Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for one-handed use: iOttie or ARKON?

The iOttie Easy One Touch Signature wins this hands down. Its patented one-touch mechanism lets me press my phone against the trigger button, and the arms close automatically in seconds. The ARKON requires you to squeeze the cushioned arms manually around your phone, which takes two hands if you’re not careful. If you value convenience while driving, the iOttie is the clear pick.

Does the ARKON SM428 hold phones more securely than the iOttie?

In my testing, the ARKON’s side-grip technology feels a bit tighter once you’ve squeezed the arms around your phone. The cushioned arms provide a snug fit that doesn’t budge on rough roads. However, the iOttie’s mechanism also holds firmly once locked, and it has a massive 85-pound weight capacity compared to the ARKON’s 150-gram limit. For everyday phones, both are secure enough, but the iOttie can handle heavier devices.

Is the iOttie worth the extra money over the ARKON?

They’re priced very close together, so cost isn’t really a deciding factor here. The iOttie gives you more for your money: a telescopic arm that extends from 5 to 8 inches, a magnetic cord organizer, and water resistance. The ARKON is simpler and lacks those extras. I’d say the iOttie is worth it for the added versatility alone.

Which mount works best with a thick phone case?

Both handle thick cases well, but the ARKON has a slight edge because the cushioned side arms open up to 3.5 inches wide, giving you plenty of room for bulky cases. The iOttie also accommodates thick cases according to its specs, but the ARKON’s adjustable squeeze-grip feels more forgiving with oversized cases. Either will work for most modern phones with cases.

Can I use the iOttie or ARKON on a textured dashboard?

The iOttie uses a suction cup base, and I found it can lose grip on heavily textured or porous dashboard surfaces over time. The ARKON uses adhesive, which sticks better to textured surfaces but leaves a residue if you remove it. For a textured dashboard, the ARKON’s adhesive mount is the more reliable choice, but be prepared for a permanent install.

Which mount is more durable for long-term use?

The iOttie has a 2-year manufacturer warranty and over 48,500 reviews backing its reliability, so it’s proven to last. The ARKON also comes with a 2-year limited warranty and has a simpler design with fewer moving parts, which could mean less to break. I’d call it a tie on durability, but the iOttie’s telescopic arm adds complexity that could wear over time.