Best Metal Roofing Shingles of 2025
Metal shingles offer durability in extreme weather, a long lifespan, and plenty of curb appeal
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Metal roofs have a lot to offer. Despite the higher up-front cost, a metal roof is likely to be a cost-effective choice in the long run. That’s in no small part because they can last anywhere from 40 to 50 years, perhaps even longer. More people are also turning to metal roofs because of their resistance to extreme weather and fires.
These benefits have contributed to metal roofing’s rise in popularity—metal options now account for roughly 15 percent of the residential roofing market, up from less than 3 percent about two decades ago, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance.
Best Metal Roofing Shingles
Consumer Reports tested six types of metal shingles for their resistance to wind, ability to withstand impact from falling objects, seam strength where the shingles connect, and resistance to corrosion from salt water. Five of the shingles we tested were made of steel, and one was aluminum. Some had coatings that provided additional durability and resistance to weather.
A shingle’s design, with different contours and ridging, added sturdiness in some cases, particularly in the seam strength test. Here, the three best options from our tests. Note that pricing shown is per square, which in roofing terms is a 10x10-foot area (100 square feet).
Is a Metal Roof Worth It?
Metal shingles are a premium purchase, and one that may seem out of reach or prompt some to question the price tag compared with the cost of a new asphalt roof. To compare roofing prices, look at the cost per square. The metal shingles in our tests range in price from $310 to $500 per square, not including installation costs. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, can range from under $50 per square to more than $300 for thicker, more durable asphalt. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, you’d pay $6,200 to $10,000 for metal shingles, as opposed to $1,000 to $6,000 for asphalt.
But over its lifespan, a metal roof can be significantly more cost-effective. As mentioned, a metal roof can last about 40 years even on the low end. Meanwhile, an asphalt roof lasts about 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles. In fact, the warranties alone for a metal roof may outlive asphalt shingles, as many metal shingle warranties last for decades.
Longevity is only one benefit, though. If you’re someone who has already lived through the devastating effects of a hurricane, wildfire, or other disaster, then you understand the importance of your home’s outer shell and the role it plays in protecting you from the elements.
Metal roofing shingles can withstand strong winds and take a beating from hail or other falling debris. Depending on the type, metal roofs can also reflect enough heat from the sun to keep your home cooler and reduce energy costs. Plus, metal roofs are often made of recycled materials and are completely recyclable at the end of their life.
How CR Tests Metal Roofing Shingles
Our tests focus on a shingle’s strength in strong winds and under heavy loads, durability against falling objects, and how well it maintains its appearance over time, particularly after prolonged exposure to salt water.
To replicate ferocious winds, we use a calibrated machine that applies force to shingles. We also drop 5-pound weights from various heights to simulate heavy hail to see which shingles bend, dent, or crack from the impact. To see how well they stand up over time to coastal storms, we expose the shingles to 240 hours’ worth of constant saltwater spray.