Macally Car Headrest Mount for Tablets Review

The Macally Car Headrest Mount, model HRMOUNTPROB, is designed to securely hold tablets and smartphones in the backseat of your car, allowing passengers to enjoy their favorite media content during long drives. In this review, we will delve into the product’s features, specifications, advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Contents

• Specifications
• Review of Macally Car Headrest Mount for Tablets
• How to Install Macally Headrest Mount in Your Car
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Best Alternatives for this mount
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Specifications

The Macally Car Headrest Mount is a black, adjustable mount that accommodates devices with screen sizes ranging from 7 to 10 inches. It offers a standing display size of 9.7 inches, providing a comfortable viewing experience for passengers. With dimensions of 12.24×4.88×3.78 inches, this mount is lightweight and easy to install on most headrests.

The Macally Car Headrest Mount features an extendable aluminum shaft, allowing you to position your tablet or smartphone either behind one of the seats or between the seats. The mount offers 360° adjustable viewing angles, thanks to its swivel ball joint.

Review of Macally Car Headrest Mount

While the Macally Car Headrest Mount claims to accommodate various devices, including the Nintendo Switch, iPhone, and iPad Pro, user reviews suggest mixed results. Some users have reported issues with the holders not being spring-loaded as advertised, causing devices to slide out. Specifically, the Nintendo Switch and smaller smartphones like the iPhone 8 Plus were prone to slipping. It is worth noting that the holder’s smooth foam sides may contribute to this issue. When using the extended arm, the device experiences vertical shaking between seats.

However, others have successfully used the mount with devices like the Kindle Fire HD 10 and iPad Pro, emphasizing the need for secure tightening to prevent any unwanted movement.

Installation and Adjustability

1. First, attach the mount to the headrest poles, ensuring they are between 7 and 9 inches wide.
2. Adjust the length of the mount and tighten the knobs for a secure fit.
3. Next, insert the swivel joint and clip it onto the mount. It should slot into place smoothly.
4. Then, connect the device mount by slotting it onto the swivel joint. Make sure it is snug and securely attached.
5. Finally, mount your tablet or phone by expanding the device holder.

The headrest mount can be easily adjusted using the ball joint, which sticks and snaps into place. This flexibility enables passengers to find the most comfortable and suitable position for their viewing pleasure. Additionally, the mount includes fully adjustable clamps, ensuring a secure and scratch-free hold on your device.

While the tablet stand is expandable, it may not accommodate larger tablets with bulky cases. However, most tablets can fit in a tablet case, either a normal-sized one or a smaller case mounted in the opposite direction. It is worth noting that the tablet holder is adjustable but not very stable when extended out. To ensure stability, it is recommended to have two holders for each headrest.

Advantages & Downsides

Pros:

• The Macally Car Headrest Mount offers a dual-position car seat that allows for easy tablet mounting on the headrest.
• The headrest mount features a ball joint that allows for easy adjustment of the mounting angles.
• Most tablets can fit in a tablet case while using the Macally Car Headrest Mount.

Cons:

• The tablet stand of the Macally Car Headrest Mount is expandable but may not accommodate larger tablets with bulky cases.
• While the tablet holder is adjustable and can be tightened to prevent falling or movement, some users have reported that it may not be very stable when fully extended.

Overall, the Macally Car Headrest Mount offers a cost-effective solution for in-car entertainment, with easy angle adjustment and compatibility with most tablets. However, users should be aware of stability concerns when the holder is extended, limitations with larger tablets, and potential issues with device fit and grip. Considering these factors and individual preferences will help potential buyers make an informed decision about this product.

Alternatives

Here are three alternatives to the Macally Car Headrest Mount:

LISEN iPad Holder for Car Tablet Mount ($29.99): The LISEN 2023 headrest tablet holder offers a new slide rail design, allowing your device to slide to the middle of the car for easy access. Made of carbon steel, this holder is sturdy and stable, ensuring a shake-free experience. It features a triangular telescopic structure that accommodates a 12.9-inch iPad and offers entertainment on long drives. With 360° rotation and adjustable angles, it provides a versatile viewing experience. The LISEN holder is compatible with a wide range of car models and is easy to install.

Lamicall Car Tablet Headrest Holder ($17.99): The Lamicall headrest tablet mount is designed to work with all 4.7-12.9 inch devices, including iPads, tablets, and smartphones. It offers 360° rotation and easy installation, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle. The shockproof protection and soft rubber lining ensure the safety of your devices during travel. This holder is a convenient and enjoyable accessory for long car journeys, providing hands-free entertainment for passengers. It is compatible with various car models and comes with an updated version for better adaptability.

Elitehood Aluminum iPad Holder ($33.99): The Elitehood car headrest tablet holder is made of heavy-duty alloy aluminum, ensuring stability even on bumpy roads. The upgraded ball joint construction provides a balance between stability and flexibility, securely holding your tablet in place. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPads, iPhones, Galaxy Tabs, and more. The adjustable claw design fits most vehicles, and the swivel ball joint allows for easy tilt and 360° rotation, offering the best viewing angle for all passengers. Installation is quick and simple, making it a convenient choice for long road trips.

These alternatives offer different features and price points, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences for in-car tablet mounting.

Conclusion

The Macally Car Headrest Mount, model HRMOUNTPROB, offers an extended arm design that allows for convenient tablet mounting on the headrest. However, it is important to note a few drawbacks. Firstly, some users have reported concerns about the stability of the mount, particularly when the arm is extended. This can result in a slight shaking motion, which may impact the viewing experience for passengers. Additionally, the device fit and grip can be a limitation as the holders are not spring-loaded, which can lead to devices sliding out, especially larger tablets or smartphones with bulky cases.

It is advisable to exercise caution and consider the specific dimensions of your device before purchasing this mount. While the Macally Car Headrest Mount offers convenience, it is important to be aware of these potential drawbacks when considering its suitability for your needs. However, considering the mixed user feedback, it may be prudent to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase.

FAQ