Key Takeaways
- Octobuddy is affordable and easy to set up.
- The suction power is not 100% guaranteed and not compatible with all phone cases, please pay attention to the compatibility of the surface and the case.
- Octobuddy is perfect for content creators and video bloggers on the go.
Over the past month or two, we’ve started seeing more and more content creators on TikTok and Instagram using strange mounts on the back of their phones. At first glance, we thought it was a MagSafe wallet or charger. It turns out creators are using the Octobuddy silicone phone mount as a way to attach their phone to flat surfaces like mirrors and windows. The Octobuddy has been widely adopted by gym-goers, TikTok users, and lifestyle bloggers.
I’ve been using the Octobuddy on my iPhone 15 Pro for the past week or so. It’s a business card-sized mount covered in small suction cups that are easy to stick on and use. With an adhesive on the back, the Octobuddy can be attached to the back of any phone. Users can then mount the device vertically or horizontally on a mirror and start shooting content. It’s much easier to use on a day-to-day basis instead of setting up a tripod or other mount. It’s not without its drawbacks, though. It’s affordable and efficient, but ultimately relies on having a flat, clean surface to mount the phone on. It also requires a fair bit of trust to use.
Octobody
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
- Supports both horizontal and vertical orientation
- Suction power is not 100% guaranteed
- Not compatible with all phone cases
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Pricing, Specifications and Availability
Retailing for $18.99, the Octobuddy comes in a variety of colors, including blue ash, chalk pink, Darth Vader black, teal, spade green, and clear. The Octobuddy is made entirely from silicone. It comes in three sizes, two of which have a total of 24 suction cups. The Octobuddy comes in 3.25 x 2.25 inch and 3.9 x 2.6 inch options, as well as a smaller 1 x 1 inch mount.
The mount fits a 4×6 grid. At 3.25 x 2.25 inches, the Octobuddy fits comfortably on an iPhone 15 Pro (filling the area between the camera array and the bottom). Larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra have much more space available when mounting the Octobuddy. Setup is easy; just peel off the backing, attach the Octobuddy to your phone using the adhesive, and you’re ready to go.
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What I like about the Octobuddy Silicone Phone Mount
A flexible and versatile alternative to traditional phone mounts.
Once set up, the Octobuddy is a hassle-free and easy to use phone mount. For example, you can run to your patio door, place your phone on the window, and start recording with the front camera. The Octobuddy is so versatile that you can shoot video horizontally and move the camera vertically. If you want to use a tripod, it will take a little time to find a large enough space, set it up, and hold the phone securely. If you want to change the orientation, it will take a little time to set up.
Octobuddy offers flexibility and practicality that will appeal to any kind of content creator.
The versatility of the Octobuddy also applies when you’re outside the home. It’s easy to find a window, smooth wall, or sign to mount your phone to and take video. With Octobuddy, your range of use is limited by what surfaces are nearby. It’s also useful for capturing impromptu videos. Rather than constantly carrying a gimbal or tripod, you can move the Octobuddy wherever your phone is. With Octobuddy, you get flexibility and practicality that makes it appealing to all kinds of content creators.
Content creators who specialize in makeup tutorials can easily mount their smartphone to the mirror while they go through their makeup routine. This will definitely save space around the sink. Gym enthusiasts can use Octobuddy to mount their smartphone to the mirror while they work out. For video bloggers, the possibilities are endless: they can take Octobuddy with them to events or when they’re out and about and mount it for hands-free recording.
What I didn’t like about the Octobuddy silicone phone mount
It’s hard to trust this mount
The Octobuddy is a great value for the price in many ways. Using a silicone phone mount requires a lot of trust. Over the past week, I’ve had the mount slide off mirrors and surfaces a few times. Luckily, I was close enough to catch the phone before it hit the ground. I’ve determined that the weight of the phone isn’t the cause of the issue; I’m pretty sure it’s the surface I’m using it on. Outdoor surfaces may be more of a concern as things like dust and debris can affect suction power. With this in mind, ultimately the Octobuddy isn’t as reliable as a tripod mount.
Another thing to consider is whether the Octobuddy Silicone Mount will work with your phone case. Some phone cases, such as Apple’s silicone phone cases, will work fine. Other more rugged cases, such as Otterbox cases, will likely not be compatible. Depending on the surface of your case, you may be forced to forgo using it. Well, the Octobuddy’s adhesive backing allows it to be attached to the phone itself. I found it relatively easy to stick to my phone and remove when needed. However, like the adhesive backing on pop sockets, it will lose its stickiness over time if you remove it too often.
Finally, and this is a personal complaint, the Octobuddy just doesn’t feel that great. There are sensory issues, for sure. When you hold the phone, the little suction cup on the back is a bit uncomfortable to touch. You can also really feel the silicone on the Octobuddy as it slides in and out of your pocket. There were a few times when it got caught and pulled a corner off of the phone. A minor inconvenience, for sure, but not enough to make me ditch the mount.
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Should you buy the Octobuddy Silicone Phone Mount?
For content creators or anyone who regularly shoots video with their phone, the Octobuddy is a small investment with a lot of features. It’s affordable and easy to set up, so it’s worth giving it a try. The extent to which you can use the mount is limited only by the surfaces around you and your imagination. At $18.99, the Octobuddy is definitely more affordable than many tripods, mounts, and camera gimbals.
The downside to the Octobuddy is that it relies on a silicone suction cup, so we recommend considering the surface you’ll be using it on before entrusting your $1,000+ phone to the Octobuddy mount.
