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Our tests revealed the best car roof carriers for capacity, stability, security, and more.

Thule Motion XT XL Roof Box attached to a CSUV parked along a sidewalk with the trunk open

Credit:Travel + Leisure

The size options are best for large amounts of gear and may not be ideal for everyday use.

The cargo box is on the heavier side to lift onto a car.

Its easier to roll out the box with two people.

Thule Motion 3 L

Credit: Thule

We wish it could be locked closed, so we could leave contents inside without worry.

We can also attest to its waterproofingnone of the contents got wet after the bag was rained on.

The sides are a little wobbly.

Thule Motion 3 installed atop a car roof

Credit: Travel + Leisure

The quick-connect system is very simple to install and affix to the roof rails of the vehicle.

The installation instructions are unclear and make it tricky to put together the first time.

For travelers looking to purchase a medium-sized cargo box, we love the lightweight and aerodynamic Goplus Rooftop Carrier.

Thule Motion 3 installed atop a car roof

The box rattled a bit during some road trips.

Assembly is fairly involved and takes a long time.

We used this car roof attachment with theThule SnowPack Extenderon two trips to the mountains.

Thule Motion 3 laying on a grassy lawn

All of the components felt well-made and durable, too.

It may be too long for small cars and is best used with SUVs.

We found it easy to set up with clear instructions and well-labeled parts.

Thule Motion 3 installed atop a car roof

The carrier is durable and kept contents in good shape during rainy and cold days.

We also didn’t notice any noise or movement while on the road.

Still, it didnt stand out enough against our other carriers with rave reviews.

Thule Motion 3 installed atop a car roof

The best carriers will keep your gear safe from high speeds and any weather conditions during the trip.

Road trippers should also look out for carriers that have the ability to lock for extra protection.

Every carrier has its own weight limits, so refer back to the manufacturers instructions for the load capacity.

Thule Motion 3 laying on a grassy lawn

Yes, car roof carriers are safe if theyre installed and used correctly.

Yakima SkyBox NX 18

Credit: Yakima

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box installed atop a Subaru

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Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box installed on top of a Subaru

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box installed atop a Subaru

Open Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box on a wood floor

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box installed atop a Subaru

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box installed on top of a Subaru

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box installed atop a Subaru

Open Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box on a wood floor

Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box

Credit: Amazon

Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box packed with skis and bags installed on a vehicle

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Skis and bags packed into the Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box

Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box installed on top of a car

Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box packed with skis and bags installed on a vehicle

Skis and bags packed into the Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box

Thule Vector Alpine Roof Box installed on top of a car

WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Credit: Amazon

The WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier on the top of a car

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The WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier on a car roof

The WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier on a car roof

Items inside the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The corner of the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The snap buckle on the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The straps on the bottom of the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier on the top of a car

The WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier on a car roof

The WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier on a car roof

Items inside the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The corner of the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The snap buckle on the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

The straps on the bottom of the WeatherTech RackSack Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box

Credit: Amazon

Person loading skis into the Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box on top of a vehicle

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Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box partially removed from its shipping box

Person loading skis into the Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box on top of a vehicle

Thule Force Rooftop Cargo Box partially removed from its shipping box

Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Credit: Amazon

Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier open on top of a car

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Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier installed on top of a vehicle with an open trunk

Person putting a camp chair into the Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier installed on top of a vehicle

Installation mounts for the Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier displayed on concrete

Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier open on top of a car

Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier installed on top of a vehicle with an open trunk

Person putting a camp chair into the Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier installed on top of a vehicle

Installation mounts for the Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier displayed on concrete

Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box

Credit: REI

Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box installed on a CSUV with a forest in the background

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Closeup of a label on the Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box

Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box shipping box strapped in the trunk of a CSUV

Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box installed on a CSUV with a forest in the background

Closeup of a label on the Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box

Yakima CBX 16 Roof Box shipping box strapped in the trunk of a CSUV

Thule WingBar Evo 135 cm Roof Bar (Pack of 2)

Credit: Thule

A person places the Thule WingBar Evo Aluminum Roof Bar onto a car roof

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A person installs the Thule WingBar Evo Aluminum Roof Bar on top of a roof

A person installs the Thule WingBar Evo Aluminum Roof Bar

A person places the Thule WingBar Evo Aluminum Roof Bar onto a car roof

A person installs the Thule WingBar Evo Aluminum Roof Bar on top of a roof

A person installs the Thule WingBar Evo Aluminum Roof Bar

Inno Wedge 660 Cargo Roof Box

Credit: Amazon

Inno Wedge 660 installed on a car

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The open Inno Wedge 660 cargo box

INNO Wedge 660 in the box

Inno Wedge 660 installed on a car

The open Inno Wedge 660 cargo box

INNO Wedge 660 in the box

The INNO Wedge 660 Roof Box wrapped in plastic in its shipping box

Travel + Leisure

Person putting a camp chair into the Goplus Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Travel + Leisure