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The Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 are the icons of very large passenger aircraft. Both have four engines, huge range, and slot-constrained airport logic behind them, but the A380 maximized passenger capacity while the 747 family balanced passenger, cargo, and long-haul flexibility over a much longer era.
The A380 is the only full-length double-deck passenger jet and is certified for up to 853 seats, although airline layouts use fewer. The 747-8 is longer and supports both passenger and dedicated-freighter roles.
Both aircraft make sense where airport slots are scarce and demand is concentrated. They are less attractive when airlines can split demand across multiple frequencies using efficient twinjets like the 787, A350, or 777.
The 747 defined long-haul travel for decades. The A380 delivered the most dramatic passenger aircraft experience of the 2000s, especially on airlines that filled the upper deck with premium cabins and lounges.
The A380 wins on passenger capacity and spectacle. The 747 wins on historical importance, cargo versatility, and longevity across more airline business models.