Picking the wrong paint brand wastes money and time. U.S. occupants spend billions of dollars on paint projects each year. Most DIYers don’t realize that brand choice dramatically affects results.
This guide compares Behr vs Benjamin Moore directly. We reference Sherwin-Williams for the complete market context.
Your paint choice determines coverage, durability, and finish quality. Some brands need multiple coats; others provide one-coat coverage. Premium finishes resist fading and scuffs far better.
Budget options work for rental flips and quick updates. This article teaches you everything you need to make confident decisions. You’ll learn about quality, durability, user experience, and value.
Our research draws from professional painter feedback and reviews. By the article’s end, you’ll know which brand suits you best.
Behr vs Benjamin Moore: What’s the Difference
Knowing each brand’s strengths helps you choose wisely today. Here’s what sets Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams apart.
Behr
Behr is Home Depot’s in-house paint brand known for affordability and convenience. It delivers dependable performance for everyday projects, offering solid coverage and easy application without stretching your budget.
Best Usage:
Ideal for rental updates, DIY remodels, or quick refreshes where cost, speed, and accessibility are priorities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly and widely available | May need extra coats for full coverage |
| Low-VOC and easy to clean | Less durable in high-traffic areas |
| Smooth application for DIYers | Limited color richness and depth |
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is a premium paint brand favored by professionals and designers. It provides exceptional coverage, rich color options, and long-lasting finishes that maintain vibrancy and durability, even under challenging conditions.
Best Usage:
Perfect for long-term homeowners, high-end interiors, and projects demanding professional-quality results with refined finishes and outstanding longevity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent coverage and smooth finish | Higher price per gallon |
| Durable and fade-resistant | Limited availability through select retailers |
| Over 3,500 designer-quality colors | Slightly longer drying time |
Aura represents the ultra-premium option with superior durability. Pricing ranges from $50 to $80 per gallon. Color selection exceeds 3,500 options with designer palettes.
Behr vs Benjamin Moore: Side-by-Side Comparison
Comparing these brands directly reveals important performance differences. The table below shows how each brand performs across key categories.
| Category | Behr | Benjamin Moore |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & Application | Requires more coats; needs quality brushes; moderate effort for a smooth finish. | Spreads evenly with fewer coats; smooth, easy application for DIYers. |
| Durability & Finish | May fade or scuff sooner; best for low–moderate traffic areas. | Retains sheen and color for years; resists scuffs; ideal for high-traffic spaces. |
| Color Range & Tools | 1,000 colors; Home Depot tools and visualizers; fewer designer shades. | 3,500+ colors; excellent design tools and in-store consultants. |
| Environmental (VOC & Odor) | Low-VOC Marquee line; good indoor air quality. | Zero- and low-VOC options; excellent for health-conscious buyers. |
| Price & Value | $30–$45/gal; great value; frequent discounts. | $50–$80/gal; premium price justified by longevity. |
| Availability & Support | Sold only at Home Depot; convenient but limited expert guidance. | Sold via independent retailers; personalized service and professional advice. |
This comparison shows clear trade-offs between affordability and premium performance. Choose based on your specific project needs and priorities today.
Popular Colors from Behr and Benjamin Moore’s
Color plays a huge role in how each paint brand feels in real homes. Both Behr and Benjamin Moore offer shades for every mood, from timeless neutrals to bold, statement-making tones.
Behr:
- Neutrals: Swiss Coffee, Blank Canvas, and Silver Drop bring brightness and versatility to any space, creating airy, welcoming rooms that match nearly any style.
- Warm Tones: Almond Toast and Canyon Dusk add warmth and comfort, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or cozy nooks that feel naturally inviting.
- Cool Tones: Blueprint and Light French Gray introduce a sense of calm sophistication. These colors suit bathrooms, offices, and open layouts with plenty of natural light.
- Accent Colors: Carbon and Adirondack Blue make striking statement walls or bold door finishes, adding personality to neutral palettes.
Benjamin Moore:
- Neutrals: White Dove, Revere Pewter, and Classic Gray are interior designer staples that balance elegance and softness, perfect for walls, trim, and open-concept spaces.
- Warm Tones: Lenox Tan and Edgecomb Gray deliver subtle warmth without overpowering. They pair beautifully with wood tones or gold accents for a cozy, polished effect.
- Cool Tones: Hale Navy and Stonington Gray bring crisp contrast, adding structure and sophistication to contemporary interiors or exterior siding.
- Accent Colors: Kendall Charcoal and Caliente inject bold personality and depth, ideal for highlighting architectural details or creating drama in focal spaces.
Whether you prefer Behr’s approachable, budget-friendly palette or Benjamin Moore’s designer-rich collection, both brands offer colors that enhance your home’s personality.
Sherwin-Williams vs Benjamin Moore VS Behr paints
Before you decide which paint brand to use, check out this side-by-side breakdown of Sherwin-Williams vs Behr vs Benjamin Moore to find the best match for your project.
| Category | Sherwin-Williams | Behr | Benjamin Moore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning | True middle option | Budget-friendly option | Premium brand |
| Quality & Performance | Professional-level quality | Good quality for the price | Comparable to Sherwin-Williams |
| Durability | Higher than Behr, comparable to Benjamin Moore | Lower than Sherwin-Williams | Similar to Sherwin-Williams |
| Price Range | Moderate | Affordable | Higher |
| Availability | Company stores & independent retailers | Widely available at Home Depot | Independent retailers |
| Target Audience | Professionals & balanced homeowners | DIYers, budget-conscious users | Design-focused homeowners |
| Key Strengths | Reliable, durable, consistent results | Convenient and cost-effective | Exceptional finish and color depth |
| Overall Insight | Balanced middle ground—better durability than Behr, lower cost than Benjamin Moore | Great for affordability and convenience | Best for high-end, design-focused results |
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Selecting the right paint brand depends on your project type, budget, and expectations. Each brand, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams, offers unique strengths to suit different needs.
- For Budget-Focused Projects: Choose Behr Premium Plus or Marquee for affordability and convenience. Ideal for rental updates or quick remodels, available easily at Home Depot nationwide.
- For Luxury and Long-Term Homes: Opt for Benjamin Moore Aura or Regal Select. These lines offer premium finishes, exceptional coverage, and long-lasting durability, making them worth the higher price for permanent residences.
- For High-Traffic Areas: Go with Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams. Both excel in durability, resisting scuffs and wear in homes with kids or pets.
- For DIY Access and Convenience: Behr wins for availability and easy guidance. Perfect for quick, flexible projects.
No matter the brand, proper surface preparation and careful application ensure lasting, professional-quality results.
Why Brand Choice Really Matters
Your paint brand affects how your home looks, feels, and lasts. The right choice saves effort, improves appearance, and extends your home’s long-term value.
- Coverage and Finish: Some paints require multiple coats, while others glide on smoothly. Consistent, even coverage saves time, hides imperfections, and ensures a polished, professional-looking surface every time.
- Durability: Premium paint resists fading, scuffs, and stains even in high-traffic areas. Strong finishes retain color vibrancy and protect walls from daily wear, keeping your home fresh longer.
- Climate Performance: Humidity, temperature, and sunlight all impact how paint ages. High-quality brands maintain adhesion and color stability in challenging climates, helping prevent peeling, cracking, and mildew growth.
- Long-Term Value: Quality paint lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups. It minimizes labor costs, increases resale appeal, and protects your investment for many years.
Choosing the right paint brand shapes your home’s beauty, durability, and value. Prioritize quality over price. It saves time, reduces maintenance, and ensures your walls stay flawless and vibrant for years.
Conclusion
Both Behr and Benjamin Moore deliver dependable, high-quality results. Your choice depends on budget, project goals, and expectations.
Behr offers excellent value for typical DIY projects. Benjamin Moore provides premium finishes ideal for long-term homeowners. Sherwin-Williams bridges the gap with professional-grade performance at moderate pricing.
Before deciding, carefully evaluate your timeline, budget, and durability needs. Always test small samples under natural light before painting an entire room.
Remember, proper surface preparation often matters more than the brand itself. For budget-focused DIYers, Behr is unbeatable. For lasting quality, choose Benjamin Moore. For balanced performance, pick Sherwin-Williams.
Ready to start your project? Share your paint choice and results in the comments below. We’d love to hear which brand worked best for you and help other homeowners make confident decisions today.
