With so many different options to choose from, it can be quite hard to find the best Jeep soft top.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to help you with your decision.
It might take some time, but you should be able to find the best Jeep soft top for your needs.
Not only will you be able to read 7 Jeep soft top reviews, but you will also get to check out a thorough buying guide.
These reviews will look at 7 of the best Jeep soft top products out there and give you a pretty good insight into what you should expect!
Types of Jeep Soft Tops
Now that you’ve read the reviews of 7 of the top products this year, you are probably wondering what kind of different styles you can choose from.
The good thing is that there are actually quite a few options and there should be a style for everyone.
Keep in mind, there is no wrong answer, but some styles are better for certain situations or vehicles than others.
The best thing to do is figure out exactly what you want, then find which styles will help you achieve that.
Bikini Tops
This style is a great 2 door Jeep soft top. It is designed to keep the top completely covered, while the back is open.
Many times, it has folding sunroofs and windows that can be zipped down.
All of these things make it great for warmer areas that don’t get a lot of snow or hail.
The biggest issue most people have is that the people in the front are almost completely protected, while the people in the back are left to deal with the elements.
This means anyone in the back will deal with the weather, such as a random summer storm, while the people in the front won’t have to deal with it at all!
You should also keep in mind that these soft tops don’t have any storage and they really aren’t made to withstand more rugged types of driving.
Bikini Sunlighter Tops
If you are looking for a Jeep soft top with sunroof, then the bikini sunlighter is a great option. It’s set up the same way a bikini soft top is but has a semi-transparent finish. This means you can let the sunlight in without having to deal with sunburn.
These are also water resistant, which means you don’t have to worry about getting drenched if it rains.
The fact that these are very easy to attach and remove means you can change them out to a different soft top.
This is especially helpful if you know that there is a chance of rain later in the day, but want to enjoy the sun while it is out!
Safari Tops
While the safari soft top is a style in the bikini class, it has a big difference.
Unlike a regular bikini soft top, the safari reaches to the very back of your Jeep. This means that everyone is protected and the people in the back don’t have to worry about the elements getting them.
You also will not have to worry about any of your belongings getting drenched.
Even with this soft top being larger than a normal bikini, it is still extremely easy to attach and remove with just one person.
In fact, it can be done in a matter of minutes, and you can start enjoying the warm weather in no time.
Windjammer/Duster Tops
Both windjammers and dusters are more like accessories than actual soft tops.
They are made mostly for protection and are not good for harsher types of weather because they are much lighter materials than an actual soft top.
The Windjammer is used to cover the cabin of the Jeep to protect it from things like dust, wind, and rain.
The duster is used to cover the back storage area of the Jeep and is pretty famous for those that like to hunt, fish and camp.
Both types are extremely easy to attach and take off. This can be done easily and quickly by just one person.
Flip/Sunrider Tops
Sunriders and flip tops are some of the most common soft tops that people pick. These are the ones that can be put completely down to enjoy the weather or put completely up to protect from things like wind and rain.
It’s great for areas that have warm or mild weather with just a little wind or rain thrown in on occasion.
These are the closest to an actual convertible and are stain and mildew resistant.
The sturdiness also means you won’t have to worry about it getting destroyed at the first gust of wind.
If you take care of them and keep them clean, they can last for quite a few years.
Reviews of the 7 Best Soft Top for Jeep Wrangler
Bestop 51197-35 Black Diamond Replay Soft Top for 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler
The first best soft top for Jeep Wrangler is the Bestop 51197-35. It fits Jeep Wranglers that were produced between 1997 and 2006. This does not include the Unlimited models.
The replay kit itself includes soft fabric, side, and rear windows and upper door skins.
It does not, however, include any hardware, so the original hardware needs to be in good condition in order to use this.
The automotive grade fabric is durable and resistant to fading.
It has also been treated to be mildew and water resistant, which is great for those that live in areas that get regular rain.
The vinyl windows are also DOT approved with 31 percent tint.
They also have zippers that are made to stop jamming and catching.
Things We Didn’t Like
- It does not come with hardware.
- It does not fit Jeeps that have aftermarket hardware.
- It does not do well in harsher weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is a pretty decent Jeep soft top. It is affordable and has a 1 year limited warranty that covers almost any situation.
It can fit quite a few different models and years, which makes things quite a bit easier.
It is also a huge benefit that the soft top is lightweight because it means you can easily attach and remove it by yourself.
If you don’t have your original hardware or if it is not in good condition, you want to make sure you get it replaced before buying this since it does not come with hardware.
It should be pretty easy to get it replaced, though.
Bestop 56820-35
The Bestop 56820-35 is one of the best soft top for a Jeep CJ and can fit Jeeps that were produced between 1997 and 2006, except Unlimited models.
Not only does it have a sunroof that can be folded back, but it also has been treated to be UV and fade resistant.
The windows are tinted but can be removed entirely if you want to enjoy a little more of the warm weather.
This soft top fits right onto the factory hardware of your Jeep, but you can easily buy one of Bestop’s hardware kits separately.
You’ll want to make sure it is one that is made for your Jeep because it won’t fit if not.
Things We Didn’t Like
- Hardware kits have to be purchased separately.
- With the attachment bar, it can be hard to find sufficient storage.
Final Thoughts
With a 2 year limited warranty, this soft top is a great option. It’s also pretty great that it can be used as a complete soft top or converted to a safari bikini soft top just by removing the windows!
If you did want to use it as a full top, you wouldn’t have to worry about too much sunlight because the windows are DOT approved with 18% tint.
You also won’t have to worry about much noise or issues putting the soft top up or down because the premium fabric is 28 oz. Do not let that worry you, though, because it has multiple layers and is extremely durable.
Smittybilt 9970235
The Smittybilt 9970235 is one of the best soft tops for Jeep YJ Wrangler. It is a little bit different than other kinds of soft tops because it is made to be a complete OE replacement for old and worn out soft tops.
This means that it will fit the same way your old soft top did and attach using the same equipment. It also means that it has all of the pieces needed for a total replacement.
In addition, all of the seams are sealed with heat to give it an extra level of leakage protection.
The actual thread has wick stop technology, which helps ensure all stitch holes are sealed completely.
Things We Didn’t Like
- It does not fit every type of model.
- It is a little bit on the loud side at higher speeds.
Final Thoughts
Since the fabric is marine grade and durable vinyl coated fabric, this is actually a pretty decent soft top.
Not only can you expect minimal fading, but you should not have to worry about the soft top getting too stretched out or distorted.
You also won’t need to worry about leakage because of the special thread and heat sealed method.
Remember, all the windows can be zipped out if you need a little more ventilation or just want to enjoy the warm air.
Keep in mind, you need to make sure it will fit your Jeep because it will not fit every type of style or model.
Bestop 52450-35
Not only does the Bestop 52450-35 fall into the best soft top for Jeep JK category, but it also fits into the best soft top for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited category!
It is great for those that have a hard top but want the same experience as an actual soft top.
Instead of having a completely open top, this soft top makes it, so you have a little sunroof.
With the way this product is set up, you will be able to have a Jeep soft top with roof rack because you should still have enough space on your hard top for one.
The great thing is that it is made with the exact materials and features as a regular soft top and can be installed without having to drill or make modifications!
Things We Didn’t Like
- It does not open all the way.
- The instructions are not written very clearly.
- The included screws need to be a little bit longer.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for one of the best tops for a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, then this is a great choice.
You will have the same quality and benefits as a full soft top, while still having the benefits of a hard top!
Bestop 56823-35
In addition to being available in both 2 door and 4 door styles, it also fits Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models that were produced between 2007 and 2017.
You also don’t have to worry about using traditional frames or bows in order to install it. It is compatible with the factory steel doors that come on your Jeep straight from the factory.
It is heat sealed to help prevent leakage, and the roof can be folded back for the enjoyment of the sun and warm air.
If you happen to drive into a rainstorm, it can easily be lifted back up, which is extremely important if you do not want to end up drenched!
Things We Didn’t Like
- It’s quite a bit louder than other models.
- Installation can be a little cumbersome
Final Thoughts
It can be hard to find a good soft top for the Unlimited models, but this is the perfect solution. It is made with high quality and durable materials so that you can get the highest level of enjoyment!
Sierra Offroad Wrangler TJ 1997-2002
This is the one of the best soft top for Jeep TJ Wrangler on the market and has the added bonus of looking fantastic.
The material is coated with marine grade vinyl, which means it is great for keeping moisture out. It actually has the same coating as many fabric parts of a boat.
In addition, the zippers are self-correcting, so you don’t have to worry about fighting to get them opened or closed.
The fabric is heat sealed to give another layer of protection against leaking and the thread used for the stitching has wick technology, which makes it, so the holes are completely sealed!
Things We Didn’t Like
- After a while, the back window tends to get cloudy.
- It is loud at higher speeds.
- It can be a little hard to install.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a high-quality soft top for a Jeep TJ Wrangler, then this is a great choice. It is made to withstand the elements and is attached by using the OE hardware that came with your Jeep!
RAMPAGE PRODUCTS 99835R
The RAMPAGE PRODUCTS 99835R is made to replace the old or worn out soft top that came with your Jeep from the factory. The material is made to resist fading and is made from marine grade materials.
The fact that the stitching has wick technology means that the stitch holes are completely sealed.
It is installed by using the original hardware on your Jeep, so you shouldn’t have to do any kinds of modifications.
This soft top also has a 1 year limited manufacturer’s warranty, which should cover several different situations.
Things We Didn’t Like
- It can be hard to install because the fit is so tight.
- The tint is darker than other soft tops so that you might get pulled over.
Final Thoughts
This is a great soft top if you are looking to replace your original soft top that is worn out or falling apart. It has a tight fit, so you do not have to worry about any leakage.
You also do not have to worry about the wind catching it and flinging the soft top all over!
Keep in mind, there is no wrong answer, but some styles are better for certain situations or vehicles than others.
The best thing to do is figure out exactly what you want, then find which styles will help you achieve that.
Benefits of Jeep Soft Tops
There are a few fantastic benefits to having a soft top. The first is that you will have more space because you don’t have to store the top in the back like you would with a hard top.
This is great for those warm days where you want to go to the beach and have to pack a lot of supplies.
Another benefit is that it is much lighter and easier to put down and up.
This means you can do it by yourself and enjoy some alone time in the sun. You can also put it up quickly if you end up driving into some rain!
One last benefit of a soft top is that it comes in so many different styles. You have quite a few more options than you would with a hard top.
This means you can get one that you love and really showcases your personality and preferences!
Things to Consider Before Buying a Jeep Soft Top
There are a few things you want to consider before you buy a Jeep soft top.
Once you look at these and figure out exactly what you want, you will be able to make a purchase that you are happy with!
The biggest consideration you need to look at is what kind of soft top you want. With so many different options, you need to research each one thoroughly and make your choice.
One thing to keep in mind is that some styles of soft tops don’t come in certain colors, so make sure you pick a style that has the color you are looking for.
The other big consideration is material and durability. You want to make sure you get a soft top that can withstand the weather conditions that are normal for your region.
The last thing you want is to spend several hundred dollars and end up with a soft top that gets completely destroyed!
Jeep Wrangler Soft Top vs. Hard Top
It can be hard to figure out if you want a hard top or soft top. While they both look good and get the job done, they also have some differences.
To actually pick which one you want is going to depend largely on preferences and what you are looking for.
Let’s take a look at the differences.
A hard top is one heavy piece and usually needs to be taken off and put back on by at least two people.
You also need to have an area where you can store it when not in use.
It also has some great benefits, such as it is quieter, more secure, very sturdy and offers better protection.
A soft top is much lighter and easier to take down and put back up. It can be done with just one person and doesn’t require any kind of storage.
The things that aren’t so great about them is that they are quite a bit louder and they do not offer as much protection.
Jeep Wrangler Hardtop vs. Soft Top Noise
A Jeep Wrangler with a soft top tends to produce quite a bit more noise than one with a hard top.
The reason for this is because a soft top is made from materials that aren’t as rigid as a hard top. This means that the wind catches differently and result in more noise.
There isn’t too much you can do to make it less noisy, especially since Jeeps aren’t a very quiet vehicle to begin with.
If the noise really bugs you, though, you can turn the music up to drown it out, wear earplugs or try wearing noise-canceling earbuds.
Buying Guide of Jeep Wrangler Soft Top
It can be hard to know what you should look for when buying a Jeep soft top. This is even more true for those that have not bought one before.
In fact, it can get overwhelming quickly when you look at all the information in front of you.
With that being the case, we have put together a pretty thorough buying guide. Not only will this go over basic points, but it will also talk about a few points that a lot of people wonder about.
With these points, you’ll be able to make an educated purchase, and you won’t be stuck with a soft top that you aren’t completely happy with.
Types
The first thing you want to look at is the type of Jeep soft top. This is so important because not all soft tops fit every kind of Jeep.
If you buy one that isn’t made for your Jeep, then you’ll end up with a soft top that does not fit or seal properly.
The good thing about this is that you can see what Jeep it is made for pretty easily.
If you are in an actual store, it should say right on the packaging, and if you are buying online, then you should be able to see this information in the product description or somewhere on the product page. If you can’t, do not be afraid to ask!
Color
You will also want to look at the color of the soft top. This is not very important to some people, while it is at the top of the list for others.
Some people also like to go subtle, while others want it to match the color of their actual Jeep.
Before deciding what color you want, you need to figure out if you are in the subtle class or matching class.
Once you do that, you will want to figure out the exact color you want.
Keep in mind, most will come in subtle colors, like grey, black and beige, but you can find some that are more bold, like red and navy!
Durability & Material
Another big factor that goes into choosing the right Jeep soft top is the durability and material it is made from.
These are both extremely important and should be one of the first things on your list.
In terms of durability, you want to make sure the soft top is going to withstand the type of weather that happens in your area.
For example, an area in the North might get a lot of snow, while an area around the Rocky Mountains might get a lot of hail.
The type of materials goes along with the durability. Materials that are low quality are not going to withstand as much as a high-quality material.
Jeep Frameless Soft Top vs. Frame
While a Jeep soft top with frame and one that is frameless are both great products, they do have some differences.
To choose one or the other will depend on your preference, but they both get the job done.
The biggest difference is how the soft top is attached. A framed soft top is attached using a metal frame, while a frameless one is attached by using rails that you connect to the Jeep’s roll cage.
Both have pros and cons, so you want to make sure you look at all the information to help ensure you’re getting a soft top that is easy for the things you want to do.
Weather Type
Making sure you have a soft top that will withstand the type of weather that is normal for your region is essential. This is even more important because not every soft top is going to be able to handle every type of weather.
For example, one soft top might do great in snow, while another might only do well in the rain.
Most of the time, the packaging or product description will tell you what kind of weather the soft top can withstand. If you don’t find the information, you can look at online reviews because real people will talk about whether or not it withstands their weather.
Remember, do not buy a soft top that is going to get destroyed by your weather!
Features
Different Jeep soft tops are going to have different kinds of features.
A good way to find out which ones you want and which ones you can live without is by going online and looking at soft tops for your Jeep model.
You’ll be able to see what kind of features or extras you can expect.
One thing to keep in mind is that different sellers might offer different things.
For instance, one seller might offer extra parts, like clasps, while others might only offer the soft top.
If extras aren’t a big deal to you, then you can easily find a soft top that is sold by itself.
Jeep Soft Top FAQs
Now that the review and buying guide part is done, there are still a few questions that that is asked quite a bit.
It is important to answer these, so we have put together a frequently asked questions area that will answer these.
1. How long do soft tops last on a Jeep?
2. What is the best material for a Jeep soft top?
3. What is a Jeep soft top made of?
4. What is Jeep soft top sailcloth vs twill?
5. Can you use a soft top in the winter?
6. Can Jeep soft tops go through the car wash?
7. How much does a Jeep soft top cost?
8. Are Jeep soft tops waterproof?
9. Is a hard top or soft top Jeep better?
10. What is Jeep premium soft top material?
11. What is Jeep Wrangler premium soft top vs regular?
12. What is Jeep Wrangler black diamond vs black denim?
13. What is a Jeep soft top vs Sunrider?
14. What is the original Jeep soft top?
15. Do hard top Jeeps come with a soft top?
16. Can you change a soft top Jeep to hardtop?
17. How to close a Jeep Wrangler soft top?
18. How to open soft top Jeep Wrangler?
19. Do Jeep soft tops leak?
20. Are Jeep soft tops convertible?
21. Are Jeep soft tops loud?
22. How loud is a Jeep Wrangler soft top?
23. Can a Jeep soft top be dyed?
24. Can I convert my hardtop to soft top Jeep?
25. Can I paint my Jeep soft top?
26. Hail, what does it damage on a Jeep?
27. How much snow can a Jeep soft top hold?
28. How to mount a canoe to a Jeep soft top?
29. How to reduce wind noise in the Jeep Wrangler soft top?
30. Will a Jeep hard top fit on a soft top?
31. Is a Jeep soft top vinyl or fabric?
32. Is a Jeep hardtop colder than a soft top?
33. How to carry a kayak on a soft top Jeep?
34. How do I know which soft top will fit on my Jeep?
35. Can I get replacement parts for my soft top?
36. Can I install a soft top kit by myself or do I need professional help?
37. What do I do if I am missing something out of my new soft top kit?
38. Why won’t my new soft doors seal to my soft top?
Let’s Summarize
Now that you have read the Jeep Wrangler soft top review and checked out the buying guide, you should be able to find the best soft top for your needs.
You’ll want to remember to look at all the features of the soft top you are considering to ensure you don’t get a product that is not the best quality.
You will also want to make sure you look at soft tops that can actually fit the model of Jeep you have.
If you choose one that is not made for the Jeep you have, it will not fit, and it will not have a tight seal!
Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Does the factory’s top always have the sun rider feature? I don’t think my 07 Jeep has the sun rider option. Should I get the factory OEM top?
Got a huge question about soft tops, is there a way to prevent people breaking in with the zipper and what not?