Class Comparison · Updated September 2026

Paladin vs Wizard

Wizard deals more damage, while Paladin offers more spellcasting versatility.

Short answer

Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras. Pick Wizard for the widest spell selection of any class.

Build a Paladin Build a Wizard

At a Glance

Paladin Wizard
Hit Die d10 d6
Primary Ability STR and CHA INT
Spellcasting Yes Yes
Party Role Defender Controller
Subclasses 4 4
Best Race Aasimar Elf

Combat Comparison

Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.

Level Paladin 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 Paladin

  • ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
  • ♦ Strong melee damage output
  • ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage

When to Choose Wizard

  • ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
  • ♦ Flexible build with room for customization

Best Builds for Each

Top Paladin Builds

Aasimar Paladin 10/10 Dragonborn Paladin 10/10 Dwarf Paladin 8/10

Top Wizard Builds

Elf Wizard 8/10 Gnome Wizard 8/10 Dragonborn Wizard 7/10

Head to Head

Choosing between a Paladin and a Wizard means deciding between the armored frontline and the scholarly backline. The Paladin is a premier frontline Defender, using Strength and Charisma alongside a robust d10 hit die to protect allies. With high hit points for frontline durability, they act as the shield of the party, seamlessly blending martial prowess with divine spellcasting. Meanwhile, the Wizard serves as the ultimate Controller. Swapping armor for an arcane focus, they rely on Intelligence and a fragile d6 hit die to reshape reality from afar, offering unparalleled versatile spellcasting options.

This choice ultimately shapes your entire combat playstyle. If you want to dive headfirst into danger, absorb punishment, and unleash devastating burst damage with Divine Smite, an Aasimar Paladin is an exceptional choice. If you prefer to outsmart foes with a flexible build that offers immense room for customization, playing an Elf Wizard allows you to control the battlefield with a massive repertoire of arcane spells. One dominates the physical clash, while the other masterminds the tactical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paladin or Wizard better for beginners in D&D 5e?
The Paladin is generally much better for beginners. With a d10 hit die and heavy armor, they are highly forgiving of positioning mistakes, and their core loop of hitting enemies and using Divine Smite is easy to grasp. Conversely, the Wizard is highly complex, requiring players to manage a vast spellbook, prepare spells daily, and survive with a fragile d6 hit die, which can easily overwhelm newcomers.
Paladin vs Wizard: which deals more damage?
While the Wizard has a higher sustained damage per round (DPR) at level 11 with 10.18 compared to the Paladin's 7.15, the reality is more nuanced. Wizards excel at dealing consistent, area-of-effect damage to multiple targets across the battlefield. However, the Paladin remains the undisputed king of single-target burst damage, utilizing Divine Smite to vaporize boss monsters in a single turn.
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