11 CHEAP Tire Brands EVERYONE IGNORES (But They Outlast Michelin)

Overview

The video presents 11 lesser-known or budget tire brands, arguing that a lower price does not automatically mean poor performance. It emphasizes warranties, parent-company engineering, and independent tests, while also noting trade-offs such as wet braking, ride comfort, or availability. Prices and test claims below are as stated in the video and may vary by tire size.

The 11 Brands

11. Sailun — Atrezzo SH408

• The video says Sailun owns rubber plantations, conducts substantial engineering testing, and has had tires assessed by TÜV SÜD and Auto Bild.
• The SH408 is described as quiet, stable at highway speeds up to 130 km/h, and close to Michelin in wet braking in independent tests.
• The presenter gives a price of about $139 per tire and claims up to 80,000 km of mileage.
• Trade-off: The brand has little marketing or name recognition. The video’s price comparison is unclear: it describes $139 as almost the price of a Michelin Defender, while also claiming Sailun offers about half the price.

10. Starfire — Solaris AS

• Made by Cooper, which is owned by Goodyear; the video presents it as an affordable way to get engineering from that corporate family.
• A basic, practical tire for commuting, with a 50,000-mile guarantee and good wet-road grip.
• At around $75 per tire, the video says a set of four saves $180 versus Goodyear Assurance.
• Trade-off: A firm ride makes small bumps more noticeable. It is mostly sold through independent repair shops rather than prominent retailers.

9. Laufenn — X Fit HP, S Fit EQ Plus, and G Fit 4S

• Hankook’s budget brand, launched in 2014. The video says it shares Hankook’s technical center, factories, and engineers, and notes Laufenn original-equipment use on the Škoda Octavia.
• The X Fit HP is quoted at about $164 per tire, compared with $203 for a Hankook Dynapro, or $160 saved per set.
• Auto Bild comments cited for the S Fit EQ Plus include short braking distances, decent aquaplaning resistance, comfort, and low noise. The G Fit 4S received a “good” rating, with strong wet-track speed and cost per mile.
• Best suited to: Budget SUV and crossover buyers seeking quiet comfort and dry braking.
• Trade-off: The video says it is not the best choice for drivers seeking class-leading wet grip.

8. Atturo — Trailblade AT and XT

• The presenter says they tested Trailblade XT tires on a Ford F-150: a mounted and balanced set cost under $700, versus over $1,600 for comparable BFGoodrich KO2s.
• Atturo focuses on pickups, SUVs, and muscle cars. The AT is described as a 50,000-mile all-terrain tire with useful wet grip and a tread that clears dirt and slush. The more aggressive XT is aimed at rocky terrain and deep mud.
• Trade-offs: A stiffer ride; the XT is noisier on highways. Versions without winter markings lose performance below freezing.

7. Nokian — Nokian One

• Nokian’s all-season engineering is linked to its winter-tire expertise. The One is made in Tennessee, according to the video.
• Its sidewalls use aramid fibers, the material used in body armor, to resist damage from potholes and impacts. The video says Nokian offers a pothole-damage replacement warranty.
• Cited specifications: 720 AA UTQG, an 80,000-mile warranty, and a price of about $142 per tire. The video claims a set saves over $230 versus Michelin CrossClimate 2.
• The presenter says wet braking and handling improved over earlier models, while silica helps the tire remain flexible in cold weather. A Nebraska storm chaser reportedly experienced no flats or aquaplaning.
• Trade-off: Limited U.S. dealer availability may mean ordering online or finding a specialty shop.

6. Toyo — Open Country A/T3

• Performance is presented as highly weather-dependent. In one test, it took 73.47 m to stop from 50 mph on wet roads, roughly 7 m longer than the best tire.
• In the same test, it scored 10/10 in snow, 9.5/10 in dry handling, and placed first in snow handling and dry performance. It has a 65,000-mile warranty and 600 UTQG rating.
• A Colorado driver reportedly praised its snow traction after 6,500 miles.
• The video quotes $335 for a 34-inch Toyo, versus $482 for a comparable BFGoodrich KO2.
• Best suited to: Drivers prioritizing snow traction and dry-road handling.
• Trade-off: The video advises choosing another tire if frequent heavy rain and wet braking are priorities.

5. Cooper

• Owned by Goodyear since 2021, but presented as a less expensive alternative. The video compares a Goodyear Assurance at $127 with a Cooper equivalent at $104.
• Cooper’s Armor Tech 3 is described as a three-layer carcass for sidewall protection. The Discoverer AT3 4S has the three-peak mountain snowflake marking for severe-snow capability.
• Cited warranties: 65,000 miles for the AT3 4S and up to 80,000 miles for the CS5 Grand Touring. Some models have 780 UTQG.
• Owner ratings cited: dry grip 9–10/10, wet performance generally high, winter grip 8–10/10, but ice performance 4–5/10.
• Best suited to: Work-truck owners and drivers in snowy regions who want an American-made option without a premium-brand price.
• Trade-off: Ice grip is weaker than performance in other winter conditions.

4. Nexen — N’Priz AH8 and N5000 Platinum

• The video argues that Nexen’s association with economy cars understates its touring-tire value.
• The N’Priz AH8 is quoted at about $124, versus $146 for a Michelin Defender T+H—an $88 set-of-four saving.
• The AH8’s UTQG is given as 860 in some sizes, though the video notes it can be 600 or 500 in other sizes. The N5000 Platinum warranty is up to 80,000 miles; other versions have 70,000 miles (H/V speed ratings) or 55,000 miles (W rating).
• The video says roadside-hazard coverage is included for the first 3/32 inch of wear or two years, plus 36 months of roadside assistance.
• A variable-pitch tread is credited with low highway noise, reportedly comparable to Michelin at 70 mph. Steel cords reinforced with nylon are said to support stability on long, hot drives. Wet stopping distance is quoted at about 85.7 feet from 50 mph.
• Best suited to: Long-distance drivers, taxi drivers, and people who value a quiet, comfortable highway ride.
• Trade-off: Softer cornering grip than a sport-oriented tire.

3. Falken — Wildpeak AT4W, Ziex, and Sincera

• The Wildpeak AT4W has the three-peak mountain snowflake marking; the video also highlights the Durabec three-layer sidewall’s resistance to stones and debris.
• Falken’s passenger-car options include the Ziex ZE960AS, with 740 AA UTQG and a 65,000-mile warranty, and the Sincera SN250AS, with a 75,000-mile warranty and low rolling resistance.
• The video says Ziex wet braking and aquaplaning resistance rival tires costing $40 more per tire. The Sincera registered 69 dB in highway-noise testing.
• Falken is linked to Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which also makes Dunlop. A 19-inch Ziex CT60AS is quoted at $225, versus $247 for a comparable Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max—nearly $90 saved per set.
• Takeaway: The brand’s off-road tires are well known, but the video argues its commuter tires are overlooked.

2. Kumho — Ecsta PS71, Majesty 9 Solus TA91, and Solus TA51A

• The Ecsta PS71 is quoted at about $100 per tire, versus $232–$257 for a Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02. The video claims Kumho outperformed the Continental in wet handling and saved over $500 per set.
• Auto Bild tested 52 summer tires in 2025; the PS71 reportedly finished joint fourth and received the highest wet-handling score. Its wet braking distance was said to be 11% shorter than a Nexen competitor, with exceptional aquaplaning resistance.
• The video notes Kumho supplies original-equipment tires for BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and the electric G-Wagon.
• The Majesty 9 Solus TA91 uses K Silent acoustic foam to reduce cabin noise. Its cited rating is 560 AAA, with a 45,000-mile warranty. The Solus TA51A has a 65,000–75,000-mile warranty, depending on size, and includes road-damage insurance.
• Consumer ratings quoted for Kumho: wear resistance 8.5/10, cornering stability 8.6/10, and dry grip 9.0/10.

1. General Tire — AltiMAX RT45 and Grabber ATX

• General has been owned by Continental since 1987; the video presents its tires as Continental engineering at a lower price.
• The AltiMAX RT45 has a 75,000-mile warranty for H- and T-rated tires and 700 AA UTQG. Prices are quoted at $95–$169, with comparable Michelin Defenders costing $50–$80 more per tire.
• The RT45’s tread is described as designed for wet braking, water evacuation, aquaplaning resistance, and quiet highway driving.
• For the Grabber ATX, the video cites tests claiming 14% shorter wet braking than the BFGoodrich KO2, 2.5 dB less noise, and 13% lower rolling resistance. It also has the severe-snow mountain symbol.
• Trade-offs versus KO2: The KO2 is said to perform better in deep dirt and rocks and resist sidewall cuts better on sharp trails.
• The presenter recommends General especially for drivers who spend most of their time on pavement.

Four Checks Before Buying an Inexpensive Tire

1. Treadwear rating: The video calls 300 average and says 500 or higher generally indicates better durability; a rating around 200 may signal fast wear.
2. Speed and load index: Make sure the tire meets or exceeds the vehicle-door-sticker requirements, especially the load rating.
3. Brand ownership: Check whether the company is backed by an established manufacturer such as Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, or Sumitomo. The video warns against brands without a clear owner or factory.
4. Manufacture date: Read the last four digits of the DOT code for the tire’s production week and year. The video cautions that rubber degrades in storage and flags tires that have been stored for three years.

Verdict

The video’s overall recommendation is to choose a tire based on driving conditions and verified specifications, rather than brand prestige alone. It singles out General, Kumho, Nexen, and Nokian for different value propositions, while stressing that some budget options involve meaningful compromises—especially wet braking, ice traction, ride firmness, or off-road durability. Check the tire’s load and speed ratings, age, warranty, and suitability for your climate before buying.

Speakers

One narrator provides the comparisons, test claims, owner reports, and personal Atturo test experience; no other speakers offer distinct views.