Top Synthetic Oil Brands for Peak Engine Performance

Choosing the best synthetic oil can significantly improve your vehicle's performance and longevity. With advancements in automotive technologies, the market is filled with numerous synthetic oil brands that promise superior performance and protection. Each brand offers unique formulations designed to meet various engine specifications and driving conditions. In this article, we explore some of the top synthetic oil brands that have garnered trust and loyalty from mechanics and car enthusiasts alike. Read on to discover which brands stand out in the competitive field of synthetic oils.

Illustration of synthetic oil

Best brands of synthetic oil in 2025

Mobil 1

Mobil 1, the world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, was introduced over 40 years ago in 1974 as the first globally available full synthetic automotive motor oil. It holds a significant market share, making up 45 percent of the full-synthetic retail market share, more than twice that of its nearest competitor. Mobil 1 is chosen by many leading auto manufacturers as standard factory-fill and serves as 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 engine protection for a full year or 20,000 miles. As synthetic motor oil use is expected to grow by over 10 percent annually over the next six years, Mobil 1 is solidifying its position in the market.

Castrol

Castrol is a leading brand in the synthetic oil market, known for its high-quality products and strong market presence. With a market share of 37.7% as of February 2024, Castrol dominates the lubricant sector, selling over 6 litres of its products every second. The company has a long-standing partnership with Jaguar and Land Rover, developing specific oils like the Castrol Edge Professional OE 5W-20, which is engineered to enhance engine performance and fuel efficiency. Castrol's synthetic oils are recognized for their stable viscosity, improved engine cleanliness, and better compensation for various driving styles. The brand continues to innovate, focusing on environmental sustainability with the development of low-carbon and carbon-neutral lubricants.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella is a leading brand in the synthetic oil market, known for its high-quality lubricants that provide unrivaled protection and performance for heavy-duty vehicles. For 16 consecutive years, Shell, the parent company of Shell Rotella, has retained its status as the leading global supplier of finished lubricants. Shell Rotella's products, such as the T6 Full Synthetic heavy duty engine oil, are designed to optimize fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in its upcoming Proposed Category 12 (PC-12) engine oils, set to be licensed in 2027. Shell Rotella's products are trusted by many for their durability and performance.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil is a renowned brand in the synthetic oil market, known for its advanced full synthetic motor oils that provide complete protection and top engine performance. In 2017, Pennzoil held an 8% market share in the synthetic oil segment, although it trailed behind Mobil, which led with 28%. Pennzoil's synthetic oils are made from natural gas, ensuring they are virtually free of impurities, sulfur, and nitrogen. The brand has a long history, dating back to 1913, and is trusted by experts and consumers alike, with support from NASCAR champion Joey Logano. Despite fluctuations in market share, Pennzoil remains a significant player in the synthetic lubricant industry.

Valvoline

Valvoline is a leading producer of synthetic oil, renowned for its high-quality products that offer superior protection against engine wear, deposits, heat, and friction. The company's Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil provides 40% better wear protection and 25% better deposit protection compared to industry standards, as tested in the Sequence IVB and GMOD engine tests. Valvoline's synthetic oils are 24X stronger against engine-killing contaminants than the industry-leading full synthetic oils. With operations in over 140 countries and a network of 80,000 retailers, Valvoline's global presence is significant, particularly in growing markets like China and India where they saw a 9% volume increase in 2018. Valvoline's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a trusted brand for over 150 years.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is a leading global synthetic oil brand, renowned for its high-performance lubricants that outperform other synthetic and conventional oils. Founded in 1986 and acquired by Calumet Specialty Products Partners in 2012, Royal Purple utilizes proprietary Synerlec additive technology to enhance oil film strength, providing better performance, cleaner operation, and lower cost of ownership. Their products are used in various applications, including racing, commercial trucking, and industrial sectors such as maritime, mining, and wind energy. Royal Purple's products have been praised for improving fuel economy, performance, and the life of equipment and vehicles, with a global presence in countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and the UK. The brand's success is reflected in its growing consumer base, particularly as consumers trade up from conventional motor oils to premium synthetic oils.

Amsoil

AMSOIL is a leading producer of synthetic oils, known for its high-performance products that outperform industry standards. The company's Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil has seen rapid growth, capturing additional market share due to its exceptional protection and performance. AMSOIL's products are favored by vehicle enthusiasts who understand the long-term value of premium synthetic oils. In 2022, AMSOIL anticipated significant growth in the African market and saw strong sales of its OE Synthetic Motor Oil as more motorists upgraded from conventional oil.

Havoline

Havoline, a brand under Chevron Products Company, is a leading producer of high-quality synthetic motor oils, known for its advanced formulations and environmental benefits. The Havoline PRO-RS Renewable Full Synthetic Motor Oil, launched in 2021, is made with 25% sustainably sourced plant-based oils and exceeds industry standards such as ILSAC GF-6 / API SP, offering superior cleaning power, wear protection, and thermal stability. This product is part of Chevron's effort to reduce carbon intensity and support a lower carbon future. Havoline synthetic oils are designed for both high mileage and newer vehicles, providing unsurpassed protection and excellent fuel economy retention. The brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability has made it a preferred choice in the automotive lubricants market.

Motul

Motul, a French company founded in 1853, is renowned for its innovative and high-performance synthetic lubricants. The brand launched the first 100% synthetic multigrade lubricant in 1971, the Motul 300V, and has since become a key partner in international racing competitions such as the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Motul holds a significant presence in the market, particularly in the UK, where it is the best-selling motorcycle lubricant brand. The company's synthetic lubricants, including those under its Technosynthese techniques, offer superior properties such as greater resistance to oxidation and longer oil change intervals. Motul's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in the synthetic lubricants sector. For more information about their corporate culture, visit their website.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is a leading producer of synthetic oils, achieving significant growth with a nearly 10% increase in sales to EUR799.7 million in 2022, despite global challenges. The company saw substantial growth in export markets, particularly in the Middle East, Asia, and Central and South America, with the USA emerging as the second-largest sales market after Germany, showing over 30% growth. Liqui Moly is focused on internationalization and plans to reach EUR1 billion in sales by 2025. The company also set a record in additive production with around 18 million cans in 2022 and expanded its workforce by 76 employees. With a strong commitment to corporate responsibility, Liqui Moly aims to achieve EUR2 billion in annual turnover by 2035.