Chrome vs Nitride

Hard Chrome vs Nitride on Hydraulic cylinder rods what effect is there on the seals ? Is one better than the other?

Main advantage of chrome is that it will not rust if exposed to humidity, rain, etc., whereas nitrided steel will rust unless it is always kept oiled. Both treatments render similar hardness (65-68Rc) and are normally applied in similar thickness (0.001-0.005" for chrome, 0.005-0.010" for nitride depending on budget, design, etc.).

Chrome is usually applied where high movement is required it smoothes the running activity, whereas Nitride has toughness and required where high temperature applications. Both have different applications and should not however be compared