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Comparing Bestop vs Smittybilt Tops

XT Staff
By: 

XT Staff

 / Oct 14 2024

Bestop Trektop NX in black twill 35” Nitto Ridge Grapplers

When you’re looking for a new soft or hard top, the two most popular options tend to be Bestop and Smittybilt. These brands make some of the best soft and hard tops around, so you can always count on quality and plenty of customization options fit for every off-road adventure.

Still, when you want to upgrade your top, add another top to your stable, or you need to replace an OEM part, you have to pick one. While we love both options, it's not practical to buy a top from both brands when you only need one.

Luckily, we’re here to make the shopping process easier. We compare Bestop and Smittybilt tops for your vehicle.

Bestop Vs Smittybilt Price

One of the first things you'll want to know about these tops is the cost. Hands down, Bestop tops will cost more than most Smittybilt tops. Bestop tops tend to cost more because they're the company that produces the most original soft tops for Jeeps, so quality, fitment, and everything else are held to a higher standard compared to most other brands. 

On the other hand, you have Smittybilt tops, which are a more budget-friendly option. That's not to say that the quality is subpar, they're just not as pristine as Bestop tops, which is perfect if you're looking for a budget-friendly OEM replacement.

That said, Smittybilt loses its edge in affordability when you look into mesh tops and sunshades. In these cases, you're better off spending a few extra bucks on the Bestop tops.

Bestop Vs Smittybilt Quality

When it comes to quality, Bestop is also the winner. As the original manufacturer of most Jeep soft tops, you can't go wrong with a Bestop soft top because they're designed specifically for your vehicle. They fit well, seal the cabin well, and tend to offer better insulation than other brands like Smittybilt. Their tops will also have reliable hardware, strong windows, and other quality accessories you can count on.

Due to Bestop being an original manufacturer of most Jeep soft tops, the brand is held to a higher standard than competitors like Smittybilt. For this reason, we have to give Bestop the edge in the quality category.

Bestop Vs Smittybilt Options

In the options category, we’re referring to the types of tops you can buy with Bestop and Smittybilt. While both brands carry OEM-style replacement options for your vehicle, you'll find that both offer more unique options. 

A great example is something like the Bestop Trektop NX Glide Soft Top. It gives your Jeep more of a fastback style, which improves the appearance and curb appeal of your vehicle. Smittybilt also offers similar options like the Smittybilt Bowless Combo Soft Top with Tinted Windows, so you can find options that fit your style needs when you shop with either brand.

 

Plenty of additional options including more niche tops like safari tops, bikini tops, and sunshades are also available from both brands. Bestop still maintains the quality edge, but as you branch out into these more niche tops Smittybilt starts to close the gap.

Bestop Vs Smittybilt Top Accessories

Plenty of accessories are available from Smittybilt. For example, products like the Smittybilt Full Climate Cover are affordable options you can put on top of your Jeep to keep it safe from the environment, so there are some perks when you shop with Smittybilt. Tops with tinted windows, sunshades, and mesh material are also available.

What's more, you'll find plenty of affordable unique options when you shop with Smittybilt including products like the Smittybilt Aluminum Pop Up Roof Top Tent. For these reasons, we love the options Smittybilt offers for people who love camping and being outdoors.

Bestop also offers similar products, but the brand is more limited to traditional soft tops and soft top accessories. Still, you'll find some unique accessories you can pair with a soft top including things like door covers, storage bags, soft top cleaner, and much more.

Get a Bestop or Smittybilt Top Today

Bestop and Smittybilt tend to be the top dogs in the soft and hard top game for Jeeps and Broncos, so we’re not surprised you ended up here. Whether you need to replace an OEM top, or you want to add a simple sunshade to your roster, we always recommend shopping with ExtremeTerrain. 

We make it easy to filter based on the specific top you’re looking for, and our sales techs will help you every step of the way. Order online today to have Smittybilt or Bestop tops shipped right to your door, and experience free shipping on all orders over $75 in the continental United States.