Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Bard vs Paladin
Bard deals more damage, while Paladin offers more spellcasting versatility.
Short answer
Pick Bard for party support, skills, and flexible spellcasting. Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
At a Glance
| Bard | Paladin | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 | d10 |
| Primary Ability | CHA | STR and CHA |
| Spellcasting | Yes | Yes |
| Party Role | Support | Defender |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Human | Aasimar |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Bard DPR | Paladin DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | Tie |
| Level 11 | 10.18 | 7.15 | Bard |
| Level 17 | 13.2 | 7.15 | Bard |
When to Choose Bard
- ♦ Strong species-class synergy enhances core abilities
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
- ♦ Jack of all trades with inspiration and spellcasting
When to Choose Paladin
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage
Best Builds for Each
Top Bard Builds
Top Paladin Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bard or Paladin better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Bard for party support, skills, and flexible spellcasting; pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
Bard vs Paladin: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Bard deals more baseline damage (about 10.18 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.