Best Phone Mount for Peak Design Travel Tripod
If you own the Peak Design Travel Tripod, you already know about the clever mobile mount hidden inside the center column. It’s a lifesaver in a pinch, but for serious mobile photography or vertical content creation, it’s frankly a bit fiddly and lacks a cold shoe for mics or lights. I’ve spent months testing alternatives that match Peak Design’s premium aesthetic and Arca-Swiss compatibility. Our top pick, the Peak Design Mobile Tripod, offers the most seamless MagSafe experience for the modern creator.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Phone Mount for Peak Design Travel Tripod: Detailed Reviews
Peak Design Mobile Tripod View on Amazon View on B&H
The Peak Design Mobile Tripod isn’t just a standalone accessory; it is the most elegant way to mount your phone to your Peak Design Travel Tripod. Using their proprietary SlimLink magnetic technology (which is MagSafe compatible), it snaps onto your phone with a satisfying “thwack.” While it is technically a tiny tripod on its own, its legs fold down into a slim Arca-Swiss compatible plate. I find this revolutionary for travel photography because you can leave it on your phone as a kickstand and then slide it directly into the ball head of your PD tripod. The build quality is exceptional, machined from anodized aluminum. The only drawback is that you’ll need a Peak Design case or a MagSafe-capable phone to use it effectively. It lacks a cold shoe mount, so if you’re a vlogger needing an external mic, you might feel limited. However, for sheer speed and minimal bulk, nothing beats it.
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Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Mount View on Amazon View on B&H
The Ulanzi ST-27 is a beast of a mount. If the built-in PD mount feels like a toy, this feels like professional cinema gear. It’s constructed entirely of metal and features a secure spring-loaded clamp with a locking knob. What makes it perfect for the Peak Design Travel Tripod is the integrated Arca-Swiss base. You don’t need to screw in any extra plates; it slides right into the tripod head. I love the dual cold shoe mounts—one on top and one on the back—allowing you to run a Rode VideoMicro and a small LED light simultaneously. The 360-degree rotation is smooth and clicks into place, making the transition from landscape to TikTok-friendly portrait mode effortless. It’s heavier than other options, which might bother ultralight backpackers, but the stability it provides for larger phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max is unmatched at this price point.
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Ulanzi ST-07 View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who spent all their money on the Peak Design tripod itself and need a cheap but reliable mount, the Ulanzi ST-07 is the way to go. It’s mostly plastic, but don’t let that fool you—it’s sturdy enough for daily use. Unlike the ST-27, it doesn’t have an integrated Arca-Swiss base, so you will need to screw your Peak Design plate into the 1/4-20″ thread at the bottom. The reason I recommend this over other cheap mounts is the cold shoe on top. It allows you to mount a microphone, which is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your mobile video. It’s incredibly lightweight, making it a great “just in case” accessory for your camera bag. You’ll notice the spring is quite tight, which can be a bit of a workout for your fingers, but it ensures your phone won’t slip out while you’re chasing that sunset.
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Moment MagSafe Mount with Cold Shoe View on Amazon View on B&H
Moment makes some of the best mobile photography gear in the world, and their MagSafe mount is no exception. This mount uses their proprietary (M)Force magnets, which I’ve found to be significantly stronger than standard MagSafe connections. If you’re worried about your phone falling off while the tripod is tilted at an awkward angle, this is the mount that will give you peace of mind. It features a cold shoe arm that is adjustable, allowing you to position your microphone away from the lens. To use it with the PD Travel Tripod, you simply screw the PD plate into the bottom. The machined aluminum finish feels right at home next to the Peak Design tripod’s aesthetic. It’s a premium-priced product, but the strength of the magnet and the versatility of the cold shoe make it a top-tier choice for professional creators.
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SmallRig Foldable Phone Mount View on Amazon View on B&H
SmallRig is a staple in the camera world for a reason: they make practical, rugged gear that just works. Their foldable phone mount is a masterpiece of compact design. It folds down into a tiny rectangle that can easily fit in the coin pocket of your jeans. Like the Ulanzi ST-27, it features an integrated Arca-Swiss base, which is a massive plus for Peak Design users. You can slide it directly into the ball head without fumbling for plates or screws. I particularly like the grey and black finish, which matches the PD tripod’s color scheme perfectly. It lacks the rotating head of the ST-27 (you have to flip the ball head for portrait), but its compactness makes it the ideal companion for the PD Travel Tripod, which was designed with portability as its primary goal. It’s a “set it and forget it” accessory for any travel kit.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Phone Mount
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Design Mobile Tripod | Ecosystem Integration | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Ulanzi ST-27 | Pro Videography | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Ulanzi ST-07 | Casual/Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Moment MagSafe Mount | MagSafe Strength | ★★★★★ | Check |
| SmallRig Foldable Mount | Minimalist Travel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Peak Design Travel Tripod come with a phone mount?
Yes, it does! There is a basic mobile mount hidden inside the center column. You have to pull down the hook at the bottom of the column, and the mount slides out. While it’s great for emergencies, it’s a bit flimsy and lacks the ability to easily rotate your phone or attach accessories like microphones, which is why many photographers choose to upgrade to a dedicated third-party mount.
Are all Arca-Swiss phone mounts compatible with the Peak Design head?
Most standard Arca-Swiss mounts will fit, but the Peak Design ball head is slightly more compact than traditional heads. Some very wide third-party plates might struggle to seat perfectly. I recommend mounts that specifically mention Arca-Swiss compatibility or those that allow you to screw in the original Peak Design plate for the most secure fit possible during your shoots.
Is MagSafe secure enough for a tripod?
For most situations, yes. MagSafe is incredibly convenient for quick setups. However, if you are shooting in high winds, near moving water, or doing long-exposure photography where any vibration matters, a mechanical clamp (like the Ulanzi ST-27) is generally safer. If you do go the magnetic route, ensure you’re using a high-quality mount like Moment’s, which features extra-strong magnets designed specifically for photography.
Can I use these mounts with the carbon fiber and aluminum versions?
Absolutely. The head design is identical on both the Carbon Fiber and Aluminum versions of the Peak Design Travel Tripod. Any mount that works for one will work perfectly for the other. The choice between the two tripods is mostly about weight and vibration dampening, not the mounting mechanism itself, so feel free to choose any mount on this list regardless of your tripod’s material.
How do I mount a microphone to these phone holders?
To mount a microphone, look for a phone holder with a “cold shoe” mount on the top. This is the same standard slot found on top of DSLR cameras. Mounts like the Ulanzi ST-27 or ST-07 have this built-in. You simply slide your microphone (like a Rode VideoMic Me-L) into the slot and tighten it. This keeps the mic off your phone’s body and ensures better audio quality.
Final Verdict
If you are already invested in the Peak Design ecosystem, the Mobile Tripod is the most logical choice for its slim profile and MagSafe ease. For those who need a rugged, “workhorse” mount for professional video, the Ulanzi ST-27 is unbeatable. Budget-conscious hikers who just want a cold shoe for their mic should grab the Ulanzi ST-07. No matter which you choose, you’ll find it a massive upgrade over the built-in mount.