How to Find the Right RAM Mount Holder for Your Tablet

Finding the ideal tablet mount can feel like a daunting task. We're here to make it simple and show you the steps our in-house experts take to identify the best holder for your tablet! Not a fan of reading? Check out our comprehensive video guide below! 

There is a plethora of different tablets on the market today, many with similar sounding names. We wish it could be as simple as saying “I have an iPad” or “Samsung Galaxy 10-inch”, but it is important to know the exact version and/or generation. iPads can be the Air, mini, Pro 11”, Pro 12.9”, or their standard  10th Generation. Samsung tablets are available in various series such as the Tab A and Tab S. If you are unsure of your exact tablet model, you should be able to find it in the settings of your device. Here is a helpful guide for Apple devices and one for Samsung devices. 

Once you know your tablet make & model, you should be able to select your device on the RAM® Mount Builder:

Alternatively, you can also head to our tablet mounts collection page and sort the available products by make & model. You'll find those filters to the left side of the page for desktop users and above the product collection for phone users (see below).

If you do not see your exact make & model in these lists, you'll need to take the exact measurements of your tablet. 

This is an alternative approach, referencing the overall dimensions (H x W x D) of your tablet. If your tablet is in a case then you would want to measure the overall dimensions of the case to properly identify the RAM® holder could support it. 

This is an important distinction to make because in this example, the  compatible RAM® X-Grip® for the iPad Pro 12.9” is the RAM-HOL-UN11U. This specific holder is rated to support up to 12” tablets. At a glance, it may appear that a 12.9” tablet is too large for this holder, but considering the overall dimensions, this holder will fit perfectly. 

Based on the overall dimensions of your tablet with or without case, you can cross reference your numbers with the following charts (see below). Each dimension of your tablet must be within the Height, Width and Depth ranges. Depending on your device you may find that multiple holders fit the dimensions. To achieve optimal fitment, the best practice is to select the holder that is closest to, but still less than, the maximum value. 

This chart may look overwhelming at first, but the best column to start referencing is the Max Width (sorted from smallest to largest), then the Max Depth, then the Max Length.

*The RAM-HOL-TAB3U and RAM-HOL-TAB6U have cup designs that may technically support your device but do not effectively wrap around the corners of the tablet as other cup designs. These holder options are only recommended for lighter duty applications.

** The “UN9” and “UN11” holders come with optional side supports, but the actual RAM® X-Grip® pressure that holds the tablet in place is generated by the Width Range supports. One optional support is preferred if you are mounting the tablet in portrait mode, or both supports if you are using the holder in extreme environments. If the height of your tablet does not allow placement of one or both supports, your tablet may still fit in the holder if it is in landscape mode, or portrait for lighter duty applications.

Once you have determined which holders are physically capable of holding your tablet, it’s time to compare your options!

Your preferred style of holder can depend on a number of factors including overall look, price, features & functionality. Between the RAM® Tab-Tite™, RAM® Tab-Lock™ and RAM® X-Grip®, see the table below for a quick overview of the key differences in terms of price, features, and functionality.

RAM® Tab-Tite™ & Tab-Lock™
The RAM® Tab-Tite™ & Tab-Lock™ consist of modular, interchangeable end cups that connect to the top & bottom of a universal body. For those unsure of the difference between the two models, the RAM® Tab-Tite™ is non-locking and the RAM® Tab-Lock™ features a key lock. The benefits of these modular solutions are that if you ever want to upgrade to a new tablet, you have the option to upgrade your existing mount with a new set of end cups that adapt to your existing body. Or, you have the option to upgrade from non-locking to key locking body and carry your cups over.

 RAM® X-Grip®

The RAM® X-Grip® is considered the most universal in terms of range of compatible dimensions that it can support. You may find when comparing RAM® Tab-Tite™ & Tab-Lock™ cup sizes that none will fit your tablet perfectly, or perhaps there will be a significant gap in width. On the other hand, the RAM® X-Grip® will almost always have an option that will grip your tablet perfectly. If you ever upgrade your tablet to a new model, there is a good chance that your same holder will carry over to support your new tablet without having to upgrade.

 After this article, if you still have doubts about what holder is best for your device and specific application, please contact the RAM® Mounts customer service team for the best recommendation. Each style of RAM® holder is backed by a lifetime warranty, compatible with all RAM® ball & socking mounting components, and suitable for any environment (unless otherwise specified).