Best Place to Buy Tires Online, From Compacts to SUVs

Whether you’re trying to navigate the technical jargon, an endless variety of familiar and unfamiliar brands, or the fear of overspending, shopping for new tires can easily be one of those situations where you’ll say, “Ehh, they can go another week.” But for your own safety, and the safety of your passengers, you really shouldn't wait. I’ve owned several different vehicle types over the years, and have spent over 15 years relying on a vehicle for commuting, so I understand the struggle. If translating tire sizes, terrain and weather types, tread sizes, and all of the other nuances of tire shopping don’t sound like fun, don’t worry—I’ve compiled the best places to buy tires online to help you stay within your budget, keep your mind at ease, and your vehicle safe on the road.

What to consider when buying tires

Tire size

It should come as no surprise that your tire size is the most important factor. Your tire size number can look like a complicated alphanumeric code on the side of the tire. The most important number to know looks like this: 195/65R15. 195 refers to the width of the tire in millimeters, the letter (R for “radial”, in this case) is the construction of the tire, and 15 is the width of the inside portion of the tire, where the metal rim fits in. Most sites have a tool where you enter your vehicle year, make, and model, and the site shows you the tires available.

Tire tread

The tire tread is the pattern of rubber along the surface of the tire. Some are ideal for traction, while others are perfect for rough terrain, and some are ideal for reducing road noise. Consider how often and for what main tasks you’re using your vehicle to determine the required tire tread.

How many tires do I need?

If you’re rotating your tires regularly (roughly every 5,000-7,500 miles), you’ll find your tires are wearing at the same rate, and will require replacing at the same time. This tends to be the most budget-friendly approach, since replacing a full set of four tires will be cheaper (per tire) than replacing a single or pair of tires.

When should I buy new tires?

This is always a tough question, especially when you’re on a budget. Speaking from personal experience, there are myriad situations that wind up putting a new set of tires on the backburner. Technically, you could go by the mileage recommendations on your current tires and let that guide your timing as far as replacements go. I don’t recommend letting it go too long, since worn/bald/balding tires can cause your vehicle to drive less smoothly, have much less traction, get lower gas mileage, and (most importantly) can be very dangerous. The “penny test” suggests that placing a U.S. penny coin in the tire tread can let you know if it’s gotten too low. Most laws state your tire shouldn’t be less than 2/32 of an inch from the top of the tread to the tire surface. There are also steels or metal fibers that will become visible, letting you know it’s time to get your new tires ASAP.

Our top picks for the best places to buy tires

Discount Tire Direct

This is an easy to use site where you’ll find rebate options for some of the most popular tire brands like Michelin, Goodyear, and Perelli. Also available are extended warranties, financing, and tire/wheel packages for bigger savings. 25 years in business is a solid pedigree for one of the online tire sale pioneers.

Price range:

As low as $50 a tire and up, depending on desired quality and your needs

Discount Tire Direct

Searchability is easy with this wallet-friendly tire seller, but there is potentially limited installation availability depending on where you live.

buy on Discount Tire Direct

Tire Buyer

My favorite benefit of shopping on Tire Buyer is the variety of ways you can search for tires. Aside from the typical make, model, and brand options, you can shop based on other metrics and categories like performance, tire type, and more. It offers free local delivery to an installer near you, with a huge network of installers available in the contiguous United States.

Price range:

Many of the best options fall in the $70-$150 per tire range

Tire Buyer

Tire Buyer offers multiple ways to search and a wide variety, but the cost is a bit higher than some of the more budget-friendly options.

buy on Tire Buyer

Simple Tire

If you’re going with Simple Tire, you’ll find great ways to browse and find the right tire. My favorite perk, though, is the SimpleCrew club, available for free sign-up, where you’ll find discounts, personalized coupons and offers, and preferred customer service. Oh, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with installation.

Price range:

The sweet spot is right around $125-$135 a tire (plus discounts)

Simple Tire

For a mid- to high-tier price point with personalized coupons for tires, Simple Tire is the way to go.

buy on Simple Tire

Goodyear

If Goodyear is your brand of choice, take a look at the online options for tires directly from the brand’s website. There’s financing, Goodyear credit card options, rebates, and more, plus the option to add on services like oil changes, tire rotations, and general repair.

Price range:

$150-$200 installed, with warranty

Goodyear

If you’re a fan of Goodyear, the brand’s website offers rebates and more, plus roadside benefits.

buy on goodyear

Walmart Tires

You’ll find some of the best deals from Walmart tire, from a variety of brands including some you may not be familiar with, but certainly should check out. Walmart brick and mortar locations are located all across the contiguous United States, providing a variety of options for installation locations. You can also request delivery to your preferred installer as well, for separate installation.

Price range:

As low as $55 per tire, some amazing deals in the $75-$80 range (installation extra)

Walmart Tires

For a supersized variety of brands and over 4,600 locations to ship to, Walmart is a good choice.

buy on walmart

Amazon Tires

What can’t you find on Amazon? What you definitely won’t find is a shortage of insane tire deals, since you can purchase single tires or sets for well below the prices you’ll find from other retailers. The only thing lacking is ease of installation services as compared to other sites. As long as you take the time to read reviews, though, you’ll be able to save a ton on tires with little to no effort.

Price range:

Serviceable “around town” options as low as $40 per tire, and awesome performance options in the $55-$75 per tire range.

Amazon Tires

If you’re a Prime member, you’ll get free shipping, plus some of the best budget options available in a variety of sizes and brands.

buy on amazon

Sam's Club

Here, you’ll find all of the most popular brands, with everyday savings upward of $100 per set of four. There are 600 Sam’s Club locations in the United States and they are happy to install your new tires, complete with roadside assistance and a warranty. While you’re waiting you can go get a crate of avocados, a new recliner, and enough laundry detergent for a year.

Price range:

$100-$120 per tire installed for your best quality to value ratio (that’s installed pricing)

Sam's Club

You have to have a membership, but here you’ll find the most popular brands and savings of $100 or more for a set of four tires.

buy on Sam's Club

How we selected the best places to buy tires

Earlier in my career, I found myself in a variety of situations where I needed quality tires for work, and would go through a set of tires often. Drawing on that experience, I remember the most difficult hurdles when shopping for new tires. These include how to find the best deals, figuring out tire size, whether to replace both or all four tires, and the easiest path from purchase to installation. These are the places that made these tasks easier.

If you found this guide helpful, you may enjoy our guides to the best all terrain tires and the best tires for SUVs.

Why buy tires online

• Price: You’re going to find the best deals for tires online, whether it's via rebate, multiple tire or full set discounts, membership savings, or budget-friendly options like Amazon and Walmart.
• Selection: Local tire shops may need to special order your tire size, since the most popular sizes tend to be out of stock and specialized sizes are hard to find. You won’t run into that issue shopping online for new tires.
• Shipping speed: Most tire sites offer free shipping to their preferred, or often, your preferred installer and you can expect same week delivery in most cases, too.
• Customer service: Online tire sites (especially tire-specific sites like SimpleTire and Tire Buyer) have educated, friendly customer service available to help answer questions.
• Comparison shopping: It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the cheapest tire option, best warranty, quickest installation turnaround, or a happy medium for all of your concerns, shopping online allows you the time to find the best fit for your needs.
• It’s easy and no pressure: No need to walk into a local tire depot or mechanic’s with the worry that you’ll overpay or not know which size you need. The tools and prices available online can’t be beat.

Related: Best Tonneau Covers to Outfit Your Truck

Ways to save on tires

• Look for rebates, seasonal sales, brand specific sales, and closeout deals
• Check with your preferred local mechanic on pricing for tire mounting and balancing
• Know which tire quality works best for you–what are your driving needs/habits?
• Consider financing options as well as total value (installation, warranty, roadside assistance, etc.)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which retailer sells the most tires?

The number one online tire retailer is Discount Tire Direct, followed by Walmart.

Which tire type is best?

AP (all-position) radial tires tend to be the most well rounded for both highway, in town, and other general driving purposes. It depends on your vehicle and needs, though.

How much should you pay for a good tire?

If you don’t drive that many miles, you can get away with as low as $60 per tire installed, for a medium-quality tire that still provides a measure of safety. If you know you’ll be on the road more often and want to have some extra assurance, your sweet spot is in the $120-$150 per tire range.

What month is best to buy tires?

Ideally you’ll want to buy tires in the off-season for that type of tire. If you’re heading into a snowy winter and need a set of winter snow tires, look for sales in the fall or end of summer. If you need some summer tires ideal for high temperatures and highway driving for road trips, start shopping in early to late spring. For all season tires, simply look for deals year-round.

Should you buy four tires at a time?

If you follow proper tire rotation habits (tire hygiene, as I like to call it), you’ll find your tires wear evenly. This means you get the best value from each tire and when it’s time to repurchase you will get the best deals. Most rebates and discounts are the best value when you buy four tires–at the very least, try to purchase in pairs.