Smartest Death Note Characters
L Lawliet, exclusively known by the mononym L, is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata . While he was beaten by Light, he almost succeeded without knowledge about the death note for quite some time. He almost solved the case way back without any help from the supernatural at all.
He would have solved the Kira Case if it wasn't for Rem's sacrifice. So technically L won...in a way.
Light Yagami is a fictional character and the protagonist of the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. Light was able to outsmart L, even when he was in a hopeless situation. Even when they were working together, Light came up with a solution quicker than L more than once. They're both smart but I believe Light is smarter. The only reason people are denying it is because they personally prefer L as a character.
He destroyed L by his amazing planning anyone who thinks L is smarter is an idiot
Light beat L so he's smarter
Nate River, exclusively known by the mononym Near, is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.
Naomi Misora is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.
Mihael Keehl, universally referred to by the mononym Mello, is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. He was the one who basically beat Light in the end... Near's would fail pathetically if it wasn't for Mello and his sacrifice
It was reported that his calm demeanor and laid back attitude was the reason why he is third in line to be L. His lack of motivation and drive the only thing holding him back from being first. His intelligence even surpasses those of Mello's and Near's.
Kiyomi Takada is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.
Misa Amane is a fictional character in the manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.