Adding a winch to your ATV changes what you need from a battery. A winch can pull 30 amps under a light load and well over 100 amps when it is dragging a stuck machine out of deep mud, and that current draw happens with the engine idling or sometimes not running at all. A weak or undersized battery sags, the winch slows, and you risk getting stranded. The right battery delivers strong cranking amps, solid reserve capacity, and the ability to recover quickly after a hard pull.
We looked at AGM and lithium powersports batteries that handle high, repeated current draws without overheating or losing voltage. We weighed cold cranking amps, reserve capacity, vibration resistance, terminal layout, and how well each holds up to the deep, partial discharges a winch creates. Below are seven batteries that genuinely have the muscle for a winch-equipped quad, ranked best first.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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NOCO NLP14 Lithium Powersport Battery Best Overall Lithium LiFePO4, 500A cranking, group 14, built-in BMS |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Antigravity Batteries ATX12-HD Lithium Best Lithium for Heavy Winching Lithium, high-rate cells, 680A peak, RE-START tech option |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Yuasa YTX14AH-BS AGM Battery Best AGM Overall AGM sealed lead-acid, group 14AH, factory activated, 210 CCA |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Odyssey PC545 Extreme AGM Battery Best for Deep Discharge TPPL AGM, 150 CCA, deep cycle capable, high reserve |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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ExpertPower ETX14-BS Powersports AGM Best Value AGM AGM sealed lead-acid, group 14-BS, 12V, maintenance-free |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Mighty Max Battery YTX14-BS Gel AGM Best Budget Pick AGM gel, group YTX14-BS, 12V 12Ah, 200 CCA |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance AGM Best High-Capacity Fit AGM, group 20L-BS, 12V 18Ah, 270 CCA, high reserve |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. NOCO NLP14 Lithium Powersport Battery: Best Overall
The NOCO NLP14 is our top pick because it pairs lithium cranking power with a real safety net. With 500 amps on tap and a built-in BMS, it holds voltage during a long winch pull far better than a comparable lead-acid unit, and it bounces back to full charge quickly once the engine is running. The drop in weight is dramatic, which is a real bonus on machines that already carry a heavy winch and bumper up front. NOCO also includes multiple terminal mounting positions and spacers so it drops into a variety of ATV trays.
The honest weakness is cold weather. Like all lithium batteries, the NLP14 needs a brief wake-up draw in freezing temperatures before it gives full output, so very early winter starts can feel sluggish for a few seconds. You also need a charger that understands lithium, since a basic trickle charger can confuse the BMS. For most riders who winch in moderate to warm conditions, none of that outweighs the cranking strength and fast recovery.
- LiFePO4 chemistry delivers 500 amps of cranking power for hard winch pulls
- Built-in battery management system protects against over-discharge and shorts
- Roughly a third the weight of a comparable lead-acid battery
Pros: Huge cranking output recovers fast after a winch pull; Very light, which helps front-heavy winch setups; Multiple terminal positions for easy fitment
Cons: Lithium needs a compatible or lithium-aware charger; Performance drops in very cold weather until warmed up
2. Antigravity Batteries ATX12-HD Lithium: Best Lithium for Heavy Winching
The Antigravity ATX12-HD is built for riders who actually use their winch hard and often. The HD designation points to a tougher case and higher-rate cells designed to push heavy current repeatedly without sagging, which is exactly the load profile of pulling a stuck quad out of a bog. Brass terminals and a reinforced housing shrug off the constant vibration that kills lesser batteries on rough trails. On RE-START versions, the battery can reserve enough energy to jump itself, a genuinely useful trick miles from the trailhead.
The trade-off is that this is a serious, demand-focused battery and it expects to be treated like one. You will want a proper lithium charger and a basic understanding of lithium care to get the full lifespan out of it. It also sits at the upper end of the powersports market in terms of what you invest, so casual riders who rarely use the winch may find it more battery than they strictly need. For frequent, heavy winching, the sustained output is worth it.
- High-rate lithium cells deliver heavy sustained current for big winch loads
- Heavy-duty case and brass terminals resist vibration and corrosion
- Available with RE-START built-in jump capability on RE-START models
Pros: Excellent sustained output under repeated hard pulls; Rugged construction built for off-road abuse; Light weight improves handling
Cons: Premium battery aimed at demanding users; Requires lithium-compatible charging
3. Yuasa YTX14AH-BS AGM Battery: Best AGM Overall
Yuasa is the battery many ATVs ship with from the factory, and the YTX14AH-BS is a workhorse for winch-equipped machines that want dependable AGM performance without any lithium quirks. The sealed AGM construction is spill-proof and vibration resistant, and the 14AH capacity gives the reserve needed to run a winch through several pulls before the charging system has to catch up. It arrives factory activated, so there is no acid filling or messing about, and it works happily with any standard powersports charger.
Where it gives ground to lithium is weight and recovery speed. This is a heavier battery, and after a deep winch discharge it takes longer to come back to a full state of charge, so you need to let the engine run between big pulls. In exchange you get rock-solid cold-weather cranking and the kind of long, predictable service life Yuasa is known for. For riders who want OEM reliability and zero learning curve, it is hard to beat.
- Sealed AGM design is spill-proof and maintenance-free
- Strong cold cranking output for reliable winch and starter loads
- Comes factory activated and charged, ready to install
Pros: Proven OEM-grade reliability and long shelf life; Works with any standard charger, no special hardware; Excellent cold-weather performance
Cons: Heavier than lithium alternatives; Recovers more slowly after a deep winch discharge
4. Odyssey PC545 Extreme AGM Battery: Best for Deep Discharge
The Odyssey PC545 stands out for winch users because of its Thin Plate Pure Lead construction, which handles repeated deep discharges far better than ordinary AGM. A winch routinely drags a battery down to a low state of charge, and the PC545 both tolerates that abuse and recharges quickly once power is restored. It delivers strong cranking pulses, mounts in almost any orientation, and is fully sealed, so trail vibration and angle are not a concern.
The catch is physical size and rated cranking on paper. The PC545 is a compact case, so on a large ATV battery tray you may need foam spacers or a bracket to lock it down, and its headline CCA figure is lower than some bigger group sizes. In real use the pure-lead design punches above that number for short bursts, but if you run an oversized winch on a big-bore machine you may want to size up. For most quads that cycle the winch hard, its durability is the main draw.
- Thin Plate Pure Lead AGM tolerates deep discharge and fast recharge
- Rated for high cranking pulses and repeated cycling
- Sealed, non-spillable and mountable in nearly any position
Pros: Outstanding deep-cycle tolerance for repeated winching; Recharges faster than standard AGM; Long cycle life under abuse
Cons: Smaller case may need spacers in larger trays; Lower rated CCA than some larger group sizes
5. ExpertPower ETX14-BS Powersports AGM: Best Value AGM
The ExpertPower ETX14-BS is the pick for riders who want a dependable AGM upgrade without spending big. It uses the same sealed, maintenance-free AGM format as the pricier names, fits the common group 14 tray found on many winch-equipped quads, and offers vibration resistance that holds up to normal trail and mud use. For everyday winching, like clearing a downed branch or helping a buddy unstick a tire, it provides the cranking and reserve you need and installs as a direct replacement.
It does show its position when pushed to the limit. Under very heavy, sustained winch pulls the voltage sags sooner than a premium AGM or lithium, and the overall expected lifespan is shorter, so you may replace it more often. That said, for the value it delivers genuinely useful performance, and many riders happily accept a slightly shorter life in exchange for the lower investment. As a no-fuss replacement that keeps the winch working, it earns its spot.
- Sealed AGM construction is maintenance-free and spill-proof
- Group 14 sizing fits many common winch-ready ATVs
- Vibration-resistant plates handle rough off-road use
Pros: Strong everyday performance without a premium outlay; Direct fit replacement for many stock batteries; Reliable cranking for typical winch loads
Cons: Shorter expected lifespan than premium AGM brands; Cranking sags under very heavy sustained pulls
6. Mighty Max Battery YTX14-BS Gel AGM: Best Budget Pick
The Mighty Max YTX14-BS is a sensible budget choice for riders who have a winch but do not lean on it every ride. The AGM gel construction is sealed, spill-proof, and reasonably shock and vibration resistant, and the popular YTX14-BS footprint means it drops straight into many ATV trays without modification. For light to moderate winching, such as the occasional self-recovery or pulling small loads, it supplies enough cranking and reserve to get the job done.
Be realistic about its limits. This battery is not engineered for the constant deep discharges that hard, frequent winching creates, and pushed that way it will not last as long as a premium AGM or lithium pack. If your winch use is occasional and you want a dependable, widely available replacement at an accessible level, it fits the bill nicely. Riders who winch aggressively should step up to one of the higher-ranked options instead.
- AGM gel design resists shock, vibration and spills
- Common YTX14-BS size fits a variety of ATVs
- Sealed and maintenance-free with a wide operating range
Pros: Very accessible entry point for a winch-capable battery; Widely available in a common fitment size; Decent cranking for light to moderate winch use
Cons: Not built for heavy or frequent deep discharges; Lifespan trails premium AGM options
7. Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance AGM: Best High-Capacity Fit
The Weize YTX20L-BS is the one to look at when you run a larger utility ATV or a side-by-side with a winch and your tray accepts the bigger 20L group size. That extra capacity translates directly into more reserve for sustained winch pulls, and the higher cranking output suits big-bore engines that ask more of the starter. The sealed AGM construction is maintenance-free and stands up to the vibration and grime of heavy off-road work, making it a solid match for machines that actually do recovery and chore duty.
The obvious limitation is fitment. This is a physically larger battery, so it simply will not fit ATVs designed around a group 14 tray, and it adds weight compared with the compact options higher in this list. If your machine uses the 20L size, that trade is well worth it for the added reserve. If it does not, one of the group 14 batteries above will serve you better. Match the battery to your tray first, then to your winch demands.
- Larger group 20L capacity gives extra reserve for winching
- High cranking output suits big-bore and utility ATVs
- Sealed AGM build is maintenance-free and vibration resistant
Pros: Bigger reserve capacity handles longer winch pulls; Strong cranking amps for larger machines; Fits utility quads and side-by-sides with 20L trays
Cons: Larger case will not fit smaller group 14 trays; Heavier than compact options
Frequently Asked Questions
What size battery do I need for an ATV with a winch?
Start by matching the battery group size your ATV tray was designed for, most commonly a group 14 (YTX14-BS or 14AH-BS) on mid-size quads, or a larger group 20L on big utility machines and side-by-sides. Within that size, prioritize the highest reserve capacity and cranking amps you can fit, because a winch draws heavy current and benefits from extra reserve. Do not try to force an oversized battery into a small tray. Pick the right group first, then choose the strongest battery within it.
Is a lithium or AGM battery better for a winch?
Both work well, and the right answer depends on how you ride. Lithium batteries like the NOCO NLP14 and Antigravity ATX12-HD deliver huge cranking power, weigh far less, and recover quickly after a hard pull, which is ideal for frequent or heavy winching. AGM batteries such as the Yuasa or Odyssey are heavier but need no special charger, perform reliably in cold weather, and cost less up front. If you winch hard and often and do not mind a lithium charger, go lithium. If you want zero learning curve and great cold cranking, choose a quality AGM.
Can a winch drain my ATV battery?
Yes, easily. A winch can pull well over 100 amps under heavy load, and if you run it for long stretches with the engine off or at idle, it will draw the battery down fast. The safest habit is to keep the engine running and revved slightly while winching so the charging system feeds the winch, and to pause between long pulls to let the battery recover. A battery with strong reserve capacity, like the higher-ranked picks here, gives you more margin before voltage sags.
Do I need to upgrade my wiring when adding a winch?
For most factory winch installs the included heavy-gauge leads are enough, but the battery is still the foundation of the system. Make sure your battery terminals are clean, tight, and corrosion-free, since a poor connection causes voltage drop that mimics a weak battery and slows the winch. If you run a large winch or do frequent heavy pulls, upgrading to thicker battery cables and a quality battery with high cranking output ensures the winch gets the current it needs without overheating the wiring.
How do I keep my ATV winch battery healthy over winter?
Off-season storage is when many batteries die. Keep the battery on a maintenance charger or tender suited to its chemistry, an AGM-compatible one for lead-acid and a lithium-aware charger for lithium packs, since the wrong charger can damage a lithium BMS. Store it somewhere out of extreme cold if possible, keep the terminals clean, and check the charge level periodically. A battery that sits fully discharged through winter will lose capacity and may not have the punch to drive your winch come spring.
Our Verdict
For most riders who run a winch, the NOCO NLP14 Lithium is our top pick thanks to its 500-amp cranking output, fast recovery after a hard pull, big weight savings, and a built-in BMS that adds real confidence. If you winch hard and often and want maximum sustained output in a rugged off-road case, the Antigravity ATX12-HD is the runner up worth stepping up to. Prefer no-fuss AGM with great cold cranking and OEM reliability? The Yuasa YTX14AH-BS is the safe, proven choice. Match the battery to your tray size first, then to how hard you work your winch.
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