This article was updated in March 2024 with new products and information.
Pickup trucks and their owners are responsible for one of the most robust segments of the automotive aftermarket. You can make your truck uniquely yours with things like lift kits, wheels, and bed accessories. As fun, as it may be to make a pickup truck look cool, we should all remember that first and foremost they are work vehicles. Tonneau covers are one of those accessories, that serve a purpose and in many cases can also improve the look of your truck.
The market is flooded with myriad tonneau options, offering a range of types, brands, styles, and sizes tailored to various truck models. Which one should you buy? The primary use of your truck dictates the most fitting tonneau cover choice, catering to needs such as security to simply enhancing a truck's aesthetic appeal with a sleek, polished look.
Our Top Picks
The term "tonneau cover" originated in the world of open-top roadsters, where "tonneau" described a vehicle's open rear compartment. In modern pickup trucks, bed covers play a crucial role in shielding the truck bed and its contents from weather elements and debris. They also provide security by keeping large valuables locked away from prying eyes.
There is an urban myth that a tonneau cover will improve a truck's fuel efficiency by minimizing aerodynamic drag, though this claim remains subject to debate. What else do you need to know about pickup truck bed covers?
What To Consider When Buying A Tonneau Cover
Tonneau covers are not cheap, nor should they be. They're not just for looks; they're intended to be another line of protection for your truck bed and cargo, so choose wisely. Here are some thoughts to consider when shopping for a tonneau cover.
How will you be using your truck?
Is your truck primarily used for work? Commuting? Hauling the family? Off-roading? Knowing how you plan to use your truck is the first step in choosing the type of cover that best suits your needs.
What types of tonneau covers are there?
There are several different styles of tonneau covers, and within each style, you can often choose between a soft-style vinyl or leather tarp or a hard-style cover made of something like aluminum or plastic. Some of the different types are roll-up, folding, retractable, snap-on, hinged, and there's even a style with a built-in toolbox.
How much does a tonneau cover cost?
The price of tonneau covers varies widely from a couple hundred bucks up to several thousand. For this reason, it's important to keep in mind your specific needs. There's no need to spend more than is necessary to get the cover that will get the job done.
We've compiled a list of some of the best tonneau covers on the market, including several different types, in a range of price points. It's important to remember that tonneau covers are generally made for specific models. We've simply selected examples below, but if you're shopping online for a cover for your truck, be sure to enter your year, make, and model so that you get one that fits your truck as intended.
The Best Tonneau Covers
Folding Tonneau Covers
Folding covers are perhaps the most common type of tonneau cover, whether they feature two, three, or even four panels. They are more expensive than their soft counterparts but not as expensive as retractable or paint-matched hard-shell coverings. The good ones are typically composed of hard-composite plastic with a metal frame and hinges, but they come in less expensive fabric or vinyl versions too.
Pros
Folds up for full bed access - 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
The BAK MX4 offers both the sleek look of a low-profile design and the robust protection of aluminum slats to safeguard your valuables. This cover is finished with a black textured powder coating to resist scratches and UV harm. Additionally, its rotational locking system allows for bed access from various angles.
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Pros
- Corrosion resistant aluminum frame
- Simple tool-free installation
Cons
- Vinyl is not as secure as harder composite materials
Gator's SFX is a simple no-nonsense folding cover. It's one of the most affordable options on our list and made from a tear-resistant vinyl with weather seals, a Speed Klamp system for easy operation, and bows that help support weight in inclement weather.
Pros
- Latch-release system is convenient
- Can be folded all the way to the cab for maximum bed access
Cons
- Rather pricey for a folding cover
What sets Lomax's folding cover apart from the competition is how flush it sits with the bed. The cover, which sits about half an inch over the height of the bed, is made from aluminum and coated in black urethane. It uses a cord system for releasing the latches, making it that much easier to fold away.
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Pros
- No tools or drilling necessary
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Only actually folds twice
A step up from Gator's SFX, the EFX offers an added layer of security with its black powder-coated scratch- and UV- resistant rigid aluminum panels. Its panel arrangement allows you to carry your payload with the cover two-thirds of the way open, making it more flexible for tricky loads.
Roll-up Tonneau Covers
Roll-up tonneau covers allow you to choose how much of the truck bed is exposed. They're excellent for carting objects of unusual shapes, and for providing quick access to only a portion of the bed for modest loads, such as bags of groceries. When you need the entire bed to pick up your annual Christmas tree or assist a friend with a move, look for roll-ups with removable crossbeam supports.
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Pros
- Clamps to bed rails
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Soft vinyl can make noise at speed
Truxedo's roll-up tonneau cover is made from tear-resistant, leather-grained vinyl and can be installed with no tools pretty easily. The LoPro model sits a bit lower than some of its competitors for a more seamless look, and it features a quick-release system that can give you access to the bed in just seconds.
If you aren't a fan of this model from Truxedo, we encourage you to try its Duece, Pro X15, Sentry, Sentry CT, and TruXport covers.
Pros
- Matte black hardware looks great
- Works with most 5th-wheel hitches
Cons
- Weather "resistant," not weather "proof"
The Revolver X4s from BAK is, in essence, the best of both worlds. It provides the look of a soft leather or vinyl cover with the security of aluminum slats to keep your valuables safe. It also has rotational locking rails which allow access to the bed from any angle.
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Hinged Hard Tonneau Covers
A hinged tonneau cover, which functions as a lid for your pickup truck's bed, is supported by hinges close to the cab and is secured in place by struts. They're excellent for protecting your bed finish and lowering aerodynamic drag. The quality ones are composed of hard-shell composite material. You might find them made of soft fabric with an internal frame, but from our point of view, you might as well step up to a hard-shell cover if you're going to spend for a hinged one.
Pros
- Hinged struts won't bend
- Interior dome light
Cons
- Special orders only; no cancellations accepted
If you're looking for an OEM look and feel from your tonneau cover, the Eagle SE from Patriot may fit the bill. This cover feels like a piece of factory equipment with its fiberglass construction, painted finish, push-button lock, and carpeted headliner. It also has lift-assist hinges, making it easy to access the bed of your truck.
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Pros
- Weather-tight seal
- Built-in interior LED light
Cons
- Adds about 60 pounds of weight to your truck
The SE from UnderCover is durable thanks to its sturdy ABS composite structure and distinctive x-frame. It will integrate nicely with most truck models and colors, thanks to its straightforward matte-black finish.
Retractable Covers
Retractable covers are fantastic because you can expose as much or as little of the bed as you need by rolling the unused piece of the cover within itself toward the truck's cab. Retractable tonneau covers are often operated by hand, however many of today's models are electric, making them simple to use. The cover retracts with the simple push of a button, typically located on a key fob.
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Gator Covers GatorTrax MX Electric
Gator Covers GatorTrax MX Electric
Pros
- Maintenance-free design
- LED cargo light with automatic on/off
Cons
- Top-notch price for top-notch quality
The GatorTrax MX from Gator is a high-end tonneau cover, with premium features at a premium cost. It's made from heavy-duty aluminum with UV protection to prevent fading. But most importantly, it's electric, which means it can be powered using a remote key fob. Release the button anywhere along the rail and the cover automatically stops and locks into place, so you can ride with your bed partially covered.
Pros
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Aluminum slats can support over 500 pounds
- Lots of accessories including crossbars
Cons
- Accessories not included
Like some of its competitors, the PowertraxPRO XR from Retrax features remote-powered operation and durable aluminum construction. What separates it from the competition is Retrax's focus on accessorizing. It uses a T-slot track system that lets you fit crossbars across the top for hauling kayaks, bikes, and more.
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Toolbox Tonneau Covers
One of the most popular styles of bed covers available these days is the toolbox tonneau cover. They pair a retractable bed cover with a heavy-duty toolbox, usually made from galvanized sheet metals such as aluminum. Both the toolbox and cover resist water, dust, wear, and rust, keeping your gear protected season after season. A tonneau cover/toolbox combination is a great way to upgrade your truck because it offers lockable security.
Pros
- Self-locking clamps
- Comes completely assembled
Cons
- Toolbox not included
The Trifecta Toolbox 2.0 cover from Extang provides lots of bang for your buck. It features Extang's replaceable triple-fin seals, heavy-duty clamps, an updated locking system, and an L-Channel bracket that bonds the cover to your toolbox. Although it doesn't come with a toolbox, it works with most 18- to 20-inch truck-bed toolboxes.
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Truck Covers USA American Work
Truck Covers USA American Work
Pros
- Excellent fit and finish
- Toolbox can be fitted with an LED light
Cons
- High price is fitting of its quality
The American Work cover from Truck Cover USA is built to edge out its competitors. It includes a black powder-coated galvanized aluminum toolbox, chrome handles, power actuators to lock and unlock your toolbox remotely, and the smallest canister (the part the cover retracts into) of any retractable cover in the industry. Plus, it can support up to 550 pounds of evenly distributed weight and offers lots of optional extras.
Snap-On Tonneau Covers
The most affordable—and least durable—tonneau covers are snap-on style. Lightweight and easy to install, they offer quick, easy access to all or a portion of the truck bed. We can't faithfully recommend snap-ons because they don't offer any real security for your cargo or protection from the elements. That said, they are the most affordable type of truck bed cover you can buy.
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Pros
- Thicker vinyl than some of its competitors
- Phenomenal price
Cons
- Lacks security and protection
R&L Racing's simple snap-on cover is perfect for those looking for the most basic tonneau cover. It's made from commercial-grade vinyl that has been coated on both sides to offer (at least some) weather resistance. The pre-assembled design makes it easy to install, and the price is unbeatable too.
Pros
- Excellent choice for those on a budget
- No exposed snaps
Cons
- Not very secure
Even though it is the least expensive choice on our list, the snap-on cover from TLAPS holds its ground among higher-priced models. Constructed using durable black vinyl and a robust frame that includes detachable crossbars for convenient access to the bed, this cover is straightforward in design. Installation is easy, the price is very appealing, and in appropriate conditions, it serves its purpose exceptionally well.
Justin Helton
Assistant Commerce Editor
The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.
