To be honest, there is no universal best winch in the world. Different winches are best for different needs.
A winch can be best for ATV but it may not work for heavy duty trucks. You've to know which is for what.
But that's not easy to figure out. So, we did the research for you. We've found both awesome and worse winches during our research. You obviously don't want to make the mistake of buying the wrong winch.
So, read this review then choose one depending on your vehicle and your need. You won't be disappointed, for sure.
Quick Navigation
- Our Winner After 22+ Hours of Winch Research
- Our 10 Best Winch Review with Buying Guide
- 1. WARN 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S [Best Quality]
- 2. X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope [Best Winch For The Money]
- 3. Warn 89120 ZEON 12 Winch
- 4. Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch
- 5. Yescom 12000 lb 12V Wireless Recovery Winch
- 6. Superwinch 1585202 LP8500 Winch Gen II
- 7. Warn 89040 Vantage 4000 Winch
- 8. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000 ATV [Best Cheap Winch]
- Verdict
- Your Best Winch Buying Guide & Tips
Our Winner After 22+ Hours of Winch Research
ReviewerTips Rating
WARN 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S
Get a winch that has a capacity of at least 1.5 times of your gross vehicle weight rating. Never choose a winch based off a vehicle’s curb weight! For a vehicle weighting 5000 lbs, the winch must have minimum 7500 lbs load capacity. The higher, the safer.
Our 10 Best Winch Review with Buying Guide
Let's go through the reviews to find the exact winch that you need for your needs. All of these are great options, however, they are not ranked in a particular order. You might find number 8 serving your purposes better than number 1 and you should go with that gut feel. The winches that we reviewed today are:
1. WARN 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S [Best Quality]
Key Features:
- 12,000 lbs load capacity.
- 12V DC motor
- 80ft Spydura Pro Synthetic Rope.
- Advanced Wireless Remote.
- IP68 Waterproof Rating.
Our first pick is the Warn 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S. If you want a very powerful and durable winch that will last for decades, then the Warn ZEON 12-S should be your first choice. Though it's expensive. This is the best winch for jeep and truck.
The WARN ZEON 12-S offers a rate line pulling of a 12,000 pounds. That's perfect for pulling large, heavy and massive vehicles like RVs, Jeeps, trucks and other giant automobiles.
It has a remote switch with a 12 ft lead. The rope is made out of high-quality Spydura Pro synthetic material. It furthermore has an aluminum hawse with a powder-coat finish that is made to last.
As for the motor, it has a 12V DC motor and it's waterproof to an IP68. We can’t stress how important this feature is.
When it comes to the size and weight of the WARN 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S, we must say that it isn’t the most compact winch. It weighs 83 pounds and measures 20 x 26.1 x 8.2 inches in dimensions, which isn't considered as lightweight. But it’s considered as a lightweight model for heavy-duty and industrial work.
The WARN 95960 ZEON Platinum 12-S’s remote controller can read the motor temperature, can read up to 2 additional accessories. It also has a USB charging cable and car charger adapter. To be honest, we're thoroughly impressed!
This Warn 95960 is a spectacular beast. We can say without any doubt that, if you can afford it then it surely will be perfect for you. If you have enough budget then don't look for any other options. This is the best 12000 lb Warn winch which is perfect for jeeps, trucks and other heavyweight vehicles.
Pros
- High pulling load.
- Lightweight.
- Remote controlled; easier to use.
- Controller can control 2 extra accessories.
- Waterproof motor, Advanced control.
Cons
- Expensive.
2. X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope [Best Winch For The Money]
Key Features:
- 13000 lbs load capacity.
- 85.3 ft(26m) DYNEEMA Synthetic Rope.
- Three (2 wireless + 1 handheld) remote.
- Waterproof and corrosion resistant.
If you can't afford to buy the previous Warn winch but need one with high capacity, then this one is your second best shot. This is one of the best winch under 500$ available in the market right now.
With a pulling capacity of 13,000 lbs, this is definitely more than capable of tackling medium to heavy vehicles like jeeps, trucks and other big giants.
This winch offers 85.3 ft(26 m) Dyneema synthetic cable. Dyneema is one of the strongest & lightest fiber in the world. It is 10 times stronger than steel yet 10 times lighter than steel. This cable is even capable of stopping bullets(insane!).
This Dyneema cable floats on water and it's water, abrasion, & UV resistant. It's also chemically inert, means almost any chemical can't do any harm to it.
Apart from these, this also offers a three-stage planetary gear system that means it can transfer three times more the torque for a very similar sized fixed axis gear system. Its automatic load-holding feature ensures max safety.
It has a free-spooling clutch for fast wire rope payout. Its alloy hawse fairlead allows smooth rope operation while protecting synthetic ropes against damage. This winch has a sealed motor for weather protection(that's very important).
What’s unique about this X Bull winch is that it comes with 2 wireless remote controllers. An extra remote will surely give some extra facilities to control it.
If you want a high capacity, good quality winch at an affordable price then you can consider buying this X Bulll winch. If you want to check other winch models from X-Bull then you can check our dedicated review of X-Bull winches.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact.
- Great pulling load.
- Remote control(3 remotes).
- Fairlead and a free spooling lever action clutch.
- 3-stage planetary gear, Sealed Motor.
Cons
- No overload protection.
3. Warn 89120 ZEON 12 Winch
Key Features:
- 12,000 lb capacity.
- 80 feet steel rope.
- Corded remote.
- Convertible control pack.
This winch offers a rate line pulling of 12,000 pounds, therefore making it perfect for pulling large, heavy and massive vehicles. It's one of the best winches for Jeep wrangler jk, RV, speedboat etc.
It's remote controllable and it has a remote switch with a 12 feet lead. Apart from that, it has a roller fairlead, a newly designed planetary gear train and a sealed system for protection against the elements.
Another good thing about the Warn 89120 ZEON 12 Winch is its mounting capability. It has a durable satin-black cast-aluminum housing, muck-busting sealing and a convertible control pack that offers maximum freedom and adjustability while installing the winch.
Pros
- Roller fairlead, Sealed motor.
- 3-stage planetary gear.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Good pulling capacity.
- Easy to install.
- Remote Control.
Cons
- Mounting plate feels loose.
- Tends to freeze.
4. Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch
Key Features:
- 9500 lbs load capacity.
- 6.6 HP motor.
- 93.5 feet steel cable.
- Corded Remote.
- Completely Waterproof.
This is one of the best off-road winch for jeep, car and related safari type vehicles that don't need high load capacity winch.
This winch offers a single line pull rate or loading capacity of 9500 pounds. Its weight is 83 pounds and 25 x 13 x 10 inches in dimensions.
This winch comes with a remote, but it's corded. It would be better if the remote was wireless. It has about 94 ft of the cable being run by a 6.6 HP motor. Speaking of which, the motor used in this winch is very powerful and it is waterproof(IP67 rated).
It also has a 3-stage planetary gear train for extra power and control, and a 4-way roller to make sure that the cables come back home more neatly. This makes using the winch easy. This is the best jeep winch at its price range.
You can check our dedicated winch review of Smittybilt to see other winch models from this brand.
Pros
- Good pulling load.
- Compact and lightweight, comparative.
- Remote-controlled; easier to use.
- 4-Way Roller Fairlead.
- 3-stage planetary gear.
- Waterproof 6.6 HP motor.
- Great after-sale security deals.
Cons
- Motor overheats.
- Rope isn’t Synthetic.
5. Yescom 12000 lb 12V Wireless Recovery Winch
Key Features:
- 12000 lb capacity.
- 92ft steel Cable.
- Automatic load holding brake.
- Free spooling clutch
Our next pick is the 12,000 lb 12V 6.6 Recovery Winch from Yescom. Perfect for jeeps, trailer trucks, SUV, RV and small ATV.
The Yescom 12000 lb 12V 6.6 Recovery Winch is 83 pounds on weight and 26.3 x 15.2 x 12 inches in dimensions. This winch offers a single line rate pull of 12000 pounds. It has a 12V motor.
The best part about this machine is that it is remote controlled and therefore wireless with wire pull in and pull out! It has a 3-stage planetary gear which furthermore helps increase the intensity and performance.
Not bad for the price, right? It also has a 4-way roller fairlead to guide the rope onto the drum more precisely as opposed to tangling up.
The free spooling clutch will allow you to pull out the rope, by hand, without using electric power. However, make sure to wear gloves.
In the package, it includes battery leads, a pair of safety gloves, safety pull strap, roller fairlead, box assembly, 1 remote switch, remote control and a few other fixing accessories with it.
Pros
- High pulling load.
- More or less compact and lightweight.
- Remote controlled; easier to use.
- 4-Way Roller Fairlead.
- 3-stage planetary gear.
- Comes with heaps of accessories; complete kit.
Cons
- Cables tend to tangle and ratchet up too frequently.
6. Superwinch 1585202 LP8500 Winch Gen II
Key Features:
- 8500 lb capacity.
- 94ft steel wire rope.
- Corded remote.
- Automatic mechanical brake.
Our next pick is the LP8500 Gen II Winch from Superwinch.
The Gen II Superwinch offers a carrying load of about 8,500 pounds. This would make the winch ideal for small to medium vehicles like ATVs and UTVs, and small cars.
It has 94 feet of steel wire rope with a heavy-duty latched hook and rope thimble and automatic, mechanical load holding the brake. Much like the rest of our winches, the Gen II Superwinch is also a remote-controlled machine. It has a 15m rubber handheld remote.
Apart from that, it also has powder-coated hawse fairlead and a free spooling lever action clutch. As for your outdoor concerns, the Superwinch has a weather-sealed solenoid and circuit breaker to stand against the element.
Pros
- 3-stage planetary gear.
- Fairlead and a free spooling lever action clutch.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Good pulling load.
- Remote control, Sealed motor.
Cons
- Rusts early.
- Short lifespan.
7. Warn 89040 Vantage 4000 Winch
Key Features:
- 4000 lb capacity.
- 55 feet of wire rope.
- Corded remote.
- Free spooling clutch
Premium brand WARN makes high quality & extremely durable winch. And the one now we have on our list is a minimal & very popular Warn 89040 Vantage 4000 lbs Winch. One of the best portable winch for ATV, UTV & small cars.
Warn 89040 Vantage 4000 Winch offers a load taking the capacity of 4000 pounds which probably isn’t over the top, but is still more than enough for pulling vehicles like ATVs and other similar automobiles.
It has a three-stage planetary gear train for smooth, efficient and powerful winching. It furthermore features a mechanical spring brake for so that you can operate with maximum control while operating.
Much like our previous 2 winches, the Warn 89040 Vantage 4000 Winch also comes with a corded remote which make using this thing heaps easier.
Speaking of which, the Warn 89040 Vantage 4000 Winch is one of the most lightweight winches on our list.
It measures 15.5 x 13 x 6.5 inches and weighs a ridiculous 8 pounds only! The motor and drive used on this winch come entirely sealed, therefore protecting it from the external elements. It has a mounted mini rocker switch beside the remote.
One very important detail that you don’t want to miss out on is that you can choose the rope for this Warn winch from aircraft grade wire or lightweight synthetic.
Pros
- Sealed motor and gear train; weather resistant.
- 3-stage planetary gear.
- Remote controlled; easier to use.
- Compact and lightweight, comparatively.
- Good pulling load.
Cons
- Tends to freeze
8. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000 ATV [Best Cheap Winch]
Key Features:
- 3000 lbs load capacity.
- 50-ft wire rope.
- 1.2 Horsepower motor.
- Automatic load holding brake.
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If you are on a too tight budget and looking for a basic model then the Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV is for you! It's one of the best off-road winch for the money.
Since the weight of ATV & UTV isn't that much, this is the best winch for ATV and UTV at its price range. You don't need to spend much money buying a winch with 10k+ lbs capacity for ATV or UTV; a 3000 lbs winch will be more than enough for you.
It has a roller fairlead and mounting plate for no-fuss installation. Apart from that, it has a 50 feet cable rope and a handheld remote. Next, it has a 1.2 HP motor which is sealed for protection against the elements.
Additionally, it has a full metal 3-stage planetary gear train. It can transfer 3 times more the torque for a very similar sized fixed axis gear system.
Small, affordable and portable, perfect for light-duty winching!
Pros
- Low price.
- Compact and lightweight.
- 3-stare planetary gear.
- Remote control.
- 3-way fairlead roller.
- Sealed; weather-resistant.
Cons
- Poor grade wiring.
- Low capacity.
Verdict
Each winch is a little different from the rest. We have listed everything from affordable to high-end, basic to fancy. So, you have plenty of them to choose from according to your priorities.
Here's our final takeaway: If you have enough money to spare then you can go for Warn Zeon Platinum 12-S without a second thought. Premium quality, expected to last for decades and it will never fail when in need.
If you have a limited budget then X-Bull 13,000 lbs will be the second best choice. Higher pulling rate, good quality but still affordable in price.
That's all for now. Good luck with your purchase!
Your Best Winch Buying Guide & Tips
What to Check Before Buying a Winch?
Load Taking Capacity
The first and foremost feature to look for when going shopping for a winch is checking on the single line rate pull or load taking the power of that machine.
This point is so important that you could regret not considering this. Load taking power basically decides the amount of weight the winch will be able to pull for you.
As you can guess now, the point should depend on the type of vehicle or automobile you are buying the winch for. Bigger, heavier automobile equals higher the load taking number. A winch that can hardly pull a car may not be suitable for a jeep.
Tip: If you're buying on Amazon, you can use one of their cool features. They will let you check the year and make of your automobile prior to choosing a winch to see if it's compatible. You can furthermore find a list of automobiles on the back of the winch packaging. You should therefore always check the model to load capability before making a purchase.
Battery Selection
Winches come in 2 forms: Hydraulic and Electric. And since we’re looking into electric types here, we will need a battery to go with that. You may ask, why?
It's because electric winches run and operate by using your automobile’s battery. Kind of like a parasite, if you will.
And just about any battery won’t so, since the battery that works for your car may not be able to supply power to your car’s winch. It is therefore very important that you get a battery that caters to both your automobile and your winch.
Tip: Look into marine or spiral cell batteries (dual-cell batteries) for your match.
Warranty
We're not a big believer of warranties. Why? First, dead cheap stuff hardly ever come with one. Second, and most of the times, the ones that do don’t come from the reliable manufacturer and they end up dishonoring the warranty.
However, this rule does not apply to high-end and expensive top rated winches. Many products which come from quality brands, have a lot of claims and they end up charging fortunes on those claims alone.
So, when you get one that is expensive or come from a brandy company, try and get yourself a warranty.
Cable Material
Burlap, jute ropes won’t cut it for winches. All best heavy duty winch use very specific and sophisticated ropes that are made to pull even the most monsters of automobiles and like a kid.
These ropes are made of different diameters, thicknesses, and braiding. Most electric 4 wheeler winches use synthetic ones, but manufacturers produce a wide range of other types of ropes. Each varies in strength, pulling force, durability, and precision. Consult with your seller to find the best cable or rope for your vehicle.
Cable Length
You should also look into the length of the cable you are getting with your winch.
On average, most winches should get you 80 to 100 ft of cable. But then again, we personally suggest that you get the size you need, not what you think you’ll need. Don’t go too long, nor too short. This, of course, depends on the type of vehicle you have, so check the packaging or ask the seller to help you out with deciding the cable size you should get.
Waterproofing
Your winch is obviously going to spend the majority of its life out in the open. Needless to say, it is going to be facing a lot of harsh elements.
And to make sure that your winch lasts the years, it is therefore very important that you get one that comes with a sealed or rated waterproof motor housing. If you can look for the same on gear trains, then even better.
Cable Retrieving
Cables, on their way back into their cylinder, have a notorious tendency to get stuck or tangle into a hellish mess.
We advise you to look for winches that go back into their housing just as easily as it comes out. You will probably need to do a little testing for this since there’s no saying how a particular winch does in this department. So, trail and error, boys. Trail and error.