I feel spoiled getting to test the best electric cars on the market, primarily because they all come with built-in support for CarPlay or Android Auto. However, I lose those luxuries the moment I switch back to my 15-year-old car — which is so "analog" it doesn't even have Bluetooth. That’s why I’ve been using this magnetic phone holder, which is now on sale.
The 3rd-generation Lisen Auto Vacuum 3.0 is on sale for $34 at Amazon. I’ve tested previous versions of this MagSafe mount, but the improvements in this latest iteration make it way better with its improved suction and swift articulation. And yes, it's my new favorite car accessory. Here’s why.
No more wasting money on a dash cam
The best thing about the Lisen Auto Vacuum 3.0 is the combination of its magnetic ring and automatic vacuum suction, which kicks in to ensure an airtight seal every time. I’ve been using it to transform my phone into a versatile dash cam by mounting it directly to the center of my windshield.
Thanks to that MagSafe ring, I can quickly latch my iPhone 17 Pro into place and make micro-adjustments to get the perfect angle for the ultrawide camera. While 4K video offers the best quality, I recommend using time-lapse mode for those longer drives to save on storage.
If that’s not enough, I also love being able to capture both front and rear-facing views simultaneously by tapping into the iPhone 17 Pro’s new Dual Capture mode.
Get that GoPro-like cinematic look
In the past, I’ve often strapped my GoPro Hero 13 Black to my windshield or glass roof to capture footage while testing cars — but maneuvering a traditional suction mount to the right angle is a constant headache that annoys me a lot. Thankfully, I haven't had any of that fuss while using the Lisen Auto Vacuum 3.0 with my phone.
The 4-axis flex mount provides a total rotation of 1440 degrees, making it easy to find the perfect shot. Whether I want a top-down perspective or a unique side-angle look, adjusting my phone’s camera with this mount is significantly easier than fumbling with my GoPro. Best of all, the footage remains smooth and jitter-free.
Perfect angle for glancing at directions
The one thing I use most while driving is turn-by-turn navigation via Google Maps or Apple Maps. With the Lisen Auto Vacuum 3.0, I love how easily I can remove it from one surface and quickly reattach it somewhere else. Holding down the button releases the vacuum, and once placed on a new surface, it automatically re-engages the seal.
Even on bumpy roads, the mount never relinquishes its grip because the internal sensor is constantly monitoring vacuum pressure levels. If it senses the seal is weakening, it automatically kicks in to reapply the necessary pressure to keep everything airtight.
This simple feature gives the Lisen Auto Vacuum 3.0 a ton of utility. While traditional suction mounts slowly lose their grip over time, this one stays rock-solid — provided you keep the battery charged. I’ve been driving with it for two weeks now and haven’t needed to plug it in once.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
