Dragon Ball’s long history spans across TV series, films, and video games, with every installment introducing a wide range of characters from many different backgrounds. Within the franchise, numerous powerful Saiyans have appeared in either the canon universe or non-canon stories, expanding the series’ lore and raising the stakes to new heights.
As a race of warriors wiped out before the series began, the Saiyans have always been an intriguing element in Dragon Ball’s lore. Whether in spin-offs, video games, or the main story, each Saiyan has unique strengths and milestones that showcase the limitless potential of their race, prompting fans to speculate and debate which of them is truly the strongest.
12
Yamoshi
Shenron tells the story of Yamoshi. He can be seen during a fight
Yamoshi is a legendary figure in the Dragon Ball universe, known as the first Saiyan to achieve the Super Saiyan transformation, long before the start of the series. Though much of his life remains a mystery, he’s remained foundational to the story’s lore.
While the main cast didn’t know his name at the time, Yamoshi is who they referred to whenever they spoke of the legendary Super Saiyan. His mythic status was not only inspirational but also so powerful that his spirit became tied to the Super Saiyan God transformation, allowing his legacy to live on long after his death.
11
Cabba
Dragon Ball Super: Cabba, a Universe 6 Saiyan.
Cabba is a Saiyan from Universe 6, known best for his discipline, humility, and strong sense of honor. Introduced during the Universe 6 arc, Cabba initially had no knowledge of the Super Saiyan transformations. However, after witnessing it from Vegeta and under threat of losing his home planet, Sadala, he achieves the transformation for himself.
As Dragon Ball Super unfolds, it becomes clear that Cabba demonstrates impressive adaptability and rapid growth, mastering Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2 with remarkable speed. His skill and potential make him a formidable warrior, and his determination ensures that he will continue to train and become stronger.
10
Caulifla
Caulifla was first introduced during the Universe Survival Saga as one of Universe 6’s most naturally gifted Saiyans. She immediately stood out for her rebellious confidence and her role as a gang leader rather than a soldier. Caulifla has been energetic, powerful, and defiant from the beginning, making her highly intriguing.
Her power progression was the fastest ever shown in the franchise, reaching Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2 within moments. Caulifla’s explosive potential shocked seasoned fighters and audiences alike. While some fans feel that her quick progression was a narrative cop-out, it also positioned her as a prodigy and suggests that she’s capable of enormous growth in the future.
9
Kale
Kale is introduced as an incredibly shy and reserved Saiyan from Universe 6, best known for her soft-spoken, gentle personality and deep loyalty to Caulifla. While she initially lacks confidence, her emotional ties and growing sense of self are continually tested, enabling her to undergo one of the most dramatic power awakenings in the series.
She becomes her universe’s Legendary Super Saiyan with berserker power similar to Broly’s. This power places her among the most powerful Saiyans in the franchise, allowing her to take on opponents and overwhelm them with sheer might. She quickly learns to control her power and fight alongside Caulifla against powerful opponents, including Golden Frieza.
8
Future Trunks
Future Trunks is a character shaped by loss and destruction, with his timeline razed by the androids and later Goku Black. Yet, despite these hardships, Future Trunks reaches incredible levels of power, continuously demonstrating his knack for growth. He becomes a warrior known for his determination, courage, and tactical intelligence, making him a formidable half-Saiyan warrior.
In Dragon Ball Super, Future Trunks achieves Super Saiyan Rage, a transformation that places him in the same tier as Goku Black and Zamasu, granting him god ki power through sheer rage. Time and again, Future Trunks proves his ability to push past limits, making him one of the series’s most powerful and versatile Saiyans.
7
Shallot
Shallot from Dragon Ball Legends posing in promotional artwork for the game
Shallot is introduced in the mobile game Dragon Ball Legends as a Saiyan from the distant past. He is brought forward to the present to participate in the Tournament of Time; however, he remembers nothing of his past other than his name and a vague memory of someone telling him to run.
By the end of the game, Shallot unlocks transformations, including Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan God, proving his capabilities and power. His latent power and ability reach god-like power, making him one of the franchise’s most impressive Saiyans, with power that outclasses many other characters.
6
Giblet
Giblet from Dragon Ball Legends poses in character artwork for the game
Giblet is another Saiyan from Dragon Ball Legends and Shallot’s twin brother. Unlike his brother, Giblet possesses more aggression and a disdain for weakness. In the game, his memories are manipulated by Zahha, a magical swordsman and the main antagonist of the story, using his power to further his own ends.
By the end of the story, he comes to his senses and joins Shallot, reaching Super Saiyan God. However, before this, he engages in battle with his brother, where his power could have overwhelmed Shallot had he not reverted to his better nature, suggesting that Giblet stands slightly ahead of Shallot in terms of power.
5
Broly
Broly losing control of his power after transforming into a Super Saiyan.
Broly was officially canonized in Dragon Ball Super: Broly and is known as the Legendary Super Saiyan. He was born with extraordinary power that far exceeded typical Saiyan limits, drawing fear and jealousy from King Vegeta. His canon storyline reimagines his character as more sympathetic and possessing unstoppable potential.
His battle against Goku and Vegeta proved that he was not only quick to adapt but also able to keep up with them in his base form. His berserker rage gives him uncontrollable, immense power that overwhelmed even the series’ main heroes, capable of holding his own against Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta.
4
Cumber
Cumber is one of the most fearsome Saiyans in the franchise, introduced in Dragon Ball Heroes. He’s known as the God Slayer and Evil Saiyan, with his malevolent nature and immense power making him a terrifying adversary. Unlike most Saiyans, Cumber’s strength is fueled by pure malice, making him a near-unstoppable force in battle.
He holds his own, even when restricted by a straitjacket, and his aura alone is capable of corrupting anyone who gets too close. In Super Dragon Ball Heroes, Cumber’s evil aura is potent enough to corrupt even Goku. He is dangerous, unpredictable, and powerful enough to challenge multiple high-level Saiyans at once.
3
Vegeta
Vegeta using Super Saiyan Power in Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Vegeta is the Saiyan Prince and stands out as one of the series’ best developed characters, evolving from a ruthless warrior to one of the universe’s most skilled and reliable fighters. He’s best known for his pride, determination, and endless drive to surpass Goku, constantly pushing his limits through rigorous training and battle experience.
In the manga, Vegeta achieves Ultra Ego, a power that allows him to grow stronger as he takes damage in battle. Paired with his mastery of Super Saiyan Blue, raw strength, and tactical intelligence, Vegeta can contend with god-tier opponents, securing his place among the most powerful warriors in the entire franchise.