Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Monk vs Paladin
Paladin deals more damage, while Monk offers more tactical options.
Short answer
Pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility. Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
At a Glance
| Monk | Paladin | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 | d10 |
| Primary Ability | DEX and WIS | STR and CHA |
| Spellcasting | No | Yes |
| Party Role | Striker | Defender |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Aasimar | Aasimar |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Monk 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 Monk
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
- ♦ 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 Monk Builds
Top Paladin Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monk or Paladin better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility; pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
Monk vs Paladin: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Monk deals more baseline damage (about 7.15 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.