Apple's Continuity Camera is the simplest way to use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam with your Mac. But, whether you're shooting a vlog, making a podcast, or just jumping on video call, you've still got to solve another problem — where do you put your phone while you're filming?

Apple's own answer to this question is the Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe — a pocket-sized, magnetic mount that comes in two designs — one that hooks on to your MacBook screen and another that clamps to your desktop display. Depending on which one you need, you're spending around $30-$40 which, for an Apple accessory, is about as good as it gets.

Both mounts use MagSafe technology so you can just attach it to the back of your iPhone like any other MagSafe accessory. But the two designs are a little different.

Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Notebooks

This mount was released in October 2022 and is still the only version of the mount available in the UK and Europe. It’s got a handy little hinge that you can use as a kickstand or as a hook for your finger and, of course it has a little hinge at the back that attaches neatly to the top of your MacBook screen.

The build quality is great, you can mount your iPhone vertically or horizontally, and the fact that the little hook also doubles as a kickstand or popsocket is a really nice touch.

Which MacBooks is the Belkin mount compatible with?

This version works with most newer Apple notebooks, including MacBook Airs from 2018 onwards, and all the latest MacBook Pros. Here's the full list (as of January 2023):

• MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

• MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018–2019)

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022)

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)

• MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023)

• MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

What if you have an older MacBook? The hook at the back is pretty narrow, so we wouldn't recommend getting this mount if you're not using one of the models on Apple's list.

It’s also worth remembering that this mount only works with Apple notebooks and, if you want to attach your iPhone to your iMac, Studio Display, Pro Display XDR or any other external display, you'll need to pick up the more expensive desktop version.

Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac desktops and displays

This version of the mount was released in December and has a very different design to the notebook mount. For starters, because it uses a clamp system, it will work with almost any external display.

Image credit: apple.com.

As well as that, the mount itself has an adjustable viewing angle so you can better frame your shot without having to move the screen itself like you have to do with the Notebook version.

It's also compatible with a 1/4" tripod screw, which makes it a much more versatile accessory for iPhone videographers. — you can pop your iPhone onto the mount and then connect it to a tripod or other stand.

Just like the Notebook mount, you can use your iPhone in horizontal or vertical orientation but adjusting the phone while it's mounted is much easier. So, although it's $10 more, you're getting a bit more bang for your buck.

Which iPhones work with the Belkin mounts?

The Belkin mount works with any iPhone that has MagSafe. Here's a quick rundown of compatible models:

• iPhone 14 Pro

• iPhone 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 14

• iPhone 14 Plus

• iPhone 13 Pro

• iPhone 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 13 mini

• iPhone 13

• iPhone 12 Pro

• iPhone 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 12 mini

• iPhone 12

One of the hardest parts of shooting video with your iPhone is figuring out where to put it and the Belkin mounts certainly solve that problem nicely — no need to prop your iPhone up on a pile of books or balance it somewhere on your desk. But are there cheaper alternatives?

Best alternatives to the Belkin MagSafe mount

If you're on the lookout for a cheap solution to mounting your phone for shooting video, there are a lot of options out there. The first thing to consider is where you want to actually mount your phone. While, the top of your screen might seem like a good position it's not very flexible or versatile and lends itself more to video calls than video production.

Instead, you could mount your iPhone on a desktop tripod, a table mounted stand or even a microphone stand, to get more control over your camera angles.

If you want total flexibility, the Joby GripTight and GorillaPod Stand or the Joby GorillaPod Mobile Mini can be placed or attached almost everywhere because of their fully adjustable legs.

Using your camera at a desk? there are lots of affordable table mounted stands, ranging from simple single arms to more adjustable models.

If you like the simplicity of the MagSafe connection, this Moment mount can be attached to any tripod with 1/4" connection.

And finally, you can pick up something like a cheap microphone stand if you want to mount your camera above you or just have a bit more length/height to play with. Check out this video to get more recommendations for mounting your phone to record video.

Start shooting great video with iPhone

Using your iPhone to shoot video on your Mac has never been easier. And the best part is, no matter what mount you use, Continuity Camera works seamlessly with Detail, so you can quickly connect your iPhone, add another camera, and a screen to create a super powerful multi-camera setup in seconds. You can even add multiple iOS devices and record in 4K!

Have you tried Continuity Camera or the new Belkin mount? Let us know on Discord or Twitter.