10 Best Atv Winches 2025 in the United States

The Smittybilt X2O-17.5K Waterproof Winch (SB97517) offers a robust load capacity of 17,500 lbs, making it suitable for heavy-duty recovery tasks. Its 6.6 HP Series Wound motor, combined with a 3-Stage Planetary Gear System, ensures reliable and efficient performance. With an IP68 waterproof rating, the winch can withstand harsh environmental conditions, which is crucial for off-road adventures.

The inclusion of a 98.5 feet steel cable adds to its durability and capability to handle substantial loads. However, the cable type being steel might require regular maintenance to prevent rust and fraying over time. The winch features a 500 AMP solenoid pack that is also waterproof and can be mounted in two different locations, adding flexibility to its installation.

One of its notable strengths is the dual control options; you can operate it using a wired remote switch with a 12 ft lead or a wireless remote, providing convenience depending on the situation. The mounting system is straightforward with a 10.0 x 4.5 inch bolt pattern, fitting most standard mounts. At 125 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which could be a drawback for some ATV users looking for a lighter setup. The winch’s line speed is optimized with its gear ratio of 430:1, ensuring quick and efficient line retrieval. The Smittybilt X2O-17.5K Winch is well-suited for serious off-road enthusiasts who need a powerful, reliable, and versatile winch for demanding recovery situations.

The X-BULL 13500 lb electric winch is designed to handle heavy-duty recovery tasks, making it suitable for ATV and off-road enthusiasts who need strong pulling power. Its 13500-pound load capacity is quite high, so it can manage tough situations easily. The winch uses a powerful 12V, 6.0 HP series wound motor combined with a 3-stage planetary gear system, which helps provide both strong traction and reasonably good cable pulling speed. The synthetic rope is 3/8 inches thick and 82 feet long, which is lighter and safer compared to traditional steel cables, and the hawse fairlead helps guide the rope smoothly.

One of the stand-out features is the dual control options: a new-generation wireless remote that works up to 35 meters away and a wired handheld control, both protected by an IP67 waterproof rating. This means you can operate it reliably in harsh weather or rugged terrain. The mounting system uses a standard bolt pattern, making it relatively easy to install on most ATV setups. The winch has a solid safety design with positive load control and a strengthened clutch system to reduce damage risks.

With good customer ratings, this winch provides a strong, reliable option for serious users needing heavy load recovery with convenient remote operation. However, its size and weight (about 54 pounds) might be a bit heavy for smaller ATVs or those looking for a more compact setup.

The X-BULL 6000lbs electric winch is a solid choice for off-road and powersports enthusiasts needing reliable pulling power. It offers a strong 12V motor with a decent load capacity of 6000 pounds, suitable for most ATV recovery tasks and trailer pulls. The synthetic rope included is lighter and safer compared to steel cables, and the winch itself is highly waterproof with an IP68 rating, meaning it can handle wet and muddy environments without damage.

Control options are flexible with both wired and wireless remotes, allowing you to operate it from up to 100 feet away, which adds convenience and safety. The line speed is moderate—2.9 feet per minute under full load—good for controlled, steady pulling but not very fast. Installation is made easier by the included mounting plate and fairlead, plus extra battery cables for flexible setup. One thing to note is the winch weighs nearly 30 pounds, so it’s a bit heavy but typical for this power level.

The clutch and planetary gear system offer smooth and reliable operation, while users looking for very fast line speed or extremely heavy-duty winches might find this model less suited. For most ATV owners needing a durable, waterproof winch with versatile controls, the X-BULL 6000lbs represents a dependable, well-rounded option.