Ben 10’s Original Aliens Ranked Worst to Best – Performance Revie
Since Ben 10 first aired in 2005, fans have been captivated by the variety and uniqueness of Ben Tennyson’s alien transformations via the Omnitrix. The original ten aliens each brought distinct powers and personalities to the table, shaping Ben’s growth and the series’ action. But not all aliens are created equal. Based on performance, versatility, impact on major battles, and narrative importance, here’s a ranking of the original ten aliens—from the least effective to the absolute best.
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10. Ripjaws
Ripjaws is undeniably cool with his fish-like design and aquatic abilities. Underwater, he’s fast, strong, and intimidating. But that’s also his biggest limitation—he’s only useful in water. On land, his performance drastically drops. Given that most of Ben’s battles happen on land or in urban settings, Ripjaws gets very little screen time. His effectiveness in a few niche situations doesn’t compensate for his overall lack of versatility.
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9. Grey Matter
While Grey Matter is arguably one of the smartest beings in the Omnitrix, he’s not built for combat. Standing just a few inches tall, he relies almost entirely on intellect and stealth. While that has led to brilliant problem-solving moments—like hacking alien tech or disabling weapons—he’s too situational for high-stakes fights. In a series where action dominates, Grey Matter’s utility doesn’t often shine in fast-paced confrontations.
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8. Wildmutt
A blind, beast-like alien that relies on enhanced senses and agility, Wildmutt is a ferocious fighter. However, his inability to speak or use tools limits his coordination and tactical execution in battles. Though he has been crucial in certain ambush or stealth-heavy situations, Wildmutt often feels like a fallback rather than a first choice in combat, making his overall performance inconsistent.
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7. Upgrade
Upgrade’s ability to merge with and enhance technology is incredibly useful—especially when facing robotic enemies or high-tech environments. He can convert basic machines into powerful weapons or vehicles. That said, when there’s no tech around to interface with, he becomes an average energy-based alien. His performance heavily depends on the environment, so while his highs are high, his lows can be disappointing.
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6. Stinkfly
Agile and airborne, Stinkfly offers impressive mobility and a combination of ranged attacks with his slime projectiles. He’s been essential in aerial battles and recon missions. However, his combat durability isn’t the best—he’s prone to being knocked out by stronger enemies. Still, his flexibility and hit-and-run tactics have made him a reliable pick in fast-moving or evasive scenarios.
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5. XLR8
Speedster aliens are a staple in sci-fi, and XLR8 delivers on that front. With incredible reflexes, time-bending speed, and agile movement, he’s a one-alien blitzkrieg. He’s best used for rapid retrievals, outpacing enemies, or precision strikes. However, his lack of brute strength or energy-based powers can put him at a disadvantage in one-on-one duels against more durable enemies. Still, his speed gives him an edge in many tactical situations.
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4. Cannonbolt (Technically not part of the original 10 in Season 1, but often grouped with them in later iterations)
If we include Cannonbolt (who was introduced in Ben 10 Season 2 and often considered a “core” alien), his defensive capabilities and destructive rolling attacks make him a powerhouse. His armored shell is nearly impenetrable, allowing him to tank attacks and bulldoze through obstacles. He lacks flexibility in maneuverability compared to others but is a solid pick in brute force situations.
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3. Heatblast
One of Ben’s signature aliens, Heatblast is a walking furnace of destruction. His control over fire allows him to hurl fireballs, create blasts, and even melt through solid structures. He has range, power, and decent durability. Throughout the original series, Heatblast consistently delivers in battles, making him one of Ben’s most-used and reliable transformations. However, in close-quarters or underwater, he’s less effective.
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2. Four Arms
Four Arms is a fan favorite for good reason. He brings strength, stamina, and brute force to the fight, often turning the tide in intense brawls. His combat performance is outstanding, particularly in close combat. He also has shockwave abilities and decent agility for his size. His straightforward approach can be predictable, but his raw power is hard to match.
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1. Diamondhead – The Best Performer
Topping the list is Diamondhead. His crystalline body makes him incredibly durable, capable of withstanding powerful blows and energy attacks. What truly sets him apart is his versatility—he can create weapons, shields, and projectiles all from his own body. Whether it’s offense, defense, or strategic combat, Diamondhead excels. His performance in some of the series’ most intense battles, such as fighting Vilgax, cements his status as the most balanced and effective alien in the original lineup.
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Conclusion
Ben’s original ten aliens introduced fans to a world of possibilities, each one contributing something unique. While some were situational and others were powerhouses, it was the mix of brains, brawn, speed, and strategy that made Ben 10’s Omnitrix so iconic. But in a pure performance ranking, Diamondhead, Four Arms, and Heatblast stand tall as the strongest contenders, showing time and again why they became staples of Ben’s alien arsenal.
