Highly homogeneous Ni–P/SiO₂ nanocomposite coatings were prepared by electroless deposition from composite baths containing well dispersed SiO₂ nanoparticles. The particle concentration in the coatings increases gradually with the SiO₂ concentration in the bath and reaches an observed maximum of 25 vol.% at a bath concentration of 10 g/l. Tribological measurements of the heat treated coatings indicate that while the hardness of the coating is decreased compared to that of the Ni–P coating without particles, an improvement in Pin-on-Disk wear resistance up to a factor of 2 can be achieved. The aspect ratio of the wear track of samples heat treated above 270 °C is found to increase with the concentration of nanoparticles in the coatings. This observation indicates that the nanoparticles also modify the wear behavior of the coatings.