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Priest: Priestess with braided hair in white and gold armorDemon Hunter: Demon hunter with horns, a glowing blindfold and green fel fire

Priest vs. Demon Hunter

First class

Priest

Second class

Demon Hunter

Key differences

  • Only the Priest can heal.
  • Only the Demon Hunter can tank.
  • The Priest fights at range.
  • The Demon Hunter fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Priest wears cloth, the Demon Hunter leather.
  • The Demon Hunter is more beginner friendly.
  • The Demon Hunter does better solo.
  • More races can play the Priest (26 instead of 3).

At a glance

At a glancePriestDemon Hunter
RolesHealer, DPSTank, DPS
ArmorClothLeather
Combat styleRangedMelee and ranged
Playable races263
SpecializationsDiscipline (Healer), Holy (Healer), Shadow (DPS)Havoc (DPS), Vengeance (Tank), Devourer (DPS)
Beginner friendly3/54/5
Solo play2/54/5

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

Priest

The Priest is the classic healing class with two healing specs (Discipline, Holy) and Shadow as a ranged damage spec. In cloth it is strong in groups but vulnerable solo.

Learn more about the Priest ›

Demon Hunter

The Demon Hunter is the most mobile class in WoW. Havoc deals melee damage, Vengeance tanks, and the new Devourer spec from Midnight fights with Void magic from mid-range.

Learn more about the Demon Hunter ›

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Priest or Demon Hunter?

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

What is the difference between Priest and Demon Hunter?

Only the Priest can heal. Only the Demon Hunter can tank. The Priest fights at range. The Demon Hunter fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Priest wears cloth, the Demon Hunter leather.

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