The best anchor windlasses and winches at a checked price under $500.
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Best Anchor Windlasses and Winches Under $500: Drum anchor winches
- Minn Kota DeckHand 40#1 of 5Full review
A proven freshwater anchor winch for walleye and bass boats with a 20 to 40 lb anchor. Saltwater boaters should look elsewhere.
Amazon $340.73$340.73--40 lb - TRAC Deckboat 40 AutoDeploy-G3#2 of 5Full review
The TRAC to buy for a deck boat or pontoon with a heavy anchor and an owner who wants to anchor from the helm.
Amazon $280.30$280.30-65 ft/min40 lb - TRAC Pontoon 35-G3#3 of 5Full review
The budget pick for a pontoon or deck boat up to about 24 ft. Those who want to drop anchor from the helm should look at the AutoDeploy models with a remote.
Amazon $199.97$199.97-65 ft/min35 lb - TRAC Angler 30 AutoDeploy-G3#4 of 5Full review
For a fishing boat up to about 22 ft whose owner wants to anchor from the console. The remote and auto deploy save trips to the bow.
Amazon $240$240-65 ft/min30 lb - TRAC Fisherman 25-G3#5 of 5Full review
A low cost winch for a small fishing boat with a light river or mushroom anchor. Buyers with a bigger boat or anchor should step up to the Pontoon 35.
Amazon $177.63$177.63-65 ft/min25 lb
Best Anchor Windlasses and Winches Under $500: Vertical windlasses
- VEVOR Vertical Windlass 700 lb#1 of 1Full review
A budget vertical windlass for a fishing boat from 20 to 36 ft. Fine for the money, but there is no published warranty to fall back on.
Amazon $472.72$472.72700 lb65 ft/min-