Restoring the old ones using the best soft top for Jeep Wrangler, it is possible to enhance the performance of your Jeep. Photo Credit: Tim Taylor.
There are a few things you may consider such as going through reviews, guides, factors considering installation ease, construction, and reliability.
However, it may be time-consuming, but you need not regret your decision later. There are various reviews of the soft tops. You can get a good insight to understand what to expect.
Truly, the well-constructed hardtops look great for Jeeps. It is very suitable in cold weather, but the convenience and freedom enjoyed by the soft top are incomparable.
However, the soft tops allow turning your Jeep Wrangler into a convertible if you wish to enjoy the sun.
Thus, it is best to ascertain the one that fits your model year. The jeeps featuring soft tops allow customization and are equally functional as any hardtop.
Driving in open-air is matchless with a soft top as it offers a feeling of being in a bracing safari.
Best Jeep Wrangler Soft Tops
The 10 Best Soft Top For Jeep Wrangler Reviews In 2024
The soft tops are available in various styles that it is simple to find a suitable fit for your Jeep. There are soft tops with good quality material offering weather resistance that even in the wettest climates these tops do not fail you.
Here are ten soft tops details that you can go through right now. It will give you a clear idea to choose a soft top and you can remove the old one and replace a new soft top.
01. Smittybilt 9970235 Black Diamond OE Style – A Quality Replacement
The Smittybilt 9970235 is a full-fledged OE replacement top that has tinted windows. This is suitable for a jeep wrangler as the seams are sealed and you can be assured while traveling of no leaking.
Hence, the wick also seals the stitch holes and they use the finest quality thread. The soft top of Smittybilt 9970235 offers the perfect original factory hardware and thus it forms the right soft top replacement.
Therefore, the advantage is the framework that is in durable vinyl of the marine grade. It is in the OEM style fabric that resists stretching and fading. Smittybilt replaces the worn-out top completely that your wrangler looks new.
This best soft top for Jeep Wrangler fits your tastes and also features amazing durability.
Highlighted Features
- Zippers self-correcting
- Original factory hardware
- Resistance to stretching and fading
- Rear and side windows zip absolutely
The soft top for a Jeep Wrangler comes as a kit including upper replacement front door skins, a rear window, and side windows completing the zip and also offering sufficient ventilation.
Also, the zippers are self-correcting and this makes this soft top very special; the zippers last longer and run smoothly, making Smittybilt 9970235 an ideal choice as Jeep Wrangler’s soft top.
Pros
- Heat-sealed seams
- Easy installation
- Vinyl-coated, marine-grade fabric
Cons
- May not be suitable for all the models
02. Bestop 54823-17 Supertop NX Black Twill – An Awesome Choice
Bestop 54723-35 is a replacement kit that features factory-quality fabric. This kit is in the OEM-style, while the door and hardware surround perfectly. It also covers the rear tinted windows and facilitates zipping from outside.
It is appropriate to replace any of the worn-out or damaged tops for Jeep Wranglers of the models 2007 to 2018. It is awe-inspiring. Bestop 54723-35 includes sunroof in the fold-back style and also includes a unique top arch bar as upgrades.
This best jeep soft top helps in preventing water puddling. There is the bow knuckles for quick release and offers the advantage of no tools required to remove the soft top.
The base plate is adjustable with the tensioning system and lets more light as the jeep soft top feature of the fold-back sunroof.
Highlighted Features
- Adjustable base system
- Fits 4-Door models of JK
- Factory-quality fabric
- Fold-back sunroof
The soft top variety of Bestop comes in a variety of combinations. There are combinations to fit your jeep as the soft top. You can consider going as you wish with or without doors on keep in between or enjoy an open roof.
The back or side windows can have a mesh cover or twill, there are endless options. A soft-top offers the benefit of choosing to accent your Jeep Lifestyle.
Pros
- Simple to fit
- Easy to remove
- Accents lifestyle
Cons
- The window zippers are not compatible
03. Pavement Ends by Bestop 51197-15 – A Smart Choice
Pavement Ends 51197-35 by Bestop is a Black Diamon Replacement and is a smart choice of the soft top if you aim for quick installation.
The design of this best replacement soft top for jeep wrangler reveals its strength through the marine-grade vinyl-coated fabric that is mildew and UV resistant.
Pavement Ends 51197-35 are DOT approved and these are removable windows featuring the OEM teeth zippers in plastic that have an added advantage of jam-resistant technology.
The replacement kit fabric soft top is appropriate for upper door skins and features no hardware to fit back and side windows, as well. It performs well in the heat-sealed vinyl windows and all-weather assuring durability.
Highlighted Features
- Vinyl windows Heat-sealed
- Plastic OEM teeth zippers
- Mildew or UV resistant fabric
- DOT-approved windows that facilitate removing
The best jeep soft tops are available in all styles and the low cost may be suitable only for the summer. If you choose the Pavement Ends 51197-35 by Bestop, you can be free from worries.
It is not an expenditure; it is an investment you are making that will run with you for a lasting time. You will also feel proud to have the soft top as it allows you to move to places without hindrance.
Pros
- Easy to install
- High-quality fabric
Cons
- Needs factory hardware to install
04. SPIDERWEBSHADE Jeep Wrangler Mesh Shade – Offers a Sense of Freedom
Deciding for a soft or hardtop may cause turmoil while buying for an open-air Jeep that needs immediate attention. Maybe your jeep top is damaged or is inadequate for the winter or summer making you freeze or sweat.
There are plenty of options and Spiderwebshade is one such soft top that is suitable for Jeep Wrangler. The benefit of Spiderwebshade is that it features both the options to fulfill the needs, regardless of the season.
The best way of enjoying summer is by allowing the top to give shade and at the same time enjoying the cool breeze without any sacrifice. There is a choice to choose varying lengths and styles as per preference.
Even if you have passengers in your Jeep cargo area, the shade ensures comfort. The mesh tops offer all the freedom you desire and offer a relaxed ride.
Highlighted Features
- Fits 2007 to 2018 JK Jeep Wrangler models
- Suits Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, Islander, and Unlimited Wranglers.
- The interiors stay new at all times
- A sense of freedom is enjoyed
The Spiderwebshade features bungee cords that it helps in fastening offering a snug fit. There is no need for tools to fit the soft top and it is easy to store in any place in the jeep or car.
It offers enough headroom and this unique design also keeps away the wind noise. The colors are available to match the interiors.
Pros
- Easy installation
- No drilling required
- Removable sunshade
Cons
- The tie balls are not strong enough, they get snapped off
05. RAMPAGE PRODUCTS 109535 Frameless Trail – No Support Hardware Required
The Rampage Frameless soft top is the best soft top for jeep wrangler unlimited. It installs offering a snug fit. It is an original equipment roll bar that needs no support of hardware or additional bows.
This is a distinct design that you can enjoy improved visibility and the large side windows with rear windows and removable side convert quickly into the soft top.
The windows can be replaced easily or if necessary it can also be removed. This best jeep soft top is featured heavy-duty tooth zippers molded.
These are easy in replacing or removing the soft top. It facilitates storing in a panel between the rooftop. The ceiling is concealed and it safeguards the windows from puncture or scratches.
Highlighted Features
- Easily removable
- Original equipment roll bar
- Unique design
- Heavy-duty tooth zippers molded
The Rampage Frameless soft top is a fastback style that offers a quieter ride owing to its improved aerodynamics. The factory soft top envelops the tailgate bar.
It is a nice replacement though a soft-top gives a tough and hard functionality. As they are factory grade materials they come in proper fit and it looks neat inside and outside.
Pros
- Heavy-duty sail fabric
- Factory grade colors and material
- DOT compliant
Cons
- The zipper needs to be sturdy
06. Sierra Offroad Jeep Wrangler TJ – Original Style frame
Sierra Off-road is made using heavy-duty vinyl-coated fabrics of the marine grade. This is the soft top of a jeep designed to withstand fading. The design is such that it offers a direct replacement for Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997 to 2002 model.
The best Jeep Wrangler soft top features tinted windows and factory styling. The heavy-duty soft tops offer smooth operation and self-correcting zippers.
It must include no hardware. The OEM original style frame for the soft top is now coming in four colors. It also offers a great fitting as it goes by the model year.
Highlighted Features
- Resists fading
- Suitable for TJ Jeep Wrangler models
- Self-correcting zippers
- Factory style fit
The foremost thing that the Sierra Jeep Wrangler soft top factory style is that they feature heat-sealed seams and this prevents leakage.
You can find enjoying even heavy rain when there is no leakage. The soft top features zippers and it works smoothly.
Pros
- Smooth zippers
- Easy to install
- Snug-fitting
Cons
- The fit is not as the original snug fit
07. Bestop 54923-35 Black Diamond Trektop NX– Innovative Folding Design
Bestop 54923-35 is the soft top variety that is appropriate for Jeep Wrangler. It is fully-retracting and has a unique design that acts as an adaptable top.
The fabric is really strong and this makes it durable. This best Jeep soft top is lightweight and it offers the required storage facility that it is regarded as reliable.
The soft top of the Bestop 54923-35 is stylish and sturdy. The soft top design and style need to suit perfectly. The design features a slant back that it allows to fold back at the top and there is no uninstalling process involved.
Apart from this, the fabric is of high-quality to last for a longer time and to handle with ease the environment outdoors.
Highlighted Features
- Innovative folding design
- Installing a breeze
- High-quality fabric
- Unique design
The soft top features a frame design that is new and folding that it can be allowed to fall back. This will allow the top to stay open.
In this way, the breeze will flow all around and you can have the pleasure of an open-air ride.
Pros
- Looks stylish
- Sturdy and durable
- Fully retractable soft top
Cons
- The seals of the rear window are poor at the tailgate
08. RAMPAGE PRODUCTS 99835 Factory Replacement Soft- Meets OE Specs
Rampage products are required to replace the worn-out or aging soft top. It is also required so that on fitting the soft top there is additional storage space within the compartment of driving.
The original factory top features exclusive additions such as zippered storage two pockets. Rampage products include top fabric.
The specifications and the colors are in original details meeting the fit perfectly. It is easy to install on the framework of the factory. The attachment system is easy and it attaches to the mounting points.
All the factory applications fit and the windows also have the upper door skins slipping on the OE door frames
Highlighted Features
- Easy installation
- Fade-resistant material
- Produced meeting OE specs
- Rear windows completely zip out
This replacement top is easy to install and once zipped on the windows, it is easy to remove with correcting zippers anytime you wish to enjoy an open-air experience.
The fabric does not go fainter in color, and the thread of the wicks keep away moisture as they are sealed tightly through the stitch holes. Thus it ensures longer life without any color fade.
Pros
- Clear/ tinted windows
- Replaceable components
- Heavy-duty tooth zippers
Cons
- Door frames not included
09. Pavement Ends by Bestop 56840-35 – Economical purchase
Pavement Ends 56840-35 is an economical purchase and there is a need for your jeep to have a soft top as the suitable top. It is a premium top liner and the soft tops of Pavement Ends are appropriate choices for Jeep Wrangler.
It is available in amazingly economical price. The choice of price is economical, but the soft top is suitable for replacement. It is frameless and has no overbearing weight.
This ensures simple installation. It also features a flip-back panel and this enhances the driving opportunities as it keeps open-air driving conditions.
The windows are removable and bracing winds is fun. It offers a weather resistance top that it effortlessly fits snugly.
Highlighted Features
- Mildew and stain resistant
- Snuggly fits into the hardware
- Prevents weather breaching
- DOT approved
The soft top is in high-quality fabric to last long. It also comes in different colors such as black denim, black diamond, charcoal, dark tan or spice. The fabric is fade-resistant and sturdy, besides having DOT approval.
Pros
- Uses factory hardware
- Flip-back panel
- Tight fit with rear crossbar
Cons
- Hardware equipment should be purchased separately
10. Sierra Offroad Jeep Wrangler TJ – Suitable for all-weather
Sierra off-road soft top is for the TJ series of Jeep Wrangler. Sierra product is a result of many years of experience and so there is nothing to go wrong with soft tops for the jeep wranglers.
The design of Sierra is perfect that the replacement needs no double-check. Sierra off-road soft top is operated with ease and needs no assistance to install. It also features self-correcting powerful zippers. With heat-sealed seams guarding the leaks is possible.
The material is in marine- grade and it is evident that it manages all the weather conditions. It is UV resistant as it has polyester thread also offering color coordination.
Highlighted Features
- UV resistant
- Perfect performance
- No easy fading of the color
- Fabrics vinyl-coated
Sierra Offroad Soft Top is in vinyl-coated top fabrics. It has a wick-stop thread working perfectly that it stitches all the holes. The zippers are self-correcting that it ensures easy operation.
Pros
- Vinyl-coated fabrics
- Easy operation zippers
- Polyester thread UV resistant
Cons
- The rear window does not last long
Jeep Hardtop VS Soft Top
There are so many accessories and equipment out there in the market if we talk about the Jeep Wrangler. Different equipment and accessories are helpful in their own way. In this section, we will also discuss the Jeep hardtop and soft top.
The top helps to protect the jeep from weather and climate conditions. The choice of the hardtop and soft top could vary from person to person.
Some people prefer using hardtop, while others prefer soft tops. Here we will see which type of jeep top is more effective – hardtop or soft top.
What is Jeep Hardtop?
Hardtops are the most durable type of Jeep Wrangler tops. The best thing about hardtops is they have strong material and they last longer than soft tops.
With Jeep Wrangler hardtop, you get better protection from weather or climate. With hardtop on your vehicle, you get protection from winter wind, summer sun, and rainy weather.
When it comes to protecting from weather conditions, hardtop works really well. The reason why hardtop becomes more protective is that it is sealed in a better way than the soft top. Apart from safety and security, the jeep hardtop has a longer life span.
What is Jeep Soft Top?
Whether you should buy a hardtop or soft top for your jeep is solely based on your choice. However, Jeep soft tops are more acceptable as compared to hardtops. Soft tops are light in weight and they are easily removable.
With the soft top, you get versatility that you do not get with the hardtop.
When you want to put your top back on quickly, you must consider installing a soft top on your jeep. With hardtop, you have to sacrifice on space, while with a soft top, you can store it for easy access.
Jeep soft top also allows you to protect your vehicle from uncertain climate conditions like heavy rain, winter wind, etc.
Similarities between Hardtop & Soft Top
Both, hardtop and soft top have their own pros and cons. However, both of them have some similarities. Here are some similar factors between hardtops and soft tops:
- Firstly, hardtop and soft top of the vehicle both are used for the protection from uncertain weather and climatic conditions like heavy rain, winter wind, and summer sun.
- Hardtop and soft top both require some storage.
- When the soft top and hardtop covered, both results in a similar look.
Difference Between Hardtop & Soft Top
Though the main objective of both, hardtops and soft tops is to get protection, they are different in many ways. Here are some major differences between hardtops and soft tops:
- Jeep hardtops are more protective and secure as compared to soft tops because they are manufactured from hard materials and they are installed perfectly.
- Hardtops are difficult to remove, while soft tops can be easily removed.
- The installation and removal procedure of hardtop is a bit complex, while the installation and removal of the soft top is easy.
- Hardtops are expensive than soft tops.
Why Soft Top is More Acceptable?
At last, you must be wanted to know which type of jeep top you should install. Soft tops are more acceptable than hardtops. As we have seen, soft tops are more beneficial as compared to hardtops in so many ways.
Some of the best things about soft tops are they are easy to remove, portable, versatile, and less expensive. The reason why most people don’t prefer installing hardtops is that they are rigid, difficult to remove and they require storage.
So, if you want to get a less expensive, versatile and portable type of jeep top, the soft top is for you.
Buying Considerations Of Best Soft Top For Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Acquiring the best Jeep wrangler soft top is the aim of most people. It means you must consider many things. It helps you to get the actual value for money in the fast-paced world today.
However, now that you are aware of the need for a high-quality soft top you must go through these facts discussed below:
Correct fit
Getting a soft top for your jeep wrangler means you must be sure the hardware is perfect for the new model. Besides, you also should ascertain the jeep framework has the typical factory fitting and it includes half doors and windows.
You must look for a jeep soft top of the finest quality featuring a strong new frame. The new soft top canopy should equally be taken into consideration if you are considering a straightforward or the one that is space-releasing frameless canopy top.
Price and Build
Procuring a jeep soft top that is wallet-friendly is a very important buying consideration. This is because there is a need to have a convincing result and it involves enough preparation.
The soft tops are less durable in comparison to the hardtops and so it is a must to not compromise in buying the soft top. Look for the soft top having a good build and this is available only in high quality.
It is important if you are using frequently the soft top. Buying a cheap quality or less priced ones mean frequent spending. It is best to have durable products and quality pays.
Weather Conditions
Buying a soft top for your Jeep Wrangler means the most important consideration is the weather. If you are staying in a predominantly cold area, use soft top only for the summers.
Moving or changing to soft top from hardtop is not a big deal, it can be handled.
In case your weather condition is sunny, you may go for a soft top and enjoy saving money. There is a need for you to ascertain the product is long-lasting.
Remarkable Features
However, the soft top for a Jeep is essential. The aim is to enjoy sunlight and fresh air while traveling in the vehicle. Also, there is a need to consider other features as well.
The supplementary features for the soft top include many to facilitate traveling such as pockets to store and the windows that are detachable.
These products are compatible with the fabrics and choosing that is apt for the unstable climates and road conditions are appropriate.
Installation and Removal
Everyone is busy and having a soft top is considered appropriate as it offers the ease of removing and installing. Checking the process of installation and being sure that you can carry it without any difficulty is the added advantage.
It is an ideal product that is easy to take down and also to set up. You may use the soft top continuously or even change, it will be sturdy enough even after removing it several times.
Thus it goes a long way and you are ensured to have a perfect product.
Soft Tops Styles
The market is flooded with several soft tops styles suitable for the Jeep Wrangler and it is a must to know the popular choices such as:
1. Bikini Soft Top
This is a popular brand. Its popularity is that it is cool and comfortable. It offers great pleasure to trek the mountain, stroll the city roads, and also spend time at the beach.
A bikini soft top allows you to enjoy sightseeing. You can take pictures from the Jeep inside right from the place you are seated. The limitation is it protects the front seated people, in case of unfriendly weather.
2. Safari- Soft Top
The advantage of this soft top is that it gives protection from all the climatic conditions and the people in the front are shielded.
This soft top is a bigger bikini top version and it covers the back seat, as well. It offers the chance to go sightseeing and staying away from atmospheric conditions.
3. ‘Unlimited’- Soft Top
This is specific for the model Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It is accommodating offering the favorable refuge. It is easy to remove and enjoying the summer weather is assured.
Small tips to help to buy
- However, the hard and the soft tops must be bought considering their functional needs and your style. The hardtops are super durable. They can fight cold weather, offer good noise cancellation, but are cumbersome that replacing alone is impossible.
- The soft tops are lighter and simple to replace. They look good; offer open-air experience and the right choice for warmer months, though it is a bit noisy. They cannot insulate the cabin during freezing temperatures and cannot hold winters.
FAQ’s About Best Jeep Soft Top
Q. How much is a jeep soft top average life span?
The average span maybe around 5 years and it depends on the way you take care of it. During extreme conditions, it may not last more than 3 years.
However, if you are parking your jeep in a garage, there may be longer life expectancy. If it is parked under direct sunlight or trees, anticipate a shorter life span.
Q. How long it takes to restore a soft top?
The time taken to replace or restore a soft top is based on the level of experience and the outside temperature. In an hour installing a soft top on a jeep is possible.
Nevertheless, if you are new to this installation, you may take an additional 2 hours. Get a glance at the installation guide. Ensure the temperature is more than 72 degrees so that the soft top fabric is pliable helping in easier installation.
Q. How to single out for a jeep a suitable replacement soft top?
The choices may be narrowed off the soft tops on knowing the model Jeep Wrangler. It is best to know the years such as the current model is Jeep Wrangler JL for 2018 and 2019, while Jeep Wrangler JK was for the years 2006 and 2018.
The TJ series of Jeep Wrangler was for the period 1996 to 2006, the YJ series was for 1986 to 1995, and CJ-8 was for the years 1981-1985, CJ-7 for 1976 to 1986, CJ-6 for 1955 to 1981, and CJ-2A for 1941 to 1949.
Q: Is there a need to look for people to aid or help while installing a Jeep soft top?
People are not aware of the replacement for a jeep soft top can be done as DIY or not. Having 2 people is enough to get the work done all by you. The help or assistance is required only during the installation in the final steps.
If you have any doubt, it is best to ask a professional to do it for you. In this way, you get to set aside your valuable time. In this process, you can also learn to do it so that you can try it the next time.
Q. How to clean the soft top in a jeep?
Keeping the grime and dirt off from your Jeep’s soft top is a crucial step so that you enjoy a longer lifespan. You may avoid using cleaning products that have an inclusion of ammonia or are alcohol-based, as it may result in it getting yellow color early.
Consider a gentle cleaner that diminishes the spots and eliminates the minor scratches in the windows. This will ensure there is no residue. Apart from protecting the jeep windows, you must not make use of petroleum-based products on your soft top of the jeep.
This will reduce the soft top life span. Thus, clean the soft top using gentle cleaners.
Q. What is the catch that attracts people to the frameless soft tops?
The frame less soft tops are popular as they are less expensive. They are easier to install and do not involve in any mess such as hardware of the frame.
The frame less tops last longer as they do not have any moving parts. The frame less tops do not come with soft tops of the traditional stock.
Q: Are soft tops waterproof?
Yes. The soft tops of the jeep are waterproof as they are new. However, with time, they start leaking. Each time the jeep top raises or lowers the seals become weak and the leak resistance wears out of the seals.
There are a few things to protect from water your jeep. In this way, you can keep a soft-top looking immaculately clean and protect from water your cloth seats. You can also install seat covers to ensure they are all-time safe.
Q: Can a Jeep Wrangler hardtop be placed on a soft top?
It is possible to place or install on a jeep a hardtop with a soft top. In case you find the road noise making your tired and the leaks in association with the cold weather troublesome, the right choice is to fit a hardtop on the soft top as a solution for your jeep wrangler.
However, ensure it is available for the said model. If so remove the soft top and the associated hardware and install the new hardtop. If you can, invite or request a few friends to help.
The hardtops of the Jeep Wrangler are heavy and installing is best done with the help of extra hands.
Final Words
If you are considering replacing your Jeep Wrangler JK soft top, there should be no room for compromise. You may pick out the ‘best soft top for jeep wrangler’.
Look for the models having the original fit and offering a snug fit high-quality fabric.
The fabric of the soft tops should be suitable for most seasons. At the same time, the soft tops should fit the side panels and look good.
However, people aiming to save money and wish to have the finest quality soft tops may opt to buy discontinued models soft tops.
This will assure a good quality soft top and will be available in half the price. A soft-top offers the liberty of enjoying the fresh air and to surf the breeze while on-the-go.
You can enjoy placing your feet on the dash or let the hair down, it is your Jeep.
A person liking outdoors is surely not for the hardtop as it gives a trapped feel. On the other hand, a soft-top gives a chance to escape outside.
Now that you have gone through all the information through the reviews and the buying consideration, you can make a learned decision in buying the right replacement for Jeep Wrangler.
The best soft tops are available in a variety. Right from frameless to hybrid, you cannot afford to choose wrong. The soft tops come in quality materials and offer amazing functionality that it lasts longer.