Class Comparison · Updated August 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.
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
Top Wizard Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paladin or Wizard better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras; pick Wizard for the widest spell selection of any class.
Paladin 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.