They wouldn't have to charge for them if they weren't so obnoxious. Reasonably priced, with sturdy spikes that allowed me to ride peacefully on ice when others slid and shook in their seats. That's what the crowd favored. Of course, they're loud. Yes, there are noisier ones; one could also argue, "what do you expect, these are spikes." Yes, but there are also a great deal more that are far less loud. If you want to know if they will have the same price and the same driving performance, that's something I can't say. In any case, the tires are what you require, in my opinion. This might not be an issue in cars with superior soundproofing than my VW Polo.