Which studded winter tyres provide the greatest driving confidence in Estonia's winter? Ahead of the 2026/2027 season, independent tyre tests are worth examining because performance differences can be substantial. Pirelli Ice Zero 2, Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 and Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 lead the TyreRanker overall ranking. 

However, first place does not necessarily mean that a tyre is the best in every situation. We look at five highly rated studded tyres, their strengths and what you should know before buying.

Why are studded tyres still an important choice in Estonia's winter?

Estonian winter can bring very different driving conditions in a single week. Roads may be icy in the morning, thaw during the day and freeze again in the evening. Conditions can be particularly challenging on secondary roads, where maintenance may not be as prompt as on major highways.

One of the main advantages of studded tyres is their ability to provide mechanical grip on ice. The studs bite into the icy surface and can improve braking and handling.

However, the presence of studs does not automatically mean that all studded tyres behave alike. Tread design, rubber compound, stud placement and construction affect performance on ice, snow and asphalt.

That is why independent tests are worth consulting before buying tyres.

Which studded tyres are best for the 2026/2027 season?

TyreRanker combines results from independent tyre tests and assigns an overall score on a 100-point scale.

The ranking takes into account driving performance measured in different tests, testers' assessments and price level. It is therefore not based solely on ice performance but evaluates the tyre's characteristics as a whole.

As of late October 2026, the top five studded tyres are:

Rank	Studded tyre	Overall score	Tests
1	Pirelli Ice Zero 2	91/100	5
2	Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3	90/100	4
3	Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01	90/100	2
4	Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10	89/100	3
5	Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2	89/100	5

The results are based on the TyreRanker aggregate ranking, which includes independent tyre tests published in 2024–2026, including comparisons by Tehnikamaailm and Sweden’s Teknikens Värld.

Five studded tyres, five different strengths

1. Pirelli Ice Zero 2 — The overall ranking leader

Overall score: 91/100 | 5 tests

Pirelli Ice Zero 2 takes first place in TyreRanker’s studded-tyre ranking. Its most striking advantage is asphalt performance: 97 points on wet asphalt and 99 on dry asphalt, the best results in both categories among the compared studded tyres. This matters because city streets and main roads in Estonia can remain wet or dry for much of winter. Its ice score is more modest at 73 points, compared with the class average of 83. The model illustrates why the overall winner does not necessarily win every individual test.

Who might it suit? Drivers who spend much of winter on maintained city streets and main roads and value strong asphalt performance.

Read the tyre test results.

2. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 — Particularly strong grip on ice

Overall score: 90/100 | 4 tests

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 ranks second and stands out for its ice performance. It earns 98 points on ice, the highest score among the compared studded tyres, and also scores 98 for aquaplaning resistance. Those characteristics can be valuable on journeys that include roads maintained to different standards. Its dry-asphalt score is lower, at 82 points against a class average of 90. This underlines the importance of considering where you drive most often.

Who might it suit? Drivers who prioritise ice grip and regularly use smaller, icier roads.

Read the tyre test results.

3. Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 — Winner of the 2026 Tehnikamaailm test

Overall score: 90/100 | 2 tests

Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 is one of the most notable new models in the 2026 tests. It won the 2026 Tehnikamaailm winter tyre test among eight studded tyres. TyreRanker records 99 points for snow and 97 for ice. These are relevant results for winters when snowy and icy roads can alternate during the same journey. Its aquaplaning score, however, is 63, below the class average. With only two independent tests in the compilation, there is less comparative data than for some longer-established competitors.

Who might it suit? Drivers whose priority is snow and ice grip in demanding winter conditions.

Read the tyre test results.

Read more Rehvid Pluss tyre news, including the Hakkapeliitta 01 launch.

4. Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 — An established former test winner

Overall score: 89/100 | 3 tests

Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 has demonstrated its capabilities in several independent tests and won the 2025 Tehnikamaailm winter tyre comparison. TyreRanker gives it 89 points on ice and 96 on snow. It also receives strong assessments for rolling resistance and testers’ overall impressions. Wet-asphalt performance is more modest at 78 points, below the class average. Its continued competitiveness shows that an older model can still be a strong option.

Who might it suit? Drivers seeking a Nordic studded tyre supported by results from several seasons.

Read the tyre test results.

5. Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 — Balanced performance across road surfaces

Overall score: 89/100 | 5 tests

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 rounds out the top five. It scores 98 points on snow, 95 on dry asphalt and 92 on wet asphalt. Its ice result is 75, below the class average, so it should not be viewed as the strongest ice specialist. Five independent tests from 2024–2026 provide a relatively broad evidence base. In the 2026 Tehnikamaailm test it shared second place with Continental IceContact 3.

Who might it suit? Drivers encountering varied road conditions who value good snow and asphalt results.

Read the tyre test results.

Is the overall winner always the best studded tyre?

Not necessarily. One of the most interesting observations in the ranking is that Pirelli Ice Zero 2, despite finishing first overall, is not the strongest tyre on ice. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 and Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 achieve higher ice scores, while Pirelli excels on wet and dry asphalt.

This is why individual test categories matter alongside the overall score. Drivers spending most of winter on maintained streets in Tallinn or Tartu may prioritise asphalt behaviour. Those regularly travelling on smaller roads with persistent ice and packed snow may attach greater importance to ice performance. The right choice depends on actual driving conditions, not just the number beside a model in a ranking.

What should you look for in independent tyre tests?

Tested tyre size. A model may behave somewhat differently across sizes, so check which size was used in the test.

Number of tests. Five independent tests provide more comparative evidence than just one or two.

Different testing conditions. Organisers use different vehicles, tyre sizes and methodologies, all of which can influence the final ranking.

An overall score is not an ice score. TyreRanker combines results across categories, so a tyre with particularly good asphalt performance may rank ahead of a competitor that grips better on ice.

For the fullest picture, compare the overall score with the model's performance in the conditions that matter to you.

Which studded tyres should you choose for winter 2026/2027?

Independent tests highlight several strong models with different strengths. Pirelli Ice Zero 2 stands out on asphalt, Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3 and Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 on ice, Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 has an established testing record, and Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 performs well across several categories.

Consider your driving habits, tyre size, budget and usual road conditions before making a decision. Rehvid Pluss offers a broad selection of studded tyres and advice on choosing a suitable model.

Explore the Rehvid Pluss studded tyre range and find suitable winter tyres before the first serious cold spell.

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