Tenikle Review: The Shark Tank Octopus Phone Mount, Where Suction Works and the 'Lifetime Warranty' That Is One Year

Our verdict

Yes, if you want a fun, flexible mount for filming and hands-free viewing on smooth surfaces. Tenikle is a bendable silicone tripod with suction-cup legs that sticks to glass and tile or wraps round poles and branches, and its Shark Tank story is real. At $29.99, it is fairly priced. But suction only works on smooth, clean surfaces, and the page's lifetime warranty and 60-day guarantee become one year and 30 days in the written policy. Tenikle scores 5.3 out of 10, held back by those mismatches.

The short version

• What it is: a bendable silicone tripod and mount with suction-cup legs and a phone clamp.
• Price: $29.99 for one on 4 October 2026, three for $79.98 and five for $119.97.
• Best trait: grips glass, tile and poles where ordinary tripods cannot stand.
• Biggest drawback: warranty and return terms are less generous than the page claims.
• Our score: 5.3 out of 10.

Pros & cons

The pros come from the flexible, sticky design and the brand's track record. The cons are about surface limits and the gap between the page and the written policy.

How it works

Tenikle is shaped like a small octopus: three bendable silicone legs covered in suction cups, joined at a central mount that holds a phone clamp. You can stand it on a table like a tripod, bend the legs around a pole, railing or branch, or press the suction cups against a smooth surface such as a window, mirror or tiled wall. The phone clamp tilts and turns, and a fourth arm attachment adds more positions.

The page says the arms bend in every direction, the silicone suction cups stay put, and the mount holds over 100 times its own weight. It suggests uses from filming workouts and vlogs to watching videos in the shower or kitchen and taking group photos with a remote.

1. 01

   Bend the legs

   Step 1: Bend Tenikle's three silicone legs into a tripod, or wrap them around a pole, railing or branch.

2. 02

   Stick it on

   Step 2: Press the suction cups onto a smooth, clean surface such as glass, tile or a mirror until they hold.

3. 03

   Clip in your device

   Step 3: Fit your phone into the clamp, or a camera onto the mount, and angle it. Use a remote or timer to take photos hands-free.

How suction cups hold

Pressing a suction cup squeezes air out from under it. Atmospheric pressure then holds it against the surface, as long as no air leaks back in. That only works on smooth, non-porous surfaces. Any gap, texture, dust or grease lets air in and the cup releases, sometimes slowly.

Suction and temperature

Silicone suction cups grip best at room temperature. In cold weather, they stiffen and seal less well; in heat, they soften and can slide. Glass that warms in sunlight can cause slow slipping, which is one reason to test before trusting a mount in a sunny window.

Tripod mode

On a table, the three legs spread like a tripod, with suction cups as feet. On a smooth table, the cups can also stick down for extra stability. On uneven ground, bending one leg shorter levels the phone.

Bending legs

The legs contain flexible wire inside silicone, so they keep the shape you bend them into. That lets Tenikle grip round objects such as railings, bike handlebars or tree branches without suction. Repeated sharp bending at the same spot can eventually fatigue any bendable tripod's wire.

The phone clamp

The photos show a spring-loaded clamp that grips the phone's sides. Clamps like this fit most phones, including many in slim cases. Very thick rugged cases or foldable phones may not fit. The clamp attaches to a standard screw mount, which is how the page shows a camera fitted instead.

Weight and size

The page does not give Tenikle's weight or dimensions, but describes it as lightweight and portable. Photos show it about the size of a hand when folded, small enough for a bag pocket.

Remote photos

The page mentions a "Shutterbug" Bluetooth remote that lets you take photos from a distance. One image shows a small white remote. The page does not say whether a remote comes with the single unit.

Silicone instead of plastic

The page says Tenikle uses silicone rather than plastic, which it presents as a sustainability choice. Silicone is durable, flexible in heat and cold and easy to clean, which also makes sense for suction cups. It is still a synthetic material, so "sustainable" is relative.

The fourth arm

A removable fourth arm gives 360-degree motion, according to the key features. It helps angle the phone more freely when the legs are fixed in place. Check whether it is included with the single unit.

Durability of the clamp

The clamp's spring and plastic jaws are the parts most likely to wear. Customers on the page describe it as durable after daily use. If a clamp breaks within the replacement period, the policy covers defects.

Founder story

The page describes inventor Hans Dose designing Tenikle after a tripod failure broke his phone, building prototypes, raising over $110,000 on Kickstarter and then appearing on Shark Tank with his wife Lydia. Coverage in Looper's look at what happened to Tenikle after Shark Tank describes the deal with Daymond John.

Who it's for

Tenikle suits content creators and vloggers who want shots from unusual angles, people who like to watch videos or follow recipes hands-free in the kitchen, bathroom or gym, and travellers who want a light tripod that also clings to windows and railings. It does not suit people who need a mount on rough or dusty surfaces, heavy camera users, or drivers looking for a car mount.

• Content creators and vloggers who film in awkward spots
• People who watch videos or follow recipes hands-free in the kitchen or bathroom
• Travellers who want a small, flexible tripod

How it compares with a tripod in use

A traditional tripod is steadier on the ground and can be taller. Tenikle trades height and rigidity for flexibility: it can be where a tripod cannot. Many creators keep both, using Tenikle for unusual angles and a tripod for standard shots.

Why Tenikle appeals

Most phone tripods need a flat surface. Tenikle's sticky, bendable legs let you put a phone where nothing else would hold it: on a mirror, a shower wall, a tree, a gym rack. The octopus design is fun, the Shark Tank story adds trust, and $29.99 is an easy price for a gadget that feels clever.

Small business owners

Shop owners filming product videos or live sales often need a phone held at a fixed angle over a counter. Sticking Tenikle to a glass display case or wrapping it round a shelf bracket gives a steady overhead or side view.

Students

Students recording presentations, language practice or study vlogs can stick a phone to a window or mirror in a small room. Tenikle is cheaper and smaller than a ring light kit.

Live streamers

People who stream from phones need a steady view for long sessions. A mount wrapped round a desk lamp or monitor arm, rather than stuck by suction alone, is the safer choice for hours of streaming.

Content creators

Creators filming workouts, cooking or tutorials often need angles a tripod cannot reach. Customers quoted on the page use it at a climbing gym and for property videos. For long sessions, check that the mount holds firmly before walking away.

Hikers and campers

Wrapped round a branch or trekking pole, Tenikle can hold a phone for time-lapses, group photos or video calls from a campsite. Outdoors, rely on wrapping rather than suction.

Climbers and outdoor athletes

A customer on the page uses it at a climbing gym to record technique. Wrapping legs round a bench, post or hold keeps the phone steady. Outdoors, wind can move a phone on a flexible mount, so keep it close to the anchor point.

Kitchen and bathroom viewers

Following a recipe or watching a show while cooking or in the bath is a common use. Glass and tiles suit suction cups well. Keep the phone away from splashes, since the mount does not make your phone waterproof.

Older users

Holding a phone up for long video calls with family can be tiring, especially with arthritis. A mount stuck to a window or standing on a table frees the hands. Setting the angle may need help the first time.

Video calls

Customers mention propping a phone for FaceTime calls. As a desk stand, Tenikle works like any tripod, with extra options to clip to a monitor or shelf edge.

Teachers and presenters

Teachers recording lessons or presenting from a phone can stick Tenikle to a whiteboard edge, a window or a desk lamp. It gives a stable view without a bulky tripod in a small classroom.

Remote workers

A phone on a mirror or window beside a laptop can act as a second screen for chat or a camera for an overhead shot of documents. Tenikle's flexibility helps in small home offices.

Travellers

It packs small and can stand on a table, wrap round a balcony rail or cling to a hotel window. That flexibility suits travel photos and video calls on the road.

Parents filming children

Parents filming sports days, recitals or play often struggle to hold a phone steady for long. A Tenikle wrapped round a railing or fence frees your hands. Check rules on filming at schools and events first.

Fitness fans

The page shows workouts filmed from gym equipment. Wrapping the legs round a rack or bench lets you check form on video. Keep the phone clear of moving weights and other people.

Musicians

Musicians recording practice or performances often need a phone at an unusual angle, such as on a music stand or mic stand. Wrapping legs round stands works well, and the phone stays out of the way.

People who cook along with videos

Recipe videos are easier to follow at eye level than on a phone propped against a jar. A Tenikle on a tiled splashback or cabinet door keeps the phone visible and away from spills, though steam and grease mean cleaning the cups more often.

Who should skip it

Skip Tenikle if you need to mount on brick, wood, painted textured walls, fabric or dusty outdoor surfaces. Skip it as a car mount; dashboard and windscreen mounts must follow local laws, and suction cups can lose grip in heat. Skip it for heavy cameras. And do not buy it for the lifetime warranty claimed on the page.

• Anyone who needs a mount for rough walls, fabric or dusty outdoor surfaces
• Drivers wanting a car mount, which must comply with local laws
• People with heavy cameras and lenses
• Buyers relying on the advertised lifetime warranty

Does Tenikle stick to any surface?

No. It sticks well to smooth, non-porous surfaces and wraps around poles, but suction fails on rough, porous or dusty surfaces. The page says "if it's smooth, Tenikle sticks to it", which is the honest version, while elsewhere it says it mounts "anywhere". Glass, mirrors, glazed tile, polished metal and many plastics work. Brick, wood grain, textured walls and fabric do not.

Why the claim needs care

Suction cups are marketed as stronger than they are in everyday use, because lab-style tests pull straight down on spotless surfaces. Real use involves angles, vibration, temperature changes and dust. Treat suction as reliable for watching videos and filming at a counter, and less reliable for hanging expensive gear.

What happens when suction fails

When a suction cup loses its seal, it can release suddenly or slide slowly. With a phone attached, that usually means a fall. Wrapping a leg round something, even loosely, as a backup can prevent a drop if the suction gives way.

Where suction works best

Windows, mirrors, shower tiles, fridge doors, glossy cabinets and laptop lids are good surfaces. Clean them first, and press firmly. A slight film of water can help some suction cups seal, but greasy surfaces cause slow slipping.

Tips for a better seal

A tiny drop of water on the rim of each cup can improve the seal on some surfaces. Press from the centre outwards to push air out, and avoid touching the inside of the cups, since finger grease reduces grip.

Where it struggles

Painted walls often look smooth but have texture. Wood, stone, brick and fabric are porous or rough. Outdoors, dust and pollen break the seal. Heat softens silicone and cold stiffens it, both of which affect grip.

Surfaces that look smooth but are not

Laminate worktops, painted doors and plastic panels can look smooth but have a fine texture that lets air leak. If suction releases after a few minutes, the surface is probably not truly smooth. Try a nearby glass or tile instead.

"Holds over 100x its own weight"

One image shows Tenikle stuck to a surface with a dumbbell hanging from it. On a clean, smooth surface pulled straight down, suction cups can hold a lot. Phones and cameras put sideways and twisting forces on the cups, which is much harder. Do not rely on the lab-style figure for an expensive camera.

What this means for you: test the hold with your device over a soft surface before trusting it over a hard floor or water.

"Never hinders your device"

The page says Tenikle never obstructs your camera, sound or ports. That depends on how the clamp holds your phone and which phone you have. Check that buttons, the camera bump and charging port are clear when mounted.

"No set-up required"

True in the sense that there are no batteries or tools. Getting a stable angle with bendable legs takes a little practice.

"Sustainable" silicone

The page describes using silicone instead of plastic as better for the planet. Silicone lasts a long time, which reduces waste if the product is used for years. It is not biodegradable, and recycling options are limited.

"Replaces tripods, selfie sticks and pop sockets"

It can stand like a tripod and stick to surfaces. It does not extend like a selfie stick. "Replaces all" is marketing; for many people it is one flexible tool among a few.

How much does Tenikle cost, and what do the guarantees really cover?

On 4 October 2026, one Tenikle cost $29.99, three cost $79.98 and five cost $119.97, with free shipping on the multi-packs. The page advertises a 60-day money-back guarantee and a free lifetime warranty. Tenikle's written policy, updated February 2026, accepts returns within 30 days of purchase and replaces defective items for 1 year, or 5 years in total under an extended warranty.

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  Tenikle's strength claim illustrated

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  Tenikle with a small camera

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  Tenikle colours

Compared with a GorillaPod and a suction holder

A bendable tripod and a basic suction phone holder together often cost about the same as one Tenikle. Tenikle combines both functions in one piece, which suits people who want one item in their bag.

Value over time

If Tenikle lasts several years, the cost per use is very low. Silicone and wire are durable, and replacing the phone clamp, if it wears, should be cheaper than buying a new mount. Ask support about spare parts.

Tenikle price and bundles

The "retail" price shown is $39.99 per mount.

What is included

The single unit shows a Tenikle with a phone clamp. The page also mentions a removable fourth arm and a Bluetooth remote. Bundle images show several units with their clamps. Ask support exactly what comes with each option.

The return policy

According to the written policy, returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days of purchase, no questions asked. You pay return shipping, and original shipping is not refunded. Items must be unused, in the same condition and in original packaging. Returns go to Tenikle, LLC, 120 5th St, Peru, Illinois 61354, with the tracking number emailed to hello@tenikle.com.

What to do: treat the return window as 30 days from purchase, not 60.

Restocking and condition

Items must be unused and in the same condition as received, in original packaging. Testing suction on a few surfaces is reasonable, but heavy use, bent legs or dirty cups may make a return harder. Keep the packaging intact.

The warranty

The policy says Tenikle replaces items that are defective or damaged up to 1 year after purchase, or 5 years in total under an extended warranty. That is far from the "free lifetime warranty" shown on the offer page.

What to do: ask hello@tenikle.com, in writing, which warranty applies to an order placed through this page.

Where else it is sold

Media coverage says Tenikle has been sold on Amazon, and the brand runs its own website. Prices and return terms may differ between sellers, so compare before buying, and check which seller's warranty applies.

Shark Tank and price

Media coverage says Tenikle sold out on Amazon soon after its Shark Tank episode aired. Shark Tank exposure says nothing about long-term quality, but it does show the company is established and accountable to a well-known investor.

Is the five-pack worth it?

Five mounts at about $24 each suits families, gifts or a creator who wants mounts in several rooms. Most people need one or two.

Replacement process

For defects within the replacement period, the policy says to email hello@tenikle.com. Expect to explain the problem and possibly send photos or the item. Keep your order number handy.

Cancellations

Orders can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase unless they have left the fulfilment centre, according to the policy.

Who sells it

The page says Tenikle is based in San Diego. Its terms say the website is owned and maintained by MWCC Enterprises Inc, and returns go to Tenikle, LLC in Peru, Illinois. Media coverage describes founder Hans Dose and his wife Lydia, a Kickstarter campaign and a Shark Tank deal with Daymond John.

Is Tenikle better than a GorillaPod or a phone stand?

It is better on smooth vertical surfaces, and similar to a bendable tripod elsewhere. Joby's GorillaPod mobile tripods have long bendable legs and grip railings and branches too, and some models have sold for around $20. Neither has Tenikle's suction cups, which are its standout feature. A simple phone stand is cheaper and enough for desk use.

Comparing build

Tenikle's legs are smooth silicone over wire; GorillaPods use ball-and-socket joints. Silicone is soft, grippy and quiet; ball joints are stiffer and hold heavier loads. For phones, both work; for cameras, ball joints are usually stronger.

Tenikle vs Joby GorillaPod

GorillaPods are the best-known bendable tripods, with ball-jointed legs that grip rails and branches and stand on uneven ground. Newsshooter reported a GorillaPod Mobile Rig on sale for $19.99 in 2026. GorillaPods are stiffer and suit heavier cameras better; Tenikle wins on glass and tile.

Tenikle vs a flexible clamp mount

Gooseneck clamp mounts attach to desk and table edges and bend into position. They are rigid once set and good for desks. They cannot stick to tiles or stand on a table like a tripod.

Tenikle vs a phone stand

For a desk or bedside table, a fixed stand is cheaper and more stable. Our GoDonut review looks at a phone and tablet stand.

Tenikle vs suction cup phone holders

Basic suction phone holders without bendable legs are cheaper and stick to tiles and glass too. They are less flexible, cannot wrap round poles and often have a single fixed angle. Tenikle's legs are what you pay extra for.

Tenikle vs a gimbal

For smooth moving video, a gimbal is the right tool; a mount holds the phone still. Our StableCAM PRO review covers a phone gimbal.

Tenikle vs window suction mounts for cameras

Photographers sometimes use heavy-duty suction mounts rated for cameras on car bodies or windows. Those are built for heavy loads and cost more. For anything heavier than a small mirrorless camera, a rated mount is safer than Tenikle.

Tenikle vs a ring light stand

For lit, front-facing video calls and content, a ring light with a phone holder may suit better. Our OlumiRing review covers a pocket ring light.

Choosing by where you film

If most of your filming happens on tables and outdoors, a bendable tripod suits better. If it happens in bathrooms, kitchens and near windows, Tenikle's suction is the advantage. If it happens at a desk, a fixed stand is simplest.

Tenikle vs a magnetic phone mount

Magnetic mounts hold phones with MagSafe or a metal plate and are quick to attach. They need a fixed base and do not wrap or stick to glass the way Tenikle does. They suit cars and desks more than creative angles.

Tenikle vs a selfie stick tripod

Selfie sticks with tripod legs extend for group shots and stand on flat ground. They cannot stick to windows or tiles, but give height that Tenikle cannot.

When something else wins

Choose a GorillaPod for rough outdoor surfaces and heavier cameras, a simple stand for desks, and Tenikle when you need a phone on a mirror, window or tile.

Is Tenikle legit, and what should you check before buying?

Yes. Tenikle is a real brand with a Shark Tank deal, a US returns address and years of sales. The checks are about fine print: the written policy gives 30 days for returns, not 60, replacements for 1 year rather than a lifetime, and you pay return postage with items unused in original packaging. Test it on the surfaces you plan to use soon after it arrives.

Know the cancellation window

Orders can be cancelled within 24 hours unless they have shipped. If you change your mind quickly, email straight away rather than waiting to return it.

Check your surfaces

What to do: list where you want to mount it. If those surfaces are glass, mirrors or glazed tile, Tenikle suits you. If they are painted walls, wood or outdoor stone, choose a different mount.

Check your phone and case

What to do: measure your phone's width with its case and compare it with the clamp range, if support can give it. A clamp that is too tight can press buttons or scratch the case.

Ask about the Shutterbug remote

What to do: if hands-free photos matter, ask whether the remote is included and which phones it works with. Bluetooth shutter remotes are widely sold separately if not.

Check your plans for water

What to do: if you want to use it near pools or the sea, as some page photos suggest, remember the mount does not protect the phone. Use a waterproof case and keep it out of spray.

Protect your device

Over hard floors, sinks or water, test the hold before trusting it. Suction can release slowly, and a falling phone can break.

Check the warranty in writing

What to do: because the page and policy disagree, email hello@tenikle.com before ordering to ask whether a lifetime warranty applies, and keep the reply.

Check bundle contents

Ask support whether the single unit includes the fourth arm attachment and the Shutterbug remote, since both appear on the page.

Car use

The page shows dashboard-style uses elsewhere. Many places restrict mounts on windscreens and require phones to be fixed where they do not block the view. Suction cups can also release in hot cars. Use a mount designed for cars and follow local laws.

Gifting

Tenikle makes a fun gift for creators, travellers and gadget fans. Because returns must be unused and in original packaging within 30 days, include the receipt and tell the recipient to test it soon.

How to buy Tenikle the smart way

1. Check that your main surfaces are smooth and non-porous.
2. Open the Tenikle order page (opens Tenikle in a new tab) and choose one unit unless you want spares or gifts.
3. Ask support which warranty applies and what is in the box.
4. Test it on your surfaces within the first week.
5. Keep the packaging for 30 days in case you return it.

How did we score Tenikle?

Tenikle scores 5.3 out of 10: claim accuracy 0.9, build durability 1.3, price competitiveness 1.1, usability 1.4 and owner satisfaction 0.6, each out of 2. It is a clever, well-made mount from a real company, and easy to use. Points come off for the lifetime warranty and 60-day guarantee claims that the written policy does not match, "mounts anywhere" wording, and no independent ratings we could check.

What owners say

Reviews on the page describe daily use for videos in the kitchen and shower, filming at a climbing gym and property videos, praising the suction and durability. We found no independent rating source on this store. Seller-collected reviews are not counted in our score.

How the score breaks down

We use the five criteria on our how we test page, each out of 2.

What we did, and did not, do

Nobody on our team has used Tenikle. We read the offer page and its return policy on 4 October 2026 and media coverage on 5 October 2026. Our cellphone accessories hub lists the other phone accessories we have reviewed, including the Snap-N-Charge power bank.

How to use Tenikle for the best results

Clean the surface and suction cups, press Tenikle firmly onto glass or tile, or wrap its legs tightly round a pole, then clip in your phone and test the hold before letting go. Keep the phone's weight close to the mount, recheck suction during long sessions, and avoid hanging expensive gear over hard floors or water.

1. Clean the surface. Wipe away dust and grease.
2. Clean the cups. Rinse with water if they lose grip.
3. Press firmly. Push each cup to squeeze out air.
4. Wrap tightly. For poles, coil the legs snugly.
5. Test the hold. Tug gently before letting go.
6. Keep weight centred. Avoid long sideways leverage.
7. Recheck often. Suction can loosen over time.

Best surfaces at home

Bathroom mirrors, shower glass, kitchen tiles, fridge doors and windows are the most reliable spots. Avoid wallpaper and painted plaster, which can be damaged if the cups pull off paint.

Angling for video calls

For calls, place the phone at eye level, about an arm's length away. A window or mirror at head height is ideal, with light falling on your face rather than behind you.

Checking during long sessions

During long recordings or video calls, glance at the mount every so often. Vibration from typing or music, and changes in temperature, can slowly break the seal.

Restoring suction

Wash the suction cups with warm water and mild soap, let them dry and press again. Silicone cups recover grip when clean.

Phones in the bathroom

Steam can loosen suction cups as surfaces get wet and warm. Check the hold during long showers or baths, and keep phones away from direct spray.

Using it with tablets

Tablets are heavier and catch more air than phones. Use a strong, smooth surface, keep the tablet close to the mount, and place it over something soft the first few times until you trust the hold.

Using it with cameras

Mount small, light cameras close to the centre. Wrap legs around something solid rather than relying on suction alone for anything valuable.

Positioning for overhead shots

For recipes, crafts or unboxings, stick Tenikle to a cabinet above the counter or wrap it round a lamp arm, with the phone pointing straight down. Check the hold carefully, since a phone falling from above can break.

Filming yourself

For workouts, cooking or tutorials, set the phone slightly above eye level and angled down. Record a test clip first to check framing and stability before a long take.

Outdoors

Wrap legs round railings or branches rather than sticking to outdoor surfaces, which are rarely clean or smooth enough.

Cleaning the legs

Wash the silicone legs with warm soapy water to remove dust and skin oils, which reduce grip. Dry fully before storing.

Travelling with it

Fold the legs loosely and pack it in a pocket of your bag, with the clamp attached or separately. Keep the suction cups clean by storing it in a small pouch.

Kids and pets

Small children and pets may pull on a mount or chew suction cups. Keep it out of reach when not in use.

Storing it

Keep it out of direct sun and away from dust. Store the legs loosely bent to avoid stressing the wire.

Avoiding damage to surfaces

Suction cups rarely mark glass or tile, but pulling them off painted surfaces or wallpaper can lift paint. Release cups by lifting an edge rather than yanking the whole mount.

Other questions about suction mounts

Will it leave marks? Suction cups can leave faint rings on glass; wipe them off.

Does it work on a car window? Suction may hold, but check local laws on windscreen mounts and never block your view.

Does heat affect it? Hot surfaces soften silicone and weaken grip.

Can I use it in the shower? The page shows shower use; keep the phone away from direct water.

More questions about Tenikle

What colours does it come in? The page shows black, teal and purple versions, and bundle images include red.

Does it fit large phones? The clamp is designed for phones in general; very large phones in thick cases may be a tight fit. Ask support for the clamp range.

Can it hold a tablet? The page says so. Use a strong surface and keep tablets low over soft landing areas.

Is the clamp removable? The page mentions a removable fourth arm and a standard mount shown holding a camera, so it can be used without the phone clamp.

Frequently asked questions