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Paladin: Draenei with glowing eyes, a large shield and golden armorMonk: Pandaren monk with a straw hat

Paladin vs. Monk

First class

Paladin

Second class

Monk

Key differences

  • Both can tank, heal, and deal damage.
  • Both fight in melee.
  • The Paladin wears plate, the Monk leather.
  • The Paladin is more beginner friendly.
  • The Paladin does better solo.
  • More races can play the Monk (25 instead of 9).

At a glance

At a glancePaladinMonk
RolesTank, Healer, DPSTank, Healer, DPS
ArmorPlateLeather
Combat styleMeleeMelee
Playable races925
SpecializationsHoly (Healer), Protection (Tank), Retribution (DPS)Brewmaster (Tank), Mistweaver (Healer), Windwalker (DPS)
Beginner friendly4/52/5
Solo play5/54/5

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 ›

Monk

The Monk is a highly mobile martial artist in leather that can play all three roles: Brewmaster tanks, Mistweaver heals, Windwalker deals melee damage. Its mechanics suit players with some experience.

Learn more about the Monk ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Paladin or Monk?

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 Monk?

Both can tank, heal, and deal damage. Both fight in melee. The Paladin wears plate, the Monk leather.

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