Are you stuck between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams for your next paint job? Many homeowners face this same choice. Both brands offer great paints, but they differ in key ways.
We can help you choose the right paint for your walls. This guide breaks down what makes each brand stand out—from color selection to eco-friendly options.
In this post, we’ll examine paint quality, color choices, product lines, and more. You’ll learn about Benjamin Moore’s rich colors and Sherwin-Williams’ solid durability. We’ll also discuss their eco-friendly options and what makes each brand unique.
By the end, you’ll know which paint brand best suits your project. Let’s get started on finding your perfect paint match.
Why Does Choosing the Right Paint Matter?
Choosing the right paint affects more than just the appearance of your room. The paint you choose impacts how easy your project will be, how long the finish lasts, and even your home’s air quality. Good paint means fewer touch-ups over time.
It stands up to scrubbing when life gets messy. It also covers old colors well, saving you time and money. Some paints work better in damp environments, such as bathrooms, while others excel in high-traffic areas or on trim.
When you match the paint to your exact needs, the work goes faster, costs less in the long run, and looks better for years. Taking time to pick the right paint now means less work later.
Which Paint Performs Better? Comparing BM and SW Quality
Benjamin Moore (BM)
Benjamin Moore stands out with its top-notch finishes in home paint options. Their Aura and Regal Select lines offer deep, full coverage that many homeowners love. You need fewer coats to get the job done right, which saves you time and money on your projects.
The brand uses the Gennex colorant system in its paints. This zero-VOC method makes colors last longer and stay bright. Your walls keep their fresh look even after years of exposure and daily life. The paint also withstands scrubbing and cleaning well.
Sherwin-Williams (SW)
Sherwin-Williams has built a strong fan base among work pros, and for good reason. Their Emerald, Duration, and SuperPaint lines deliver steady, trusted results. These paints go on smooth and dry to a nice, even finish that lasts.
You can wash these walls again and again without worry. The paint stays put and looks good for years. SW uses ColorCast Ecotoner in most of their paints, keeping VOC levels low or at zero. This helps keep your indoor air clean while you enjoy your fresh walls.
Is Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams More Budget-Friendly?
| Feature | Benjamin Moore (BM) | Sherwin-Williams (SW) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Price | Aura: $80–$90/gal Regal: $59–$64/gal |
Emerald: $70–$80/gal Duration: $65–$75/gal |
| Mid-Tier Price | ben: ~$47/gal | SuperPaint: $50–$60/gal |
| Budget Line | ben: ~$47/gal | Captivate: ~$38/gal |
| Sales/Discounts | Rare sales | Frequent 30–40% off |
| Who It’s Best For | Quality-focused, designer finishes | Budget-conscious pros & frequent buyers |
How BM and SW Paint Lines Stack Up
Benjamin Moore
- Premium: BM’s top paint choice is Aura, which is expensive but requires fewer coats. Regal Select is their main line, which offers good value and strong results.
- Mid-Tier: Ben offers a more wallet-friendly choice. It works well for do-it-yourself home projects and gives good results at a lower price point.
- Specialty: Advance works great on wood parts like cabinets and trim. It flows well and dries hard. Scuff-X holds up in busy areas like halls and stairways without marks.
Sherwin-Williams
- Premium: Emerald leads their lineup with top skills in all areas. Duration comes close behind and works well both inside and outside your home.
- Mid-Tier: SuperPaint offers good value for your buck. Many choose it for its mix of cost and skills. Cashmere goes on like silk and leaves a soft, clean look.
- Contractor/Value: The ProMar series is suitable for big jobs where lots of paint is needed. Pros: It is used when costs need to be kept in check for large walls and rooms.
Who Wins in Color Variety and Precision? BM vs. SW
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore offers color options that catch the eye of many top home designers. Their paint colors show small shifts in tone that add depth to any room. You can find unique shades that make your space feel special and well-planned.
Their sets of colors linked to past times give homes a sense of story and place. The deep, full tones they create stand out among other brands. When you want a color that feels rich and well-made, this brand often comes to mind.
The one catch comes with color matching. Since each store that sells their paint is owned by someone local, the tools they use might differ. This can mean the color match you get may not be the same from one store to the next.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams keeps up with what colors most people want right now. Their popular light grays and beiges, like Agreeable Gray, show up in many homes today. These colors work well as a base for many styles and room types.
When you need to match a color, their company-owned stores help ensure you get the same shade every time. They use the same high-tech tools in each store, which helps keep results the same no matter where you shop.
Their ColorSnap system lets you see how colors might look before you buy. You can test out paint shades on your phone or computer and feel more sure about your choice before you spend any money.
Is Your Paint Safe Indoors? Eco and VOC Differences
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore has made big steps toward clean air in your home. Their top lines, like Aura and Eco Spec, keep VOCs low or at zero. VOCs are the stuff that makes paint smell bad and can hurt air quality.
These paints work well in rooms where clean air matters most. Think of baby rooms, spaces for folks with breathing issues, or spots where people spend lots of time. You get good color and finish without the harsh smells.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams offers Harmony paint that cuts VOCs to zero and even helps reduce bad smells in your room. Their Emerald and Duration Home lines also keep VOC counts very low.
These paints are used in places where air quality is key. Many doctors’ offices, school rooms, and homes use them to help keep the air clean. They offer good looks and health benefits.
Not Just BM or SW: Alternative Brands and Specialty Picks
| Category | Brand/Product | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Alternative | Behr | One-coat coverage, solid performance on a budget | Home Depot |
| Budget-Friendly Option | Valspar | Cost-effective, wide selection | Lowe’s |
| Designer Paint | Farrow & Ball | High-end finishes, unique heritage colors | Specialty retailers |
| Furniture Projects | Chalk Paint | Vintage/upcycled furniture with a matte finish | Various craft/home stores |
| Cabinet Refinishing | BM Advance | Waterborne alkyd, durable for trim and cabinets | Benjamin Moore dealers |
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer top-quality paints worth your money. The choice comes down to what matters most to you.
Pick Benjamin Moore if you want rich colors with depth and special finishes. Their Aura and Regal Select lines give walls a look that many find worth the extra cost. The color choices work well for people with a clear style vision.
Go with Sherwin-Williams if you need tough, long-lasting paint with wide store access. Their sales make the price more budget-friendly, and pros trust their steady results. Their ColorSnap tools also help you feel sure about your color pick before you buy.
Think about your space, how much foot traffic it gets, and your budget. Test your top color picks at home before making the final call. Both brands will serve you well—match the right paint line to your exact needs.
What’s your next painting project? The perfect paint is waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brand Costs Less?
Sherwin-Williams often costs less when you buy during its frequent sales. For the best value, plan your purchase during their 30-40% off events.
Can I use Benjamin Moore colors with Sherwin-Williams paint?
Yes. Both stores can match colors from other brands. The match might not be 100% exact, but it comes very close in most cases.
Which Paint Is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?
Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane are top picks. Both dry hard and resist food stains and repeated cleaning.
How Long Does Paint from These Brands Last?
Both brands last 7-10 years on walls with proper prep work. Depending on weather and sun exposure, exterior paints may need to be redone sooner.
