Premium roof bars or budget roof storage: which is the smarter buy?

What each product actually is

These products solve different problems, which is why the decision is not as simple as price alone. The Thule 711300 is a set of roof bars/roof racks in silver, designed to mount securely to compatible vehicles and act as a foundation for other accessories. The Sailnovo is a 20 cubic feet soft roof bag that straps onto the car itself and can be used with or without roof bars. That means Thule is the more permanent, modular solution, while Sailnovo is the more flexible, temporary luggage carrier.

Build quality and design

Winner: Thule 711300

Thule is the clear leader on build quality and design. Thule has an established reputation for robust, well-engineered roof systems, and the 4.7/5 rating from 3,632 reviews suggests buyers consistently trust the fit, finish and durability. Roof bars are expected to handle repeated use, motorway speeds and British weather, and Thule’s premium approach is aimed squarely at that. The silver finish also looks more integrated and factory-like on the car.

The Sailnovo bag is functional, but it is still a soft accessory with more compromise. Even with 6 reinforced straps and 6 door hooks, it depends on correct fitting and the condition of your door seals and roof. Soft bags can be convenient, but they are more exposed to wear, movement and weather ingress than a proper rack system. For long-term durability, the Thule wins easily.

Performance and stability

Winner: Thule 711300

In real-world use, the Thule roof rack will perform better because it creates a stable platform for loads and accessories. Roof bars are the standard solution for bikes, roof boxes and specialist carriers, and they are generally better suited to higher-speed UK motorway driving, crosswinds and repeated use. If you regularly drive long distances, the more rigid system gives greater confidence and fewer worries about shifting luggage.

The Sailnovo roof bag can still work well for holiday luggage, but its performance depends heavily on how carefully it is packed and strapped down. A soft bag is more likely to flap, create drag, or feel less secure if overloaded or fitted poorly. It also offers less predictability in heavy rain or strong wind, both common in the UK. For dependable on-road stability, the Thule is the stronger performer.

Display / screen quality

Winner: Not applicable, tie

Neither product has a display or screen, so there is no meaningful comparison here. If you are evaluating them as accessories, the more relevant factor is usability rather than visual interface. On that front, the Thule’s simpler, more integrated system is easier to trust once fitted correctly, while the Sailnovo is easier to understand at first glance because it is just a bag and straps.

Battery life

Winner: Not applicable, tie

Neither product uses a battery, so this category does not apply. In practical terms, the equivalent consideration is maintenance and ownership effort. The Thule should require less day-to-day attention once installed, while the Sailnovo needs more care every time you fit, load and remove it.

Features and flexibility

Winner: Sailnovo

This is where the Sailnovo has a genuine advantage. At £66.49, it offers a lot of storage for the money: 20 cubic feet is a substantial amount of extra carrying capacity, and the fact that it works with most cars with or without roof bars makes it much more accessible. The inclusion of 6 reinforced straps and 6 door hooks means it is designed for broad compatibility and quick deployment.

For occasional use, that flexibility is very appealing. If you only need extra space for summer holidays, family trips or moving bulky but lightweight items, the Sailnovo gives you a practical solution without committing to a full roof rack setup. The Thule, by contrast, is more of a platform than a standalone storage product. It is better for future upgrades, but by itself it does not add enclosed cargo space.

Price and value for money

Winner: Sailnovo

The Sailnovo is £58.50 cheaper, which is a significant saving, especially for drivers who only need roof storage a few times a year. Its 4.5/5 rating from 3,222 reviews is also strong, suggesting that many buyers find it good value for money. If your goal is simply to get luggage onto the roof affordably, the Sailnovo offers a much lower entry cost.

That said, the Thule’s higher price is easier to justify if you want something that will last, support multiple accessories and feel more secure on UK roads. Thule products generally hold value better and are often viewed as a buy-once, use-for-years purchase. So while the Sailnovo wins on upfront value, the Thule may win on lifetime value for frequent users.

Overall user experience

Winner: Thule 711300

The Thule offers the better overall user experience because it is the more confidence-inspiring, polished and versatile system. It is the kind of purchase that feels solid every time you use it, and that matters when you are carrying luggage at speed in changeable British weather. It is also the better choice if you may later add a roof box, bike carrier or ski carrier.

The Sailnovo is easier to get started with and far cheaper, but it is inherently more temporary and less refined. It suits drivers who want a one-off or occasional solution and are happy to trade some security and convenience for a lower price. If you want the least hassle over the long term, Thule is the better experience.

Overall summary: The Thule 711300 wins this head-to-head for most buyers because it is the stronger, more durable and more versatile product. The Sailnovo only wins on price and temporary convenience. If you want a proper long-term roof-carrying solution, choose Thule. If you only need occasional extra storage and want to spend as little as possible, choose Sailnovo.