In simple terms, a frigate is smaller, lighter in weight and less armed than a Destroyer, which is larger, heavier and armed with a variety of ammunition. Secondly, a frigate is more common than a destroyer, with almost every navy in the world possessing frigates while only 13 countries have Destroyers, per Global Fire Power Index 2019.

Frigates are smaller, more versatile, and generally used for defensive operations, while destroyers are larger, more heavily armed, and used for offensive operations.