225/50 R18 - Best winter tyres 2026 - market overview, tests, reviews

Best price in last 6 months Great price for a premium tyre

UltraGrip Performance+

225/50 R18 99 V .

£164

Upper-middle

Winterhawk 4

225/50 R18 99 V .

£115

Lowest price among well rated tyres.

WINTER SOTTOZERO Serie III

225/50 R18 99 H

£175

Upper-middle

Observe S944

225/50 R18 95 W

£138

UltraGrip Performance+

225/50 R18 99 V

£194

UltraGrip Performance+

225/50 R18 99 V

£204

WinterContact TS 860S

225/50 R18 99 V *

£204

Best tyres in tests (2026)

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Premium

UltraGrip Performance 3

'26#6

'25#1

'25#1

9.3

Price from

£164

Price from£164

Expert summary

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.

theTyre Lab.comRecommended#5 Winter tires 2026

Performance

Dry driving behavior

100%

Wet side guide

100%

Gravel traction

91%

+27

Interior noise

62%

Rolling resistance

58%

Price/value

53%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#6(-)

2025225/40 R18#1(Good)

2025215/55 R17#1(Exemplary)

2025245/45 R19#1(Highly recommended)

2025215/55 R17#2(Good)

2025225/45 R17#2(-)

2025275/35 R19#3(Very good)

2025225/40 R18#3(-)

2025235/50 R19#4(Good)

2025225/40 R18#5(Good)

Price variants (3)

225/50 R18 95 H R0

B C 71dB

£164

mytyres.co.uk

£164

In stock · Free shipping

225/50 R18 99 V XL EVR

B B 71dB

£184

mytyres.co.uk

£184

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£185

In stock · Free shipping

Premium

Winter

'26#8

'25#1

'25#2

7.5

Price from

£143

Price from£143

Performance

Snow traction

100%

Snow cornering

100%

Comfort

100%

+11

Interior noise

30%

Dry handling

26%

Aquaplaning - longitudal

23%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#8(-)

2025225/40 R18#1(-)

2025225/40 R18#2(Exemplary)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

B C 71dB

£143

mytyres.co.uk

£143

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£185

In stock · Free shipping

Premium

Alpin 7

'26#4

'25#1

'25#3

8.2

Price from

£188

Price from£188

Expert summary

Michelin has unveiled the ALPIN 7 winter tyre, featuring an advanced tread design with additional sipes and an evolving tread pattern to maintain traction as the tyre wears. The new model aims to enhance braking and acceleration on snowy and wet roads while improving overall efficiency for a variety of vehicles. Unlike the Alpin 6, which was considered a bit overpriced for its performance, the Alpin 7 is expected to offer better value and address concerns in upcoming winter tests.

Performance

Lateral guidance on snow

100%

Snow handling - objective

100%

Wet side guide

100%

+17

Aquaplaning - cross

55%

Interior noise

41%

Snow acceleration

33%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#4(-)

2025215/65 R17#1(Very good)

2025215/55 R17#3(Very good)

2025235/50 R19#3(Exemplary)

2025225/45 R17#4(-)

2025215/55 R17#5(Good)

2025215/55 R17#6(Good)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V XL

B C 71dB

£188

mytyres.co.uk

£188

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£227

In stock · Free shipping

Premium

Blizzak 6

'26#4

'25#1

'25#2

9.0

Price from

£147

Price from£147

Expert summary

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.

theTyre Lab.comRecommended#7 Winter tires 2026

Performance

Snow safety

100%

Lateral guidance on snow

96%

Gravel traction

91%

+26

Interior noise

49%

Dry braking

49%

Price/value

34%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#4(-)

2025235/50 R19#1(Test winner)

2025275/35 R19#2(Very good)

2025225/40 R18#3(Exemplary)

2025225/40 R18#3(Good)

2025225/45 R17#3(-)

2025215/55 R17#3(Good)

2025245/45 R19#4(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#6(-)

2025215/55 R17#6(Very good)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V XL Enliten / EV

B C 70dB

£147

mytyres.co.uk

£147

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£196

In stock · Free shipping

Premium

UltraGrip Performance+

'25#2

'23#3

9.0

Price from

£164

Price from£164

Expert summary

A typical premium tyre - very well balanced, great on all surfaces with low rolling resistance. Proven by many tests.

theTyre Lab.comRecommended#8 Winter tires 2026

Performance

Fuel efficiency

100%

Snow handling - objective

95%

Aquaplaning - cross

91%

+22

Price/value

53%

Dry handling

52%

Dry lane changing

51%

Test results

2025215/55 R17#2(Outstanding)

2023225/45 R17#3(Good)

2023205/60 R16#3(Good)

2022215/60 R16#3(Good)

2022215/55 R17#3(Exemplary)

2022215/55 R17#4(-)

2021235/55 R18#1(Exemplary)

2021225/50 R17#3(Good)

2021225/45 R17#3(-)

2021225/40 R18#5(-)

Price variants (3)

225/50 R18 99 V

B C 72dB

£204

mytyres.co.uk

£204

In stock · Free shipping

225/50 R18 99 V £194

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£194

In stock · Free shipping

225/50 R18 99 V runflat

C D 72dB

£164

mytyres.co.uk

£164

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£229

In stock · Free shipping

Premium

WinterContact TS 870 P

'25#1

9.4

Price from

£186

Price from£186

Expert summary

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.

theTyre Lab.comRecommended#4 Winter tires 2026

Performance

Dry handling - objective

93%

Rolling resistance

92%

Mud traction

91%

+26

Gravel traction

46%

Sand traction

46%

Price/value

Test results

2025215/55 R17#1(Good)

2025215/55 R17#1(Outstanding)

2025235/50 R19#1(Exemplary)

2025215/55 R17#3(Exemplary)

2025245/45 R19#5(Highly recommended)

2025225/40 R18#6(Good)

2025225/40 R18#7(Good)

2025225/40 R18#13(-)

2024215/55 R17#2(Highly recommended)

2024235/55 R18#2(Very good)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V BSW XL

B C 71dB

£186

mytyres.co.uk

£186

In stock · Free shipping

Premium

Winter Sport 5

'25#4

'24#2

'24#4

8.6

Price from

£220

Price from£220

Expert summary

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.

#14

theTyre Lab.comRecommended#14 Winter tires 2026

Performance

Snow handling - objective

100%

Ice braking

85%

Safety

85%

+19

Exterior noise

35%

Dry handling - objective

29%

Snow acceleration

14%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#4(Good)

2024215/55 R17#2(Good)

2024235/35 R19#4(Exemplary)

2024205/55 R16#5(Satisfactory)

2024205/55 R16#7(Good)

2024205/55 R16#11(-)

2023205/60 R16#1(Good)

2023225/45 R17#4(Good)

2023225/45 R18#7(Good)

2023225/45 R18#15(-)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

C B 72dB

£220

mytyres.co.uk

£220

In stock · Free shipping

Budget

Polaris 6

'25#2

'25#9

'25#10

8.3

Price from

£118

Price from£118

Expert summary

Barum unveils the Polaris 6, a budget-friendly winter tyre from the Czech Republic that adopts design elements from Continental’s TS series, including a V-shaped tread for better snow performance. The Polaris 6 improves on the Polaris 5 with enhanced durability, reduced rolling resistance, and quieter operation, while maintaining solid wet and dry performance. Priced about 20% higher, it leverages Continental’s technology to offer greater value and reliable winter traction for cost-conscious drivers.

Performance

Exterior noise

100%

Price/value

100%

Snow acceleration

100%

+12

Aquaplaning - cross

38%

Aquaplaning - longitudal

36%

Snow cornering

21%

Test results

2025215/65 R17#2(Good)

2025225/40 R18#9(Good)

2025225/40 R18#10(-)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

C C 72dB

£118

mytyres.co.uk

£118

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

Winter i*cept evo3 W330

'25#4

'25#5

'25#6

8.7

Price from

£150

Price from£150

Expert summary

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

#12

theTyre Lab.comRecommended#12 Winter tires 2026

Performance

Aquaplaning - cross

96%

Gravel traction

91%

Snow handling - objective

90%

+19

Wet handling - objective

50%

Dry steering response

41%

Exterior noise

13%

Test results

2025275/35 R19#4(Very good)

2025225/40 R18#5(Good)

2025225/40 R18#6(Good)

2025225/40 R18#14(-)

2024235/35 R19#4(Recommended)

2024245/45 R18#5(Exemplary)

2024235/35 R19#6(Good)

2023225/40 R18#4(Exemplary)

2023225/45 R18#4(Highly recommended)

2023225/45 R18#6(Good)

Price variants (2)

225/50 R18 99 V

B C 72dB

£150

mytyres.co.uk

£150

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£165

In stock · Free shipping

225/50 R18 99 V

B C 72dB

£166

mytyres.co.uk

£166

In stock · Free shipping

Premium

Cinturato Winter 3

'26#2

'25#9

8.0

Price from

£190

Price from£190

Performance

Wet handling

100%

Aquaplaning - longitudal

100%

Snow handling

90%

Interior noise

60%

Snow braking

40%

Dry handling

30%

Test results

2026205/55 R16#2(-)

2025225/40 R18#9(-)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

A B 72dB

£190

mytyres.co.uk

£190

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£217

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

WinterExpert

'25#5

'25#8

'25#12

8.1

Price from

£132

Price from£132

Expert summary

Very good traction on snow for a nice price in a wide range of dimensions. Could use shorter braking distance on dry and better traction on the wet.

Performance

Rolling resistance

93%

Dry handling - objective

86%

Ice braking

78%

+21

Safety

19%

Wet side guide

Wet handling - objective

Test results

2025225/40 R18#5(-)

2025225/40 R18#8(Good)

2025225/40 R18#12(Satisfactory)

2024205/55 R16#7(-)

2024205/55 R16#9(Good)

2023225/45 R18#11(-)

2023225/45 R18#12(Satisfactory)

2023205/60 R16#14(Satisfactory)

2022245/45 R19#7(Sufficient)

2022215/60 R16#14(Satisfactory)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V mfs XL £132

mytyres.co.uk

£132

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£161

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

WR Snowproof P

'25#8

'22#4

'22#13

7.5

Price from

£169

Price from£169

Performance

Rolling resistance

96%

Dry braking

92%

Exterior noise

89%

+16

Wet safety

14%

Aquaplaning - cross

Aquaplaning - longitudal

Test results

2025225/40 R18#8(Satisfactory)

2022225/45 R17#4(Recommended for economical driving)

2022215/55 R17#13(-)

2022215/55 R17#18(Satisfactory)

2021225/45 R17#5(-)

2021225/40 R18#7(-)

2021225/50 R17#13(Satisfactory)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

B C 70dB

£169

mytyres.co.uk

£169

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£183

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

Krisalp HP3

'25#7

'25#12

'25#14

8.0

Price from

£134

Price from£134

Expert summary

Old but gold, that is how we can pretty much describe the Krisalp HP3. It's a winter tyre that is great on snow for a good price, which is what the average driver is looking for. It's not a premium tyre, but you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Performance

Snow braking

96%

Ice lateral guidance

90%

Snow traction

88%

+19

Dry handling

31%

Dry handling - objective

25%

Wet handling - objective

13%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#7(Satisfactory)

2025225/40 R18#12(-)

2025225/40 R18#14(Satisfactory)

2024205/55 R16#8(Good)

2024205/55 R16#16(-)

2023225/45 R18#4(-)

2023205/60 R16#10(Satisfactory)

2023225/45 R18#11(Satisfactory)

2022215/60 R16#7(Satisfactory)

2022225/45 R17#8(-)

Price variants (2)

225/50 R18 99 H £134

mytyres.co.uk

£134

In stock · Free shipping

225/50 R18 99 V £161

mytyres.co.uk

£161

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£171

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

Eurowinter HS02 Pro

'25#9

'25#20

6.6

Price from

£130

Price from£130

Expert summary

EuroWinter HS02 is very good and quite sporty on dry and wet, but lacks some performance on the snow which is the reason for the not so good test results. Weaknesses in aquaplaning and rolling resistance doesn't help either.

Performance

Dry braking

74%

Wet handling - objective

68%

Exterior noise

68%

+20

Gravel traction

18%

Mud traction

18%

Snow handling - objective

Test results

2025215/55 R17#9(Good)

2025235/50 R19#9(Sufficient)

2025225/40 R18#20(Satisfactory)

2025225/40 R18#20(-)

2024235/55 R18#8(Good)

2024245/45 R18#10(Satisfactory)

2023255/45 R20#7(Satisfactory)

2023225/60 R18#7(Satisfactory)

2023225/40 R18#9(Satisfactory)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

B D 68dB

£130

mytyres.co.uk

£130

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

G-FORCE WINTER 2

'25#11

'25#12

'24#10

8.2

Price from

£159

Price from£159

Expert summary

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.

Performance

Lateral guidance on snow

100%

Snow handling - objective

100%

Snow braking

100%

+23

Dry lane changing

39%

Dry handling

35%

Wet handling - objective

22%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#11(-)

2025225/40 R18#12(Good)

2024205/55 R16#10(Good)

2024205/55 R16#13(-)

2023225/45 R18#4(Good)

2023225/45 R18#5(-)

2023205/60 R16#8(Satisfactory)

2022185/65 R15#5(Satisfactory)

2022215/55 R17#6(-)

2022215/55 R17#9(Good)

Price variants (2)

225/50 R18 99 H XL£159

mytyres.co.uk

£159

In stock · Free shipping

225/50 R18 99 V XL£161

mytyres.co.uk

£161

In stock · Free shipping

Budget

Speed-Grip 5

'25#11

'25#14

'25#15

8.0

Price from

£148

Price from£148

Expert summary

We really like the new Speed-Grip 5 - it's not expensive, it's very good on snow and on top of that, it's got very low rolling resistance. What it lacks compared to the premium tyres is better wet performance, but given it's price it's definitely recommendable.

Performance

Interior noise

100%

Dry handling - objective

88%

Aquaplaning - cross

84%

+17

Wet handling

36%

Wet handling - objective

25%

Snow handling - objective

25%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#11(Good)

2025225/40 R18#14(Satisfactory)

2025225/40 R18#15(-)

2024205/55 R16#3(Exemplary)

2024215/55 R17#4(Satisfactory)

2024205/55 R16#6(-)

2023225/45 R17#6(Satisfactory)

2023225/45 R18#16(Satisfactory)

2023225/45 R18#19(-)

2022185/65 R15#3(Good)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

C C 72dB

£148

mytyres.co.uk

£148

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£183

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

Winterhawk 4

'25#7

'25#16

'25#18

6.3

Price from

£115

Price from£115

Expert summary

The Winterhawk 4 is a tyre with mixed ratings as there are tests where the tyre was not recommended. Common criticisms include longer braking distances and significant understeer

Performance

Lateral guidance on snow

95%

Ice braking

92%

Ice lateral guidance

82%

+24

Safety

19%

Dry braking

15%

Dry lane changing

14%

Test results

2025225/40 R18#7(-)

2025225/40 R18#16(Satisfactory)

2025225/40 R18#18(Sufficient)

2024205/55 R16#10(-)

2024215/55 R17#10(Satisfactory)

2024205/55 R16#18(Satisfactory)

2023225/45 R18#6(-)

2023205/60 R16#7(Good)

2023225/60 R18#9(Not recommended)

2023225/45 R18#20(Not recommended)

Price variants (1)

225/50 R18 99 V

B C 71dB

£115

mytyres.co.uk

£115

In stock · Free shipping

Upper-middle

BluEarth Winter V906

'25#8

'25#28

'24#8

5.5

Price from

£109

Price from£109

Performance

Dry lane changing

89%

Dry handling

86%

Comfort

82%

+20

Snow traction

14%

Snow safety

11%

Lateral guidance on snow

Test results

2025245/45 R19#8(-)

2025225/40 R18#28(-)

2024215/55 R17#8(Satisfactory)

2024205/55 R16#19(-)

2024205/55 R16#20(Satisfactory)

Price variants (2)

225/50 R18 95 V

B D 71dB

£109

mytyres.co.uk

£109

In stock · Free shipping

225/50 R18 99 V

B D 71dB

£115

mytyres.co.uk

£115

In stock · Free shipping

tyres-pneus-online.co.uk

£165

In stock · Free shipping