The Best VW Transporter Pop-Top Roofs in 2025
As the founder of Cosmic Campervans, I’ve spent over 15 years transforming VW Transporters into bespoke campervans, installing numerous pop-top roofs along the way. Choosing the right pop-top is crucial for comfort and durability.
In this blog, I’ll share my insights on the top VW Transporter pop-top roofs available in 2025, focusing on Austop, Skyline, and Storm. I’ll analyse them against some of the top van lifer trends I expect to see in 2025 like eco-conscious choices, preference for durability and demand for customisation.
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Storm Pop Tops
When it comes to premium pop-top roofs for VW Transporters, Storm is leading the charge in 2025. With a strong focus on sustainability, durability, customization, and innovation, Storm pop-tops set the gold standard for campervan owners seeking a high-quality, long-lasting solution.
I’ve consistently recommended Storm pop-tops to clients due to their superior build quality and the company’s commitment to innovations. Here’s why they’re worth every penny.
Price
~ £4,500
✅ Reasons to Buy:
- Eco-Friendly Manufacturing – Reduces waste with vacuum infusion molding.
- All-Weather Durability – Withstands wind, rain, and snow with ease.
- Highly Customizable – Scenic canvas, mattress upgrades, color options.
- Supports Modern Tech – Compatible with solar panels and roof racks.
- Rust-Resistant Fixings – Black powder-coated steel prevents corrosion.
- Long Warranty – 5-year coverage for peace of mind.
❌ Reasons to Avoid:
- Expensive – Costs a bit more than other pop-top brands.
Storm pop tops are more sustainable than others
Sustainability has become a critical factor for many campervan enthusiasts, and Storm delivers on this front with its manufacturing processes. By employing vacuum infusion molding, Storm ensures a high-quality, consistent finish while reducing material waste during production.
This process not only enhances the product’s overall strength and durability but also aligns with the growing demand for eco-conscious products. There’s a lot less waste when a product’s manufacturing process has as high of an accuracy as Storm does.
Storm pop tops are designed for year-round adventures
In 2025, campervans aren’t just for summer anymore. More people are using their vans for year-round travel, from snow-covered mountains to warm coastal roads. Storm pop-tops are built to handle these varied conditions with ease.
The high-grade, weather-resistant canvas can withstand harsh winds, rain, and even snow, making it a reliable choice for all-season use. Additionally, the black powder-coated steel fixings are specially designed to resist rust, ensuring your pop-top remains functional and aesthetically pleasing, even after years of exposure to the elements.
With Storm, you won’t have to worry about replacing parts prematurely or dealing with seasonal wear and tear. It’s the ideal choice for those who crave adventure regardless of the weather.
You can easily customise your Storm pop top
I’ve noticed a trend lately towards personalisation – everyone wants to customise products so that they aren’t the same as everyone else! Campervan owners want their vehicles to reflect their lifestyles, and Storm understands that perfectly.
One of the standout customisation options is the Scenic Canvas upgrade. This feature allows you to unzip the sides of the pop-top for panoramic views, transforming your camper into the perfect space for soaking in stunning landscapes.
Also, the ability to select functional upgrades like memory foam mattresses ensures that your van is not just practical but also a comfortable retreat. For anyone seeking a balance of style and functionality, Storm’s customization options are hard to beat.
And let’s not forget that they have endless canvas colour options, too. It’s all up to you!
Storm pop tops can integrate with modern technology
As technology continues to enhance the campervan experience, Storm pop-tops have been designed with modern innovations in mind. Their robust construction and thoughtful design make it easy to integrate solar panels, lighting systems, and other tech features into your van.
For instance, the lightweight yet durable structure ensures that additional weight from solar panels or roof-mounted gear doesn’t compromise performance. This forward-thinking approach is ideal for van owners who want to embrace the latest technologies while maintaining a sleek and functional setup.
The only con of the Storm
One thing I’ll say about Storm pop tops is that they are pricier than most other models on the market. But in my experience, their value is unmatched. Investing in a Storm pop-top means investing in peace of mind. Over the years, I’ve seen many clients opt for cheaper alternatives only to encounter issues like leaks, rust, or premature wear. With Storm, these concerns are practically eliminated.
In the total cost of a VW campervan conversion, the pop top is the number 1 thing that is worth paying top dollar for. A faulty pop top can make the van undrivable and ruin your experience.
The comprehensive warranty coverage provides reassurance that you’re getting a product designed to last. From the vacuum-molded shell to the weather-resistant canvas and rust-proof fixings, every component is built with longevity in mind.
For anyone serious about van life, this is a purchase that pays off in both performance and durability. It’s not just a pop-top; it’s a long-term solution for adventurous living.
Skyline Pop Tops
Skyline pop-tops have maintained their place as a popular pop top choice in 2025, especially for those who want a lower cost pop top without sacrificing functionality. Known for their lightweight design and straightforward setup, Skyline pop-tops are a reliable option for those who value practicality and simplicity.
But let’s keep in mind, as campervan trends evolve toward more durable, tech-friendly, and sustainable solutions, Skyline finds itself needing to keep up in certain areas.
Price
~ £4,000
✅ Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable Option – Cheaper than Storm, suitable for tight budgets.
- Lightweight Build – Helps with fuel efficiency and handling.
- Certified Safe – Meets industry standards like TUV approval.
- Decent Customization – 28 canvas colors available.
❌ Reasons to Avoid:
- Lower Durability – Components wear faster than premium brands.
- Prone to Rust – Fixings corrode in wet or coastal areas.
- Short Warranty – Gas struts covered for only 12 months.
- Outdated Design – No major updates since 2016.
Skyline isn’t as durable as Storm
Despite its popularity, Skyline does fall short in areas that are becoming increasingly important to campervan owners in 2025. The stainless steel fixings start out pretty sturdy, but I’ve noticed they are prone to rust after a few years, especially in wetter climates or when exposed to salty coastal air.
Not only that, the warranty coverage for key components like gas struts is limited to just 12 months, leaving long-term users with potential repair costs. In my opinion, this is not acceptable for such an expensive product.
Skyline is a budget friendly choice… but there’s a catch
Okay so I know that one of the biggest things on customer’s minds lately is reducing costs, especially with the latest cost of living pressures. And I know that some people will see a lower price tag and a design that looks a lot like the Storm and think … “Why should I pay extra?”
Let me just say that the pop top is arguably the most important part of your VW campervan conversion and if you’re going to splurge on anything, let it be your pop top! Honestly, these products are not cheap to replace and the Storm has much better longevity compared to any other pop top.
So yes, if you really need to you can save a few hundred quid by going for the Skyline over the Storm. But just remember, it may end up costing you more in the long run.
Skyline have the basics down pat, but there’s room for improvement
While Skyline pop-tops might not cater to those seeking the most cutting-edge features or long-term durability, they remain a solid option for casual van lifers who value simplicity and practicality over premium upgrades.
While many of my clients have faced challenges with Skyline’s limited warranty and rusting components, there are worse pop top options out there, especially those without any sort of certification, like TUV approval.
One thing that I think is really telling toward their quality is that, unlike Storm, Skyline haven’t made any major updates on their design since their launch in 2016. In my opinion, as trends push the industry toward high-end customisation and all-weather solutions, Skyline will need to innovate further to maintain its relevance.
Austop Pop Tops
Austop pop-tops continue to be a strong contender in 2025 for van lifers who value ease of use and customisation. Known for their vibrant range of canvas colors and easy-to-use internal mechanisms, Austop appeals to those who want a functional, stylish, and accessible option.
But in my experience, Austops have a lot of similar longevity issues to the Skyline pop top, like material quality and long-term performance.
Price
~ £3,500
✅ Reasons to Buy:
- Good Customization – 20 canvas colors for personalization.
- Easy to Use – Simple internal opening and closing system.
- Budget-Friendly – One of the most affordable pop-tops available.
- Lightweight – GRP construction helps with fuel efficiency.
❌ Reasons to Avoid:
- No Roof Rack Support – Cannot add solar panels or racks.
- Durability Issues – Canvas traps moisture, leading to mold.
- Quality Inconsistencies – Hand-laid GRP may have minor flaws.
- Outdated Design – No updates since 2014.
Austops are somewhat customisable
Okay, so going back to this 2025 customisation trend, I will say that Austops have a huge variety of options. With 20 canvas colours to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find something to your liking.
But it’s worth keeping in mind that Austops don’t offer the same upgrades that Storms have, like a scenic canvas and mattress thickness. Not to mention, Austops do not support the addition of roof racks or solar panels. With more people than ever needing roof bike racks or opting for eco-friendly energy solutions, Austop just misses the mark.
So, if you’re looking for high-end personalisation right out of the box, Storm still takes the cake.
Austop has durability challenges
While Austop looks great and is easy to use, it falls short in addressing the growing demand for long-lasting materials and multi-functional features.
Austop uses the same hand-laid GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) construction as Skyline. This makes it lightweight and affordable, but can occasionally lead to inconsistencies in quality, such as minor imperfections in the shell.
In my experience, the canvas material is prone to trapping moisture and mould. This makes Austop less suited for year-round adventurers who frequently travel in wet or harsh weather conditions.
Comparing the Best Pop Top Roofs 2025
To make it easier for you to compare the best pop top models, I’ve put it all into a table for you below.
Feature | Storm | Skyline | Austop |
Low Profile Design | Minimal height added; reduces drag; perfect for tight spaces and car parks. | Similar low profile; aesthetic design reduces drag. | Low profile, but slightly bulkier than Storm and Skyline. |
Construction Process | Vacuum Infusion Moulding (RTM) ensures consistent, high-quality builds. | Hand-laid GRP, may have minor inconsistencies due to manual production. | Hand-laid GRP, similar to Skyline. |
Canvas Material | Marine-grade vinyl; water-resistant, UV-protected, durable. | Weather-resistant but prone to sagging and marking over time. | Durable and reliable but slightly less premium than Storm. |
Customisation Options | 18 canvas colours; scenic opening upgrade; compatible with roof racks and solar panels. | 28 canvas colours; also compatible with upgrades. | 20 canvas colours; not recommended for use with roof racks. |
Bed Platform | Raised platform with sleeping space for two; 35mm foam mattress. | Similar to Storm; 25mm foam mattress | Similar to Storm; 25mm foam mattress |
Warranty | 5 years | 5 years, 12 months on some components | 5 years |
Installation and Repairs | Streamlined process; parts sourced in the UK for fast support. | Longer wait times for parts due to international sourcing. | Similar to Skyline. |
Durability | High-quality fixings (stainless steel, black powder-coated); no rust or sticking. | Hinges and fixings prone to corrosion or wear over time. | Similar to Skyline. |
Innovation | Continually updated design for improved aesthetics and functionality. | Design remains largely unchanged since its launch in 2016. | Design remains largely unchanged since its launch in 2014. |
Price Range (can vary depending on model and upgrades – request a quote for an exact price) | £4.5k | £4k | £3.5k |
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Key Takeaways
Choosing the right pop-top roof for your VW Transporter is one of the most important decisions for getting the most out of your van life experience. While Austop and Skyline each offer decent products with relevant safety certifications, neither fully matches the durability, innovation, and long-term value offered by Storm pop-tops.
In 2025, campervan trends are moving toward sustainability, all-season functionality, and seamless tech integration, and Storm is absolutely at the forefront of these advancements.
With features like vacuum infusion molding for eco-friendly production, weather-resistant materials, and upgrades like the Scenic Canvas, Storm delivers a premium solution for adventurers who want the very best.
Whether you’re chasing panoramic views, preparing for year-round travel, or simply looking for a reliable, stylish pop-top, I recommend Storm as the best pop top for 2025.
If you’d like professional help with installing your pop top roof, just get in touch with us.
