The paper compares alternative technologies of discrete-structure coatings with traditional continuous ones by comparing their wear resistance. As the most acceptable technologies of applying hardening coatings of discrete structure the following were considered: vacuum-plasma; ion nitriding; laser heat treatment; electrospark alloying. The wear resistance of coatings was determined under sliding friction conditions. The tests were carried out at fixed temperatures under dry friction and with lubrication with different base materials. The obtained wear resistance of discrete structure coatings and continuous coatings was compared with the basic variant – cementation and hardening. From the comparison of wear resistance of different technological variants the advantage of discrete structure coatings was proved. According to the achievable level of wear resistance of the discrete structure the most obvious advantage has the technology of coating by ion nitriding. It is proved that the wear resistance of discrete coatings does not depend on the base material, which makes it possible to replace expensive high alloys with cheaper structural steels.