The work aims to compare the microstructure and properties of TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN and TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/ TiCNO multilayer coatings. The two kinds of multilayer coatings were deposited on cemented carbides by chemical vapor deposition. The microstructure of coatings was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nano-hardness and elasticity modulus of top-layer were measured by nano-mechanical testing system. The micro-hardness and adhesion strength coatings were tested by micro-hardness tester and scratch tester, respectively. The friction and wear properties of coatings were investigated by reciprocating tribometer. The grains of TiN and TiCNO top-layer displayed columnar and needle-like morphology, respectively. Compared with TiN top-layer, TiCNO top-layer had higher hardness and resistance to plastic deformation. However, the surface roughness and friction coefficient of the multilayer coating with TiCNO top-layer were higher, and its adhesion strength was lower than the multilayer coating with TiN top-layer. When the wear took place in the top-layer, the wear resistance of multilayer coating was determined by the performance of top-layer. The wear volume and wear rate of TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN coating were 1.2 times of TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiCNO coating. When the wear occurred at the interface between top-layer and Al2O3 layer, the wear resistance was also affected by the adhesion strength. The wear volume and wear rate of TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN coating were 82% of those of TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiCNO coating. Compared with TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN coating, TiCNO top-layer of TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiCNO coating has higher nano-hardness, stronger resistance to plastic deformation and better wear resistance. The friction and wear properties of TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiCNO coating are expected to be enhanced by improving the surface roughness and adhesion strength.