Sherwin Williams vs Benjamin Moore paints

Benjamin Moore vs. Sherwin-Williams: Which Paint Brand Is Right for You?

Introduction: Two Paint Titans, One Big Decision

When it comes to choosing the perfect paint, two brands dominate the conversation: Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a homeowner planning a refresh, or a professional contractor, these two industry leaders are often at the top of the list for their exceptional quality, durability, and color selection (Tribble Painting).

Both companies have spent decades investing heavily in research and development, building premium product lines that cater to a wide range of needs — from upscale residential spaces to large-scale commercial projects (Improovy). While their paints usually come at a higher price than budget-friendly brands like Behr, the payoff is clear: fewer coats, longer-lasting results, and a truly professional finish.

In this guide, we'll break down how Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams compare across coverage, durability, ease of use, color options, eco-friendliness, and professional preferences, helping you confidently choose the best paint for your next project.

2. Quality and Performance: How Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams Stack Up

When it comes to coverage, durability, and application experience, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer exceptional choices — but their strengths show up differently across their product tiers.

Ultra-Premium Showdown: Aura® vs. Emerald®

At the very top, Benjamin Moore’s Aura® and Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald® represent the best of each brand’s technology. Aura is famous for its incredible coverage and rich, saturated colors thanks to its exclusive Color Lock® Technology (Benjamin Moore Aura Product Page). It often requires fewer coats, especially when covering bold or dark shades.

Emerald, introduced with an emphasis on durability and eco-friendliness, offers similarly outstanding hide and coverage (Green Lodging News). Plus, the Emerald Designer Edition® raises the bar even higher for luxury projects.

When it comes to scrubbability and stain resistance, both Aura and Emerald excel. Independent testing shows Emerald Interior resists stains, blocking, and scrubbing extremely well (Material Bank) — while Aura’s durability and easy clean-up are frequently highlighted by pros and homeowners alike (Benjamin Moore TDS - Aura®).

Premium Favorites: Regal® Select vs. Duration® (and Cashmere®)

Stepping slightly down in price, Benjamin Moore’s Regal® Select and Sherwin-Williams’ Duration® Home are trusted favorites for high-traffic spaces.

Regal Select is celebrated for its easy application, stain release technology, and exceptional coverage, partly due to its Gennex® Color Technology (Ring's End Benjamin Moore Guide). Duration fights stains with advanced cross-linking tech that blocks spills before they soak in (Sherwin-Williams Duration Overview).

Meanwhile, Sherwin-Williams’ Cashmere® offers a smoother, buttery finish — a favorite for DIYers — but it’s generally viewed as a little less durable than Duration in professional settings (Improovy).

Value Choices: Ben® vs. SuperPaint®

In the "high-quality but more budget-conscious" tier, Benjamin Moore’s Ben® and Sherwin-Williams’ SuperPaint® go head-to-head.

Ben is praised for its affordability without sacrificing good hide or finish quality (Benjamin Moore Ben Overview). Some independent tests even found Ben Interior offered better durability and fewer scuffs compared to SuperPaint (Heritage Painting Blog).

SuperPaint, on the other hand, is a workhorse paint — offering excellent performance, great flow, and fantastic value, making it a top pick for both homeowners and professionals (Sherwin-Williams Product Overview).

Quick Tip: SuperPaint is often noted for being easier to apply, flowing smoothly off brushes and rollers, making it a very DIY-friendly option (Tribble Painting).

3. Professional vs. DIY: Which Paint Brand Works Best for You?

When choosing between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, your background — professional painter or DIY homeowner — plays a huge role. It's not just about quality; accessibility, pricing, and ease of use matter just as much.

3.1 What the Pros Prefer

Sherwin-Williams often wins over professional painters — and for good reasons. With more than 3,900 company-owned stores nationwide (Jensen Investment Insights), Sherwin-Williams offers unparalleled convenience. For contractors managing multiple projects, being able to quickly grab supplies from a nearby store (or even have them delivered) is a game changer.

Plus, Sherwin-Williams offers deep contractor discounts and strong account support — often making professional pricing far lower than retail (D'Franco Wallpaper). Pro painters also appreciate how Sherwin-Williams paints, especially SuperPaint®, flow and level well, reducing visible brush strokes even when crews vary in skill level (Heritage Painting Comparison).

Sherwin-Williams' dominance among professionals is clear: They have exclusive supply relationships with 23 of the top 25 U.S. homebuilders (Sherwin-Williams Overview).

Meanwhile, Benjamin Moore remains beloved among professionals who prioritize color richness and finish quality. Many high-end residential painters swear by Aura® and Regal® Select, believing the premium price is justified by flawless results (Ring's End Product Guide). BM’s Advance® (for cabinets) and Scuff-X® (for commercial high-abuse areas) are favorites for specialty projects (Benjamin Moore Press - Scuff-X Awards).

One downside? Benjamin Moore sells through independent retailers, not company stores, meaning product availability and pricing can vary more from location to location (Tribble Painting Expert Review).

3.2 DIYers: Which Brand Fits Best?

Sherwin-Williams offers a lot to DIYers, starting with a slightly lower average retail price than Benjamin Moore (Improovy Pricing Comparison). Plus, their presence inside Lowe's stores — via the HGTV Home line — makes Sherwin-Williams easily accessible to weekend warriors.

Sherwin-Williams also offers free color consultations, making picking the right shade way less stressful (Sherwin-Williams Color Consultation). Frequent sales — sometimes 35% to 40% off — make their premium lines more budget-friendly for DIY painters.

Benjamin Moore, meanwhile, is a DIYer’s dream if you crave unmatched color richness or care about eco-credentials. Their Ben® line offers a user-friendly formula and wide color palette at a more accessible price than Aura or Regal (Benjamin Moore Ben Interior Overview).

But access can be a little trickier. Since BM is sold mainly at local, independent stores, you might have to search a bit harder to find your nearest dealer. Color consultations usually come with a fee (Ring's End Color Consultation Info).

Pro Tip: Some premium paints, like Sherwin-Williams Emerald® or Duration®, are slightly harder to apply for beginners. In contrast, Regal® Select from Benjamin Moore is often praised for its forgiving nature, helping even novices achieve a professional look (In Honor of Design Paint Guide).

3.3 What About Budget Brands?

If price is your top concern, Behr (sold exclusively at Home Depot) is a strong alternative. Consumer Reports often ranks Behr paints highly for affordability and good performance (Consumer Reports Best Paints - Reddit Discussion).

However, most professionals find that Behr — while decent — can require more coats and might not deliver the same flow or finish quality as Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams (Just Add Paint Review).

4. Eco-Friendly Paint: How Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams Stack Up

These days, choosing the right paint isn't just about color or durability — it's also about being eco-conscious. Whether you're concerned about indoor air quality, environmental impact, or green building certifications, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer strong, eco-friendly options.

4.1 Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Formulas

First things first: VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals released into the air as paint dries, and they can impact both health and the environment (EPA VOCs Overview).

Both brands offer a wide selection of low-VOC (under 50 g/L) and zero-VOC paints that meet even the toughest regulations, like California's CARB standards.

• Benjamin Moore's low/zero-VOC stars include:

  • Aura® Interior (<50 g/L) (Benjamin Moore Aura TDS)

  • Regal® Select (Zero VOC or <50 g/L depending on sheen) (Regal Select TDS)

  • Ben® Interior (Zero VOC) (Ben Interior Info)

  • Eco Spec® (Zero VOC and zero emissions) (Eco Spec Info)

• Sherwin-Williams matches with:

  • Emerald® Interior (Zero VOC) (Sherwin-Williams Emerald Info)

  • Duration® Home Interior (Low VOC) (Duration Home Info)

  • SuperPaint® with Air Purifying Technology (Zero VOC) (SuperPaint Info)

Both brands clearly deliver options that are safe for indoor use — ideal for families, allergy sufferers, or anyone focused on sustainability.

4.2 Zero-VOC Colorants: The Secret Sauce

Here's a pro tip: Colorants — the pigments added to make custom colors — can sneak VOCs back into your "zero-VOC" paint. 🧐

Fortunately, both brands have solved this:

• Benjamin Moore uses Gennex® Color Technology, ensuring that even dark tints remain zero-VOC (Benjamin Moore Gennex Overview).

• Sherwin-Williams counters with ColorCast Ecotoner® zero-VOC colorants (Sherwin-Williams Green Programs Guide).

This means that whether you pick a crisp white or a deep navy, you won't compromise your air quality.

4.3 Certifications: Who's Certified Green?

If you're chasing LEED credits or want independent proof of eco-friendliness, look for third-party certifications:

• Green Seal® Certification:

  • Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec® line holds this coveted certification (Green Seal Certified Products - Benjamin Moore).

• UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification:

  • Sherwin-Williams' Emerald®, Duration® Home, and SuperPaint® Air Purifying all earn this designation, which prioritizes indoor air quality for sensitive spaces like schools and hospitals (Sherwin-Williams GreenGuard Gold Info).

• Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification:

  • Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec® is certified for low chemical emissions and hypoallergenic properties (Eco Spec Certifications).

• Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs):

  • Both brands publish EPDs — detailed reports showing a product’s environmental impact across its lifecycle (Emerald EPD, SuperPaint EPD).

Bottom line?
Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams deliver eco-friendly options with strong third-party validation. If ultra-low emissions or specific green certifications are essential for your project, you’ll find stellar options with either brand.

4.4 Companywide Sustainability Efforts

Finally, it's not just about the paint — it's about the company's overall commitment to the planet:

• Benjamin Moore:

  • Focuses on recycling paint, reducing waste, and even running wildlife conservation projects at its facilities (Benjamin Moore Sustainability Reports).

• Sherwin-Williams:

  • Has aggressive 2030 goals: 30% reduction in carbon emissions, 50% renewable electricity use, and major waste reduction targets (Sherwin-Williams 2023 Sustainability Report).

In short, both companies aren't just greenwashing — they're making real progress toward greener operations.

5. The World of Color: Choosing, Matching, and Getting Support

When it comes to picking paint, color is everything. Whether you’re going bold or keeping it neutral, your paint brand needs to deliver not just quality but also the right shades, tools, and advice to make your vision happen. Here’s how Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams compare.

5.1 Color Palette: More Shades, More Options

• Benjamin Moore leads the pack with over 3,500 colors (Benjamin Moore Explore Colors). Their palette is famous for deep, rich, designer-approved hues, making them a favorite among homeowners and pros alike. Plus, they offer curated collections like the Historical Collection, Affinity®, and Color Stories® (Benjamin Moore Color Collections) to help you create a cohesive look.

• Sherwin-Williams isn’t far behind, offering a robust 1,700+ color lineup (Sherwin-Williams Exterior Colors). They organize colors into easy-to-browse families and trend collections — perfect for anyone looking to stay stylish without feeling overwhelmed.

In short:
If you want maximum variety and ultra-specific shades, Benjamin Moore might have the edge. But Sherwin-Williams offers plenty of choice for almost any project.

5.2 Color Matching: No Worries if You Change Brands

Here’s some good news: both brands have excellent color-matching technology.
Whether you pick a Benjamin Moore color and need it mixed at Sherwin-Williams (or vice versa), their stores can usually replicate each other's shades with a high degree of accuracy (Paint Matching Info).

This means you’re never locked in — you can have your dream color no matter which store is closer, cheaper, or more convenient.

5.3 Color Consultation Services: Free vs. Paid Help

• Sherwin-Williams offers free color consultations — either online or in-store — which is a fantastic perk if you’re feeling overwhelmed (Sherwin-Williams Consultation).

• Benjamin Moore also offers color consultations, but typically charges a fee (usually around $40–$99 depending on the retailer) (Benjamin Moore Color Help Info). Plus, since Benjamin Moore works through independent dealers, consultation services can vary depending on where you shop.

Bottom line:
If you’re a DIYer or budget-conscious, Sherwin-Williams' free color advice could be a big help.
If you’re seeking a highly specialized or curated color plan, Benjamin Moore's experts — even at a cost — could be worth the investment.

6. Recognition and Reputation: Awards, Trust, and Industry Standing

When you're investing time and money into a big painting project, it’s reassuring to know you’re picking a brand that’s trusted, proven, and highly rated. Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams shine in this category — but with a few interesting differences.

6.1 J.D. Power Satisfaction Studies: Who Ranks Higher?

Every year, J.D. Power surveys thousands of paint buyers to measure satisfaction across key categories: application, durability, offerings, price, warranty, and the in-store experience (J.D. Power Paint Survey 2025).

Here’s what recent years look like:

• Sherwin-Williams ranked highest for Interior Paint satisfaction in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

• Benjamin Moore grabbed the top spot in 2022 and back in 2018 (Benjamin Moore J.D. Power Awards).

For Exterior Paint:

• Sherwin-Williams won in 2025, while Benjamin Moore led in 2024 (Sherwin-Williams Recognition).

And when it comes to Paint Retailer satisfaction:

• Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores ranked highest in 2024 and 2025.

• Benjamin Moore independent retailers led in 2022 (Morningstar J.D. Power Review).

Bottom line:
Both brands are beloved by customers — but Sherwin-Williams has had a recent edge, especially in retail experience.

6.2 Trust Among Consumers and Pros

• According to Lifestory Research’s 2024 "Most Trusted Paint Brands", Behr ranked #1, followed by Sherwin-Williams at #2, and Benjamin Moore at #3 (Lifestory Research Paint Trust Study).

• Among professional painters, Sherwin-Williams consistently dominates market share. Their trusted brushes (Purdy® brand) and relationships with 23 of the top 25 homebuilders tell the story (Sherwin-Williams Pro Report).

Still, Benjamin Moore remains a top choice for premium residential projects where rich color and luxury finishes are the priority (SISU Painting Brand Comparison).

6.3 Corporate Awards and Achievements

Both brands win awards — but in slightly different areas:

• Benjamin Moore has snagged honors for supply chain management, corporate social responsibility, and product innovation like Scuff-X® (Benjamin Moore Press Room).

• Sherwin-Williams racks up awards for sustainability, innovation in coatings (like their intumescent fire protection tech), vendor partnerships, and even making Forbes' Best Employers lists (Sherwin-Williams Awards).

Both brands show a strong commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and responsible business practices.

6.4 A Note on Consumer Reports Rankings

Consumer Reports often rates Behr paint very highly, especially for exterior applications (Consumer Reports Paint Guide).
However, professionals caution that CR’s lab testing doesn't always replicate real-world conditions like application ease, flow, or contractor needs (Just Add Paint Analysis).

Key takeaway:
Consumer Reports is a helpful tool — but pro-level preferences still lean toward Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore for performance, durability, and ease of use.

7. Conclusion: Choosing Between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams

When it comes to premium paints, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams both set the gold standard — it's less about picking the "better" brand and more about matching your choice to your specific project needs, goals, and budget.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

🏡 If You Prioritize Color Richness and Uniqueness:

Go with Benjamin Moore.
Their 3,500+ color palette (Benjamin Moore Color Collections) offers some of the deepest, richest tones in the industry, perfect for design-driven homeowners.

• Best picks: Aura® (for bold, rich interiors) or Regal® Select (for durable, washable walls).

🛠️ If You’re a Pro or Need Bulk Paint Fast:

Sherwin-Williams is your go-to.
With over 3,900 stores across the U.S. (Sherwin-Williams Corporate) and strong contractor support, they dominate the pro painter market.

• Best picks: SuperPaint® (awesome value for pros and serious DIYers) or Emerald® (ultra-premium durability).

💰 If You're Watching Your Budget:

Both brands can work, but Sherwin-Williams usually offers more sales and discounts, especially during big events like their 40% Off Sales (Sherwin-Williams Sales Events).

• Tip:
  SuperPaint® offers a great quality-to-price balance (Improovy Comparison).

🌎 If Eco-Friendliness Matters Most:

Both brands offer excellent low- and zero-VOC options.
However, Benjamin Moore Eco Spec® wins bonus points for being Green Seal Certified and asthma & allergy friendly® (Benjamin Moore Eco Spec® Details).

• Sherwin-Williams products like Emerald® and SuperPaint® Air Purifying are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified (Sherwin-Williams Sustainability Guide).

🎯 Final Word:

Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer outstanding performance compared to budget brands like Behr (Lifestory Research Trust Study).
Your choice should come down to:

• Project type (interior vs exterior, budget vs premium finish),

• Your own painting skill (some high-end paints are trickier to apply!),

• Color goals, and

• Access to deals and support in your area.

When in doubt?

• Test a few samples,

• Check for local store promotions, and

• Don’t be afraid to ask your local paint expert for advice!

Either way, you’re painting with the best. 🎨✅