The following compares the current state of Arcane Mages to Devastation Evokers using the latest SimulationCraft data for end-game PvE in World of Warcraft The War Within patch 11.0.2.
Comparison
Category
Winner
Arcane Mage
+5.52%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Arcane Mages averaged +87,201.92 more DPS than Devastation Evokers, a 5.52% increase.
Devastation Evoker
+12.13%
When simulating AoE DPS, Devastation Evokers averaged +456,966.81 more DPS than Arcane Mages, a 12.13% increase.
Arcane Mage
+49.46%
Arcane Mages have higher burst damage potential, achieving +4.2M more DPS than Devastation Evokers.
Note: this is the highest temporary DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Devastation Evoker
+0.11%
+44 ilvl improved the DPS of Devastation Evoker by 67.95%.
+44 ilvl improved the DPS of Arcane Mage by 67.84%.
When comparing how both specs scale with gear, Devastation Evokers had a higher DPS increase, a +0.11% higher increase than Arcane Mages.
Devastation Evoker
+-1.43%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS of Devastation Evoker by 29.47%.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS of Arcane Mage by 28.04%.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Devastation Evokers were less affected with a 29.47% decrease in DPS, whereas Arcane Mages suffered a higher loss of 28.04% DPS.
Devastation Evoker
When evaluating abilities used during boss encounters, Devastation Evokers had fewer damaging abilities in total, indicating a potentially less complex rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Arcane Mage and Devastation Evoker in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.