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Almost every vehicle has a built-in cup holder for your favorite beverage. Many, however, are awkwardly positioned or too small for some cups and bottles. They might even be unsecured and cause inconvenient liquid spills. To avoid a mess in your car or truck, you can upgrade your cup holders with aftermarket ones. Check out the top options in this buying guide.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Swigzy Car Cup Holder
- Best Value: Bottle Pro Car Cup Holder
- Best for Large Bottles: Smart Kup Car Cup Holder
- Most Versatile: Camco Adjustable Drink Holder
Best Car Cup Holders: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Swigzy Car Cup Holder
Constructed of high-quality ABS, the Swigzy Car Cup Holder can be used in cars and RVs, as well as on boats, golf carts, and motorcycles. The base extends from 2.5 to 3.75 inches, so it can fit in a variety of different-sized cup holders. It accommodates bottles that are 3.4 to 3.8 inches in diameter, including Hydro Flask or Yeti bottles that hold 32 to 40 ounces. The device holds onto your beverage using firm rubber tabs, yet it’s easy to remove the bottle when you need a drink. Plus, it has a slot on the side if you choose to insert a mug with a handle on it. Users report that the Swigzy holds bottles snugly in place even during spirited driving. The manufacturer also provides a one-year warranty should you experience any defects with the product.
However, it may be too large for some users and may block controls on the center console. Also, it may be too tight for some bottles, and the silicone ring isn’t very good quality.
Best Value
Bottle Pro Car Cup Holder
Constructed of high-quality ABS, the Swigzy Car Cup Holder can be used in cars and RVs, as well as on boats, golf carts, and motorcycles. The base extends from 2.5 to 3.75 inches, so it can fit in a variety of different-sized cup holders. It accommodates bottles that are 3.4 to 3.8 inches in diameter, including Hydro Flask or Yeti bottles that hold 32 to 40 ounces. The device holds onto your beverage using firm rubber tabs, yet it’s easy to remove the bottle when you need a drink. Plus, it has a slot on the side if you choose to insert a mug with a handle on it. Users report that the Swigzy holds bottles snugly in place even during spirited driving. The manufacturer also provides a one-year warranty should you experience any defects with the product.
However, it may be too large for some users and may block controls on the center console. Also, it may be too tight for some bottles, and the silicone ring isn’t very good quality.
Best for Large Bottles
Smart Kup Car Cup Holder
Like some other options on this list, the SMART KUP Car Cup Holder can hold 32- to 40-ounce Hydro Flask, Nalgene, and other large bottles with diameters up to 3.8 inches. It’s made of strong ABS plastic, fits in most vehicle cup holders, and has a 3-inch upper lip that prevents it from tipping over when you make turns (many other brands have shorter, 2-inch lips with less protection). The holder also features a 1-inch cutout, so you can insert mugs and other cups with handles. Overall, users are impressed by its design, construction, durability, and capacity to hold big bottles.
Unfortunately, you may need to make some adjustments for a perfect fit. In addition, the opening is wider compared to standard holders, and it might cause smaller and narrower cups to wobble when you’re driving.
Most Versatile
Camco Adjustable Drink Holder
The Camco Adjustable Drink Holder is a bit different from the other products on our list, as it’s an actual cup holder, not a cup holder adapter. You don’t need an existing cup holder for it to work. Designed for cars, trucks, RVs, vans, boats, and more, such as fitness bicycles and porch swings, this cup holder can accommodate a variety of different bottles and cans. It’s easy to mount using tape or screws and features arms that adjust to the size of the beverage. What makes it unique is that you can fold it up when it’s not in use. Those who have installed one in their vehicles note that the mount is solid and feels secure and overall is very useful. It also comes in a range of colors, from black to brown.
One downside is that it won’t fit a 40-ounce, 3.75-inch diameter Yeti bottle or other large bottles. Also, if you’re not careful with the cup holder, it may break.
Honorable Mention
Iokone Leather Cover Car Cup Holder
Our Verdict on the Best Car Cup Holders
The Swigzy Car Cup Holder made it to the top of our list. It’s a versatile cup holder suitable for most vehicle types.
A less pricey option is the Bottle Pro Car Cup Holder, which is designed for easy use and more comfort on the road.
Tips
- Pick the correctly-sized cup holder. It should fit your car perfectly and accommodate your favorite cups and bottles. One that’s too small will prevent you from storing everything you want, while one that’s too big will most likely cause problems with spilling.
- Consider the material used in the cup holder construction. Thicker material ensures more stability on the road and therefore prevents spills. It might also be easier to clean.
- As simple as cup holders seem, they can have several extra features. For example, the best ones have extendable bases for more stability or adjustable height for easy use.
- Pick a cup holder that is easy to mount and detach from your vehicle. Also, a cup holder shouldn’t require too much effort when it comes to overall maintenance and cleaning.
FAQs
In most cases, it’s more stable. When a built-in cup holder is too small, big, or flimsy, it’s not able to hold a cup or a bottle securely. That could lead to spills that are not only hard to clean but also dangerous. A fallen cup can distract a driver and jeopardize their safety on the road. Also, most aftermarket holders are easier to use and maintain.
You can clean it by using soap and water, vinegar, or a commercial cleaner. In each case, you’ll need a clean cloth to wipe off the dirt. Use warm water with soap for light cleaning and vinegar if you want to disinfect a cup holder. If you’re dealing with an extra dirty holder, try soaking it in water for a few minutes. You can also use small detailing brushes for stubborn stains and residue.
They are divided into categories according to the mounting options. The most popular type is an adapter or a holder with a base that adapts to the console. The second type requires permanent mounting with screws or adhesive tape. The third type is a hanging one, and it uses a hook or other method to attach to the car window.