The following compares the current state of Balance Druids to Havoc Demon Hunters using the latest SimulationCraft data for end-game PvE in World of Warcraft The War Within patch 11.0.2.
Comparison
Category
Winner
Havoc Demon Hunter
+15.89%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Havoc Demon Hunters averaged 15.89% more DPS than Balance Druids (+244K DPS).
Balance Druid
+66.03%
When simulating AoE DPS, Balance Druids averaged 66.03% more DPS than Havoc Demon Hunters (+2M DPS).
Havoc Demon Hunter
+32.16%
Havoc Demon Hunters have higher spike damage potential, achieving +2.6M more DPS than Balance Druids.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Balance Druid
+1.22%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Balance Druid DPS improved the most, +1.22% more than Havoc Demon Hunter. In total, Balance Druids DPS increased by 67.06% and Havoc Demon Hunters by 65.84%.
Havoc Demon Hunter
+1.16%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 10.23% for Havoc Demon Hunters.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 11.39% for Balance Druids.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Havoc Demon Hunters performed better, as Balance Druids suffered a +1.16% DPS loss.
Balance Druid
When evaluating abilities used during boss encounters, Balance Druids had fewer damaging abilities in total, indicating a potentially less complex rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Balance Druid and Havoc Demon Hunter in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Havoc Demon Hunter
Balance Druid