The Best Roof Racks

XCar Rook Rack Carrier Basket

The Undisputed Champion

This roof rack is sturdy, secure, and spacious — what else could you ask for?

Best Overall

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This roof rack from XCar truly has all the right features. One that you may notice right away is its sides — they’re 6″ inches tall, and they surround the entire rack, so you can ensure your items will stay in place even if you have to hit the brakes a bit harder than usual.

This roof rack measures 64″ x 39″ and provides a universal fit on SUV-style vehicles. It’s made from heavy-duty metal with a black powder-coated surface, which allows it to be durable, rust-free, and sleek in style, so it looks good on the roof of your car.

Pros:

• This roof rack can hold up to 150 lbs at a time
• It’s easy to attach with the four included U-bolts
• A wind-shield is placed on the front to protect your items on particularly blustery days

Cons:

• The large size may not fit well on smaller cars, though it’s a perfect size for SUVs

Rola V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket

Sturdy Meets Sleek

This roof rack looks great, and it performs even better.

Runner Up

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Rola’s rack features a basket-style design and a sleek, black metal look. It measures 48″ x 37 ½”, and the edges that hold your items in place are 5″ high.

This roof rack is adjustable so that it can fit most vehicles. That said, you’ll need to make sure the size is okay for the specific make and model you drive. It’s got smooth, rounded edges to protect your possessions, and it is made from durable, rust-free metal.

Pros:

• This roof rack comes with a detachable air deflector for windy days
• All of the mounting hardware you need for assembly and attachment is included
• The black finish is somewhat rough, allowing it to be scratch-resistant for a longer-lasting product

Cons:

• This roof rack is on the smaller side, but it’s still large enough to carry plenty of cargo

AmazonBasics Universal Cross Rail Roof Rack

Simple, Subtle, and Affordable

This roof rack takes the simple form of just two rails, so it's got a minimalist look while still keeping your items secure.

Best Rails

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If you’re looking for a roof rack that is simple and affordable, this option from AmazonBasics is your pick. It’s actually just a set of two roof rails, but they work the same way that a basket-style roof rack does. You set your items on top of the rails, and they work to protect the top of your vehicle while also providing a convenient place for secure strapping.

These roof rack rails are 52″ long, giving you plenty of space to store larger items. They leave a ½” gap between their bottom side and the roof of your vehicle for protection that you can trust.

Pros:

• These easily attach to your vehicle with rubber-coated clamps
• They have a built-in locking mechanism to protect your items from theft while your car is parked
• They’re designed to be aerodynamic, ensuring they’ll protect your items without causing excess noise or vibration inside of the car

Cons:

• This may not work as well for storing smaller items, but they are perfect for carrying large cargo

Arksen Universal Roof Rack

Bigger is Better

This roof rack extends to an impressive 84" long, so you can easily and safely carry whatever you need.

Best Extra Large

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This is another basket-style roof rack, and it’s extremely large in size. It measures an impressive 84″ x 39″ and has 6″ side rails to protect your items from sliding around or falling off.

This roof rack from Arksen is constructed with black powder-coated metal and it has a protective, aerodynamic panel in the front to keep your items in place even on the windiest days. It is easy to install with four U-bolts as well, so you can spend less time working on your roof rack and more time loading it up for travel.

Pros:

• This roof rack can be adjusted from 43″ to 8″, so you can adapt it to the needs of your next trip
• There are plenty of side and bottom rails, allowing you to secure items better than ever before

Cons:

• The large size of this roof rack requires a large vehicle to match

Seah Hardware Roof Rack Cross Bars

Easy Installation

This roof rack has easy-to-use straps built-in that help hold it in place.

Best with Straps

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If you want a roof rack that’s easy to install, you’ll love these roof rails from Seah Hardware. They attach with their built-in straps, so you can simply place them on the roof of your car and strap them securely into place. They also attach to any vehicle thanks to their simple setup.

These roof rack rails are 48″ long, giving you a good amount of space to store your items. They secure tightly into place with included screws and lock nuts as well as the straps, so you’ll know your cargo is safe while you’re flying down the highway in pursuit of your next adventure.

Pros:

• The tie-down straps include waterproof ratchets for the safest possible strapping
• Rail-style racks like this one are more affordable than basket-style roof racks
• They leave an impressive 6 ½” between their bottom side and your vehicle, so you have plenty of protection for the roof of your car

Cons:

• These need to strap through your windows and inside of your vehicle, which may not be preferable in colder weather

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell if a roof rack will fit on the vehicle I own?
Roof racks go off the size of the crossbars on the roof of your car. You’ll want to know the measurements of these before you choose your specific roof rack.

What types of things can be carried in a roof rack?
Roof racks are often used for extra-large luggage, camping gear, and similar items that just don’t fit in your vehicle during travel. The rail-style roof racks can also be used for kayaks, bicycles, and more.