Last Updated on August 6, 2025
Need-to-Know Highlights
Your tires have a significant impact on your vehicle’s safety and capabilities. Any experienced driver knows that quality is vital when purchasing new ones. Cheap, poorly made tires are a recipe for disaster on the road.
You don’t necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg to get “good” tires. You don’t want cheap tires, but there are affordable, well-made options for the average driver.
To steer you in the right direction, we’ve compiled our top 5 picks for affordable tire brands, but we also cover a few more great options further down. Take a look to see if there’s a budget-friendly option for your vehicle listed below.
Top 5 Best Affordable Tire Brands for 2025
Are Budget-Friendly Tires Safe?
Before we dive into things, we need to address the question that’s probably rattling around in your head: “Are affordable tires as safe as expensive tires?”
To some extent, tires are a product in which you get what you pay for. Purchasing used or cheaply made ones can lead to severe problems. Still, once you reach a specific price point, dozens of tires for your vehicle are equally safe (if not equal in price).
If you’re ever worried about a tire’s safety, know that you can check the Uniform Tire Quality Grading on the sidewall. This will indicate important things like temperature resistance, traction, and tread wear measurements.
Treadwear is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of a tire tested under controlled conditions. These ratings indicate how long a tire will ideally last. The higher the rating, the longer it will take to wear down. The highest-rated tires are 600+.
Traction grades are rated with A.A., A, B, and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement.
| Grade | Asphalt G Force | Concrete G Force |
|---|---|---|
| A.A. | Above 0.54 | 0.35 |
| A | Above 0.47 | >0.35 |
| B | Above 0.38 | 0.26 |
| C | Less than 0.38 | 0.26 |
The temperature grades, rated from highest to lowest, go from A to B to C. These ratings represent the tire’s resistance to heat generation based on the speed. A-rated tires are designed to dissipate heat to a max speed greater than 115 mph. B-rated tires do so at a max speed of 100-115 mph. C-rated tires do so at a max speed of 85-100 mph.
So, to get back on track, the answer is, “Yes, affordable tires can be completely safe.” It’s all about doing your research and buying from trustworthy brands.
The Best Affordable Tire Brands
1st Place: Achilles
Achilles Tires is one of the best affordable tire brands for drivers seeking a balance between performance and price. Originally founded in Indonesia in 1991, the brand gained international recognition in 2005 and is now sold in over 80 countries.
Known for offering high-quality tires at a budget-friendly price, Achilles has become a popular choice for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Many drivers consider it one of the best cheap tire brands available today.
Why choose Achilles Tires?
According to a review from Car Bibles, Achilles tires deliver impressive traction and handling comparable to more expensive brands making them a surprising value for anyone shopping for the best affordable tires.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Great value in all-season and touring tires | -Shorter tread life than premium brands |
| -Good traction and ride quality for the price | -Fewer options for high-performance vehicles |
2nd Place: Atturo
Atturo is one of the best affordable tire brands for drivers who need durable tires for trucks, SUVs, and off-road adventures. While not the cheapest tire brand, it offers excellent value for rugged performance.
Often featured among the best affordable tires, Atturo’s products are praised for their strong grip and reliability even when compared to more expensive options.
Why choose Arturo Tires?
Atturo performs surprisingly well next to pricier brands. According to Tire Reviews and More, their tires offer strong grip and durability, a solid choice for off-roaders seeking the best cheap tires.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Great value for off-road and light truck tires | -Limited options for compact cars |
| -Durable, well-reviewed performance | -Not the cheapest, but still budget-friendly |
3rd Place: Federal
Federal is one of the best affordable tire brands with a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation. Known for their high-performance and off-road tires, Federal offers solid value without cutting corners on safety or tech.
When you shop for Federal tires, you can feel confident that their safety standards are highly regulated keeping you and your family safe on the road without charging a huge fee.
Why choose Federal Tires?
According to Tire Deets, Federal stands out in the enthusiast and off-road communities for offering performance and durability at a budget-friendly price making it a top pick for best cheap tires.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Great option for performance and off-road driving | -Slightly noisier ride on some models |
| -Strong safety and quality control standards | -Fewer touring options than premium brands |
4th Place: General
Backed by Continental since 1987, General Tires has earned a reputation for building reliable, affordable tires that handle everything from highways to light off-roading. With a strong focus on safety and versatility.
General remains a top contender among the best affordable tire brands in the U.S. That’s what the brand is known for.
Why choose General Tires?
As Icona Vulcano puts it, “General Tire is one of the best tire brands for drivers seeking safety, variety, and affordability all in one.”
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Great value across a wide range of tire types | -Not ideal for high performance |
| -Trusted performance backed by a premium manufacturer |
5th Place: Ironman
Ironman stands out for offering some of the best cheap tires without compromising safety or everyday performance. With options for sedans, SUVs, and trucks, this brand delivers dependable traction and value whether you’re cruising city streets or tackling rougher terrain.
This brand produces high-quality tires at budget-friendly prices and has been doing so for more than six decades.
Why choose Ironman Tires?
According to Driving Press, Ironman is a top pick for drivers who want reliable performance at a budget-friendly price. Unless you own a high-performance vehicle, “there’s no point in spending more” when Ironman offers excellent quality for less.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Versatile options for daily driving and light off-road | -Not ideal for high-performance cars |
| -Strong price-to-value ratio |
6th Place: Lexani
For drivers who value both style and savings, Lexani is a go-to among the best affordable tire brands. Known for their sleek, low-profile designs, these tires offer a perfect match for eye-catching wheels without sacrificing safety or grip.
Why choose Lexani Tires?
As noted by Auto Quarterly, Lexani tires provide strong road grip and confident cornering, thanks to proven tread patterns and wide shoulder blocks, especially in their performance models.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Stylish design ideal for custom wheels | -Less focus on touring or off-road durability |
| -Solid handling for everyday and sporty driving | -Fewer options for larger vehicles |
7th Place: Mastercraft
Mastercraft has over 100 years of experience as a trusted sub-brand of Cooper Tires. Known for blending durability with affordability, it’s a solid choice for shoppers seeking tires for less without sacrificing quality. Made in the U.S., their tires are designed to handle diverse road and weather conditions.
Why choose Mastercraft Tires?
According to Tire Reviews and More, Mastercraft delivers reliable all-season performance and great value, making it one of the best affordable tire brands for American drivers.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Strong performance in varied weather | -Fewer ultra-high-performance options |
| -Manufactured and tested in the U.S | -Smaller selection compared to global brands |
8th Place: Milestar
Milestar stands out as one of the best affordable tire brands for commuters and everyday drivers. Their lineup includes tires for less that are built to handle high mileage and diverse road conditions without the high price tag.
Milestar tires offer an extensive range of vehicle and terrain tires. Find the one that meets your needs exactly, with treads that can withstand any road condition.
Why choose Milestar Tires?
According to Tire Reviews and More, Milestar delivers excellent value for money. Customers appreciate paying less for dependable performance, plus added perks like warranties that boost confidence in quality.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Long-lasting tread options for daily use | -Limited ultra-performance selection |
| -Great value with warranty coverage | -Not as well-known as the bigger best tire brands |
9th Place: NeoTerra
NeoTerra has quickly gained traction as one of the best affordable tire brands for American drivers. Whether you own a passenger car, light truck, or commercial vehicle, NeoTerra offers tires for less all backed by strong warranties for added peace of mind.
Why choose Milestar Tires?
Milled Type says NeoTerra’s wide range of SUV and truck tires strike a smart balance between quality and affordability. If you want reliable tires that won’t stretch your budget, this brand is a solid option.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Wide variety for passenger, SUV, and truck use | -Limited availability at some retailers |
| -Budget-friendly with warranty support | -Fewer ultra-premium options |
10th Place: Nexen
Nexen is a go-to choice among the best affordable tire brands, known for offering reliable all-season, winter, and off-road options. Drivers looking for the cheapest tire brands without compromising safety or performance often turn to Nexen for tires for less.
Why choose Nexen Tires?
Tire Reviews and More highlights Nexen for its ability to deliver excellent handling and ride quality at a lower cost earning it a spot among the best cheap tires on the market.
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
| -Great value across multiple tire categories | -Fewer options for ultra-high-performance needs |
| -Highly rated in independent tire brand reviews | -Some models may have shorter tread life |
Check out this Nexen tires review:
Tire Reviews and More: The company has differentiated itself by creating quality tires optimized to render excellent driving capabilities at significantly lower comparative prices.
What to Look for in Affordable Tires
Regarding researching the best affordable tire brands, what do you need to look for in companies you can trust? If you’re like the average driver, you’re likely not experienced in the ins and outs of tire manufacturing – and that’s okay.
To help you out, here are some things you need to look for in reliable tires:
- Tires that fit your vehicle (don’t assume they do!)
- Tires that have a tread design that matches your old one. Mismatched tires can cause problems if you only replace two at a time.
- Tires are made from hard rubber to handle higher speeds.
- Low-noise tires that won’t bother you during highway driving.
- Tires that work well in your environment and its temperatures.
- Tires with good traction. The rating “A.A.” indicates excellent traction, while “C” indicates lower traction.
- Good tread wear. You want tires that will last a long time.
How to Choose Your Tire Type
Not all tires are made for the same conditions and choosing the right type can help you get tires for less without sacrificing safety or performance.
- All-season tires: Are a great year-round option for most drivers. They offer solid grip in both dry and wet conditions and are ideal if you want the best affordable tires with all-around reliability.
- Summer tires: This type delivers better handling and braking in warm weather. They’re perfect for dry roads and light rain, but not for cold or snowy conditions.
- Winter tires: Are made for snow, ice, and freezing temps. If you live in a colder region, they’re the best cheap tires to keep you safe during the winter months.
Where to Buy Cheap Tires
If you’re looking for the best affordable tires without compromising on quality, Tires Easy is one of the smartest places to shop.
We offer a wide selection of best tire brands at budget-friendly prices, with fast and free shipping straight to your door or installer. You’ll also find regular discounts and flexible payment options to help you get tires for less with zero hassle.
| Brand | Availability | Number of Tire Models | Technology | Brand Reputation | Prices | Warranty |
| Achiles | Widely Available | Moderate | Standard, Economical | Moderate | Affordable | Limited Warranty |
| Atturo | Moderate | Moderate | Performance-focused | Growing | Moderate | Limited Warranty |
| Federal | Widely Available | Extensive | Performance, Innovative | Good | Affordable | Limited Warranty |
| General | Widely Available | Extensive | Durable, All-Terrain | Strong | Moderate | Standard Warranty |
| Ironman | Widely Available | Moderate | Budget-friendly | Growing | Affordable | Limited Warranty |
| Lexani | Moderate | Moderate | Stylish, Performance | Moderate | Moderate to High | Limited Warranty |
| Mastercraft | Widely Available | Extensive | Durable, Reliable | Strong | Moderate | Standard Warranty |
| Milestar | Widely Available | Moderate | Budget-friendly | Growing | Affordable | Limited Warranty |
| NeoTerra | Moderate | Moderate | Cost-effective | Emerging | Affordable | Limited Warranty |
| Nexen | Widely Available | Extensive | Innovative, Reliable | Strong | Moderate | Standard Warranty |
Conclusion
The truth is, you don’t have to sacrifice safety or quality to get a good deal on tires. Many of the best affordable tires on the market today meet the same standards as higher-priced options, as long as you stick with trusted brands.
Whether you’re replacing everyday commuter tires or gearing up for the season ahead, there are plenty of tires for less that deliver performance, durability, and peace of mind.
At Tires Easy, we help you find exactly that fast shipping, great discounts, and a huge selection of the best tire brands for every budget.
FAQs
What are the best affordable tire brands?
Achilles, Ironman, and Westlake offer great quality at low prices perfect if you’re shopping for the best cheap tires.
What should I look for in budget tires?
Tread life, safety, and seasonal fit (all-season, winter, or summer) are key factors we break it down simply.
Where can I buy quality tires for less?
Buying tires doesn’t have to break the bank. Tires Easy helps you get reliable, high-quality tires for less plus payment options and deals to make it even easier.
Are Budget-Friendly Tires Safe?
Yes they are, as long as you choose new tires from reputable brands. Many of the best affordable tires meet the same safety standards as more expensive options. The key is to avoid unknown or used tires and look for trusted names with solid ratings for traction, treadwear, and temperature resistance. Buying from a reliable seller also helps ensure you’re getting tires for less without compromising on safety. With tools like the UTQG ratings, it’s easier than ever to compare traction, treadwear, and heat resistance before you buy.
