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The best PopSockets product we found was the PopSockets PopGrip: Swappable Grip (available at PopSockets)—a simple, easy to install, low-cost phone grip and stand that made everything about using our phones easier. But because we were looking at more than just holders alone, we were really fascinated by the PopSockets Black Multi-Surface Mount for car use as well.
Editor’s Note
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
PopSockets PopGrip
When it comes to PopSockets, the classic PopGrip: Swappable Grip was by far our favorite option, offering a combination of simplicity, style, and affordability, which most of our testers could get behind.
During testing, we were impressed by how quickly this phone grip and stand hybrid transformed the way we used our phones, helping improve grip and reduce the risk of drops. We also noticed a significant difference in how easy the PopGrip made texting and taking selfies, and keeping corded earbuds tangle-free.
The PopGrip: Swappable Grip—which is essentially the model for all other PopSockets—features a thin plastic base with an adhesive back and an accordion-style stem made from a combination of polycarbonate, TPU, and polyurethane, which pops in and out when it expands. It’s addictive and also makes it super functional as a kickstand, which made it easier for us to watch videos on our phones.
But of course, the thing that stands out the most is the decorative disc at the top, which comes in a variety of funky colors and patterns. Swapping the disc out was easy too: just press the accordion stem down flat, twist the decorative disc to the right, and remove it. To fit a new one into the plastic base, all we had to do was line it up and twist it to the right, which was also remarkably easy.
Touted as reusable and easy to reposition (more on that later), the PopGrip: Swappable Grip is everything we were looking for from a phone grip. Some testers—notably, those who had never used this style of phone grip before—disliked the sensation of having it between their fingers, but we chalked that up to a personal preference. For almost everyone who tried it, the PopGrip: Swappable Grip seemed like the ideal choice.
PopSockets PopMount: Multi-Surface
Although PopSockets has a few options out there for car mounts, our pick for the best was actually the Multi-Surface Mount, which we found to be the most versatile and reliable to use. Multiple Amazon reviewers say it can stay in place, even on hot dashboards and through heavy use, and one of our in-house testers has used the Multi-Surface Mount in their car for over a year without any setbacks.
Beyond just cars, the mount is multi-surface, meaning you can attach your phone to any vertical surface, like a bathroom mirror, a tiled wall, or kitchen cabinet, and go entirely hands-free, which could be ideal for anyone following a recipe or trying to follow along with a tutorial.
We let it settle for a full 8 hours before using our phones on it. During our initial test, the mount did collapse over a sink, causing our tester’s phone to fall. Fortunately, the phone survived, and our tester—who had been using a PopSocket on a textured case versus a smooth one—was able to reapply it and reuse the mount without any issues, leading our tester to speculate that it was an issue with the case itself, not the mount.
PopSockets PopGrip Backspin
Part of the appeal of PopSockets is that they’re basically a lot like fidget spinners. For most, manually twisting the tops around and/or popping the accordion-style base up and down repeatedly is part of the fun. Ipso facto, it was only a matter of time before the company caught on and made a PopSocket that’s actually a legitimate fidget spinner too.
Made with a spinnable aluminum top, the PopGrip Backspin is a grip-spinner hybrid that can help put restless hands at ease and creates a nifty optical illusion as it spirals. Although it’s a blast to play with, this PopSocket does come with a few notable issues.
In testing, we found that the top—which is equipped with ball bearings to create that spinning functionality—creates a loud and noticeable whizzing sound whenever it moves, which could be distracting to some users. Our tester used it on a slightly textured case with a polycarbonate shell and had no issues with it staying intact, although the company itself suggests it works best on smooth plastic cases. While it’s not compatible with any PopSockets mount, this one was easily the best non-traditional PopSocket we tested.
PopSockets PopGrip: The Child
Looking for a PopSocket that flaunts your nerdy side? You can represent your favorite fandom and start a couple of conversations along the way with something from the PopSockets PopCulture collection. Although these repositionable PopSockets are just like our favorite choice overall in that they work as both grips and smartphone stands, come with a built-in PopTop, and are completely compatible with all PopSocket-branded mounts, they have a distinct aesthetic edge. For example, our tester—a massive Star Wars fan—opted for a PopSocket from The Mandalorian featuring Baby Yoda, but there are plenty of pop culture picks to make your geeky heart squeal with delight, from Harry Potter to The Avengers and so much more.
PopSockets PopGrip Lips
This PopSocket is the one that surprised us the most. Initially, it seemed a bit gimmicky, since it comes with lip balm inside of it. While the design itself is cute—we tested Strawberry Feels, which features a lip balm that’s flavored to match—we had mixed expectations for how the PopSocket itself would be, given its larger size. We were pleasantly surprised to find that it was one of the most comfortable ones we used.
Compared to standard PopSockets, our tester liked the fullness of this grip, which made it easier to hold for scrolling and other tasks. The strawberry lip balm, made with vitamin E and beeswax, was less enjoyable, since our tester found it somewhat drying on her lips. But with four other refillable varieties to choose from—including vanilla, watermelon, blue raspberry, and cotton candy—this PopSocket could be a good option for anyone looking for something a little sweet and unexpected from a phone grip.
