Quad Lock vs SP Connect: mobile phone mount systems compared
Smartphones have become indispensable tools. Whether you’re blasting tunes on a trail run or navigating backcountry ski trails with digital topographic maps, they’re no longer just for urban adventurers—they’ve found their way into the wild. Even for those wanting to “switch off”, the iPhone’s Emergency SOS via satellite can turn your phone into a potential lifesaver when you’re beyond cell coverage.
But having quick access to your phone is key, whether for navigation, heart rate monitoring, or snapping that epic photo. That’s where phone mounting systems come in; Aussie-born Quad Lock and Germany’s SP Connect (plus the USA’s Peak Design) offer some of the best solutions available.
We’ve been using and abusing Quad Lock and SP Connect mounts for years – for everything from 4WD trips or trail running to hurtling down mountain bike trails. So, here’s our take on what we like, what we don’t, and what’s new with each brand.
Design
Let’s break it down: Quad Lock and SP Connect revolve around protective phone cases with proprietary twist-lock mechanisms that make mounting your phone to bikes, cars, and motorcycles quick and secure. And if you’ve got a case you can’t part with, they both offer stick-on mounts as well.
SP Connect’s silicon cases arguably look a little more polished than Quad Lock’s older models, but Quad Lock’s new thinner, polycarbonate/TPU MAG Cases are now equally sexy for the slim-pocket brigade. A bonus for fashionistas is that Quad Lock’s coloured MAG Case inserts now ‘trendify’ your smartphone even further. Both brands’ are compatible with wireless fast charging and Apple’s MagSafe.
On the surface, the two systems seem similar, but a few key differences set them apart. SP Connect uses a rotating lock with two contact points and a 90-degree twist to secure your phone. On the other hand, Quad Lock has four points of contact and requires only a 45-degree twist, with no moving parts.These are small details, but for some users, they might be deal-breakers (more on that in the ‘In The Field’ section). Both brands also offer magnetic accessories that hold firm but do not lock for such uses as car, home and office.
When it comes to ‘bits-n-bobs’ for affixing phones to toys, both brands come packed with accessories – think desk chargers, tripods, and 15W vibration-dampened wireless mounts for motorbikes. For outdoor sports, they offer handlebar mounts for road and mountain bikes, armband mounts for running, and more. Quad Lock used to reign supreme with a seemingly endless array of options, but thankfully, SP Connect has stepped up in recent years and offers a range that nearly rivals Quad Lock’s.
SP Connect’s anodised CNC-machined aluminium accessories have a high-end feel, a step above Quad Lock’s nylon mounts. But if you want something premium from Quad Lock, their aluminium Pro Mounts get the job done. Sure, the signature blue locking tab adds a bit of bulk, but it’s all in the name of security, keeping your phone firmly attached even in the roughest terrain. Meanwhile, SP Connect’s new Extreme Phone Case takes durability up a notch, making it the go-to choice for SP users who might encounter extreme conditions.
Quad Lock and SP Connect are neck-and-neck price-wise. For example, a Quad Lock iPhone 16 Pro Max MAG Case costs $49.99, while SP Connect’s equivalent is $49.95. Both brands offer screen protectors, with Quad Lock’s tempered glass option costing $19.95 and SP Connect’s slightly pricier option costing $29.95. Mounts and accessories range from $20 to $120, depending on your needs. Both brands back their products with a 30-day money-back guarantee, though Quad Lock provides a one-year warranty, while SP Connect goes the extra mile with a two-year warranty.
In the field
First, we love that Quad Lock and SP Connect have come a long way from the clunky cases and brackets of the past. They’re now just as sleek and stylish as any aftermarket phone case. Recently, Quad Lock introduced their MAG™ cases and mounts, while SP Connect dropped the Extreme Phone Case and SPC+ system, which is 40 per cent thinner, 25 per cent stronger and even better looking than before. Both brands’ new gear works with older mounts and cases, so you don’t have to overhaul your setup.
SP Connect’s mounting system is all about simplicity. No faffing or fiddling – pop your phone on the mount, twist to lock, and you’re good to go. The single twist-lock mechanism is compact and easy to align, and the vibration dampener head is barely noticeable. It offers 60% less vibration, which is a nice bonus.
However, SP Connect’s system does have a downside. The single-stage 90-degree lock means you’re stuck choosing either a horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) orientation – you can’t switch it up without readjusting the mount. On one occasion, we rotated the phone partway while not correctly aligned and only semi-engaged the lock. It required a simple fix with a leatherman that only took a few seconds to rotate the lock back to the open position, but it was frustrating.
The 90-degree twist can also make it tricky to place the mount between riser bars and controls on a mountain bike, E-MTB or motorcycle. We fitted ours to our mountain bike and it was a treat to have real-time data on the bars but on a late afternoon mountain bike blast at our local trails, a knock against a knee slightly dislodged the phone, reminding us that the absence of a secondary lock could be a drawback if the trail gets steeper, waves get bigger, ruts get deeper, or jumps get bigger. That said, the SP Connect system works beautifully in most situations. The finish on the case and mounts feels premium, and the accessories are sleek and stylish. As long as the lack of a secondary lock isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s a solid choice.
On the flip side, Quad Lock is bulkier but also rock-solid. Its dual-lock system involves a 45-degree twist to lock followed by pressing a spring-loaded secondary lock to release the phone so it can be rotated to remove. It’s more secure but takes a little more effort to engage and disengage. Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s a breeze. Quad Lock can handle tighter spots where SP Connect’s 90-degree lock might not fit, and the lack of moving parts means fewer issues with partial engagement. One downside: If you mount your phone horizontally, you’ll need two hands to disengage the lock, which can be a bit of a hassle. But that’s a small price to pay for the flexibility of switching between landscape and portrait modes without needing to readjust the mount.
If you’re to type to rock a sports armband, Quad Lock’s phone does sit farther from your arm than SP Connect’s, and so doesn’t look or feel quite as streamlined. But for many, the security of that dual-lock system outweighs concerns about looks.
Adventure motorcyclists, this one’s for you: We also tested both systems over thousands of kilometres of both sport and adventure riding (yes, we ride as well), and while SP Connect claims a 60 per cent reduction in vibration, Quad Lock’s dampener comes in at 90 per cent. Both performed well, but Quad Lock’s bulkier dampener might give you more peace of mind if you intend on crossing The Simpson or tackling the Gibb River Road.
Both brands offer a dizzying array of accessories online, from high-tech chargers to wireless Apple CarPlay adapters, so whatever your adventure, you’ll find what you need on their websites.
The final word on the Quad Lock and SP Connect
At the end of the day, both Quad Lock and SP Connect get the job done. It all comes down to what you need. If you’re a road cyclist obsessed with style and shaving off every gram, SP Connect’s sleek mounts are for you. But if you’re into downhill mountain biking or sea kayaking, the slight extra bulk of Quad Lock’s blue tab is worth it for the added security of that dual-lock system.
With new releases like Quad Lock’s MAG™ range and SP Connect’s Extreme Phone Case, the two brands are closer than ever. But Aussie-born Quad Lock still leads the pack in terms of accessories and security for those rougher adventures.
See Quad Lock and SP Connect for more info.
