Belkin Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays Review: 2 Ways to Bring Your iPhone More Easily into Mac Video Experiences

Belkin Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays Review

Apple’s Continuity camera is a a great idea. Unfortunately, getting a camera in the right position to be of use during conference calls can be a pain. Charging stands are often too short, forcing the camera to shoot up toward the subject, which is often considered an unflattering angle. Belkin’s offers a solution in the Belkin Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays, which allows a MagSafe camera to hover above a monitor of MacBook display. It even brings a standard tripod mount to the party.

While a very good idea, the Belkin Mount, in practice, feels precarious, especially with a thousand-dollar (or much more) camera hanging on the edge of a display. I had the same issue with the suction cup solution in STM Goods MagArm. I feel less worried about the phone when it is mounted securely on a tripod, which I have thankfully collected in many shapes and configurations over the years. The 0.87in/22.1mm x 2.81in/71.37mm x 2.3in/58.42mm Belkin Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays transforms those tripods, no, perhaps more precisely, modernizes them for the MagSafe era.

I do still worry about someone knocking into a tripod and watching my phone fly off of it and on to a concrete floor during a conference, but at least for me, I worry less about that than the tiny lip that dangles over the edge of the monitor,―a worry informed by several webcams taking a spill by my clumsiness over the years. (To be clear, I’m not worry about the iPhone dislodging from the magnet, but the entire thing falling off the display).

What we like

Pros

• Strong MagSafe connection ensures secure phone attachment.
• Compatible with a wide range of iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) and displays.
• Adjustable viewing angle up to 25 degrees downward.
• Supports both portrait and landscape orientations.
• Includes a 1/4” tripod screw thread for versatile mounting options.
• Premium metal construction with a sleek finish.
• Easy to set up and use with Continuity Camera feature in macOS Ventura.
• Foldable design for portability and storage. 

The Belkin Mount with MagSafe provides a robust magnetic connection, confidently securing your iPhone in place. This strength greatly reduces the risk of accidental drops or shifts during important video calls, recordings, or live streams, enhancing reliability in professional settings.

Compatibility with a broad range of iPhones—specifically iPhone 12 and later—ensures that a wide segment of users can seamlessly integrate this mount into their workflow. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile accessory suitable for personal and professional use alike.

The adjustable viewing angle, which allows for up to 25 degrees of downward tilt, significantly enhances usability. It makes finding the ideal camera position effortless, improving image framing during video conferencing or content creation, particularly in varied lighting or seating conditions.

Supporting both portrait and landscape orientations further elevates its utility. Whether conducting a meeting, streaming content, or recording video, the ability to quickly switch orientations helps cater to diverse use cases without any complicated adjustments.

Inclusion of a standard 1/4” tripod screw thread extends the mount’s versatility well beyond desktop use. Users can easily attach it to tripods or other camera rigs, significantly expanding creative options and setup flexibility for video calls or streaming environments.

Crafted from premium metal with a rubberised finish, the Belkin Mount offers both professional aesthetics and durability. This choice of materials not only enhances the visual appeal but also promises long-lasting performance, even under frequent use.

Setup is straightforward and intuitive, particularly when leveraging macOS Ventura’s Continuity Camera feature. Users can quickly connect their devices without technical complications, instantly turning their iPhones into high-quality webcams.

Finally, the foldable design enhances portability and simplifies storage. Whether traveling for business or rearranging your workspace, the compact form ensures convenient handling and easy transport.

The Belkin Mount with MagSafe ships with a 2-year warranty.

What could be improved

Cons

• No built-in charging capability; requires separate cable for power.
• $39.99 may be considered too costly for a phone mount.
• Does not fit securely.
• Some users report that the hinge may loosen over time with frequent use. 

The absence of built-in charging capability is a big miss. Users must manage separate cables to keep their iPhone powered during extended use, which could lead to cluttered workspaces and detract from the convenience factor promised by a sleek mount solution. Many MagSafe charging solutions are significantly slimmer and lighter than the Belkin Mount with MagSafe, suggesting that they could have included this feature if they had wanted to.

Priced at $39.99, the Belkin Mount with MagSafe sits at the higher end of the market, which may deter cost-sensitive users or those seeking more economical alternatives. While premium construction justifies some of this cost, budget-minded buyers may hesitate to invest at this level for a mount. Some alternatives also include MagSafe charging.

The Belkin Mount with MagSafe hangs on a monitor or display. There is a thin rubberrised lip than creates a hold. It often feels too thin to me. The mount might fit even less securely on ultra-thin or curved monitors. Users with modern or uniquely designed displays could find that the mount doesn’t remain stable or securely attached, limiting its overall versatility in certain setups.

Some users have reported that the hinge mechanism loosens over time, particularly with frequent angle adjustments. I have seen that in other hinged products. Unfortunately, unlike the Twelve South Curve Flex stand, for instance, the Belkin Mount doesn’t include any way to tighten down a loosening hinge. Such wear could compromise stability, potentially reducing the longevity and reliability of the mount.

While not really a negative, as the product name provides clear guidance, this mount is only compatible with MagSafe-enabled iPhones (iPhone 12 and later). Users with older or non-MagSafe iPhones must purchase additional accessories or adapters if they want to use it (or any other MagSafe product).

Belkin Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays: The bottom line

The Belkin Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays is a well-designed accessory that enhances the functionality of your iPhone by enabling its use as a webcam through macOS Ventura’s Continuity Camera feature. Its strong magnetic connection, adjustable angles, and tripod compatibility make it a versatile tool for professionals and content creators. However, considerations regarding its price, compatibility with certain monitors, and lack of integrated charging should be weighed before purchase.

Belkin provided the Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays for review. Images courtesy of Belkin unless otherwise noted.

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