Introduction: When applied onto SLA titanium, Titanium Nitride Oxide (TiNOx) coatings are known for their stimulating effect on osteoblast proliferation while maintaining a high degree of differentiation. Objective: To determine whether the stimulating effect of TiNOx coatings is or is not dependent of the metal substrate.Methods: A TiNOx coating was deposited on roughened stainless steel (SS-SLA-TiNOx). The proliferation and differentiation of human primary osteoblasts were determined and compared to that observed on standard SLA titanium. To this end, cell proliferation and gene expression were monitored for a time course of 3 weeks, with or without additional stimulation by 100 nM 1.25(OH)2 vitamin D3. Results: A 1.5 fold increase in the proliferation rate of cells grown on SS-SLA-TiNOx as compared to Ti-SLA surfaces was observed. A high level of differentiation was also noted. Conclusion: TiNOx coatings yield similar proliferation and differentiation rates when applied onto roughened Ti and SS. This might translate into a more effective osseointegration of endosseous implants made of stronger metals than Ti.