Nanocomposited and Functionally graded (FG) ZrN/hydroxyapatite coatings with good mechanical strength and biocompatibility were prepared on cp-Ti substrate for biomedical applications and detailed analysis of the nanocomposite coatings for its structural, morphological, topographical and biocompatibility properties were carried out. Crystallite size of the coating or the functionally graded coatings was smaller compared to that of nanocomposite coatings. The arrangement of grains was observed to be denser in the FG coatings due to the decrease in the grain size. Hardness and modulus of FG coatings were observed to be greater than those of nanocomposite coating, which was attributed to the reduction in the crystallite size in FG coatings. Both ZrN/HA nanocomposite and functionally graded coatings was found to induce biomineralization formation, suggesting both are promising candidates for the future biomedical applications. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.