Behr vs Valspar: Real Consumer Reports Scores (88 vs 89)
Behr and Valspar are close enough in real testing that brand alone should not decide your paint: Consumer Reports scored Behr Marquee 88 and Valspar Reserve 89 out of 100, both with perfect hiding and stain-resistance marks. Behr sells exclusively at Home Depot, Valspar at Lowe’s, so store access is often the real deciding factor. This guide covers the tested differences, real per-gallon prices, and how to apply either one correctly.
Quick Answer
At the top tier, Behr Marquee ($58/gal) and Valspar Reserve ($55/gal) are effectively tied in independent testing — Valspar edges out Behr slightly overall, but both score perfectly on hiding power and stain resistance. Pick based on which store you shop at (Home Depot for Behr, Lowe’s for Valspar) and your specific project’s traffic level, not brand loyalty.
Behr vs. Valspar: What Independent Testing Actually Found
Most “Behr vs. Valspar” comparisons rely on brand reputation. Consumer Reports actually tested both brands’ top interior lines side by side: Behr Marquee (Home Depot, $58/gallon) scored 88 out of 100, with the highest hiding rating in its test pool and equally strong removal of oil- and water-based stains. Valspar Reserve (Lowe’s, $55/gallon) scored 89, tying for second overall, with a perfect stain-resistance score and complete one-coat coverage over dark wall colors in testing.
The practical takeaway: at the premium tier, these two paints perform almost identically. A one-point gap in an aggregate score isn’t something you’ll notice on your own walls. What you will notice is which store is more convenient, and which specific color you fall in love with.
Recommended Application Pick
Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush, 2-Inch – $7.47
Whichever brand you buy, the “cutting in” technique covered below matters more to your final result than which can it came from — this angled sash brush is a longtime pro favorite for clean edges.
- Best for: Cutting in clean edges along trim, ceilings, and corners before rolling
- Why we picked it: Short handle gives better control for cutting in than a standard-length brush
- Main drawback: The angled tip takes some practice to load and control precisely at first
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Behr Paint: Key Characteristics
Behr is sold exclusively at The Home Depot and covers a huge color range, from “Ultra Pure White” to deep saturated hues. Its premium lines — Marquee and Dynasty — are formulated for strong scrubbability and stain resistance, which matters most in hallways, kids’ rooms, and kitchens. Behr Premium Plus is the solid mid-range workhorse; most Behr lines are marketed as “paint and primer in one,” though a dedicated primer still helps over glossy surfaces or drastic color changes.
Valspar Paint: Key Characteristics
Valspar is widely available at Lowe’s and other retailers, and is generally priced a bit below comparable Behr lines. Valspar Signature and Valspar Pro cover most household painting needs, while Valspar Reserve is the premium line that goes head-to-head with Behr Marquee — and per Consumer Reports’ testing above, wins on hiding power over dark colors specifically.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Behr (Marquee) | Valspar (Reserve) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Exclusively at The Home Depot | Lowe’s and other retailers |
| Price (premium line) | $58/gallon | $55/gallon |
| Consumer Reports score | 88/100 | 89/100 |
| Hiding power | Highest-rated in CR’s pool | Covers dark colors in one coat |
| Stain resistance | Strong, equal on oil/water stains | Perfect score in CR testing |
| Primer-in-one | Yes, most lines | Yes, most lines |
📊 Behr Marquee and Valspar Reserve both scored a perfect 5/5 on hiding and staining in Consumer Reports’ 2026 interior paint testing — a near-tie at the premium tier despite the brand rivalry. — Source: Consumer Reports
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Behr if: Home Depot is your regular store, you want the widest possible color library, or you’re painting a high-traffic area where Marquee or Dynasty’s scrub resistance is worth the slightly higher price.
Choose Valspar if: Lowe’s is more convenient, you want to save a few dollars per gallon without giving up performance, or you’re covering a dark existing color and want Reserve’s tested one-coat hiding power.
In our own experience, the biggest visible difference on a finished wall usually comes down to application technique and prep, not which of these two brands you picked — both are formulated to a similar professional standard today.
Painting Tips: Getting the Best Results With Either Brand
- Clean the walls: Wipe down with mild detergent and water, rinse, and let dry completely — grease and dust block adhesion regardless of paint brand.
- Repair and sand: Fill holes and cracks with spackle, sand smooth, and lightly sand any glossy surface for “tooth.”
- Tape and cover: Protect trim, windows, and floors before you open a can.
- Cut in first: Use an angled sash brush to paint a 2-3 inch border around edges and corners before rolling.
- Roll in a “W” or “M” pattern: Distribute paint evenly across a section, then fill in with parallel strokes, keeping a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
- Apply thin coats: Two thin coats beat one thick coat, which can sag, drip, or take far longer to cure.
Before committing to a full gallon, grab sample pots of your top color choices from both brands and paint a swatch directly on your wall — lighting changes a color’s appearance more than most people expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which paint is generally more expensive, Behr or Valspar?
At the premium tier, Behr Marquee runs about $58 per gallon versus Valspar Reserve at about $55 per gallon — close enough that store convenience usually matters more than the price gap. Both brands offer lower-cost lines below their flagship products.
Is Behr or Valspar known for better coverage?
In Consumer Reports’ testing, both Behr Marquee and Valspar Reserve scored a perfect 5/5 on hiding power. Valspar Reserve specifically covered dark wall colors in one coat during testing, while Behr Marquee had the single highest hiding rating in its test pool — they’re effectively tied at the premium tier.
Where can I buy Behr paint and where can I buy Valspar paint?
Behr is sold exclusively at The Home Depot. Valspar is sold at Lowe’s and other hardware and paint retailers.
Which brand is better for high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms?
Both brands’ premium lines handle high-traffic areas well. Behr Marquee and Dynasty are specifically marketed for extreme scuff and stain resistance, while Valspar Reserve earned a perfect stain-resistance score in independent testing — either is a reasonable choice for a busy hallway or kids’ room.
Are there “paint and primer in one” options from both Behr and Valspar?
Yes. Both brands offer paint-and-primer-in-one formulations across most of their interior lines. For drastic color changes, stained walls, or glossy surfaces, a dedicated primer coat first still gives a more even final result from either brand.
Conclusion
Behr and Valspar’s premium lines are close enough in real testing — 88 versus 89 out of 100, both with perfect hiding and stain scores — that neither one is a clearly “better” paint. Pick based on which store you actually shop at, test a sample pot on your own wall before committing to a gallon, and spend real effort on prep and cutting-in technique, since that affects your final result more than the one-point gap between these two brands.
