Want to Know the Best Tire Chains? Read This!

Our top pick is easy to install on most SUVs and light trucks in just a few minutes and comes with rubber self-tighteners to keep your chain in place.

Even better, it’s one of the most affordable snow chains on the market for its size, and you can buy them in sets of two. You’ll never need to pull over to tighten the chains, and they’re more compatible with your car’s anti-lock braking system than most chains. 

This chain is best for you if you drive a 4x4 with anti-lock brakes and low clearance.  The only con to using this chain seems to happen when people install them for the first time without knowing what they’re doing.

It’s important to practice putting them on a couple of times to get the hang of the process before you take them on a ski trip. 

They’re easy to install, but each time you install them, you’ll do better. Otherwise, the chain may snap when you least want. You can get a set of two chains on Amazon for an affordable price. There are also some slightly used options available with prime shipping for a lower price. 

A great option no matter what you drive, you can use this chain for cars, trucks, or SUVs. They’re more durable than most chains or cables available, and this model requires the least amount of side operating clearance around the drive tires when compared to most models.

Installation is quick and easy, and there are rubber tighteners to keep the chain in place. Like other Security chains, they’re also designed to work well with anti-lock brakes to allow for more control in the scariest driving conditions.

This Security chain is available in a set of two on Amazon for an affordable price, with used options available for a lower price. Both options include Prime shipping.

Like our top pick, Security offers a manufacturer’s warranty that you can collect by contacting the company or filling out a request with Amazon’s customer service.

For a reliable and tight fit with a manual tensioning system to get your large trucks through the mud, this is a classic snow chain you can depend on. 

These snow chains are great for off-road conditions in the winter, and they feature 16mm linked chains which are the largest and most rugged available. You won’t need to readjust them each time you stop either. This chain is simple and well made.

However, these snow chains are nearly impossible for beginners to install on their own. You need to have experience with chains before you can figure out how to fit them properly.

Konig chains are on the more expensive side of the market on Amazon. A manufacturer’s warranty is available as well. The company claims they’re worth the cost though, as you won’t face limitations and can use the chains for years to come.

With this chain, you can drive over the snow, gravel, mud, mulch, and anything else with no problems. The rubber slats offer more grip and protect your tire (and the road) from damage while the steel chains are rust resistant. This model is built to last and easy to install in no time. However, it’s not available for R1 or R4 tires.

On the more expensive side, TerraGrips is available for an affordable price on Amazon and come with Prime shipping. The company may offer a warranty on their own website, or you can add on a 3-year protection plan for an added money.

Peerless is a brand that offers peace of mind thanks to their worry-free self-tightening design and easy installation or removal process.

These chains use a diamond cross pattern for great traction and a smooth ride, and they’ll fit any S-class vehicle. You don’t need to move or jack up the car for installation, and you can use this option for a couple of winters without problems.

You can buy a set of two Peerless chains on Amazon for just over $$$, with Prime shipping. Used options don’t sell for much less though and priced at a premium price. There’s even a warranty on parts!

Glacier chains are made using hardened steel rollers and a cable cross pattern to offer stability and reduce the risk of damage.

You can use this option on both rear or front-wheel drive vehicles, and it meets any state’s traction requirements. There’s a helpful video for installation as well, but at this price, we’d love to see added features like a warranty or Prime shipping.

An expensive option similar to Konig XB-16 245 Snow Chains, a set with two chains costs just over $$$ with free shipping. You may find a used option for a reasonable price on Amazon with Prime Shipping.

Konig is a great brand when it comes to well-made and simple snow chains, and this 12mm option with a manual tensioning system doesn’t disappoint.

It’s an efficient design without a ton of added features, but this traditional chain is high-quality for the cost. Expect them to perform exactly as you hoped, and work well on vehicles that sit lower to the ground.

People who have used this chain, however, say it’s not as easy to install as the company would have you believe. They offer helpful videos, but the chains tend to tangle themselves into a huge mess if you’re not careful.

You can order a set of 2 Konig CB-12 chains with Amazon Prime for around $$. Used options are also available for a lower price if you want to save a bit of money. The company also offers a parts warranty.

The Cobra Cable is a made using sturdy carbon steel rollers, which add traction on stability.

These rollers cut down on the noise and vibration level typical with steel chains. They’re perfect for short use, and there are multiple videos to help you install them properly. The con is that you have the buy the rubber adjusters separately, but at an affordable price, most customers don’t mind much. You also can’t use this chain on trailers.

You can get a set of two chains on Amazon for a reasonable price, which doesn’t include Prime shipping but is a great deal. No warranty comes with this package.

In an emergency, Rupse tire chains are a go-to for small cars that are easy to install in tough conditions. They offer high-density, antiskid bumps to offer more reliability when driving on sand, mud, and snow.

The interesting part is that this option is a universal model that fits any tire between 145 and 265 mm, and they’re super easy even for beginners to install without preparation.

However, only use these chains when the roads are snowy, or they’ll break. They’re not built to last, so don’t expect to travel many miles using this option either. Instead, they’ll get you home in a pinch.  

Rupse tire chains are currently unavailable on Amazon, but you can purchase them for an affordable price on their official website.

Another option you only want to use during an emergency, this option is easy to zip on when the weather unexpectedly turns and will allow you to travel over short distances.

The package comes with 20 Zip Grips (10 for each tire), and these grips are adjustable to fit aluminum or alloy tires up to 22 inches. They’re easy to install, whether you’re a beginner or your vehicle is stuck in the snow. Consider this a one time use though, as they’re not intended for you to drive on all winter.

You can purchase the Zip Grip on Amazon for an affordable price. It’s not available with Prime or come with a warranty but does offer free shipping.