Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Paladin vs Warlock
Warlock deals more damage, while Paladin offers more spellcasting versatility.
Short answer
Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras. Pick Warlock for reliable at-will damage with Eldritch Blast.
At a Glance
| Paladin | Warlock | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d10 | d8 |
| Primary Ability | STR and CHA | CHA |
| Spellcasting | Yes | Yes |
| Party Role | Defender | Blaster |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Aasimar | Tiefling |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Paladin DPR | Warlock DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 9 | Warlock |
| Level 11 | 7.15 | 12.38 | Warlock |
| Level 17 | 7.15 | 16.5 | Warlock |
When to Choose Paladin
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage
When to Choose Warlock
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
Best Builds for Each
Top Paladin Builds
Top Warlock Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paladin or Warlock better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras; pick Warlock for reliable at-will damage with Eldritch Blast.
Paladin vs Warlock: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Warlock deals more baseline damage (about 12.38 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.