The work aims to study tribological properties of CrAlSiN coatings sliding against 304 stainless steel, TC4 titanium alloy, GC15 steel and Al2O3 ceramic, respectively. CrAlSiN coatings were fabricated on M35 high speed steel by adopting cathodic arc ion plating technology. Structure and properties of the coatings were tested with scanning electron microscope (SEM), microhardness tester, scratch tester, ball-on-disc friction-wear tester and 3D profiler. Wear forms of CrAlSiN coatings sliding against 304 stainless steel, TC4 titanium alloy and GCr15 steel were adhesive wear and abrasive wear. Serious adhesive wear was observed on the coatings sliding against high affinity materials such as 304 stainless steel and TC4 titanium alloy. The friction coefficient was the highest (0.71) when the CrAlSiN coatings slid against stainless steel; the friction coefficient was the lowest but fluctuated greatly when the CrAlSiN coatings slid against GCr15 steel; the friction coefficient fell in between when the CrAlSiN coatings slid against TC4 titanium alloy. Wear form of the CrAlSiN coatings sliding against poor affinity Al2O3 ceramic was abrasive wear, and the friction coefficient decreased gradually as wear continued. Adhesive wear and abrasive wear occur when CrAlSiN coatings slide against high affinity materials, and abrasive wear occurs when the coatings slide against poor affinity Al2O3 ceramic.