Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Cleric vs Paladin
Cleric deals more damage, while Paladin offers more spellcasting versatility.
Short answer
Pick Cleric for healing, buffs, and divine versatility. Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
At a Glance
| Cleric | Paladin | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 | d10 |
| Primary Ability | WIS | STR and CHA |
| Spellcasting | Yes | Yes |
| Party Role | Support | Defender |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Aasimar | Aasimar |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Cleric DPR | Paladin 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 Paladin
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage
Best Builds for Each
Top Cleric Builds
Top Paladin Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleric or Paladin better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Cleric for healing, buffs, and divine versatility; pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
Cleric vs Paladin: 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.