Stealth Winches Reviewed: The Best Budget Electric Winches in the UK?
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Time to read 5 min
Stealth Winches Reviewed: Are They STILL the Best Budget Electric Winches in the UK in 2025?
If you’re looking for an electric winch that delivers serious performance without the premium price tag, the Stealth Winches range should absolutely be on your radar. Covering capacities from 3,500 lb up to 13,500 lb, Stealth Winches have become a go-to choice for 4x4 owners, recovery operators, off-road enthusiasts, and anyone who wants dependable pulling power at a sensible cost.
Although the Stealth Winches lineup is manufactured in China — as nearly all value-driven winches are — each model is designed, specified, and tested in the UK by Warrior Winches. That combination of global manufacturing and UK engineering oversight is exactly why the range punches so far above its weight in both performance and reliability.
Whether you’re choosing a lightweight utility winch or the big 13,500 lb unit, Stealth Winches offer exceptional value, strong build quality, and the features you actually need, without the inflated price you don’t.
Stealth Winch 3500lb - 12v - Steel Rope
This is the smallest winch in the Stealth Winches range, and it’s a genuinely handy little unit. It’s ideal for ATVs, small trailers and general jobs where you don’t need huge pulling power, but you still want something reliable that won’t struggle the moment it’s put to work. The 3,500lb motor is punchy for its size, the steel rope is tough enough to live outdoors without babying it, and the wireless remotes are a nice touch at this price point.
Why people like it:
• Compact and easy to mount on smaller vehicles
• Steel rope makes it a “fit and forget” option
• Comes with wireless remotes as standard
• Great value if you just need something dependable for light-duty work
Stealth Winch 3500lb – 12v - Synthetic Rope
If you like the idea of the 3500lb Stealth Winch but prefer something lighter and easier to work with, this is the version to go for. The synthetic rope is much easier to handle, safer under load, and ideal for anyone who doesn’t fancy dealing with the weight and stiffness of steel cable. It’s a great option for ATVs, small trailers and general utility jobs where convenience matters just as much as pulling power.
Why people like it:
• Synthetic rope is easier to spool and safer if it snaps
• Lighter overall setup compared to the steel version
• Comes with wireless remotes as standard
• Ideal for quick jobs, light recovery and general utility work
4500lb Stealth Winch – 12v - Steel Rope
If you need something with a bit more muscle than the 3500lb models, the 4500lb Stealth Winch is a really solid step up. It’s a great all-rounder for UTVs, mid-size trailers, small 4x4 tasks and general recovery jobs where you want extra pulling power without going overboard. The steel rope version is tough, durable and perfectly suited to harsher environments where synthetic might wear quicker.
Why people like it:
• Noticeable jump in pulling power over the 3500lb models
• Steel rope handles abrasion and outdoor use really well
• Compact enough to fit smaller vehicles while still being powerful
• Ideal for UTVs, trailers and light 4x4 recovery work
4500lb Stealth Winch – 12v - Synthetic Rope
If you like the extra pulling power of the 4500lb Stealth Winch but want something lighter and easier to use, the synthetic rope version is the one to go for. It’s far more user-friendly when it comes to handling, spooling and general day-to-day use, making it a great option for UTVs, trailers and lighter 4x4 jobs. The reduced weight also helps if your mounting space is limited or you’re trying to keep things as light as possible.
Why people like it:
• Synthetic rope is safer and easier to handle than steel cable
• Lighter overall setup makes installation more flexible
• Great for UTVs, small 4x4s and utility trailers
• Ideal for users who want power without the weight penalty
13500lb Stealth Winch – 12v - Steel Rope
This is the heavy-hitter in the Stealth Winches range and easily the most popular big winch they make. With a huge 13,500lb pulling capacity, a powerful 6.1hp motor and a tough steel rope setup, it’s built for recovery trucks, large trailers, off-road rigs and anyone who needs serious pulling power without the premium price tag. If you’re running a 24v system, Warrior also produce this winch in a dedicated 24v version, giving you the same performance with better electrical efficiency.
Why people like it:
• Huge pulling power for recovery, 4x4 and heavy trailer work
• Steel rope setup is tough, durable and built for harsher conditions
• Excellent value compared to other winches in the same capacity
• Also available in a 24v model for trucks and commercial builds
13500lb Stealth Winch – 12v Synthetic Rope
If you want the full pulling power of the 13,500lb Stealth Winch but prefer a setup that’s lighter, safer and easier to handle, this synthetic rope version is the one to choose. It has the same strong 6.1hp motor and heavy-duty gearing as the steel model, but the synthetic rope makes day-to-day use far more user-friendly — especially if you’re working on uneven ground or need to spool out quickly. It’s a great fit for 4x4 owners, recovery operators and anyone who wants maximum performance with less weight hanging off the front end.
Why people like it:
• Same huge 13,500lb capacity but much lighter than the steel version
• Safer under tension and easier to handle when spooling out
• Ideal for recovery trucks, 4x4s and off-road builds
• Great balance of strength, performance and everyday usability
Final Thoughts
The Stealth Winches range has been around for years now, and it still holds its place as one of the best-value lineups in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a compact ATV winch or a heavy-duty 13,500lb unit for recovery work, every model in the range offers solid performance, dependable build quality and straightforward usability at a price that makes sense.
They’re not trying to compete with ultra-premium brands, but for most people who just want a winch that works, pulls hard and doesn’t cost a fortune, Stealth Winches continue to hit a really nice sweet spot. That’s why you see these winches on everything from weekend 4x4s to working recovery trucks.
If you’d like to see more about different Stealth Winch models or check current pricing, you can view the full Stealth Winches range on our site below.
Author: Chris Hawley
Chris Hawley is the founder and lead reviewer at Winch Equip, bringing over 18 years of experience in the winch, recovery and e-commerce industry. He focuses on cutting through marketing noise, comparing real-world specifications and keeping up with the latest winch trends to give readers simple, honest guidance — without the jargon.