For work or play, a pickup truck is likely the handiest tool you own. But the cargo and gear you carry in its bed is vulnerable to both weather damage and theft. Any good tonneau cover (aka truck-bed cover) will shield your stuff from rain, snow, wind, and sunlight, as well as prying eyes. But a hard tonneau–typically made of aluminum or composite–can keep it more physically secure than a soft vinyl cover (see the FAQs).
Tonneau covers come in many different designs, from simple roll-up and folding models to higher-end retractable designs, with a wide range of prices. In this review we’re looking at the best hard covers, which provide more protection but are usually pricier than soft tonneaus. Because each model comes in different versions to fit specific truck-bed designs, the prices vary. Here, we’re showing each model’s starting price, but the one for your truck may be higher.