Paint Brands · Tool Face-Off

Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams

Quick answer

Both are premium American paint brands beloved by pros and DIYers alike. Sherwin-Williams wins on sheer convenience and contractor perks; Benjamin Moore wins on color depth and indie-dealer charm.

Our pick

Benjamin Moore

Color authority with a cult following and buttery-smooth finish

4.4★

Sherwin-Williams

The paint aisle giant that contractors swear by

4.4★

Flagship Interior Line

Aura Interior

Emerald Interior

Flagship Price (1 gal)

~$75-85

~$70-80

Mid-Range Option

Regal Select (~$55-65)

SuperPaint (~$50-60)

Number of Colors

~3,500+

~1,700 curated

Store Count (US)

~5,000 indie dealers

~4,900 company-owned

Contractor Discounts

Varies by dealer

Up to 40% off list

Zero-VOC Option

Yes (Natura line)

Yes (Emerald)

Color Match Tech

Proprietary Gennex colorants

Standard industry colorants

Loyalty Program

No national program

Yes (PaintPerks)

Online Purchase

Ship to dealer only

Buy online, ship home

Sample Pots

Yes (~$5-7)

Yes (~$4-6)

Peel & Stick Samples

Yes (Color Samples)

Yes (ColorSnap strips)

Benjamin Moore

Price Value★★★½☆

Availability★★★½☆

Color Accuracy★★★★★

Finish Quality★★★★★

Eco & VOC Options★★★★½

Coverage & Durability★★★★½

Sherwin-Williams

Price Value★★★★☆

Availability★★★★★

Color Accuracy★★★★½

Finish Quality★★★★½

Eco & VOC Options★★★★☆

Coverage & Durability★★★★½

Worth knowing

Benjamin Moore has been around since 1883 and still uses its proprietary Gennex colorant system for richer, truer hues.
Sherwin-Williams owns more than 30 other paint brands including Valspar and Dutch Boy — it's practically a paint monopoly.
Benjamin Moore sells exclusively through independent dealers, which keeps prices less consistent but supports local businesses.
Sherwin-Williams runs frequent 30-40% off sales that make its premium paints far more accessible for budget-conscious painters.
Both brands are trusted by professional painters, but BM Aura consistently tops 'best interior paint' lists in consumer reviews.

Sherwin-Williams' famous 'Cover the Earth' logo — a can of red paint drowning the globe — has been called one of the most accidentally ominous brand logos in history. Environmentalists agree.

If you want

You want the richest, most color-accurate finish money can buy

Benjamin Moore's Gennex colorants produce deeper, more vibrant tones that hold up over time without fading.

→ Pick Benjamin Moore

If you want

You're a contractor or painting multiple rooms on a budget

Sherwin-Williams' steep loyalty discounts and nationwide company stores make bulk buying fast and cheap.

→ Pick Sherwin-Williams

If you want

You want to shop online or need paint ASAP on a Sunday

Sherwin-Williams lets you buy online and has more predictable store hours than indie BM dealers.

→ Pick Sherwin-Williams

If you want

You care about supporting local businesses and unique color curation

Benjamin Moore's indie-dealer model keeps your dollars local and gives you access to expert color advice.

→ Pick Benjamin Moore

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