The work aims to comparethe microstructures and properties of AlMg5 and AlMg5-Zr arc spraying coatings by adding a few Zr elements in AlMg coating. The surface morphologies of AlMg5 and AlMg5-Zr coatings were observed with a stereomicroscope. The adhesion strength and surface microhardness of the coatings were measured by a tensile tester and a Vickers hardness tester respectively. Corrosion resistance of the coatings was studied by seawater immersion test and salt spray test. SEM was utilized to investigate the corrosion morphologies of the coatings and a potentiometer was utilized to measure corrosion potential of the coatings. The microstructures of AlMg5 coating were improved and the porosity of AlMg5 coating was decreased by adding Zr. The adhesion strength and surface microhardness of AlMg5-Zr coating were 13.8% and 10.8% higher respectively than that of AlMg5 coating. Self-corrosion potential of AlMg5-Zr coating in seawater was higher than that of AlMg5 coating, and after immersion in seawater for 2880 hours, the surface morphologies of AlMg5-Zr coating changed a little. Salt spray corrosion rate of AlMg5-Zr coating was slower than that of AlMg5 coating, and after salt spray corrosion for 1920 hours, the corrosion marks on AlMg5 coating were more obvious than that on AlMg5-Zr coating, and there were continuous corrosion products appearing on AlMg5 coating surfaces. The microstructures and properties of AlMg5-Zr arcspraying coating, such as the adhesion between coating and substrate, surface microhardness and corrosion resistance are superior to that ofAlMg5 coating.