Army Painter vs. Vallejo: Which is the Best Value? (A Brutally Honest Comparison)

Meta Description: Can Army Painter's low price beat Vallejo's legendary consistency? We put both paint ranges to the test to find the true best value for miniature painters.

https://i.imgur.com/placeholder.png Is cheaper always better? Or does paying a little more upfront save you money and frustration in the long run? We did the science to find out.

Choosing a paint range can feel like a major commitment. You’re not just buying a pot of color; you’re investing in an ecosystem. Two of the biggest names in the mid-range market are The Army Painter and Vallejo Model Color.

One is famous for its aggressive value and starter sets. The other is a longtime workhorse praised for its reliability. But which one gives you more pigment for your penny?

I bought dozens of bottles from both lines, painted models with them, and ran them through a series of tests to answer one question: which brand truly offers the best value for the average painter?

The Contenders

• The Army Painter: The brash newcomer. Known for its Warpaints Mega Set (over 50 paints for a shockingly low price) and its included Quickshade Washes.

• Vallejo Model Color: The seasoned veteran. The go-to for historical modellers and painters who prize consistency and opacity. Sold in large dropper bottles.

Round 1: Price & Packaging (The Upfront Cost)

• Army Painter: Winner on Sticker Price. Army Painter consistently undercuts Vallejo on a cost-per-bottle basis, especially in their massive Mega Sets. Their dropper bottles are good, but the tips can sometimes clog.

• Vallejo Model Color: Slightly more expensive per bottle. However, their dropper bottles are industry standard—reliable, easy to use, and minimize waste.

Verdict: Army Painter wins Round 1. If your only metric is the number of paints you get for your initial investment, Army Painter is the clear champion.

Round 2: Pigment & Opacity (What You're Actually Paying For)

This is where the definition of "value" gets complicated.

• Army Painter: Notoriously requires thorough shaking (a ball bearing is mandatory). Some colors (especially reds and yellows) can be thin and require multiple coats to achieve opacity, which uses more paint.

• Vallejo Model Color: Famous for its high pigment density and excellent opacity straight out of the bottle. It consistently covers well in one to two thin coats.

Verdict: Vallejo wins Round 2. You use less paint per model because it covers better. A slightly more expensive bottle that you use less of can be better value than a cheaper bottle you have to use more of.

Round 3: Color Range & Consistency

• Army Painter: Offers a huge range of vibrant, game-oriented colors. However, consistency between colors can vary—one color may be perfect, while another in the same set is chalky or separates badly.

• Vallejo Model Color: Has an enormous range of more historically accurate, muted tones. The consistency between different paints in the line is exceptional; you know exactly what you’re getting every time.

Verdict: Vallejo wins Round 3. For reliability and predictable results, Vallejo is unmatched. Army Painter's inconsistency can lead to frustration, which has its own hidden cost.

Round 4: The Extras (Washes & Metallics)

• Army Painter: Includes the fantastic Quickshade Washes (e.g., Strong Tone, Dark Tone) in their sets. These are superb products that add immense value. Their metallics are decent.

• Vallejo: Their washes (Game Color Inks) are excellent but are usually sold separately. Vallejo’s Metal Color range is widely considered the best acrylic metallic paint on the market, but it's a separate product line.

Verdict: Army Painter wins Round 4. The inclusion of top-tier washes in their sets is a huge value-add that Vallejo doesn't directly counter.

The Thrifty Painter's Final Verdict: Who Wins?

The answer depends on who you are:

Choose Army Painter if:

• You are a complete beginner on a tight budget.

• You want the most paints for the lowest possible initial investment.

• You don’t mind shaking your paints vigorously and doing test swatches.

• You value having a good wash included in the set.

Choose Vallejo Model Color if:

• You value consistency and hate surprises.

• You want better opacity and coverage, meaning a bottle lasts longer.

• You prefer more realistic, historical, or muted tones.

• You are willing to pay a little more upfront for a more reliable, frustration-free experience.

The True Value Winner: Vallejo Model Color wins on long-term value and reliability. While the initial cost is higher, its superior coverage and legendary consistency mean you get predictable, high-quality results every time, which saves you time, frustration, and paint.

However, for a beginner who needs everything in one box, Army Painter’s Mega Sets offer an unbeatable entry point into the hobby.

Which brand do you prefer and why? Settle the debate in the comments below!

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