Barum Polaris 6 vs Kleber Krisalp HP3
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 81% · 6
- TR Score
- 8.1/10
- Owners say
- 84% · 36
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Barum Polaris 6 finished ahead 2 times and the Krisalp HP3 once, with one level. The Polaris 6 stopped 1.9% shorter in the wet; the Krisalp HP3 held 18.2% more grip in curved aquaplaning.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Barum Polaris 6 for mixed winter climates, frequent wet roads, budget and fuel efficiency. Kleber Krisalp HP3 for drivers in snowy/mountain regions who prioritize maximum snow braking and traction over dry/wet stopping distances and cost.
Where the Polaris 6 is stronger
- Consistently shorter dry and wet braking (e.g., -3% wet vs Kleber in both tests)
- Lowest rolling resistance in the pair (~11% better), aiding fuel economy
- Quieter and more comfortable ride (65.2 dB; higher comfort score)
Where the Krisalp HP3 is stronger
- Top-tier snow braking (up to 3.9% shorter) and excellent traction
- Better snow handling and slalom agility
- Superior aquaplaning resistance (straight +7.7%, curved +19%)
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 Krisalp HP3 at a glance
| Category | Polaris 6 | Gap | Krisalp HP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won4 shared tests | 2 | 1 level | 1 |
| Dry4 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Wet12 measurements | 4 | The Krisalp HP3 held 18.2% more grip in curved aquaplaning (2 tests) | 8 |
| Snow10 measurements | 1 | The Krisalp HP3 stopped 2.1% shorter on snow (4 tests) | 9 |
| Comfort4 measurements | 4 | The Polaris 6 was 1.4 dB quieter (2 tests) | 0 |
| Value4 measurements | 1 | The Krisalp HP3 lasted 3.2% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 2 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 8.6/10 | The Polaris 6 by 0.5 | 8.1/10 |
| Owner rating6 and 36 reviews | 81% | The Krisalp HP3 by 3 points | 84% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 60% | The Krisalp HP3 by 11 points | 71% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Krisalp HP3 was dearer in 3 of 3 | +17.3% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 92 | 62 sizes made in both | 75 |
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 | Krisalp HP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test | P10 of 20 | P5 of 20 | |
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P7 of 50 | P7 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P8 of 20 | P14 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P10 of 51 | P12 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
Krisalp HP3
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 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow.
Where each scores higher
Polaris 6
Krisalp HP3
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
Krisalp HP3
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 84% from 36. 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 | Krisalp HP3 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | 1.1% | 151 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 69.7 | 0.3% | 69.5 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 154 | 1.9% | 157 | 4-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 49.4 | 0.3% | 49.5 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 12.76 | 1.1% | 12.61 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 50 | 6.2% | 53 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 7.3 | 18.2% | 8.7 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 94 | 2.1% | 92 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 853 | 5.5% | 899 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 35.4 | 2.2% | 36.2 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 10.2 | 4.7% | 10.6 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 5.7% | scored | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 68.15 | 1.4 dB | 69.5 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 29,841 | 3.2% | 30,867 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||
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| 8.22 | 1.3% | 8.34 | 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 Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.
| Polaris 6 | Category | Krisalp HP3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Dry | 34 | ||
| 61 | Wet | 72 | ||
| 87 | Comfort | 55 | ||
| 77 | Value | 51 | ||
| 80 | Snow | 90 | ||
| 79 | Ice | 20 | ||
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 | Krisalp HP3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.5 | Wet Grip | 8.5 | ||
| 8.5 | Road Feedback | 8.2 | ||
| 8.5 | Handling | 8.1 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.4 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 8 | Ice Grip | 8 | ||
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 84% from 36. 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.
Kleber Krisalp HP3
- 84%from 36 reviews
- 71%would buy again
- 459,168 milesdriven by reviewers
Most drivers rate the Kleber Krisalp HP3 highly, praising its strong snow and wet performance, low noise/comfort for a winter tire, and decent wear/value. Dry grip and handling precision are adequate for normal driving but can feel soft with noticeable understeer if pushed; several users report a 'jelly/boat-like' feel. A minority mention noise at certain speeds, vibration/manufacturing issues in specific batches, and weaker performance on ice or slush at higher speeds. Overall sentiment is positive with safety and winter capability as standout strengths.
- snow traction and braking
- wet grip and aquaplaning resistance
- low noise/comfort for a winter tire
- good wear and value
- soft sidewalls/boat-like feel; weak handling precision when pushed
- dry grip/cornering weaker vs summer tires
- ice/slush performance can be limited at higher speeds
Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 36 Krisalp HP3 reviewsGreat snow and ice grip, much better than any winter tire i had before.
Good durability as well. Dry grip is fine, wet grip not as much and must be kept in mind. Not very noisy for a winter tire either. Would buy again if they are on discount.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 92 sizes of the Polaris 6 and 75 of the Krisalp HP3, 62 of them made in both.
| Category | Polaris 6 | Krisalp HP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 92 sizes, 14 to 20 inch | 75 sizes, 14 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 62 sizes 155/65 R14165/65 R14165/70 R14175/65 R14175/70 R14185/60 R14185/65 R14185/70 R14165/65 R15175/65 R15185/55 R15185/60 R15and 50 more | |
| EU label wet grip | C89%D11% | B90%C10% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C50%D35%B16% | D50%C48%B2% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 68-71 dB A81%B19% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 109 of 109 | 112 of 112 |
| On the market since | - | 2016 |
| Replaced | - | Kleber Krisalp HP2 (2013) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Krisalp HP3 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 17.3% 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 budget-friendly Central-European winter touring tires with distinct philosophies: Barum's Polaris 6 (from the Continental family) versus Kleber's Krisalp HP3 (a Michelin secondary brand). Tested in 225/40 R18 across Autobild's full winter program and an independent braking comparison, they share value positioning but diverge strongly in surface specialism.
Across the two shared tests, the Barum consistently ranks higher overall (8/22 vs 14/22; 10/52 vs 12/52), driven by better dry and wet braking, lower noise, and class-leading rolling resistance. The Kleber counters with standout snow performance-shortest snow braking in both datasets and superior traction and agility on packed snow-while giving up time and distance on dry and wet tarmac and aquaplaning.
Conclusion
The Barum Polaris 6 is the better all-round winter choice for mixed Central-European conditions: shorter dry and wet braking (e.g., -3% wet in both tests), calmer noise, and a major efficiency edge (≈11% lower rolling resistance) that compounds its lower purchase price (~€380/set vs ~€500). Its only notable weakness is average wet handling versus class leaders, but it remains safely within acceptable margins.
The Kleber Krisalp HP3 is the snow specialist: best-in-group snow braking (up to 3.9% shorter), stronger traction, and better snow agility. However, these strengths come with compromises-longer dry braking, weaker wet braking, and notably poorer aquaplaning reserves-plus a higher price that undercuts its value for mixed climates. Choose Kleber for mountainous or consistently snowy regions; choose Barum for varied winter weather, urban commuting, and fuel-conscious drivers.
Polaris 6 vs Krisalp HP3: your questions
Is the Barum Polaris 6 or the Kleber Krisalp HP3 the better tire?
In the 4 independent tests that ran both tires, the Barum Polaris 6 finished ahead 2 times and the Krisalp HP3 once, with one level. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Polaris 6 scores 8.6 and the Krisalp HP3 8.1 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Polaris 6 or the Krisalp HP3?
The Krisalp HP3 led 8 of the 12 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it held 18.2% more grip in curved aquaplaning across 2 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
Across the shared tests the dry measurements are split 2-2 between the Polaris 6 and the Krisalp HP3.
Which is better in snow?
The Krisalp HP3 led 9 of the 10 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.1% shorter on snow across 4 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Krisalp HP3 lasted 3.2% longer in the wear tests (2 tests). Owners rate wear 9/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.4/10 for the Krisalp HP3.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Polaris 6 was 1.4 dB quieter (2 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the Polaris 6 and 8.8/10 for the Krisalp HP3.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Polaris 6 81% from 6 reviews and the Krisalp HP3 84% from 36. 60% of Polaris 6 owners would buy it again, against 71% for the Krisalp HP3.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Krisalp HP3 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 17.3% 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 Krisalp HP3 in 75 (14 to 20 inch). 62 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 Krisalp HP3 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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