Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 7
- TR Score
- 9.3/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 33
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 89% · 11
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 5 times and the Alpin 7 not once. The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet; the Alpin 7 had 1.4% lower rolling resistance.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
For most drivers in wet, variable European winters, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the safer, more complete choice and the consistent test winner. Pick the Michelin Alpin 7 if you prioritize low rolling resistance/energy consumption (especially for EV use) and want strong snow braking/traction, while accepting more compromise in wet balance and (in several tests) aquaplaning security.
Where the WinterContact TS 870 P is stronger
- Consistently class-leading wet safety: wins wet braking 5/5 and is repeatedly quickest in wet handling, e.g., 28.99 m vs 29.36 m wet braking (205/55 R17) and 78.0 vs 74.3 km/h wet handling (Sport Auto 2026)
- Strong overall all-round performance and test consistency: 5/5 overall wins in shared tests (including multiple #1 finishes) and frequently top subjective marks for controllability
- Dry-road stopping power: wins dry braking 5/5 with notable gaps in some tests (e.g., 43.6 m vs 45.7 m in AMS 2025)
Where the Alpin 7 is stronger
- Very low rolling resistance / efficiency focus: wins rolling resistance in 4/5 shared tests and is repeatedly highlighted as the efficiency/EV-friendly choice
- Strong snow stop/go ability overall: wins snow braking 4/5 and snow traction 3/5 across shared tests (e.g., Autobild SUV 2025: 28.5 m vs 30.2 m snow braking; 2871.9 N vs 2785.2 N traction)
- Good steering feel and dry-road precision in several reports, including best-in-test subjective dry handling in the 205/55 R17 test (9.2 vs 8.2 points)
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.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Alpin 7 at a glance
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Alpin 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won5 shared tests | 5 | 0 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 9 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 2.8% shorter in the dry (5 tests) | 2 |
| Wet24 measurements | 19 | The WinterContact TS 870 P stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet (5 tests) | 4 |
| Snow19 measurements | 9 | Level between the two. | 9 |
| Comfort10 measurements | 6 | The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.5 dB quieter (4 tests) | 3 |
| Value5 measurements | 0 | The Alpin 7 had 1.4% lower rolling resistance (5 tests) | 4 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.3/10 | The Alpin 7 by 0.2 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating33 and 11 reviews | 85% | The Alpin 7 by 4 points | 89% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 83% | The Alpin 7 by 17 points | 100% |
| Pricein the 5 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Alpin 7 was dearer in 4 of 5 | +3.5% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 121 | 35 sizes made in both | 49 |
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 5 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Field | Alpin 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The BEST Winter Tires for 2026/27 | P2 of 9 | P4 of 9 | |
| 2026 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test | P1 of 9 | P5 of 9 | |
| 2025 Autobild SUV Winter Tire Test | P1 of 11 | P3 of 11 | |
| 2025 AMS Winter Tire Test | P1 of 10 | P3 of 10 | |
| 2025 Die Reifentester Winter Tire Test | P1 of 7 | P6 of 7 |
Performance profile
17 measurements from the 5 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
WinterContact TS 870 P
Alpin 7
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
WinterContact TS 870 P
Alpin 7
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
WinterContact TS 870 P
Alpin 7
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Alpin 7 89% from 11. 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 | WinterContact TS 870 P | Gap | Alpin 7 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 137 | 2.8% | 141 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 72 | 0.3% | 71.7 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 3.6% | scored | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 114 | 2.5% | 117 | 5-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 107.4 | 2% | 109.6 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46 | 2.1% | 45 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 13.8% | scored | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 17.3 | 2.1% | 17 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 15.6 | 1.3% | 15.4 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 50.5 | 2.2% | 49.5 | 3-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 65.4 | 7.3% | 63.5 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 81 | 0.8% | 81 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.24 | 1.3% | 5.17 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 388 | 1.4% | 404 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 76.93 | 1.6% | 78.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 53.5 | 1% | 53 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 7.6% | scored | 3-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.2 | 5.6% | 12.9 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.5 | 2.1% | 12.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 4.5% | scored | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 1.9% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 66.6 | 0.5 dB | 67.13 | 3-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7.4 | 1.4% | 7.3 | 0-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Alpin 7 9.5 out of 10.
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Alpin 7 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Dry | 78 | ||
| 92 | Wet | 82 | ||
| 77 | Comfort | 64 | ||
| 76 | Value | 85 | ||
| 73 | Snow | 77 | ||
| 30 | Ice | 84 | ||
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
| WinterContact TS 870 P | Category | Alpin 7 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.7 | ||
| 9 | Wet Grip | 8.9 | ||
| 8.1 | Road Feedback | 7.5 | ||
| 8.7 | Handling | 8.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Wear | 9.7 | ||
| 8.9 | Comfort | 9.4 | ||
| 8.7 | Snow Grip | 9.2 | ||
| 7.8 | Ice Grip | 7.3 | ||
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Alpin 7 89% from 11. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
- 85%from 33 reviews
- 83%would buy again
- 294,700 milesdriven by reviewers
Across 26 owner reviews averaging 85.8%, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is most consistently praised for strong, confidence-inspiring grip in both the wet and the dry, often paired with a notably quiet, comfortable ride. Many owners also report good longevity for a winter tire, with several noting healthy tread remaining after substantial mileage. Winter performance is generally rated as capable, but a meaningful minority (around two in five of those mentioning it) found snow traction lacking, and opinions are split on ice grip and steering feel; a small number also note it can feel softer when temperatures rise.
- Strong wet grip and confident wet cornering
- Strong dry grip with secure traction
- Noticeably quiet on the road
- Comfortable, supple ride quality
- Snow traction not as strong as expected for some drivers
- Ice grip is inconsistent depending on conditions
- Steering feel not the sharpest
Summarised by AI from 26 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 33 WinterContact TS 870 P reviewsI've driven the tires in the winter, but on roads devoid of snow and ice so I can't comment on that. They made me feel very secure, however, I have to say that they are far too sporty for my driving style and needs. They carry a lot of responsibility for my decision to buy the car, as they are very comfortable, quiet and make the car feel very surefooted and responsive in the dry and in the wet.
There is one gripe, though, they have absolutely no rim protection, so I blame them for all the scratching on my wheels. I would expect more from a tire of this class from a reputable brand, and, honestly, it is a strong enough reason (albeit the only one) for me not to buy them again. In every other aspect they are brilliant, they even equal summer tires in fuel consumption.
Michelin Alpin 7
- 89%from 11 reviews
- 100%would buy again
- 67,100 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers rate the Michelin Alpin 7 very highly overall, most often praising its very low noise and notably improved ride comfort/refinement versus previous winter or summer setups. Reviews frequently highlight confident grip and stability in dry and wet conditions, with many also reporting strong performance in snow and slush. A smaller set of users mention a softer sidewall/less direct steering feel, and a couple note that for true Nordic winters (deep snow/ice-heavy conditions) a dedicated Nordic winter tire may be a better fit.
- Very quiet/low road noise (near summer-tire levels for many)
- High ride comfort and good bump/pothole absorption
- Strong dry and wet grip with stable handling, including at higher speeds
- Good snow and slush traction with predictable control
- Soft sidewalls/less direct steering feel (floatier feedback, slightly longer-feeling dry braking for some)
- Higher energy consumption/efficiency loss versus summer tires (typical winter-tire penalty)
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 11 Alpin 7 reviewsDefinitely comfortable, safe tires that provide amazing grip on snow and ice. I'm very satisfied, I won't use another tire.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 121 sizes of the WinterContact TS 870 P and 49 of the Alpin 7, 35 of them made in both.
| Category | WinterContact TS 870 P | Alpin 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 121 sizes, 16 to 23 inch | 49 sizes, 15 to 20 inch |
| Made in both | 35 sizes 205/60 R16215/60 R16215/65 R16225/55 R16205/45 R17205/50 R17205/55 R17215/50 R17215/55 R17215/60 R17215/65 R17225/50 R17and 23 more | |
| EU label wet grip | B99%C1% | B100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C62%B37%D1% | C66%B30%D5% |
| EU label noise | 70-75 dB B100% | 69-71 dB B100% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 221 of 221 | 64 of 64 |
| On the market since | - | 2024 |
| Replaced | Continental WinterContact TS 860 S (2017) | - |
| Replaced by | Continental WinterContact 8 S | - |
| Awards | Highly Recommended: Best Winter SUV Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Winner: Best Winter SUV Tires (DriverReviews, 2024/25) Winner: Winter Tire of the Year (WhatTire, 2024) | Highly Recommended: Best Winter Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) Winner: Best Winter SUV Tire (DriverReviews, 2025/26) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Alpin 7 was the dearer tire in 4 of the 5 tests that listed prices, by 3.5% 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.
Continental's WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin's Alpin 7 sit at the premium end of the “Central European” winter tire spectrum, but they come at the problem from slightly different angles. The TS 870 P is positioned as a more ultra-high-performance winter option, aiming to feel sporty and secure across conditions, while the Alpin 7 leans premium-touring with a clear emphasis on efficiency and an easy, stable drive.
Across five shared professional tests (spanning 205/45 R17, 205/55 R17, 215/55 R17 and 235/50 R19), the headline trend is consistency versus specialism: the Continental repeatedly lands at or near the very top overall, while the Michelin tends to trade outright wet-safety and aquaplaning security for notably low rolling resistance and generally strong snow braking/traction. The result is two very capable winter tires with distinct priorities that show up clearly in the numbers.
Conclusion
If you want the most dependable “do-it-all” winter tire across mixed European winters, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is the clearer pick. It won all 5 shared tests overall, and it repeatedly posted shorter stopping distances on dry and wet roads (dry braking wins 5/5; wet braking wins 5/5). The gaps can be meaningful in real use: in Sport Auto 2026, it stopped 1.6 m shorter in the wet (32.2 m vs 33.8 m) and carried more speed in wet handling (78.0 vs 74.3 km/h), backed up by stronger subjective wet scores. Put simply, it's the tire that most often maximises safety margins on the surfaces you'll see most in a typical winter (cold-wet asphalt).
The Michelin Alpin 7 makes the strongest case when efficiency and a relaxed driving style matter most. It wins rolling resistance in 4 of the 5 shared tests and is repeatedly described as the efficiency choice (including being singled out as an EV-friendly option). It also tends to be very competitive for snow braking and traction (snow braking wins 4/5; snow traction wins 3/5), which can appeal if your winter includes frequent packed-snow starts/stops. The trade-off is that multiple tests flag wet understeer and aquaplaning sensitivity-most starkly in Sport Auto 2026 where it trailed the Continental significantly in both straight and curved aquaplaning (75.0 vs 78.5 km/h straight; 2.64 vs 3.02 m/s² curved).
Practical takeaway: choose the TS 870 P if you prioritize wet-road safety, all-round pace and a more confidence-inspiring balance; choose the Alpin 7 if your top priorities are lower energy consumption and strong snow stop/go performance-while accepting that standing-water security and wet cornering balance aren't its strongest chapters.
WinterContact TS 870 P vs Alpin 7: your questions
Is the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P or the Michelin Alpin 7 the better tire?
In the 5 independent tests that ran both tires, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead 5 times and the Alpin 7 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the WinterContact TS 870 P scores 9.3 and the Alpin 7 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the WinterContact TS 870 P or the Alpin 7?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 19 of the 24 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.5% shorter in the wet across 5 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The WinterContact TS 870 P led 9 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.8% shorter in the dry across 5 tests.
Which is better in snow?
Across the shared tests the snow measurements are split 9-9 between the WinterContact TS 870 P and the Alpin 7.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Alpin 7 had 1.4% lower rolling resistance (5 tests). Owners rate wear 8.7/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 9.7/10 for the Alpin 7.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.5 dB quieter (4 tests). Owners rate comfort 8.9/10 for the WinterContact TS 870 P and 9.4/10 for the Alpin 7.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the WinterContact TS 870 P 85% from 33 reviews and the Alpin 7 89% from 11. 83% of WinterContact TS 870 P owners would buy it again, against 100% for the Alpin 7.
Which is more expensive?
In the 5 tests that listed prices, the Alpin 7 was the dearer tire in 4 of them, by 3.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The WinterContact TS 870 P is made in 121 sizes (16 to 23 inch) and the Alpin 7 in 49 (15 to 20 inch). 35 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the WinterContact TS 870 P is graded B for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Alpin 7 B and C.
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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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