Design/methodology/approach Arc ion plating was used to deposit the CrN and CrAlN coatings on AISI H13 steel, and the tribological performances of CrN and CrAlN coatings were evaluated using a ball-on-plate wear tester. Findings The average coefficients of friction and wear rate of CrAlN coating in the normal wear period are 0.33 and 5.34 × 10–9 mm3·N–1·mm–1, respectively, which are lower than those of CrN coating, exhibiting that the outstanding friction reduction. The formations of Cr and Al oxides during the wear process are the main factor in enhancing the tribological performance of CrAlN coating. Originality/value CrN and CrAlN coatings were applied for hot work molds, and their tribological performances were comparatively investigated. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2024-0359/