Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Monk vs Wizard
Wizard deals more damage, while Monk offers more tactical options.
Short answer
Pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility. Pick Wizard for the widest spell selection of any class.
At a Glance
| Monk | Wizard | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 | d6 |
| Primary Ability | DEX and WIS | INT |
| Spellcasting | No | Yes |
| Party Role | Striker | Controller |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Aasimar | Elf |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Monk DPR | Wizard DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | Tie |
| Level 11 | 7.15 | 10.18 | Wizard |
| Level 17 | 7.15 | 13.2 | Wizard |
When to Choose Monk
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
When to Choose Wizard
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
Best Builds for Each
Top Monk Builds
Top Wizard Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monk or Wizard better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility; pick Wizard for the widest spell selection of any class.
Monk vs Wizard: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Wizard deals more baseline damage (about 10.18 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.