A tin-based alloy cladding layer and a nickel/tin (Ni/Sn)-based alloy cladding layer are prepared using a laser cladding process. The microstructure, hardness, and friction and wear properties of the two cladding layers are analyzed and compared to those of the as-cast Sn-based Babbitt alloy. The results reveal that the prepared Sn-based alloy cladding layer comprises square-shaped SnSb, petal-like Cu₆Sn₅, and a matrix phase α-Sn. A mixed phase of Ni_xSn_y and CuNiSb₂ is formed at the bottom of the Ni/Sn-based alloy cladding layer due to Ni diffusion. The two cladding layers have similar microhardness at a cross-sectional depth of 0.1-0.7 mm and both layers have a hardness value of approximately 50 HV. As the depth of the section increases, there is an abrupt increase in the microhardness of the Ni/Sn-based alloy cladding layer because the Ni element in the transition layer diffuses to the cladding layer, forming an Sn-Ni intermetallic compound. The Sn-Ni intermetallic compound increases the microhardness of this region. The average friction coefficients of the Ni/Sn-based cladding layer and Sn-based cladding layer are 0.165 and 0.199, respectively, which are superior to that of the as-cast Sn-based Babbitt alloy. The two cladding layers have better wear and fatigue properties than the as-cast Sn-based Babbitt alloy because the wear mechanism of the former is surface fatigue wear and pitting phenomenon is found on the wear surface. On the other hand, the wear mechanism of the latter is surface fatigue wear and abrasive wear, and the surface is severely worn, which results in furrows.