The Continental WinterContact TS 870P once again proves its class, securing first place overall in Die Reifentester’s 2025 Winter Tire Test. The tire showcases outstanding performance on wet and dry roads, where it dominates in handling and braking, combining sharp precision with strong stability and comfort. Its low rolling resistance and refined ride quality highlight Continental’s focus on modern, eco-efficient performance for milder European winters. However, on snow, the TS 870P offers only average grip and traction, performing well enough for occasional winter conditions but lacking the edge of the most snow-focused rivals. While not a “wow” tire for deep snow, it stands out as the most complete all-rounder, blending safety, comfort, and efficiency perfectly for Central European winter driving.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 secures second place overall in test, confirming its reputation as one of the most capable winter tires on the market. True to its name, the UltraGrip delivers outstanding snow performance, setting the benchmark for traction, braking, and handling. No competitor manages to accelerate, stop, or corner as confidently in snow, making it the best choice for regions with frequent winter conditions. This clear focus on snow excellence, however, comes at a slight expense in wet and dry conditions, where the Goodyear ranks just behind the leading Continental. Still, its stability, balance, and predictability make it a trustworthy companion in all winter driving scenarios. Drivers who regularly face snow and ice will appreciate its strong safety margins and reliable control.

The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 secures third place overall in test, confirming its position as a dependable all-rounder. It shines in dry handling and wet braking, delivering confident control and reassuring safety margins under pressure. The tire also demonstrates very good straight-line aquaplaning resistance, helping it remain composed in deep water. However, wet handling and rolling resistance reveal minor weaknesses compared to the top performers. The Blizzak 6 is not the most dynamic or specialized tire in any one area but stands out for its balanced and predictable behavior across varying winter conditions. Drivers seeking a safe, consistent performer rather than a focused specialist will find the Blizzak 6 an excellent and trustworthy choice.

The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ achieves fourth place overall in test, representing a major step forward for the Dutch manufacturer. While it doesn’t dominate any single discipline, it performs consistently well across all categories, demonstrating impressive balance and refinement. Most notably, in the technically demanding dry handling test, the Wintrac Pro+ matches the top-tier competition from Bridgestone and Continental, proving its progress in dynamic capability and precision. In wet and snowy conditions, it remains reliable, predictable, and confidence-inspiring, though not quite as sharp as the leading tires. The Wintrac Pro+ reflects Vredestein’s steady development toward true premium-level performance, combining safe all-round characteristics with a comfortable and composed driving feel.

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 earns a solid “Good” rating and places firmly in the upper mid-field of Die Reifentester’s 2025 Winter Tire Test. It performs as a well-balanced all-rounder, mirroring the behavior of its close rival, the Nokian Snowproof 2. On snow, the Pirelli proves highly capable, showing strong results in handling, braking, and traction, which confirm its suitability for genuine winter conditions. In contrast, performance in wet and dry tests is competent but not exceptional, with only average resistance to straight aquaplaning being a noticeable weakness. Nevertheless, its predictable handling, good balance, and refined comfort make it an appealing, versatile choice for drivers who frequently transition between snow, slush, and wet asphalt. Interestingly, its all-season sibling, the Pirelli All Season SF3, recently won a major test—proof that Pirelli’s engineering excellence spans multiple tire categories.

The Michelin Alpin 7 secures a solid mid-field result with a clear “Good” rating in test. True to its name, the Alpin 7 is a competent and refined winter tire that handles snow, slush, and ice with composure — though without the sharp edge of the top performers. In both wet and dry braking and handling, it delivers dependable but not outstanding results, making it a safe and stable choice rather than a sporty one. Where the Alpin 7 truly shines is in the comfort and efficiency categories: its excellent rolling resistance, low cabin noise, and superb ride comfort set benchmarks in refinement. For drivers who value quiet operation, fuel economy, and everyday comfort as much as winter security, the Alpin 7 is an excellent and mature choice — even if it doesn’t aim for outright sportiness.

The Nokian Snowproof 2 achieves a “Good” overall rating in test, maintaining the Finnish brand’s strong winter reputation. True to its Nordic roots, it performs very well on snow, particularly in braking and traction, where it demonstrates secure, stable, and predictable behavior. Its standout discipline, however, is aquaplaning resistance — both straight-line and lateral — where the Snowproof 2 sets a benchmark for safety in wet conditions. The main weaknesses appear in the more “summer-like” categories such as dry handling, wet cornering, and dry braking, where it cannot quite keep pace with top contenders like Continental. Still, the overall balance and emphasis on snow and rain security make it an excellent choice for drivers in regions with frequent winter precipitation who prioritize safety over sportiness.