difference between polished and chrome finish?

Hey guys! I've been looking for some cool new wheels on the internet for my Silverado. I noticed that there are wheels with a polished finish and a chrome finish and the polished ones are usually cheaper. I know that the chrome ones are actually dipped into the chrome tank and that the polished wheels are just polished until the actual metal shines. What i wanna know is which one is better quality?? and which one is shinyer?

Shinier is chrome, although, Billet Specialties for instance have pretty shiny billets. Billet wheels will typically bend easier as it is a softer metal. I have chrome and the problem I've found with them and have heard even the really great brands do is chip. The inner inside lip of my wheels have chipped enough to cause slow leaks and forced me to go to discount and have them file all the chipped chrome flakes off and use their rubber stuff to create a tight seal again. For me it's more over what designs you like and what style you're looking for. I doubt I will ever own chrome again because of the hastle I've dealt with. But not everyone has dealt with what I have but lots of have. Guess it's the luck of the draw.

are billet and polished the same thing??

NO! Polished are aluminium that has been polished, but is usually made of 2-4 pieces. Billet is a rim that is made from one solid piece of aluminium, then polished; hence the extra $$ for Billet. One thing to note: If you live anywhere that uses deicer fluid or salt on the roads, or near the ocean, DO NOT get polished. They will corrode, or oxodize in no time and never be the same. Go with chrome, but make sure they are a quality brand, and make sure they have a good warranty for the finish. I have Pro Comp chrome plated rims on mine (my third set) and they have been excellent. Easy to clean, and best of all, NO oxidation in the Winter time. When it come's to rims, get whatever your taste is, but make sure the finish will last.