Best Smartphone Mount for Peak Design Travel Tripod
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is a masterpiece of engineering, but its built-in mobile mount is tucked away inside the center column—a clever trick that often feels more like a backup than a primary tool. If you’re serious about mobile photography or vlogging, you need a dedicated mount that matches the tripod’s premium build. After testing dozens of rigs, I’ve found that the Peak Design Mobile Tripod Mount is the definitive choice for seamless integration and speed.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Smartphone Mount for Peak Design Travel Tripod: Detailed Reviews
Peak Design Mobile Tripod Mount View on Amazon View on B&H
If you already own the Peak Design Travel Tripod, the Mobile Tripod Mount is the most logical companion. It utilizes their proprietary SlimLink magnetic technology, which is both MagSafe compatible and incredibly secure. I find this mount exceptional for travelers because it folds completely flat—literally the size of a few credit cards—allowing you to leave it attached to your tripod or slip it into a wallet. The build quality is typical Peak Design: machined aluminum with a beautiful finish. While it requires a Peak Design Case or Universal Adapter for the strongest mechanical lock, it works perfectly with standard MagSafe iPhones for casual shooting. The only real drawback is the price premium for the ecosystem, but the sheer convenience of snapping your phone on and off without fumbling with clamps is a game-changer during a fast-moving sunset session.
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Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount View on Amazon View on B&H
The Ulanzi ST-27 is a beast of a mount that offers far more versatility than the basic hidden mount in your Peak Design tripod. What makes this the “Best Value” is its all-metal construction and built-in Arca-Swiss plate. You don’t need to screw it onto the Peak Design plate; the base itself is shaped to slide directly into the Travel Tripod’s ball head. I love the dual cold shoe mounts, which let you run a Rode VideoMicro and a small LED light simultaneously. It uses a secure screw-clamp mechanism rather than springs, so you never have to worry about your expensive smartphone slipping out. It’s slightly bulkier than magnetic options, but for those who need to switch between portrait and landscape orientation frequently while maintaining a rock-solid grip, the ST-27 is unbeatable for the price. It feels like a piece of gear that will outlast your next five phones.
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SmallRig Smartphone Mount ST20 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you spent all your money on the carbon fiber version of the Travel Tripod, the SmallRig ST20 is your savior. Despite its low price point, it doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic toy. SmallRig has managed to include an Arca-Swiss compatible base, which is crucial for Peak Design users who want to avoid the “plate-on-plate” stack. It’s a spring-loaded design, which is faster to use than screw clamps, though it does require a bit of finger strength. You get a single cold shoe on top for a microphone, making it a great entry-level vlogging setup. While it lacks the 360-degree rotation of the Ulanzi, you can simply tilt the Peak Design ball head into the side notch for vertical shots. It’s lightweight, dependable, and honestly, much more pleasant to use than the fiddly little mount that comes hidden inside the tripod’s center column.
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Moment MagSafe Mount with Cold Shoe View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who want the speed of MagSafe without being locked into the Peak Design case system, the Moment MagSafe Mount is the gold standard. It features Moment’s custom (M)Force magnet array, which I’ve found to be significantly stronger than standard Apple-certified magnets. This gives you peace of mind when your tripod is perched in a windy location. The mount includes a cold shoe arm, which is essential for audio. You’ll need to attach this to a Peak Design Arca-Swiss plate first, but once it’s set up, it’s the most elegant way to shoot. The build is machined aluminum and the padding ensures your phone won’t get scratched. It’s perfect for those “run-and-gun” moments where you see a shot and want your phone on the tripod in under two seconds. It’s expensive for a magnet, but once you feel the “thunk” of the connection, you’ll understand why.
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Joby GripTight Smart View on Amazon View on B&H
The Joby GripTight Smart is a classic for a reason. While Joby is famous for their GorillaPods, this mount is a solid standalone performer. It features a cold shoe mount on top and multiple 1/4″-20 attachment points. What I like about this specific model is the double-locking mechanism; it’s spring-loaded for quick mounting but has a screw-lock to ensure it stays clamped tight during long exposures or time-lapses. It’s primarily plastic, which makes it less “premium” than the Ulanzi or Peak Design options, but it’s incredibly light and fits into any pocket of the Travel Tripod’s bag. If you’re a fan of the Joby ecosystem or just want a dependable, no-frills clamp that supports both portrait and landscape modes (via the tripod head), this is a fantastic “set it and forget it” option for your kit.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smartphone Mount
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Design Mobile Mount | Eco Integration | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Ulanzi ST-27 | Pro Vlogging | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SmallRig ST20 | Budget Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Moment MagSafe | iPhone Users | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Joby GripTight Smart | Lightweight Kits | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Peak Design Travel Tripod come with a phone mount?
Yes, it actually does! There is a tiny, hidden mobile mount stored inside the center column. You have to pull out the center hook, unscrew it, and the mount is tucked inside. However, it is quite basic, lacks a cold shoe for accessories, and can be a bit fiddly to deploy in the field, which is why many photographers prefer to buy a dedicated, more robust third-party mount for regular use.
Will any Arca-Swiss phone mount work with the Peak Design tripod?
Most standard Arca-Swiss plates will fit, but the Peak Design head is slightly more compact than traditional heads. While the Ulanzi and SmallRig mounts mentioned here fit perfectly, some generic Arca-Swiss plates might be a hair too wide or thick. It’s always best to check user reviews specifically mentioning the Peak Design Travel Tripod to ensure the dovetail dimensions are compatible with the tripod’s locking ring.
Is MagSafe secure enough for a tripod mount?
For most scenarios, yes. Modern MagSafe mounts like those from Peak Design and Moment use very strong magnet arrays that can easily hold a phone even during movement. However, if you are shooting in high winds, near rushing water, or doing extreme long exposures where any vibration matters, a mechanical clamp (like the Ulanzi ST-27) is generally safer and provides more peace of mind against accidental knocks.
Can I use these mounts for vertical (TikTok/Reels) video?
Absolutely. Most of these mounts, like the Ulanzi ST-27, have built-in rotation. For those that don’t (like the SmallRig or PD Mobile Mount), you can simply utilize the ball head on the Peak Design Travel Tripod itself. The PD head has a notch that allows you to tilt the camera 90 degrees into portrait orientation, though it can be slightly less stable than rotating the mount itself.
Do I need a special case for the Peak Design Mobile Mount?
To use the “SlimLink” mechanical locking feature, you do need a Peak Design Everyday Case or their Universal Adapter. However, the mount is also MagSafe compatible, so it will magnetically attach to any iPhone 12 or newer (or MagSafe-compatible Android cases) without the special case. Just keep in mind the magnetic-only connection isn’t as “unshakeable” as the full mechanical lock provided by their proprietary case system.
Final Verdict
For most users, the Peak Design Mobile Tripod Mount is the clear winner because it complements the tripod’s design philosophy of portability and speed. If you’re a professional content creator who needs to mount mics and lights, the Ulanzi ST-27 offers the best structural integrity and versatility. Meanwhile, casual shooters who just want a reliable backup that fits the Arca-Swiss head without breaking the bank will be perfectly happy with the SmallRig ST20.