Michelin Alpin 6 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- TR Score
- 9.1/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 35
- TR Score
- 9.0/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 30
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Alpin 6 finished ahead 11 times and the Wintrac Pro twice, with one level. The Alpin 6 lasted 28.4% longer in the wear tests; the Wintrac Pro was 0.5 dB quieter.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Alpin 6 for cold, wet and snowy climates where safety margins, durability and running costs matter most. Choose Vredestein Wintrac Pro if you drive mostly on cold, dry or damp roads, value sharper steering feel and lower noise, and want a lower upfront price.
Where the Alpin 6 is stronger
- Outstanding wet braking and aquaplaning resistance (often 5-8% gains in wet stop/aqua tests)
- Very high mileage and low wear (20-35% advantage in multiple tests)
- Balanced, confidence-inspiring snow traction/handling
Where the Wintrac Pro is stronger
- Sportier dry dynamics and frequent wins in dry handling/braking
- Lower purchase price and typically quieter pass-by noise
- Good subjective feel in the dry and sometimes the wet
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Alpin 6 vs Wintrac Pro at a glance
| Category | Alpin 6 | Gap | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won14 shared tests | 11 | 1 level | 2 |
| Dry18 measurements | 7 | The Wintrac Pro lapped the dry handling course 0.5% faster (3 tests) | 10 |
| Wet34 measurements | 21 | The Alpin 6 stopped 1.4% shorter in the wet (10 tests) | 12 |
| Snow28 measurements | 16 | The Alpin 6 lapped the snow handling course 1.2% faster (3 tests) | 11 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort11 measurements | 4 | The Wintrac Pro was 0.5 dB quieter (8 tests) | 6 |
| Value12 measurements | 10 | The Alpin 6 lasted 28.4% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 1 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.1/10 | The Alpin 6 by 0.1 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner rating35 and 30 reviews | 85% | The Wintrac Pro by 2 points | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 76% | The Wintrac Pro by 17 points | 93% |
| Pricein the 8 tests that listed prices | +27.3% | The Alpin 6 was dearer in 8 of 8 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 42 | 15 sizes made in both | 119 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 14 tests, 2019 to 2024
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Alpin 6 | Field | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test | P6 of 10 | P7 of 10 | |
| 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test | P2 of 15 | P5 of 15 | |
| 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P1 of 20 | P12 of 20 | |
| 2022 Winter Tire Market Overview | P3 of 56 | P20 of 56 | |
| 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test | P7 of 9 | P6 of 9 | |
| 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test | P3 of 8 | P5 of 8 | |
| 2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test | P1 of 18 | P5 of 18 | |
| The Best Winter Tires for 2020 | P2 of 19 | P4 of 19 | |
| 2020 ACE Winter Tire Test | P5 of 9 | P8 of 9 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test | P3 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2019 Auto Express Winter Tire Test | P3 of 12 | P5 of 12 | |
| 2019 Auto Bild Winter 17 inch Tire Test | P3 of 20 | P6 of 20 | |
| 2019 Winter Tire Test Market Overview | P3 of 53 | P6 of 53 | |
| 2019 AMS Winter SUV Tire Test | P5 of 11 | P3 of 11 |
Performance profile
20 measurements from the 14 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Alpin 6
Wintrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 6 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Alpin 6
Wintrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Alpin 6
Wintrac Pro
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Alpin 6 85% from 35 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Alpin 6 | Gap | Wintrac Pro | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143 | 0.1% | 143 | 3-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.13 | 0.5% | 72.77 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 64.4 | 0.2% | 64.5 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.9% | scored | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 132 | 1.4% | 134 | 7-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 93.57 | 0.4% | 93.17 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.2 | 0.7% | 47.6 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 12.3% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.52 | 0.6% | 12.44 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 47.4 | 2.8% | 46.2 | 6-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.1 | 8% | 11.9 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 81 | = | 81 | 4-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.1 | 5.6% | 5.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 502 | 2% | 496 | 4-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 88.27 | 1.2% | 89.63 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.6 | 0.2% | 36.6 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 15.9% | scored | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 15.1 | 0.4% | 15.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.1 | = | 12.1 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65 | 1% | 64 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 7.9% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.98 | 0.5 dB | 71.53 | 2-6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 31,728 | 28.4% | 24,894 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.4 | 3.7% | 8.73 | 6-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | = | 5.8 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | 13.4% | 64.7 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Alpin 6 scores 9.1 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
| Alpin 6 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | Dry | 67 | ||
| 88 | Wet | 86 | ||
| 56 | Comfort | 33 | ||
| 67 | Value | 29 | ||
| 59 | Snow | 58 | ||
| 43 | Ice | 67 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Alpin 6 | Category | Wintrac Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.9 | Dry Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 9.1 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 8.5 | Road Feedback | 8.5 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 8.2 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 8.7 | ||
| 9 | Comfort | 8.7 | ||
| 8.1 | Snow Grip | 8.8 | ||
| 7.3 | Ice Grip | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Alpin 6 85% from 35 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Michelin Alpin 6
- 85%from 35 reviews
- 76%would buy again
- 257,110 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 30 reviews, the Michelin Alpin 6 is most often praised for strong dry and especially wet-road grip, high comfort, and generally low noise, with many drivers highlighting excellent longevity and slow wear over multiple seasons. Most users describe it as a confidence-inspiring winter tire for cold, wet, and highway driving. The main recurring complaint is that snow and ice performance can be only average (and for some, notably weak in braking/traction and lateral stability), making it feel better suited to mild winters than frequent deep-snow conditions.
- Strong wet grip and wet-road stability (including aquaplaning resistance)
- Good dry/cold grip and confident roadholding
- High comfort/ride quality
- Long tread life / excellent wear resistance
- Mixed to weak snow/ice performance for a notable share of drivers (traction/braking/lateral stability), better suited to mild-winter conditions
Summarised by AI from 30 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 35 Alpin 6 reviewsAfter 6 years and ~37.000km of use, the tire still looks good, has a usable tread left. From the beginning till now it performance excellent in dry and wet conditions. Yesterday I've covert 300km of motorway in a very strong storm and they felt really good on a tarmac that was soaked.
On the other hand, the tire really disappointed on snow covered roads. We live in the mountains and when the roads are covered with snow, the tire loses traction very easily uphill.
So, the tire is really great if you live in areas that don't see a lot of snow.
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- 87%from 30 reviews
- 93%would buy again
- 226,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a highly confidence-inspiring winter tire with standout wet-road grip and surprisingly sporty, summer-like steering feel and stability in cold dry conditions. Most users also praise strong traction and braking in snow/slush, along with good comfort, low noise for the category, and impressive tread life/value over multiple seasons. A smaller subset note higher fuel consumption/rolling resistance and that the tire can need some warm-up or a short bedding-in period to deliver its best grip.
- Strong wet grip and braking (good aquaplaning resistance)
- Stable, predictable handling with good steering feedback (sporty/summer-like feel)
- Very capable snow and slush traction and confidence
- Good comfort and generally quiet for a winter/UHP tire
- Higher fuel consumption / rolling resistance than some alternatives
- Needs some warm-up or short bedding-in to reach best grip
Summarised by AI from 28 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 30 Wintrac Pro reviewsVery good tires for winter. Used in upstate New York from November to April. Great grip even in -15 F. Started to get a little vague when it was dry around 65F.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 42 sizes of the Alpin 6 and 119 of the Wintrac Pro, 15 of them made in both.
| Category | Alpin 6 | Wintrac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 42 sizes, 15 to 20 inch | 119 sizes, 17 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 15 sizes 205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17205/60 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17and 3 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B100% | B98%A2%C1% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%D26% | D47%C46%E5%B1% |
| EU label noise | 69 dB A90%B10% | 70-74 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 72 of 72 | 253 of 253 |
| On the market since | 2018 | 2018 |
| Replaced | Michelin Alpin 5 (2014) | Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S (2015) |
| Awards | Winner: Best Winter Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Alpin 6 was the dearer tire in 8 of the 8 tests that listed prices, by 27.3% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head pits two very different winter philosophies against each other: the Michelin Alpin 6, a premium-touring winter tire engineered for consistency, longevity and safety margins, versus the Vredestein Wintrac Pro, an ultra-high-performance winter option targeting sharper handling and stronger driver engagement. Across 14 shared tests, the Alpin 6 amassed 11 overall wins to the Wintrac Pro's 2, signaling a clear trend in all-weather versatility and efficiency.
Yet the story isn't one-sided. The Wintrac Pro frequently challenges or beats the Michelin in dry dynamics and subjective feel, often runs quieter, and is consistently cheaper. Meanwhile, Michelin typically leads in wet braking and aquaplaning resistance, snow traction/handling stability, rolling resistance, and-crucially-wear and value retention. Buyers are essentially choosing between sportier feel and lower purchase price (Vredestein) and all-round safety, economy, and lifespan (Michelin).
Conclusion
Patterns across multiple tests are clear: Michelin's Alpin 6 delivers the more rounded winter package, especially in safety-critical metrics. It reliably stops shorter in the wet, resists aquaplaning better, offers stronger snow traction and balanced snow handling, and outlasts rivals with markedly lower wear-translating to better long-term value despite a higher upfront price. Its rolling resistance is usually lower too, aiding fuel economy. Where it can lag is sporty precision on dry roads and cabin quietness.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro appeals to drivers who want a winter tire that still feels alert and composed on dry roads, often with shorter dry stops, good wet subjective feel in some tests, and notably lower noise and price. But it shows more variability in wet objective grip and aquaplaning, mixed snow performance, and higher rolling resistance and wear in key studies. For snow-reliant regions or safety-first commuting, pick the Alpin 6. For milder winters with mostly cold/damp roads and a tighter budget, the Wintrac Pro remains a compelling, sporty-leaning choice.
Alpin 6 vs Wintrac Pro: your questions
Is the Michelin Alpin 6 or the Vredestein Wintrac Pro the better tire?
In the 14 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Alpin 6 finished ahead 11 times and the Wintrac Pro twice, with one level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Alpin 6 scores 9.1 and the Wintrac Pro 9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Alpin 6 or the Wintrac Pro?
The Alpin 6 led 21 of the 34 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.4% shorter in the wet across 10 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Wintrac Pro led 10 of the 18 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it lapped the dry handling course 0.5% faster across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Alpin 6 led 16 of the 28 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it lapped the snow handling course 1.2% faster across 3 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Alpin 6 lasted 28.4% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) and had 3.7% lower rolling resistance (7 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the Alpin 6 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Wintrac Pro was 0.5 dB quieter (8 tests). Owners rate comfort 9/10 for the Alpin 6 and 8.7/10 for the Wintrac Pro.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Alpin 6 85% from 35 reviews and the Wintrac Pro 87% from 30. 76% of Alpin 6 owners would buy it again, against 93% for the Wintrac Pro.
Which is more expensive?
In the 8 tests that listed prices, the Alpin 6 was the dearer tire in 8 of them, by 27.3% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Alpin 6 is made in 42 sizes (15 to 20 inch) and the Wintrac Pro in 119 (17 to 22 inch). 15 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Alpin 6 is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Wintrac Pro B and D.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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