Best Tonneau Covers of 2023
Originally published on Jun 12, 2019 | Updated on Aug 10, 2023


It’s no secret–tonneau covers are one of the most popular modifications for pickups, offering enhanced styling, fuel economy, security, and cargo protection. With this popularity, however, comes an exploding aftermarket flooded with products, each claiming to offer the best features and value. With such an extensive selection, narrowing your preference to a single tonneau cover style, let alone a brand and model can be a serious undertaking.
Luckily, the team at RealTruck is doing the hard work for you! In this article, we’re covering the various tonneau cover styles on the market, touching on unique traits, benefits, and downsides (if present.) After defining, we’re breaking out a list of our favorite tonneau covers in each category, ensuring only the best tonneau cover ends up on your ride. Now, let’s get started!
Top Tonneau Covers (By Style)
To kick things off, let’s cover the various tonneau cover styles, including folding, rolling, one-piece, and more! While each tonneau cover type offers the same basic benefits–security, aesthetics, fuel economy, and cargo protection–they each feature different constructions, appearances, and unique benefits.
Folding tonneau covers are one of the more popular styles on the market, featuring multiple hinged panels that fold onto one another toward the bulkhead, exposing the bed in the process.
Folding tonneau covers typically feature three top panels (tri-fold); however, there are some exceptions, including two-panel (bi-fold) and four-panel (quad-fold). Folding covers may feature hard or soft designs, with hard-folding covers utilizing aluminum, FRP (fiberglass-reinforced plastic), or polycarbonate panels, and soft-folding covers featuring aluminum frames with marine-grade vinyl or auto-grade canvas stretched over the top. While both are weather-resistant and reliable, hard-folding covers offer far greater security and durability; however, they’re also pricier.
Best Hard-Folding Cover: BAKFlip MX4 Tonneau Cover
BAK Industries is a renowned tonneau cover manufacturer specializing in high-quality tonneau covers for practically every make and model on the market. The BAKFlip MX4 is no exception, featuring unparalleled build quality, low-profile styling, and exceptional cargo protection. This tri-fold cover features an all-aluminum construction, including an aluminum frame and aluminum panels.
The cover’s sleek, low-profile design sits nearly flush with the bed rails; with the cover’s matte black finish, it’s essentially unnoticeable when viewing your pickup’s profile. EPDM rubber seals and hinges keep moisture at bay while auto-engaging latches secure the cover in the closed position. With the tailgate closed and locked, your valuables in the bed are safer than in the cab!
Features:
Heavy-duty aluminum construction
Sleek matte-black finish
Extra-strong prop rod clips for a secure hold
Folds toward the bulkhead for 100-percent bed access
Premium rubber bumpers protect the cab when folded into the upright position
Simple no-drill installation
Weather-resistant EPDM seals and end caps
400-lb. Weight capacity
Includes drain tubes (may require drilling on certain applications)
5-year warranty
Best Soft-Folding Cover: Gator SFX Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
The Gator SFX Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is a premium, budget-friendly soft-folding bed cover, offering sleek aesthetics and effective cargo protection. This cover features a marine-grade vinyl tarp stretched over a lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame, preventing moisture from tarnishing your valuables.
The Gator SFX is quick and easy to install with its tool-free, clamp-on design, securing to the bed without so much as a wrench or screwdriver. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase, this cover is part of Gator’s “Love it or Swap it” guarantee, allowing you to replace the cover with another model within 30 days.
Features:
Marine-grade vinyl cover
Rigid and lightweight aluminum frame
Weather-resistant
Simple tool-free installation
Allows up to ⅔ bed access for transporting oversized cargo
Foam-rubber seals to prevent water intrusion
Limited lifetime structural warranty / 10-year vinyl
“Love it or swap it” Gator Guarantee
One-piece tonneau covers are–as the name suggests–constructed from a single piece of rigid ABS plastic or fiberglass. These covers are ideal for those that don’t regularly transport oversized cargo in the bed; instead, they’re best paired with a BedRug Full Bedliner, effectively transforming your pickup’s bed into a 6–8-foot-long trunk!
These bed covers feature hinges at the bulkhead and gas-charged struts toward the tailgate, allowing the cover to pivot upwards with the latch released. While most come smoothed and painted to match your pickup’s factory paint code, they’re also available in textured black for a rugged appearance.
Best Painted One-Piece Cover: UnderCover LUX Tonneau Cover
The UnderCover LUX Tonneau Cover is the ultimate hard bed cover, featuring a rugged ABS plastic construction paired with UnderCover’s patented X-Effect Infrastructure for exceptional strength and rigidity. Sleek, aerodynamic style lines create a sense of depth, unlike any other hard cover, complimenting your pickup’s already rugged aesthetic. This bed cover is simple to install and operate, featuring a single-point locking mechanism that allows you to unlock both latches in a single motion!
And with the cover locked and the tailgate closed, this cover offers exceptional security and cargo protection, keeping your valuables safe from thieves and extreme weather.
Features:
Paint-matched to your truck’s factory paint code
Easy-to-use single-point locking system
Patented X-Effect Infrastructure increases rigidity
Aerodynamic style lines for a stylish, modern aesthetic
Limited lifetime warranty
Best Unpainted One-Piece Cover: UnderCover SE Tonneau Cover
UnderCover’s SE Tonneau cover is the company’s entry-level hard cover, featuring a lightweight ABS composite construction weighing only 58 pounds! The cover is unpainted, significantly cutting down on weight and handling time; instead, it comes in a raw, textured black finish that compliments any pickup.
Like the more-expensive LUX, the SE features UnderCover’s patented X-Effect Infrastructure to bolster rigidity and strength. An easy-to-use single-point locking system makes opening and closing the cover a breeze; once closed, cargo in the bed is safer and more secure than in the cab!
Features:
Durable ABS composite construction
Textured black finish
Patented X-Effect Infrastructure increases rigidity
Easy, no-drill installation
Easy-to-use single-point locking system
Integrated LED light
Comes with 2 keys
3-year warranty
Though this category somewhat overlaps the previous, it’s relatively straightforward to describe. Painted tonneau covers are–exactly as they sound–painted. They feature an automotive-grade paint finish that perfectly matches your pickup’s body for a sleek appearance. While most painted tonneau covers are of the one-piece variety, there are several multi-piece, folding painted covers as well.
Best One-Piece Painted Cover: UnderCover Elite LX Tonneau Cover
While we already covered this in the previous section, we might as well use the space to highlight another of UnderCover’s premium products! The UnderCover Elite LX Tonneau Cover is a top-of-the-line painted one-piece cover featuring a rigid ABS plastic construction, X-Effect Infrastructure, weatherproof double-bulb perimeter seal, carpet headliner, and integrated LED light.
Features:
Constructed from ABS composite
X-Effect design for increased strength and durability
EPDM double bulb seal to keep the elements out
Paint matched to manufacturer's specifications
No-drill installation
3-year warranty
Best Folding Painted Cover: A.R.E. Fusion Tonneau Cover
The A.R.E. Fusion Tonneau Cover is a unique painted cover featuring a tri-fold design with paint-matched aluminum top panels. The modular cover is easy to use and offers full bed access when necessary; however, the paint-matched top panels provide a hyper-premium experience traditionally reserved for one-piece covers!
Features:
Paint-match aluminum top panels
No-drill, clamp-on installation
Carpeted headliner
Universal tailgate seal
Exterior & interior weather seals
Drainage tubes route water below the bed
Limited lifetime paint & 5-year structural warranty
Retractable tonneau covers are one of the pricier options; however, they offer one of the most intuitive designs and outstanding security! Most feature an outer cover constructed from rugged aluminum or polycarbonate slats that ride along sealed roller bearings on aluminum rails. Near the bulkhead, a sealed canister allows the cover to roll up inside when retracted, providing nearly full bed access when necessary.
Retractable covers come in power and manual varieties, with power-retractable covers featuring an integrated electric motor actuated by the included remote control. Alternatively, manual-retractable covers must be manually retracted and closed; however, the sealed roller bearings and integrated pull strap make operation a breeze!
Best Manual-Retractable Cover: RetraxPRO XR Tonneau Cover
The RetraxPRO XR Tonneau Cover is a premium, manually retracting tonneau cover, featuring a rugged aluminum slat construction, sleek matte-black finish, sealed roller bearings, and heavy-duty weather seals. Additionally, the XR offers full integration with RetraxPRO’s Trax Rail system, accepting most T-slot accessories from companies like Yakima, Thule, and Rhino Rack!
This cover offers a simple bolt-on installation on all applications, requiring zero cutting, drilling, or trimming.
Features:
Industrial-strength aluminum slat construction
Corrosion-resistant matte-black finish
Trax Rail System integration
Compatible with most T-slot accessories from Yakima, Thule, and Rhino Rack
Sleek, low-profile design
Heavy-duty seals for maximum weather resistance
Sealed ball-bearing rollers for effortless service
Simple bolt-on installation
Limited lifetime warranty
Best Power-Retractable Cover: Retrax PowertraxPRO XR Tonneau Cover
Is there any surprise? Our expert’s top power retractable cover is none other than the electric variant of the iconic RetraxPRO XR, the PowertraxPRO XR! This high-quality electric cover is nearly identical to the manual variant, with the exception of an integrated electric motor and handheld wireless remote!
Features:
Constructed of heavy-duty aluminum slats
T-slot rails for added hauling options
Matte black finish
Remote operated
Slides on maintenance-free sealed ball bearings
Integrated canister cargo light - key fob operated
Lockable in any position
Supports up to 500 lbs. evenly distributed
Crossbars and accessories not included
Limited lifetime warranty
Moving on, we have roll-up tonneau covers–a popular variety offered in soft and hard variants, similar to folding tonneau covers. This tonneau cover style features an easy-to-operate roll-up design, in which the outer cover rolls toward the bulkhead on aluminum tracks. When opened, roll-up covers offer nearly complete bed access for loading oversized cargo, unlike retractable covers, which require room for the canister, and folding covers, which often allow only ⅔ bed access.
Best Soft Roll-Up Cover: TruXedo TruXport Tonneau Cover
The TruXedo TruXport is a budget-minded soft roll-up tonneau cover, offering exceptional build quality at a manageable price point. This cover features a rigid aluminum frame and marine-grade vinyl cover; when paired with the perimeter seals, moisture and dirt don’t stand a chance!
Unlike lesser-quality soft roll-up tonneau covers, the TruXedo TruXport features integrated tension controls to keep the cover taught no matter the climate! No more saggy tonneau covers in Winter!
Features:
Marine-grade vinyl cover
Heavy-duty aluminum frame
Pre-set tension controls keep the cover taught in any season
Alloy support rods prevent sagging
Easy-to-use dual paddle latches
1.5-inch tall, top-mount design
Simple installation
Five-year warranty
Best Hard Roll-Up Cover: BAK Revolver X4s Tonneau Cover
Our expert’s top hard roll-up cover is yet another entry from BAK Industries–the BAK Revolver X4s Tonneau. This premium bed cover features a simple roll-up design; however, the outer cover isn’t just a thin fabric tarp like budget-friendly models; instead, the Revolver X4s utilizes a cut-resistant aluminum slat construction topped with marine-grade vinyl, resisting break-ins and punctures.
Features:
Cut-resistant aluminum slat construction
Marine-grade vinyl overlay
Matte black slats, clamps, and hardware
Flat side seals and redesigned rear corner caps give the X4s a sleek, smooth appearance
Patented rotational locking rails secure the X4S across the entire length of the truck bed
Provides complete bed access when fully rolled to the bulkhead
Easy-to-use latch mechanism
Integrated bulkhead seal for superior weather protection
Keeps stake hole pockets exposed for use of accessories
Supports up to 400 Lbs. of weight (evenly distributed)
Compatible with most 5th-wheel hitches
Simple, no-drill installation
Five-year warranty
If you’ve ever been stuck between installing a toolbox or tonneau cover, there’s no longer a need to compromise! We carry a wide selection of tool box tonneau covers, engineered to fit alongside most crossover toolboxes for adequate cargo protection and tool storage!
Best Soft-Folding Tool Box Cover: Extang Trifecta Toolbox 2.0 Tonneau Cover
The Extang Trifecta Toolbox 2.0 Tonneau Cover is a specially-engineered tonneau cover, designed to work alongside your pickup’s existing crossover tool box. This cover allows you to maintain your much-need tool storage in the tool box while protecting your cargo in the bed from excess moisture, theft, and dirt.
This cover is manufactured identically to the company’s other soft-folding covers, featuring a rigid aluminum frame and marine-grade vinyl tarp. Weatherproof seals prevent moisture intrusion at the rails, tailgate, and toolbox, keeping your valuables dry. This cover also offers a convenient tool-free installation using the EZ-lock rear clamps and tool-free Jaw-Grip front clamps; no rails are required!
Features:
Fits with an existing toolbox
Heavy-duty weatherproof seals
L-channel seal prevents moisture intrusion between the toolbox and cover
Rigid aluminum frame
Leather-grained vinyl tarp
EZ-lock rear clamps
Tool-free Jaw-Grip front clamps
Limited lifetime warranty
Best Hard-Folding Tool Box Cover: Extang Solid Fold Toolbox 2.0 Tonneau Cover
Another entry from Extang! The Solid Fold Toolbox 2.0 is a premium, hard-folding tonneau cover that works alongside existing crossover tool boxes. This product utilizes Extang’s DuraShield polymer panels, guarding your cargo against impacts, abrasions, and more!
The cut-proof panels also resist break-ins; when paired with a locked tailgate, cargo in the bed is safer than in the cab! Like the Trifecta, the Solid Fold also features a convenient tool-free installation; simply line up the cover, snug down the Jaw Grip front clamps, and hook the EZ-lock rear clamps over the lip beneath the bed rails!
Features:
Rigid aluminum frame
DuraShield polymer panels
Textured black finish
Weatherproof perimeter seals
L-channel seal prevents moisture intrusion between the toolbox and cover
EZ-lock rear clamps
Tool-free Jaw-Grip front clamps
Limited 3-year warranty
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Tonneau Covers | Folding Tonneau Covers | Roll-up Tonneau Covers | Retractable Tonneau Covers | Painted Tonneau Covers
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