Top 15 Best Tire Chains Reviews 2020

Tire chains must be necessary when it comes to snow and ice conditions. Check out this list of 15 best tire chains to pick high-quality products for your vehicles.

Wintertime is coming. It is time to get your vehicles ready for the icy or snowy weather conditions. There are plenty of options you can get for your tires to enhance their performance in such cases. One of the things you can’t skip is the tire chains, which is a separate tool, but it supports your vehicle considerably to drive safely in these winter days.

But the task of choosing suitable products is not going to be easy since there is a lot of choice on the market today. Tire chains aren’t an exception. They come with multiple designs, specialized features, manufacturers, and some may just fit certain vehicle types. So how to know which ones would be suitable for your tires to bring the highest performance?

You can set your mind at rest that I am here to assist you in figuring out the best products, which can ensure benefits and suit your budget. Take a look at the list of 15 best tire chains below and start to make your choice!

What are The Best Tire Chains?

Among the best tire chains included in this review, here are the notable ones with dedicated features:

Best Overall: Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

Great control system, high compatibility, top all-round traction, suitable for most vehicle tires.

Best Tire Chains for Snow: KONIG CB-12 Set

Sturdy snow chains, easy to put on, work great in severe snowstorms, provides high protection.

Best Tire Chains for Pickup Trucks: Security Chain Peerless Traction

Features self-tightening, install quickly without removing tires, come up to S class clearance.

Best Tire Chains for Off-Road: TerraGrips For All Terrains

Sturdy steel tire chains prevents chips and tire wear, best off-road and loose surface traction.

Easiest Tire Chains to Install: KONIG Easy Fit CU-9 Snow

Fastest to install with 3 steps, fit in perfectly, nylon bumpers feature for alloy wheels protection.

Best Tire Chains for Mud: JuguHoovi Car Anti-Slip

Automatic tightening, skid and slip prevention, great reliability, strong grip for all terrains.

Best SUV Snow Chains: Security Chain Company Super Z Tire Traction

High durability and compatibility, built-in tension chains, solve minimal clearance problem.

Best Tire Chains for Ford F-150: Titan Chain Snow

Cable-style tire chain, excellent traction in snow, suitable for SAE class S vehicle tires.

Best Choice: KONIG XG-12 PRO Snow Tire Chains

Self-tensioning feature, offer driving comfort and great traction, easy to install quick fitting.

Best Budget: Quality Chain Cobra Cable Snow Traction Tire Chains

Modern design, work better with chain adjusters, use for low-profile tires, affordable price.

Top 30 Best Tire Chains Reviews 2020

Let’s come to the in-depth review of the best all-terrain tires. You can have a closer look to know more information about each of the products.

Best Overal: Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain

Product specs

Dimensions	7 x 4 x 18 inches
Item weight	1 pound
Tightening	Built-in tightening
Clearance	Low

Key features

• Cable tire chain for types of cars, light trucks, and SUVs
• Provides all-round traction and high compatibility
• Built-in tightener feature

Security Chain Company is the best brand of manufacturing high-quality tire chains on the market. So with the first product, I would like to recommend this Super Z6 cable tire chain with a unique design that can match well with most of your vehicle tires.

As this tire chain is not the design for certain types of tires, it can adapt well with many vehicles. The low-clearance adaption of this cable-style chain makes it suitable for the low clearance tires. You also find it super easy to install, with no vehicle movement required. Besides, it features the advanced anti-lock braking system so that it has a high compatibility and control system. 

Despite the versatile design, the traction and grips offer is incredible. This cable tire chain can provide your tire with premium all-around traction for driving in harsh conditions like snowfall. It can work well with your SUVs, light trucks, and cars. Plus, the economical price with its quality makes it generally the best overall product on this list.

Spiker-Spider SPXL Sport Series Winter Traction Chain

Product specs

Dimensions	25.1 x 25 x 7.8 inches
Item weight	7.95 pounds
Max speed	30 mph

Key features

• Innovative snow chain with traction elements
• Provides easy and convenient installation
• Fit FWD, RWD, AWD vehicles with tire width less than 235 mm

The second item on this list is the Spiker-Spider snow traction chain with the innovative design that unlike other types of conventional tire chains you have seen. This traction chain package includes the advanced traction elements that allow you to have a quick and convenient installation. 

And of course, the design, which is different from other types of tire chains, has its benefits. The traction aids, as known as the four arms with the tungsten studs, connect with the steel links to sit together on the tire’s tread. 

This specific combination offers excellent traction for the tires to move smoothly and safely in the snowy, icy, or even muddy surfaces while not causing damage to the tire treads. This type of tire chain with adaptable traction arms allows you to have a convenient installation without touching the wheel wells surfaces. 

The Spiker-Spider can easily attach to your tires, which brings lots of benefits when you have to put on the tire chain quickly in the harsh snowy conditions. See how to install it right here:

Best Tire Chains for Snow: KONIG CB-12 Set

Product specs

Dimensions	13 x 2.76 x 13 inches
Item weight	1 pound
Tightening	Manual
Clearance	12 mm

Key features

• Traditional tire chain for low clearance vehicles
• Simple and effective design
• Work great in heavy snow, snowstorm, snowfall

The KNOG manufacturer is one of the best that comes out with the high-performance tire chain products for driving in harsh conditions. The next item I’m going to mention here is the CB-12 tire chain comes from the KNOG brand, which has the specific design for SUVs style vehicles to drive regularly in the severe snowy or icy weather. 

This CB-12 KONIG features an uncomplicated design of an original tire chain, but it can offer full efficiency. The materials have a high level of durability, and value which is always seen in a KONIG chain product. Though it is simple, it is well-built that can provide everything you need for a safe and smooth ride in snow weather, such as high traction and premium protection. 

Many customers reviewed that it works very well on their SUV’s tires last winter. Also, simplicity makes it super straightforward for you to put on, even though you have to tension the chain manually each time. 

Kimpex USA Diamond V-Bar Tire Chains

Product specs

Dimensions	9.84 x 9.84 x 6.1 inches
Item weight	23.9 pounds
Vehicle service types	ATVs

Key features

• Heavy-duty tire chain for ATVs
• Excellent traction and durability
• Work great off-road, and other types of terrains

This Kimpex USA tire chain is one of the heavy-duty chain types that can offer the perfect performance on the hard terrain surfaces and soft soils. One clear thing that you can notice when looking at the image of this chain is the hard steel material of the chain, and this, of course, provides the high durability and adaptation for the best control and safety in such driving situations. 

The outstanding diamond pattern cross chains and aggressive V-Bar allows it to perform the excellent traction on the roads covered with snow and ice, as well as prevent the tread tire from getting harm. Therefore, the value it brings is everything you need.

The Kimpex USA tire chain is pretty suitable to use for your tractors, and types of ranger vehicles. It is also the best option for driving off-road efficiently besides the winter use. Purchase ones for your vehicle tires and nothing can interfere with you when driving on all types of surfaces.

Best Tire Chains for Pickup Trucks: Security Chain Peerless Auto-Trac Traction

Product specs

Dimensions	11.8 x 11.7 x 3.3 inches
Item weight	13.9 pounds
Max speed	30 mph
Tightening	Self-tightening

Key features

• Tire chain for light pickup trucks and SUVs
• Easy and quick to install
• Auto self-tightening feature
• Diamond pattern cross chains

This time we come to another product from the Security Chain manufacturer, the Peerless Auto-Trac tire traction chain. But the thing you should notice here is the design of this tire chain is not the traditional types so that it is not for the general vehicle tires. Therefore, this peerless traction chain is the dedicated product used for light pick-up trucks and SUV style vehicles. 

Though the design is different, its feature is not inferior to any other Security Chain products. Like the Super Z6 tire chain, it offers easy and quick installation and removal, while no vehicle movement required, which means very convenient to put it on and only take a short time. 

Plus, this tire chain also features a self-tightening system so that you don’t need to retighten it by yourself after each time. The design of this tire chain comes with a diamond pattern for additional traction and performance. It also brings you smooth driving, even on rough terrains.

Best Tire Chains for Off-Road: TerraGrips For All Terrains

Product specs

Dimensions	18 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches
Item weight	11.18 pounds
Clearance	2 inches
Tightening	Manual

Key features

• Unique tire chain for all terrains and off-road surfaces
• No tool-required installation
• Rubber belts prevent tire wear 
• Reduce damage causing to lawn and grounds

If you are looking for tire chains that can provide excellent performance on every kind of terrain, then this TerraGrips chain product is the perfect option. It has a different point from other types of tire chains. This TerraGrip comes with a hardened steel chain connected with rubber belts that wrap around the tire tread. 

This unique design allows the TerraGrip tire chain to have excellent traction on all types of surfaces. It can handle well on grass, mud, snow, gravel, or pavements, and even off-road surfaces. Besides, the rubber belts, unlike the other metal chains, help to protect your tread tires from damage or getting wear, as well as ensure the extra durability and flexibility. 

Also, the installation is very convenient, and no other tools required. All you have to do is wrap the chains around the tires and hook the internal link. One great thing is that you can use these tire chains for your tractors or mowers as it won’t cause damage to your lawns and grounds.

Easiest Tire Chains to Install: KONIG Easy Fit CU-9 Snow

Product specs

Dimensions	5.91 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches
Item weight	13.23 pounds
Clearance	9 mm
Tightening	Self-tightening

Key features

• Tire chain with the fastest installation
• Feature nylon bumpers for alloy wheels protection
• 9 mm clearance

This KONIG Easy-Fit CU-9 tire chain has the easiest and quickest installation possible. It only takes you three steps to finish installing it, and then you can drive safely and confidently. 

The selling key of this tire chain design is the rigid arch system inside, and the aluminum bar at the center, which makes sure for the self-tightening and wholly fitting. Therefore, there’s no need to stop your vehicles every time to retighten this chain. Quick installation and no need to re-tension manually, isn’t it convenient?

The removal is straightforward to do either due to the release system. You only have to push the buttons on the bar, and the safety catch comes out, then you can take the tire chain out smoothly. 

Besides, as you can see in the images of this KONIG Easy-Fit CU-9 chain, it features anti-chips nylon bumpers, which offers protection for the vehicles’ alloy wheels. You can refer to this video below to know the detailed steps of installation.

Best Tire Chains for Mud: JuguHoovi Car Anti-Slip

Product specs

Dimensions	15.5 x 7.8 x 4.8 inches
Item weight	11.82 pounds
Max speed	40 km/h
Sizes	S, M, L

Key features

• Mud tire chains for cars, SUVs
• Including 8 chain pieces and nylon straps
• Proved safe and smooth ride on all terrains
• 3 sizes to choose

If you want to have a smooth and safe journey, but driving on the snowy or dirty muddy surfaces always discomfort you, then this JuguHoovi car tire chain will be the perfect solution to that problem. 

With these chains on, your cars can work effectively on most types of terrains. Even if it’s snow, ice, sand, mud, or wet roads. This tire chain has a unique design, including 8 chain pieces and flexible nylon straps to strap onto the tires. 

The anti-skid metal materials offer extended durability, as well as they’re slip and wear-resistant. The reinforced steel can also withstand low temperatures, making it suitable for you to use it in such snow weather conditions. 

You do not need to worry about the noise or vibration like some other types of tire chains as this JuguHoovi provides you a possibly quiet and smooth ride. The different design with the adjustable strap also makes it convenient to put on as you can install it on most vehicles. 

Best SUV Snow Chain: KONIG XG-12 PRO Tire

Product specs

Dimensions	16 x 15 x 5 inches
Item weight	16.67 pounds
Tightening	Self-tensioning
Clearance	12 mm

Key features

• Tire chain for SUVs, cars
• Provides extra traction and performance
• Nylon bumpers feature
• 12 mm clearance

When the wintertime has come, you need to prepare everything necessary for your vehicles to have a safe and smooth ride every time. But if you possess some SUV style vehicles, you may want it to look fashionable while still ensuring the security. 

Therefore, the KONIG XG-12 design is the thing that you have to get as it not only provides the vital protection and safety for your vehicles but also brings a modern and delightful appearance to your SUVs. The self-tensioning system makes it outstanding, as it can get the chains tightened flawlessly without your help. 

The diamond pattern of the cross-chain, as you can see in its images, would offer excellent traction for your SUVs in the harsh conditions in winter days, as well as bring a smooth and safe ride you need. Also, this tire chain features clearance of 12 mm, which is the perfect solution to limited clearance vehicles like your cars or SUVs.

KONIG XB-16 Snow Tire Chains

Product specs

Dimensions	15.12 x 4.06 x 14.72 inches
Item weight	18.58 pounds
Clearance	16 mm
Tightening	Manual

Key features

• Traditional tire chain 
• Simple design and high quality
• 16 mm clearance

KONIG tire chain way to take up a quite much place on this list. But that’s understandable because their models are always on the top of most of the ranks. This time with this XB-16 tire chain model, you have the typically traditional design of a snow traction chain that comes up to required standards to supply you with excellent performance. 

Of course, the quality and durability of this traction chain are not inferior to any model before. It is well-built and manufactured to make sure that you can have a safe and comfortable ride as much as possible in the coming winter days. 

These KONIG XB-16 tire chains feature high traction and reality, along with the simple design for easy installation. And finally, the factor that can make most of the customers pleasant is the price tag, which is much more affordable, but it comes from a correctly high-quality tire chain product.

Glacier Chains 2028C Cable Tire Chains

Product specs

Dimensions	17.5 x 7.3 x 5.4 inches
Item weight	1 pound
Manufacturer	Glacier Chains

Key features

• Cable traction chains for winter use
• Unique design, high durability
• Lightweight and long-lasting

As you can see, these Glacier Tire Chains don’t come with the original types of design. Instead, it is a kind of cable traction chain. It features some firm spring rollers on the cable cross wrapped around the tires which play the role as chains of traditional tire chains. 

With the spring rollers, it will surely bring the extra durability as well as high flexibility for the movements of your vehicles. And that means it’s possible to apply it to every tire size of light trucks or SUVs because the roller can stretch very well. 

You can also feel secured about the quality of this unique chain as it comes up to all the requirements of an excellent cable traction chain. All the parts link together very firmly. 

Besides, it is pretty easy to install and remove as it’s super lightweight and not as bulky as other tire chains on the market you have tried before. I can say this model will bring you a pleasant experience that is not inferior to any traditional tire chains.

Best Tire Chains for Ford F-150: Titan Chain Snow

Product specs

Dimensions	N/A
Item weight	1 pound
Max speed	30 mph

Key features

• Cable tire chains for vans, light trucks, SUVs
• Low profile fitting
• Storage bag included

This Titan Snow chain has a similar design as the item above, so you can guess that it is also pretty proper for the SUV vehicles. The popular vehicle brands like Ford or Chevrolet can see these cable chains as the ideal choice for those snowy weather conditions. 

The design of this product looks like the Glacier cable chains except for the hardened steel rollers on the chain cross. These roller materials are sturdy low-carbon steel, which provides the strength and durability you need for a long way to travel in wintery weather. 

Moreover, the cross-chain form a ladder-pattern, which means it can offer excellent traction in the light snow and ice, as well as make it easier to move forward or stop the vehicles. Besides, this low profile tire chain meets the SAE class S requirements, which make it fit your restricted wheels well clearance vehicle types perfectly. You can purchase the rubber adjusters separately to ensure more secure fitting.

Jeremywell Universal Snow Tire Chains

Product specs

Dimensions	20 x 7 x 1 inches
Item weight	1 pound
Package includes	10 pieces
Tire sizes fit	175-295

Key features

• Special cable tire belts for winter use
• Provides good performance in mud, snow and ice
• 10 pieces included

We know that tire chain products come with various types of design. Up to now, we have mentioned lots of ones with different designs. But now, this unique tire chain will provide you with extra convenience to use. 

As you can see, the Jeremywell tire chain includes no chain. The manufacturers only provide some textured straps to wrap around the tires to offer additional traction and smoothness for driving in the snowy surfaces. The package includes ten strap pieces in total. 

However, instead of the unique design of these cable tire chains, they are surely high-quality products that can help your vehicles a lot to perform well on the harsh surface types. Moreover, they are not metal materials, so that they will cause no damage to your tires like other tire chains. 

The installation and removal are easy to do too. You can keep these tire chains in your vehicles and take them along with you whenever you drive out. They would make an excellent alternative.

Best Choice: Security Chain Company Super Z Tire Traction Chain

Product specs

Dimensions	17.4 x 7.7 x 7.7 inches
Item weight	12.88 pounds
Tightening	Built-in tensioning

Key features

• Tire chains for SUVs, light trucks
• Provides great all-round traction
• Self-tightening and anti-lock braking system feature

These tire chains are the newer version of the Security Chain SZ143, which I have mentioned above. As they both come from the same manufacturer, that means this Security Chain ZT729 has all the highlight features just like that big version of the SZ143 model. 

Therefore, these tire chain products would also have excellent all-round traction, a built-in tensioning system, and come with SAE class S clearance, which is suitable for the limited clearance vehicle types. And don’t forget, the ZT729 also features electronically monitored control systems such as the anti-lock brakes, AWD, traction control, and so on. 

It is here to make sure that you can have a safe and smooth ride in such weather conditions by providing high durability and compatibility. And the thing I like most is that the price of this version seems to be much more affordable than that of the small one. By far, I would say that this is the best choice for customers to get among the products on this list.

Best Budget: Quality Chain Cobra Cable Snow Traction Tire Chains

Product specs

Dimensions	16.3 x 7 x 6.7 inches
Item weight	9.1 pounds

Key features

• Cable traction chains for passenger vehicles and SUVs
• Rubber adjusters (sold separately)
• SAE class S clearance

These Quality Chain Cobra tire chains possess all of the necessary features for a safe and smooth trip on the hard surfaces with snow, ice, or mud on it, while having a price tag of a low-cost tire chain product on the market. This item may be the perfect solution if you have no abundance but still want to get a good-quality tire chain product for your vehicles to prepare for the coming winter days. 

The Quality Chain Cobra tire chain comes with a pretty contemporary cable-style design with fine wires instead of metal chains, which can prevent your tires from getting chips or scratches from the large chains. However, it may not have the durability or strength like other aggressive tire chains design on this list. 

It can also provide excellent traction and vital factors for your vehicles to move safely enough in the wintery conditions. This product, generally, has the quality that ideally values ​​the price, or even better.

Buying Guide

To make it clear for you to choose the best tire chains for your vehicles that can ensure safety and magnificent performance in the coming wintertime. I will mention here some noteworthy factors to assist you in the process of making decisions.

Your Vehicle Types

The first important thing to consider when you choose tire chains is the type of your vehicle. As I have mentioned before, some traction chains are specially for specific vehicles. Tire chains for SUVs can’t fit trailers’ tires. 

Therefore, most of the manufacturers provide information about the vehicle types that fit their products. You can refer to that to pick the suitable items for your vehicles, ensure that they are useful, and offer reliable performance.

Tire Chain Designs

Tire chain products come with various designs and models. Some have a traditional design, while others are more innovative and complex. The differences can come from the materials, cross-chain pattern, or the way of installation, and more.

The chain pattern is the influential factor either, and it has different ones such as diamond-pattern, ladder-pattern, T-wisted, and much more. The linking pattern design helps the tire chain to have better snow traction, while the other ones provide extra balance and stability for a smooth ride.

Easy Installation

A practical tire chain is something that you can install or remove smoothly without the help of an expert. The tire chain which features a self-tensioning system will be very beneficial as you only need to put it on once, and then you can drive continuously. 

You do not need to tighten the chain repeatedly, the systems will take care of it. Some tire chains may not require vehicle movement when you put on, such as the Security Chain products, which are perfect options for quick and easy installation.

Clearance

The clearance factor indicates the thickness of the tire chains. The tire chains with an appropriate clearance won’t cause any difficulty for the moving process of the vehicles. For the thicker tire chain, they will get a higher clearance. On the other hand, some thin tire chains are suitable for the low clearance vehicles, especially the ones that meet SAE Class S clearance requirements. Make sure that the products you are going to purchase have clearance that is suitable for your vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

After the buying guide, I am going to put here some frequently asked questions. Take a look at this part so that you will no longer have questions about choosing the best tire chains for your vehicles.

Our tire chains bad for tires?

You should always pay attention and be careful when using tire chains for long terms. Driving on ordinary roads or pavements with chains on can damage both your tires and the surfaces. 

Therefore, these products should only be applied in appropriate circumstances such as snow and ice weather. Except for some particular types of tire chains that can provide excellent off-road and paver performance, most require specific conditions to use them properly.

How fast can I drive with tire chains on?

Driving too fast with tire chains can be dangerous to drivers while handling operations or braking the vehicles. Manufacturers always offer maximum speed ratings for their tire chains to advise users not to drive over the speed indicated when applying chains. However, in general, the recommended average speed is from 30-50 km/h, equivalent to 20-30 mph. 

When should I use tire chains?

You should only use tire chains if the road surfaces are covered with snow, ice, or mud. That’s when you need to apply chains for additional traction. Avoid using tire chains on bare streets or pavements because it can damage your tires as well as doesn’t bring any benefits.

Do I have to put tire chains on all tires?

Installing tire chains on all four tires of your vehicles will be the most suitable option as it helps to provide better stability and balance for your wheels to get the best traction and performance for a smooth and safe ride in the harsh conditions. Besides, front-wheel-vehicles should use tire chains on the front tires, and the back-wheel-vehicles should put them on the rear tires.

How should I drive with tire chains on?

You should drive carefully and lawfully with tire chains on in the appropriate weather conditions for use. Remember, it is essential to maintain a proper speed between 20 to 30 mph. Also, try to avoid severe braking, accelerating as well as strong shocks while driving, as they can also cause damage to tire chains.

My Top Picks

After reading this article, I hope now you can have all the necessary information to choose the best tire chains for your vehicle to get fully ready for this wintertime.

Among the products included in this review, my top picks are Security Chain Company Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain and KONIG XG-12 PRO Snow Tire Chains as they provide the perfect quality and everything you need for a safe and smooth ride in snow weather. Plus, their designs are top too.

To sum up, I hope you find this article helpful in finding yourself the best tire chains for your vehicles. Drop a comment below if you have any questions. I’ll try to answer you as soon as possible.