget. We kept those features in mind when making our selections, and aimed to include a variety of designs and styles, so you will hopefully find a model that allows you to interact with your phone in your preferred ways.
We immediately appreciated that the FitFort Ring Holder, the Ghostek Loop and Strap, and the Mobi Handle 3-Finger all have magnetic plates, allowing you to attach them to magnetic car mounts. If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, you certainly also appreciate this feature as it can stop your device from sliding around during sharp turns.
Those who want to watch and read media on-the-go might like that the Mobi Handle 3-Finger acts as a stand, propping your phone up to give you a comfortable viewing angle, as does the Sinjimoru B-Grip Pouch and FitFort Ring Holder. We removed the B-Land 2-In-1 because, even though it can also work as a kickstand, it is too bulky. In its place came the sleek CatTongue Grips Non-Slip, which adds almost no thickness to your phone, and the PopSocket Collapsible which, as its name promises, contracts to be nearly flat when not in use.
For days you want to leave your wallet at home, you may like that the Sinjimoru B-Grip Pouch and the Monet MN17 have slots for credit cards, IDs, or a little cash.
While we think holding a phone with just one or two fingers is more than enough to keep it safe, we realize that some people may not agree. If you are one of them, you may want to look to the TFY BeltHook5, which accommodates all four fingers so you'll really get a secure grip on your device, while still leaving your thumb free to swipe and text.
June 10, 2019:
While the PopSocket Collapsible may be one of the most popular phone grips, and most people's first experience seeing or using one, it is no longer the only player on the block, nor is it the best option. We feel that award goes to the FitFort Ring Holder for a variety of reasons. It is compatible with magnetic car mounts; comes in multiple colors; smoothly swivels a full 360 degrees; and is just generally well-made, so the chances of breaking it are slim. The B-Land 2-In-1 has a similar metal design and even doubles as a car air conditioner vent mount, unfortunately this added component makes it seem a bit bulkier on the back of a device. Plus, it only comes in black. However, if you don't feel either of these things are in issue, it may be a better pick for you.
If you are trying to get out the door with one less thing in your pocket, then you'll appreciate the Sinjimoru B-Grip Pouch and Monet MN17, both of which double as wallets. If you carry around a lot of credit cards though, the may find the Monet MN17 not to have enough space to fit your needs. Speaking of having less things in your pocket, if you are trying to keep your device's bulk to an absolute minimum, then take a look at the CatTongue Non-Slip. Unlike most others, it isn't designed for you to put your fingers through. Instead, it is a tacky surface that essentially allows your device to stick to your hand as if you were Spiderman.
We also went ahead and included some basic strap models for those who think a hard metal ring or plastic nob may be uncomfortable. These are the LoveHandle Universal, Lazy-Hands 2-Loop, and TFY Security Strap. Of these three, the only one that doubles as a kickstand is the Lazy-Hands 2-Loop, albeit not a very good one, so that could be a deal breaker for some individuals.
Why You Should Use A Phone Grip
A phone grip will make taking selfies in landscape mode effortless, so you'll no longer have to fumble about trying to prevent your device from slipping out of your hands.
You may have seen people walking around with phone grips and thought they went overboard on the accessories, but once you have one, you won't understand how you ever lived without one. There are so many times that having a sturdy hold on your phone with just one hand will be useful. Let's start with the selfie. If you are addicted to taking selfies, or suffer from what some experts reluctantly call "Selfitis", then you know the struggle of taking the landscape shot. It is difficult to keep a secure grip on your phone in this orientation while using your thumb to activate the shutter. A phone grip will make taking selfies in landscape mode effortless, so you'll no longer have to fumble about trying to prevent your device from slipping out of your hands.
If you're one of the thousands of people who use FaceTime to see loved ones while talking, since video chatting is the next best thing to in-person communication, then you've likely bumped into something while walking and talking (because you were looking at your screen rather than your path), and had your device fall to the ground. While we recommend that you save FaceTiming until you are seated somewhere safe, if you must do it while walking, a phone grip could help ensure you don't accidentally drop and break that expensive device.
Even when you're simply using your phone to listen to music on a jog, it's important to have a phone grip. Running at high speeds, thrusting your phone back and forth with nothing but your fingers — which grow sweatier by the minute — against the slick device is a recipe for disaster. Exercising outdoors aside, let's not forget the more intimate times people tend to hold their phone, such as in the bathroom. One slip-up and your device takes a swim in the toilet bowl, sink, or tub. You'll be grateful for a reliable grip when you're texting, scrolling through Instagram, or doing many of the other things people to do pass the time while in the restroom.
Finding The Best Phone Grip For Your Needs
Between answering work emails, updating social media profiles, utilizing GPS, browsing the web, and using some of the other wildly popular apps, we treat our phones like miniature business and entertainment centers, as well as technological personal assistants. Luckily, there are many different phone grips, and each was designed with users' various habits in mind.
They make it easy to use your phone's GPS for navigation, while keeping your hands safely on the wheel where they belong.
Those who are always on the go will want to look for a few specific features, such as a design that makes it easy to attach or remove a grip quickly, and durable materials that can withstand being tossed around in a briefcase or backpack. Another thing busy individuals may like is a phone grip that doubles as a card holder. Since these store your cash, IDs, and credit cards, there will be one less thing to worry about remembering when rushing out the door in the morning. If you have your phone, then you'll have everything you need. Plus, you won't have to keep a bulky wallet in your purse or back pocket.
Media junkies will like a grip that doubles as a kickstand, rapidly turning your smartphone into a personal video screening device, propped up at the perfect angle for comfortable viewing. Some models are even capable of attaching to other surfaces, such as magnetic dash mounts, which can be very convenient for people always on the road. They make it easy to use your phone's GPS for navigation, while keeping your hands safely on the wheel where they belong.
If you are like the many growing fans of YouTube, Instagram, and SnapChat, and your media habits tend more towards producing your own content through your phones built-in camera, you'll want a grip with rotation capabilities so you can quickly whip your device around to capture that perfect shot. Consider how you're most likely to use your phone and pick the grip that's best for you.
Other Phone Accessories That Make Life Easier
It's no secret by now that we are attached to our smartphones, and their popularity is only increasing around the world. Since we're already spending so much time with them, we may as well stock up on accessories that make them easier to use, up the fun factor, and improve the device's safety. Let's start with the practical stuff, like portable power banks. Today, if our phones are out of battery, we're pretty much lost — literally, since it seems we have all forgotten how to get anywhere without a GPS directing our every turn. A regular charger won't do you much good if you're far from a power source (like on a hike) or all the outlets are taken. In these moments, a power bank can save the day.
If you spend a lot of time in your car, then you'll benefit from a smartphone car mount. Looking down at your lap to press answer on a call or see what the next direction is on your GPS is very dangerous. In addition to the magnetic dash models, these mounts come in a variety of other forms that keep your phone at eye level, and hold it in place to prevent it from sliding around when you make sharp turns. Should you prefer to get around via bicycle, there are phone mounts for those, too, making it easy skip songs or respond to texts when you're at a stop light without grabbing your phone from your backpack each time.
When it comes to protecting your costly device, a good case is in order. There are plenty of rugged options with thick bumpers, screen protectors, and port covers. However, if your adventures take you oceanside, near waterfalls, or even just get you caught in the rain, consider a waterproof case — bearing in mind that most smartphone insurance plans don't cover water damage.