This work focuses on the comparison of microstructure and tribological behaviour (dry sliding vs. 100Cr6 steel) of anodic layers produced on wrought AA6082-T5 by hard anodizing (HA), plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO, sometimes also termed MAO, Micro-Arc Oxidation) and novel electro-chemical oxidation (ECO), derived from PEO minimising its disruptive plasma discharge. The results showed that PEO and HA do not decrease the coefficient of friction of AA6082, whilst ECO does (particularly after sealing with a phosphate-based solution), thanks to its smooth surface and decreased stability of Fe–O based transfer layers. All the anodizing treatments improve wear resistance of AA6082: ECO showed the highest wear resistance, due to the beneficial combination of compact microstructure, high and uniform thickness, high microhardness and adhesion.