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10 Best Roof Boxes

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Thule Force 3 Versatile Roof-mounted Cargo Box Black matte XL

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,476
Material
Mounting System
Aerodynamics
Material
The box impresses with its solid material quality and sleek matte black appearance.
Mounting System
Installation is straightforward and reliable, with a secure click that confirms proper mounting.
Aerodynamics
The aerodynamic design contributes to a quieter ride by reducing wind noise during travel.
Weight Limit
Handling the box is manageable despite its weight, making it suitable for most users.

The Thule Force 3 XL roof box is a solid choice if you need extra storage space for your car trips. It offers a large capacity with dimensions of 215 x 87 x 47 cm, providing plenty of room to carry luggage or gear. Weighing 22 kg, it is relatively easy to handle for most users when mounting or removing. One standout feature is its quick and secure mounting system, which gives a clear click sound to let you know the box is safely attached—this makes installation straightforward and reliable.

The box is designed with durability in mind, able to withstand daily use and harsh road conditions thanks to Thule’s thorough testing. Its aerodynamic shape helps reduce wind resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise while driving. The forward position on the roof allows full access to the car’s trunk without bumping into the box, adding convenience during loading and unloading. Additionally, optional accessories like a box light and lid pull strap enhance usability, especially in low-light situations.

While the product excels in build quality and practical features, its relatively heavy weight might be a bit challenging for some users to lift onto the roof racks. The price might be higher than some simpler roof boxes, but that reflects its premium materials and thoughtful design. For those seeking a dependable, spacious, and easy-to-mount roof box with good security features, the Thule Force 3 XL is an excellent fit, particularly for families or active travelers who frequently carry extra gear.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,476
Material
Mounting System
Aerodynamics
Material
The box impresses with its solid material quality and sleek matte black appearance.
Mounting System
Installation is straightforward and reliable, with a secure click that confirms proper mounting.
Aerodynamics
The aerodynamic design contributes to a quieter ride by reducing wind noise during travel.
Weight Limit
Handling the box is manageable despite its weight, making it suitable for most users.
#2

Thule Motion 3 Roof Box Black Glossy XL

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Mounting System
Security Features
Capacity
The roof box offers impressive capacity, easily fitting a family’s luggage for extended trips without compromise.
Mounting System
Installation is remarkably quick and straightforward, allowing even a single person to mount it securely with the PowerClick system.
Security Features
The locking mechanism provides clear confirmation of security, delivering peace of mind for stored belongings.
Aerodynamics
Its design minimizes wind noise even at highway speeds, reflecting the aerodynamic, wing-shaped profile.
Material
The sturdy construction feels robust and reliable, suitable for family adventures and heavy use.

The Thule Motion 3 Roof Box Black Glossy XL is a spacious and well-designed roof box ideal for those who need significant extra storage on their vehicle. With a generous capacity of 500 liters and large dimensions (2.15m long, 0.89m wide, 0.43m high), it can accommodate bulky items like skis, luggage, or camping gear. The box weighs 23 kg, which is reasonable given its size and sturdy ABS plastic construction known for durability and resistance to weather. Its aerodynamic, wing-shaped profile with a tilted front helps reduce wind drag, potentially improving fuel efficiency compared to less streamlined boxes.

Installation is made easy and secure thanks to the PowerClick system with a torque indicator that clicks when the box is properly mounted on your roof bars. For security, the SlideLock system provides separate lock and open functions and signals when the box is locked firmly, offering peace of mind for your belongings. Optional accessories like interior lighting, a drawstring for lid access, and protective linings add convenience but come separately. The box’s glossy black finish looks sleek but may show scratches or dust more easily.

While the Thule Motion 3 XL is water-resistant, it’s important to confirm your roof rack’s weight limit to ensure safe loading, as the box itself weighs 23 kg plus cargo. This model fits a wide range of vehicles, making it a versatile choice for families or frequent travelers who want a reliable, spacious roof box with solid security and simple mounting features.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Mounting System
Security Features
Capacity
The roof box offers impressive capacity, easily fitting a family’s luggage for extended trips without compromise.
Mounting System
Installation is remarkably quick and straightforward, allowing even a single person to mount it securely with the PowerClick system.
Security Features
The locking mechanism provides clear confirmation of security, delivering peace of mind for stored belongings.
Aerodynamics
Its design minimizes wind noise even at highway speeds, reflecting the aerodynamic, wing-shaped profile.
Material
The sturdy construction feels robust and reliable, suitable for family adventures and heavy use.
#3

Thule Force 3 Versatile Roof-mounted Cargo Box Black matte M

Rating
9.4
Material
Mounting System
Material
The roof box impresses with its solid material quality, weight, and sleek matte black finish.
Mounting System
The mounting system feels secure, though closing the box requires a firm push for proper sealing.

The Thule Force 3 Versatile Roof-mounted Cargo Box in size M offers a practical solution for carrying extra gear on your vehicle roof. With dimensions of 175 x 81 x 44 cm and a weight of 16.5 kg, it strikes a good balance between capacity and manageable size, making it suitable for medium loads without being too bulky. Its mounting system is user-friendly and secure, featuring a clear click indicator that shows when the box is properly attached, adding peace of mind during travel. The forward position on the roof helps maintain easy access to your trunk, reducing the chance of hitting the box when loading or unloading from the back.

Built to last, the box is made from durable materials designed to withstand daily use and active lifestyles. While aerodynamic details aren't deeply highlighted, Thule's reputation and testing in their Test Centre suggest it should minimize drag reasonably well. Accessories like a box light for visibility and a lid pull strap improve convenience. At 16.5 kg, it’s not the lightest option, so installation might require some effort.

This product suits users needing a reliable, medium-capacity roof box with easy installation and access, especially those who value durable design and trustworthy performance from a reputable brand.

Rating
9.4
Material
Mounting System
Material
The roof box impresses with its solid material quality, weight, and sleek matte black finish.
Mounting System
The mounting system feels secure, though closing the box requires a firm push for proper sealing.

Buying Guide for the Best Roof Boxes

Choosing the right roof box can greatly enhance your travel experience by providing additional storage space for your vehicle. It's important to consider the size, shape, and features of the roof box to ensure it meets your needs and fits your vehicle properly. Think about what you plan to store in the roof box, how often you'll use it, and the type of trips you'll be taking. This will help you determine the best roof box for your lifestyle.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of storage space available inside the roof box, usually measured in liters. This is important because it determines how much you can store in the box. Roof boxes come in various sizes, typically ranging from around 300 to 600 liters. If you plan to carry a lot of gear, such as camping equipment or luggage for a family trip, you might need a larger capacity. For occasional use or smaller loads, a smaller capacity might suffice. Consider the size of your vehicle and the type of items you need to store when choosing the capacity.
DimensionsThe dimensions of a roof box include its length, width, and height. These are crucial because they affect how the box fits on your vehicle and what you can store inside. Longer boxes are great for items like skis or snowboards, while wider boxes can accommodate bulkier items. Make sure the dimensions of the roof box are compatible with your vehicle's roof and that it doesn't obstruct your view or interfere with opening the trunk. Consider the types of items you plan to carry and ensure the dimensions will accommodate them.
Weight LimitThe weight limit of a roof box indicates the maximum weight it can safely carry. This is important for safety and to avoid damaging your vehicle's roof. Roof boxes typically have weight limits ranging from 50 to 75 kg. It's crucial to not exceed this limit, as it can affect your vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency. Consider the weight of the items you plan to carry and ensure they fall within the roof box's weight limit. Also, check your vehicle's roof load capacity to ensure it can support the combined weight of the roof box and its contents.
MaterialRoof boxes are made from various materials, with the most common being ABS plastic and fiberglass. The material affects the durability, weight, and weather resistance of the roof box. ABS plastic is lightweight, durable, and resistant to UV rays, making it a popular choice. Fiberglass is also durable and can be more aerodynamic, but it tends to be heavier. Consider the climate and conditions you'll be using the roof box in, as well as how often you'll be using it, to determine which material is best for you.
AerodynamicsAerodynamics refers to how well the roof box cuts through the air while driving. This is important because it affects fuel efficiency and noise levels. Roof boxes with a more aerodynamic design, often with a sleek, tapered shape, can reduce wind resistance and improve fuel economy. If you plan to use the roof box frequently or for long trips, choosing a more aerodynamic model can save you money on fuel and provide a quieter ride. Consider your typical driving conditions and how important fuel efficiency is to you when evaluating aerodynamics.
Mounting SystemThe mounting system is how the roof box attaches to your vehicle's roof rack. This is important for ease of installation and security. Some roof boxes have quick-mount systems that make installation fast and easy, while others may require more time and tools. Ensure the mounting system is compatible with your vehicle's roof rack and that it provides a secure fit. If you plan to frequently remove and reinstall the roof box, a quick-mount system might be more convenient. Consider how often you'll be installing the roof box and your comfort level with installation when choosing a mounting system.
Security FeaturesSecurity features in a roof box include locks and latches that keep your belongings safe. This is important to prevent theft and ensure the box stays closed while driving. Most roof boxes come with a central locking system that secures the box at multiple points. Some may also have additional features like keyless entry or tamper-proof locks. Consider the value of the items you'll be storing and the level of security you need. If you plan to leave the roof box unattended in public areas, investing in a model with robust security features is advisable.