The WC/SS316L composite coatings are successfully deposited on the surface of 316L stainless steel by both the supersonic laser deposition (SLD) and the traditional laser cladding (LC) technologies. The macroscopic morphology, WC distribution, microstructure, phase composition and wear-resistant property of the as-deposited coatings are comparatively studied. The results show that the multi-pass overlapped coating of LC has obvious macroscopic cracks, while the surface of SLD coating keeps smooth and compact without macroscopic defects. In the LC coating, the ceramic WC particles unevenly distribute, while in the SLD coating they uniformly scatter. In the LC coating, the microstructure distribution is non-uniform and is along with the generation of harmful phase, while in the SLD coating, the deposited powder maintains its original microstructure and performance and the severe plastic deformation can also be observed. The friction coefficient of the SLD coating is 28% lower than that of the LC coating, and thus it exhibits a better wear-resistant property.