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Paladin: Draenei with glowing eyes, a large shield and golden armorMage: Mage with brown hair casting purple arcane magic

Paladin vs. Mage

First class

Paladin

Second class

Mage

Key differences

  • Only the Paladin can tank and heal.
  • The Paladin fights in melee.
  • The Mage fights at range.
  • The Paladin wears plate, the Mage cloth.
  • The Paladin is more beginner friendly.
  • The Paladin does better solo.
  • More races can play the Mage (26 instead of 9).

At a glance

At a glancePaladinMage
RolesTank, Healer, DPSDPS
ArmorPlateCloth
Combat styleMeleeRanged
Playable races926
SpecializationsHoly (Healer), Protection (Tank), Retribution (DPS)Arcane (DPS), Fire (DPS), Frost (DPS)
Beginner friendly4/53/5
Solo play5/53/5

These ratings help you pick a class. They are not a DPS ranking, and balance shifts with every patch. How we rate ›

The classes in short

Paladin

The Paladin is a plate wearer wielding holy Light and, alongside Druid and Monk, can play all three roles: Holy heals, Protection tanks, Retribution deals damage. Plenty of emergency abilities make it very beginner friendly.

Learn more about the Paladin ›

Mage

The Mage is the classic ranged caster with arcane, fire and frost magic and big burst damage. It only deals damage, brings portals and food and is fragile in cloth.

Learn more about the Mage ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Paladin or Mage?

Neither class is better in general. The Paladin is more beginner friendly. The Paladin does better solo. In the end, what matters is which playstyle you enjoy more.

What is the difference between Paladin and Mage?

Only the Paladin can tank and heal. The Paladin fights in melee. The Mage fights at range. The Paladin wears plate, the Mage cloth.

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