I remember standing in the paint aisle, overwhelmed by endless choices. Every brand claimed to be the best, but I just wanted something that looked great, lasted long, and fit my budget. If you’ve felt the same, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created this guide.
I spent months reviewing real customer feedback, comparing performance in actual homes, and cutting through the hype. No sponsored picks, just honest research. In this article, I’ll walk you through the 7 best paint brands.
You’ll learn which ones offer the best coverage, durability, value, and where to buy them. Whether you’re repainting a single room or your entire house, this guide will help you choose the right paint with confidence, without wasting money or time. Let’s find the perfect paint for your home.
Top 7 Paint Brands
These leading paint brands are known for their durability, rich color options, and professional-quality finishes trusted by designers and homeowners.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore sits at the top for good reason. Their Aura Interior Acrylic Paint & Primer costs $95 per gallon, but you get what you pay for.
I also recommend their Regal Select line for jobs that need professional results.
Here’s why Benjamin Moore wins:
Color accuracy is spot-on. You won’t get nasty surprises when the paint dries. The coverage is incredible. Most walls need just one coat instead of two or three. The application feels smooth and even. No streaks or brush marks. Durability? This paint handles years of wear without fading or chipping.
Benjamin Moore targets high-end projects. Think designer homes and custom spaces.
You can’t buy it at big box stores. Independent paint shops carry it.
Professional painters choose Benjamin Moore when they want flawless results. The smooth application makes their job easier and faster.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams earns second place with a solid performance across the board. Emerald Interior lists at $100 per gallon but often sells for $80. This is their premium option.
The Duration line costs $80 but frequently drops to $50-$60 on sale. Built for tough conditions.
Cashmere gives you smooth, even coverage without breaking the bank.
Here’s what makes Sherwin-Williams reliable:
Durability is excellent. Colors stay true for years without fading. The finish quality matches what professionals expect. No amateur-looking results. Adhesion works on almost any surface. Weather resistance handles extreme conditions. Color selection beats most competitors. Custom matching solves any color challenge.
Contractors trust Sherwin-Williams for good reason. Over 4,000 dedicated stores make it easy to find. Commercial and residential projects both get strong support. Professional painters know they can count on consistent quality.
Behr
Behr takes third place by giving you more for less money. Marquee Advanced blocks stains while priming and painting in one step.
Premium Plus works great for DIY projects. Reliable performance without the premium price.
Ultra line costs just $45 per gallon. Perfect when budget matters most.
Behr delivers where it counts:
One-coat coverage saves time and money on most surfaces. Drying happens fast. One hour and you’re ready for the next coat. Stain resistance and durability exceed expectations for the price point. Over 1,000 color options give you plenty of choices.
You’ll find Behr exclusively at Home Depot stores nationwide. Easy access matters. The application works well for beginners. No special skills are required.
America’s Most Trusted Paint Brand with a Net Trust Quotient Score of 120.0. The budget range runs $25-$50 per gallon. Quality without the premium cost.
Valspar
Valspar lands in fourth place with dependable middle-ground options. Reserve One-Coat Interior Paint + Primer handles most jobs without a second coat.
The Signature line runs $25-$50 per gallon. Perfect for mid-range budgets.
Valspar delivers solid results:
Single-coat coverage works on most surfaces. You save time and money. Nearly 1,600 color options give you plenty of choices. Finding your perfect shade is easy.
Durability handles mid-traffic areas well. Hallways and bedrooms stay looking fresh. Two-hour drying time lets you finish projects faster than slower brands.
You’ll only find Valspar at Lowe’s stores nationwide. The exclusive partnership makes shopping simple. Sherwin-Williams owns Valspar, but prices are lower. Value pricing without sacrificing too much quality.
Basic DIY projects are where Valspar shines. Good choice for weekend warriors.
PPG
PPG takes fifth place by focusing on professional needs. Advantage 900 trim enamel delivers superior durability where it matters most. Interior latex lines handle residential applications with reliable performance.
Here’s why contractors choose PPG:
Excellent adhesion over oil-based paints. No primer is needed in most cases.
Even a sheen and professional finish quality make every job look polished. Strong durability handles high-traffic applications. Kitchens and bathrooms stay beautiful longer.
Professional contractors prefer PPG for demanding jobs. Commercial and residential applications both get strong support.
Specialized formulations solve tough problems. When standard paint doesn’t work, PPG often will. Professional preference means you get contractor-grade results at home.
Clare
Clare takes sixth place with a fresh approach to paint buying. Zero-VOC formulations keep your family safe from harmful chemicals. Health-conscious homes love this feature.
The curated color selection focuses on modern appeal. No overwhelming wall of 3,000 colors. Direct-to-consumer online models cost $65 per gallon. You order from home, and the paint arrives at your door.
Clare delivers a solid performance:
Good hide and coverage handles most walls without issues. Durable and washable finish stands up to daily life. Kids’ fingerprints wipe away easily. Color consistency comes from factory tinting. No color matching problems at the store.
The Peel-and-stick sample program lets you test colors before buying. Smart way to avoid mistakes. Online ordering and delivery save you store trips. Convenience matters for busy homeowners.
Minimal color selection simplifies choices. Less overwhelming than traditional paint shopping. Premium pricing reflects the boutique experience. You pay extra for the modern approach.
Glidden
Glidden rounds out our list as the budget champion. Premium Interior Paint + Primer combines two steps into one product.
The focus stays on affordability over premium performance. Lowest cost option in the quality paint category.
Glidden makes compromises for the price:
A smooth finish with reasonable drying time gets the job done. It’s not fancy but functional.
Limited stain resistance compared to premium brands. Spills need a quick cleanup.
Best suited for low-traffic areas and rental properties. Bedrooms work better than kitchens.
Built-in primer reduces preparation costs. One product handles two jobs.
Half to one-third of the cost of premium options makes Glidden attractive for tight budgets.
Good choice for budget-conscious homeowners who need decent quality. Widely available through major retailers. Easy to find when you need to paint fast.
Brand Comparison by Application Type
Different paint brands excel in specific areas-some for interiors, others for exteriors, trim, or ceilings-based on finish, durability, and ease.
High-End Interior Projects
When you want luxury results, two brands stand out. Benjamin Moore Aura delivers perfect color accuracy every time. Designer homes deserve this level of quality.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald gives you professional-grade durability that lasts for years. Worth the investment for premium spaces.
Budget-Conscious Projects
Smart shoppers have solid options, too. Behr Ultra provides reliable performance without breaking your budget. Good quality at $45 per gallon.
Glidden Premium works for basic applications and rentals. Gets the job done when cost matters most.
DIY-Friendly Options
First-time painters need forgiving products. Behr Marquee offers accessible quality that hides mistakes. Even beginners get professional-looking results.
Valspar Reserve makes the application straightforward. No special skills are required for good coverage.
Professional Applications
Contractors need dependable performance every time. Sherwin-Williams Duration delivers commercial-grade results. High-traffic areas stay beautiful longer.
PPG lines handle specialized contractor needs when standard paint won’t work.
Environmental and Health Considerations
Health matters as much as performance. Benjamin Moore Green Promise certification means safer air quality in your home.
Clare Paint’s zero-VOC formulations protect your family from harmful chemicals. Safe breathing while you paint and after.
Health-conscious options exist across major brands now. You don’t have to sacrifice safety for quality anymore.
Final Brand Selection Guide
Choosing from the best paint brands doesn’t have to be overwhelming anymore. You now know exactly which brands deliver quality, value, and performance for your specific needs.
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams lead for premium results. Behr offers the sweet spot of quality and affordability. Valspar, PPG, Clare, and Glidden each serve their important roles in the market.
Your paint decision just got easier. Match your project needs with the right brand from our rankings, and you’ll get results that last.
Ready to start your next painting project? Which brand caught your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to bookmark this guide for future reference.
Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best paint brands for quality and value?
The top paint brands are Benjamin Moore for premium quality, Sherwin-Williams for professional performance, and Behr for overall value. These three consistently deliver excellent coverage, durability, and color accuracy across different price points.
Which paint brand offers the best coverage in one coat?
Benjamin Moore Aura and Behr Marquee provide exceptional one-coat coverage. Both brands use advanced formulations that hide previous colors effectively, saving you time and money on additional coats.
What’s the most budget-friendly quality paint brand?
Behr offers the best balance of quality and affordability, with prices ranging from $25-$50 per gallon. Glidden provides the lowest-cost option for basic applications, making it ideal for rental properties and low-traffic areas.
Which paint brands do professional contractors prefer?
Professional contractors most often choose Sherwin-Williams and PPG for their reliability, durability, and smooth application. These brands offer consistent performance and specialized formulations for demanding commercial and residential projects.
Are there healthy, low-VOC paint options available?
Yes, Benjamin Moore offers Green Promise-certified paints, and Clare Paint provides zero-VOC formulations. Most major paint brands now offer low-VOC or zero-VOC options for health-conscious homeowners.
