When it comes to superhard materials used in industrial applications such as cutting tools, abrasives, and wear-resistant parts, both boron nitride and tungsten carbide are among the top contenders. However, they differ significantly in their crystal structures, hardness, thermal stability, and typical uses. This article explores the hardness and other relevant properties of boron nitride (especially cubic boron nitride) and tungsten carbide, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to answer the question: Which is harder, boron nitride or tungsten carbide?