Abstract: Objective Tribological properties of supersonic atmospheric plasma spraying (SAPS) as an alternative to electroplating Cr technology are compared and studied. Methods WC-10Co-4Cr coatings are prepared on the surfaces of high-speed steel (HSS) and titanium alloy (TC4) by SAPS, and Cr layers are prepared by electroplating process. Surface morphology, surface composition, phase composition, microhardness, and friction and wear properties of the coatings and layers are tested and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, microhardness tester, universal tensile testing machine, friction and wear testing machine, and three-dimensional white light interference scanning profilometer. Results WC-10Co-4Cr coatings prepared by SAPS have a dense structure, without microcracks similar to those of electroplated Cr layers, but with a small amount of pores. Microhardness of WC-10Co-4Cr coatings is about 1.5 times that of electroplated Cr layers, and bonding strength is about 4 times that of electroplated Cr layers. Friction coefficient of WC-10Co-4Cr coatings is significantly smaller than that of electroplated Cr layers, and wear volume is about 1/38 that of electroplated Cr layers. Conclusion Tribological properties of WC-10Co-4Cr coatings prepared by SAPS are significantly better than those of electroplated Cr layers.