The article evaluates and compares PVD coatings. The theoretical part of the paper informs about principle of PVD coating technology and describes the arc evaporation method used for coating in greater detail. It also deals with coating materials and types and its properties. In the experimental part of the paper, the measuring and testing procedures are described and the test results are listed. Adhesion and layer durability were compared by cutting inserts with different PVD – nanostructure and nanolayer coatings. The tests were carried out by milling of carbon engineering steel 1.1191 (C45). In conclusion the testing results are evaluated on the basis of obtained information.