Best Roof Racks

Crash Course:

• The Yakima Excessive Highway, Chief Equipment Kayak Rack, Yakima Recent Tracks, Arksen Common Roof Rack, and Thule UpRide are the most effective roof racks in 2025.
• Anticipate to pay between $100 and $300 for a high quality roof rack. Bigger racks which might be purpose-built to hold bikes or skis are typically dearer than roof baskets.

Few of us dwell inside a brief distance of a motorbike path, river, or mountain, and huge leisure outside tools like bikes and kayaks could be troublesome to slot in a trunk or again seat. One of the best roof racks all provide a handy technique of carrying and securing this tools in your automobile’s roof on your subsequent off-road journey.

This text and our suggestions deal with roof racks for carrying tools akin to bikes, skis, and kayaks. If you’re on the lookout for one thing so as to add cargo area to your automobile, try our evaluation of the greatest rooftop cargo carriers.

Yakima HighRoad Upright Bike Provider

Chief Equipment Folding Kayak Rack

Yakima FreshTrack Ski & Snowboard Mount

Arksen Common Roof Rack

Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack

Roof Rack Evaluations

For this evaluation we examined the most effective roof racks for skis, kayaks, and bicycles, taking a look at ease of use, capability, and stability. Remember, nevertheless, that you simply’ll want a automobile with roof facet rails to put in most roof racks, together with these we advocate.

What Is the Finest Roof Rack?

We named the Yakima Excessive Highway, Chief Equipment Kayak Rack, Yakima Recent Tracks, Arksen Common Roof Rack, and Thule UpRide because the best-rated roof racks available on the market in 2025.

*As a result of price information fluctuates, the costs within the desk above are approximate values that our group commonly updates.

Roof Rack Rankings: Our Testing Course of

Our opinions group researched roof racks designed to hold bikes, skis, kayaks, and some other kind of bags. Inside every of those classes we regarded for roof racks at completely different value factors and combed by means of buyer opinions.

We regarded for merchandise praised for sturdiness, reliability, and ease of use. We subsequent ordered probably the most promising merchandise for testing. A group member examined every product, taking care to evaluate ease of use, stability, and total capability. Every roof rack was given a ranking out of 5.0 stars based mostly on these standards.

1. Yakima HighRoad Upright Bike Provider

• Value: $300
• Capability: One bicycle
• Weight: 19 kilos
• Matches bikes with 26- to 29-inch wheels

The Yakima HighRoad is very straightforward to put in. The directions are easy and the instruments you want are included with the rack. The tightening mechanisms are straightforward to make use of and supply a safe match. It’s additionally equally straightforward to uninstall when the time involves take away it.

This roof rack is appropriate with 2 SKS (identical key system) lock (offered individually) and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

You possibly can see how the Yakima HighRoad Upright Bike Provider carried out in every class beneath:

For an upright bike service, the Yakima HighRoad is a superb choice. It’s easy to put in, use, and has a weight capability of 44.1 kilos. Whereas it solely carries a single bicycle, it’s attainable to connect a number of HighRoads to a single roof. Nonetheless, take into accout your automotive’s load capability, as carrying a number of bikes will add loads of weight to your automobile.

Under are the professionals and cons of the Yakima HighRoad Upright Bike Provider:

Professionals and Cons

Professionals

• Intuitive setup
• No body contact
• Excessive stability

Cons

• Requires crossbars
• Doesn’t accommodate bikes with tires beneath 26.0 in.
• Solely holds one bike

Our Expertise

We particularly just like the mounting system for affixing a bicycle. It’s easy, safe, and intuitive. As soon as put in, the bike may be very steady. The tightening mechanism makes it straightforward to correctly safe your cargo.

This rack can solely match one bicycle, however it will be attainable to put in a number of on the identical roof if it’s essential to transport a number of bicycles.

What Clients Are Saying

Amazon evaluation rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (over 450 rankings)

Most agree this rack is without doubt one of the greatest roof racks available on the market, and a number of other prospects admire that it accommodates a large tire. Many individuals have used this rack to move their bikes lengthy distances with no points. The Yakima HighRoad is steady and dependable.

Some reviewers say that their HighRoad arrived with components lacking. One other concern some have with this rack is that it doesn’t accommodate bikes with tires smaller than 26.0 inches. Others are upset that the locking system is offered individually. Reviewers really feel it ought to come included contemplating the excessive price of this roof rack system.

2. Chief Equipment Folding Kayak Rack

• Value: $130
• Capability: Two kayaks
• Weight: 23.4 kilos

The Chief Equipment Kayak Rack is straightforward to put in and exceptionally steady. The straightforward design and common mounting system make it appropriate with most all automobiles (so long as they’ve roof rails).

This folding kayak rack comes principally assembled and no instruments are required for rooftop set up. It additionally comes with a four-piece ratchet tie-down strap.

You possibly can see how the Chief Equipment Folding Kayak Rack carried out in every class beneath:

Chief Equipment provides an easy-to-install system that makes use of a J-hook design. This equipment comes with 4 items able to carrying two kayaks. It’s offered in varied sizes so you possibly can select the fitting choice on your kayak.

Under are the professionals and cons of the Chief Equipment Folding Kayak Rack:

Professionals and Cons

Professionals

• Straightforward meeting
• Excessive-quality supplies

Cons

• Tubes can accumulate rain and rust
• Some units include brackets mounted incorrectly

Our Expertise

To connect a kayak, you’ll want to make use of the included ratchet straps. These are easy to make use of however require some power and also you’ll have to tuck away the surplus lengths of the strap. These straps provide wonderful safety and guarantee a good match for any measurement kayak.

What Clients Are Saying

Amazon evaluation rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (over 1,600 rankings)

Those that’ve used this rack for a protracted journey report that it labored nicely to maintain their kayak(s) in place. Many reward the standard supplies and ease of set up for this roof rack.

Many reviewers say that their rack got here incorrectly assembled. A rubber-metal protector is meant to protect your hood from the steel mounting bracket. In some instances, the product ships with the protector on the fallacious facet of this bracket. It’s straightforward sufficient to modify this your self, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one thing prospects ought to know. One other criticism is that water can get within the tubes when it rains, rusting the rack from the within.

3. Yakima FreshTrack Ski & Snowboard Mount

• Value: $250
• Capability: 4 units of skis or two snowboards
• Weight: 7 lbs.

The Yakima FreshTrack is our favourite ski and snowboard mount. It might maintain a number of units of skis (or two snowboards), has a locking mechanism, and may be very straightforward to make use of (particularly in comparison with a motorbike rack). The rubber grip additionally ensures that you simply don’t injury your skis in transport.

The FreshTrack features a ski-lift attachment supplies clearance for taller bindings and is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

You possibly can see how the Yakima FreshTrack Ski & Snowboard Mount carried out in every class beneath:

This easy-to-install mount is a superb means for transporting your skis or snowboards. It sits low on the roof and might accommodate as much as 4 units of skis (although your mileage on this may occasionally differ relying on the scale of your tools).

Not like a number of the different greatest roof racks we examined, the Yakima FreshTrack options an built-in SKS lock design to guard your cargo from thieves.

Under are the professionals and cons of the Yakima FreshTrack Ski & Snowboard Mount:

Professionals and Cons

Professionals

• Straightforward set up
• Built-in SRS lock design
• Light-weight

Cons

• Generates noise
• Doesn’t all the time match two snowboards as marketed

Our Expertise

This was the best roof rack to put in amongst any we examined. No instruments are required and it attaches simply. The mechanism to open the rack to load ski tools is straightforward to make use of and you’ll lock this rack for added stability and safety.

Whereas this rack does trigger some wind noise and drag, that’s inevitable for any roof rack.

What Clients Are Saying

Amazon evaluation rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (round 150 rankings)

Most say this rack is sturdy, safe, and simply put in. Even with out studying the directions, most are capable of connect the FreshTrack in a matter of minutes.

A few individuals complain that the Yakima FreshTrack doesn’t match two snowboards (and included footage). Relying on the width of your board, this rack might not accommodate the marketed two boards. Nonetheless, there was no less than one reviewer who was capable of carry two snowboards with no downside. Different complaints about this roof rack are that it’s costly and noisy on the highway.

4. Arksen Common Roof Rack

• Value: $120
• Capability: 250 lbs. (space of 43 in.)
• Weight: 37 lbs.

The Arksen roof rack is an efficient choice for transporting tenting tools or soiled instruments you wouldn’t wish to put inside your automobile. This rack can be appropriate with cargo bins in case you want a weatherproof storage choice on your subsequent highway journey.

In order for you a roof rack for gadgets aside from bikes, skis, or kayaks, think about the Arksen Common roof rack. It’s easy to mount and cargo, although you’ll have to buy bungee straps or cords individually to tie down your cargo.

Under are the professionals and cons of the Arksen Common Roof Rack:

Professionals and Cons

Professionals

• Straightforward to put in
• Safe
• Can be utilized with different roof tools

Cons

• Not weatherproof
• Match varies throughout automobile fashions

Our Expertise

The Arksen shouldn’t be troublesome to put in and as soon as connected could be left on the roof with out including an excessive amount of drag to your automobile, even at excessive speeds. It received’t present any safety from the weather, however you should purchase an Arksen storage field (offered individually) if that’s a requirement.

What Clients Are Saying

Amazon evaluation rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (over 4,700 rankings)

Most say this rack is straightforward to put in. Reviewers admire the safe match, which is aerodynamic and doesn’t rattle or produce a lot noise on the roof. The light-weight body is nonetheless sturdy. Many use this for gardening or tenting tools.

There are some complaints in regards to the directions, which could be troublesome to observe. This service doesn’t match all automobiles, so be certain that it’s appropriate along with your cross bars. Some have talked about that the Arksen shouldn’t be totally waterproof, and the body can start to brown and rust if left within the rain.

5. Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack

• Value: $300
• Capability: One bike
• Weight: 18.5 lbs.
• Matches 20- to 29-in. wheels

The Thule UpRide is a no-frame-contact bike rack designed to accommodate bikes with bigger tires. It isn’t particularly straightforward to make use of and set up, nevertheless it does provide wonderful stability as soon as arrange. This well-made bike rack can be backed by a lifetime guarantee.

You possibly can see how the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack carried out in every class beneath:

The Thule UpRide is a motorbike rack appropriate for carbon-body bikes and wide-tire bicycles. It’s an excellent choice for mountain bikes and even fats bikes. An adapter (offered individually) is required to mount bikes with 5-inch tires.

Under are the professionals and cons of the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack:

Professionals and Cons

Professionals

• Accommodates extensive tire bikes
• Glorious tightening system
• Steady and safe

Cons

• Locking system offered individually
• Not appropriate for highway bikes
• Complicated setup directions

Our Expertise

The included directions with the Thule UpRide aren’t superb. Whereas we had been finally capable of correctly set up this bike rack, it took us probably the most time of any of the most effective roof racks that we examined. It’s definitely extra of a problem to put in than the Yakima HighRoad.

As soon as put in, we felt just like the Thule was just a little safer than the Yakima. We just like the tightening system which is straightforward to make use of and firmly grips your bike. Total, we discovered the Thule to be extraordinarily steady.

What Clients Are Saying

Amazon evaluation rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (over 350 rankings)

Many reviewers report wonderful outcomes with this bike rack. It’s sturdy and steady and works with carbon-framed bikes. Customers like how shortly they’re able to mount their bikes onto this rack.

Some complain in regards to the set up directions (that are admittedly poor). Probably the most obtrusive criticism comes from some opinions who say that their bikes fell off the rack whereas in use. That is clearly a hazard and a major concern. The problem seems to happen with highway bikes, which have thinner tires. We don’t advocate this roof rack for small-tire bikes, it’s extra appropriate for bikes with thicker tires.

Roof Rack Shopping for Information

Roof racks are a mandatory software for individuals who wish to transport their bikes, kayaks, skis, or some other outside tools that received’t slot in a trunk. Roof racks may also be used for added space for storing in case you pack heavy. When choosing the right roof rack on your wants, first think about what it’s you wish to transport.

Examine Roof Racks

Bike Racks

A full-sized bicycle received’t match inside most automobiles, so bike racks are a standard sight on the freeway. You possibly can carry bikes in your roof with a heavy-duty roof rack, or behind your automobile with a motorbike hitch, and every has completely different benefits.

A motorbike roof rack connects to the highest of your automobile. It received’t block entry to your trunk and is good for transporting your bike brief distances. Watch out in case you park in a storage, as most don’t have sufficient clearance to accommodate a roof bike. Should you park your automotive exterior, you possibly can go away a motorbike roof rack connected to your automotive when not in use.

A motorbike hitch attaches to the again of your automobile. You don’t want a roof rack to put in a motorbike hitch and these are typically extra aerodynamic. Bike hitches are higher for long-distance drives. Nonetheless, hitches block entry to your trunk and aren’t one thing you possibly can conveniently go away connected to your automotive.

Some bike racks require that you simply take away your bicycle’s entrance wheel. This makes for a higher problem putting in and eradicating your bike however is extra steady and safe.

Kayak Racks

As with bike racks, there are a number of kinds of kayak racks. Some designs characteristic a J form, which cradles your kayak flat towards the roof. These are safe and straightforward to make use of. Sometimes J racks are additionally inexpensive than different varieties of kayak racks.

Different kayak carriers maintain the kayak on its facet. These are generally known as stackers, as they assist you to stack a number of kayaks. This kind of kayak service is much less safe.

Ski Racks

As with bike racks, there are ski racks that may connect to the roof of your automotive or to the again of your automobile.

• High-mounted ski racks: These match onto your roof rack and clamp down over your ski or snowboard. Most of these racks are versatile and match all sizes of skis and snowboards. Some top-mounted racks use magnets and suction to carry your skis down, however this can be a little much less safe.
• Rear-mounted ski racks: This mannequin of rack attaches to the again of your automobile and holds your ski tools upright. Chances are you’ll want a automotive with a trailer hitch put in to make use of such a rack, which is extra accessible than when your skis are affixed to your roof.

Compatibility

One of the best roof racks on your automobile rely on the kind of automotive you drive. To make use of any roof rack, you will have a automotive that has cross bars. In any other case, search for carriers that connect to the trunk.

Along with contemplating roof rack choices which might be appropriate along with your automobile, be sure you get one that’s appropriate along with your tools. Should you commonly transport two bicycles, you’ll have to get a service that accommodates two bikes. Sure carriers are additionally solely appropriate with specifically-sized tools, so be certain that your gear suits correctly. One other factor to think about is wind resistance. Improperly-fitted roof racks could cause drag, decreasing gas effectivity.

Roof Racks Vs. Roof Rails

One thing customers ought to be aware is the distinction between roof racks and roof rails. Roof rails, additionally generally known as cross bars, are on the perimeters of the naked roof of the automotive. Cargo racks then connect to those rails.

Most roof rails come preinstalled from the automobile producer, though there are some aftermarket choices. Search for sturdy, but light-weight choices like aluminum cross bars that may help a number of varieties of mounting {hardware}.

What Will A Roof Rack Do To Your Automotive? 

Deciding on a rack set up has its execs and cons. Whereas increasing the carrying capability on your automobile, cargo baggage or raised roof rails can impression your automobile’s aerodynamics and add weight.

Listed here are a couple of choices to discover in case you add {hardware} to your automotive roof:

• Rooftop tents
• Roof bins
• Bike racks
• Kayak racks
• Ski racks

Do Roof Racks Have an effect on Fuel Mileage? 

Sure, roof racks have an effect on gasoline mileage. Something you connect to your roof will cut back the aerodynamics of your automobile, successfully hampering gasoline mileage. Moreover, anytime you add weight to a automobile there’s a danger of lowered gas economic system.

Should you’re anxious about gasoline mileage, think about a hitch rack that attaches to the again of your automotive as a substitute of a roof rack.

What Is Higher: A Roof Rack Or A Hitch Rack?

Whereas each develop the performance of your automobile, hitch racks provide extra accessibility choices than roof racks. Being decrease to the bottom means they’re extra simply loaded and unloaded. Nonetheless, hitch racks also can impression rear visibility and so they require a trailer hitch for set up.

Storage equipment designed for the roof of your automobile often provide extra carrying capability and flexibility. Straightforward set up might not be attainable when loading a motorbike or kayak, however most don’t prohibit entry to your automotive or camper van.

What If My Automotive Doesn’t Have Roof Rails?

In case your automotive doesn’t have roof rails, you’ll want to put in a set to make use of most roof racks. A superb aftermarket choice is the Rhino-Rack Heavy Obligation Crossbars.

These crossbars are pretty straightforward to put in and might bear loads of weight. They’re very sturdy however might generate a bit of additional highway noise.

How Do I Set up A Roof Rack?

Each roof rack can have a particular set of {hardware} and manufacturer-specific directions for operation, however there are a couple of common pointers to observe when putting in aftermarket tools.

1. Place the rack on high of your automobile: That is whenever you be certain that the rack correctly suits your automobile and is correctly centered on the automobile’s roof.
2. Use offered tools to safe the rack: Fastening tools will differ by producer, however often consists of bolts that may be hand-tightened or wrenched into place.
3. Test for stability: As soon as put in, be certain that all factors are securely customary and that any cross rails that had been adjusted are locked in place.

Roof Racks: Backside Line

We advocate selecting a roof rack that’s each sturdy and enhances your most frequent exercise. Should you’re an avid biker, it is sensible to have one thing like that put in in your automotive versus a cargo field. Moreover, search out choices that may save area when put in in your automobile. The smaller the format, the much less impression it can have on gas economic system.

1. Yakima HighRoad Upright Bike Provider: Finest Bike Rack
2. Chief Equipment Folding Kayak Rack: Finest Kayak Rack
3. Yakima FreshTrack Ski & Snowboard Mount: Finest Ski Rack
4. Arksen Common Roof Rack: Finest Cargo Basket
5. Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack: Finest for Broad-Tire Bikes

Finest Roof Rack: FAQ

Under are some widespread steadily requested questions on roof racks:

Full Roof Rack Testing Methodology

To check roof racks, we put in every rack on high of a 2013 Subaru Forester. We loaded every service and secured the cargo, noting the complexity of every system. We additionally checked cargo for stability as soon as affixed to the automobile.

Throughout this course of, we be aware of the benefit of use, carrying capability, and stability. Every roof rack is then given a ranking out of 5.0 stars based mostly on these standards.

Ease of Use

Affixing any roof rack would require that you simply get above your automotive, both utilizing a ladder, stool, or standing in your automotive’s wheel. Securing tools into the rack additionally requires lifting stated tools over your automobile. This may be extraordinarily troublesome for individuals who have bother lifting 25.0 to 30.0 kilos overhead. Our ease of use rating assumes that is attainable for the reader. If not, any roof rack might be troublesome to make use of and you need to think about a hitch rack that attaches behind the trunk.

We gave the most effective scores to roof racks with easy directions and a quick set up course of. We additionally thought of the issue of attaching and eradicating tools from every rack.

Capability

This rating is predicated on the variety of gadgets a rack can carry. Roof racks capable of carry a number of snowboards, kayaks, or bicycles scored higher on this class. A heavier weight capability was additionally thought of.

Stability

As soon as connected to a roof rack, it’s necessary that your tools keep connected. Roof racks that held cargo firmly in place with little shake scored greatest on this class. This consists of compatibility with aerodynamic crossbars.

How We Rating Merchandise

Each roof rack we check is given a rating between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in every class. Right here’s what these star rankings imply in concrete phrases:

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star ranking means a roof rack is among the many greatest in a class. It may be put in and used near-effortlessly, carries three to 4 instances as a lot as related racks, or doesn’t vibrate or transfer throughout use.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star ranking means a roof rack performs higher than common in a class. It may be put in in beneath 20 minutes, is operated with out problem, holds greater than the typical variety of gadgets, or might solely shift barely throughout use.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star ranking signifies what’s common or typical for a roof rack, based mostly on our testing expertise. It may be put in with some problem, holds the typical variety of gadgets, or won’t fall off although it might wobble.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star ranking signifies the roof rack performs beneath expectations in a class. This can be very troublesome to put in, holds lower than typical, or wobbles considerably.
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star ranking signifies that the roof rack performs nicely beneath expectations in a class. It can’t be put in with out knowledgeable help, doesn’t maintain a single bike, or will fall off at speeds over 5.0 miles per hour.

Why Belief Automoblog

Annually, we check over 350 auto merchandise on automobiles and in our testing lab. Our group of product testers completely researches high merchandise, unboxes and places our fingers on every element, and assessments the gadgets on actual automobiles earlier than making suggestions to readers.

We publish tons of of product and repair opinions to carry automotive fans detailed guides on automotive instruments, detailing kits, automotive seats, pet merchandise, and rather more.

*Knowledge correct at time of publication. Merchandise topic to availability.