Top Synthetic Oil Brands: Shell, Mobil 1, Amsoil, Castrol, Valvoline

In recent years, the demand for high-quality full synthetic oils has significantly increased due to their superior engine protection and performance enhancement capabilities. Leading the pack are some well-renowned brands that consistently deliver excellence, ensuring that vehicles run smoothly and efficiently. Brands such as Mobil 1, known for its innovative formulation, and Castrol Edge, which offers exceptional strength under high pressure, top the list among automotive enthusiasts and experts alike. For those curious to explore a comprehensive list of the best full synthetic oil brands available today, continue reading below.

Illustration of full synthetic oil

Best brands of full synthetic oil in 2025

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is the world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, holding a significant 45% market share of the full-synthetic retail market, more than twice that of its nearest competitor. Introduced in 1974, Mobil 1 was the first globally available full synthetic automotive motor oil, and it has continued to innovate with products like Mobil 1™ Annual Protection, offering protection for up to 20,000 miles or one year between oil changes. Mobil 1 is chosen by many leading auto manufacturers as standard factory-fill and is the official motor oil for NASCAR and the NBA. It has also been named "Best Brand of Motor Oil" by US automotive technicians and is preferred 2 to 1 over the nearest competing brand. With its extensive use in motorsports and continuous technological advancements, Mobil 1 remains a benchmark in the industry.

Castrol EDGE

Castrol EDGE is a premier brand for full synthetic motor oil, renowned for its superior performance and protection. As part of Castrol's 125-year anniversary celebrations, the EDGE range has been relaunched with enhanced claims, including an oil change interval of up to 20,000 miles for the standard EDGE and 25,000 miles for the EDGE Extended Performance. This oil is engineered to withstand the intense friction of modern engines, providing 10X better high-stress performance than the latest industry standard and being 3X stronger against viscosity breakdown than leading full synthetic oils. It meets all three key industry specifications: API, GM dexos Gen3, and ACEA C2/C5. Castrol EDGE is designed to maintain peak engine performance and protection over extended drain cycles. For more information about the Castrol EDGE oils, visit their website.

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil stands out as a top choice for full synthetic oil, offering 24X stronger protection against engine-killing contaminants than the industry-leading full synthetic. It provides 50% more wear protection than industry standards and meets the API SN Plus classification for LSPI (low speed pre-ignition). This oil is trusted for its innovative anti-wear additives, superior antioxidants, and extra detergents, ensuring maximum performance and engine longevity. Licensed by GM to meet dexos(r) specifications, it also exceeds all requirements of API ILSAC GF-6A standards. With over 150 years of history, Valvoline continues to reinvent motor oil technology. For more information, check out their Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil.

Pennzoil Platinum

Pennzoil Platinum is a leading brand in full synthetic motor oil, known for its superior engine protection and cleansing capabilities. It keeps pistons up to 40% cleaner than the toughest industry standards and exceeds USA and European industry standards such as ILSAC GF-5 and API SP. This oil is DEXOS-1 approved, making it compatible with GM, Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles from the 2011 model year onwards. Pennzoil Platinum also enhances fuel economy, protects horsepower, and provides unsurpassed wear protection, even in extreme temperatures. It is formulated with PurePlus Technology(tm) to deliver complete protection for modern vehicles.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is a leading global brand in the synthetic oil market, known for its high-performance lubricants used in diverse applications from daily drivers to NASA. With over 35 years of delivering superior results, Royal Purple has established a strong reputation, particularly in the premium synthetic motor oils category. The brand's products are enhanced by its proprietary Synerlec additive technology, which significantly outperforms other synthetic and mineral-based oils. Royal Purple's market presence is global, with products sold in numerous countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and China. The brand's new "No Matter What Drives You" campaign aims to expand its market reach and consumer engagement.

Amsoil Signature Series

The Amsoil Signature Series is renowned for its exceptional performance as a full synthetic oil, exceeding global performance standards and warranty requirements for all domestic and imported passenger car engines. It offers a 100% synthetic formulation, providing 66% better cold-temperature performance, and ensures up to 25,000 miles or one year between oil changes. This oil achieves 100% protection against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) and reduces wear significantly, as evidenced by its superior performance in the Sequence IVA Engine Test and GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification. It also limits oil consumption and maintains protective viscosity, outperforming competitors like Mobil1 in deposit protection tests. With a Total Base Number (TBN) of 12.5, it ensures robust acid-neutralizing power. For more details, visit the Amsoil Synthetic Signature Series product page.

Shell Rotella Gas Truck

Shell Rotella Gas Truck, although discontinued, was a notable product from Shell Rotella, a leader in heavy-duty engine oils for over 40 years. It provided extreme wear and temperature protection for gas truck engines. However, it has been replaced by alternatives like Pennzoil Platinum SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil. Shell Rotella continues to innovate with products like the T6 Full Synthetic, which offers up to 3% fuel economy savings and meets industry standards such as API CK-4 and API-SN. Despite the discontinuation, Shell Rotella remains a trusted name in engine oil technology.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is a renowned German manufacturer of high-quality automotive lubricants and additives, having achieved a 15% sales increase to EUR 917 million (nearly $1 billion USD) in 2023. The company, founded in 1957, is the largest independent oil blender in Germany and has maintained nearly three decades of profitability despite economic fluctuations. Liqui Moly's products, including full synthetic oils, are highly regarded for their performance and fuel efficiency, particularly in European markets. The company's resilient consumer and commercial demand has helped it navigate significant cost escalations and inflation. With plans to reach EUR 1 billion in annual revenues by 2025, Liqui Moly continues to invest in production and logistics to meet growing demand. Learn more about their growth strategies and projections by visiting their official overview.

Red Line

Red Line Synthetic Oil is renowned as one of the best producers of full synthetic oil, established in 1979 by Tim Kerrigan and Peter Filice. The company, now a subsidiary of Phillips 66 Spectrum Corporation since 2014, specializes in high-performance synthetic lubricants, including multigrade and monograde polyol ester base stock (Group V) engine and gear lubricants. Red Line's products are highly regarded in the racing industry, with partnerships in various disciplines such as Formula Mazda Challenge, drag racing, and motorcycle racing. Their oils are designed to provide superior performance and protection, making them a favorite among racers and enthusiasts. With a strong presence in the global synthetic lubricants market, Red Line continues to innovate and expand its product range.

Motorcraft Full Synthetic

Motorcraft Full Synthetic Motor Oil is a premium-quality option recommended by Ford Motor Company, meeting warranty requirements and API Certified for gasoline engine service ILSAC GF-6 and API SP/Resource Conserving. It is manufactured with high-viscosity index, synthetic base oils that provide excellent high and low temperature performance, minimizing engine deposits and wear, and protecting against high-temperature oxidation and turbocharger deposits. This oil also reduces oil-derived low speed pre-ignition and meets WSS-M2C961-A1 standards. With its friction-reducing technology, it offers superior wear protection and energy-conserving characteristics, significantly improving fuel economy compared to SAE 10W-30 motor oils. The global automotive engine oil market, which includes such high-quality products, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% from 2022 to 2031. For more details, you can visit their official product page.