• 14 shops, 90 283 products

Winter tyres 2025 - market overview, tests, reviews

|Last updated:

If you're looking for new winter tyres, you've come to the right place. Every year we collect data from all available tests, analyse their features, write down their strengths and weaknesses and use this to compile a unique list of the best tyres to buy for the year. We've created a similar report, including a comparison of current prices, for a specific tyre size - just enter it below.


Looking for a specific size?

Best winter tyres

#1
Winter tires
2025
EU:  96% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  55% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 sizes has C rating
C

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5

This is currently the best rated tyre we have and there is a reason for it - it combines sportiness on snow and dry and very good safety margins on the wet. It’s designed to maintain the joy of driving, even on winter tyres, but still manages to be safe at all times. 100% recommended.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 - Pluses

Exceptional performance on snow, currently the best mix of snow braking, snow cornering, snow handling, and snow traction on the market. Superior dry braking and dry handling, dynamic handling on wet roads.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 - Minuses

High price, some tests mention average curved aquaplaning resistance

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
1
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
1
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Test winner
1
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
2
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
1
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Test winner
1
2023Autobild225/45 R18Test winner
3
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Very good
1
2023Autobild225/40 R18Test winner
1
2022AutoMotorSport245/45 R19Very good
4
2022Autobild245/40 R19Good
2
2021Autobild225/45 R18Test winner
2
2021Tyre Reviews225/40 R18Test winner
2
2020Autobild245/45 R18-
1
2020Autobild245/45 R18Exemplary
1
2020ADAC235/55 R17Good
#2
Winter tires
2025
EU:  64% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV sizes has B rating
B
EU:  86% of Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV sizes has C rating
C

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV

If you enjoy sporty driving in winter conditions, the PA5 SUV is the go-to tyre. It's usually the best in the snow in all the tests, while maintaining balance and safety in other conditions. Only downside is high rolling resistance, which is why it hasn't won all the tests it was in.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV - Pluses

Exceptional enjoyable snow performance with superior traction, braking, and handling. Quiet and comfortable ride.

Michelin PILOT ALPIN 5 SUV - Minuses

Higher rolling resistance. Acceptable minor weaknesses on wet and dry asphalt due to snow-focused design.

Achievements

Best
Exterior noise
6/6
Best
Snow traction
6/6
Best
Snow handling
5/6

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
1
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
1
2023Autobild225/60 R18Test winner
3
2023ARBÖ235/55 R18Recommended
2
2023Tyre Reviews235/60 R18Highly recommended
3
2023Automotorsport255/45 R20Very good
2
2021Autobild235/55 R18Exemplary
2
2021Autozeitung235/55 R18Highly recommended
#3
Winter tires
2025

Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental has been dominating the winter tyre segment for years, and the TS870 is no different. It is very well-balanced and offers great mileage, making the premium price point worthwhile in the long run.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Pluses

Balanced performance in every condition, outstanding snow braking and traction, excellent fuel efficiency and low wear

Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Minuses

Average noise reduction, minor weaknesses in wet braking

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
8
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
1
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Exemplary
1
2024ADAC205/55 R16Good
1
2023Autoexpress225/45 R17Test winner
1
2023ADAC225/45 R17Good
1
2022Autoexpress225/45 R19-
2
2022Tyre Reviews225/45 R17Highly recommended
1
2022Autozeitung225/45 R17Test winner
1
2022Autoklub ČR225/45 R17-
1
2022ADAC215/60 R16Good
1
2022ADAC185/65 R15Good
1
2021TÜV225/45 R17-
4
2021Autobild205/55 R16-
1
2021Autobild205/55 R16Exemplary
2
2021AutoMotorSport195/55 R16Very good
#4
Winter tires
2025

GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3

The UltraGrip Performance 3 is one of the best tyres we have seen in the tests and on top of that it's top discipline is snow performance while maintaining great properties on wet, which makes it a great candidate for snowy climates.

GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Pluses

Excellent snow capabilities, exceptional wet performance, high safety margins on all surfaces

GoodYear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Minuses

Higher rolling resistance, average steering precision

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
2
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
3
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Highly recommended
2
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
3
2024Autozeitung215/55 R17Recommended
1
2024ADAC215/55 R17Good
9
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
2
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Exemplary
2
2024ADAC205/55 R16Good
2
2023Automotorsport255/45 R20Very good
5
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Highly recommended
3
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
2
2023Autobild225/45 R18Exemplary
3
2023Autoexpress225/45 R17Recommended
2
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Very good
1
2023Autobild225/40 R18Test winner
#5
Winter tires
2025

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Continental winter tires have been winning tire tests for many years, and the 870P is no exception. The “P” stands for performance, but don’t be mistaken, its rolling resistance is also praised, making it ideal for EVs. A well-balanced tire.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P - Pluses

Really low rolling resistance, ideal for fuel saving and electric vehicles. Strong performance on snow, providing good traction, handling, and corner grip. Excellent dry road handling and braking capabilities, with high comfort levels.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P - Minuses

Average wet handling and aquaplaning resistance, higher price

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
6
2024ADAC215/55 R17Satisfactory
2
2024Autozeitung215/55 R17Highly recommended
2
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
4
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Recommended
2
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
3
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
4
2023Automotorsport255/45 R20Very good
1
2023Tyre Reviews235/60 R18Test winner
4
2023ARBÖ235/55 R18Recommended
1
2023Autobild225/60 R18Test winner
7
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
3
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Highly recommended
4
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Very good
3
2023Autobild225/40 R18Exemplary
4
2023ADAC205/60 R16Good
#6
Winter tires
2025
EU:  86% of Dunlop Winter Sport 5 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  84% of Dunlop Winter Sport 5 sizes has C rating
C
EU:  100% of Dunlop Winter Sport 5 sizes has B rating
B

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

While being somehow dated as it was introduced back in 2015, it received some midlife updates and still holds up with the current models, at least in smaller dimensions. At the right price, it could be a great choice.

Dunlop Winter Sport 5 - Pluses

Balanced Performance, excellent snow handling, low fuel consumption and wear

Dunlop Winter Sport 5 - Minuses

Minor weaknesses on wet roads, higher noise level, higher price in some cases

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
5
2024ADAC205/55 R16Satisfactory
2
2024ADAC215/55 R17Good
4
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Exemplary
11
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
7
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Good
7
2023Autobild225/45 R18Good
4
2023ADAC225/45 R17Good
1
2023ADAC205/60 R16Good
15
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
2
2022ADAC215/60 R16Good
8
2022Autobild215/55 R17-
4
2022Autobild215/55 R17Exemplary
8
2021Autobild205/55 R16Good
2
2021Autobild205/55 R16-
5
2021Autobild225/45 R18Good
#7
Winter tires
2025
EU:  100% of Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  57% of Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 sizes has E rating
E

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330

Hankook sneaked in between the traditional premium tyres again with its Icept Evo3. It excels in aquaplaning resistance, which is crucial for european winters.

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 - Pluses

Outstanding aquaplaning resistance, balanced performance in all conditions, superior traction on snow

Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 - Minuses

Increased rolling noise, above average dry braking distances

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
5
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
6
2024AUTOBILD235/35 R19Good
4
2024TYRE REVIEWS235/35 R19Recommended
8
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
6
2023Autobild225/45 R18Good
4
2023Tyre Reviews225/45 R18Highly recommended
6
2023Sportauto225/40 R18Good
4
2023Autobild225/40 R18Exemplary
2
2022Autobild245/40 R19Exemplary
1
2021Autobild225/45 R18Test winner
3
2021Tyre Reviews225/40 R18-
6
2020Autobild245/45 R18Exemplary
5
2020Autobild245/45 R18-
2
2020Autobild225/40 R18Exemplary
#8
Winter tires
2025

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

Blizzak has always been a winter tire focused on wet conditions, but with its sixth model, Bridgestone has promised improved snow performance and reduced rolling resistance. Early tests suggest they have delivered on these promises—Blizzak 6 is unmatched in wet conditions and excels on snow, making it ideal not just for city climates.

Bridgestone Blizzak 6 - Pluses

Excellent wet performance with very short braking distances and strong wet handling, superior snow handling with secure and dynamic performance on snowy roads

Bridgestone Blizzak 6 - Minuses

longer braking distances on dry asphalt, sensitive to load changes in dry corners and limited rear stability during quick lane changes, sluggish steering response

Achievements

Best
Wet circle cornering
2/2

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
1
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
4
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Exemplary
3
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
4
2024AUTOBILD245/45 R18Exemplary
#10
Winter tires
2025
EU:  100% of BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2 sizes has B rating
B
EU:  57% of BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2 sizes has E rating
E

BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2

G-Force Winter 2 is our favorite budget winter tyre. It's great on snow and offers good safety on all surfaces, which is no surprise as BFGoodrich is a part of the Michelin group.

BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2 - Pluses

Solid performance in snow braking and handling, secure handling characteristics on both dry and wet roads, good predicted mileage

BFGoodrich G-FORCE WINTER 2 - Minuses

Slightly longer braking distances on dry and wet surfaces.

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
10
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16Good
13
2024AUTOBILD205/55 R16-
8
2023ADAC205/60 R16Satisfactory
4
2023Autobild225/45 R18Good
5
2023Autobild225/45 R18-
6
2022Autobild215/55 R17-
5
2022ADAC185/65 R15Satisfactory
9
2022Autobild215/55 R17Good
5
2021ADAC195/65 R15Satisfactory
7
2021Autobild205/55 R16-
11
2021Autobild205/55 R16Satisfactory
8
2021Autobild225/45 R18Satisfactory
4
2021AutoMotorSport195/55 R16Good
2
2020AutoMotorSport225/50 R17Very good
2
2020ACE225/50 R17Recommended
#11
Winter tires
2025

Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2

Winter-focused tyre that is enjoyable to drive on snow, while being safe on wet and dry.

Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 - Pluses

Precise handling, short braking distances on snow and wet surfaces, enjoyable on snow-covered and dry roads

Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 - Minuses

Average aquaplaning resistance and wet braking

Achievements

Best
Interior noise
1/1

Attributes breakdown

Tyre tests

RankYearOrganizationSizeRating
4
2024STRAßENVERKEHR235/55 R18Very good
3
2023Autobild225/60 R18Exemplary
7
2023ARBÖ235/55 R18Recommended
6
2023Tyre Reviews235/60 R18Recommended

New tyres for 2025

Winter tyre test summary 2025

2025 winter tyres tests (+2024)

Tyre size Organization Year Type Designation Winner Best value Tested tyres Vehicle
235/55 R18STRAßENVERKEHR2024Passenger carMichelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUVHankook Winter i*cept evo3 X W330A10Seat Tarraco
205/55 R16AUTOBILD2024Stopping distanceBridgestone Blizzak 6Kumho Wintercraft WP5255VW Golf
205/55 R16ADAC2024Passenger carContinental WinterContact TS 870Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS312VW Golf
215/55 R17ADAC2024Passenger carGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3Vredestein Wintrac Pro16VW T-Roc
215/55 R17Autozeitung2024Passenger carBridgestone Blizzak LM-005Hankook W462 Winter i*cept RS37VW Passat
235/35 R19TYRE REVIEWS2024Passenger carPirelli P Zero Winter 2Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W3306VW Golf GTI
235/35 R19AUTOBILD2024Passenger carMichelin Pilot Alpin 5Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W33010BMW M135i
245/45 R18AUTOBILD2024Passenger carMichelin Pilot Alpin 5Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W33012CUPRA Formentor
Tyre sizeOrganizationYearTypeDesignationWinnerBest valueTested tyresVehicle

Display all tests ...

other winter tyres

NameSegmentRatingOriginPassenger carSUV
Michelin
Michelin
premium 90% France
GoodYear
GoodYear
premium 86% USA
Dunlop
Dunlop
premium 79% USA
GoodYear
Hankook
Hankook
premium 78% South Korea
Continental
Continental
premium 77% Germany
Bridgestone
Bridgestone
premium 75% Japan
BFGoodrich
BFGoodrich
upper-middle 75% USA
Michelin
Kleber
Kleber
upper-middle 73% France
Michelin
Vredestein
Vredestein
premium 71% Holland
Firestone
Firestone
upper-middle 65% USA
Uniroyal
Uniroyal
upper-middle 60% USA
Michelin
Pirelli
Pirelli
premium 53% Italy
Cooper
Cooper
upper-middle 53% USA
Nokian
Nokian
upper-middle 52% Finland
Toyo
Toyo
upper-middle 49% Japan
Yokohama
Yokohama
upper-middle 46% Japan
Falken
Falken
upper-middle 44% Japan
Kumho
Kumho
upper-middle 38% South Korea
Apollo
Apollo
lowcost 71% India
Semperit
Semperit
lowcost 70% Austria
Continental
Sava
Sava
lowcost 67% Slovenia
GoodYear
Barum
Barum
lowcost 61% Czech Republic
Continental
Debica
Debica
lowcost 57% Poland
Nexen
Nexen
lowcost 57% South Korea
Avon
Avon
lowcost 46% Great Britain
Cooper
General
General
lowcost 43% Pakistan
Continental
Fulda
Fulda
lowcost 42% Germany
Matador
Matador
lowcost 38% Slovakia
Continental

Popular dimensions

Looking for a specific size?