Bridgestone vs Falken

When you are trying to choose a new set of tyres, the big names often steal the spotlight – think Michelin, Goodyear and Continental. 

But there are also very good options in the form of Bridgestone and Falken. 

Both are globally significant brands, each with its own fans. And both with a wide range of tyres for different driving scenarios and conditions.

Bridgestone: Excellent All-Rounder with Global Reach

Bridgestone is one of the biggest tyre companies in the world. 

Founded in Japan back in 1931, the brand has been involved in everything from motorsport to sustainable rubber farming.

Their tyres tend to lean towards safety and reliability. With plenty more expertise and performance-related technology under the surface.

Bridgestone’s Key Technologies

• Run-Flat Technology (RFT): This has been a Bridgestone staple for years. RFT lets you keep driving even after a puncture. For up to 50 miles at a limited speed. A very useful technology, with a slight trade-off in a more stiff drive compared to regular tyres.
• ENLITEN: Bridgestone’s newer focus is on sustainability and efficiency. ENLITEN tech reduces rolling resistance, which translates into better fuel economy and less environmental impact. Which is proving to be a great option for hybrids and EVs.
• DriveGuard: Kind of like a middle ground between traditional and run-flat. You get the flexibility of standard tyres with emergency backup if they deflate.

Bridgestone also has partnerships with plenty of car manufacturers, so if you’ve ever had a new car, there’s a decent chance it came with Bridgestone rubber straight from the factory.

Bridgestone Product Range

Bridgestone's extensive range of tyres provides reliable options for different driving conditions and vehicle types. 

Within their catalogue they have key market favourites such as:

• Potenza Sport – Bridgestone’s premium performance tyre. It competes directly with the likes of Michelin’s Pilot Sport series. Excellent dry grip. Precise steering.  Today, prices range from £   to £   per tyre*.
• Turanza T005 – A refined summer tyre that focuses on comfort, wet grip, and fuel efficiency. Ideal for family cars and longer commutes. Today they are priced between £   to £   per tyre*.
• Weather Control A005 EVO – Their main all-season model. It’s decent in the snow but particularly strong in wet conditions – which is more relevant for UK drivers most of the year. Prices range from £   to £   per tyre*.

Falken: The Enthusiast's Underdog

Falken is a slightly different story. They’re owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which is one of the top global tyre manufacturers, but carry their own niche appeal.

Falken started out focused on performance. They had a strong motorsports presence from the start, which has shaped their tyre designs even today. Focusing on grip, cornering and performance. 

Falken Technology

• 4D Nano Design: This is Falken’s answer to high-performance precision. Controlling the tyre’s compound at a microscopic level. Improving wet grip and wear resistance. 
• Advanced 4D Sipe Design: Used especially on their all-season and winter tyres, Falken uses a dense, patterned siping structure to improve snow and water dispersal. 
• Silent Core: Falken’s Silent Core tech reduces cabin noise using a polyurethane foam inside the tyre. It’s worth noting that not every model has this as standard.

Falken Product Range

Falken has an extensive range of tyres to meet many different categories and needs. They are well renowned for their high performance products.

• Azenis FK520 – A serious ultra-high-performance tyre, but with surprising comfort. Good for people who want a sportier feel without getting rattled over every bump. Prices today range from £   to £   per tyre*.
• Ziex ZE310 Ecorun – Falken’s popular all-rounder for everyday driving. Good wet grip, low noise, and reasonable tread life. Prices range from £   to £   per tyre*.
• EuroAll Season AS210 – Falken’s answer to all-season driving. A solid performance in unpredictable conditions that won’t break the bank. Prices today range from £   to £   per tyre*.

Bridgestone or Falken?

As usual when comparing two brands, it depends on what you want.

If you’re the type of driver who values consistency, safety, and manufacturer-backed confidence, Bridgestone will likely suit you better. 

Falken, on the other hand, might surprise you. They’ve been punching above their weight in recent years, and while their branding doesn’t always shout premium, some of their products really deliver. 

If price is a deciding factor, Falken usually comes in a bit cheaper, model for model. That could tip the scales for a lot of drivers.

Choosing The Tyres For Your Needs

It’s tempting to chase the biggest names when choosing tyres.

But sometimes it’s worth looking sideways, at brands like Falken - or even re-evaluating old assumptions about Bridgestone.

Neither is a bad choice. They're just different in how they approach performance, comfort, and price.

So which is better? There’s no single answer - but hopefully, you’re now one step closer to your own.