10 Best ATV Winches

As an all-terrain rider who enjoys outdoor activity and off-road riding, you can’t afford an outing on your four-wheeler without having the best ATV winch. Whether you ride a Polaris ATV, a Honda, or any other UTV, getting stuck in mud or rough terrain is inevitable at some point. Larger ATVs (>300cc) require a 3,000-4,000 lb capacity winch to handle such challenges effectively.

It can be frustrating when your vehicle is stuck on slippery or rocky ground. Your ATV can’t stay overnight there; otherwise, traffic officials might pull it away. In such cases, an ATV winch becomes an essential tool for off-road recovery. Most ATV and UTV winches require a winch-mounting plate to attach the winch to the machine, ensuring secure and stable operation.

The best tool to rely on for rescue is the winch. But it’s even more frustrating when you realize your winch line has failed or your kit has bad wiring or a broken spool. Isn’t that the unit you purchased barely two months ago? You can’t afford to waste your hard-earned cash on a substandard machine that should offer reliable performance. The automatic braking system in winches provides immediate halting action when the winch stops to prevent the load from falling, adding an extra layer of safety.

To save you time and trouble, I’ve done the hard work to help you research the best ATV winches that boast durability, quality, power, flexibility, affordability, and much more. Warn winches are commonly used as factory accessories by ATV manufacturers due to their reliability, making them a top choice for many riders.

1. Warn 90250 ProVantage 2500 Winch

Warn has multiple models on this list, and for good reason. This brand continues to lead the market with a wide variety of UTV winches available in different pulling capacity and load ratings.

The Warn 90250 ProVantage 2500 Winch is a rider favorite. With 50 feet of 3/16-inch steel cable, you can pull loads up to 2500 pounds, making it an ideal option for light to mid-duty off-road recovery.

You’ll love its three-stage planetary gears and patented disc brake, giving you smoother control and automatic brakes for enhanced safety. The unit is designed with a black finish to prevent rust and corrosion, even when exposed to water, snow, or mud. A winch with a high Ingress Protection (IP) rating, such as IP67 or IP68, ensures the motor and electronics are sealed against mud, water, and debris for long-term reliability.

This winch fits almost any ATV, including Polaris and Honda models, making it a reliable and essential kit for riders who expect quality performance.

Features

• Patented roller dick brake
• 50 feet of 3/16 dense rope
• plow roller fairlead

Pros	Cons
Boasts a three-step planetary gear	Low power rating
It comes with extra control	Separate accessories (remote control) cost extra bucks
Corrosion-resistant	Waterproof

2. VIPER Midnight 4500lb Winch

When it comes to UTV winches capable of handling heavier vehicles, the VIPER Midnight 4500lb Winch is an excellent choice. Known for reliable performance, this unit can pull up to 4500 pounds, making it perfect for Polaris ATVs, Honda UTVs, and other heavy-duty off-road machines.

It features durable construction, flexible installation, and synthetic rope that handles water immersion, mud, and harsh terrain easily. Even when the spool is under load, the winch line maintains consistent tension and performance.

With a pulling capacity of 4500 pounds and a speed of around 5 FPM, it delivers both power and durability for off-road recovery.

Features

• Capable of a 45000-pound load
• Pulls at 5 FPM
• Great design and style

Pros	Cons
Durable	Not compatible with all ATVs/UTVs
Reasonably priced	Inferior internal materials

3. Champion 4000-lb. ATV/UTV Wireless Winch Kit

The Champion Wireless Winch Kit lives up to its name. This unit can handle vehicles weighing up to 4500 pounds — similar to the VIPER Midnight — but with a wireless twist for easy operation. A wireless remote control enhances safety by allowing operation from a distance, making it especially useful in challenging terrain.

It’s one of the most reliable and powerful ATV winches available, offering adequate pulling capacity for various terrain conditions, including mud and snow.

The kit includes affordable accessories, and the installation process is easy, even for beginners. Its strong steel cable, durable construction, and consistent performance make it worth the purchase.

Features

• 4500 pounds loading capacity
• Fits many UTVs and ATVs

Pros	Cons
Affordably priced	Metals made of cheap materials
Powerful	Relatively less sturdy
Excellent power-to-cost ratio	Trying to use in an angled space

4. Superwinch 1135220 Terra 35

Lightweight, reliable, and powerful, the Superwinch Terra 35 is among the best ATV winches for riders seeking durability and easy handling. Synthetic rope is more flexible than steel cable, making it a preferred choice for many off-road enthusiasts.

Weighing only 20 pounds, this unit adds minimal weight to your ATV yet boasts a 3500-pound pulling capacity. Its steel cable measures 50 feet and is ideal for both off-road recovery and trail riding.

The three-stage planetary gear system ensures smooth spooling, and the automatic brake system enhances safety. However, users should verify the wiring setup, as bad connections can lead to short circuits.

Features

• 50-inch of steel rope 13/64-inch
• Load releasing and pushing
• Wide all-steel planetary gear
• Seal circuit breaker
• Low amp 1.6-hp magnetic motor

Pros	Cons
Easy to operate	Rope can intercept the proper functioning of the winch
Durable build	Electrical design is short-circuited

5. Warn 89020 Vantage 2000 Winch

The Warn 89020 Vantage 2000 Winch is a quality model that’s perfect for lighter ATVs and smaller UTVs. It’s designed for riders who want affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use winches.

With a 2000-pound pulling capacity, this unit is great for off-road recovery in mud, snow, or uneven terrain. It features a fully sealed, water-resistant motor, automatic brakes, and a smooth planetary drive system.

It’s compatible with many Polaris and Honda models, and the 50-foot steel cable offers solid pull performance.

Features

• It comes with a fully sealed motor and drives the train
• Great safety features
• Planetary gear train

Pros	Cons
Easy to use and operate	Installing this device is a bit challenging
The device is resistant to the effects of the elements, including	It comes as a relatively pricey model

6. Champion Power Equipment 13004 ATV/UTV Winch Kit

This Champion Power Equipment Winch Kit is one of the most cost-effective options for those on a budget. It has a pulling capacity of 3000 pounds and comes with a built-in automatic brake system for reliable stopping power.

Its mounting channel, roller fairlead, and remote control make installation and operation extremely easy. Durability and power come standard with this kit, providing excellent value for money.

Features

Relative affordability and durability

Pros	Cons
Incredibly sufficient power for light and small ATVs	It doesn’t suit big and heavy ATVs
Mounting this device is super-easy	Bulky and overly slow remote
Perfect planetary gear and train	Weak cable

7. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV 12 VDC

The Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV continues the brand’s tradition of reliable performance and strong build quality. With a 3000-pound pull rating, it’s suitable for ATV and UTV riders who expect consistent power during off-road recovery.

It includes a roller fairlead, handheld remote, and mechanical braking system, ensuring safe and easy operation.

Features

• Pull rating: 3000 pounds
• Features roller fairlead and handheld remote switch
• The mechanical and dynamic braking system
• Handlebar control

Pros	Cons
Delivers power and value for money	Requires some particular skill to install
Easy to operate and use with the magnetic brake

8. Keeper Corporation KT2000 Trakker Electric Winch

If you’re looking to buy a winch with reliable durability, the Keeper Corporation KT2000 Trakker is a solid option. This unit features a 2000-pound pulling capacity and is designed for smaller ATVs and UTVs.

It’s waterproof, weather-resistant, and worth every dollar for light off-road recovery. The synthetic rope allows smoother spooling, and the mounting system makes it easy to install.

Features

• It boasts handheld remote control
• 2000 pounds pull rating
• Side-mounted drum

Highly more durable than other competitors in the same category	Slow operation
Seamless mounting in awkward spaces	Low Wind-in rating

9. WARN 89030 Vantage 3000 Winch

Maybe I should warn you never to use any other winch brand apart from what WARN produces. It has every reason to be ahead of every other ATV winch in competition.

Producing another more significant and extensive version, Warn has set a record for being the brand with different categories and pull ratings. So, you won’t complain about having an ATV without a winch to wind it in or out.d

The Warn 89030 brags 3000 pounds pull rating, giving you the option to choose over the WARN 2000 or WARN 2500. What differences does the Winch 3000 Winch has over its 2500 and 200 counters apart from a higher pull rating, you may want to ask?

This winch will take you away from the traditional dynamic gear brake system to a different level, where you’re presented with a spring brake unit. What difference does that make? The braking system offers more power and reliability. 

The WARN 89030 Vantage 3000 Winch has features including a three-stage planetary gear against the differential planetary gears, which are the characteristic features of many other winch models, including the WARN 90250 ProVantage 2500 Winch and the WARN 89020 Vantage 2000 Winch.

If you’re looking for a WARN winch with the most power and increased intensity, this is the right choice because it intimidates you with its slightly larger but more reliable motor.

Well, one thing is sure no single device or equipment boasts 100% effectiveness without its downside. The WARN 3000 is no exception.

Despite its incredible features, there’re areas you need to watch out for when using this piece. Interestingly, the complaint about this winch is what is common to most other smaller devices. Spooling is a significant issue with this device, especially since using the free spool knobs poses some malfunction challenges. 

That shouldn’t be an issue to discourage you from getting this amazing guy in your garage. Its positives outweigh the negatives.

Features

• 3000 pull rating
• Fairly larger motor
• Spring brake system
• 0 feet of 3/16 inch thick wire rope with roller fairlead
• Three-stage planetary gear

Pros	Cons
Better control and more power	Liable to rope impairment
Easy to install and use	Fairlead is of substandard material
Wired remote control	Free spool knob malfunctions

10. Superwinch 1140220 Black 12 VDC LT4000ATV Winch

Again I present another incredible model from the usual suspect, Superwinch. I don’t doubt that for years to come, the Superwinch 1140220 4000-lb winch from this brand would compete favorably with the best ATV winches.

It comes with a lot of power, and it stands tall among the models on our list here, given that it boasts 4000 pounds pull rating and won’t fail or disappoint.

What’s more, the Superwinch 1140220 4000 lb winch is compatible with multiple ATVs as it comes with three-stage planetary gears. It has not departed from the tradition of the dynamic braking system. Hence, it will benefit a lot from this device.     

You don’t have to be close to the device all the time because the manufacturer thinks you could stay at some distance and still operate it.

You have the corded remote switch to thank, which interestingly comes with the device as you’re buying it. You remember some brands sell their remote switch separately from the main product, causing you extra costs.

What more do you want in an ATV winch that’s lacking in Superwinch 4000 ATV winch? You have power, an excellent braking system, a high pull rating, planetary gears, and lost more.

But, hey, you may need to get another steel rope because the size supplied by the manufacturer is equal to what they give to winches of lower power and pull rating. The steel rope is 50 feet of 3/16 inches. That’s too low for a winch of this power.

Features

• Pull capacity and rating: 4000 pounds
• Steel rope dimension: 50 feet of 3/16 inch
• Dynamic braking unit
• Three-step planetary gear train

Pros	Cons
Excellent pull capacity and rating	Steel rope dimension is small for a winch of this pull capacity
Efficient for a wide variety of ATVs	The winch may work inefficiently due to the short steel rope.

What You Need to Consider Before Buying an ATV Winch

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to verify the specifications of your ATV or UTV and ensure the winch fits the vehicle’s weight, capacity, and intended use. Additionally, verify that your battery can handle the additional load when using a winch to avoid performance issues.

ATV Specifications

Always check your vehicle’s weight before buying a winch. A pulling capacity of 3000 pounds may not suit every machine. Choose based on your ATV model, terrain, and riding habits.

Free-Spooling Clutch

Choose a winch with a free-spooling clutch, which allows easy spool release. It’s an essential feature for quick off-road recovery and reduces wear over time.

Strong Winch Lid

Durability matters. A well-built cover protects your winch from mud, water, and debris, ensuring long-term reliable performance.

Remote Switch

Opt for a kit with a remote switch for convenience. Both corded and wireless accessories make operation safer when your vehicle is stuck or when you’re working in harsh terrain.

Price

ATV winches vary in price depending on brand, capacity, and accessories. Harbor Freight, KFI, Warn, and Superwinch all offer solid options across different budgets.

Frequently Asked Question 

Q: How long will it take me to install a winch?

You can’t believe that you won’t spend up to 2 hours installing a winch on your ATV. Sometimes, it is within an hour if you follow the instructions carefully. Then, I can assure you in less than an hour. You will have your winch installed if an experienced hand or someone who has installed it before is beside you.

Q: Are champion ATV winches any good?

Absolutely! ATV winches from Champion are high-quality products you won’t miss in your garage. It has a high pull rating and features unusual ease of operation and use.

They have excellent and positive reviews courtesy of a gear ratio that stands at 171.1. The winch also boasts a planetary gear system that guarantees safe wind-in and wind-out at every point in time.

Q: Is microfiber winch ropes better than cable?

Well, regarding safety, I’ll say synthetic lines are far better than their steel counterpart. They are usually derived from hi-tech polyethylene, making them a lighter option. If you are an off-road rider, you must remember that the regulation stipulates the use of winch with synthetic ropes on off-road terrain. Besides, synthetic ropes don’t save much energy.

Q: Are ATV Winches Universal?

The simple answer is yes. ATV winches are global winches for many reasons. One, they are super easy to install and mount. They don’t require that you have a winch mount before you invest. They’re also super light, and with their four bolts, ATV winches are compatible with many other brand winches. If you need a universal winch that won’t fail when you try to wind in or out, then the quad winches are the right pick.

Final Thoughts

When choosing the best ATV winch, make sure to verify the vehicle’s weight, capacity, and terrain needs. Whether it’s a Warn, Superwinch, or Champion, each brand on this list offers reliable performance and durability you can trust. The Warn AXON 35-S is the best overall ATV winch for 2024, combining advanced features with exceptional reliability.

Study each model’s features, pros, and cons, and you’ll find the perfect winch to keep your ATV or UTV running strong through mud, snow, and the toughest off-road conditions.

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