Bridgestone Blizzak Ice vs Michelin X Ice Snow
- TR Score
- 6.0/10
- Owners say
- 76% · 3
- TR Score
- 7.9/10
- Owners say
- 85% · 19
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin X Ice Snow finished ahead 3 times and the Blizzak Ice not once. The Blizzak Ice stopped 5% shorter in the dry; the X Ice Snow stopped 4.2% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
For typical Nordic winter use with frequent wet, slush, and icy conditions, pick Michelin X Ice Snow for safer stopping and better all-round control. If you drive mostly on cold, dry roads with occasional snow/ice and value very short dry stops and low noise, Bridgestone Blizzak Ice is the alternative.
Where the Blizzak Ice is stronger
- Best-in-test dry braking across all shared tests
- Low cabin noise and refined ride
- Stable, balanced feel on snow/ice handling laps
Where the X Ice Snow is stronger
- Class-leading ice and snow braking/traction
- Superior wet braking/handling and aquaplaning resistance
- Low rolling resistance and slightly better fuel use
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.
Blizzak Ice vs X Ice Snow at a glance
| Category | Blizzak Ice | Gap | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won3 shared tests | 0 | 3 | |
| Dry6 measurements | 3 | The Blizzak Ice stopped 5% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 2 |
| Wet9 measurements | 0 | The X Ice Snow stopped 4.2% shorter in the wet (3 tests) | 8 |
| Snow9 measurements | 3 | The X Ice Snow stopped 2.2% shorter on snow (3 tests) | 6 |
| Ice9 measurements | 2 | The X Ice Snow stopped 6.8% shorter on ice (3 tests) | 6 |
| Comfort3 measurements | 2 | 0 | |
| Value2 measurements | 0 | 2 | |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 6.0/10 | The X Ice Snow by 1.9 | 7.9/10 |
| Owner rating3 and 19 reviews | 76% | The X Ice Snow by 9 points | 85% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 61 | 51 sizes made in both | 100 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre 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 3 tests, 2020 to 2023
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Blizzak Ice | Field | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Studless Friction Winter Tyre Test | P5 of 8 | P4 of 8 | |
| 2020 Vi Bilagare Nordic Friction Winter Tyre Test | P7 of 8 | P6 of 8 | |
| 2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test | P8 of 12 | P3 of 12 |
Performance profile
12 measurements from the 3 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Blizzak Ice
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m 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
Blizzak Ice
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Blizzak Ice
X Ice Snow
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Blizzak Ice 76% from 3 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. 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 tyres 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 | Blizzak Ice | Gap | X Ice Snow | Wins | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.64 | 5% | 31.22 | 3-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 66.7% | scored | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 40.85 | 4.2% | 39.08 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 42.01 | 3.1% | 40.6 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 33.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 60.6 | 7.5% | 65.15 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 25.42 | 2.2% | 24.74 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.4 | 1.8% | 5.29 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 66.71 | 1% | 66.28 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 12.5% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 20.91 | 6.8% | 19.39 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||
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| 6.98 | 9.6% | 6.31 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||
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| 52.77 | 1.7% | 53.55 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||
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| scored | 6.3% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 73.7 | 0.8 dB | 74.5 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||
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| 6.2 | 5% | 5.89 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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| 5.2 | 1% | 5.15 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||
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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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Blizzak Ice scores 6 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
| Blizzak Ice | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | Dry | 23 | ||
| 12 | Wet | 28 | ||
| 75 | Comfort | 53 | ||
| 30 | Value | 64 | ||
| 30 | Snow | 61 | ||
| 56 | Ice | 79 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Blizzak Ice | Category | X Ice Snow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 | Dry Grip | 7.8 | ||
| 8 | Wet Grip | 7.9 | ||
| 8.5 | Road Feedback | 7.6 | ||
| 7.5 | Handling | 7.5 | ||
| 8.5 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 8.5 | Comfort | 8.8 | ||
| 7 | Snow Grip | 9.4 | ||
| 6 | Ice Grip | 8.6 | ||
Owners rate the Blizzak Ice 76% from 3 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
- 76%from 3 reviews
- 50,000 milesdriven by reviewers
All 3 Blizzak Ice reviewsI live in the Baltic state. And we have snowy and icy winters. If you drive carefully, the tyres are very good for and RWD car and you don’t get stuck on snow or ice. Sometimes they feel a little soft and you have to correct your driving direction on the motorways. But not a big issue. They are nordic winter tyres after all. Would recommend, especially for a rear wheel drive cars in countries with lots of snow and ice. And the wear of the tyre is normal.
Michelin X Ice Snow
- 85%from 19 reviews
- 88%would buy again
- 250,466 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers describe the Michelin X-Ice Snow as a confidence-inspiring winter tyre with standout traction in snow and strong overall control in mixed winter conditions (slush, packed snow, and typical ice), often noting predictable handling and good braking. Many also report good comfort and low wear over multiple winters, making it a popular choice for harsh climates and long winter commutes. A smaller subset mentions that road noise can be higher than expected (or increases with wear) and that grip on smooth/glare/black ice can feel weaker than studded options or some prior winter tyres.
- Excellent traction and mobility in deep snow
- Strong winter grip and confidence in mixed conditions (slush/packed snow)
- Predictable handling with good lateral stability
- Good comfort and generally quiet ride for a winter tyre
- Road noise can be higher than expected or increase as the tyre wears
- Ice grip on smooth/glare/black ice can feel weaker than studded tyres or some competing/prior winter tyres
- Dry/wet road performance is only average compared with non-winter tyres
Summarised by AI from 16 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 19 X Ice Snow reviewsHad these on our Corolla for the last 5 winters and they have performed great. Wear is minimal, although we only have 15,000mi on them. We get surprisingly good gas mileage (37-40mpg). Snow performance is amazing. Even in the wet, sloppy snow/slush, they performed great. Changing lanes in these conditions and not getting pulled around is very confidence-inspiring. Ice performance is very good as well. Had one small slip on some black ice in a corner on an on-ramp, but other than that they have been great in the winter.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 61 sizes of the Blizzak Ice and 100 of the X Ice Snow, 51 of them made in both.
| Category | Blizzak Ice | X Ice Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 61 sizes, 13 to 19 inch | 100 sizes, 13 to 21 inch |
| Made in both | 51 sizes 175/65 R14175/70 R14185/65 R14185/70 R14175/65 R15185/60 R15185/65 R15195/60 R15195/65 R15205/65 R15185/55 R16195/55 R16and 39 more | |
| EU label wet grip | E100% | E100% |
| EU label rolling resistance | E98%D2% | C73%B16%D12% |
| EU label noise | 71-73 dB B100% | 67-71 dB A72%B28% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 122 of 122 | 102 of 102 |
| On the market since | 2018 | 2020 |
| Replaced | - | Michelin X Ice Xi3 (2011) |
| Replaced by | - | Michelin X Ice Snow+ |
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 Nordic-style, studless premium winter tyres aimed squarely at everyday passenger cars: Bridgestone Blizzak Ice versus Michelin X Ice Snow. Across three shared professional tests (2020-2023) in 16-17-inch sizes, both target quiet comfort and cold-weather safety, but they take different routes to get there.
The data shows a clear pattern: Michelin consistently leads in wet safety, aquaplaning resistance, and crucially, ice and snow braking/traction. Bridgestone counters with class-leading dry braking, low noise, and moments of composure on ice/snow handling laps. If you prioritise stopping distances on slippery surfaces and all-round wet confidence, Michelin pulls ahead; if you value quiet, crisp dry stops and a stable feel at the limit in certain winter scenarios, Bridgestone has appeal.
Conclusion
Across the three tests, Michelin X Ice Snow outperforms overall, taking all overall comparisons and dominating wet braking/handling, aquaplaning, rolling resistance, and especially ice/snow braking and traction. Those are the high-consequence metrics for Nordic winters, and the margins on ice (around 7-9% shorter braking, ~9-10% quicker traction) and wet (≈4-7% shorter braking, better aquaplaning by ~6-9%) are meaningful on the road.
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice shines with the shortest dry braking in every test, slightly better noise, and occasional wins in snow/ice handling laps, reflecting its asymmetric pattern and very soft compound that bite well but can be less forgiving at the limit. However, its wet grip and aquaplaning resistance are weak relative to Michelin, and it tends to finish lower overall despite often costing slightly more in the sampled sizes.
Bottom line: choose Michelin for the safest, most rounded winter performance in mixed Nordic conditions and the best efficiency; choose Bridgestone if your priority is quiet running and top-tier dry stopping with a measured, stable feel on snow/ice at the limit.
Blizzak Ice vs X Ice Snow: your questions
Is the Bridgestone Blizzak Ice or the Michelin X Ice Snow the better tyre?
In the 3 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Michelin X Ice Snow finished ahead 3 times and the Blizzak Ice not once. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Blizzak Ice scores 6 and the X Ice Snow 7.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Blizzak Ice or the X Ice Snow?
The X Ice Snow led 8 of the 9 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.2% shorter in the wet across 3 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Blizzak Ice led 3 of the 6 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 5% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The X Ice Snow led 6 of the 9 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.2% shorter on snow across 3 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.5/10 for the Blizzak Ice and 8.8/10 for the X Ice Snow.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Blizzak Ice 76% from 3 reviews and the X Ice Snow 85% from 19.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Blizzak Ice is made in 61 sizes (13 to 19 inch) and the X Ice Snow in 100 (13 to 21 inch). 51 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Blizzak Ice is graded E for wet grip and E for rolling resistance in most sizes; the X Ice Snow E and C.
Which is the newer tyre?
The X Ice Snow is the newer design: it reached the market in 2020, the Blizzak Ice in 2018. The X Ice Snow replaced the Michelin X Ice Xi3.
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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 tyres 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 Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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