Brand comparison
Best Interior Paint Brands 2026: Behr vs Sherwin-Williams
The "best" interior paint depends on your budget and how much abuse the wall takes. Behr and Sherwin-Williams lead on availability and value; Benjamin Moore and premium Sherwin lines win on finish and durability. Here is how they actually compare.
Price and coverage at a glance
| Brand / line | Typical price/gal | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behr Premium Plus / Ultra | $40–48 | 350–400 sq ft | DIY at Home Depot, good all-rounder |
| Behr Marquee / Dynasty | $50–60 | 350–400 sq ft | One-coat hide marketing, busy rooms |
| Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint | $55–65 | 350–400 sq ft | Contractor favorite, scrubbable |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald | $70–85 | 350–400 sq ft | High-end finish, stain resistance |
| Benjamin Moore Regal / Aura | $60–80 | 350–450 sq ft | Premium color, smooth application |
| Valspar (Lowe's) | $30–45 | 300–400 sq ft | Budget DIY projects |
Behr vs Sherwin-Williams
Behr is sold at Home Depot and is the default for many DIY painters because the price is hard to beat and the mid-tier Ultra covers well in two coats. Sherwin-Williams costs more but pros reach for SuperPaint and Emerald because the finish levels out nicely and stands up to scrubbing in hallways and kids' rooms. If you are painting one bedroom, Behr is the smarter spend. If you are painting a whole house that needs to last, Sherwin-Williams often pays off.
When the premium tier is worth it
- High-traffic walls (stairs, playrooms): a washable premium finish saves repaints.
- Deep or saturated colors: better pigments mean fewer coats.
- One-coat claims: Marquee and Emerald reduce coats on close color matches, saving labor.
FAQ
Is Behr as good as Sherwin-Williams?
For most DIY rooms, Behr Ultra is close enough at a lower price. Sherwin-Williams pulls ahead on scrubbability and finish for high-traffic or whole-house jobs.
Which paint covers the most per gallon?
Premium lines from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams (Aura, Emerald) often stretch toward 400–450 sq ft per gallon on smooth, primed walls.
Should I buy the cheapest paint?
Budget paint usually needs an extra coat, which eats the savings in labor and time. A mid-tier line like Behr Ultra or SW SuperPaint is the typical sweet spot.
Independent comparison. CoatWise is not affiliated with any brand. Confirm exact price and coverage on the label at your retailer. Use the Behr Calculator or Sherwin-Williams Calculator to price a specific line.