At the heart of any electric winch is its power source. You'll typically find electric winches in either 12V or 24V varieties.

12V Electric Winches

These are the most common type you'll see, especially on 4x4s and ATVs. They're compatible with standard 12V vehicle electrical systems, making them a popular choice for most recreational users.

Pros:
- Wide availability
- Suitable for most personal vehicles
- Generally more affordable

Cons:
- May have lower pulling capacity compared to 24V models

The 24v models are typically found on larger vehicles or in industrial applications. They pack more punch but require a 24V electrical system.

Pros:
-Higher pulling capacity
-Can handle extended use without overheating

Cons:
- Require 24V electrical systems, which aren't common in personal vehicles
- Can often be more expensive (although usually the same price these days)

Okay, let's talk about what's actually doing the pulling. You've got two main options here: synthetic winch rope or steel winch cable.

Pros:
- Lightweight
- Doesn't store energy, so safer if it breaks
- Easier on the hands
- Floats on water

Cons:
- More susceptible to abrasion and UV damage
- Generally more expensive

Electric winches with steel cable are generally the traditional choice. Although it depends on the industry, steel cable winches are still widely used and have their own advantages.

Pros:
- More resistant to abrasion
- Can handle high heat (useful in certain recovery situations)
- Generally less expensive

Cons:
- Heavier
- Can be dangerous if it snaps due to stored energy
- Prone to rust and kinks

These are the workhorses of the off-road world. Designed to pull vehicles out of sticky situations, they're built to withstand harsh environments.

Features:
- High pulling capacity (usually 8,000 to 12,000 lbs)
- Waterproof design
- Often come with a range of accessories and extras like wireless remotes and additional recovery gear

Small but mighty, these winches are perfect for ATVs, UTVs and other smaller recreational and/or work vehicles. They are often a lot more versatile than their larger cousins and so get used for a wide range of purposes.

Features:
- Compact design
- Lower pulling capacity (typically 2,500 to 4,500 lbs)
- Often include mounting plates specific to ATV models

These specialized electric winches save your back and help you load and unload your boat onto it's trailer with ease.

Features:
- Designed for intermittent use
- Often have a "free spool" feature for quick line deployment
- Typically lower capacity (1,000 to 3,500 lbs)

When you're after serious pulling power, these are the go-to choice. Ideal for big rigs like the Iveco's and Unimogs, as well as tow trucks.

Features:
- High line pull capacity (15,000lbs and up)
- Often 24V systems
- Built for frequent, heavy-duty use

Warn is a name that's practically synonymous with quality in the world of electric winches. Warn winches are, without a doubt, the go-to choice for many 4x4 drivers, and for good reason. Warn was founded back in 1948 and has been perfecting their electric winches for decades. Their range includes everything from compact ATV winches to heavy-duty truck winches capable of pulling over 16,000lb. Ultimately, what sets Warn apart is their reputation for reliability and durability - their electric winches are built to take a beating and just keep on going. They offer both steel cable and synthetic rope options, and their sealed waterproof design means you can count on a Warn winch even in the toughest of conditions. While they might be a bit pricier than some other brands, in our experience, the peace of mind you get from a Warn winch is worth every cent when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Runva's range of electric winches cover everything from compact 2000lb ATV winches to beefy 25,000lb monsters for heavy-duty applications. What's impressed me about Runva is their commitment to innovation - they were one of the first to introduce synthetic rope as a standard option on many models. Their winches often come packed with features you'd expect to see on more expensive brands, like wireless remotes and IP67 waterproof ratings. While they might not have the decades-long heritage of some American brands, Runva has been quickly proving itself in the field. We've sold heaps of Runva and had very little, if any, negative feedback. Over the years they've become a popular choice for those looking to get reliable performance without breaking the bank. If you're in the market for a winch that offers good bang for your buck, Runva is definitely worth considering.

Carbon Offroad winches have emerged as a noteworthy contender in the electric winch market, particularly in Australia. This brand offers a range of electric winches designed to meet various off-road recovery needs, from smaller ATV models to robust 4x4 recovery winches. Carbon Offroad winches typically feature aluminum fairleads and heavy-duty construction, aiming to provide durability in challenging conditions. While they may not have the long-standing reputation of some more established brands, Carbon Offroad has been gaining recognition among Australian 4x4 drivers for offering capable winches at accessible price points.

VRS (Vehicle Recovery Systems) is an Australian brand that has made a significant impact in the electric winch market. Known for their robust construction and reliable performance, VRS winches are designed to withstand the demanding conditions of Australian off-roading. The company offers a small range of winches suitable for compact ATV use across to 4x4 winches. VRS winches typically feature high-quality components, including series wound motors and planetary gear systems for efficient power delivery. VRS's understanding of local off-roading needs and conditions has helped establish them as a trusted name in the Australian recovery gear market.

Dobinsons are an Aussie company with over 65 years of experience in the 4x4 industry, offers a range of electric winches designed for off-road recovery. Dobinsons winches are engineered to withstand our harsh Australian conditions, and feature robust construction and weather-resistant design. These winches typically come with both wireless and wired remote controls for versatile operation. Dobinsons offers models with either steel cable or synthetic rope, providing options to suit different user preferences. Many of their winches include features like automatic load-holding brakes and free spooling clutches for ease of use. As an Australian brand, Dobinsons has the advantage of designing their winches with local terrain and conditions in mind, which has contributed to their popularity among domestic off-road enthusiasts. The brand's winches aim to balance performance, durability, and value, positioning themselves as a reliable choice for Australian 4x4 owners.

Powerwinch is a well-established brand in the electric winch market, known primarily for their marine and trailer winches. Founded in 1968, the company has a long history of producing reliable pulling and lifting solutions. While they offer some options for off-road vehicles, Powerwinch's specialty lies in boat trailer winches and anchor winches for marine applications. Their product range includes primarily electric winches, with capacities ranging from light-duty models for small boats to heavy-duty options for larger vessels. Powerwinch products are recognized for their corrosion-resistant construction, making them suitable for saltwater environments. Many of their winches feature sealed motors and gear housings to protect against water intrusion.

Powerwinch has built a reputation for producing durable, efficient winches that cater specifically to the needs of boat owners and marine enthusiasts. Their focus on marine applications has made them a go-to choice for many in the boating community.