We’ve said it many times before and we’ll probably say it a few more times after this, but one of the most indispensable pieces of recovery gear you can add to your lifted Jeep is a winch. No matter what kind of off-road activities you get up to, it’s incredibly important to have the means to get yourself or your travel companions out of bad situations. Whether you or another vehicle is stuck, or you need to clear a massive obstacle out of your path, you can make sure to get back on track quickly and painlessly with a winch. So today, we’re going to give you the rundown on the best winches to purchase for your Jeep builds in 2025.
What to Look for in a Winch
Before we get to our top five choices this year, we thought we’d start by filling you in on what to look for when shopping for a winch. If for some reason you don’t like the options we put forward, you’ll be better equipped to find one that does suit your wants and needs by knowing what to look for.
- Pulling capacity
- Naturally, how much weight the winch can pull is one of, if not the most important things to look for when shopping for a winch. You should be aiming for at least 1.5 times the gross weight of your Jeep, which means you should probably look at between 9,500 to 12,000 pounds of pulling capacity.
- Rope type
- It’s also important to pay attention to the type of rope a winch has, as synthetic rope is safer and easier to handle than steel cable. That said, steel cable is more abrasion-resistant, so you need to opt for what will suit your lifestyle better.
- Waterproofing
- You want to make sure your winch can survive in the roughest conditions, including rain, mud and even river crossings. So look for waterproof ratings of IP67 or IP68.
- Remote control
- While by no means a requirement, having a wireless remote for your winch can deliver enhanced flexibility and safety, especially when winching by yourself.
- Compatible mounting
- Lastly, you obviously need to make sure that your bumper or winch plate is properly rated for the winch that you choose.
Top 5 Picks for Winches in 2025
Alright, now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to dive into our list of the five best picks for 2025. If you have any questions about winches or recovery gear in general, or would like to inquire about having a winch installed on your lifted Jeep, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right here at LiftedJeeps.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Smittybilt X2O Gen 2 10,000lb. Comp Winch
- Pulling Capacity: 10,000 lbs.
- Rope Type: Synthetic
- Waterproofing: IP68
- Remote Control: Wired, Wireless
- This winch features a 6.6-horsepower motor, a 218:1 gear ratio and an automatic braking system. It was built for serious off-road recovery, which is precisely why it’s such a fan favorite.
- Warn VR12 Winch
- Pulling Capacity: 12,000 lbs.
- Rope Type: Steel
- Waterproofing: IP68
- Remote Control: Wired
- Warn is one of our most trusted brands for all of the various product types that they sell, from recovery gear, to bumpers and everything else. This particular winch is great thanks to its clean installation and the precise control provided by its mechanical cone brake.
- Rough Country 9,500-lb. Pro Series Winch
- Pulling Capacity: 9,500 lbs.
- Rope Type: Synthetic
- Waterproofing: IP67
- Remote Control: Wired
- This winch offers an outstanding balance between power and affordability. Its lower pulling capacity should still be enough to accommodate many Jeep builds, making it a great option.
- OPENROAD 13,500lbs Electric Winch Panther Series 3S
- Pulling Capacity: 13,500 lbs.
- Rope Type: Synthetic
- Waterproofing: IP68
- Remote Control: Wired, Wireless
- This is a super versatile option with an impressive pulling capacity and plenty of resistance thanks to its waterproof rating. It’s ready for extreme conditions and even offers two separate wireless remotes for added convenience
- WARN 16.5TI-S Heavyweight Winch – 97740
- Pulling Capacity: 16,500 lbs.
- Rope Type: Synthetic
- Waterproofing: N/A
- Remote Control: Wired
- By no means is this the affordable option, but if you’re building a true off-road beast this pricey choice might be a good fit for you. It offers 80 feet of synthetic rope with a high-efficiency motor, plus an astounding capacity. It’s the ultimate choice for the most demanding recoveries.