Barum Polaris 6 vs Bridgestone Blizzak 6
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 6
- TR Score
- 9.4/10
- Owners say
- 88% · 9
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Blizzak 6 finished ahead 4 times and the Polaris 6 not once. The Polaris 6 was 2 dB quieter; the Blizzak 6 lasted 10.1% longer in the wear tests.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 if dry-road response, aquaplaning resistance and projected life matter most. Choose the Barum Polaris 6 if lower cost per kilometer and pass-by noise matter more, with snow braking that stayed close in both years.
Where the Polaris 6 is stronger
- Barum Polaris 6: lower pass-by noise in both Auto Bild full tests.
- Barum Polaris 6: lower cost per 1,000 km in both full tests.
- Barum Polaris 6: snow braking close to Bridgestone in both years.
Where the Blizzak 6 is stronger
- Bridgestone Blizzak 6: stronger dry braking and handling in both full tests.
- Bridgestone Blizzak 6: better aquaplaning results in both full tests.
- Bridgestone Blizzak 6: higher projected mileage in both full tests.
Conclusion
Bridgestone finished five places ahead of Barum in both Auto Bild full winter tests. Its dry braking distances were about 2% shorter in 2025 and 4% shorter in 2026, and it was faster in dry handling both times. The more substantial repeated difference was in aquaplaning: Bridgestone recorded about 16% to 17% more grip in the curved test in each year. Its straight-line advantage was about 7% in 2025 and 2% in 2026. Wet braking was much closer. The tires were virtually level in the 2025 full test and its braking test; Bridgestone's lead in the 2026 full test was still under 2%. Wet handling was also nearly level in 2025, but Bridgestone was about 5% faster in 2026.
Snow braking gives neither tire a consistent advantage. Bridgestone stopped about 0.2 meters shorter in 2025, while Barum stopped about 0.3 meters shorter in 2026. The separate braking tests recorded those same close snow results. Snow handling was close in the full tests, and the slalom lead changed hands. Barum had lower pass-by noise in both full tests and a lower cost per 1,000 km, by about a quarter in 2025 and a fifth in 2026. Bridgestone's projected mileage was higher both times, particularly in 2025, when the gap was nearly 8,000 km. Rolling resistance reversed: Barum's was about 9% lower in 2025, but Bridgestone's was about 13% lower in 2026. Neither has a consistent lead on that measure.
Bridgestone is the stronger choice for drivers who prioritize dry handling, aquaplaning resistance and projected tire life, though its wet stopping advantage is often small and it was louder in both full tests. Barum suits drivers who place more weight on lower cost per kilometer, lower pass-by noise and competitive snow braking, while accepting weaker aquaplaning results and the wet-handling gap seen in 2026.
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.
Polaris 6 vs Blizzak 6 at a glance
| Category | Polaris 6 | Gap | Blizzak 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 0 | 4 | |
| Dry4 measurements | 0 | The Blizzak 6 stopped 3% shorter in the dry (2 tests) | 4 |
| Wet12 measurements | 0 | The Blizzak 6 held 16.5% more grip in curved aquaplaning (2 tests) | 12 |
| Snow10 measurements | 3 | The Blizzak 6 averaged a 0.5% higher speed on the snow handling course (2 tests) | 6 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 2 | The Polaris 6 was 2 dB quieter (2 tests) | 1 |
| Value4 measurements | 1 | The Blizzak 6 lasted 10.1% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 3 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The Blizzak 6 by 0.8 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 9 reviews | 81% | The Blizzak 6 by 7 points | 88% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 60% | The Blizzak 6 by 15 points | 75% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Blizzak 6 was dearer in 3 of 3 | +31.7% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 92 | 71 sizes made in both | 193 |
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 4 tests, 2025 to 2026
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 | Polaris 6 | Field | Blizzak 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P10 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P7 of 50 | P5 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P3 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P10 of 51 | P6 of 51 |
Performance profile
15 measurements from the 4 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Polaris 6
Blizzak 6
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.
Where each scores higher
Polaris 6
Blizzak 6
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
Polaris 6
Blizzak 6
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the Blizzak 6 88% from 9. 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 | Polaris 6 | Gap | Blizzak 6 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | 3% | 148 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 69.7 | 1.8% | 70.9 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 154 | 0.9% | 152 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 49.4 | 2.7% | 50.7 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.76 | 2.1% | 12.49 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 50 | 4.6% | 52.1 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 7.3 | 16.5% | 8.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 94 | 0.2% | 94 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 853 | 1.5% | 869 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 35.4 | 0.5% | 35.6 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 10.2 | 1.5% | 10.3 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.2% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 68.15 | 2 dB | 70.15 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 29,841 | 10.1% | 32,731 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.22 | 2% | 8.05 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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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 Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the Blizzak 6 9.4 out of 10.
| Polaris 6 | Category | Blizzak 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Dry | 84 | ||
| 61 | Wet | 92 | ||
| 87 | Comfort | 49 | ||
| 77 | Value | 67 | ||
| 80 | Snow | 74 | ||
| 79 | Ice | 61 | ||
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
| Polaris 6 | Category | Blizzak 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 9.2 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 9.2 | ||
| 8.5 | Road Feedback | 8.7 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 8.9 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.6 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 8 | Ice Grip | 9.1 | ||
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the Blizzak 6 88% from 9. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Barum Polaris 6
- 81%from 6 reviews
- 60%would buy again
- 21,100 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report that the Barum Polaris 6 offers excellent value, with notably low noise levels and a very comfortable, smooth ride. High-scoring reviews also praise its generally confident on-road behavior and good overall performance for the price. A recurring minority concern is a very soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence compared with firmer, sportier tires.
- very quiet/low road noise
- comfortable, smooth ride quality
- strong value for money/affordability
- generally stable and precise enough in normal driving
- soft, wobbly/bouncy feel that can reduce confidence
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 6 Polaris 6 reviewsThis year I decided to replace my original Michelin CrossClimates in the front axel, since the CCs started to crack at the edges, as many have reported. I also wanted a more winter biased tire, since I live in a Nordic country. I chose BP 6 after reading many reviews and because they seemed to have a good price/performance ratio. I haven't had a chance to drive a lot, so I can't give a very detailed analyzes. My first impressions are pretty good. There is more grip on snow and ice compared to CC. However the tire is softer than CC, but also wierdly bouncier. Since I drive a rear driven car, I don't feel comfortable inflating fronts more, than rears, but this is something I am considering in order to make the tire more drivable.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6
- 88%from 9 reviews
- 75%would buy again
- 75,369 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers report the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 delivers excellent winter performance, with strong grip on snow and ice and confident climbing and cornering in cold, mountain conditions. Multiple reviewers describe it as very stable and among the best winter tires they've used. Overall sentiment is strongly positive across all reviews.
- Strong grip on snow and ice
- Confident traction in cold/mountain conditions
- Stable, secure feel
- High overall satisfaction as a winter tire
Summarised by AI from 5 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 9 Blizzak 6 reviewsI might be one of the first people to buy Bridgestone winter tires and I've never regretted it. I used them for 2 years, and now I'm thinking of switching to all-season tires, so I'll be looking for other options. After 40,000 km, the insides of the rear tires wore out; I think it's related to the alignment and balance, so I'll be replacing them.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 92 sizes of the Polaris 6 and 193 of the Blizzak 6, 71 of them made in both.
| Category | Polaris 6 | Blizzak 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 92 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 193 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 71 sizes 185/55 R16195/45 R16195/50 R16195/55 R16195/60 R16205/55 R16205/60 R16205/65 R16215/55 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16215/70 R16and 59 more | |
| EU label wet grip | C89%D11% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C50%D35%B16% | C75%B25% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 70-75 dB B87%A13% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 109 of 109 | 275 of 275 |
| Replaced | - | Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 (2019) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Blizzak 6 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 31.7% 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.
Four independent Auto Bild tests put the Barum Polaris 6 and Bridgestone Blizzak 6 side by side: the 2025 and 2026 winter tire tests and their corresponding winter braking tests. Bridgestone placed ahead in all four, including third against eighth in the 2025 full test and joint fifth against tenth in 2026. The braking tests cover wet and snow stopping, while the full tests assess a wider range of performance.
Bridgestone's clearest repeated advantages are dry-road performance and aquaplaning resistance. It also has higher projected mileage in both full tests. Barum is quieter in both, costs less per 1,000 km and remains close on snow braking. Wet stopping was almost identical in 2025, and snow results were generally close, so the overall placings do not imply a large gap in every condition. The tests used 225/40 R18 tires in 2025 and 245/45 R19 tires in 2026.
Polaris 6 vs Blizzak 6: your questions
Is the Barum Polaris 6 or the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 finished ahead 4 times and the Polaris 6 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the Blizzak 6 9.4 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Polaris 6 or the Blizzak 6?
The Blizzak 6 led 12 of the 12 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 16.5% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Blizzak 6 led 4 of the 4 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 3% shorter in the dry across 2 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Blizzak 6 led 6 of the 10 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it averaged a 0.5% higher speed on the snow handling course across 2 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Blizzak 6 lasted 10.1% longer in the wear tests (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.3/10 for the Blizzak 6.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Polaris 6 was 2 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.6/10 for the Blizzak 6.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the Blizzak 6 88% from 9. 60% of Polaris 6 owners would buy it again, against 75% for the Blizzak 6.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Blizzak 6 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 31.7% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Polaris 6 is made in 92 sizes (14 to 20 inch) and the Blizzak 6 in 193 (16 to 22 inch). 71 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Polaris 6 is graded C for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Blizzak 6 B and C.
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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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