5 Alternatives to the Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack, Including Budget and No-Rack Options

1) VEVOR Universal Roof Rack Cross Bars — Best like-for-like alternative

This is the closest alternative if you want the same basic job as the Amazon Basics bars: a pair of adjustable crossbars for raised side rails with a gap. At £42.99, it undercuts the Amazon option slightly while offering a strong 90kg load capacity and included locks, which is useful for peace of mind if you leave the car parked up in public. What’s better: it can be better value, and the lockable design may suit UK drivers who want a bit more security. What’s worse: brand reputation and long-term finish quality may not feel as proven as Amazon Basics, and fitment can be a little more hit-and-miss on some vehicles. Choose this if you want a proper roof rack setup for bikes, boxes or camping gear and you’re happy to trade a known brand for a lower price.

2) GADLANE Car Roof Bag 15 Cubic Feet — Best budget soft option

If you only need extra storage for holidays, the GADLANE 15 cu ft roof bag is a cheaper and simpler alternative than buying crossbars plus a roof box. It works with cars with or without a rack, so it’s ideal if your vehicle has no roof rails at all. What’s better: lower cost, easier storage when not in use, and no need to worry about bar compatibility or fitting issues. What’s worse: it won’t be as secure or aerodynamic as a hard roof rack system, and on wet motorway runs you’ll want to double-check the straps and load distribution carefully. This is best for occasional users, family trips, and drivers who want more boot space without committing to a permanent roof rack.

3) GADLANE Car Roof Bag 20 Cubic Feet — Best for bigger family trips

This is the larger version of the GADLANE bag and makes more sense if you’re packing for a long UK holiday, airport run, or camping trip. Compared with the Amazon Basics crossbars, it’s a completely different solution: you’re buying storage volume rather than a mounting platform. What’s better: huge capacity, no rack needed, and a lower total spend than many roof box setups. What’s worse: it’s bulkier to load, less secure than a lockable roof box, and can be noisier at motorway speeds. Pick this if your priority is maximum luggage space on a budget and you don’t need a permanent accessory.

4) Rymopuey Roof Bag 20 Cubic — Best for waterproof flexibility

The Rymopuey roof bag is another rack-free option, but it leans into weather protection and easy folding storage. Compared with the Amazon Basics bars, it’s far more flexible because it fits cars with or without roof rails. What’s better: waterproof design, anti-slip mat, and a soft-bag format that’s easy to stow away after your trip. What’s worse: it still won’t match a hard roof rack for security, and you need to be careful with fitting to avoid movement on rough roads or in strong crosswinds. This is a good choice if you want an affordable, temporary roof storage solution for UK road trips and don’t want to install bars.

5) Marretoo Weatherproof Car Roof Bag 585L — Best premium soft-box style option

The Marretoo bag is the priciest option here, but it’s also one of the better-rated alternatives. It competes more with a roof box experience than with the Amazon Basics bars, especially for drivers who want a weatherproof cargo solution without buying a rigid box. What’s better: high capacity, strong user ratings, and a more premium-feeling build than many budget roof bags. What’s worse: at £65.99 it costs more than the Amazon crossbars, and it still doesn’t give you the long-term security or neatness of a proper hard roof box or crossbar system. Choose this if you want the convenience of soft luggage storage but are willing to pay a bit more for quality and weather resistance.