Top Picks for Synthetic Motor Oil: Superior Performance and Protection

When it comes to maintaining the peak performance of your vehicle, choosing the right synthetic motor oil is crucial. Synthetic motor oils are specially formulated to provide better protection, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your engine. With numerous brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to select the ideal one for your vehicle’s needs. Below, we have compiled a list of some of the best synthetic motor oil brands available to help you make an informed choice.

Illustration of synthetic motor oil

Best brands of synthetic motor oil in 2025

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is the world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, introduced in 1974 as the first globally available full synthetic automotive motor oil. It holds a significant market share, with over 45% of the full-synthetic retail market and more than twice the share of its next competitor. Mobil 1 is chosen by many leading auto manufacturers as standard factory-fill and is the official motor oil for NASCAR and several other prestigious motorsports teams. The brand continues to innovate, with products like Mobil 1™ Annual Protection, which guarantees protection for one year or 20,000 miles. Synthetic motor oil use is growing rapidly, with a projected 10% annual growth over the next several years, further solidifying Mobil 1's position. For more details, visit their official Mobil 1 page.

Castrol

Castrol, celebrating its 125-year anniversary, is a leading producer of synthetic motor oil, renowned for its innovative products and extended oil change intervals. The Castrol EDGE Extended Performance oil, for instance, offers an oil change interval of up to 25,000 miles and meets key industry specifications such as API, GM dexos Gen3, and ACEA C2/C5. Castrol's synthetic oils, including GTX Full Synthetic and EDGE, provide enhanced protection and performance with oil change intervals of 10,000 and 20,000 miles, respectively. The brand's commitment to environmental sustainability is also evident through its development of low-carbon products. With a strong market presence, Castrol continues to innovate and exceed customer expectations.

Valvoline

Valvoline is a leading global brand in the production of synthetic motor oil, renowned for its high-quality and performance-enhancing products. As the No. 3 passenger car motor oil brand in the DIY market by volume, Valvoline offers a range of synthetic and synthetic blend oils, such as Valvoline MaxLife, which is designed for high mileage vehicles and includes anti-wear additives to protect engine parts. The company has seen significant growth, particularly in the high-growth markets of China and India, where total volume, including unconsolidated joint ventures, grew 9%. Valvoline's retail services division, including its Valvoline Instant Oil Change chain, has also experienced substantial expansion, becoming the second largest company in the automotive oil change and lubrication industry by 2022. With a heritage spanning over 150 years, Valvoline continues to innovate and expand its market presence.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is a leading global synthetic oil brand, renowned for its high-performance lubricants that outperform other synthetic and mineral-based oils. With over 35 years of delivering superior results, Royal Purple's products are used by diverse industries, from daily drivers to NASA, and are known for enhancing fuel economy, equipment longevity, and overall vehicle performance. The brand's proprietary Synerlec additive technology increases oil film strength, providing better mileage and fewer oil changes. Royal Purple's market presence is strong, with products sold in numerous countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and more. Their "No Matter What Drives You" branding campaign aims to expand their reach in the premium synthetic motor oils market.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil is a leading brand in the synthetic motor oil market, known for its advanced full synthetic motor oils that provide complete protection and top engine performance. In 2018, Pennzoil held a significant market share of 38% in the U.S. synthetic motor oils market in fast lubes. The brand has a long history, dating back to 1913, and is trusted by experts and consumers alike for its innovative formulas and high-quality products. Pennzoil's synthetic oils are particularly noted for their use in high-performance vehicles, including NASCAR cars, highlighting their reliability and efficiency. The brand continues to be a major player in the synthetic lubricants market, competing with other prominent brands like Valvoline and Mobil.

Amsoil

AMSOIL is a pioneering brand in the synthetic motor oil industry, known for its high-quality products and innovative history. Founded by Albert J. Amatuzio, AMSOIL began commercially selling synthetic motor oil in 1968 and introduced the world's first synthetic motor oil to meet American Petroleum Institute (API) requirements in 1972. The company's Signature Series oils are renowned for their superior performance, offering drain intervals up to 25,000 miles and outperforming competitors in key metrics such as viscosity index, pour point, and cold cranking viscosity. AMSOIL has seen significant market growth, with its synthetic motor oil accounting for 4% of the best-selling synthetic oils in the fast lube market as of 2009, doubling its demand in just two years. The brand continues to expand its product lines, including specialized oils for European vehicles and high-performance motorcycle engines.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella is a leading brand in the synthetic motor oil market, renowned for its advanced formulations and superior performance. In 2018, it was among the top brands in the U.S. synthetic motor oil market, although Pennzoil held the largest share at 38%. Shell Rotella T6, a full synthetic diesel oil, offers exceptional protection against engine wear, deposits, and oil breakdown, and can improve fuel economy by up to 1.5%. This oil is formulated with advanced multi-functional dispersant additives and provides superior heat resistance and shear stability. It is ideal for heavy-duty applications, including diesel engines in trucks, agricultural equipment, and other hard-working vehicles.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is a renowned German brand that has established itself as one of the best producers of synthetic motor oil, achieving significant growth with a nearly 10% increase in sales to EUR799.7 million in 2022 and a further 15% increase to EUR917 million in 2023. The company's global presence is strong, with products available in over 150 countries and a notable expansion in export markets, including a 30% growth in the USA. Liqui Moly's production capacity is also on the rise, with over 18.5 million cans of additives produced in 2023 and plans to reach 22 million cans in 2024. The company is committed to innovation, particularly in the area of electric and hybrid vehicles, and aims to reach EUR1 billion in sales by 2025. With a vision to achieve EUR2 billion in annual turnover by 2035, Liqui Moly continues to strengthen its position in the global automotive market. For more details on their products and achievements, visit their official website.

Red Line

Red Line Synthetic Oil is a renowned manufacturer of high-performance synthetic lubricants, established in 1979 in Novato, California. The company, now a subsidiary of Phillips 66 Spectrum Corporation since 2014, specializes in producing oils using Group IV and Group V base stocks, known for their exceptional shear stability and engine cleanliness. Red Line oils are particularly favored in the racing industry, serving as the designated oil supplier for the Formula Mazda Challenge series since 2009. Their products are noted for lower oil consumption and excellent hard metal wear protection, making them a top choice for specific applications like wet clutch motorcycles and turbos. With a strong presence in the market, Red Line contributes to the growing demand for synthetic lubricants, which is projected to reach a valuation of $25.22 billion by 2031.

Motul

Motul, founded in 1853, is a renowned French company specializing in the formulation, production, and distribution of high-performance synthetic lubricants. The company is celebrated for launching the first 100% synthetic multigrade lubricant in 1971, the Motul 300V, and is a key partner in various international racing competitions such as the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Motul's products cater to a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and heavy-duty vehicles, emphasizing innovation and quality. The company has gained worldwide recognition for its state-of-the-art synthetic lubricants, which are preferred for their efficiency and longevity. Motul continues to innovate, aligning with the trend of advanced engine technologies and sustainable mobility. For more information about their corporate culture and innovations, visit their official website.