737-800 vs 787-10 Dreamliner
The 787-10 Dreamliner leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737-800 (introduced 1998) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-10 Dreamliner (introduced 2018) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 787-10 Dreamliner carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
737-800 vs 787-10 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 106% more range (737-800: 3,115 nm; 787-10 Dreamliner: 6,430 nm).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 8% more cruise speed (737-800: 453 kt; 787-10 Dreamliner: 488 kt).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 133% more passenger capacity (737-800: 189 seats; 787-10 Dreamliner: 440 seats).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1998 for the 737-800), a gap of 20 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 787-10 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (560,000 lbs versus 174,200 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The 787-10 Dreamliner is the stronger fit for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes — its 6,430 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 737-800, at 3,115 nm, is better matched to transcontinental missions, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 737-800's range, the 787-10 Dreamliner's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 787-10 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 737-800 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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737-800 vs 787-10 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 737-800 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 6,430 nm versus 3,115 nm for the 737-800.
Does the 737-800 or 787-10 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The 787-10 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 440 seats, compared with 189 on the 737-800.
Which is faster, the 737-800 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 453 kt for the 737-800.
Which is newer, the 737-800 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1998 for the 737-800.
Is the 737-800 or the 787-10 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 787-10 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft — 560,000 lbs versus 174,200 lbs for the 737-800.
Should I buy the 737-800 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the 787-10 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 737-800 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 737-800 vs 787-10 Dreamliner?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.