Best Jeep Soft Tops: Stay Out of the Elements

My history with Jeep Wranglers and their soft tops goes back decades when I started helping two friends build a TJ Wrangler. One of our common refrains was “I hate this soft top,” as we were in high school and couldn’t afford something nice to fit to the rig. We actually ended up just not attaching it ever and often getting soaked in Midwest rain storms. Oh well. 

Since then, however, I’ve made it a point to seek out quality components whenever possible. That’s not to say I’m going to recommend only the most expensive items, but I’m going for quality over price every time. But there’s always room for a budget inclusion when the quality meets my exacting standards. I also didn’t fill this list with 10 options, as the top brands offer a ton of variation that will meet whatever needs you want, so I honed in on four specific makes that have variety and quality throughout their lineups. 

There are also options from each of the following manufacturers for both JL and JK Wranglers, along with those for the Gladiator, too. You’ll just have to do a little digging to get to the specific model that works for you. 
And if you want to know more about The Drive’s recommendation process, click over here to read more.

You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the top four Jeep soft top manufacturers on this list. From Bestop to the OE replacement, all are going to be good quality items that’ll last. My suggestion for making a decision is this: get what serves your purpose best. 

Here’s everything you need to know before hitting Buy It Now. 

One of the most important features to consider when choosing a soft top is the quality of the material. It needs to be durable enough, so it will do its job for several years. Whether you drive on road or off, you need a long-lasting soft top that will withstand the elements. The last thing you want is for the top to fail when you're on the trail or driving at highway speeds. 

It's vital that you check compatibility when purchasing a new soft top because they are manufactured to fit particular models. Make sure to check the specifications, so the top fits properly. Jeep soft tops are not universal, you could purchase a soft top for a JK generation that won’t work for your TJ generation. Or even for your Gladiator. So it's important that you have the right information on hand when placing an order.

Some soft tops are easier to install and remove than others. It's particularly important to choose a product that is simple to put on because you may need to do so quickly if the weather changes. Some locations are prone to sudden downpours, and you need a soft top that you can rapidly put in place. The top should also be relatively simple to assemble and remove.

Framed Jeep soft tops come with a frame that attaches to the top arch bar of the vehicle to support the weight of the material. The frame can be a sturdy aluminum or come in a durable metal form. They will generally be more expensive and heavier, and they tend to take up more space due to the many crossbars crisscrossing through the Jeep.

Jeep soft tops without a frame are much less structured than their framed counterparts. Instead of a frame they use rails that attach to the roll cage and hold the material snugly. These tops are generally a little less sturdy than framed tops, but they provide a good amount of room for the interior.

These soft tops aren’t cheap. In fact, they can cost a pretty penny. But that doesn’t mean you’d be better off buying an all-new Jeep so you can get the factory soft top. Look to spend between $700 and $3,000, with the price varying depending on what features the soft top comes with. 

You've got questions. The Drive has answers.