Markus Andrews

Ever since Star Trek graced the airwaves in the mid-sixties, touch screens have been a symbol of the future. We live in that future, and if your car doesn’t have a touch screen radio, it can feel like you are trapped in the past. Good news, there are tons of options to fix that.

Choosing the Best Head Unit for You
We’ll get this out of the way first. A lot of people use the words head unit and stereo interchangeably. Technically, a stereo is the whole system. It’s the interface, amp, crossover, speakers, etc. A head unit is just the device in your dashboard. If you want a touch screen that connects to your car’s existing speakers, what you are going to buy is a new head unit. Got it? Let’s move on.
There are a ton of companies that all have their own idea of what makes a great car stereo. It’s confusing as hell to look at the hundreds of options and know which one to choose. That’s why we are breaking it down here. Start with this quick start guide. We’ll follow up with a showcase of some great head units for you to choose from. Finally, if you’re still thirsty for knowledge, there’s a deep dive at the end into the math and finer points of car audio.
Inputs Are Your Biggest Concern
There are a lot of ways to store music. While we have largely left the world of 8-track and cassette behind, there are still a ton of options that seem to stick around forever. CDs, for instance, are still something people rely on, despite being three decades old. Meanwhile, there are plenty of people who expect everything to be wireless and inconvenienced when they have to find a cable. Which are you? That’ll likely be your biggest consideration when choosing a head unit.
The Standard Inputs
The most common inputs are AUX and Bluetooth. AUX is just your everyday typical headphone cable. You plug one end into your audio device, one end into your stereo, and then play music through your stereo. Bluetooth is the same thing but without the cable. Bluetooth speakers and stereos are so ingrained into our society it’s difficult to believe that there are people who aren’t familiar with them. It’s that, but for your car.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are rapidly becoming the standard for in-car entertainment. Being able to control your system with your cellphone is awesome. First off, you can get music or video streamed directly from the internet. Second, having all your relevant apps appear on the “big screen” makes driving safer. You won’t have to take time to scroll through settings and tiny menus while navigating rush hour traffic.
Do You Really Need CD/DVD Support?
Take a second, and be honest with yourself. A CD/DVD player means that a head unit must be at least as deep as a CD, and have a slot to insert them. That slot takes up valuable screen real estate, and the extra depth eats up your cable management space. In some cars, the extra depth means you’ll be buying special faceplates because there isn’t enough room stock.
Other Inputs
In no particular order, you might also want: USB input, SD card, micro SD, HD radio, AM/FM radio, RCA in, Video in, WiFi, and ¼” audio. We have a more serious breakdown of inputs down the page here.
Screen Size
Just like TV screens, car stereo touchscreens are measured diagonally. The standard size for car touchscreens is 7’. Drivers who plan on using apps or watching movies on their screens (not while driving of course!) should look for a bigger screen.
Make Sure it Fits Your Car
We explain this in more detail at the bottom here, but the gist of it is that there are two sizes: single and double. Double is bigger, and there are a lot more options with more features. Older cars and even some newer cars won’t be able to fit them, though. A simple google search will tell you what your car can use.
Brand Matters
Sticking to the bigger name brands will guarantee you a good quality unit. Brands like JVC, Alpine, and Pioneer, are going to be your best sounding, best performing units. Boss, and their close competitor Dual, are solid options as well. Both have made a name for themselves by producing consistent audio components that may not be the best, but will definitely do what you ask of them.
At the bottom of the quality pile, we have anything from the flood of cheap, brandless imports. They aren’t all bad, you can read our thoughts down here, but the chances of you being unhappy with the product are higher.
Outputs
The last major consideration are outputs. For music, there are two output types you’ll be worried about. All head units have high-level, or speaker-level, outputs. Those are your typical speaker wire hookups. Low-level, or preamp, or RCA, outputs are for plugging the head unit directly into an amp.
Now we get to the meat of the article. These 10 head units represent a great cross-section of the best head units you can get, and range from funky single DIN units with tiny touch screens to a double DIN with a massive 10” tablet attached to it. You’ll find one you like, or at least be inspired to start your journey.

Top 10 Best Touch Screen Stereos For Your Car 2020

1. Best Overall Touch Screen Stereo: Boss Audio BCPA985RC

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Why we like it: Boss is a leader in budget audio, and the BCP puts that on display with this inexpensive full feature unit. It also has a backup camera.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Double DIN, shallow
Inputs: HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
If you are on a budget, but still want Apple CarPlan and Android Auto, voila. The Boss Audio BCPA985RC comes with a backup camera, which probably doesn’t matter to most people. It also comes with an external mic that you can tape closer to your mouth. That way, your friends can hear you better as you yell expletives at other drivers.
Our Review
Boss, like we’ve said before, does the whole budget car audio thing really well. The BCP is a perfect example. It’s straight up the least expensive way to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in your car without dipping into the scary generic brands.
The BCP does everything you expect. It’s got inputs and outputs, nothing really notable. What is notable is the design. Boss did a good job with the way this unit looks. It’s very minimalistic and clean. Since it doesn’t have a slot for CDs/DVDs and doesn’t have any physical buttons, you get the impression that it’s a lot bigger than it is.
Boss seems to have taken that design philosophy and applied it to the install as well. They include good instructions and all the cables you need to just get going. Since they also sell their own line of adapters, just google your car and “Boss stereo adapter,” it makes this one of the easiest DIY projects on our list. Maybe that’s not the most important thing, but trust us when we say that the biggest drawback to buying inexpensive stuff is the documentation and ease of install. With the Boss, you won’t be suffering like the people who buy the really cheap units like this one on our list.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Like with other inexpensive units, if you really value audio quality, you will have to spend more. Get the Alpine, you won’t be disappointed. If you don’t need Android or Apple support, get this Pioneer.
Of course, if you don’t need Apple or Android support, the cheaper Boss will probably be okay. It doesn’t look as good, but it’s half the price. If half the price is still too much, the Sarcch unit is one quarter the price, just don’t expect it too much from it.

Pros

Inexpensive for a unit with Apple and Android support
It has got a clean minimalist design
Included installation kit is really well put together

Cons

Sound quality could be better
Touchscreen doesn’t respond as fast as other options

2. Best Premium Touch Screen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-2400NEX

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Why we like it: The Pioneer blows everything else out of the water when it comes to features and sound quality. The screen tilts to reveal the CD/DVD drive.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Pioneer developed the AVH-2400 for the person that’s willing to spend money to get the best. It’s easier to list the things it can’t do, and when people look at your car and see the Pioneer label, they’ll know you take audio seriously.
Our Review
The word Pioneer appears on this list more than any other brand, and that’s for a good reason. They are sort of the leader when it comes to quality. The AVH-2400 NEX exemplifies that. It’s got everything: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a big screen, CD/DVD support, way more inputs and outputs than you’ll ever use, and one of the fastest processors on the list.
That speed is worth talking about. You can get the sharpness and color resolution from the other Pioneers we list, even the flip-out screen here. What you can’t get anywhere else is the speed. You tap, it works, there’s no waiting around for an app to load.
There’s also something else about Pioneer that’s hard to explain. We’ll mention it again in other reviews of Pioneer units, but they build things in a way that makes them more satisfying than other units. It’s a combination of a lot of little things, like the NEX has a bunch of apps pre-installed that are meant to work with the unit, so you don’t have to guess at it. The screen has a good response and a nice feel, and the built-in microphone for Bluetooth calling sounds just a bit better than its competition.
Why You Might Want Something Else
There’s one big drawback to the NEX, one that is definitely the reason most people pass on this unit: the price. It falls into the category of “of course it’s amazing, it’d better be if it costs that much.”
The truth is that the Boss with Apple and Android support will do almost everything the Pioneer will do for less than half the price. If you aren’t absolutely obsessed with quality, you’ll have a tough time justifying the extra dollars you have to throw at the NEX.

Pros

Pioneer build quality and support
Apple Car Play and Android Auto ready
Full range of inputs, including HD radio
Full range of outputs

Cons

Expensive
The CD/DVD slot is inconvenient. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s hard to come up with reasons not to like this unit.

3. Best Budget Touch Screen Stereo: Boss Audio BV9364B

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Why we like it: The Boss BV is a perfectly acceptable head unit with great features that is less than $100. It also includes a wireless remote.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Screen Size: 6.2”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
If you are looking for a cheap option that still comes from a reputable company, the Boss BV is excellent. Sure, it doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but it’s tough to care for the price.
Our Review
Boss is more or less the leader in budget audio. We here at AQ talk about them every time we mention car audio, and this list is no exception. This time around, we are talking about the BV9364B, and it can be summed up in two words: perfectly acceptable.
It’s got everything you could want out of a budget stereo. The Bluetooth is fine, the screen is on the smaller side, but it’s still fine. Plus, unlike the units we’d call cheap rather than inexpensive, it’s got preamp outputs.
There is some funkiness, though. It’s got little doors over the SD and USB slots. Our guess is that it’s supposed to make it look cleaner, but it actually makes it look cheap. Boss makes up for it by being dead simple to use. It’s got big friendly icons and a giant mode button for rapidly switching inputs. It’s no Pioneer. It’s not that intuitive, but like we said before, it’s perfectly acceptable.
Why You Might Want Something Else
First, there’s another Boss on our lists that actually has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If budget is your biggest concern, but you still want those apps, get that one.
You’ll also be disappointed if you are really into audio quality. It has preamp outputs, but doesn’t support FLAC or have a full equalizer. It’s also not going to give you any volume or real bass without the amplifiers. The box claims 80-watts, but they are being tricky. The watts RMS is hard to find. That’s the number that tells you what power level you can actually get instead of just the peak output during perfect conditions. Whenever a company hides the RMS rating, you know that’s because it’s on the lower side. Don’t expect to make your ears bleed if you buy it. Shell out for the Alpine if you need that.

Pros

Inexpensive
Has every all the outputs you could want
Included installation kit is really well put together

Cons

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Sound quality could be better. Box says 80w output, but no way it will ever do that.

4. Best for Apple Play and Android Auto: Alpine iLX-W650

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Why we like it: The Alpine iLX is high quality, has all the right inputs and outputs, and has a massive screen.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 6.75”
Size: Double DIN, shallow
Inputs: AM/FM, HD radio, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
The Alpine iLX is the iconoclast’s dream. It doesn’t waste space with CD/DVDs, and it doesn’t even do the AM/FM radio thing so great. It’s got future tech and expects you to use it. If you like physical media, don’t like using your phone to control the music, or aren’t ready to accept our robot overlords, then look away.
Our Review
When we set out looking for the best, we had a few criteria. It had to be well built, it had to have Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and it had to have a full complement of inputs and outputs. The Alpine delivers on all fronts.
First, Alpine is no stranger to the audio world. They rank up there with Pioneer and JVC, and all three are Japanese companies well known for audio quality. You can bet they stand behind their products 100%. Consider that checkbox checked.
Second, Alpine built the unit to work around Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This thing represents the future. It’s incredibly minimalistic in design, making the screen feel huge. The minimalism extends to the form, it’s less than 3” deep. For reference, the monster Pioneer here is twice that. The small size makes it easy to install and work with.
Finally, it’s got all the preamp outputs you could want. You can plug right into your 5-channel amp and blow the doors off. Since it’s an Alpine, even if you don’t plug into an amp, you’ll still get great audio quality, and great video quality. In fact, it supports two backup cameras simultaneously. That’s a unique feature on this list, even if it’s not one most people will really worry about.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Suppose you don’t really care about Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You could spend your money better elsewhere, especially if you want a CD/DVD option. Units like the Pioneer AVH-X we mention are probably a better fit, it’s nearly identical. Just swap the Android and Apple stuff for a more beautiful screen and a DVD player.

Pros

Large screen
Compact design makes it easy to install
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Fantastic audio quality

Cons

Need special wiring harnesses for preamps and standard inputs
No radio metadata display. It’s not a friendly device if you prefer old school media options.

5. Best Looking Touchscreen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-X390

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Why we like it: You can take full advantage of Netflix and your DVD collection with this Pioneer’s beautiful screen.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 6.2”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
If the do everything Pioneer is too expensive or you need the CD/DVD player the Alpine doesn’t have, the AVH-390 is a good fit. The only issue is that this really needs amps to take advantage of that beautiful Pioneer quality. The output is pretty low. If you are a hardcore audiophile, though, you probably already have that base covered and are just looking for a head to play your FLAC files. This will do it.
Our Review
Here’s a Pioneer again. That means good quality, a great range of features, a really nice touch screen, etc. It gets boring reviewing Pioneer units because it’s hard to find bad things to say about them. This one has sort of a small screen, especially compared to minimalist designs like the Boss.
That screen, though, is beautiful. We have a note about it here, but don’t let the “low” resolution fool you. We’re spoiled on iPhones that have higher than 4k resolution, but the truth is on a small screen 800×480 is more than enough to look great. If you’re going to pop in your favorite Fast and Furious movie to play during Cars and Coffee, this is the screen to view it on.
It’s more than just the quality of the picture, though. The menus, icons, and colors are all customizable. If you want to stick to an interior theme with your build, the AVH can be made to fit in. We are talking a lot about the display, which isn’t the most important thing, but that’s just because the rest is what you’d expect from a high-quality unit. That lets us focus on the standout features, and the display stands out.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Every time we mention a unit without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, we have to point out that if those are valuable to you, you won’t be happy with it. This is no exception, although if you wanted to learn to love FLAC, this would be the unit to do it with. Get the Alpine, those apps are the reason it’s such a great buy.
It also isn’t inexpensive. There’s a lot of great options that cost less, so if your budget is tight, get this Boss head uint instead. It has all the same features, including the DVD player, and it’s a third the cost. You won’t find a substitute for the customization, though.

Pros

Beautiful LED display
Great audio quality
Pioneer build quality and support

Cons

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Screen is on the small side

6. Best Flip-Out Touch Screen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-3400NEX

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Why we like it: If you have a single DIN setup and don’t want to sacrifice anything, Pioneer has you covered.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Single DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
In general, if you want a full feature unit that has a great screen and fantastic sound quality, but have an older car, then you are out of luck. Most good head units require double the space that older stereos required.
Pioneer has come to the rescue with the AVH-3400NEX. It’s all the goodness of the other NEX on our list, but it is crammed into a tiny single space unit with a fold-out screen. Audiophiles building classic JDM customs rejoice.
Our Review
The Pioneer NEX series is one of the best lineups on the market. We reviewed one here and called it the best premium setup you could buy, in fact. The AVH-3400 is pretty much the same thing, except the screen pops out and raises up like some kind of futuristic laptop. As far as impressing your friends go, this unit takes the cake.
There’s a lot to like about a flip-out screen. You can keep a car looking stock, if that’s your thing. With the screen retracted, it looks like any old head unit. It’s also good if you get super distracted by shiny objects while driving; you can withdraw the screen and kill the distraction.
Now, generally, with flip-out screens, you live in constant fear that something is going to break. This is a Pioneer flagship model, though, so that’s not likely. Since flip-out units are so small, they usually lack outputs. Pioneer did their thing and somehow crammed all the standard preamp outputs and a backup camera hookup. It’s honestly amazing, you might change your opinion of flip-out screens after a few minutes with this one.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Let’s rip the bandaid off and get right into the most prominent problem; it costs a lot. That cool flip-out screen and compact, high-quality Pioneer goodness makes this NEX head uint the most expensive thing on this list. It even costs more than the more powerful NEX here, so if you can fit the double unit, you’d probably be better off going that route.
If you don’t have the space for a double DIN unit, there are still less expensive options. The fixed screen Power Acoustik is still a fine unit, if not nearly as feature-filled, and if you are really, let’s say “adventurous,” the Comecho is a fascinating single DIN head with a screen that fits inside the faceplate.

Pros

Single DIN so it fits older vehicles
Can do just about everything
Pioneer build quality and support

Cons

Quite expensive, especially compared to the Double DIN counterparts
Frustrating to use with screen retracted

7. Best Extra Large Touchscreen: Dual Electronics DMCPA11BT

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Why we like it: Dual Electronics brings the home theater to your dashboard with a gigantic 10” screen. The screen is attached on a mount allowing it to be bigger than the face of the stereo.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 10.1”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, SD
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Do you like big screens? Do you wish your car had a big screen in the middle of the dash? Well, Dual made a unit for you. The screen is 10” and on an adjustable arm. It has actual HD resolution, unlike a lot of the fakers in the cheap sections, and it’s strangely bright and inviting. Seriously, if you don’t mind that it’s going to dominate your car’s interior, this thing is fantastic.
Our Review
The first widespread use of touch screens in cars came in the form of GPS units, like TomToms and Garmins. They had, if you were lucky, a 5″ screen. Then came the infotainment centers from the factory, which boasted 6″ screens. Aftermarket 7″ solutions like the Alpine unit on our list are commonplace now, so believe us when we say that the Dual feels massive with a full 10″ display.
If a big screen is all it was, the Dual would still be a pretty good unit. It seems like they are trying hard to compete with Boss, though, and pulled out all the stops. It’s got Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is lovely. It’s got preamp outputs and USB fast charging. It even has the decency to be very reasonably priced for what it is.
Dual Electronics is a bit of an oddball company. Their products range from Walmart discount bin quality to better than Boss. They used to be just a random Chinese import brand. Over the last couple of decades, they have grown into a real competitor in the budget audio scene. Notably, they acquired Jensen, which is a name audio enthusiasts are probably much more familiar with. That’s where the Dual DMCPA11BT came from. On the inside, it’s all Jensen.
That’s the sprinkles on an already fantastic stereo sundae. The Dual is a rebranded Jensen; that means getting a unit that punches way above its weight class for a much lower price than you’d expect.
Why You Might Want Something Else
The giant 10″ screen is pretty, futuristic, and perfect if you like watching movies or really detailed GPS maps. It’s truly terrible if you don’t have very much space. The Alpine screen fits neatly inside the double DIN space, the screen on the Dual sticks way out. It sticks above and all around the install space. If you have vents or climate controls nearby, you’ll probably want to go for something more conventional.
The screen has a lot of wasted space, too. It has an Apple-style bezel that creeps into the screen real estate and makes the unit look bigger than it already is. If you have a small car, this thing will dominate your cockpit space.

Pros

Giant screen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready
Very easy to use

Cons

Reverse camera safety can be temperamental
Takes up a lot of room

8. Best Inexpensive Stereo with Backup Camera: Sarcch Double DIN

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Why we like it: It’s hard to believe that this head unit is so inexpensive. It’s basically an entire computer, with a camera, for less than a date night at Olive-Garden.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Double DIN
Inputs: AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB,
Preamp out: None
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
The Sarcch is the right unit for someone who builds furniture without instructions, doesn’t mind laughing at electronics when they get weird, and prides themselves on buying cheap gadgets. It’s not high quality. It’s not easy to use by any stretch of the imagination. You will be googling issues when you can’t decipher the menu system.
But if you are the type that drives around a 93 Metro and goes livid at the idea of spending more on a head unit than the total cost of your car, the Sarcch is perfect.
Our Review
We want to put you in the right mindset to understand the Sarcch, and we think the best way to do that is a quote straight from their sales page.
“The line of the car stereo is a bit complicated, each color is connected with different functions, please compare with our picture or installation manual /Video to install patiently.”
That really tells you everything. This is a random, brandless piece of imported tech. These types of units usually come from China and are thrown together from the parts bins of other manufacturers, or are suppliers of other components trying to get a few extra dollars by assembling their own units. They aren’t bad, but they are a risk.
The Sarcch really makes a case for that risk being worth it, though. It’s truly, unbelievably incredible how many features they give you for pennies. It includes its own backup camera. They even give you a roll of vinyl tape in the box. Not even Boss does that with their famous install kits.
Why You Might Want Something Else
If you want to plug in the unit and get straight into listening to your music, get something else. Get the Boss without Android or Apple support if you are on a budget.
Look, we don’t want to discourage you from experiencing cheap junk units. Lots of people tinker with them and make them do what they advertise without issue. It’s just that, well, let’s put it this way. They warn you nine separate times on their website about the dangers of installing it yourself. Seriously, they don’t tell you the RMS wattage. They do mention, twice, to “pay attention to the electricity when install by yourself.” If you don’t want to deal with that, spend the extra money, you won’t regret it.

Pros

Cheap
Includes a backup camera
Looks kinda cool with red buttons and minimal front features

Cons

You’ll have to figure out how to use it by trial and error
No preamp outputs

9. Best Single DIN Large Screen Stereo: Power Acoustik PD-710B

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Why we like it: Power Acoustic’s unit is single DIN, so it fits older cars, but still boasts an impressive 7” touch screen. The screen is detachable.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 7”
Install Size: Single DIN
Inputs: CD/DVD, HD radio, AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB, RCA
Preamp out: Front, rear, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Single DIN car owners on a budget who still want the future inside their cabin have really limited options. The Power Acoustik is one of them. It’s not amazing, it’s just good enough to bring you into the modern era for a reasonable price. It’ll fit older cars and do just enough to not bother you with its lack of features.
Our Review
This Power Acoustik PD-710 is a really interesting little unit. It’s a single DIN, so it fits most cars. Unlike most single DIN units with a touch screen, though, the screen hangs down. In theory, that makes it more likely to fit without taking up too much dash real estate. In practice, most cars have stuff underneath the radio, so your mileage may vary.
Other than the compact size, the Power Acoustik isn’t much to write home about. It does everything it says it does with little fuss. The user interface is very clean and straightforward, and the screen is adequate. It has a CD/DVD player, and while it doesn’t have preamp outs, it is still an upgrade over a factory head unit.
There’s not much else to say, really. It’s perfectly adequate, and it’s a reasonable price.
Why You Might Want Something Else
Probably the biggest reason you’d want to run from Power Acoustik is the lack of features. It’s neat that it is a single DIN unit, but if you don’t need that, there are way better options. The Pioneer here has a DVD/CD player also, and a full set of preamp outputs. If you don’t care about features, the Boss costs less.

Pros

Single DIN, so it fits older vehicles
Has preamp outputs
Inexpensive

Cons

Screen hangs down, so it might interfere with other dash controls like A/C
The screen could definitely be better quality, with slow touch response and only ok resolution.

10. Best Compact Single DIN Touchscreen: Camecho Single DIN Car Stereo

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Why we like it: The Camech’s screen is only 4” tall and technically isn’t a touchscreen. But its exceptionally compact design and wide-ranging compatibility meant we had to put it on the list.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Screen Size: 4.1”
Install Size: Single DIN
Inputs: AM/FM, Bluetooth, camera, aux, USB
Preamp out: Front, sub
Who This Unit Is Perfect For
Allow us to be blunt for a moment, but this is an excellent unit if you like weird things. It fits all the standard requirements for a modern head unit. It accepts Bluetooth and comes with a backup camera, remote, a microphone, and an itty bitty 4” screen. It’s just really different; the whole screen and control panel fits inside a single DIN face.
Our Review
Camecho is another piece of inexpensive imported tech. The English quality in their interface is much higher than the unit from Sarcch, but only marginally. It has all the telltale markers of a unit that will be frustrating to use. The buttons are really tiny, for a start, and the volume knob wiggles in unpleasant ways.
Despite that, there is a charm to the Camecho that nothing else comes close to. It’s a tiny, full-featured touch screen unit that fits where nothing else could. It doesn’t have a screen that sticks out and blocks your controls, and it doesn’t feel the need to prove itself with a screen that folds out. Having all the features crammed into the tiny space makes it look especially high tech. We’ve been programmed to think of smaller gadgets as more futuristic, the Camecho really captures the essence of that.
If being a conversation starter isn’t enough, and we aren’t saying that it’s not enough, then the Camecho still does ok. It’s at least got a subwoofer preamp output, and it comes with a backup camera. Unlike similar units, the Camecho has Bluetooth capabilities. You just have to get really close to it to watch things or use the menus.
Why You Might Want Something Else
We said that this was the perfect unit if you like things a little bit weird, but if you value function, it’s probably not your best option. The instructions are terrible, the buttons are hard to see, it’s missing a lot of simple features. The Power Acoustik we mention is also a single DIN unit that has a much bigger screen, and it won’t have you pulling your hair out trying to decipher what “varies of a car logos adjustable” means.

Pros

Cheap
Includes a backup camera
Ultra-compact, it will fit any vehicle

Cons

Terrible documentation
Screen is tiny

A Deep Dive Into Car Stereos
We want to apologize. The world of audio has no end. Each time you learn something new, you will also learn that there are two more things to learn. It’s a rabbit hole that has claimed many lives; you probably know a few people that spend all their time mumbling about RMS and pass filters. Maybe you are that person.
Regardless, we put together this section to help you de-mystify the finer details of car stereo heads. Hopefully, it can at least answer any questions you have without losing you to the void.
Single DIN vs. Double DIN
Just in case it’s on a test, DIN is a German standard measurement for car radio equipment. One DIN is 7 inches by 2 inches. A double DIN is 7”x4”, double the height of a single. There, go win your next trivia night.
In practical application, though, most cars have space for either a single DIN head unit or a double DIN head unit. If you have a car that can fit a double DIN unit, your choices are infinite. You can buy special bezels that will hold a single DIN if you really want to, but most touch screens and high-performance stereos are double.
If you have an older car or a custom setup that doesn’t have space for a double, then your touch screen options get a lot more limited. We included a handful on our review list, including a Pioneer with a fold-out screen and a funky tiny infotainment unit. They cost more or have fewer features than their larger counterparts, though.
Getting the Music to Your Speakers
There are way too many different ways to play music these days. Except for cassettes, every time a new technology comes out, we add it to the pile. AM radio has been around since the early 1900s. We still rely on it to give us road updates, meaning your head unit has to be able to use tech from pre-WWI right alongside tech that is only a few years old. When you are buying any stereo, it’s helpful to narrow down which technologies are the most important to you.
Radio
Radio tends to come in three flavors nowadays. First on deck is the oldest broadcasting technology, the AM/FM radio. Useful for if you are in a place with weather conditions you need to know about or enjoy commercials. Satellite, sometimes simply called XM radio because of the most popular company offering it, is radio waves from space. That means you can get them worldwide, which is cool. You do have to buy a special receiver though, even if your stereo says it’s HD radio-ready.
Finally, we have the most recent addition to the radio lineup: Internet Radio. There are hundreds of internet content providers, including the giants Pandora and Spotify, so it’s impossible to talk about all of them here. You probably already have your favorite.
Like the Alpine or any of the Pioneer unit, most of the higher quality units have internet radio apps built-in. The Pioneer NEX, for example, has no less than four different internet radio apps that connect instantly with your phone and can be controlled from the screen.
Physical Media
Physical Media is any media that has a physical form. It’s refreshing when things are so straightforward. This includes DVDs, CDs, USB drives, SD cards, and Micro SD/TF cards. It used to include things like 8-tracks, but unless you are very into keeping things period correct, that’s not a concern. In today’s age of the cellphone, most people don’t use physical media anymore. That’s why units like this Boss don’t even have a CD/DVD player anymore. The Alpine doesn’t even have an SD slot, and includes the USB largely for charging your phone.
Some people like watching their DVD collection while they drive. Units like the Pioneer X390BS have video output as well as DVD input. That way, you can use a single head unit to power an entire entertainment system in your car and keep the kids entertained.
AUX
Auxiliary input is the most straightforward way to plug in an audio device. Anything that has a headphone jack can be plugged into a stereo with AUX in. Just run an auxiliary cable from the device to the head unit, and you are good to go. If you still sport an OG iPod that doesn’t have Bluetooth, it’s pretty much your only option.
The problem is that as Bluetooth and app-driven services like Apple CarPlay become standard, the headphone jack is disappearing. iPhones famously don’t have headphone jacks, and they have historically set the trend for the future. In the car audio world, we are already seeing the repercussions. Not to keep calling attention to the Alpine unit we recommend, but it only has an AUX input in spirit. The port is on the back, buried under your dash. You aren’t really meant to use it.
Wireless
Bluetooth is the most common wireless hookup and the universal standard. If you have a modern device of any kind, it has Bluetooth. Most people have interacted with a Bluetooth speaker; a car head unit with BT capabilities will behave the same way.
Fancier devices like the Dual we recommend can talk both ways. It can receive audio signals from your phone when you stream music, and it can control the music stream from your phone with the buttons on its own screen.
A/V Inputs
Backup cameras, video game consoles, other media devices like DVD players, and similar can all be plugged into head units with video and extra audio inputs. For instance, the Power Acoustik we recommend has a full set of RCA inputs. You can even run a Super Nintendo right on your car’s stereo screen and play Mario Kart with your friends. Just don’t do it while driving, that might make the crashes a little too realistic.
Touch Screens

The centerpiece to a touch screen stereo is, of course, the touch screen. To best understand touch screens, it helps to break them into the two main ingredients: touch and screen.
Resistive vs. Capacitive
When you touch a touch screen, there has to be some way to translate your finger into an input, otherwise, you are just poking at a TV like a weirdo. There are four main ways to do that, and if you want to know about all four, ViewSonic has a handy article with diagrams here. In the car audio world, we really only care about resistive touch and capacitive touch, though.
Restive touch means that when you press on the screen, the screen acts like a button. They are slower than capacitive touch, and generally, they have less accuracy. They also have sensors that take up space and diminish screen size. The only upside is that they are a lot cheaper to produce. You’ll find them on inexpensive units like the Boss BV9364B we recommend.
Capacitive touch screens use the tiny amount of electricity in your body to register touch. They are faster, look better, and usually feel better. Cell phones and tablets use capacitive touch, as do most modern touchscreen head units like the gigantic Dual we recommend.
Screen Resolution
Small screens don’t need a lot of pixels to look great, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see many ultra high definition screens when searching for a head unit. We are spoiled by cell phone and tablet screens that have incredible resolution. Honestly, stereo technology just hasn’t entirely caught up yet.
The only thing to be aware of is how companies might be misleading you. Just because the box says “HD” doesn’t mean it’s a better screen than one that just says “VGA.” Case and point, the Pioneer AVH has an excellent looking display, the Sarcch doesn’t. The Sarcch makes the bold claim that it’s a full HD display, whereas Pioneer is smart enough to know that HD requires more than 800×480 pixels.
Pixel Density
Without getting too technical, it’s important to know that they aren’t outright lying to you either. If you browse through CNet’s primer on HD resolutions here, you’ll notice that a 32” TV with a resolution of 1280×720 is absolutely high definition. If you’ll allow us to do some math, a 32” TV has 720 pixels along its width of 28”. That’s 25 pixels per inch. The Sarcch has 800 pixels along its width of 6”, and that’s 133 pixels per inch. The math checks out.
All of this is a really long-winded way of saying that you shouldn’t worry too much about the screen. If a screen is your only concern, get the giant Dual we recommend. It’s definitely a tablet with a head unit attached and not a head unit with a screen sort of scenario.
Imports, Knock-Offs, and Cheap Junk
At the bottom of the quality pile are the cheap, usually from China gadgets that have flooded the market over the last couple of decades. They are easy to identify: weird brand names, terrible descriptions, and there will be a ton that all look identical but vary slightly in name and price.
The biggest reason they can exist at all is because Android is a free platform, so almost all of them run some version of the Android OS. The screen technology and processing technology are open source, so any factory that produces any modern gadget has all the tools necessary to build a cheap stereo. The units themselves are usually built from factory leftovers, or by suppliers with questionable business practices trying to undermine the larger companies that they are contracted by. It’s a constant, ever-changing world of corporate espionage, knock-offs and cheap labor changing hands.
Now let’s be clear, they aren’t necessarily bad units. They will be lower quality, sure, and probably have weird little quirks like indecipherable labels. That doesn’t mean they won’t play videos or music, or work fine over Bluetooth. You just have to know what you are getting into. You might get a great unit that works great, or you might get something that falls apart after a month. You might have to spend a half-day reading forums to figure out how to change the station. It’s really, really hard to beat the price, though.
Welcome to the Future
No matter what you choose, you are getting something awesome. Upgrading a head unit in a car is one of the best ways to make it feel new again. Seriously, get in a resto-mod Chevelle or something. If it has a touch screen, it will feel new despite being sixty or more years old. Even if you don’t really want a screen in your car, you should get one. If Tesla is any indication, cars will only have touch screens instead of physical controls in the future. You might as well get used to it now. More

Picture a messy toolbox. Doesn’t it give you anxiety? Maybe you’re picturing your own toolbox, and every time you work on something, you tell yourself that you’ll get eventually get around to organizing it. But it never happens! There’s always one more project that needs to get done. Well quit waiting, and grab a super convenient organizer.

How to Get Organized
A socket organizer is a simple and intuitive way to keep all of your socket heads together, organized, and accessible. While different socket organizers accomplish the task with different designs and materials, all sockets have a single purpose: making dealing with your toolbox a bit easier.
Storying Your Socket Organizer
The biggest consideration when choosing a socket organizer is where the sockets are going to be stored. Are you going to keep them in a drawer, on a workbench, or do you need to carry them out into the field?
Drawer
The rolling toolbox is the ultimate symbol of shop work, and it’s probably the most common way people store tools. Like the very budget-friendly Sedy on our list, most organizers are designed to load up with sockets and throw in a drawer.
Workbench
If you have a bench or like to work at a station, then there are organizers built for you. Units like the OEM have all the sockets sitting upright in the tray, which makes them super easy to grab and organize. The magnetic Olsa can just be slapped onto any surface, so every place you are working is a workbench.
In the Field
Working out of a truck or a van presents its own unique organizational challenges. Road bumps can knock everything around, and even if your truck has drawers, they are prone to disorganization or the wrong size. Socket organizers like the Makitoyo have all the holders packed tightly, and a carrying handle. It’s super portable and compact, so it’s easy to throw in a box and drive out to a job.
How the Sockets Are Held
The way that an organizer holds a socket varies a lot. The spectrum typically ranges from easy-to-grab and securely fastened. Organizers like the OEM unit here just have a peg that the socket fits on. Super easy to use, but if you knock over the tray, your sockets scatter.
Methods get more secure from there. The standard ball lock has largely replaced the easy-to-bend metal spring locks of the past, and can now be found on even inexpensive units. Some innovators like MLTOOLS have a twist lock, which is very secure. It does take longer to get the socket off the organizer, though. If you want the best of both worlds, you have to pay. Olsa makes a fantastic magnetic organizer. It holds the sockets using powerful magnets, so they are super secure and easy to grab.
Number of Sockets/Type of Sockets
Another important thing you need to consider is the number and type of sockets you have that need organizing. If you have like 100s of ¼” and ⅜” sockets that include weird sizes, getting a single, 10 spot organizer is probably a silly thing to do. Conversely, if all you have is a very simple ⅜” set, something like the 80 spot portable Olsa is a waste of money and space.
Just as a note, labeled organizers usually come in both SAE and Metric. Some companies, like OEM, include both in the same box. Most will make you buy separate units for each standard. There are tools that are neither SAE nor Metric that we talk about below, but you aren’t likely to find dedicated organizers for them.
In our ‘Quick Facts’ section, we list out the capacity of each organizer ranked by the type of socket (SAE or Metric), the size of the driver (1/3, 3/8, or 1/2 inch), depth (whether it’s a shallow or deep socket), and the capacity (number of slots for each size).
Quality
We’ll go over materials and a more in-depth look at what makes a quality tool down here, but the gist is that even cheap tools in our modern era are good enough. We wouldn’t recommend anything that won’t work, so it just comes down to how much you are willing to pay for extra durability.
This top 10 list showcases many different styles and mounting options. Just make sure that whatever organizer you purchased fits your needs, as it’s way more important to pick the socket organizer that works for your situation than to pick the most expensive or fully-featured holder on the market.

Top 10 Best Socket Organizers 2020

1. Best Overall Socket Organizer: MLTOOLS Socket Organizer

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Why we like it: What holds 90 sockets, is modular, and has a super satisfying twist-lock design? This MLTOOLS rail set.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Twist-lock
¼ drive number: 15/15 SAE/Metric
⅜ drive number: 15/15 SAE/Metric
½ drive number: 15+15 SAE/Metric
Best Suited For
Deep drawers, the top of a toolbox or small tool caddies are where this organizer is most comfortable. It holds the sockets upright, so shallow drawers beware. It is easy to carry around, and each individual strip of sockets can be removed. That makes this the best compromise between portable, easy, and compact.
Our Review
First of all, we’re fans of the twist-lock system that the MLTOOLS uses. It will hold the sockets upside down, there aren’t any little metal bearings to wear out, and unlike the old-school metal springs, it’s never a fight to get a rarely-used socket off the holder. The individual rails can be removed and carried individually off the tray. They are modular, so you can customize the trays. You can arrange the trays by drive size, metric vs. standard, or any combination of things, all that for a really reasonable price.
There are only two things that slow it down. First, it has tons of space with 90 spots, but it’s an equal number of each drive size. That means you’ll probably have empty ½” spots, and not enough ¼” spots. That’s not a huge deal since it’s pretty much par for the course when it comes to tool organizers. The difference is that since they are sold as a set, you can’t just buy one more rail, you have to get at least 3. Grab the Horusdy 3pc on our list to fill out the kit, as they are cheap and compact.
Second, perhaps the biggest problem is that they won’t hold up to years of hard daily abuse. It is absolutely perfect for everyone who wrenches on their project every weekend or needs a track day set, but not the professional shop. For an ultra-durable model, check out the Olsa portable.

Pros

Holds sockets firmly with a twist-lock system
Has a lot of neat features
Very good value for price

Cons

Doesn’t come with extra holders
Plastic clips can wear out with hard use

2. Best Premium Socket Organizer: Olsa Tools Magnetic Organizer

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Why we like it: Olsa’s Magnetic Tool Organizers can be positioned anywhere, even upside down, making this one of the most user-friendly socket organizers out there.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Magnets
¼ drive number: 13 deep, 13 shallow SAE
⅜ drive number: 13 deep, 13 shallow SAE
½ drive number: 7 deep, 9 shallow SAE
Best Suited For
The Olsa Tools organizer is magnetic and holds the sockets upright, so it’s not good for throwing into drawers. It is super good to take with you to whatever you are working on and sticking it to whatever metal surface is nearby.
Our Review
We’ll get the bad out of the way first. The set is an SAE-only version. If you want to organize your metric set too, you’ll need [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XV756J6/”]this onet[/amazon] also. That pushes the price for the whole set to well over $100. You could buy 6 of the Makitoyo sets, giving you 480 spots to work with for that much. Each place on this Olsa is precisely the right size. If you have a super mismatched socket set, some of them might not fit. If you have a meticulous setup, this is perfect, but get the twist locking organizer if you have a bunch of random brands for sockets.
What you don’t get with the cheaper units is quality and convenience. An advanced-polymer plastic is nearly unbreakable, but it’s the convenience that pushes this organizer into one of our top spots. Magnets hold the organizer to a surface, and magnets hold your sockets in place. That makes them super easy to remove, but still secure enough to slap the thing on the side of a toolbox. You’ll never have an excuse not to put the socket back in its spot.

Pros

Magnetic holder is super convenient
Holds sockets securely
The labels are easy to read

Cons

High price
Tight tolerances for mis-sized sockets

3. Easiest to Use Socket Organizer: OEMTOOLS 22233

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Why we like it: We love it when organizers are easy to work with, it makes us more likely to use them. The OEM organizer couldn’t be easier, just toss the socket at its labeled peg.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Round plastic peg
¼ drive number: 9 short and 9 deep SAE, 12 short and 12 deep Metric
⅜ drive number: 12 short and 12 deep SAE, 12 short and 12 deep Metric
½ drive number: 14 short and 11 deep SAE, 15 short and 14 deep Metric
Best Suited For
It’s good for benchtops and the top of large toolboxes, as it takes up a lot of space. The pegs stick up too far for drawers, and the sockets are not held securely enough to survive moving around a lot anyway. It’s one of the biggest sets on our list, though, so if you need to hold 170 different sockets, you probably have the space for it.
Our Review
You can choose the colors! Ok, so that’s not an amazing feature, but it is fun to coordinate toolsets. The bigger, cooler thing is that it has a ton of spots for a ton of sockets. There are 170 labeled pegs, with different size pegs for different drive sizes, although nothing is stopping you from putting things on the wrong peg. This versatility is what separates this from our other labeled peg option, the Grip. That, and the OEM has twice as many spots.
You’ll break those pegs off if you are too rough with it. Also, unlike most holders, if you tip the OEM tray over, all your sockets will fall out. Not the worst issues, but definitely something to consider if you’re hard on tools.

Pros

Tons of spaces
Very easy to use
Comes in cool colors

Cons

Sockets are not held securely
Pegs can break off if you push too hard on them

4. Best Portable Socket Organizer: Olsa Tools Portable Tray

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Why we like it: The Olsa Portable Tray has a place for 80 sockets and locks them super securely.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 20 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 30 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 30 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
It’s got a metal base, a handle, and enough spaces for any portable set. That makes the Olsa Portable tray perfect to be thrown into a truck for travel, or into a backup set that you keep in your trunk for when things go wrong. You can also throw a nail on the wall of your garage and hang it if toolbox space is at a premium.
Our Review
Olsa is a leader in quality, as we have already seen with their giant magnetic system here. This one is affordable though! It’s not the cheapest portable carrier on our list – that honor belongs to the Makitoyo, but the Olsa will survive a lot more abuse. The tray and rails are metal, so you won’t feel bad letting it bang around in a big truck box. They stayed away from the annoying metal spring retainers of old, and instead they opted for the plastic holders with spring-loaded bearings. Those holders hold the sockets securely. A little too securely sometimes, so tight you might have to fight with it to get infrequently-used sockets off.
Most of our complaints are just complaints about the portable tray design. The sockets will be hard to read when they are all packed on densely, and hard to grab when the tool tray is full. Since the same thing is true of other portable sets like the MLTOOLS and the Makitoyo, it’s unfair to use it as a strike against the Olsa. It can be annoying, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Pros

Very high quality
Compact
Has plenty of spaces

Cons

Can be hard to read the socket size
Sockets can be hard to remove from organizer

5. Best Budget Socket Organizer: Sedy 3 Piece ABS

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Why we like it: For the price, it’s impossible to find better socket holders.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 16 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 15 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 10 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
This set is great for drawers and boxes. These are just your standard rails meant to hold the sockets in one spot. They won’t really hold the sockets upside down, although the sockets stay relatively firmly on the organizer. They also don’t include magnets or anything convenient for mounting the rack itself. Just throw them in a drawer and enjoy the extra space.
Our Review
Neophytes and occasional mechanics rejoice, because this organization set is cheap. It’s made of ABS and vinyl, which is good enough, and the plastic holders will hold a socket as long as you don’t fling it too hard. You get 41 spaces for less than lunch, don’t try to make it more than it is.
If you need more spaces but still want to keep things cheap, the Makitoyo holds 80 sockets and is twice the price. At that point, you might as well just buy two sets, though, as they’ll better fit the drawers.

Pros

Inexpensive
Colorful
Perfect for a small set

Cons

Retention could be better
Less-than-stellar plastic quality

6. Best Ultra-Compact Socket Organizers: Horusdy 3pc

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Why we like it: If space is at a premium, the Horusdy 3pc is the perfect way to keep organized.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 20 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 18 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 16 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
Unlike a traditional rail holder, the Horusdy organizer has retainers on both sides of the rail. That makes them hold the same number of sockets as a traditional unit, but stay half the length. It’s perfect for small toolboxes or anywhere that space is limited.
Our Review
The Horusdy organizer has a cool feature you won’t find anywhere else: the rails are double-sided, so they are short and wide rather than long and narrow. That’s great if you don’t have very much space to work with as they can fit in smaller drawers and boxes.
Unfortunately, no matter how you carry it, one side is always less than the other. The whole thing is plastic, so quality isn’t the best, and the rubber cap that holds them all together is easy to knock off. They are really cheap, though. It’s only a few dollars more than the cheapest set on our list, the Sedy. If you need quality, get the Olsa portable. If you need to save space, the Horusdy is perfect.

Pros

Super compact
Inexpensive
Easy to read socket stamps

Cons

Quality could be better
Rubber end caps prone to wearing out

7. Best Portable Magnetic Socket Holder: Olsa Tools Portable Magnetic Socket Tray

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Why we like it: This offering from Olsa is probably one of the least frustrating organizers on the market.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Magnets
¼ drive number: 0
⅜ drive number: 0
½ drive number: 11 shallow and 11 deep SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
The Olsa Portable Magnetic organizer is both shockingly portable and shockingly effective. Unfortunately it’s also small; each tray can only hold a handful of sizes. The best thing to do with it is to fill it with the 20 sockets you use the most and keep it handy as a portable workstation. Throw it in your travel toolbox, hide one under the seat of your car, or keep one hidden in your workshop so your clumsy friend won’t lose all your sockets when he comes over to work on his old beater.
Our Review
This magnetic organizer is really nice. It’s made of strong materials, and the magnets will stick to any metal surface and hold it in place. Plus, even though the sockets are super secure, they are still easy to remove and use. The only thing holding it back from being truly amazing is its small size. It seems like no matter what, the size you need won’t be in the set you brought with you.
In addition to being small, they come in different sizes. If you need a bunch of smaller ¼” drive sockets but bought the ½” drive sized tray, you are pretty much out of luck. They are expensive enough that you probably won’t want to buy a multiple to make a complete set, so you just have to put smaller sockets in the bigger sized slots. The magnets will hold the small sockets in place well enough, but it looks bad. If you need to carry around a lot of sockets, a full-sized setup like the other portable Olsa, or the much cheaper Makitoyo, will serve you better.

Pros

High quality
Magnets make the tray super convenient
Really easy to use

Cons

On the small size
Each tray only holds set sizes

8. Best Portable Socket Organizer for Toolboxes: Makitoyo 80-Piece

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Why we like it: The Makitoyo has a handle, spots for 80 sockets, and a reasonable price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Ball bearing snap
¼ drive number: 26 SAE or Metric
⅜ drive number: 30 SAE or Metric
½ drive number: 24 SAE or Metric
Best Suited For
If you saw the c and thought it was perfect, but hated the price, Makitoya has you covered. It’s the same deal: you need something portable that is easy to throw in a box and have at the ready whenever. It holds sockets well enough to survive transportation, and it’s strong enough to take a beating in the elements.
Our Review
The Makitoyo is one of those tools that you come across at Harbor Freight. You are sure you’ve seen the exact same tool with a different label, but it looks like it will do the job you need it for, so you buy it. After all, it was a really good price, so even if it breaks after a year, you won’t feel too bad. It ends up being pretty good quality, though. You get a bunch of false confidence and buy a Pittsburgh Tools Torque Wrench that doesn’t set correctly. You end up snapping off a manifold bolt in an aluminum block. Maybe that last part was just us, but the danger is real.
Get the Olsa portable if you need a better fit and finish than cheap can give you, and get the MLTOOLS thing if you want innovation. Get this Makitoyo if you just need something good enough for right now.

Pros

Cheap
Durable enough to throw around
Has a lot of clips for sockets

Cons

Clips are hard to move around
The box says it will hold sockets upside down, but definitely don’t trust it to do that

9. Easiest-to-Read Socket Organizer: Grip 6 pc Socket Tray

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Why we like it: The Grip socket organizer is super easy to read and more compact than other upright organizers.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Plastic pegs
¼ drive number: 11 SAE, 13 Metric
⅜ drive number: 13 SAE, 15 Metric
½ drive number: 15 SAE, 17 Metric
Best Suited For
Like the OEM organizer, the Grip is mostly useful for deep drawers, toolbox tops, and workbenches. The sockets stand upright, and they don’t lock in very securely. It’s smaller than the OEM in all dimensions, so it’s a little more toolbox friendly. That comes at the cost. The Grip just can’t hold as many sockets as others, even the portable clip-in units. If you have a big kit, then look elsewhere.
Our Review
We love this organizer because it’s got big, easy-to-read labels. It’s also super easy to set the sockets on. There’s just no reason not to put the tools back in their spot. The durability of the Grip is fine. It’s a chunk of plastic that’s probably a little less likely to break than the OEM competitor since the pegs are shorter. The shorter pegs also make it a little easier to use. Rather, it would, but the pegs on the Grip aren’t just normal pegs. They turn into square bases that hold the sockets tighter than conventional designs. It also makes the Grip look better when it’s full of sockets since they stay centered.
It’s got the same drawbacks as the OEM: if you knock it over, all your sockets will scatter. It also has another drawback, which will largely be dependent on your kit. If you have some weird sizes or a lot of different sockets, the Grip won’t have enough pegs for you. Or you’ll have to put sockets on pegs with the wrong label.

Pros

Easy-to-read labels
Easy to put the sockets away
Good price compared to its competitors

Cons

Not enough spots, especially if you have funky sizes
Easy to knock the sockets out

10. Best Drawer Socket Organizer: Craftsman Socket Organizer

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Why we like it: The Craftsman in drawer organizer has a spot for everything, even the extensions.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Stats
Type of retention: Holes drilled in plastic
195 compartments
Best Suited For
It’s a drawer organizer, and that pretty much means you need to stuff it into a drawer. You could probably build a box for it if you wanted. The good news is that it can hold just about anything, with over 195 separate places to put things that are all labeled. If you have a big toolbox and a lot of junk to organize, the Craftsman is a good fit.
Our Review
The Craftsman drawer organizer is a perfect example of something that was almost great. Everything is nicely labeled, but the labels are hard to read. There’s a spot for every type of socket, but it’s organized strangely. It says Craftsman on it, but it’s made of thin plastic. It’s easy to get the tools in and out, but the whole tray system wobbles and moves around.
That doesn’t make it bad. It will hold an entire tool kits worth of sockets in a very neat, organized way. If you have the drawer space, it’s a really nice system for keeping a set together. But there are better options out there: stuff like the Olsa organizer or the MLTOOLS organizer are phenomenal. This Craftsman organizer, although fine for a typical drawer toolbox, just isn’t anything special.

Pros

A spot for everything
It can be arranged to fit different drawers
Every spot is labeled and easy to get to

Cons

Quality isn’t great
Nothing exceptional

Tips, Tricks, and Extra Info
Now that the hard part is done, let’s get into some more fun tidbits and information. We’ll hit on some weird tools you might want to consider organizing and give you some pro tips at keeping your space clean. First, we want to address one of the questions we are sure you have after reading the reviews: where’s the metal?
Plastic vs. Metal
Traditional socket organizers used bent metal springs that locked your sockets in place with tension. If you’ve ever used them, you know that they suck. They are prone to bending, and it’s often frustrating to add or remove sockets from the retainers. Comparatively, plastic organizers are easier to manufacture with better tolerances, less expensive, and hold their shape better long term.
The only sacrifice is durability, but the truth is that cheaper metal organizers won’t last long enough without bending to take advantage of their added strength. That’s why no traditional spring metal organizers appear on our recommendation list, they’re simply out of date. Plastic technology is advanced and durable enough that it beats out other designs
Dealing with Unusual Sockets
We note a few times in our reviews that some holders, like the big Olsa magnetic organizer, aren’t good for unusual sockets. The standard socket is hexagonal on the inside, smooth on the outside, and only a little bigger than the size of the bolt head it’s measured for. There are a lot of sockets that don’t fit that description, though. Sockets like:
Impact Sockets
Impact sockets are heavy duty sockets meant for high torque. The thicker walls mean they won’t fit into organizers like the Craftsman.
10-Point and Specialty Sockets
A standard bolt has 6 points, so traditional sockets are either 6 or 12 points. High torque bolts, often used as head bolts, can be all sorts of weird shapes. You don’t want to mix them up.
Bit Sockets
Bit sockets are just like drill or impact bits, just with a hole for a socket wrench instead of a hex shank. They fit on any rail system, like the MLTOOLS, but won’t slide over pegs.
Universal Joints and Extensions
Universal joints allow you to pivot the socket onto a hard to reach bolt, and extensions move the wrench further away from the bolt. Most people store them in a drawer next to the organized sockets, but they do sell special organizers like [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVSWXDP/”]this one[/amazon] from Ares.
Adapters
They make adapters for everything. The most useful are upsized adapters, from ¼” drive to ⅜” drive, and impact driver adapters. Impact drivers that use a standard ¼” hex lock need to be converted to square drive so you can use sockets with them. Ares makes [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9VGY55/”]this organizer[/amazon] for adapters, but a traditional socket organizer won’t accommodate an adapter.
Other Ways to Organize Sockets
While a specially-designed socket organizer is the best way to keep sockets organized, there are other ways to store sockets. Some of the following are below:
Tool Pouch: An inexpensive tool pouch will keep your sockets together, but it won’t keep them organized. To keep your sockets organized and portable, you’ll need a specific organizer designed for travel like the Craftsman.
Workbenches: As workbenches are stationary, they don’t have to meet the same design constraints as portable or semi-portable socket organizers. We’ve seen DIYers take really unique and beautiful approaches when designing wooden socket holders.
Work Van: While a work van with toolboxes can be customized for ease of use with a socket organizer like the Makitoyo, a work van with a pegboard can be used to organize sockets cleanly.
Other Oddities
The average socket organizer is meant for either Metric or SAE sockets in the three most common drive sizes. Nothing is ever that simple, and there exist a ton of socket categories outside of those ones that you might encounter. For instance, British Standard sockets are just a little bit different than American Standard sockets. You can read more here on Whitworth sizes, but if you are working on an old MG, you probably already deal with that frustration.
Sockets also get gigantic. There exist ¾” and 1” drive sockets that get massive in diameter. Tractors and other heavy-duty equipment require-heavy duty tools. The good news is that weird stuff like this is rare, so chances are you won’t be needing to organize them in your toolbox anytime soon.
Pro Tips for Staying Organized
If you are buying socket organizers, you probably care about keeping your entire workspace orderly. It can be an absolute pain to do that, though. We asked a handful of pro mechanics to give us some tips and tricks in keeping organized.
Force Yourself to Clean Your Tools
Make it a habit to clean your tools after you use them. There are two reasons. First, having clean tools is nice. There’s an old saying about how the difference between a good mechanic and a great mechanic is a white shirt; keeping a shop clean makes everything better. Second, it forces you to put the tool away. You build a routine that is easy to stick too.
Take Trays and Boxes With You
Even if it’s just a cardboard box, keep containers within reach wherever you are working. That way, you can throw parts and tools into the box as you work, rather than scattering them to the winds: the more boxes, the better. Also, use boxes to hold bolts by drawing a rough diagram on the cardboard and stabbing the bolts through where they go.
Limit Your Trips to the Toolbox
Use magnetic trays, or organizers like the Olsa to take more tools with you to a project than you think you need. Every time you make a trip to the box is a chance to leave a tool behind, and the likelihood of you putting it away dwindles.
Make a Spot for Everything
It’s one of the best parts of having an organizer like the OEM peg system. You get a lot of labeled spots, and having a spot for a tool makes you more likely to keep it organized. It’s usually best to start with big categories and work down to individual tools. Like, this toolbox is for engine tools, this drawer is for socket wrenches, and this space is for the holy 10mm. The more categories you have, the less paralyzed by indecision you will be, and the easier it is to organize things.
Clean Toolboxes Finish Projects
Having to look for the right size wrench kills momentum. The time and extra effort it takes to dig through a pile of mismatched tools can make even seasoned mechanics lose their cool. Don’t do that to yourself. Make your life better and organize those boxes! More

Unless you are specifically attuned to the stars more than the average person, finding one’s way towards the true north with just our faulty human eyes is a bit of a hassle, especially when on the road for long periods of time (or during the day). Car compasses, while seemingly an antiquated piece of equipment, can easily help someone find their way on the brightest of days or the cloudiest of nights.
Car compasses are simple. They are compasses that will (generally) latch somehow onto one’s dashboard and provide easy-to-read navigational help, even in areas that might not be in cellular phone signal range. Not all vehicle compasses are made equal, however, and you’re going to want the absolute best quality for your dollar, especially when it comes to getting from point A to point B in an efficient, timely manner. Well, we’re here to help with that.
In this article, we are going to focus on the best dashboard-mounted car compasses out on the market today. Before we dive into that, however, we are going to explain the bare minimum of what you need to know about car compasses before looking at any of these products and making any sort of decision on a purchase.
After making sure you know what to look for before buying your compass, we are going to get straight into the product reviews and soon after we’ll finish the article with an extended buyer’s guide that will further your understanding of just what it is you are looking for when it comes to these kinds of products.
Alright, let’s buckle up and calibrate ourselves properly… it’s time to dig into the niche world of car compasses!

Car Compasses: What To Consider Before Buying
Alright, here are a few simple points to keep in mind when in the market to purchase a quality car compass product. Remember, this is just a cursory glance on the matter. If you’re looking for some more depth on the subject, be sure to check out our extended buyer’s guide for the real nitty-gritty on the matter.
Overall Fit
Car compasses can be fitted to a vehicle in a few different ways. The most common type of fitting out there are suction cups. These are great because they allow your car compass to be positioned anywhere you want inside the vehicle without too much trouble. They are also versatile in that if you need to move the compass for any reason, generally you can find another area that they will fit on easy enough. The only real issue with suction cups is that they can not work so well on overly dirty or oily surfaces.
Adhesive strips are another common fitting choice. These provide a tight and secure fit. However, they come with a fairly extreme downside. Namely, if you desire to move your compass, you’re going to probably have to replace the strips along with it, as they generally are not good for reuse.
The strongest of attachments for car compasses are going to be screwed/bolted on dashboard mounts, however. These are generally seen as secure, leaving little room for the compass to move around your dashboard.
To give you a sense of just how to install a car compass, please check out this helpful video from Tomorrow’s Journey, a YouTube channel dedicated to the RV lifestyle.
Calibration Difficulty
Most, if not all car compasses need some form of calibration in order to work properly, and each one is going to have its own nuances to the calibration process. Be sure before you make a purchase that the car compass you plan on getting actually is designed for use in your area of the world.
It’s worth noting that traditional/magnetic car compasses have internal magnets that always prompt them to point north, which makes them extremely efficient when it comes to calibration. Digital car compasses, however, may take a bit longer to calibrate due to the complexity of their inner mechanics. However, they can end up being more accurate in the long run because of this.
Aesthetics/Usage
It’s important to purchase a compass that is both easy on the eyes and visually pleasing as well. Look for models that illuminate well in the dead of night, large compass letting and brightly-lit numbers and letters. A lot of car compasses are easily movable if there’s any great need to alter the position of the compass in the car, either due to extreme sun glare or any other reason. Mobility is king when it comes to these helpful navigation devices.
How Big Is It?
Definitely have an idea of just how big of a car compass you want or need prior to purchasing. Some compasses are going to be much bulkier than others, and this could be a hindrance if you have a smaller dashboard than normal (which is common in a lot of smaller cars). Additionally, make sure the nighttime illumination isn’t too bothersome or annoying. This is crucial for road safety where even minor distractions at night can lead to major accidents. Know what you can tolerate before purchase!

Top 7 Best Car Compasses 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: Ritchie Navigation Explorer Car Compass

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Why we like it: The next-level, bracket-mounted design of this top-of-the-line car compass will ensure that it always points true.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
Ritchie is a name that echoes loudly when it comes to the realm of navigation for both ships as well as automobiles. First off, let’s start with the background of this particular car compass. The incredible thing is, it’s not technically designed for vehicles at all, but more for aquatic vessels such as boats and yachts. Mariners of all kinds require accurate directional information to not only make their trips in an orderly manner but also to come back safe and sound from a long journey. Needless to say, it’s a great product for the road as well!
The Ritchie Explorer is bracket mounted so that means you can put this bad boy anywhere in your vehicle, and it should always stay visible no matter where it’s placed. Not only that, but it will also stay reliably calibrated even in the toughest of terrain conditions.
There’s more to the quality craftsmanship to this compass, however. This product is built strong. The magnets themselves are high-gauss and considered to be some of the best in the industry, reliably pointing towards the magnetic north in any conditions. The pivot section is also made of highly durable steel. The entire system is just absolutely silky and slick in its overall design.
Another great thing about this car compass is, like most Ritchie products it comes complete with a 5-year warranty. So, if you do manage to beat it up to the point of no return, you’ve got a solid five years to send it to Ritchie for a full repair job. You really can’t beat that!
Verdict
The only real issue that we found with this product is that it can be difficult to see in low lighting conditions at times, but other than that, this is a solid product from a solid brand you can trust, and it earns the top spot on our list.

Pros

Visible compass dial with sizable lettering
Illumination for night driving
Versatile steel pivot functionality
Made from high-quality magnets
Simple to mount

Cons

Hard to see in low lighting conditions

2. Best Budget Option: Suunto Clipper Compass

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Why we like it: It’s small, but looks can be deceiving. This low-cost compass option is a great addition to any vehicle, all at a budget price.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is another unique item on this list in that it isn’t specifically a car compass, but can absolutely be utilized as one in a pinch, making it not only one of our best car compass picks but also our best budget option on this list as well.
Unlike many car compasses, this product is quite small at a tiny 4 inches of width. This means it can literally be placed anywhere in your vehicle fairly comfortably. The palm of your hand is even an option in the direst of situations, even!
None of the above matters if the compass itself is of poor quality, however that is most certainly not the case with the Suunto Clipper. This product comes complete with glowing cardinal lettering on the surface of the compass for easy nighttime navigation. It also has a rotating bezel as well.
Verdict
This is a great buy for someone who wants a solid piece of navigational equipment in their vehicle but doesn’t want to spend a lot of extra money on more advanced compass models that are specifically made for automobiles. Not only that, but you will also find other uses for it beyond the scope of one’s vehicle, as the company is known for making outdoors-related products.
Probably the worst thing we could find with the product is that it’s not structurally that stable compared to other compass models on our list. This isn’t a surprising notion, however, considering it’s made from relatively light materials. But all in all, it’s a solid budget-minded purchase.

Pros

Multi-purpose use for vehicles as well as watercraft
Illuminated directional points
Extremely lightweight
Small enough for most surfaces

Cons

Hardiness/structural concerns

3. Best Digital Car Compass: Pyle Universal 3.5″ Car HUD

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Why we like it: Powered by a dual-core processor, this car compass hybrid product offers lightning fast data for all your needs.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is a product that can scratch someone’s hi-tech itch for a car compass alternative to your typical traditional models. The Pyle Universal HUD is an extremely varied car utility that not only fulfills the role of a car compass but is also capable of so much more.
The first thing we have to comment on is the gorgeous aesthetics that the HUD device has. Not only does this full-color heads up display showcase the proper direction you are heading in, but it can also show other tidbits such as speed, mileage, and even one’s GPS location. And don’t worry about it being too bright out, the Pyle HUD has an anti-glare design that keeps the individual alert and informed no matter how sun-blasted the landscape might be.
This HUD comes equipped with dual-core processing power, which gives it the hardware muscle needed to make on-the-fly calculations, adjustments, and data updates without breaking a sweat. Such technological complexity must be difficult to set up and use, right? Not at all. The Pyle Universal HUD has complete plug and play functionality; it is ready to go out of the box.
Another fantastic addition to an already stellar product is its ability to automatically shut off in tandem with your car engine. This is an incredible thing for truly forgetful individuals that may keep you from having to use jumper cables in the middle of nowhere to jump-start your vehicle due to a drained car battery!
Verdict
Like a lot of digital car compass products, the Pyle Universal HUD can take several minutes to properly calibrate, and sometimes it can lose its bearing depending on many extenuating factors. That’s really just the name of the game with these kinds of products, but their advantage lies in the fact that you don’t have to manually calibrate them yourself. So, if you’re looking for a digital HUD that is multi-faceted and is also a literal “plug it in and go” device, this is definitely the item you want to get.

Pros

Shows direction + speed
Simple design and installation
Fast dual-core computing
Automatically shuts down when you turn off your vehicle’s engine

Cons

Calibration can take a few minutes

4. Best Premium Option: Ritchie Surface Mount Compass

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Why we like it: The large 2.75 inch dial on this car compass ensures maximum visibility in the darkest of nights and the brightest of days.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is the second Ritchie product on this list… are you starting to see a theme here? Well, there’s a good reason why this particular car compass is here as our best premium option. Like all Ritchie products, the structural quality of this car compass is without question. It’s composed of a durable pivot dial system that is constructed out of the toughest steel.
You’re going to get the same sort of toughness out of this product as you would the Best Overall Pick and even the final product on our list. Ritchie is a company that does not skimp when it comes to the hardiness of their products!
The real reason we consider this product a premium pick is because of the wonderful extras that come built into the compass itself. Within this hardy navigational tool is a 12V green light that is perfect for seeing one’s direction in hard-to-see conditions (including terrible rainstorms).
The compass also comes with a sun shield that is easily manipulated and allows you to see this compass as clear as possible no matter what kind of harsh sun glare you might deal with. When you add all of this on top of the 2.75 inch dial, which is large enough to see easily even in the lowest of lighting conditions without having to squint, this is a great “kitchen sink” option when it comes to a traditional car compass.
Verdict
One negative thing that can be said about this product, however, is that it is certainly not made for smaller vehicles in mind, as it is rather bulky. Additionally, the light function requires an external power source of some sort, such as a cigarette lighter adapter. This isn’t too much of a big deal, but it puts this compass in a realm beyond your typical traditional car compass variant.
The Ritchie Surface Mount Compass is concrete-strong and able to pretty much be placed anywhere you can imagine safely inside your vehicle and still keep working properly, if you’ve got the car space. If you’re willing to pay a little bit extra for the addition of a movable sun shield and the cozy green night illumination, then this is a solid pick.

Pros

Steel pivot system
Composed of high-quality gauss magnets
Retractable sun shield for day/night versatility
Simple and speedy mounting process
5-year warranty

Cons

Bulky design might not make it adequate for some smaller vehicles
Light requires a power source

5. Best Smart Compass: Pyle Universal Vehicle Smart Display With Compass

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Why we like it: The prominent LCD display and efficient design make this a great addition to any dashboard.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
This is another HUD car compass system from Pyle as well, but how does it differ from the previous product of theirs on this list? Let’s find out!
This biggest difference with this product is that it is 2.6 inches instead of 3.5, so it’s a little bit smaller, but that ultimately means it ends up being more compact on one’s dashboard. This is a great option for smaller vehicles or individuals that value minimalism above looks.
Like the larger Pyle Universal HUD, this is pretty much an easy to set up peripheral for your vehicle. Mount it, power it up, and it’s ready to do everything you need it to do in just a couple of minutes. You can track the miles per hour you are traveling, the direction you are facing, and it even can alert you if you’re going over the speed limit in the area. To top it all off, the adjustable brightness controls make sure that you have a comfortable viewing atmosphere no matter what external light conditions you might be in.
Verdict
Like the previous Pyle HUD on the list, this product requires some time to calibrate properly. This isn’t too big of a deal, and we tend to think it’s a decent trade-off for what generally can turn into an exercise in frustration when it comes to calibrating traditional car compasses. While it is not as large as Pyle’s other model, it’s sure to please individuals that want something smaller yet high-quality at the same time.

Pros

Vivid HUD design
Universal mounting capabilities make it highly versatile
Shows direction, speed, time and more
Based off accurate and up to date GPS maps
Fast dual-core processing power

Cons

Takes a while to calibrate
Requires a power source

6. Best Compass with GPS: ACECAR T800 Universal Car HUD With Compass

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Why we like it: This gorgeous 4.3-inch display car compass hybrid device offers an incredible one-year money-back guarantee.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
The ACECAR HUD, like the other digital compass peripherals on this list, is a multi-purpose display device for your vehicle that can display several things, including orientation, miles per hour traveled current top speed, and even things like latitude and longitude. The real highlight of the device, however, is the seamless GPS that integrates with the internal compass to get you to your destination safe and sound.
Probably the most noticeable thing about the ACECAR HUD is its fairly decent size in terms of being a digital heads up display system and compared to the other ones on this list. It’s solidly built and comes with a universal mount that will easily attach itself to every vehicle on the known market.
Verdict
The biggest issue we had with this product is it might be a little too large for some dashboards. Also, like all digital devices, a solid power source is needed, which can potentially drain your car battery if you forget that it’s plugged in. However, if you’ve got the space and want prime visual quality when it comes to your digital compass needs, this product really can’t be beaten. And with a one-year money-back guarantee, what do you really have to lose?

Pros

Universal mounting system
HD-level display setup
Screen is vivid even in direct sunlight
Minimal, lightweight design
One year money-back guarantee

Cons

Requires a steady power source
Too large for smaller vehicle dashboards

7. Best Heavy Duty Option: Ritchie Navigation X-10-A Auto Bracket Compass

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Why we like it: This car compass is a hardy piece of equipment due to it’s high-temperature manufacturing process.
Editor’s Rating:

Review
Here is yet another product from Ritchie that is made with quality in mind, at least in terms of the structural stability of the compass itself.
The Ritchie X-10-A is automatically eye-catching with its overtly blue design when it comes to the rotating compass portion itself, but as well all know looks aren’t everything. Like may car and boat-related compasses, this can remain stable no matter where it’s placed. So, if you feel the pressing need to put your car compass at an angle for whatever reason, this will still fulfill all of your needs thanks to its high-quality bracket mount and internal compensator systems.
Let’s go back to the aesthetic qualities, however. This compass has a lovely turquoise internal night lighting system that is fantastic for properly traversing long and lonesome highways for miles upon miles in the darkest of conditions.
Don’t be fooled, though… this is a tough product as well, and it was designed with top of the line materials that have been heat-tested to ensure the structural stability of the product in the long term. So, even if this compass happens to fall out of your vehicle by accident, it’s certainly not going to be kicking the bucket.
Verdict
If you’re near vehicles or other larger metallic items, this compass will consistently react to other magnetic things of varying degrees, making it not only extremely tough to calibrate, but also tough to rely on 100% as well. We found that it mostly depends on the individual and how long they took to calibrate their compass. It’s certainly not a process that should be rushed, however, it has to be said that this particular product doesn’t make it easy at all compared to some of the other products on this list, including our best car compass pick over all (which also happens to be manufactured by Ritchie as well).
With all of that being said, it’s a solidly-made, hardy piece of equipment and if you have any major issues with it, Ritchie will uphold its warranty, which is a generous five years in length.

Pros

Internal compensator mechanisms keep compass steady
Made in high-temperature conditions making it durable and hardy
Luminescent and usable in low lighting conditions
Bracket is reversible and can fit to many different kinds of surfaces
Five-year warranty

Cons

Difficult to calibrate
Difficult to mount depending on where you place it

Guide to Buying The Best Car Compass

Here are some more in-depth bits of information that expand more on what we previously covered in our brief buyer’s guide earlier in the article. If you’re still a bit one the edge on some aspects of owning a car compass, we think this section might help inform your purchase in a more detailed way.
Reasons to Use a Car Compass
At first glance, the need for a compass in your car may not be apparent. Here are some reasons you may want to consider installing one in your car before your next trip.
They Are Helpful In a Pinch
While cellular coverage in the United States is pretty decent for a majority of the country, there are still fairly sizable areas in the country where signal is nonexistent. Car compasses help to make sure you are heading in the right direction no matter what.
This is a great help if you’re in more remote areas with terrible to nonexistent cellular phone signals and all you have available is nothing more than a trusty map and your keen sense of direction. Sometimes old-school is the only way!
They are Multi-Faceted
Many car compass models don’t just show your vehicle’s physical orientation, but they also can have other key information displayed on them, such as latitude, longitude, miles-per-hour speed, and other interesting measurements and data that it is taking while you are on the road. Some even work in tandem with sophisticated satellite technology to provide top-notch, by the second data on all of the above, and much more.
They Look Slick
This depends on the kind of car compass you buy in the end, ultimately. However, a lot of these products actually can end up making one’s vehicle look a lot snazzier in the long run. Many car compass designs have a touch of the regal to them, with elegant design attributes to them. Some of them even provide lovely nighttime glow aesthetics, which any cyberpunk enthusiast might be able to appreciate!
Hands-Free Directional Assistance
Car compasses, when calibrated properly, always point true. The very best products will give you a hand-free directional awareness that will keep you from having to fumble around with external devices such as smartphones, GPS units and other bothersome things like that. This is an obvious positive when your focus should be on the road.
Now that we’ve got some tantalizing glimpses into why you should consider purchasing a car compass, let’s speed right on into the reviews!
Car Compass Types: An Overview
Before purchasing a car compass, it’s a good idea to see what kinds are out there, and which ones represent you, your goals, or even your personality. Here are the two main types of car compasses.
Traditional
Easy the most common of all compass types on the market. These simply point to the magnetic north at all times, though at times they can be off due to magnetic interference issues, especially when mounted in a vehicle and surrounded by electronics. These types of car compasses are generally screwed into or bolted on the dashboard of a vehicle in some form or fashion, and are usually considered more durable because they have fewer breakable components.
Digital
These types of car compasses do not rely on magnetic fields, nor are they altered in any way by things that can normally affect traditional compasses (such as iron, and other metals). Not only are they lighter in weight, but they are also generally compact by design and don’t have to be bolted onto the dashboard, making them easy for fast storage if you’re concerned about leaving such an expensive piece of equipment in your vehicle. They also generally come with more data indicators such as altitude, time zone clock, latitude and longitude, overall speed, and many more options.
How To Calibrate a Car Compass
This is a very basic, non-brand specific guide to car compass calibration. Be sure to consult your user’s manual that comes with your compass, as the information in that particular document can provide additional nuance to these generalized instructions provided here. For the most part, however, compasses require the same sort of adjustment process for a proper and accurate reading.
First and foremost, place the compass in the place you want it to stay, whether on the dashboard or somewhere else. It is absolutely crucial, however, that you keep it in this position for the calibration process. Do not fix the compass in place at this point and time, as you may need to make adjustments later.
Choose two landmarks as a baseline, the one you start your trip at, and the one that is the ultimate destination.
Make sure both of these landmarks are within five to ten degrees of the north median line on your compass. The 5-10 degrees gives you some wiggle room while calibrating while still giving you a close to an accurate reading.
Drive slowly towards the landmark you designated while adjusting the compass accordingly so it reads correctly.
When you’re satisfied that you’re seeing good results, safely put your vehicle in reverse towards the starting landmark, making adjustments as you go and always staying within that 5-10 degree area on the compass, but as close as you can to absolute north.
Keep on doing these steps until the desired calibration has taken place. It may take a few tries.
Once you are satisfied with the calibration, fix the compass in place with whatever mechanisms your model comes with (suction cups, bolts, adhesive strips).
Final Considerations
We hope this has been an informative article on what many would consider a somewhat niche subject matter in the world of automobiles. It may seem like something as simple as a dashboard-mounted compass might be antiquated and rather useless in today’s society, especially with the advent of embedded GPS technology in cellular phones and even pre-installed in some vehicles! However, there’s still a fairly large section of the United States where cellular signal is spotty at best, and nonexistent at worst. Car compasses help us to find our way in the dark, so to speak.
If you didn’t see a product on our list that stood out for you, or if you’re still trying to come to a decision on which of these products you might want to consider getting down the line, please take another look at our short buyer’s guide as well as our more in-depth extended buyer’s guide before settling in on a particular choice. More

Do you know what’s the worst? You get geared up to go for a drive on the first proper day of spring, and you find out that your battery is drained, ruining an otherwise excellent start to the day. You’ll have to dig around to find a battery charger for a bit before remembering that you lent it to your neighbor, and by the time you get it back, it rains.
It didn’t have to be like this. Battery maintainers have come a long way since your grandpappy’s day. Most are just plug in and forget. Throw one on before you store a vehicle, and you’ll never have to worry about dead-battery-itis ruining your day.

How to Choose the Best One For You
If you jump onto the internet, you’ll notice that there are approximately a million different battery maintainers to choose from, in our opinion, way too many options for a bunch of devices that do pretty much the same thing. We combed the market for the best options, narrowing things down to just ten devices that make sure that your motorized vehicles are ready to go.
After we get you started, we want to share with you our top ten picks. We’ll cap it all off with a deep dive into batteries and chargers, quenching your thirst for knowledge about float chargers you didn’t know you had.
Major Considerations
Everyone’s situation is different. Battery maintainers, also known as float chargers or by the brand name Battery Tenders, do what their name implies. These devices feed small amounts of current to your battery while your car sits to keep it topped up, making sure that infrequently-driven automobiles always start up on the first try
Solar Powered vs. Mains Powered
Most battery maintainers use a plug that goes to standard 120v house power. That’s great if you have a power source nearby or don’t mind miles of extension cord. But if you don’t want to run a cord, a solar-powered battery maintainer is a great solution. That’s especially great for things like farm implements that sit out in a field much of their life. Just make sure the maintainer sits outside and gets enough sun to keep things topped up.
Battery Type
Some battery maintainers can only handle one type of battery. Usually, if it’s only one, it’s a standard lead-acid battery. That covers most automotive batteries. However, it’s common to use other types of batteries in other powersports vehicles or modified cars. Make sure that the battery charger can charge your specific kind of battery.
Batteries also come in different voltages. Older cars and some farm equipment use 6-volt batteries. That’s something that many modern battery maintainers can’t handle, so make sure that if you have a non-12v battery, you purchase the proper charger. You can learn all about batteries here.
Number of Batteries
If you want to keep up multiple batteries at once, you could buy a handful of inexpensive maintainers. Honestly, that’s usually the cheaper option. However, it’s not at all convenient, you’ll need multiple outlets, and there are plenty of inexpensive models that can handle charging multiple batteries at once. If you have limited power outlets and a fleet of vehicles, get a model that can handle all your cars at once.
Minor Considerations
Once you have the big questions answered, it’s time to look at the little things. These are the features that just make your job a little easier, even if they aren’t the main ideas.
Ease of Use
In general, you want a maintainer that is easy to use. There should be a red clamp, a black clamp, a power supply, and a button. Heck, the button is optional. If all you want to do is keep a battery charged, then a charger with short leads and a ton of funky buttons probably isn’t a good fit.
The other part of being easy to use is the built-in functions. Almost every maintainer has overcharge and reverse-polarity protection, but some take it further with automatic battery type detectors.
Charging Speed
Since a battery maintainer is meant to be left on a battery for a long time, most people don’t emphasize the speed that it can charge a battery. Still, especially when some maintainers double as full-on chargers, it’s helpful to have a faster charger than a slower one. In general, the higher the amps, the quicker the charging. You can learn more about chargers at the bottom of the page.
Cost
Like most things in life, the more features, and the higher the quality, the higher the cost. That doesn’t mean there aren’t great inexpensive maintainers out there. Just make sure price isn’t your only consideration, as not all chargers (especially the cheap ones) are compatible with all batteries.
Like we said before, our goal is to make shopping for a battery maintainer easy. In this review list, you’ll find a good variety of different styles and prices, and you’ll surely be able to find one that suits your needs.

Top 10 Battery Maintainers Out Right Now 2020

1. Best Overall Battery Maintainer: NOCO G7200

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Why we like it: The NOCO G7200 is one of the most versatile maintainers on the market, trickle-charging all types of 12-volt and 24-volt batteries
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
Works with 12-volt and 24-volt batteries
Works with lead-acid, lithium, and AGM batteries
Has a repair mode
Has spark and reverse polarity protection
Comes with clamps and permanent leads
Fully automatic
What Makes It Noteworthy?
The NOCO Genius holds up to its name: it’s genius. Ok, fine, that was a cheap shot, but this thing is smart. It can repair dead batteries just by plugging them in and it has tons of safety features to make sure you don’t hurt yourself or the battery. It automatically detects the type of battery you are trying to charge. In order to do that, it’s got a bunch of tiny computers crammed into it, hence the “genius.”
The design is nice too. It’s compact, but has long leads. Instead of being a wall brick, it uses a power cord, so it’s not as compact as the ultra-small Tender Junior. Although it’s slightly bigger than the smallest versions, it is still more than small enough to fit in a tool drawer. It comes with the quick connect leads for the battery too, so you can install permanent leads on the vehicles you care most about and plug them right into the device.
The only issue is that it won’t charge your 6-volt batteries. For those batteries, there is fortunately another NOCO on this list capable. This version, however, will charge your 24-volt systems. If you have an old diesel tractor or truck, that’s a great thing. If you like easy, convenient, and robust systems, you should grab one of these.

Pros

Can charge almost any battery
Automated and easy to use
Very feature-rich
Fast

Cons

Can’t charge 6-volt batteries

2. Best Budget Battery Maintainer: Battery Tender Junior

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Why we like it: The Junior is easy to use and inexpensive.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
12v lead acid and AGM only
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
Self-monitoring, only turns on if needed
Comes with clamps and permanent leads
What Makes It Noteworthy?
Battery Tender is a name you will see a lot on this list. That’s because they are one of the biggest players in the battery maintainer market. In fact, their name is pretty synonymous with the style of charger. If you walk into any auto parts shop and ask for a “Battery Tender,” they’ll give you whatever float charger they have in stock.
What that tells you is that even their cheapest and most basic unit, this Battery Tender Junior, is still great quality. It can only do 12v conventional batteries, and the wall wart design is sort of chunky. In terms of ease of use, though, it’s unrivaled. You plug it in. There’s no button to push, and the built-in protection will prevent you from hurting the battery. If you plan on leaving it long term, it has permanent leads you can attach to the battery.
If you have a lot of vehicles then purchasing several of these inexpensive units is perfect. They are a lot cheaper than buying a multi-station unit like the 4-bank Tender on this list, and there are some that are pushing 8 years old still working every day. If you have funky batteries, though, check out the NOCO Genius1 we recommend. It’s more or less functionally the same as the Junior. It just has a button for selecting a variety of batteries and costs more.

Pros

Inexpensive
Very compact and easy to use
Automatic shutoff for reverse polarity or overcharge

Cons

Only good for conventional batteries
Slow at charging

3. Best Solar Battery Maintainer: Battery Tender Solar

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Why we like it: The Battery Tender Solar is the perfect thing to keep batteries charged in the field. It’s waterproof, has overcharge protection, and doesn’t take up a ton of space.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
Solar
Weatherproof
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
12v lead acid and AGM only
What Makes It Noteworthy?
There are four products from Battery Tender on this list. This one is special because it is powered by the sun. That’s really awesome because sometimes you have vehicles in places where power lines are not. If you are out on the trails and worried that your Overlanding rig might have a power gremlin, attaching one of these to the secondary battery can be a lifesaver.
The Battery Tender Solar has all the same features as the Junior on the list, it’s just slower. It might even be simpler to use. You only have to clip it to the battery, you don’t need to plug it in.
There are downsides. For as neat as solar panels are, they are mighty useless in places where there’s no sunlight. Second, they are more expensive. We have a less expensive solar float charger on the list here, but it is still more expensive than the Tender Junior. It’s also slower and more fragile. Finally, it can only charge 12v. That’s basically just a solar power thing. Most solar panels are 12v or 24v, so a solar charger can rarely handle higher voltages.
If you have an old tractor that sits in the field, or an off-road 4×4 you leave outside, then this unit really is the most convenient thing you can buy to make sure it starts every time without requiring shore power. That alone makes it worth the few extra bucks.

Pros

Solar-powered
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
Weatherproof

Cons

A bit expensive
Only good for conventional batteries

4. Best Premium Battery Maintainer: Optima Digital 1200

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Why we like it: The Optima Digital 1200 does it all. Maintains, charges, jump starts, manages, and diagnoses problems on any battery.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
Full diagnostic capabilities
USB charger for smartphones
Doubles as a full battery charger
Recovers dead batteries
12v lead acid and AGM only
What Makes It Noteworthy?
The Optima 1200 is a gigantic, fully- featured beast of a battery maintainer. Partly because it’s way more than just a maintainer. It’s also a charger, a conditioner, a diagnostics station, and a battery recovery center.
Optima is a huge name in the motorsports world. They are well known for making robust, battle-ready batteries. It’s not very surprising that they make a maintainer that’s over the top in terms of construction and function.
Unfortunately, that comes at a high price. If you don’t need the highest quality system out there, you won’t benefit from the extra dollars you have to put down. You can even get a maintainer with diagnostic tools cheaper, and it still has the Optima label on the face. Just grab the Optima Digital 400 on this list instead. It won’t charge a battery fast or restore a very dead battery, but it will diagnose and maintain just fine.
If you have invested in some really expensive batteries, then it’s worth having an expensive conditioner/maintainer to keep them in top shape. Optima 1200s sit around 300 bucks, but it’s still cheaper to buy a maintainer than let an expensive battery go bad.

Pros

Can diagnose and repair batteries
Fully automatic
Fast charging

Cons

Expensive
12v Only

5. Best Multi-Type Battery Maintainer: NOCO Genius1

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Why we like it: The NOCO Genius1 can charge a variety of types and voltages of battery, so it’s bound to be a good fit for whatever you have.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
Can handle 6v or 12v batteries
Can handle lead acid, lithium, and AGM batteries
Has a force charge mode for batteries that are too low for autodetection
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
What Makes It Noteworthy?
NOCO makes a great product, and like its bigger brother on the list, this Genuis1 is no exception. It automatically detects the type of battery you have, automatically selects a charging mode, and can bring batteries back from the dead.
What really sets it apart is the fact that it’s rated for anything. 6-volt 65 Beetle? No problem. Marine battery on a hovercraft? Sure. Gel cell on a 3-wheeler? Just hook it up and plug it in. You can even use it for unusual and one off applications with its “force” mode, allowing it to charge regardless of what it detects.
The Genius1 is a little slow. With only one amp at its disposal, it won’t keep up with the bigger units like the Tender Plus. That’s not an issue if you primarily want a maintainer and won’t be relying on it for charging. If you do want a NOCO that’s fast, they sell everything from a GENIUS2 to a GENIUS10, although at a higher price. That’s why we linked the Genius1 here. It’s the perfect compromise between the price of small units like the Tender Junior and the functionality of units like the G7200.

Pros

Can charge a variety of batteries, including 6-volt
Can restore dead batteries
Very easy to use

Cons

Slow
Cables are on the short side

6. Easiest-To-Use Battery Maintainer: Battery Tender Plus

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Why we like it: The Battery Tender Plus is pretty much foolproof. Just plug it in, and it works.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
12v lead acid and AGM only
Fast charge capable
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
Long leads and cords
Includes leads that can be installed permanently on battery
What Makes It Noteworthy?
We know, another Battery Tender. We weren’t lying when we said they were one of the most prominent players on the market. This one, the Tender Plus, is more expensive than the Junior and has no extra functions. It’s not compact, it doesn’t have a crisp LCD screen like the Optima, and it can’t handle any unconventional battery. It’s just a small box with some lights on it.
What it can do, though, is plug in and be forgotten about for years. It has automatic maintenance. Unlike the wall wort varieties of float chargers, you can hide the box inside the engine compartment. It’s also fast; if you have a dead battery, it can bring it back to 12v faster than almost everything else on this list. That makes it really nice to have around if you aren’t sure of your batteries’ state. You could hook up this unit and know that you’ll have enough juice to start in a few hours, even if the battery was more dead than you thought.
The nicest thing about the Plus is the ease of use, part of Battery Tender’s core philosophy. Other things that set the Plus apart are the big friendly clamps and lights on the front. It’s hard to understand without seeing it in person, but many of these devices have tiny letters or screens and dim lights that are hard to see. The Plus has one big light for charging, one big light for charged, and that’s it. If you value simplicity and speed over everything else, the Plus is worth the price.

Pros

Ridiculously easy to use
Non-wall wart design leads to a lot of plug-in options
Faster than similar maintainers

Cons

Only good for conventional batteries
Low on features

7. Best Multi-Bank Battery Maintainer: Battery Tender 4-Bank

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Why we like it: The Battery Tender 4-Bank can keep up to 4 batteries charged and ready to go. Like the other Battery Tender options, it’s incredibly easy to use.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
4 chargers in one
Fully automatic
6v or 12v
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
What Makes It Noteworthy?
Just take everything good we said about the Battery Tender Plus and multiply it by four, because that’s more or less exactly what this is. It’s an easy to use charger that can handle 6v or 12v batteries, and it has all the safety features you expect from Battery Tender. It just has four sets of leads instead of just one.
That’s fantastic if you are space limited or don’t want to take up multiple outlets. It’s especially great if you have a bunch of batteries out of the vehicles they power. Just pile them up and hook them to the device. The automatic maintainer will keep them ready to go forever. If you have more than four vehicles, then we have good news: you can get a 5 unit bank, or a 10. That’s 10 battery chargers in one box.
The price will keep you from going crazy with banks, though. It is cheaper to just buy a handful of smaller units than a multi-bank unit. That seems wrong, but it’s true. Especially since functionally the Junior we mentioned earlier is identical. The multi-bank charger just can’t be beat for cleanliness and convenience, however. You pay more, but you won’t be tripping over the nest of extension cords and bricks lying around everywhere.

Pros

Can charge 4 batteries at once
Has advance protections
Very easy to use

8. Best Budget Solar Battery Maintainer: TP-Solar 10 Watt

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Why we like it: The TP-Solar is an inexpensive solar maintainer that you won’t be afraid to leave in the elements.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
Solar
12v lead acid and AGM only
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
Waterproof
What Makes It Noteworthy?
The TP-Solar charger is a maintainer that is simply a very inexpensive solar charger. It doesn’t have the build quality, and it lacks the power that the Battery Tender mentioned elsewhere does. It is less than half the price, though.
That lack of quality shows up in a few ways. The leads are thin and wimpy. The panel itself doesn’t have the same charging speed despite being a similar size to others. If you are just leaving it in a field to maintain the battery on an old tractor, you won’t notice, but it won’t ever charge fast enough to save a dead battery.
It does do a few things well, though. The kit comes with a lot of mounting and connection options, which is nice. It’s a great piece of equipment if you are the type of person that might forget it’s there and run it over. It’s durable enough to survive the incident and cheap enough to replace if it doesn’t.

Pros

Inexpensive
Weatherproof
Has overcharge protection

Cons

Only good for conventional batteries
Very slow

9. Best Multi-Function Battery Maintainer: Optima Digital 400

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Why we like it: The Optima Digital 400 is a lot more than a battery maintainer. It’s a full-on battery diagnostic tool.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
12v lead acid or AGM only
Fully automatic
Built-in diagnostic tools
Wall mount
Battery recovery function
What Makes It Noteworthy?
The Optima Digital 400 really is just a more compact, slightly slower sibling to the Optima 1200 we mentioned earlier. It has a lot of the same features. It’s also a charger, it also does diagnostics, and it also has an easy-to-read LCD display.
It’s half the price, though, and it’s super compact. Unlike the 1200, the 400 will fit in a standard toolbox. It also has a wall-mount and super long leads, although the wall mount seems a bit flimsy. If you need a benchtop permanent shop feature, the 1200 is better.
There are some downsides. First, like the other Optima on this list, it’s made for Optima batteries. If you have unconventional batteries, things like the NOCO 7200 are the same price and a better fit. The other issue is that it’s a bit harder to use. Almost everything else on this list strives to be as easy to use as possible. Not the Digital 400, it’s got tons of buttons and dials, and it demands information from you. That’s not a bad thing if you want to get the most out of a battery, but it is bad if you just want a device you can plug in and forget.
If you only want to buy one device to be a compact charger, diagnostic tool, maintainer, and battery recovery tool, though, here it is, especially if you run higher-end batteries. Like we said before, it’s way cheaper to buy a solid battery tool than buy a brand new performance battery.

Pros

Automatically detects voltage and chooses charging style
Doubles as a multimeter
Can recharge very drained batteries

Cons

A bit complicated
Can only charge 12v batteries

10. Orion 12v Automatic Charger

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Why we like it: It’s cheap, and it does the job. Enough said.
Editor’s Rating:

Features at a Glance
12v lead acid and AGM only
Overcharge and reverse polarity protection
What Makes It Noteworthy?
Let’s be honest, there’s only one thing noteworthy about the Orion 12v, it’s low price. It’s simple enough to use, you plug it in and clip it to the battery. The LED is dim, though, and it’s not easy to read and understand like the Tender Plus. The leads are short and thin, and it definitely wouldn’t survive too much abuse.
It will maintain your battery, though. If you just need a cheap product that will keep your battery topped off, it’s fine. At the very least, the Orion makes a good backup. If you buy a solar charger like the TP, throw one of these in your kit just in case it’s cloudy.

Pros

Inexpensive
Easy to hook up
Fully automatic

Cons

Only good for conventional batteries
Quality isn’t great

All About Batteries and Chargers
The idea behind a battery maintainer is that they keep your batteries ready for use when you need it. To get the most out of a maintainer, you should know about batteries and battery chargers.
Types of Batteries
There are a variety of battery styles, and some chargers won’t work with certain types. If you are not sure what type you have, or what options you have for battery, it can be challenging to choose the best charger. So let’s talk about the different types.
Voltage
Voltage is really straightforward, since there are really only 3 options. 6-volt batteries are found on small vehicals and old machines and cars. 12-volt is standard, and 24-volt is rare. You might see a 6-volt system if you go to a car show that has restored classic cars, especially Volkswagens. 24-volt systems are used in heavy equipment.
Since 6-volt and 24-volt systems are rare, it’s uncommon for battery chargers to accommodate them. If you need, the NOCO Genius1 and NOCO G7200 charge 6 and 24, respectively. Most of the time, though, a 12-volt charger is just fine.
Lead-acid, Lithium, AGM, and Others
There are actually a lot of different battery types on the market. The biggest variable is cost. Once you start deviating from the standard flooded type, they tend to get more expensive. The following are the most common:
Standard/Conventional/Flooded/Lead-Acid: These are your standard, everyday car batteries. They go by a lot of names because everyone wants to call them something different, but it’s safe to say that most cars have them. They use lead plates and acid to store electricity. The acid is a liquid and can splash out or evaporate, which will kill your battery. Since they are the most common, any charger will handle them. That includes the super cheap Orion on our list.
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)/Dry Cell/Gel Cell: AGM batteries use the same technology to store energy as standard flooded batteries. They just have a medium that absorbs the electrolyte so it can’t spill out. That means two things: you can mount it on its side without spilling, and it can handle slightly higher demands. They are more expensive. It’s better to use a high-quality charger like the Tender Plus to keep them charged just to protect your investment.
Lithium-Ion: Lithium batteries are the most advanced design on the market. They are used to power electric cars, cell phones, remote-controlled planes, cameras, and other devices requiring specific electricity storage demands. They have the best capacity at the lowest weight, which makes them perfect for performance vehicles. They cost a lot and need special chargers, like the NOCO G7200. If you want to learn more about these newest batteries, let Road and Track fill you in. They have a great write up
Optima Proprietary Technology: Optima does its own thing with its batteries. Usually, you’ll only find these in machines that people expect more performance out of, like a work truck or race car. On the surface, an Optima “six-pack” battery is just a fancy AGM battery, but they build it to their own specs. To make it easy, they also have their own line of chargers and maintainers, like the very reasonable Digital 400 we recommend.
Deep Cycle
When you see the words “deep cycle” on a battery, the battery is designed to be discharged entirely before being recharged. Boats, golf carts, hydraulic lifts, and other vehicles that operate for prolonged periods of time using an electric motor use deep cycle batteries to have ample power on hand at all times. It isn’t a style on its own, but it still takes a special kind of charger. Generally, only more expensive, heavy-duty chargers like the Digital 1200 on the list can maintain a deep cycle battery.
Types of Battery Chargers
In addition to the types of batteries, there are a lot of different kinds of battery chargers. Many of the ones on our recommendation lists are actually combinations of various types, like the do-all NOCO G7200. Since companies often combine different types, it’s helpful to know what they are so you can safely ignore the extra features if they don’t apply to your situation.
Trickle Chargers: A trickle charger is one of the most simple chargers on the market. It uses a small amount of current to continuously charge a battery. Every maintenance charger is also a trickle charger, but not vice versa. There are trickle chargers for low feed applications that have no shutoff. Overcharging your battery will kill it, as the Chicago Tribune can tell you.
Float or Maintainance Chargers: These are the devices talked about on this entire page. They use basic circuitry to keep a battery charged. Batteries lose voltage over time to the air, so it’s important to periodically charge them up. However, it’s bad for a battery to be overcharged. A float charger maintains the battery by keeping in a range of voltages. The solar chargers on our list, like the Battery Tender Solar, are strictly float chargers.
Smart Chargers: Smart chargers are float chargers that use computers to better maintain a battery. With the extra intelligence, smart chargers can handle a wider range of batteries and have better protections against overcharging. Many can also handle a larger amperage than the standard float charger, which allows them to double as a standard charger. The NOCO Genius1 is an inexpensive smart charger that works great on a huge range of batteries.
Standard Battery Chargers: Standard battery chargers are just run of the mill chargers. They use high amperages to charge your battery quickly. They are not meant to be plugged in for long periods of time, and they are not meant to maintain a battery. Sometimes they include a car start option, which is similar to jumping your car. It gives the battery a large amount of current so that you can crank the motor over and hopefully have the alternator take over charging duties. The Battery Tender Plus is a fast charger and a float charger combined into one. If you’re looking for a quick charger, you can see our top 10 list here.
Reconditioning Charger: A reconditioning charger has to be all other types at once. They use microcontrollers to slowly recondition a dead battery. They start with pulses of power, then feed constant low current, then finish off with higher current before settling on floating the charge for long periods of time. It’s expensive, but nice to have if you deal with a lot of batteries. The Optima 1200 on our list is one such charger. Nothing can save a battery that has corroded or lost too much electrolytic fluid, but a reconditioner can give you the best chance at saving an otherwise dead battery.
Slow vs. Fast Charging
As a general rule, charging slower is better for the life of the battery. The lower amperage allows the battery to store energy gradually and keep the heat low. That doesn’t do you much good if you need power soon. Most maintenance chargers are very slow; they are built to preserve the battery. There are some faster ones, like the Battery Tender Plus and the NOCO G7200, but they’re still not instantaneous.
Since small solar panels are low amperage by default, chargers like the TP Solar will always take a long time to recharge a battery. Again, that’s totally fine for maintaining a battery. Still, you won’t want to wait around for it to charge a dead battery. How do you know if your battery has goon completely kaput? Use a battery tester to make sure it’s still (somewhat) functional.
Get Charging
Battery chargers have advanced a lot over the last decade. It’s easy to get one that maintains, charges, rebuilds, and conditions any battery. They are easy to get, and they are even easier to use. There’s no excuse. Get one for any battery you have that you need to rely on. That way, you are always ready to hit the pavement…or dirt, or gravel, or snow, or plow a field, or whatever it is you do. More

The RV lifestyle is hard to beat—what could be better than cruising around the country in a decked-out mobile home while exploring remote wilderness regions of unfathomable beauty? But life on the road isn’t always luxurious: no matter how you spin it, you’re still camping. Yet for those with the means to invest, there are ways to make the RVing experience more comfortable, lighter weight, and energy-efficient. And one of the most comforting things to have on a road trip is an unlimited supply of piping hot water.
That’s where the RV tankless water heater comes in, a high-tech device with the power to produce gallon after gallon of steamy hot water instantaneously. Also known as an on-demand water heater or instant water heater, these miraculous machines give you a nice hot shower anywhere you want, for as long as you want.
Today we’re going to examine the best RV tankless water heaters on the market and provide vital background info in our in-depth RV Tankless Water Heater Buyer’s Guide.

Features to Consider
Before we get stuck into our top ten list, there are several things you need to consider. The best RV tankless water heater for you ultimately depends on your budget, heating requirements, and existing RV setup. Take the following considerations into account before hitting the ‘buy now’ button.
Size
There’s no point buying a tankless water heater that doesn’t fit in your RV—the only thing you’ll achieve is wasting your hard-earned cash. And even though tankless systems tend to be quite small, your preferred model won’t necessarily fit where you need it.
Break out your measuring tape to determine the maximum possible dimensions your brand new system could be. And if you’re not sure where you’re supposed to install it, then you best get the help of a professional first.
Type
RV tankless water heaters come in three different types: gas, electric, or a combination of the two.
Electric models are cheaper to run as you can power them via solar and batteries (if you’ve got an advanced setup) or by plugging them into the shore power.
Gas models (either propane or LPG) are better for boondocks as they don’t suck up limited electrical power when used off-grid.
Combo heaters offer the best of both worlds but are a bit more expensive to buy and install—in some cases, you won’t be able to install them at all.
Furthermore, some of the models we recommend are portable, which means you can quickly assemble them wherever you wish. Fixed water heaters, on the other hand, are more expensive and need to be permanently installed inside the RV, although these perform much better than portable units.
Finally, some tankless water heaters are point-of-use (POU), which means they’re only capable of heating one specific faucet at a time.
Flow Rate
The flow rate refers to how much hot water you can pump out of the machine, which is measured in an easy-to-understand unit called Gallons Per Minute (GPM). There’s no point buying a tankless heater with a GPM that greatly exceeds your real-world requirements, as you’d be paying a premium for something you don’t need.
Consequently, you should work out how many gallons per minute of hot water you and your whole traveling crew might use. For starters, most showers run between 1.5 and 3 gallons per minute. However, if someone else wants to do the dishes at the same time, you’d need to add another 1.5 GPM to heat the sink faucet as well. Keep in mind that you’re not only limited by the flow rate, but by the water storage capacity of the RV itself.
British Thermal Units
British Thermal Units (BTUs) refer to the speed at which the tankless water system works and how hot the water will get.
If you do most of your RVing in colder climates where having access to piping hot water is a must, then aim high. Conversely, summertime RVers or those who roam around our warmer southern states might get away with something less powerful.
As a ballpark figure, RV tankless water heaters typically range between 30,000 and 50,000 BTUs. Although some portable models are rated higher, their lower flow rates equate to inferior performance overall.
Price
Price is always an important consideration when upgrading your RV as parts and installation are never particularly cheap. And with RV tankless water heaters ranging from $150 to $1,500, the difference between the premium and economy models is an order of magnitude. If you live in your RV full-time, then it makes sense to fork out for a top-shelf model; on the other hand, if you’re a weekend warrior, it’s probably okay to get a cheap, less powerful unit.
Note that electric heaters are more expensive upfront but cost less to run (you’ll be using them off your solar/battery system or the pre-paid shore power at the RV park). Gas heaters are cheaper to buy, but you’ll have to keep topping up your propane tanks, which requires money and effort.

Top 10 Best RV Tankless Water Heaters 2020

1. Best Overall RV Tankless Water Heater: Girard 2GWHAM

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Why we like it: This high-performance propane unit is specially built for RV use and will pump out plenty of piping hot water in a jiffy.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Propane / fixed / non-POU
Flow Rate: Minimum of 2.5 GPM
BTU: 42,000
Weight: 21.2 pounds
Dimensions: 14.5 x 17.8 x 14.6 inches
Despite plenty of fierce competition, among our favorites is the Girard GSWH-2, one of the best RV tankless water heaters available today. Unlike some of the other options we’ll cover, this model has been specially designed for RV use, so you can expect the 42,000 BTU heater to work consistently with minimal fuss.
Part of the magic is the onboard microchip that automatically detects large volumes of cold water and analyzes the flow rate to give the happy camper a hot shower every time. Another nifty high-tech feature is the wall-mounted digital control that lets you pre-program any temperature you like between 95°F to 124°F—perfect for parents with little kids in tow.
A big plus for those living in the colder northern states is the heater comes winterized,  automatically preventing the heat exchange from freezing up and self-destructing. If you’ve spent any time RVing in subzero temperatures, you’ll know how important that can be. Plus, because the ignition works on your 12V system, it’s brilliant for using off-grid so you won’t have to seek out an RV park every time you want a good soak.
It may cost a bit more than some of its competitors, but the investment is well worth it for serious RVers, especially those living in their rigs full time. Be aware, however, that the manufacturer insists on a professional installation, which you’ll need to factor into your budget. If you’re especially handy with the tools and have the help of a licensed gas fitter, you may be able to get it installed DIY, but given how dangerous a gas leak can be, you’re probably better off with their recommendation of a professional.

Pros

Computer chip controlled temperature adjustments
Wall-mounted display screen
Pre-programmable temperature settings
Long hot showers aplenty
Winterized

Cons

More expensive than other units
Requires professional installation

2. Best Electric RV Tankless Water Heater: Stiebel Eltron DHC

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Why we like it: Stiebel Eltron heaters work wonderfully well and come in a wide array of models to suit differing power capacities.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Electric / fixed / POU
Flow Rate: 0.79 GPM
Weight: 6.6 pounds
Dimensions: 19 x 7.9 x 14.25 inches
Stiebel Eltron has been producing superb single-point-of-use water heaters from their Berlin factory since the 1920s, so you can rest assured they’ve got it worked out—nothing but high-quality German engineering here. Their DHC model is perfect for intrepid nomads living out of their RV.
With a wattage rating between 7200 and 9600W, the unit is far too power-hungry to use off-grid, so you’ll need to be prepared to shower in the RV park. But if you’re the kind of RVer who spends most of the time connected to the mains, it’s a simple and easy solution for everlasting long showers. Unlike propane, you’ll never have to refill the tank, making it a no-fuss solution for anyone living in an RV park long-term. And at under $200 a pop, going electric is the cheapest way to getting consistent hot water when you need it.
Do note, of course, that these units are single-point-of-use only, which means you’ll only be able to connect it to one faucet (you’ll have to clean the dishes with cold water or buy a separate sink-only system like the Ecosmart POU).
The hydraulically controlled unit runs quietly, and its resettable safety limit switch stops it from failing prematurely or dry firing, thus enhancing the longevity of the machine. Temperature control is easy via the user-friendly dial, although you’ll need to run it at low water pressure for a scalding hot shower.

Pros

Runs wonderfully of the mains power
No need to refill propane bottles
Quiet and reliable
Safety limit switch prevents dry firing
Cost-effective water heating solution

Cons

POU
Only works well on low water pressure

3. Best Budget RV Tankless Water Heater: Marey GA10LP Tankless Water Heater

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Why we like it: This compact and cost-effective propane-powered unit spurts out a steady 3 gallons of steamy hot water per minute.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Propane / fixed / non-POU
Fixed or Portable: Fixed
Flow Rate: 3.1 GPM
Weight: 21 pounds
Dimensions: 6.9 x 13.6 x 23.6 inches
Budget-minded RVers can find it challenging to get a reliable tankless water heater within their price range. Spend too little, and you’ll likely end up with a lemon that barely gets the job done, too much, and you won’t have any money left over for those other essential upgrades you’ve got your eye on.
That’s what we love about the Marey GA10LP—despite its low price point, the unit manages to pump out enough hot water for a comfortable shower or to wash that mountain of dirty dishes.
Although it isn’t specially designed for RV use, the beefy system works well in your mobile home, and the fact it’s super slim is a massive bonus for the owners of smaller RVs with minimal space. The flow rate is quite impressive when you consider the tiny dimensions of the unit. Case in point: its 3.1 GPM is enough to heat multiple points of use at the same time, so you can throw on a load of laundry while a travel partner hops in the shower.
The ignition system runs on 2 D-cell batteries. Although you’ll need to buy them yourself, you won’t have to worry about having enough juice in your house batteries to get the unit started up.
Temperature control takes a bit of fiddling to get right, which is hardly surprising for a unit at this price point. The biggest downside, however, is you’ll need to pump through a lot of cold water before it’s warm enough to shower. If you’re plugged into the RV park water supply, then that’s no big deal. But if you’re boondocking off the grid, you’ll quickly start to miss those precious wasted gallons.
On the bright side, in the rare event of a breakdown, Marey has got your back with their 5-year warranty.

Pros

Cost-effective solution
Powerful enough for multiple usage points
Small and compact to install in a tight space
Impressive 3.1 GPM flow rate
5-year warranty

Cons

Can be tricky to adjust to the right temperature
Takes a while to heat up, leading to wasted water
Need to purchase pilot light batteries separately

4. Best Premium RV Tankless Water Heater: PrecisionTemp RV-550 – Wall Vented

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Why we like it: Endless hot showers make this chunky unit well worth the hefty price tag for full-time RVers.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Combo / fixed / non-POU
Flow Rate: Minimum 0.5 GPM / optimal operation 1.0 GPM
BTU: 55,000
Weight: 32 pounds
Dimensions: 13.5 inches x 13.5 inches x 14.25 inches
Full-time RVers who frequent cold environs are constantly on the lookout for ways to obtain the holy grail of luxury mobile living: a long, steamy shower when it’s freezing out. And even though this pricey system from PrecisionTemp comes in at well over a grand, that’s money well spent for travelers tired of taking those frustratingly short navy showers.
Pumping out a whopping 55,000 BTUs, the RV-550 is among the best performing RV heaters on the market. Expect endless streams of piping hot water to finally become the norm—you can even run two hot showers at the same time with that kind of output.
As you’d expect at this price range, the system comes with all the technological bells and whistles to make temperature control a breeze. The in-built VariFlame system automatically adjusts the gas output based on the water flow, so you won’t have to keep fiddling with the faucet to find the ideal temperature. It’s ultra-energy-efficient, too, which means fewer tiresome trips to the gas refiller to top up your propane tank. Northerners will be happy to hear the system can quickly and easily be winterized.
Although installation isn’t something the layman would want to tackle, there are plenty of helpful YouTube videos and online tutorials to guide a skilled handyman through the process. Just be sure to get a gas fitter to certify the setup once you’re done. And if you have any trouble further down the track, PrecisionTemp has a well-earned rep for delivering quality customer service over the phone.

Pros

Endless hot showers
Consistent water temperature
Reliable, high-quality design
Capable of running two showers at once
Excellent customer service

Cons

High price

5. Best Portable Tankless RV Water Heater: Eccotemp L10

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Why we like it: The Eccotemp L10 outperforms the other portable tankless water heaters on the market.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Propane / portable / POU
Flow Rate: 2.6 GPM
BTU: 74,500
Weight: 27 pounds
Dimensions: 5.37 x 1.97 x 88.78 inches
Portable water heaters are a blessing for folks with small RVs who just don’t have the room to install a fixed shower in their rig. The L10 from Eccotemp is the best of the bunch, providing a nice warm shower sans the time-consuming, permanent setup.
The user-friendly unit maxes out at 74,500 BTU to heat 50-degree water to 140F—but don’t expect the same consistency as a fully installed tankless heater like the PrecisionTemp RV-550 – Wall Vented.
Almost all users opt to set the unit up outside their RV, and the L10 goes from unpacked to ready to roll in a matter of minutes. Hang it up, connect it to your 20lb propane tank, connect the water outlet and inlet, and you’re ready to enjoy instant hot water in the wilderness. Granted, it’s a bit more involved to set up than a fixed heater, but getting things rolling is about as easy as it can be with a portable heater.
Two D cell batteries power the ignition switch, and the system runs wonderfully with a 12V pump. Should you forget to turn the unit off, an automatic 20-minute shut off function ensures you don’t waste your precious propane. The system is not exceptionally efficient, so expect to burn through gas at a quick rate.
Some of the connectors and adapters are prone to breaking, although these can be cheaply replaced at your local hardware store. Remember to drain the unit entirely before the outside temperature hits freezing, otherwise you can permanently break the heating element and have to pony up for a new one.

Pros

Cost-effective
Easier to assemble than most portables
Lightweight and compact
High-powered heating

Cons

Inconsistent water temperature
Uses a lot of propane
Some parts prone to breaking

6. Camplux Outdoor Portable Propane Tankless Water Heater

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Why we like it: It’s a fantastic alternative to the Eccotemp L10 for RVers after a portable outdoor water heater.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Propane / portable / POU
Flow Rate: 1.32
Weight: 14 pounds
Dimensions: 11.42 x 4.33 x 14.8 inches
As you’ve probably gathered from the name, Camplux builds a range of high-quality equipment to make the camping life that little bit more luxurious—and that encompasses those living or traveling in an RV. The petite yet powerful portable water heater is light enough to carry around with you and pumps out a respectable 1.32 GPM of lovely 114F degree water.
Granted, it’s not going to compete with a dedicated hot water system. Still, the cost-effective solution is simple to set up and among the best performing portable options out there. And unlike other portable heaters, the Camplux has a shut-off protection system for when oxygen levels drop too low, thus winning it top marks for safety. Do remember, though, that this and other portable systems are strictly for outdoor use only (CO2 output isn’t something to mess around with).
We love the easy operation of this model. Simply set your preferred temperature and turn on the tap to get the desired water flow—the automated system will do the rest, so there’s no need to turn on the pilot light. Be careful not to adjust the gas dial too far past the mid-point, however, as that seems to set the water temperature to a scalding, burn-your-skin level of heat (we’re not quite sure who’d want a shower like that).
Assembly is easy and doesn’t require any advanced technical knowledge. Do pay attention to the instructions, though, as you need to do everything in the correct order to get the heater functioning properly.

Pros

Lightweight and portable
Low oxygen level safety shut off
Easy to assemble and use
Cost-effective solution

Cons

Anything past the mid-way point is way too hot
Can’t compete with fixed systems

7. Best Infrared RV Tankless Water Heater: Sio Green IR288

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Why we like it: State of the art infrared technology saves you stacks of cash on replacement and maintenance costs.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Infrared electric / fixed / non-POU
Flow Rate: 0.5 to 4.5 GPM
Weight: 10.21 pounds
Dimensions: 13.5 inches x8.5 inches x3 inches
One of the big drawbacks to electric heaters is that their metallic coil heating elements are prone to corrosion and will eventually need replacement. No matter how well you look after your system, limescale and calcium deposits will accumulate and eventually ruin the heating coil. On top of that, the fact that fixing the heater isn’t particularly user-friendly means forking out for a professional repairman on top of the replacement part can cost you.
But that’s where infrared technology comes in, which creates heat without water ever coming into contact with a metallic coil. This way, you won’t have to replace the element, saving serious coin on maintenance costs. Of course, all this newfangled technology results in a higher upfront investment than your standard electric heater. But if you plan to use it for many years to come, the system will work out cheaper in the long run, and you’ll enjoy lovely hot showers every time.
This high-performance model maxes out at 9,000 W, which is way too much to use off-grid. If you’re looking for an infrared tankless water heater you can use with a solar system or generator, consider the more modest [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RC454N5″]3,400 W[/amazon] or [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SFY6SCV”]6,000 W[/amazon] model instead.
Temperature control is a little challenging as the unit can only be set in Celsius. Nonetheless, after a few confusing calculations, you’ll quickly get the hang of the different units.

Pros

Doesn’t use a heating coil which reduces maintenance costs
Delivers reliable hot water without the need for propane
Comes in a range of wattages

Cons

Isn’t suitable for off-grid use (although lower-powered models are available)
Temperature control is in Celsius

8. EZ 101 Tankless Water Heater

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Why we like it: EZ does a decent, ultra-light outdoor shower for when there’s no electricity available.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: LPG / portable / POU
Flow Rate: 1.58 GPM
BTU: 42,500
Weight: 14 pounds
Dimensions: 7 x 17.5 x 11.8
RV enthusiasts who don’t want to rely on their 120V or 12V system to spark up the water heater might consider the 101 from EZ, which uses 2 D cell batteries to ignite the propane. That way, if there’s a blackout or if cloudy weather renders your solar panels ineffective, you’ve still got the chance to enjoy a nice hot shower to finish off the day.
Having said that, the first thing you need to consider about this model is that, like other portable heaters, it’s rated for outdoor use only. Hanging the 101 up inside your RV could be dangerous if the gas tank leaks when you’re sleeping. That’s a very strong reason why the manufacturer specifically says “not for indoor use.”
Still, if you’re happy to set the system up in the great outdoors, then it’s a pretty nifty portable product. Although the Eccotemp L10 performs better, the 101 is lighter, therefore easier to lug around. If you want something you can transfer between the barnyard, the RV, and the workshop with ease, the EZ 101 is the best option for you.

Pros

No electricity required
Lightweight and portable
Suitable for moving between RV and other areas

Cons

Less effective than other portable water heaters
Cannot safely be used inside

9. Best RV Tankless Water Heater For The Sink: Ecosmart POU

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Why we like it: A super cheap POU solution for when showering isn’t the aim of the game.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Electric
Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
Weight: 4 pounds
Dimensions: 3 x 11 x 6 inches
You’ve probably noticed in our reviews that we use the coveted hot shower as the benchmark to determine whether a hot water system delivers the goods. But what if you’re not interested in hot showers at all? What if all you need is something to heat the sink water enough to scrub those stubborn ketchup stains off your endless pile of dirty dishes?
If that’s you, then grabbing the low-powered Ecosmart POU will save you a ton of cash. The meager 0.5 GPM flow rate means the unit isn’t powerful enough to deliver a full-flow shower, but it’s easily sufficient for the sink. Its low amperage draw and wattage rating saves money upfront and drains your RV house batteries way less than a more powerful system (off-grid camping won’t be a problem with this bad boy). The compact unit even has a handy digital display so you can set the temperature.
If you’ve already got a POU system installed in the shower, then setting this cost-effective and straightforward model up in the sink is all you need.

Pros

Cheap to buy
Draws very little electricity
Perfect for the kitchen sink

Cons

Can’t heat a shower up

10. Eccotemp i12-LP

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Why we like it: The i12-LP is a respectable alternative for folks after a portable Eccotemp system.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Heater Type: Propane / fixed / POU
Flow Rate: 4 GPM
Weight: 14.08 pounds
Dimensions: 11.42 x 4.33 x 14.8 inches
Eccotemp produces some of the finest portable tankless water heaters on the market, earning a reputation for excellence among the outdoorsy camping crowd. Although their fixed hot water systems aren’t quite as highly lauded, this i12-LP model does a respectable job at creating quick hot water without chewing through too much propane.
Another nifty plus is its high-tech LED display, which looks sleek and state-of-the-art while hanging in your ensuite wall. Automatic temperature controls ensure the water never gets too hot, and a child-lock system stops the little ones from messing with the settings.
The system plugs into a 110V system, so you’ll need to run it off an inverter if you hope to enjoy hot water off-grid. Installation can be a bit of a hassle, so it’s best to get a professional involved. The good news is the system is cheaper than most other fixed tankless heaters, which leaves you more room in the budget for installation.
The bottom line? If you’re after a low-budget fixed propane system, then the i12-LP is well worth considering. But if you’ve got a bit of extra cash, you can’t go past the propane-powered perfection of the Girard 2GWHAM.

Pros

Handy LED display
Automatic temperature control
Child-proof lock
Requires professional installation
Cost-effective

Cons

Doesn’t perform as well as other fixed systems

Shopping for an RV Tankless Water Heater
RV tankless water heaters are a significant investment, and the last thing you want to do is blow your hard-earned dosh on a model that doesn’t suit your needs.
We’ve put together this in-depth buyer’s guide to provide you with essential background information on the world of RV tankless water heaters. Read on to learn everything you need to know to find the perfect product for you.
What Is An RV Tankless Water Heater?
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? An RV tankless water heater is exactly as it sounds: a water heater that doesn’t use a tank and is compatible with—or specially created for—an RV.
Some folks refer to these as on-demand water heaters or instant water heaters: same thing, different name.
RV Tankless Water Heaters Versus Tank-Based Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters use either a gas or electrical heating element (or both simultaneously) to heat water the moment it passes through the system. As a result, you get a steady stream of piping hot water coming out of your shower, faucet, or washing machine without having to wait around for the whole tank to heat up.
Compare this to a tank-based water heater, which heats a whole tank full of water before delivering it to your faucet. These older and less desirable systems take several minutes to warm enough water, and the hot water tank tends to cool down with intermittent use. As a result, although they may be cheaper, tank-based systems fail to provide a consistent supply of hot water when you need it and use much more energy.
RV Tankless Water Heater Types: Electric, Gas, or Combo?
RV tankless water systems run on gas (LPG or propane), electricity, or a combination of the two.
Electric RV Tankless Water Heaters
Electric tankless water heaters are a viable option as they’re eco-friendly and cost-effective to run. The heaters work on the 120V system of your RV, so if you’re planning to use your water heater off-grid, you’ll need to ensure your converter is capable of handling the required wattage. You’ll need an expensive solar and battery set up to reap the benefits of an electric tankless water heater off the grid, but the expense is well worth the reward for van-lifers and full-time RVers. If you’ve installed a full electric system, it’s worth it to take a look at electric trailer jacks as well.
Once it’s set up, you won’t pay a cent because you’ll be using the energy from your alternator or your solar panels as you drive. And when you’re plugged into the shore power at the RV park, you won’t have to pay either because electricity is already included in your nightly rate.
With gas-powered models, on the other hand, you’ll continuously have to pay to refill the tank, which is also a bit of a hassle depending on how remote you are when the cylinder runs out.
The downside is cost. Although electric tankless water heaters can be cheap to purchase and install, you’ll need a large-capacity battery bank, solar panels, and inverter set up should you wish to run it off the grid.
Gas-Powered RV Tankless Water Heaters
Gas-powered RV tankless water heaters use either propane or LPG to heat the element rather than electricity. As you know, both these energy sources are highly efficient, which is why gas-powered water heaters can offer a superior number of BTUs than electric models. Put simply, gas-powered tankless water heaters work harder and perform better. And as a nifty little bonus, the system type is simple and cost-effective to use off the grid.
On the downside—there’s always a downside—gas is a finite resource that can’t be harnessed from the sun or your engine while you drive. You’ll have to fill your propane/LPG tanks manually, which costs money and can be a non-option when there’s no major town within a hundred-mile drive. Worse still, you could run out of gas the moment you hop in the shower or turn on your stove. In that case, you would have to do without until you can find someone to refill your tank.
Note that gas-powered heaters require stainless steel flues to the exterior and need regular maintenance from a licensed gas-fitter to ensure everything is in working order. LPG and propane are deadly if not properly managed, so you need to take the proper installation seriously.
Combo RV Tankless Water Heaters
What if I told you that you could incorporate the best of both energy sources into the one high-tech design? Well, you can, and they’re colloquially known as combo RV tankless water heaters. These systems are the ultimate RV solution as they can draw on both your gas and electricity supply to give you a wonderfully warm shower whether you’re on or off the grid.
In normal circumstances, they use both resources simultaneously to heat water as it passes through the system. But should your batteries start running low, or your propane tank begins to dwindle, it switches over to the more abundant energy source so you can keep enjoying hot water for many days to come. Consequently, they’re the hot water system of choice for the intrepid RVer who loves boondocking in remote and wild locales.
As you’d expect, these cost substantially more than the two aforementioned systems because they incorporate two separate heating technologies into the one design.
RV Tankless Water Heater Types
Now that you understand the difference between gas and electric water heaters, it’s time to consider whether a portable or fixed unit is best for your needs.
Fixed RV Tankless Water Heaters
Fixed RV tankless water heaters are permanently installed in your rig. A fixed system will require a series of vents or flues to ensure gas flows safely into the outside air and dissipates in the atmosphere. Installing these vents, should you not already have them, can be a challenging and expensive task that may involve taking an angle grinder to the wall of your RV.
The big benefit of the fixed system is it outperforms portable water heaters by several orders of magnitude. And because you’ve got the appropriate ventilation flues in place, they’re safe to use inside the rig.
Portable RV Tankless Water Heaters
Portable water heaters aren’t explicitly designed for RV use, although they can indeed be used by folks traveling in a mobile home. The system attaches directly to a propane tank, so it doesn’t require installation and can be lugged around for use anywhere in the great outdoors.
As portable systems aren’t vented to the outside, it’s perilous to use these inside the RV. As a result, you’ll have to carry the system outside to use it safely in the open air every time you need to shower. Most people purchase a separate [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WFWRPX”]tent ensuite[/amazon] to ward off prying eyes.
Portable tankless water heaters are way cheaper than fixed systems but are much less convenient to use.
Condensing Versus Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
Regardless of the type of tankless water heater you’ve got in your RV, it can also be either condensing or non-condensing.
Condensing heaters are more efficient because they recycle the heat from the exhaust to warm your water, thus requiring less energy. Non-condensing heaters don’t do this and are less efficient as a result, although they’re more reliable for their simplistic design.
Infrared Water Heaters
Some electricity-based tankless heaters like the Sio Green use infrared technology to heat up water without the heating element actually coming into contact with the water. These heaters are energy efficient and can go for years without requiring replacement parts, although they suffer from the same off-grid drawbacks as other electric water heaters.
Point of Use (POU) RV Tankless Water Heaters
Some RV tankless water heaters are ‘point of use’ (POU), which means they only heat one specific faucet and can’t be used for multiple water sources. All portable water heaters, for example, are POU as they’re specially designed to heat the water flowing through the attached showerhead.
Fixed systems usually aren’t POU, therefore, they can heat water to multiple faucets at once.
If you just need hot water in your sink, then look for a low powered POU unit like the Ecosmart POU as you’ll save money upfront and burn through less propane.
The Benefits of Using an RV Tankless Water Heater
Now that you’ve got the basics of what a tankless water heater is, it’s time to delve into the details of why these systems are superior to the tanked-based variety.
Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are far more efficient than tank-based systems for one simple reason: they only heat the water you need when you need it. Tank-based systems will warm up gallons of water even if you only want a tiny squirt to do your dishes, resulting in a substantial sum of unnecessary energy expenditure. And when you’re living off-grid and need to conserve all the energy you can, that just doesn’t cut it.
Speed and Consistency
Rather than waiting around for the whole tank to warm, tankless water heaters heat the liquid as it passes through the system via a pump, thus allowing hot water to arrive at the faucet in an instant. When you’re cold and want to jump into a soothing hot shower straight away, it’s a godsend to have a tankless water heater ready to roll in your rig.
Another great plus with the tankless design is consistency. As these systems heat the water as it passes through the element, you’ll get to enjoy a lovely long shower session without those annoying cold spurts jutting in halfway.
Temperature Control
Some of the more upmarket tankless water heaters such as the Girard 2GWHAM come with digital control panels that allow you to predetermine the perfect temperature, so no more fiddling around with the shower knob.
Small and Lightweight
By their very nature, tank-based water heaters are bigger and heavier than tankless systems—you have to make room for the hot water tank, after all. Given space is a sought-after necessity in every home on wheels, it’s always a big bonus to buy the smallest components you can. In many setups, you might not have room to install a tank-based water heater at all, making tankless your only option.
Tankless heaters are not only smaller, they’re also lighter. As you know, the less weight you’re hauling on your RV, the less fuel you’ll burn through. Optimizing your miles per gallon is a significant consideration of every budget-conscious RVer, and going with a lighter hot water system will save you money in the long run.
Eco-Friendly
With a tank-based water system, you’ll stand around waiting for the water to heat up as gallons of the good stuff flow wastefully down the drain. With a tankless hot water system, however, you can jump straight into the shower within moments of turning it on and enjoy piping hot water in an instant. No more wasting water while you wait for it to become hot enough to wash in.
Water is a precious resource in the real world. But for the RVer with a finite freshwater tank below the chassis, it’s more than just precious—it’s indispensable.
Endless Hot Water
To be fair, if you’re boondocking, you still only have as much hot water as your freshwater tank permits. However, if you’re hooked up to a water/electric supply at an RV park, you could shower for hours in steamy hot water just like you do at home. And for RVers who’ve recently come back from an especially grueling hike through a dusty backcountry trail, an extended shower session is just what the doctor ordered.
With the tank-based system, on the other hand, you can only shower for as long as the hot water tank lasts, typically less than 10 minutes.
Long-Lasting Design
While traditional tank-based water systems can generally last somewhere between five and ten years, the newer and durable tankless water heaters are good to go for a decade or more with proper maintenance and care. In fact, some manufacturers claim a useable life of up to two decades.
The Drawbacks of Using an RV Tankless Water Heater
So if tankless water heaters are such a wondrous thing to have in an RV, why isn’t everyone using them? Who in their right mind would settle for the inferior tank-based system?
There’s one major caveat to a tankless water system: cost. Tankless systems have more advanced heating elements and parts, meaning they’re more expensive to purchase outright. Furthermore, these systems sometimes require expensive flues and vents to the exterior of the vehicle, which is pricey to install if you don’t have already a flue place.
But for RVers who are willing to splash out on optimizing their mobile home, the tankless water system is a sound investment.
FAQ
Any more questions? There’s a good chance we’ve answered them below.
Can I Convert from a Tank-Based RV Water Heater to a Tankless One?
It’s certainly possible, but the complexity of the operation will depend on what system you’ve currently got versus the system you want. As you’d expect, it’s much easier to go from tank to tankless by using the same power source, either electricity or gas. Switching between the two requires a significant overhaul that will set you back stacks of cash.
Don’t try installing a gas-powered water heater (or anything else for that matter) yourself unless you’re a licensed gas-fitter, or you can get one to look over your work. Doing so may well be illegal in your state, and one wrong move could result in a deadly gas leak.
Can I Install an RV Tankless Water Heater Under the Sink?
Most of the time, yes: although it’s common to install water heaters under the sink, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll always be possible. Download and read up on the instruction manual of the unit you want to buy to see if it’s possible. Alternatively, seek advice from a professional installer.
Does Every Tankless Water Heater Require an Electrical Connection?
No, but most do. Many gas-powered tankless water heaters require an electrical connection to power the pilot light. Some, however, use a battery for this process, thus removing the need to be hooked up to a shore-powered electrical system. The most common batteries for pilot lights are 2x D cell batteries, which are widely available around the country and easy to replace.
Do I Have To Clean an RV Tankless Water System?
All hot water systems—regardless of whether they’ve got a tank or not—need to be cleaned regularly to ensure the water passing through remains potable. Generally speaking, every 6-12 months is an acceptable timeframe, although it’s wise to check the instruction manual for specifics. The manual will also tell you how to clean and maintain the system.
The Best Tankless Water Heaters: The Final Verdict
Enjoying a long hot shower is a blessing when you’re living in an RV, so it makes sense to invest in the best possible water heater you can afford. Tankless heaters provide piping hot water in an instant and never run out halfway through the deed.
We’ve covered the top 10 RV tankless water systems available on the market, with various options to suit different budgets and usage requirements. Take a gander through our list to pinpoint the ideal hot water solution for you.
Once you’ve found the perfect option, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without consistent, energy-efficient hot water. More

Owning an attached garage is a luxury, especially in densely populated areas. An attached garage can drive up a house’s price point drastically. For many, purchasing a house with a permanent garage or constructing a stand-alone garage simply isn’t an option.
Portable garages are the best option for semi-permanent alternatives to permanent garages. They can also be used as portable shelters for belongings. A portable garage doesn’t consume anywhere close to the number of resources to purchase and set up, and depending on where you live, you won’t even need to file for a building permit.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Portable Garage
With different sizes, constructions, and price points, portable garages vary tremendously depending on the needs of the buyer. Consider the following when looking for a portable garage:
Type of Portable Garage
There are three main categories of portable garages available today, each designed for buyers with very different needs and budgets.
Portable Canopy Garages
The most affordable and common types of portable garages are canopy-only models. These tent-type designs have ground-bolted feet and light steel frames that can be set up easily.
Canopies are typically lightweight structures that are highly portable–they’re also designed elegantly to offer versatile usage. If you already have a brick garage, but you need temporary shelter in your backyard for weekend gatherings, these models are your go-to.
Carport Portable Garages
Carport Portable Garage refers to portable garages made specifically for parking cars. While they have the same shape as portable canopy garages, these models are typically superior in terms of build quality and weather resistance. They’re also heavy-weight and are meant for long term use in a single location post-assembly.
Full-Enclosure Portable Garages
If you’re in the market for something more durable and weatherproof, a full-enclosure model is the right pick.
Full-enclosure portable garages always come with side flaps or walls. Some sub-variants can be converted into makeshift sheds with walls on both sides. Durable models like Sorara and Delta come with tarp-steel frame mechanisms that can be used long term in a single location, thanks to their weather durability and firm ground locking.
However, convertible variants like Ikuby are more compact and offer more portability than some carport models. They give great temporary shelter during everyday use and their steel frames can be expanded to cover your whole car in a cozy capsule. Wind, rain, and snow bounce off good quality full-enclosure portable garages.
Assembly
While canopy portable garages can be set up in a few minutes, other variations of garages require multiple people and sometimes even the help of a contractor. It’s important to be aware of the skills and time required for set up before making a purchase, as assembly costs can sometimes be more than the portable garage itself.
Performance
Portable garages aren’t just great for personal vehicle parking, they can be used as multipurpose storage areas. Full-enclosure type portable garages with full walls are best for storing off-season gear like farming equipment, lawnmowers, ATVs, mini-tractors, snowmobiles, and boats. If you’re a business owner, you can also use these makeshift spaces for bulk storage of company goods without applying for extra building permits (depending on where you live).
Durability
A lot of how your portable garage handles stress, harsh weather conditions, and regular wear and tear comes down to its build quality. The durability, protection, and the overall sturdiness a portable garage provides is primarily based on the materials used and the design of the shelter.
Generally, opt for models with powder-coated steel frames and UV resistant top fabric, as these models are rust-resistant and can protect your vehicle easily against water and heat. Generally, products with better build quality are priced higher, so if you’re looking for a portable garage that can withstand the harshest of conditions, you might have to pay for it.
Value for Money
With a semi-permanent product, price is obviously an important consideration, although it’s also important to note that more expensive portable garages are often more durable and fully featured. In general, larger, full-enclosure structures with metal and weather-resistant fabrics are much more expensive.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the portable garage refer to the area (length by width by height) and its weight. These two factors directly contribute to how much storage space you’re getting and how portable and compact your instant garage is. While floor space primarily affects how much you can fit in your portable garage, smaller packed dimensions and lighter weights make portable garages easier to transport. Larger and heavier garages tend to be less portable and more suited for semi-permanent use. Steel and fabric contribute to most of the product’s weight.
Keep in mind the most important factors when looking for a portable garage.

Top 10 Best Portable Garages 2020

1. Best Overall Portable Garage: SORARA Carport Canopy Garage

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Why we like it: This model by Sorara brings the best premium features to the table in a compelling package.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Full-enclosure portable garage.
Assembly:
This portable garage has a sturdy steel poles structure and polythene fabric sides and roof. The support steel poles stand vertically on triangular base plates that can be bolted down. The slanting poles hold up the roof and are secured to the horizontal poles with sturdy joints. The instruction manual is comprehensive, however, you’ll have to turn the process into a two-man job to finish it under the claimed 40-minute mark set-up-time.
Performance:
Although portable, this model is designed to be a semi-permanent solution for your storage needs. It’s made of a premium, weather-resistant material, which means it performs great in most conditions. This full-enclosure variant withstands hotter climates and high winds with ease. It provides sufficient sun-protection and ventilation. The side door and windows can be zipped up and opened as you need without interfering with airflow. The inner seams are sometimes prone to water leakage during extremely rough rains, but you can fix this easily with sealant or duct tape.
Durability:
Sorara’s portable garage is one of our favorite picks due to its overall build quality. The structural frame is made of solid steel. The fabric outer cover is made of durable UV resistant polythene that works well with the steel frame to provide a sturdy portable structure you can have set up in a couple of hours.
Value for Money:
Entering our list at a mid-range price point, this model by Sorara is of great value for money. It might cost slightly more than some of the other models on this list, but the extra features it brings to the table are worth the few extra bucks. Their customer helpline is quite handy–you get a prompt response to any setup or maintenance related query quickly.
Dimensions:
20 * 10 * 10 feet, 154 pounds.

Pros

Premium construction quality can withstand moderately bad weather conditions.
Full-enclosure functionality protects your possessions.
Zipped front and back doors, windows, and side door.
Sorara has great customer service.
Great overall value for money.

Cons

Susceptible to water leakage.
Quick setup requires two people.

2. Best Premium Portable Garage: Palram Vitoria Carport & Patio Cover

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Why we like it: The Palram Vitoria lives up to its premium price tag with unbeatable stability and top of the line build quality.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Carport portable garage.
Assembly:
The installation process is a two-man job that takes anywhere between 3 to 4 hours to finish. The package comes with clear instructions: you get 7 polycarbonate roof panels, the support and roof aluminum poles, connectors, anchoring footpads, and all assorted bolts and screws. Assemble the roof section first, ensuring the arching metal poles and roof panels are attached and bolted securely. Use a ladder to hoist one end of the roof up and mount it on the support poles, repeat for the other end. If you’re inexperienced, the process might get tricky, and consider hiring a professional contractor for setup.
Performance:
If you’re looking for a reliable stand-in for a permanent garage, this model could be the way to go. Exceptional build quality aside, this model performs great. It comes with inbuilt water gutters that you can clean easily. The roof panels are bronze-tinted, which means 100% UV protection. The bolted footpads are anchored to the ground. This model requires little to no maintenance once the setup process is finished.
Durability:
What sets this variant apart is the sheer sturdiness it provides. The rust-free aluminum structure, the gray powder-coated finish, strong steel connectors, and the high impact, shock-resistant polycarbonate roof panels all translate to good durability. This thing is strong enough to handle extreme weather and come out the other side standing.
Value for Money:
Compared to models like Vingli and even Ikuby, Palram’s Vitoria Carport carries a luxurious price tag. If you’re looking to invest in a sturdy and permanent garage at home that lasts for years and protects your vehicle against the harshest of conditions, this model is well worth the money.
Dimensions:
16 * 10 * 8 feet, 240 pounds.

Pros

Premier construction quality ensures this model is worth the exorbitant price tag
Close to unbreakable polycarbonate roof panels, providing excellent protection
A stable and near-permanent solution for most of your parking needs
Requires little to zero maintenance, saving time and money

Cons

Added elevation required for larger vehicles. SUVs, trucks, and boats
The canopy style design does not provide side coverage

3. Best Budget Portable Garage: VINLGI Heavy Duty Carport

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Why we like it: When it comes to portability and pure value, Vingli’s model is the best choice.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Canopy portable garage.
Assembly:
The setup process is relatively easy compared to sturdier models as it is designed to be quick. With clear and simple instructions, the package comes with everything you’ll need for assembly. The steel frame is lightweight enough that you can have it up in an hour or two on your own. Don’t forget to put the tarp roof on before mounting the feet.
Performance:
The overall performance of the model as a temporary garage or gathering space is amazing. The tarp top is waterproof and also protects against sunlight and UV rays. It offers great wind resistance too. If you’re looking to host an outdoor event, or you want to store your sedan on the go, this model is for you. It does not have side coverage, which might be a problem in demanding weather conditions.
Durability:
For the budget, this model has decent build quality. The support and roof tubes are made of strong, high-grade steel. The powder-coated frame is rust-resistant. The thick polyethylene tarp on the top adds to the overall stability. It can withstand common weather conditions and is the best option for on-the-go shelter.
Value for Money:
This pop-up tent is considerably affordable compared to all of the mid-range variants. Models by Sorara and Palram aside, it is better value for money compared to models by King Canopy and Delta. If a lightweight, portable, pocket-friendly option is what you’re looking for, this is definitely the choice.
Dimensions:
20 * 10 * 8.5 feet, 70 pounds.

Pros

Significantly lower-priced, even compared to mid-tier models.
Decent build quality with steel tubes and polyethylene tarp.
Completely waterproof and also offers great UV protection.
Offers good wind resistance and weather protection.
Has a neat, elegant look that’s ideal for gatherings and events.

Cons

No side walls for extra protection.
Not ideal for storing larger trucks and boats.
Not meant for long-term use in a single location.

4. Best Weatherproof Portable Garage: Ikuby All Weather Proof Medium Carport

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Why we like it: This thoughtfully designed portable garage by Ikuby is compact, portable, and best suited for the harshest of weather conditions.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Full-enclosure portable garage.
Assembly:
This portable car capsule comes in several packages with all the required components. The assembly is relatively easy compared to carport and even canopy type garages as the roof and sides are retractable. Make sure you fasten the frame to the ground securely before beginning the frame assembly. The actual cover is made of thick tarp that stretches out thanks to the Velcro collars attached to its underside. The process should take up to an hour to finish.
Performance:
Ikuby’s model has been designed with three things in mind: weather protection, compactness, and portability. The decent build quality coupled with the capsule design allows it to protect your hatchback or sedan from stormy weather, high-intensity winds, and rain. The water leakage is minimal (if any). Although this model is quite portable, the roof and sides can be retracted to convert this full-enclosure model into a mini garage. You can snap the roof shut as soon as it starts to rain.
Durability:
The steel framework is constructed from strong lightweight mild steel. The black powder-coated steel tubes are designed to fold easily, enveloping your vehicle when the weather takes a turn. The fabric is tough, durable, and can withstand the roughest of rains.
Value for Money:
While significantly cheaper than the Palram Vitoria, this model can still be hard on the wallet. Entering our list priced higher than models by Sorara and Quictent, it might be considered to be on the ‘unaffordable’ end of the scale, but considering the features, this model is the worth the investment. It acts as a long-term replacement for an actual garage at a fraction of the price while offering exceptional weather protection.
Dimensions:
20 * 8.5 * 7 feet, 170 pounds.

Pros

Extremely weatherproof model is good for stormy weather.
The capsule design allows for flexible usage.
The folding framework is lightweight and can be moved around.
Ideal makeshift for a permanent garage.

Cons

Not the right model for storing larger trucks, SUVs, and boats.
Slightly costlier compared to mid-range canopy style garages.
While rare, it is susceptible to slight water leakage.

5. Best Canopy Portable Garage: Quictent Upgraded Heavy Duty Carport

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Why we like it: This decently sturdy canopy by Quictent offers great value in terms of features versus budget.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Canopy portable garage.
Assembly:
The package comes with connectors, a steel frame, a top cover, and all other necessary assembly parts. The process is pretty much a two-man job and can take up to 2 hours. The standing frame is a 6-legged structure that can be reinforced additionally with strong ropes and pegs that fasten securely to the ground.
Performance:
It is fairly good against high-speed winds and is completely waterproof. It is much lighter compared to other heavy-duty models thanks to the high-quality galvanized steel frame and the light tarp cover. You can lug it around easily compared to other thickset models. Also, Quictent has great customer service concerning warranty and part replacement related queries.
Durability:
For the price range, this model has decent build quality. The steel frame is made of heavy-duty galvanized steel. The top roof is made of strong Gainsboro polyethylene which combined with a lightweight steel frame offers passable durability. This model can withstand high-speed winds, but that’s about it. If you’re looking for something totally weatherproof, this model is not it.
Value for Money:
Being only slightly higher priced than our budget model, it is an absolute steal. Just like Vingli’s model, it is competitively priced, falling well below our mid-tier selections. It is much more affordable compared to models by Advance Outdoor and even Abba Patio while offering similar build quality and performance. This product is the perfect blend of value for money and great features.
Dimensions:
20 * 10 * 8.7 feet, 83 pounds.

Pros

Great temporary shelter for outdoor events and gatherings.
It is considerably lightweight for its size.
The overall build quality of all the components is up to mark.
Quictent has great customer service.

Cons

Cannot withstand harsh weather conditions.
No side coverage whatsoever.

6. Best Full-Enclosure Portable Garage: Overwhelming Heavy Duty Carport Garage

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Why we like it: This stylishly designed model by Overwhelming is the best budget full-enclosure portable garage.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Full-enclosure portable garage.
Assembly:
The installation process is quite similar to the canopy style models, coming with a lightweight steel frame that has to be fastened to the ground via bolts and pegs. Ensure you place the top tarp securely over the roof before mounting the frame onto its legs. Assembly can be finished under an hour by two people.
Performance:
What sets this model apart is that it has 6 side windows and double zipper doors on both ends. The windows allow just the right amount of sunlight to come through, while the doors provide easy access to your car or other possessions while also keeping the interior ventilated. The tarp is fully waterproof and UV resistant, however, during extremely rough conditions, there might be water leakage.
Durability:
This model is full-enclosure, but it is not designed specifically for the harshest of conditions. The steel and tarp are of good quality and can withstand most weather conditions without any damage or collapse. While it outperforms canopy garages concerning durability and weather protection, it cannot beat out pricey, more-permanent options.
Value for Money:
Compared to similarly priced canopy garages, it offers much better weather resistance owing to all side coverage. It is much more affordable compared to garages by King Canopy and Delta while performing better when it comes to durability and build quality. The great design aesthetic also lets you use this garage to host events. The zipped doors also let you use it as a temporary storage area for other items.
Dimensions:
20 * 10 * 9 feet, 115 pounds.

Pros

The full-enclosure design offers extra protection.
The windows and the doors allow for adequate lighting and ventilation.
It can withstand slightly rougher weather conditions.
The build quality is great for the price tag.
The overall aesthetic of the product is great.

Cons

It does not match up to Ikuby’s level of weather protection.
Sometimes susceptible to slight water leakage, but it can be fixed.

7. Abba Patio Outdoor Carport

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Why we like it: This slightly taller canopy by Abba Patio is the perfect lower to mid-range heavy duty portable garage.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Canopy portable garage.
Assembly:
This slightly larger and sturdier canopy garage comes with an 8-legged steel metal frame and a polyethylene fabric tarp that rests atop the slanted poles. Additional bolting is not required as the pole connections have snap button locks. The instruction manual is quite comprehensive and easy to follow even for beginners, but we recommend you get help as the peak height of this model can go up to 9.6 feet.
Performance:
Performance-wise, this model sits between temporary canopy garages and affordable full-enclosure garages. While it is heavy-duty, we wouldn’t recommend using it as a long term solution in extreme weather conditions. It’s best for parking your four-wheeler for extended periods in light rain or sunny weather. The fabric on top is fully waterproof and can also protect your car from UV rays.
Durability:
The frame is crafted from white-powder coated good quality steel. While it is comparatively lighter than sturdy carports and full-enclosures, it’s slightly heavier than some of the more affordable canopy models. It can withstand high-speed winds for moderate amounts of time. Although weatherproof, it can be damaged by heavy snow or rain.
Value for Money:
Priced slightly more than models by Quictent and Vingli, this product is great if you’re looking for a taller canopy style garage to park your boat or truck comfortably. It can also be used for hosting outdoor events because of the fabric’s sleek look. It is cheaper than the King Canopy model, which makes it a great bargain if you’re looking for a larger 8-legger.
Dimensions:
20 * 10 * 9.5 feet, 115 pounds.

Pros

The steel frame is slightly larger compared to other canopy models.
The top tarp is completely waterproof and UV resistant.
Great value for money.
Can be used to host weekend gatherings and events.

Cons

Cannot withstand extremely stormy/ snowy conditions.
No side coverage, which decreases protection.

8. ADVANCE OUTDOOR Heavy Duty Carport

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Why we like it: The height of the Advance Outdoor portable garage steel frame can be easily adjusted to suit your every need.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Canopy portable garage.
Assembly:
The assembly is similar to other canopy style models. The package comes with the steel frame, tarp fabric cover, steel pegs, anchors, and ropes. The instructions are easy to follow. Assemble the top steel frame, place and secure the tarp on top, and hoist it onto the steel legs. The entire process will probably take you around 2 hours if you’re alone.
Performance:
It performs slightly better than the average canopy portable garage. The 8-legged frame is quite strong and the tarp can withstand rain, snow, and sleet easily. The roof is waterproof and UV resistant and does a good job keeping the ground dry. Although this model is lightweight, it is meant as a semi-permanent structure. You can change the height of the entire canopy in increasing intervals of 6, 6.5, 7, and 7.5 feet. The maximum peak height also increases accordingly.
Durability:
The build quality is decent for the price point. The adjustable steel frame is fastened with 16 steel pegs and 8 steel auger anchors, increasing durability against adverse conditions. While it is definitely sturdier and more durable than cheaper canopy garages, it cannot withstand extremely rough weather conditions like full-enclosure portable garages.
Value for Money:
Priced significantly cheaper than King Canopy’s Hercules, this model has the additional feature of adjustable height. While it does not match up to the build quality, the added height customization is amazing when you’re working tight spaces. It is priced similarly to Abba Patio’s model and offers similar performance and features.
Dimensions:
20 * 10 * 10.5 feet, 110 pounds.

Pros

The steel poles are height-adjustable.
The maximum adjustable peak height can go up to 10.5 feet.
Can withstand moderate weather conditions easily.

Cons

Canopy design means no side coverage.
The stakes are thin and can be bent easily.
The portability of this model is low.

9. DELTA Canopies Carport

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Why we like it: One of the larger models on this list, Delta’s canopy shed is a great option if you’re looking for a full-enclosure portable garage.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Full-enclosure (shed-type) portable garage.
Assembly:
The package comes with a 12-legged oval-shaped galvanized steel frame which is 20 feet in length. All the legs of the frame have to be secured to the ground tightly (ratchet tie-downs) with bolts and pegs. Cover the entirety of the frame (except the front) with the tarp and align the roll-up door on the front. Assembly takes more than 2 hours if you’re alone. The instruction manual is easy to understand.
Performance:
This model is a hybrid shed/ garage type design that is designed to be a semi-permanent solution for your parking/storage needs. Once installed sturdily, this model can withstand most weather conditions. It does not leak any water. The tarpaulin top is made of waterproof and UV resistant polyethylene. The larger size allows you to store large-sized trucks and boats comfortably. Unlike other full-enclosure models on our list, it does not have side windows or a rear door.
Durability:
The grey galvanized steel frame along with the thick tarp cover is made of quality material. This model can weather through rapid winds, torrential rains, and even the Florida sun without breaking a sweat. If you have a large vehicle you want to store away for the snowy winter, or you have other items you want to temporarily put away, this model is for you. It’s a great pick for extremely cold conditions.
Value for Money:
Priced slightly higher than Overwhelming’s model, it is still good value for money. While Overwhelming’s model is designed for moderate weather conditions, this model can withstand almost anything nature can throw at it. Compared to premium models, this portable garage is quite affordable and can be a great choice if you want a product that’s weatherproof and budget-friendly. However, it is almost twice as heavy as lightweight competitor products, reducing portability.
Dimensions:
20 * 12 * 8.1 feet, 218 pounds.

Pros

Designed to be a sturdy, semi-permanent portable garage.
Slightly larger width, which increases storage space marginally.
Can withstand most weather conditions.
Decent value for money concerning performance and build quality.

Cons

It isn’t as portable as other models.
Does not have side windows or a rear door.

10. King Canopy Hercules

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Why we like it: This tall canopy type model by King Canopy lives up to its herculean name: you can easily store all large trucks and boats in this portable canopy.
Editor’s Rating:

Type:
Full-enclosure (shed-type) portable garage.
Assembly:
The assembly process is similar to most other canopy models and will take an hour or two to finish. Always remember to tie down the canopy securely before mounting legs. Forgetting to do this can prove costly, especially in very windy conditions.
Performance:
The performance of this model is as expected. It functions great, just like other canopy models on our list. The steel poles are rust-resistant and the white tarp is made of fire retardant and waterproof material. It also offers decent UV ray protection. The peak height of the top of the canopy is quite tall, which means you can comfortably store larger SUVs, trucks, and boats.
Durability:
The build quality is great for the price point. The 2-inch steel frame is rust-resistant, powder-coated, and topped with a thick, UV resistant tarp. While the overall durability is passable, you could probably find better value in a full-enclosure model like Overwhelming, if weather resistance is your priority.
Value for Money:
We put this product lower on the list despite its great build quality because it is significantly pricier compared to other canopy style models. While it is slightly taller than both Quictent and Abba Patio’s models, it is quite similar performance-wise. It isn’t as portable as Vingli’s model either, because the steel frame and tarp combo are much heavier.
Dimensions:
20 * 10 * 9.75, 160 pounds.

Pros

The peak height is large compared to other models, giving more storage area.
Great build quality overall.
The roof tarp is fire retardant, waterproof, and UV resistant.

Cons

Zero side coverage, which is disappointing for the price.
Not suited for long term usage in rough conditions.
It isn’t as lightweight as Vingli’s or Quictent’s models.

Shopping for a Portable Garage
While portable garages are often seen in more rural areas, they’re gradually becoming more broadly popular in suburban and urban environments. As a cost-effective and quick way to protect belongings outdoors, it’s no surprise that portable garages are gaining popularity.
FAQs
Can all portable garages handle rough weather conditions?
Most of the models on our list can handle moderate to bad weather conditions. However, some variants are constructed keeping weather protection as a priority. Premium build quality along with features like waterproof material, UV, stress, and wind resistance contributes to the overall sturdiness versus nature’s rough spells. Models by Ikuby and Palram are specifically designed to withstand extreme outdoor conditions like heavy winds, snow, and rain.
Can I use my portable garage for other purposes?
While most variants are best suited for parking/ storing your car, some come with multipurpose functionalities. Models by Quictent and Vingli can be used to host events, gatherings and also park motorcycles and bikes. Full-enclosure pop-up garages like Ikuby can be used to store boxes and other big items if you’re getting creative with it. Bigger canopy models can be used to park larger pickup trucks, SUVs, and even boats, with the right elevation.
Is it legal to use portable garages without building permits?
Building permits, local ordinances, and zoning laws vary based on the county, city, or state you live in. There isn’t one simple and clear answer when it comes to portable garages and building permits. In general, fabric/steel garages are considered temporary structures under bylaws and will not require a permit to assemble and use. Refer to the local authorities to avoid relocation or fines, as there might be specific ownership requirements and restrictions on dimensions in some jurisdictions.
How packable are portable garages?
How compact your portable garage is while packed has a lot to do with its unpacked dimensions, and in turn, affects how portable it is. Overall, compactness can be a great thing–you can easily transport the garage on the top of your car or RV and use it when you want. You can pop it out when you’re firing up the grill on weekends and pack it up and put it away for later. However, there is a trade-off concerning overall sturdiness and weather protection. Models designed to have compact features usually aren’t the best at handling extreme outdoor conditions.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Garage
The environment and location you live in can hugely affect the type of portable garage you decide to purchase. The more extreme weather you experience, the more likely you are to need a heavy-duty portable garage.
Weather Conditions
The weather and climate conditions of the locale you put up your portable garage in matters a lot. Regardless of what you want to store or park, the instant garage you pick should have the stability and durability to withstand rough weather conditions and keep your possessions safe from the rain, snow, and wind.
If you’re planning to put up a garage tent in an area where rain and sleet are common, you’d do best to pick a full-enclosure variant. Generally, full-enclosure portable garages perform better in adverse weather. These models cover your car or truck on all sides with quality polythene fabric tarpaulin hoisted by a sturdy steel frame. They are usually totally waterproof, UV resistant, and rust-free. Bad weather conditions require portable garages made of high-quality fabric, powder-coated steel, and stress-resistant ratchets, nuts, bolts, and assorted parts.
Sturdy carports like Palram’s Vitoria aren’t lagging behind either. The top-end material allows it to stand steadily through the worst rains and winds and look good as new!
Long term exposure to the elements naturally causes wear and tear – If you’re looking for a semi-permanent parking solution, it wouldn’t be great to replace your portable garage often.
Usage and Location
The usage and location you have in mind for your portable garage will ultimately shape your decision. If you don’t want the hassle of adding a permanent garage to your newly purchased home, and you’re looking for a sturdy portable garage to park your car or SUV, you’d do better with a heavier and larger model. Models by Sorara, Palram, and Delta are designed to replace an actual garage for long periods. They have the best build quality coupled with strong ground latching mechanisms–winds aren’t taking them anywhere.
On the other hand, if you love hosting outdoor gatherings, backyard barbeques, and other events that require temporary overhead shelter, a canopy type portable garage is more up your alley. These lightweight structures are easy to put up (usually singlehandedly) and can be taken down easily once the event ends. They can also be used for on-the-road overnight parking or to store your possessions away from the sun and rain for a while. These models offer great portability and are also easier on the wallet. Although water and sun-proof for the most part, they aren’t suited for long-term use in a single location.
Sturdiness
Remember to pay attention to the construction material before purchasing a portable garage. Build quality plays the most important role when it comes to the overall performance of a portable garage.
Regardless of the weather conditions, location, or what you’re using the garage for, there’s absolutely no reason to compromise on build quality. We understand that not everybody can spend thousands of dollars, which is why we’ve also featured budget models that manage to output decent performance thanks to their decent build quality. Models by Overwhelming and Advance Outdoor offer great value for money while carrying a solid, heavy-duty build.
Picks models that are fully transparent about their ISO certifications, safety checks, and the ingredients of their construction materials.
Why Buy a Portable Garage?
If you’re on the hunt for a portable garage, you probably have a use for it in mind already. However, if you’re on the fence about springing a few extra bucks for one, here are a few benefits of buying a pop-up garage.
Portability
You guessed it–the reason why portable garages are so great is that they’re portable. You can unpack one and have it set up in a matter of hours. You can strap it to the top of the vehicle on long drives and park your car on camping trips without much hassle. Tent-type canvases are perfect for this type of use. Whether you’re spending all day on the farm and need a makeshift shelter for you and your truc or you need overnight parking for your SUV next to that lakeside cabin, lightweight canopy portable garages are the best choice.
Weather Protection
We’ve touched on how important weather protection is and how it is directly dependent on the build quality. If you live in a particularly rainy, windy, or snowy location, it’s best to consider a full-enclosure portable garage. Sidewalls provide extra waterproofing and UV protection in harsh weather conditions. They can also double down as versatile storage spaces, so you can pack away and store important possessions inside these models during mild storms and hurricanes. Rust-resistant steel is important for long term use in rainy and humid conditions.
Vehicle Temperature
Exposure to direct sunlight for long periods can damage your car in many ways. Increased temperatures can cause surface discoloration, overheating, part malfunctions, and more. Portable garages defend your vehicles and other possessions by blocking direct sunlight and maintaining an ambient temperature for the vehicle to park in. Models by Sorara and Overwhelming take it a step further by providing doors and windows, which allow for adequate airflow inside of the garage, cooling your vehicle. In the case of dust, debris, or rain, you can simply choose to zip up the doors and go into secure mode.
Wrapping Up
Portable garages currently by no means can replace permanent garages forever, but there’s a time and place where they pay off. Sure, they don’t offer the same level of security or weather protection, but the benefits of owning one are numerous.
If you’re stuck between spending a large sum to have a new brick shed or garage built or simply purchasing a portable garage online and put it up yourself, the choice seems obvious.
Given rapid advancements in the manufacturing processes of high-grade fabric and steel, we are now in a time where lightweight portable garages that can double as sturdy, permanent storage spaces are both available and inexpensive. More

Integrating all of your different technology is the new trend – Premium cars today come equipped with spacious screens to handle your navigation and entertainment requirements. Because most of us can’t spring for a Tesla Model S, iPad mounts are an affordable alternative. New design innovations in the car tablet mount field have sprung several variants serving different purposes. These devices turn your iPad into a mounted touchscreen navigation system, a viewing screen, and a music device rolled into one.

What to Consider Before Buying a Good iPad Car Mount
Before zeroing in on a model, keep a few things in mind – What features to look for and specifically, how the mount attaches to your car.
Mount Location
If you’re shopping for an iPad mount, you probably have a good idea where you will want your tablet to be mounted in the car. On the list below, you can find mounts that attach to the headrest, dashboard, cupholders, and floor. For more information on the different ways that mounts can be installed in your car, see our section on types of iPad car mounts.
Ease of Installation
Some of the mounts on our list quickly snap into place while some are more complicated to install. Mounts that attach to the car using screws or other hardware are more sturdy as well. That’s why drivers who will be mounting tablets for their own use should consider a more permanent installation like the Arkon Tablet Mount
User-Friendly Features
Viewing angles for different seats also depends on the type of iPad car mount you pick. Rear-seat holders typically offer optimum viewing angles for rear seats. Your children in the back seat can use the screen easily – And in a safe manner. Cup holder iPad mounts are better suited for front seat navigation or passenger seat entertainment purposes. Air vent, windshield, and dashboard iPad holders are great if you want a display you can attach and remove in a pinch.
Build Quality
A lot of how an iPad mount handles turbulence on the road has to do with the build quality. If long drives on rough roads are your priority, a stable iPad mount made of durable metal-plastic material is the right choice. Even if you frequent high traffic density routes, you need stability to ensure clear display without vibrations – Also, you don’t want your iPad to fall off mid-drive. Even if you pick a magnetic dash mount or air vent holder for flexibility, make sure you pick a model with sturdy construction.
We’ve assembled a list of clear winners – Our favorite picks, keeping the type of iPad mount and budget in mind.

Top 10 Best iPad Car Mounts 2020

1. Best Overall iPad Car Mount: TFY Universal Car Headrest Mount Holder

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Why we like it: This model by TFY is a great pick for nearly anyone looking for an iPad Car Mount. It’s well made, secure, and stylish.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Headrest
Ease of Installation
The installation process is quite simple and takes about 5 to 10 minutes. This headrest iPad car mount has two parts – The durable stain resistant elastic strap and the metal holding brackets that acts as the tablet holding tray. Both the strap and the brackets come with Velcro securing patches. If you have adjustable height headrests, simply wrap the elasticated strap across the headrest vertically. If you have fixed height headrests, wrap it horizontally. The metal brackets go on the top and bottom of the strap’s Velcro patch – You can adjust the spacing to hold all iPad models and most standard tablets and phones.
Performance
The metal brackets have Velcro securing patches on the back. The tray is well made, flat, smooth, and stable enough to hold all iPad models comfortably. You can snugly fit in your tablet to make sure it doesn’t shake or fall off. The brackets also allow for placing your iPad in with the cover on. You can tweak the thickness spacing as well – And never have to remove your iPad from its protective case. You can move the strap up and down to customize viewing angles.
Strength
The strap is made of tough elasticized material with Velcro patches. The metal brackets are plastic coated and built durably. The build material of the strap and the brackets is strong enough to securely hold most tablet models over extremely long-distance drives of over 1,000 km. Though the model is designed to tirelessly entertain your rear-seat passengers, it can be disassembled and packed in a snap. The Velcro patches are dependable when it comes to tablet shaking and dislodgement prevention.
Value for Money
While this model is priced lesser compared to cup holder models like the Macally Heavy Duty Tablet Holder, it costs more than the CD slot and dashboard models. Overall, this model is worth the price.

Pros

Made from premium metal, Velcro, and elastic material.
Best suited for long-distance drives.
Set up takes about 5 to 10 minutes – Easy to install.
Stable viewing angles for rear-seat passengers.

Cons

Not suitable for driver seat navigation.
The iPad tray can’t be moved sidewards like the iKross model.

2. Best Premium iPad Car Mount: Cellet Cup Holder Tablet Mount

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Why we like it: Cellet’s cup holder iPad car mount is easy to install, convenient to use and sturdy. It also offers the best viewing angles and does not obstruct the driver’s view.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Cupholder
Ease of Installation
As far as easy installations of iPad car mounts go, it can’t get simpler than this model by Cellet. It comes with a lightweight and sturdy circular (cup-shaped) base that fits into most standard cup holders. It’s as simple as place, turn, and clip into position. The adjustable base fits into most standard cup holders.
Performance
It sports a single-arm carrier with a three-pronged tablet tray on top. Although it does not block your view, it can get slightly cumbersome to switch gears if you drive a manual (depending on how far the cup holder is from the gear stick). Passengers can swivel the holder for better viewing angles.
Strength
The Cellet iPad holder is constructed from durable high-strength plastic materials. The overall strength of this model is above par – The single hinge joint arm can comfortably hold most tablets and phones. This model isn’t easily prone to shaking and instability – But if long-distance driving is your priority, you’d do better with a headrest iPad mount concerning stability and unobstructed driving.
Value for Money
This model is slightly pricey compared to most other iPad holders, but it does allow you to easily navigate while keeping your passenger entertained. Considering the quality Cellet provides, we think it’s a great deal.

Pros

Does not block the driver’s view.
Easy setup process.
Sturdier when compared to the magnetic dashboard and air vent models.
Provides on-road navigation and entertainment.
It can be detached and packed away at need.

Cons

Rear seat viewing can be obstructed.
Manual drivers might have trouble changing their gears sometimes.

3. Best Budget iPad Car Mount: Tryone Car Headrest Mount

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Why we like it: If we’re talking value for money, it doesn’t get better than Tryone’s headrest iPad car mount.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Headrest
Ease of Installation
The iPad mount comes with a pair of clamps pushed into place by a spring-loaded piston. The piston moves horizontally and fixes the clamps to the posts of your headrest. The tablet holder is attached to the piston at the center and has a tray that fits most iPad and iPhone models. The setup process is simple – It takes under 5 minutes to have it up and going. The model fits rear seat posts of 12.5 to 15 cm in width – Make sure your car and iPad mount are compatible.
Performance
This model is convenient to use – Kids above 10 can even clip it in and use it all by themselves. The holder can be customized to fit most large tablets and cellphones – You can use your iPad in both landscape and portrait mode by simply rotating the holding tray.
The tray can also be bent to tilt the screen at a comfortable angle. The clamping piston does not have an extra sliding tube mechanism like the iKross model to move the iPad sideways.
Strength
Although Tryone’s headrest iPad mount is primarily made of plastic, the overall build quality is simply great. The manufacturing material is strong enough to handle moderately long-distance drives without shaking much. The plastic side clamps of the tablet tray grip your iPad tightly – They can be detached easily too.
Value for Money
If you’re looking for a cheap, quick, and sturdy solution for entertaining your kids in the backseat, this is the pick for you. Entering the list significantly more affordable than the cup holder models by iKross, and Akron, this model is quite the steal.
This model can’t slide your iPad sideways, which might limit the viewing angle from the other seat, but at this price point, you can probably grab two.

Pros

The best value iPad car mount.
The installation process takes less than 2 minutes.
Offers great viewing angles for rear-seat passengers.
It can be customized to fit most iPads and other standard tablet and smartphone models.

Cons

It cannot slide sideways like the iKross model.
It only fits headrests of a particular width.
Not for front seat real-time navigation.

4. Best for Backseat Passengers: iKross Universal Car Tablet Mount Holder

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Why we like it: This sturdy model by iKross is the best option to keep rear-seat passengers entertained and informed on long-distance drives spanning lengths of over 3,000 km.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Headrest
Ease of Installation
This model comes with two adjustable clamps attached to a square tube that slides sideways. These clamps can be fitted to the front seat’s headrest with a few tightness and length adjustments. Once you’ve fitted the supporting clamps, fix the iPad tray to the square tube.
Performance
This car tablet mount features great versatility. While it works best with the iPad, the tablet-holding tray can be adjusted to fit most standard cellphones and tablets. The square pole moves sideways – Both rear-seat passengers can enjoy great viewing angles with a single iPad.
The angle of the tablet holder and the positioning ensures the driver’s view is never obstructed. If you aren’t looking for hands-on navigation or immediate connectivity, this is the best pick for you.
Strength
The clamp-tube mechanism is well built – The material is sturdy enough to hold iPads over long distances without concern of shaking or instability. The solid ABS material and the aluminum square tube can easily withstand the disturbances and issues associated with larger distance drives – Without posing a threat to your children in the backseat.
Value for Money
Entering the list on the affordable end, this sturdy iPad mount justifies its price point. If Velcro isn’t your thing and you want a cheaper and sturdier headrest model, iKross’ model is worth considering.

Pros

Great value for money in terms of build quality and utility.
It can be customized to fit every version of the iPad, most tablets, and phones.
A sturdy iPad car mounts specially designed for long drives.
The iPad tray can be moved sideways to provide larger viewing angles.
Does not obstruct the driver’s view.

Cons

Navigation and internet/call connectivity for the driver’s seat isn’t an option.

5. Best Heavy Duty Cupholder iPad Car Mount: Macally Heavy Duty Tablet Holder

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Why we like it: The heavy-duty build of Macally’s iPad car mount coupled with its ease of installation/detachment makes it a durable and convenient pick.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Cupholder
Ease of Installation
Just like Cellet’s model, this cup holder mount comes with a cup-shaped base that can be fitted in and tightened firmly. The installation process is simple – Just place the iPad car mount in the cup holder you want to give up temporarily – And adjust for tightness and firmness. Place your iPad on the spinnable tablet tray and fix the clasps.
Performance
Cup holder car mounts are absolutely the best option for driver’s seat navigation – And passenger seat entertainment. Macally’s tablet mount is designed to specifically give you obstruction-free navigation while driving. The holder can be rotated and tilted to give both you and your passenger optimal viewing angles. This heavy-duty model is the perfect companion for long drives – Coupled with a secure headrest tablet mount for the rear seat.
Strength
This model is meant to take slightly rougher roads. The heavy-duty construction results in a well-made product that can hold your iPad with minimal shaking while allowing you navigation access. This is a product you can detach from your car when you want but also gives you sturdy performance because of its strong metal-plastic build.
Value for Money
While this model is slightly higher priced when compared to Tryone’s headrest model, it is affordable compared to Cellet’s model and Akron’s seat rail model as well. The easy installation process, the unscrew-and-pack-away convenience, and easy access to navigation and your favorite playlists, this model is completely worth the price.

Pros

Durable build quality.
Easy access to on-road navigation and entertainment.
It can be removed from your cup holder and packed away when you want.
Suitable for long-distance drives.

Cons

Almost no access to the rear seat if you’re using it upfront.
If you have something more permanent and stable on your mind, there are options on our list to consider.

6. Most Stable iPad Car Mount: Akron Tablet Mount

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Why we like it: When it comes to stability, Akron’s seat rail tablet mount is the most stable iPad holder in the market.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Seat Rail/floor iPad car mount.
Ease of Installation
The package comes with four long and four short support legs for the tablet holder – And a Gooseneck-design holder with a sturdy screw clamp.
For seat rail installation, first, loosen the track bolt with the aid of a socket wrench. Place the seat track bolt bracket and tighten the bolt using the socket wrench.  You can change the orientation of the bolted bracket by removing the screws and adjusting it.
For installing this model on the floor of your car, remove the screws from the bolted bracket and attach the floor/console mount bracket. You can then fasten the floor bracket to the floor of your car with screws (that come in the package). If you’re new to using a socket wrench and a nail gun, it’s best to get assistance for setting this model up. But once it’s up, it can withstand the roughest of roads.
Performance
In terms of user-friendliness and viewing angles, this model is great. Both the driver and the passenger can bend the Gooseneck to make the iPad screen face any angle. Although this model is meant to be a permanent solution, it is prone to wobbling when the road gets especially rough. But the iPad is never at risk of falling off – Nor is the bendable arm flimsy.
Strength
All the products you receive in the sales package – The metal support legs, the bendable Gooseneck arm, the screw clamp, and the screws are built with a tough mix of metal and plastic material. Although this model is prone to shaking as it is attached either to the floor or close to it, it reliably holds your iPad over moderately long distances.
Value for Money
Akron’s floor tablet holder is priced slightly higher compared to iKross’s headrest holder and Macally’s cup holder tablet mount. If you’re on the hunt for a permanent and sturdy solution for on the road navigation – And not having the driver’s view obstructed, this is a great choice for you.

Pros

One of the most secure models on the market.
A permanent solution for holding your iPad.
Hands-on navigation and passenger seat entertainment.
Does not obstruct the driver’s view.

Cons

The installation process can get tricky if you’re a beginner.
Can’t be removed and packed away as easily as Tryone’s headrest mount or WizGear’s dashboard mount.

7. Best Dashboard iPad Car Mount: WizGear Universal Magnetic Car Mount

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Why we like it: Wizgear’s magnetic iPad holder can be mounted on the dashboard quickly – The magnetic tray lets you attach and remove your iPad to the holder as you wish.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Dashboard
Ease of Installation
This tablet holder comes with a ball and bendable socket arm which has a suction cup on one end and a circular/rectangular magnetic tray to hold your iPad. You can easily peel off the stickers and attach the suction mount to your dashboard. Ensure the surface is as flat as possible so that the iPad tray does not obstruct the driver’s view.
Performance
The magnetic tray can hold most iPads and smartphones securely, but we wouldn’t recommend this product if you’re looking to use larger tablets over longer distances. The magnet operated iPad holder lets you set up and remove your tablet easily – And the suction comes off relatively easily as well. This model is meant as a temporary solution for people looking to use iPads for navigation over small distances. You can detach the mount from your dashboard when you wish. While there are claims that magnetic holders can damage your device’s battery, that’s not true.
Strength
The suction cup and the bendable arm are built well. The model holds your iPad securely over short distances. If you’re looking for iPad holders to last you through rougher or longer routes, there are other models on this list better suited for your needs. This model comes with the option of adding extra metal plates onto the back of the holder, allowing it to grip your iPad or iPhone more securely. Although the suction cup mechanism comes off easily when compared to other screw operated iPad mounts, the adhesive is quite strong – It’s strong enough to handle most daily purposes.
Value for Money
This model is decently priced when compared to cup holder iPad mounts and other models. Entering the list significantly cheaper than Akron’s seat rail model, this suction cup type tablet mount is even slightly more affordable than Satechi’s CD slot model (while giving you the same convenience.

Pros

The suction cup design allows for easy installation/detachment.
The magnetic mount lets you take off your iPad and place it back quickly.
Good buy for short-distance navigation on city roads.

Cons

The suction cup adhesive isn’t designed for especially long-distance drives.
The magnetic iPad tray is prone to dropping bigger tablets on rough roads.

8. Best CD Slot iPad Car Mount: Satechi Universal Tablet CD Slot Mount

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Why we like it: The Satechi iPad car mount is spring loaded – You can clip the iPad holder in and out of the CD slot quite easily.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Car CD player slot
Ease of Installation
This model comes with a ball joint and spring-loaded mechanism that can be easily fitted into most standard car CD slots. Rather than use an antiquated ratcheted lock-release system and tightening screws, this model utilizes a spring and tightening clamp mechanism to sturdily fit into your CD slot. If the setup seems flimsy after your first installation, you’ll find additional stick-on rubber pads in the package, which you can use to readjust the thickness and make the fit tighter.
Performance
The iPad is held on the mount by two jaw-like protrusions. Since the model is spring-loaded, you can spread the jaws and place your iPad inside and let the spring tension hold it upright. The jaws also come with a rubber coating – which insulates and grips your iPad better. Since it goes into your CD slot, it does not block your driving view. Over short distances on packed roads, it’s one of the best ways to get hands-on navigation in a pinch. If you’re looking to use this mount with multiple devices, make sure they’re compatible, as this model has trouble gripping smaller smartphones.
Strength
The construction material of this particular model is surprisingly good. Even though it isn’t supported by additional fittings, it can support the weight of every iPad type (and most other standard tablets) quite comfortably. The iPad holding tray itself is quite durable. It’s best suited for short city roads without any risk of tablet dislodgement.
Value for Money
Being moderately priced compared to some of the other variants on this list, it sure is worth a look – As long as CDs aren’t your primary source of content.

Pros

The spring-loaded and clamp mechanism allows for a sturdy fit into your CD slot.
You can clip the holder into your CD slot and clip it out in under a minute.
The build quality is strong and durable.
The best option if you’re looking for hands-on navigation over small distances.

Cons

If you love listening to your playlists on CD, this option isn’t for you.
This model has trouble gripping smaller smartphones.
Your iPad screen is prone to vibrations over long distances.

9. Best Windshield iPad Car Mount: APPS2Car Tablet Car Mount Holder

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Why we like it: This flexible Gooseneck model by APPS2Car can stick to any surface and can carry all iPad versions.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Windshield
Ease of Installation
Installing this model is relatively easy. However, this model is exclusively meant to be a permanent solution to your tablet holding needs. The 13-inch flexible rubber arm has a spring-operated tablet mount on one end and a strong suction cup on the other. The suction cup comes with an extra adhesive gel that fixes the mount strongly to any surface you need.
Performance
The Gooseneck design of the bendable arm means you can fix this model safely on the windshield without any fear of the tablet falling off. You can set this model up on any flat surface inside your car, but we recommend using your windshield as this model is a permanent solution for holding your tablet. The flipside of using your windshield to mount this model is that it might block your driver’s seat view. Pay close to the installation process and ascertain that it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view, and you should be fine. This model is moderately priced when compared to other higher priced rear seat and cup holder iPad holders.
Strength
The bendable arm is well built – It lets you stably adjust the viewing angle as you wish. It is made of a durable bendable metal plastic alloy that lets you bend it up to 90 degrees. The suction cup adheres quite strongly to the glass surface and won’t budge easily. It carries your iPad over moderately long distances sturdily. If you’re on the lookout for an iPad holder that clips in and out over shorter distances (for convenience), this model isn’t for you. The adhesive gel makes it hard to displace the holder from the surface.
Value for Money
This model enters the list in the mid-range category – It is priced similarly to Satechi. It is a permanent fix to your iPad holding requirements at a similar price point.

Pros

GPS navigation and entertainment for the passenger’s seat.
The bendable arm is quite customizable when it comes to viewing angles.
The suction cup with the adhesive gel gives a strong grip on the glass surface.
The tray can be adjusted to fit all iPad models and larger phones.

Cons

If plug-in, plug-out convenience is what you’re looking for, this model isn’t for you.
Ensure you don’t block the driver’s seat view while setting up this model as the adhesive is quite strong.

10. Best Air Vent iPad Car Mount: OHLPRO Universal Tablet Holder

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Why we like it: While designed primarily for car air vent use, OHLPRO’s versatility lets you use it on your windshield and dashboard.
Editor’s Rating:

Mount Location: Air vent/windshield/dashboard
Ease of Installation
This model with two types of mounts – A suction cup for viable flat surfaces and an air vent mount. The air vent mount comes with a horizontal latching mechanism that you simply push into place inside the air vent. You can then attach the tablet mount to the vertical arm. The suction cup works as expected – you peel of the sticker and attach the adhesive side to either your dashboard or windshield.
Performance
Air vent and CD slot iPad car mounts give you the same thing – Easy access to navigation, calls, and entertainment (for the passenger’s seat). It’s simply convenient to fix in your iPad when the drive begins and remove it along with the tablet mount when you’re ready to exit the car. However, these models are better suited for short distances. Take precautions to not let your iPad heat up too much due to the air dissipation from the vents.
Strength
The air vent locking mechanism is adequately made. It can comfortably hold most tablets and smartphones. This model’s suction surface works perfectly fine – It attaches strongly to your dashboard while also giving you the option to remove it as you wish. This convenience comes at a cost – This model isn’t your best choice for long-distance drives or rough roads. It shakes a fair bit and poses the risk of detaching in case you’re off-roading.
Value for Money
This model is slightly cheaper when placed side by side with Cellet’s iPad car mount or even Satechi’s CD slot car mount. For the amount of convenience and user accessibility this model provides, it’s definitely worth the price point.

Pros

Versatile iPad car mount that attaches to either your air vent, windshield, or dashboard.
It can be clipped in and out as you wish.
If you opt to use the air vent mount or dashboard, it is quite discrete.
Installation is quick and simple – It does not have several moving parts.

Cons

Your iPad is prone to wobbling on rougher roads.
Not the most stable iPad car mount for long-distance drives.
Air vent blockage can cause iPad back panel heating.

Guide to Buying an iPad Car Mount
Because there are so many different ways to mount an iPad to your vehicle, there are lots of things to consider before buying your hardware. Here is what you should consider when choosing the right mount for your car.
Security
Common security threats posed by shoddy iPad car mounts include severe wobbling, tablet dislodgement, and even disassembly of mechanical parts in a few cases. Damage to your tablet – Or worse, injury to you or your passengers is possible if you pick a badly made tablet holder or install a car iPad mount wrongly.
Our list recommends the best iPad car mounts – Models designed and crafted to your different needs, taking the best manufacturing quality and security features into consideration.
User-Friendliness
The term ‘user friendly’ doesn’t refer to one specific feature in an iPad car mount, it’s the combination of several features.
Features like locking mechanisms, holder dimensions, holder customizability, viewing angle adjustability, and ease of installation work in tandem to give you the best possible user experience.
Everything you’re looking for in an iPad holder – Navigation, internet, and call connectivity, and entertainment access – should be weighed against what type of roads you’re planning to frequent.
Compatibility
Most of the mounts on our list accommodate virtually every model of iPad smaller than 10 inches. However, regardless of the one you choose, make sure it’s compatible with your car and iPad model.
A lot of the accessibility and user-friendly features iPad car mounts provide depends on how compatible it is with your car and device – More specifically, how well the locking mechanism attaches to the chosen mounting locations and the size and customizability of the tablet holder.
Accessibility
The level of accessibility your iPad car mount is going to give largely depends on the type of holder you opt for. All mounts come with two parts – An iPad holder and a mechanism to affix it to a certain location inside your car. Where you will be viewing the iPad screen from is the biggest factor when it comes accessibility features.
The angle of screen tilt, distance from the steering wheel, and how securely it attaches to the car depends on where in your car you place it – More specifically, which part of your car the locking/latching mechanism attaches to.
Durability
How your device mount handles stress is determined by the durability and in turn, the build quality. If you’re looking for a temporary solution, there’s no reason to compromise on sturdiness and durability. Most convenient iPad car mount models can be detached, disassembled, and packed away to use when you wish. Others are made from stronger material and are designed to be a permanent fixture in your car. Regardless of what type you pick, make sure the mount is constructed with the best material. Durable iPad car mounts last longer, grip your iPad firmly, and do not shake or fall off easily.
Types of iPad Car Mounts
Depending on where in your car you plan to place the iPad holder, you have several different options.
Headrest/Rear Seat iPad Car Mounts
Headrest or rear seat iPad car mounts are attached to the backside of headrests facing the rear seats. Often touted as the safest and most practical variety of iPad car mounts, headrest mounts are ideal for long distances. They’re best used for entertainment and study purposes as they face away from the driver and the passenger. Navigation and call capabilities are limited, but they sure do make up for it by occupying your kids on that long trip to the lakeside cabin.
Cup Holder iPad Car Mounts
Cup holder iPad mounts fit snugly into your (you guessed it) cup holder. These mounts come with expandable bases, adjustable trays, and multiple pivot joints that let you secure the iPad mount safely, while also customizing for usability. They’re quite sturdy as well, compared to magnetic and air vent mounts. Depending on where in your car you install it, it can be adjusted for rearview or driver view without obstructing visibility.
Seat Rail/Floor iPad Car Mounts
A slightly less common variety of iPad car mounts, the seat rails/floor clamp variety is the definition of reliability. These models require you to gear up, grab those tools, and fit them in tight. They fix onto the seat rail of the passenger seat or on the floor of the car itself. Depending on your requirements, you can adjust the height from waist high to about chest high. Seat rail iPad car mounts are sturdy and don’t obstruct your view – The only downside is the installation process.
CD Slot iPad Car Mounts
If you don’t listen to CDs often, you could consider buying a CD tray iPad car mount. These variants typically come with simple clips (or tightening screws, depending on which model you pick) equipped with sliding mechanisms – You can easily clip these in and out of your CD tray as you wish. While these models don’t obstruct your view much, they’re quite prone to wobbling – They’re the ideal pick if you’re looking for a convenient iPad car mount for short-distance drives.
Air Vent iPad Car Mounts
Air vent iPad car mounts directly plug into your front air vents. The installation process is quite straightforward – All you have to do is slide back the tab clip and secure it firmly into the vent and adjust for optimal viewing angles. These clip type car mounts are easy to fit in and remove in a pinch, but they do obstruct airflow by placing your iPad directly in front of the vent. Yes, they’re strong enough to support the weight on slightly longer distances, but you run the risk of overheating and possible tablet malfunction over prolonged usage.
Windshield/Dashboard iPad Car Mounts
This variant of iPad car mounts is the most commonly sold model. They attach to either your windshield or the front dash of your car using a powerful suction cup. These models are simple to install and don’t require much in the way of maintenance. On the flip side, they aren’t the most stable iPad car mounts on the market – They’re quite susceptible to collapse due to excess weight or rough driving conditions.
Benefits of iPad Car Mounts
Adding an iPad to your existing car is an instant upgrade! Here are some ways to use your iPad in the car.
Navigation
Most of us constantly use GPS navigation these days. Whether you’re on your phone or iPad, balancing the device inside your car without using a holder can prove dangerous. It’s an absolute no-no when you’re driving. iPad car mounts – Especially cupholder, windshield and dashboard mounts give you secure and convenient access to on-road navigation, especially if you love long drives on slightly rougher terrains.
Entertainment
Road trips are fun for the entire family – But on-road entertainment like music, movies, and games are a blessing to parents of children with a tad bit extra energy levels. We recommend you pick a sturdy headrest model like the iKross iPad mount – Headrest mounts keep your kids occupied with educational or mainstream gaming, video, and audio content.
If passenger seat entertainment is what you’re looking for, a cupholder mount can do the job just fine. Easy access to charging means endless playlists for you and your loved one.
Connectivity
Driving and talking on your smartphone isn’t just inconvenient – It’s also downright dangerous because of distraction and busy hands. Just mount an iPad on a holder and take all calls on your hands-free Bluetooth – Safe and simple. Professionals who need to stay connected to team members or managers while driving through jammed roads can benefit greatly from an iPad car mount. Magnetic dashboard models are great for taking calls on short distance drives.
FAQs
Which is the best user-friendly iPad car mount?
The user-friendliness of your iPad mount largely depends on the type you choose. Cellet’s cup holder iPad car mount is the best user-friendly tablet holder as it provides both the driver and the passenger navigation, connectivity, and entertainment capabilities over comparatively larger distance drives. WizGear’s magnetic tablet holder is also a great option if you want a truly plug in and plug out type iPad car mount.
Which is the best iPad car mount for long-distance drives?
If you’re hitting the open road for a well-deserved vacation with the family, your best bet is a headrest tablet holder. iKross’ model is the best iPad car mount for long-distance drives as it is well built and offers a range of viewing angles. It grips all iPads safely and allows rear-seat passengers to use the screen without fear of dislodging your tablet.
Are iPad car mounts dangerous?
If you pick a well-made iPad car mount and follow the instruction manual to a T, it’s not going to pose a threat to you or your passengers. Models by TFY and APPS2Car for example, are manufactured from premium raw materials to ensure they aren’t dangerous to any user. Regardless of which model you decide to pick, make sure you pay close attention to the installation process to avoid common mistakes.
Safety First
We hope this list has been helpful, but remember, a distracted driver is a dangerous driver. While the mounts on this list make using devices safer while driving, keeping your eyes on the road is the most important thing. Thousands of lives are lost every year to distracted driving, and we owe it to ourselves and each other to use our devices responsibly. More

Long car trips are a big part of American life. The cost of gasoline on top of multiple stops for expensive restaurant and gas station food can make a trip skyrocket more in price, and quickly. One way to save money is to invest in a high-quality, well-made 12-volt cooler for your vehicle.
12-volt coolers provide a portable and affordable answer to the typical gas station snacks and unhealthy fast food that peppers the American landscape. You only need a decent surface area for the cooler to sit in and an auxiliary cigarette lighter built-in to your vehicle to enjoy it to its fullest.
We’re going to show you the best 12-volt cooler choices available on the market today. Firstly, we are going to situate you with the bare minimum of what you should know before purchasing one of these 12-volt coolers in our short buyer’s guide. After that, we’ll dive right into our individual product reviews giving you all the info on the 12-volt coolers worth investing in. Then comes an extended buyer’s guide that will flesh out the fantastic benefits of owning a 12 volt cooler in the first place.

Features to Consider in a 12-Volt Cooler
If you crave even more detail on these awesome car cooler products, please be sure to look at our extended buyer’s guide after our product reviews for a more detailed look on the ins and outs of these on-the-road lifesavers.
Size
Size is on the top of your list when it comes to the most important factor in a 12-volt cooler. Are you buying this for your entire family, or are you just using a cooler to keep your lunch cool on the way to work? Size matters, especially when considering exactly what and how much you’ll be putting in your cooler.
Temperature
Some of us, especially those who live in the more southern areas of the United States, deal with extreme temperatures on the regular. Be sure that before purchasing any kind of 12-volt cooler that the product can at least chill items down to about 40 degrees. It’s also worth noting that some coolers also can freeze food completely, so if you want to bring along a pint of ice cream, make sure your cooler is up to the job.
Portability
This may not be too much of an issue depending on your usage of the cooler itself. Truckers, for instance, are generally going to want to keep their coolers on their rig. However, campers that want to enjoy fresh food during their trip may want to buy a lighter 12-volt cooler system for maximum ease of movement.
Insulation
You could own one of the best coolers in the world in terms of how cold the internal temperature gets inside the product. However, if the insulation inside isn’t up to par, you’re not going to be able to retain that cool atmosphere for very long at all. A well-sealed and insulated 12-volt cooler will not only maintain its temperature when opening the lid, but it will also stay at the same temperature even when exposed to increased levels of heat, such as when sitting directly in the sun’s rays.
Energy Concerns
Battery and solar-powered coolers exist, however they generally come with a steep price tag. Most of these products plug into an energy outlet for charging, the more energy-efficient the cooler is, the easier it is on your car battery in the long run.

Top 10 Best 12-Volt Coolers 2020

1. Best Overall 12-Volt Cooler: Alpicool CF35 Portable

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Why we like it: Not only is this the most affordable family option on our list, but it’s the perfect mix of price point as well as overall options.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 35L, 45L, and 55L
Weight: 28lbs
Connections: 12/24V DC
Review
This solidly-built 12-volt cooler is the king of our list, balancing quality alongside its economical price point.
With options for 35, 45, and 55 liters of interior storage, all options are more than enough for a family outing. The 35L version comes in at a relatively light 28lbs, so it’s not going to be too much of a hassle to store in and out of a vehicle, and with easily accessible side handles, you won’t have trouble getting a decent grip.
In our opinion, the neatest thing about the Alpicool CF35 is that it is specifically built for off-roading purposes. That means it can tolerate strange angles that one might run into on backwoods adventures without missing a beat when it comes to keeping your food and beverages cool and fresh. On top of that, it also comes with a three-stage battery protection system, which keeps the cooler from draining your car battery completely, a good thing to have when you’re out and about in the backcountry!
Verdict
The biggest issue we found with this cooler is that airflow is necessary for it to function properly. The compressor must not be obscured by anything else in your vehicle, so it’s crucial you put it in a relatively open-air location. If you have a cramped vehicle, this may not be the best option for you on this list.

Pros

Great value for the price
Lots of room for food and beverages
Three-stage car battery protection system
Built tough, and for off-roading
Light despite its roomy interior

Cons

Needs proper airflow, or the compressor will not work adequately

2. Best Value: Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler

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Why we like it: This solidly-built and well-insulated cooler from well-known brand Igloo can hold up to 32 12-oz cans at one time, all at a bargain price.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 28qt
Weight: 10lbs
Connections: 12-volt DC, 110-volt outlet
Review
Much like the Cooluli Mini Fridge on this list, the Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric cooler is a portable affair. This is very much a casual 12-volt cooler for things like short day trips, small picnics at the park, and other more minor events, as it has a relatively small capacity.
With that being said, however, it still cools down to below 40 degrees and has enough capacity for a few days for a single person. And if you find the cooling capacity on this model lacking, there’s enough room in this model to add additional ice, keeping your food and beverages fresh for hours.
This is a tough 12-volt cooler as well. Made of solid polypropylene plastic, if this model happens to take a nasty fall out of one’s vehicle, it will stay intact. This thing is built to last! On top of that, the cooling fan built into the top of the unit is pretty much silent, so you won’t have to deal with a loud, super-annoying cooling fan hum while trying to enjoy activities and conversation with your family and friends.
To sweeten the design of this cooler more, the size and shape (a tall height but small, narrow base) help it fit pretty much anywhere in your vehicle, whether sitting somewhere in the trunk or even inside the cab in between seats. This efficient design makes it extremely versatile when it comes to storage.
Verdict
One of the biggest problems we found with the Igloo 12-volt cooler is that it requires an adapter to be used with indoor outlets. Other than that, especially for the price, it’s hard to beat this product, especially with all the great design features and the overall price point of the entire product. It’s a solid deal for a solidly-built 12-volt cooler.

Pros

8-foot long power cord
Quiet motor
Great insulated design
Carry handle
LED light on the plug when the unit is operational

Cons

Indoor use requires an adaptor

3. Best Budget 12-Volt Cooler: Wagan 12V Cooler/Warmer

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Why we like it: This inexpensive cooling/heating unit is roomy and can even hold larger 2L bottles of water and soda.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 14L
Weight: 10lbs
Connections: 12-volt DC, AC adaptor sold separately
Review
This compact 12-volt cooler is a great and inexpensive option for any on-the-go family that wants a lot of storage space at a budget price.
This 12-volt cooler can hold up to 12 regular-sized cans of soda OR two 2L bottles of soda. That’s a lot of space for an inexpensive model! And due to the awesome polyurethane foam insulated interior, your food and beverage choices will stay chilly for long periods.
One of the cooler things we found about this product is the excellent 7.5-foot cord that comes with the cooler. This allows you to plug it up to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or any other DC adaptor and have the cooler sit comfortably in the back seat, cooling (or heating) your food and drinks uninterrupted.
Verdict
The biggest problem we noticed with the Wagan cooler is that the top’s seal might come loose if the cooler is packed too full of goods, so that’s something to be aware of when you’re planning out a trip. Otherwise, this is a fantastic buy at its price point and will give you a lot of value in the long run.

Pros

7.5-foot cord provided
Folding handle
Polyurethane foam insulation
Hot/Cold/Off indicator light

Cons

The top’s seal may not stay intact depending on how stuffed the cooler is

4. Koolatron P-20 Compact Thermo

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Why we like it: The narrow design of this 12-volt cooler makes it ideal for narrow spaces.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 18qt
Weight: 5lbs
Connections: 12-volt DC. 110/120-volt AC
Review
If you’re looking for a 12-volt cooler that can fit in pretty much any narrow space in your car, home, or some other area of your life with very little room, then the Koolatron P20 Compact is the option for you! Also, it’s a decent size at around 18 quarts, so it’s more than enough when it comes to storing food for one to two individuals.
With a simple flip of a switch, this cooler can switch between cool and warm modes. The cool mode can go as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the outside temperature. However, if you’re looking to warm some food up on a cold winter day, the Koolatron P20 can also work in the opposite direction, warming things up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. An AC adaptor can be purchased separately, allowing you to use this cooler with a standard outlet.
Verdict
The downside to the Koolatron P20 is that it doesn’t come with an AC adaptor. These can easily be bought separately, however, and we think the narrow design of this 12-volt cooler more than makes up for it.

Pros

Folding handle system
Slender fit ideal for nooks and crannies in cramped vehicles
Quiet cooling motor

Cons

AC adaptor sold separately

5. Best Large 12-Volt Cooler: Costway 55 Quart Car Cooler

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Why we like it: This 12-volt cooler borders on a full-blown car refrigerator with its fast cooling capabilities.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 52L
Weight: 36lbs
Connections: 12/24V DC, 110-240V AC
Review
This beast of a 12-volt cooler is closer to a car refrigerator more than any other item on this list, except maybe for the ARB Portable Fridge/Freezer.
First up is the overall construction quality of this product. It’s built ridiculously tough, and it can withstand terrible drops. On top of that, it has a huge 52L carrying capacity, so this product can easily store food and beverages for an entire family, and then some.
The Costway is also extremely cooling efficient. Within just 30 minutes, the Costway cooler can go from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 Fahrenheit-an insane rate of cooling well worth the price tag.
On top of all those fantastic features, the Costway cooler also comes with a lot of different accessories including an internal wire-constructed basket system for organizational purposes. It also comes with both AC as well as DC cables for both indoor as well as outdoor/vehicle use.
Verdict
As far as negatives go, the worst aspect of this product is its high energy consumption. For this reason, we don’t recommend it being connected to a car battery for too long if the vehicle’s engine isn’t running. Other than that, this is a superb product that is possibly the best family option on this list.

Pros

3 different settings for car battery usage
Vivid LCD
Comes with power cord
30-minute fast cooldown
Huge amount of carrying space

Cons

Potentially can drain a car battery fast

6. Best Premium 12-Volt Cooler: ARB Portable Fridge/Freezer

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Why we like it: Widely considered to be the best 12-volt cooler/refrigerator on the market. If you’ve got the cash, this model will be sure to please.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 37Qt
Weight: 56lbs
Connections: 12/24V DC and 120V AC
Review
First things first, the interior is incredibly spacious, and the 37qt model can hold a whopping 50 12oz cans of soda. So, use that as a mental picture to help you understand the sheer volume of space this cooler has!
As a compression-based 12-volt refrigerator, the outside temperature doesn’t really matter much to it when it comes to its maximum cooling capabilities. Even in the hottest conditions, it can go as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s also built extremely tough. This product was made for the intrepid adventurer in mind. Not only does it function at pretty much any angle of incline, but it can keep food cold as long as a refrigerator if used properly.
Verdict
This is obviously a very high-end product, and with it comes a steep price tag. Additionally, an additional purchase of an insulation jacket might be necessary to help insulate while staying cold in hot temperatures. If you’ve got the cash, however, this is a great purchase option.

Pros

Comes in 37, 50, and 82-quart versions
Holds up to 50 12oz cans of soda
Can go as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit
Comes with two power cables: DC and AC
Comes with a three-year warranty

Cons

Extremely expensive
Might need extra insulation

7. Knox Gear 48 Quart Electric Cooler/Warmer

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Why we like it: This 12-volt cooler comes complete with wheels, making this one of the most mobile options on our list.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 48qt
Weight: 16lbs
Connections: 12V DC and 110V AC
Review
The presence of wheels on this 12-volt cooler is the first really noticeable thing with this product. With a 48-quart carrying capacity, you’re possibly going to need those wheels in order to lug around everything you can fit in this thing!
The most crucial thing to note about this cooler, however, is how it’s designed. There are two handles built into it. One extends outward much like you would see on a wheeled luggage carrier, the others are embedded on the side as you would see on any cooler you could purchase at a local grocery store. This makes transporting the large cooler easy.
Even the cord systems are built into the cooler itself, so you won’t have any chance of losing them. In fact, they have a built-in section dedicated just for them alone, which we found to be a really neat addition.
Verdict
This product comes with a pretty short cord, so you’re not going to be taking this 12-volt cooler too far from the car or electrical outlet. However, for its price, storage capacity, and the fact that it’s wheeled, this is a fantastic choice for your cooling needs.

Pros

Comes with DC and AC cables
Lots of space
Great price
Wheeled for easier movement

Cons

The power cord could definitely be longer.

8. Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler/Warmer

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Why we like it: It’s a small, compact, low cost, and a great starter cooler for keeping a small amount of food cool on the road.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 4qt
Weight: 4lbs
Connections: AC, DC, USB
Review
This cooler is super compact and looks more like a powered lunchbox than a refrigerator. However, if you’re not too concerned about a small capacity, this 12-volt cooler might be the item you’re looking for.
A great thing about this cooler is it comes with both an AC adaptor (for at-home use) as well as a DC cable for use with a vehicle. On top of that, it also comes with USB capabilities, but we wouldn’t recommend that as the cooling/heating output isn’t as good with that sort of connection.
This cooler is also a fantastic pick for the individual who is looking to let their personality shine with their choice of product. The Cooluli comes with a whopping seven different color options to choose from, allowing you a greater range of aesthetic options than most of the products on this list.
Verdict
Sitting in the $50 range, the best thing about this product is its price. The cost, while awesome, comes at a cost of additional space. The cooler can only fit a maximum of 6 cans of soda, so it’s really not the most ideal for family situations, but probably better suited for an individual that’s on the go, or is looking for a low-cost solution to transporting their medications, such as insulin. But even then, you could go with better options on this list.

Pros

Comes in lots of color choices
One of the most affordable 12-volt coolers on the market
Small, space-efficient design
Great for truckers and individuals on the go
Helpful carrying handle

Cons

Not big enough for family use

9. Koolatron P27 Voyager

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Why we like it: This solidly built 12-volt cooler is a good choice for people looking for simplicity over extras.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 29qt
Weight: 11lbs
Connections: 12V DC and 110V AC
Review
The Koolatron Voyager is a decent thermoelectric cooler that can hold quite a bit of food and drink for your family’s needs. It also doubles as a food warmer in a pinch as well, like most thermoelectric coolers on this list.
What separates this product from other inexpensive coolers like the Cooluli Mini Fridge and the Wagan 12v is how absolutely solid it is built. In fact, the manufacturer specifically says that the only movable aspect of the cooler is the actual motor of the cooling fan itself. Because of this solid-state sort of construction, it pretty much ensures that this product won’t break down.
Verdict
A couple of things knocked the score of this product down a bit. For one, there’s no AC adaptor included with the product, forcing you to buy it separately. Also, and probably the biggest issue, the power cord mechanism here can easily loosen from the body of the cooler. This could be a really bad prospect if one lost the cord during the middle of a camping trip, causing countless dollars of food and drink to potentially go to waste.

Pros

Automatic locking mechanism built into the handle
Big enough for a family
Great price

Cons

Doesn’t include AC adaptor
The power cord can loosen easily

10. Coleman 40-Quart Portable Cooler

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Why we like it: The Coleman portable cooler is a solid low-cost option for families who are looking for a lot of storage space on a lower budget.
Editor’s Rating:

Specs
Capacity: 40Qt
Weight: 15lbs
Connections: 12V DC and 110V AC
Review
Coleman is a well-known name in coolers and outdoor supplies, and we just had to include one of their products on our list of 12-volt coolers. This is a great option if you’re on a budget and you need a lot of storage space at the same time.
The most noticeable thing about this cooler is its slick “door” design. This allows it not only to be used in an upright position but also down on its side like a traditional refrigerator setup.
Additionally, the Coleman cooler isn’t that heavy at 15 lbs, which makes it light enough to be transportable. And with a 40qt interior, you’ll have more than enough room for food and beverages for everyone.
Verdict
Although it’s a good low-cost option, there are some problems with this Coleman cooler. First off, the cooling fan built into the model is quite loud. Coleman doesn’t have the best reputation for durable products either, especially with prolonged use in high-temperature areas. The Coleman 12-volt cooler doesn’t really work efficiently in places with ambient temperature over 80 degrees, so take that into consideration before purchase. If you’re looking for a cooler that keeps things cool even in ultra-hot climates, check out the ARB Portable Fridge/Freezer.

Pros

Can be used upright or more like a chest
Efficient “door” design
Affordable for the volume

Cons

Loud cooling fan
Can give out with prolonged use in the heat

Guide to Buying The Best 12-Volt Cooler
Here are a few additional in-depth points that we feel can expand a bit more on what we originally covered in the brief buyer’s guide that went over earlier in the article. Let’s take a closer look at what makes owning a 12-volt cooler product such a cool prospect!
The Positives of Buying a 12-Volt Cooler
Individuals have been using 12-volt coolers for years, especially if they are one the road a lot. Truck drivers, who are extremely vital to keeping the United States economy in tip-top shape, absolutely rely on them when it comes to keeping their food and drink supply properly maintained while dealing with transporting freight.
Diet
The rest of the population, however, has also caught on to the value of these coolers, and with good reason. If your job has you on the road often and you adhere to a specific dietary needs, then a 12-volt cooler might be your ticket to a better level of health. It’s a sad fact that fast food options and your typical gas station eats don’t cut it when it comes to overall healthy eating, but with a 12-volt cooler in your vehicle’s arsenal, you can bypass the less-than-stellar food lining America’s highways.
Keeping Medicines Cold
In some more serious cases, a 12-volt cooler can even help ensure that people have access to medicine while also providing peace of mind. People with diabetic conditions that require insulin supplementation can safely store their materials in a 12-volt cooler in case of a serious emergency and not worry about spoiling their life-saving medical supplies while on long car trips or in hot weather conditions.
Extra Features
Some 12-volt coolers come complete with USB ports embedded in them. This is a fantastic addition for not just you but the entire family. On the off chance that you didn’t store any form of external power sources with you prior to a middle-of-nowhere camping outing, no fear! These sorts of coolers can charge up your smartphone and any number of other USB-related devices as long as your car has gas.
Financial Considerations
Last, but not least, we think one of the very best reasons to invest in a 12-volt cooler is that you will definitely end up saving more money in the long run than you would without one. Convenience food is just that, convenient, and it comes at a cost that adds up. Why not load up on your favorite snacks, beverages, and quality meals before going out on the road in the first place? Not only is it smart on a sheer financial level, but it also gives you complete control over your trip. You’ll never have to make a pit stop for a can of energy drink ever again!
Types of 12-Volt Coolers
There are a few different versions of a 12-volt cooler on the market, mainly distinguishable by the way they keep things cool. Check out the following types of coolers.
Thermoelectric
This is the main kind of 12-volt cooler you’re going to find available. They are usually not very bulky and can cool items 30-40 degrees below outside temperature depending on the model, no ice needed!
Thermoelectric coolers utilize what is known as the Peltier effect in order to facilitate heat transfer. This transfer takes place between two internal semiconductor “plates” that are constantly shifting heat to one another; so while one of these plates is losing heat energy, another one is gaining it. The cooling plate is located on the inside of the cooler, while the heating plate is located on the outside of the cooler.
When the plate on the inside of the cooler reaches lower temperature levels, it will also lower the overall temperature inside the cooler as a whole. Ideally, if the cooler is very well insulated, it will stay that way!
The interesting thing about thermoelectric coolers is that you can replace the inner cooling plate with the outside heating plate and convert your 12-volt cooler into a 12 volt warmer in a jiffy. Not only can you keep food cool, but you can also keep it warm at your discretion.
Something to be clear about with thermoelectric coolers, however… they can not keep food frozen, so be aware of that before considering any kind of purchase. These are better for shorter car trips or if you live in a colder climate than other parts of the world. If you live in a place where the daily temperature gets to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or more, this type of 12-volt cooler won’t keep your items very cold for long at all.
Compressor Coolers
Compressor-based cooling systems use refrigerant liquid or some other type of coolant-based substance to properly manipulate the internal temperature of the cooler. These types of 12-volt coolers are equivalent to home refrigeration systems and can be used for both keeping items relatively cool as well as outright freezing them.
Compressor refrigeration units literally “compress” the refrigerant fluid inside the unit. This increases pressure and temperature in the process. The super pressurized refrigerant then becomes a gas and snakes through the condenser coils located on the outside of the unit. Since these coils are out in the open, they are then exposed to outside temperatures. If the outside temperature is lower than the refrigerant’s temperature, then the refrigerant becomes liquid. This highly-pressurized liquid then moves through a narrowly-shaped expansion valve and emerges as supercooled vapor.
Absorption Refrigerators
These are the heavy-hitters of the 12 volt cooler world. They also happen to use an insane amount of power and are best used in RVs as opposed to standard road vehicles, as the power required for these coolers can easily exhaust a full car battery very fast. If you buy an absorption refrigerator, we recommend purchasing a deep cycle battery.
FAQ
Can 12-volt coolers drain a car battery with prolonged use?
If your vehicle is currently on the go, or the engine is running, then a 12-volt cooler won’t tax your car battery. A good recommendation is to always unplug your cooler when you park your vehicle, that way it won’t sap any excess energy from your car battery. A car battery can support a cooler for a short period of time without the motor running.
How long does it take for a 12-volt cooler to lower its temperature?
A lot of this depends on the temperature outside or in one’s vehicle, but a good litmus to go by is usually at least one hour or a little over an hour for your cooler to hit a decent 30-40 degree lower temperature. Prepping and pre-cooling your cooler in the comfort of your own home before making a trip is a practical option in order to bypass long cooling times.
Is the warming portion of a 12-volt cooler really that effective?
Some 12-volt coolers can warm food items as well as keep them cold. This, however, is not the equivalent to utilizing something like a microwave or an oven. The heat setting on 12-volt thermoelectric coolers like the Koolatron P-20 and the Wagan 12v generally is just to keep food at a certain “fresh” temperature (such as a sandwich or a nice cup of coffee) so that you aren’t consuming ice-cold food when you don’t have to.
How cold can 12-volt coolers get?
Now, this really depends on the product, but usually, 12-volt coolers can pump out temperatures 30-40 degrees lower than the current temperature in one’s geographic area, ensuring the food and beverages inside are at a nice and chilly state of being.
Can a 12-volt cooler keep food cold even when unplugged?
This really depends on the overall quality of one’s product, however, generally speaking, a cooler should keep food and beverages chilly for several hours assuming the lid on the cooler stays closed and sealed. The length of this time can vary depending on the product you purchase.
Helpful Hints for Using a 12-Volt Cooler
It’s crucial to note that every 12-volt cooler is going to be different. Be sure to consult the manual that comes with it in order to set it up and utilize it to its maximum capacity. However, here are a few nonspecific tips to get the most out of your new cooling unit.
Keep all 12-volt coolers level inside your vehicle if at all possible. This applies even if it’s plugged in or not. It’s good to make this a habit, even if your model specifies that it doesn’t matter if it needs to be level or not.
This seems like a no-brainer, but keep your cooler clean. Not only will it cut down on nasty odors in the long run, but it also will ultimately keep more serious issues, such as mold and bacteria, at bay.
A lot of 12-volt cooler models come with a decent amount of power cord, but if you’re not 100% sure, always bring an extra extension cord with you on your trip as you’ll never know if you might need it.
Do you live in a really hot environment? If so, consider adding even more insulation to the outside of your 12-volt cooler. Some models come with these covers already with the product itself, but others can be purchased separately.
Ice isn’t needed for things like thermoelectric coolers, however, in hotter climates, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add some inside the cooler to keep things as cool as possible or to prolong the useable unplugged time of a cooler. Be sure to put the ice in a sealable, tough bag of some kind, otherwise, you’re going to be cleaning up a lot of water.
For even more helpful tips on what to look for when buying a 12-volt cooler, please check out this video.
Final Considerations
12-volt coolers are a great addition to any vehicle, especially on extended. Coolers allow some of the conveniences of being at home, helping keep food nice and fresh while out on the road for long periods of time. They even come in handy for individuals that need to keep precious materials, such as medicines, chilled and always at the ready for when they are needed the most.
If you are still having a problem considering any of the products we chose for our list, take another look at our short buyer’s guide as well as our extended buyer’s guide for a much more in-depth look on what you should really look out for in a quality 12-volt cooler for your personal needs.
Until next time, we’ll see you on the road! More