Given the increasing requirements for durability and reliability of metal structures under the atmospheric and industrial corrosion, the search for effective and economically viable anticorrosion solutions becomes especially relevant. Traditional hot dip galvanizing remains a primary method for protecting steel elements. At the same time, the use of continuously zinc-coated steel products (or coatings based on zinc) is promising for low-corrosivity environments. Recently, there has been growing interest in zinc alloys with magnesium and aluminium due to the manufacturers’ claims of improved anticorrosion properties with thinner coating layers. Often, this interest is also driven by the regional localization of production of such coatings. However, for the correct comparison of the service life of all types of zinc coatings and their derivatives, it is critically important to perform comparative evaluations of coating behaviour in aggressive environments for systematic analysis of quality, durability, and verification according to international standards. The aim of this work is to conduct a comparative assessment of the corrosion resistance of zinc coatings and their derivatives applied by various methods under accelerated climatic testing conditions, as well as to analyse the effect of coating thickness on the effectiveness of steel protection against atmospheric corrosion. As a result of the experimental studies, the prerequisites for the formation of approaches to optimising protective coatings for steels, depending on the operating conditions and their required service life, are established.