Go Topless with the Best Jeep Soft Tops
Ready to go topless or keep it locked down? Find the soft top that fits your Jeep—and your sense of adventure.
Tired of wrestling with zippers and heavy panels every time you want fresh air?
You should be spending time on trails, not in the driveway. A good soft top gives you open-air freedom, reliable weather protection, and easy daily use.
Top Picks
Bestop Supertop Ultra Fully Retractable
You’ll appreciate the fully retractable guide-track system and the patented lift assist that lets one person operate the entire top. It’s engineered for convenience without sacrificing fit or finish.
Overview
Supertop Ultra is Bestop’s top-of-the-line soft top for JKs, engineered to offer a true retractable experience. Where most soft tops require multiple steps to open or remove, this design uses a guide-track and lift-assist to let one person move the top smoothly between fully closed and retracted positions.
Core benefits
This top is built for owners who want the convenience of a convertible without compromising the weather protection and security of a full soft top. The materials and hardware are selected for longevity and a tight appearance; you should expect an OEM-like fit once the fabric is properly tensioned.
Installation and usage notes
Initial installation can be detailed and takes time; perform the final tensioning in warm conditions to let the fabric conform correctly. Because of the advanced mechanisms, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance for the guide tracks and moving parts. If you value single-person operation and a clean retractable motion, this top is the best choice.
Bestop Supertop NX JK Unlimited
You get factory-level fit and materials combined with practical upgrades like a fold-back sunroof and quick-release hardware. The top balances durability and everyday usability for owners who want long-term reliability without compromise.
Overview
Supertop NX is designed to be a direct, high-quality replacement that behaves like the factory top while adding refinements you notice during daily use. You’ll appreciate the sunroof-like Sunrider panel, the adjustable base-plate tensioning system, and the Top Arch Bar that fights water pooling — all intended to keep the top taut and usable in all seasons.
Key features and benefits
You should expect a tight, near-factory fit out of the box, with long-term color retention and resistance to stains. Bestop’s use of YKK zippers and multi-layer sailcloth means the material will look better over time than many cheap aftermarket options. If you value long-term appearance and low maintenance, this top makes sense.
Limitations and practical notes
Installation is not trivial; plan a full afternoon and follow the warm-weather guidance during final fitting so the fabric stretches into place. Some users report unclear instructions, so watch an installation video if you haven’t done a top before. Also, the price point is premium — you’re paying for fit, materials, and features rather than the cheapest possible replacement.
Real-world insight
If you want an OEM-level replacement that improves usability (less water pooling, easier removal, and fast zippers), this top delivers. You’ll likely need a helper for the initial install and patience to set tension correctly, but once installed it’s a long-lived, low-drama solution for JK Unlimited owners.
Bestop Trektop All-New JL 4-Door
You’ll get a flexible full-top solution that converts to a bikini or fully enclosed setup depending on your needs. The Sunrider mechanism and hybrid zipper design make daily use straightforward and secure.
Overview
The Trektop for JL 4-door is a versatile full-top solution that allows you to run everything closed, remove sides for a bikini look, or use the Sunrider for quick front-seat openness. It’s engineered to be user-friendly while providing solid weather protection.
Main benefits
This top is an excellent selection if you want flexibility without committing to a full retractable system. The hybrid panel approach gives you secure rear coverage while making front-seat ventilation simple.
Practical considerations and tips
Take your time during initial assembly, organize fasteners, and use Bestop’s install video as a supplement to the paper manual. The fit is generally tight and noise-controlled when adjusted properly, and once set up the top performs quietly and resists leaks in everyday driving conditions.
Bestop Sunrider Hardtop Twill JL
You gain a fast, convenient way to get the open-air experience without removing heavy Freedom Panels. The unit installs in under an hour and provides dependable sealing when installed correctly.
Overview
The Sunrider for hardtops converts your JL or Gladiator hardtop into a quickly operable sunroof without removing bulky panels. It’s ideal if you want frequent open-air driving without the storage and handling hassle of factory freedom panels.
Why owners like it
You should expect a very user-friendly product: many owners report installation times under an hour and seamless day-to-day operation. The twill fabric option looks premium and resists wrinkling better than standard fabrics.
Limitations and practical tips
Do the installation in warm weather so the fabric settles correctly; tighter fits and initial stiffness are common in cool temperatures. Also double-check hardware lengths included in the kit; a few users noted that slightly longer fasteners would have simplified assembly. Overall, the Sunrider is one of the most practical hardtop upgrades you can buy.
Bestop Trektop NX Glide 2-Door
You get a fastback, convertible-like experience with easy slide-in/slide-out windows and a Sunrider flip panel. The glide mechanism reduces zipper fatigue and is ideal if you frequently switch between open and covered driving.
Overview
The Trektop NX Glide is built around convenience: it operates like a convertible by folding behind the rear seats while providing the sealing and protection of a full soft top when closed. The glide design reduces the need to wrestle with multiple zippers and lets you convert quickly between configurations.
What stands out
This top is a strong choice if you regularly switch between open and covered driving. You’ll appreciate the glide system on short trips or when you want the simplicity of a quick retraction without removing hardware piece-by-piece.
Limitations and real-world tips
Expect a few hours for first-time installation; instructions are serviceable but sometimes lack detail, so supporting videos are helpful. A few buyers reported missing pockets or inconsistent hardware — inspect the kit on delivery and contact support if items are missing. For trail use, consider the Black Diamond fabric option for better abrasion and stain resistance.
Practical summary
If you want an easy-to-operate soft top that emphasizes convertibility and day-to-day convenience, this model strikes a good balance of features and durability. It isn’t the cheapest option, but it minimizes annoyance when changing configurations and improves the overall ownership experience.
Bestop Supertop TJ Black Diamond
You get a near-OEM replacement with the same convenience features seen on modern Bestop tops, including a Sunrider panel and improved tensioning. It’s a practical choice for restoring a TJ without overpaying.
Overview
This Supertop variant is aimed at the TJ owner who wants a modern, reliable replacement that mirrors factory fit and function. It keeps key features such as the Sunrider panel, quick-release knuckles, and an improved base plate tensioning system while using Bestop’s proven Black Diamond fabric.
Key features and practical benefits
You should expect a solid, long-lived top that performs well on-road and in light off-road use. For typical daily use and casual weekend trails, it will provide secure coverage and a factory-correct appearance.
Limitations and advice
The top’s installation is moderately involved; allocate a few hours and consider a helper for the initial install. If you want the absolute quietest ride or the most premium materials, consider stepping up to Bestop’s twill or ultra models — this one balances cost and performance for most owners.
Smittybilt Replacement Soft Top Tinted
You get a budget-friendly top that fits well on most TJs and installs in an hour or two. The vinyl windows are lighter and easier to handle than older sailcloth windows, making installation quicker for DIYers.
Overview
Smittybilt’s replacement soft top provides a solid, economical option for TJ owners who need a dependable full-coverage top without a large outlay. The marine-grade vinyl and heat-sealed seams prioritize water resistance and durability at a very accessible price point.
What you can expect
This top is especially attractive if you’re on a tight budget but still want a functional, weather-resistant cover. It’s a practical option for drivers who use their Jeep regularly and need a quick restoration of protection and appearance.
Real-world notes and tips
Install on a warm day and lay panels in the sun to increase pliability for easier zipping—this reduces the headache around the rear window corners. If you expect to use the top in heavy, long-term off-road conditions, consider stronger fabric or higher-end tops for increased abrasion resistance, but for most owners this hits a sweet spot of value and function.
Rugged Ridge Complete Soft Top Assembly
You receive a full top assembly with frames, windows, tailgate bar, and hardware designed to restore showroom condition. It’s a cost-effective, all-in-one solution if you want to replace everything at once.
Overview
Rugged Ridge offers a one-stop solution for TJ owners who want to replace a worn top and frame with a single purchase. The package mirrors factory appearance while adding practical features like zippered storage pockets and upgraded quick-disconnects.
Included components and benefits
This kit simplifies restoration: you won’t need to source separate frames or brackets and you can expect a close-to-factory look. The included tinted windows and upgraded hardware make it a practical long-term solution for daily drivers and weekend trail rigs alike.
Limitations and owner advice
Installation is more straightforward than assembling separate components but expect several hours to achieve a correct, taut fit. If you plan to operate the top frequently, budget some time to learn how the quick-disconnects and tensioning work to avoid frustrating re-installations.
Rampage TrailView Fastback Soft Top
You’ll get a distinctive fastback profile and larger side windows that enhance visibility and styling. Fit and wind-noise are mixed for some owners, so expect to tune seals and adjust latches for optimal performance.
Overview
The TrailView Fastback delivers a unique silhouette compared with bow-style tops, with an emphasis on visibility and stowable windows. The sailcloth material and fold-back front offer a quiet, aerodynamic ride in ideal fit conditions.
Features and usage notes
Fit is the central trade-off: when installed precisely the top looks and behaves very well, but some owners report daylight gaps and wind noise until they modify the header or latches. It’s not unusual to do a little sealing work or add weatherstrip to refine the fit.
Final take
If you want fastback aesthetics and the convenience of stowable windows, this top is an attractive, cost-effective option. Plan on spending time dialing in the seals and latch adjustments if you drive frequently at highway speeds or in wet weather.
Rampage Quick Disconnect 4-Piece Set
You get a low-cost, aluminum quick-disconnect set that replaces fragile plastic pins and speeds soft-top removal. Expect to do minor fit tweaks on some Jeeps depending on bracket tolerances.
Overview
Rampage’s 4-piece quick disconnect set is a pragmatic upgrade if you’re tired of brittle plastic disconnects. It’s designed to provide a stronger connection and easier topside removal without paying OEM prices.
What you’ll find useful
The hardware is a straightforward improvement in materials, but you should be prepared for fitment variability. Some owners find the pins too large or the screw holes slightly misaligned; if your frame has nonstandard tube sizes or aftermarket brackets, expect to do small modifications.
Practical advice
If you’re handy with basic tools, this set is an economical upgrade that usually works with a small amount of tweaking. If you want a drop-in, precision OEM fit with no modification, plan on choosing OEM or brand-specific quick-disconnect kits instead.
Final Thoughts
Best overall: Bestop Supertop Ultra Fully Retractable — If you open and close your top frequently and want one-person, no-hassle operation, this is the top to get. Its guide-track system and patented lift assist let you retract the top quickly and smoothly while preserving excellent fit and finish. Ideal for weekend trail riders who crave instant open-air driving and minimal setup time.
Best for everyday durability and OE fit: Bestop Supertop NX JK Unlimited — Choose this if you want factory-level fit, long-term durability, and practical upgrades like a fold-back sunroof and quick-release hardware. It’s the smarter pick for a daily driver or anyone who values a polished, reliable top that stands up to regular use and weather exposure.
