People are probably going to think I'm a bit of a philistine, but I always buy whatever strings are on offer at the time (Ie the cheapest).
I use 10s on my electrics and 13s on my acoustic, changing them every 9 months or so (whether it's needed or not!). Maybe my hearing is not what is was but I can't tell any difference between the makes, coated or otherwise.
The strings on my basses are several years old, however & sound great!