When it’s time to repaint your home, choosing the right paint brand is a big decision.
Two top names you’ll likely come across are Behrand Benjamin Moore. Both are well-known, trusted, and widely used – but they offer very different experiences.
Behris a go-to for many DIYers thanks to its affordable prices and easy access at The Home Depot. It’s known for offering good coverage and solid results at a reasonable price.
Benjamin Moore, on the other hand, is often the choice for designers and professionals seekingpremium finishes, long-lasting durability, and highly accurate colors.
So, which one should you choose?
In this post, I’ll compare Behr and Benjamin Moore side by side.
’ll cover everything from price and performanceto color selection, coverage, and ease of use, so you can confidently pick the right paint for your next home project.
Behr Paint Overview
Behr is a well-known paint brand owned by Masco Corporationand sold exclusively at The Home Depot. It’s a popular choice for homeowners seeking high-quality paint without incurring excessive costs.
Behr paints are easy to find and apply, and are often marketed towards DIYers who want to do the jobthemselves.
Behr is known for offering solid performance at a lower price point, making it ideal for budget-friendly makeovers or quick refreshes.
It also features helpful options, such as one-coat coverage and abuilt-in primer in some lines.
- Marquee – Top-tier option with one-coat coverage
- Premium Plus – Budget-friendly with built-in primer
- Ultra – Mid-range option for better durability
Benjamin Moore Paint Overview
Benjamin Moore is an independent, premium paint companythat sells through locally authorized retailersrather than big-box stores.
It has a long-standing reputation for exceptional color accuracy, smooth application, and high durability. This makes it a favorite among interior designers and professional painters.
Benjamin Moore paints are often used in high-end home projects where long-lasting results and a beautiful finish really matter. The brand also offers a wide selection of curated colors that work well in any room.
- Aura – Their most durable, rich-finish paint
- Regal Select – Excellent coverage and washability
- Ben – Lower-cost option with easy application
Behr vs. Benjamin Moore: Key Differences
To help you quickly see the differences between these two popular paint brands, I’ve put together a side-by-side comparison table.
| Category | Behr | Benjamin Moore |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Masco Corporation | Independent Company |
| Where to Buy | Home Depot (exclusively) | Authorized local retailers |
| Target Audience | DIYers, budget-conscious homeowners | Designers, professionals, premium home projects |
| Popular Paint Lines | Marquee, Premium Plus, Ultra | Aura, Regal Select, ben |
| Price Range (per gal.) | $25–$50 | $45–$90 |
| Coverage | Good, Marquee offers one-coat in some colors | Excellent, rich coverage even in lighter colors |
| Durability | Good for most home use | Excellent, especially in high-traffic areas |
| Finish Quality | Smooth but basic finish | High-end, refined, professional-grade finish |
| Color Selection | Wide range, good digital tools | Highly curated, designer-preferred color palettes |
| VOC Levels | Low-VOC options available | Many zero- and low-VOC options |
| Ease of Use | Easy to apply for beginners | Smooth, self-leveling formula favored by pros |
1. Color Selection and Accuracy
When it comes to color variety, both Behr and Benjamin Moore offer thousands of shades, but they take different approaches.
Benjamin Moore is known for its carefully curated, designer-favorite colors. Interior designers often choose it for its rich, layered hues and excellent color consistency.
Collections like the Historical Color Collection and Affinity Color Palette are designed to work across a range of styles and lighting conditions. If you’re going for a polished, magazine-worthy finish, Benjamin Moore is a great choice.
Behr, on the other hand, offers a wide range of practical, easy-to-use colors. While its shades may be simpler, Behr makes the selection process very convenient.
With tools like Home Depot’s color visualizer, peel-and-stick samples, and large swatches, it’s easy to test and explore.
In short, Benjamin Moore offers depth and precision, while Behr focuses on ease, accessibility, and budget-friendly options.
2. Coverage and Application
When it comes to coverage, both brands perform well, but BehrMarqueestands out for its “one-coat guarantee”on many of its colors. This can save time and effort, especially on smaller projects or touch-ups.
Behr also offers thick, easy-to-apply paint that works well for beginners, even with minimal prep.
Benjamin Moore, while not marketed for one-coat coverage, is known for its smooth, self-leveling formula. This makes the application feel more professional and forgiving, with fewer brush or roller marks.
It often delivers full coverage in two coats, especially for darker or more vibrant colors.
3. Durability and Finish Quality
In terms of long-term performance, Benjamin Mooregenerally edges ahead.
Its premium lines like Aura and Regal Selectoffer excellent scrubbability, stain resistance, and fade protection, making them ideal for high-traffic or high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Behrpaintsare also durable, especially the Marquee and Ultra lines, and they hold up well in everyday use. However, they may not match Benjamin Moore’s longevity or ultra-smooth finish.
The difference is subtle but noticeable, particularly if you want a polished look that lasts for years.
3. Price Comparison
Behris the more budget-friendly option, with most lines ranging from $25 to $50 per gallon.
Benjamin Moore, being a premium brand, typically costs $45 to $90 per gallon, depending on the product line.
However, higher coverage and durability can mean fewer gallons needed, so while Benjamin Moore may cost more upfront, it might save time and labor in the long run.
Behr also offers excellent value, especially for large projects where cost matters more than a designer finish.
4. Availability and Convenience
Behris sold exclusively at The Home Depot, making it easy to find and purchase nationwide. You can get color samples, refills, or full gallons the same day, either in-store or online with pickup.
Benjamin Moore is available only through authorized local dealers, which might require a bit more effort to locate.
However, these retailers often have in-depth product knowledgeand can provide more personalized guidance. Samples may need to be ordered in advance, depending on availability.
5. VOC Levels and Environmental Factors
Both Behr and Benjamin Moore offer eco-friendly options, but Benjamin Mooretakes the leadwhen it comes to ultra-low and zero-VOC formulas, especially with its Natura and Eco Speclines.
These are ideal for households with allergies, pets, or childrenwhere indoor air quality is a concern.
Behralso offers low-VOC paints across most of its product lines, and they’re safe for interior use. For basic home projects, they’re a solid and safe choice.
However, if you want the cleanest indoor air and least odor, Benjamin Moore provides more specialized options.
Which Paint Brand Is Right for You: Behr or Benjamin Moore?
Choosing between Behr and Benjamin Moore depends on what you’re painting, your budget, and how long you want the results to last.
When to Choose Behr
- Great for budget-friendly, DIY projects: Behr is ideal if you’re looking to save money while still getting solid results.
- Easy to find and apply: Available at Home Depot, and user-friendly even for first-time painters.
- Good coverage with fewer coats: Especially with the Behr Marquee line, which is designed for strong, one-coat coverage.
- Perfect for rentals or house flips: A smart choice for projects that need to look good fast without breaking the bank.
- Quick turnaround: No waiting on custom orders or pros – just grab your supplies and go.
Behr gives you reliable performance and convenience, making it a go-to for fast, affordable home updates.
When to Choose Benjamin Moore
- Best for high-end renovations – Ideal when color accuracy, durability, and a smooth, professional finish are a must.
- Great for long-term projects – A smart choice if you’re staying in your home for years and want lasting results.
- Perfect for historic or design-focused homes – Offers rich, complex colors that suit classic and styled interiors.
- Premium paint lines – Known for high-quality formulas that resist fading, scuffing, and wear over time.
- Top pick for quality and aesthetics – When appearance and performance matter most, Benjamin Moore stands out.
Benjamin Moore is the go-to brand when you want more than just paint – you want a finish that looks beautiful and lasts.
Conclusion
Both Behrand Benjamin Mooreare excellent paint brands, but they shine in different ways.
Behris ideal for budget-conscious DIYers looking for good performance, convenient shopping at Home Depot, and tools that make picking a color simple.
Its one-coat coverage options and affordable pricing make it a go-to for quick and easy home updates.
Benjamin Moore, on the other hand, is perfect for those who want premium results.
With superior color depth, lasting durability, and smooth, professional finishes, it’s a top pick for designers, pros, and homeowners who want their space to feel polished and timeless.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on your budget, skill level, and how long you want the finish to last.
Both brands offer quality – you just need to match that to your needs.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
