Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Cleric vs Monk
Cleric deals more damage, while Monk offers more tactical options.
Short answer
Pick Cleric for healing, buffs, and divine versatility. Pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility.
At a Glance
| Cleric | Monk | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 | d8 |
| Primary Ability | WIS | DEX and WIS |
| Spellcasting | Yes | No |
| Party Role | Support | Striker |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Aasimar | Aasimar |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Cleric DPR | Monk DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | Tie |
| Level 11 | 10.18 | 7.15 | Cleric |
| Level 17 | 13.2 | 7.15 | Cleric |
When to Choose Cleric
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
When to Choose Monk
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
Best Builds for Each
Top Cleric Builds
Top Monk Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleric or Monk better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Cleric for healing, buffs, and divine versatility; pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility.
Cleric vs Monk: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Cleric deals more baseline damage (about 10.18 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.