Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Barbarian vs Paladin
Paladin deals more damage, while Barbarian offers more tactical options.
Short answer
Pick Barbarian for raw melee damage and tankiness through Rage. Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
At a Glance
| Barbarian | Paladin | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d12 | d10 |
| Primary Ability | STR | STR and CHA |
| Spellcasting | No | Yes |
| Party Role | Striker | Defender |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Goliath | Aasimar |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Barbarian DPR | Paladin DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | Tie |
| Level 11 | 7.15 | 7.15 | Tie |
| Level 17 | 7.15 | 7.15 | Tie |
When to Choose Barbarian
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Highest possible hit die (d12)
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Rage provides damage resistance and bonus damage
When to Choose Paladin
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage
Best Builds for Each
Top Barbarian Builds
Top Paladin Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barbarian or Paladin better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Barbarian for raw melee damage and tankiness through Rage; pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
Barbarian vs Paladin: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Barbarian deals more baseline damage (about 7.15 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.