A guide to buying the perfect smartphone car mount for under $25

Here's the thing about using your phone as a GPS for your car: it could possibly kill you. Sorry to be inflammatory, but the fact is, if you have to take your eyes off the road to look down at your phone, you're putting your life and the lives of your passengers in danger.

The simplest (partial) solution is to buy a mount for your phone that will keep it at eye level during the entire ride. But with so many choices, it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. Fear not, road warriors; this list will show you four mounts that are worth your hard earned money. 

1. Just Mobile Xtand Car Vent Mount

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The pocket-sized Just Mobile Xtand Car Vent Mount lets you keep your phone in sight while also maintaining a low profile. Its slim construction allows it to fit snugly in almost any air vent. When your device is mounted, you can swivel it laterally and rotate it 360-degrees. Buy now: $19, regularly $24.95

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With a sleek design and a Kung fu grip, the ARMOR-X One-Lock Air Vent Car Mount will make an attractive addition to your in-car decor. It connects to your air vent with a click-lock-and-release mechanism and its rubber clamps prevent any scratching or scuffing on your air blades. Buy now: $12.99 after a 48 percent discount

3. ExoMount Magnet Air Universal Smartphone Car Mount

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The key to integrating any new gadget into your daily life is to make it as effortless as possible. The ExoMount Magnet Air Universal Smartphone Car Mount aims to do just that. Instead of clamping down on your device, it allows a one-handed magnetic connection; just tap your phone on it and physics will do the rest. Buy now: $22.95, reduced from $29.95

4. Layze Flexible Universal Car Mount

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While many car mounts suck, the Layze Flexible Universal Car Mount does so in a good way. It features a powerful suction cup that attaches firmly to your windshield or dashboard, and its flexible neck can twist and pivot in almost any direction—offering you the best angle of view in your vehicle. Buy now: $12.99, was $49