Probably the most luxurious airlines in the world, Emirates and Qatar Airways take your business class flights to new highs with amenities unparalleled by others. So, which airline hosts the most fantastic products? We go into specifics in this detailed comparison: which has the most comfortable seat, best dining options, or best in-flight entertainment that lets you finally be sure which airline has truly the best business class.
- Comfort of Cabin and Seat
Emirates Business Class
First things first: business class on Emirates is impressive, especially when aboard the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777.
Seat Type: Lie-flat w/ direct aisle access on A380; 2-3-2 configuration on some 777s
Privacy: Medium to high (high on A380, lower on older 777 configurations)
Seat Width: 20-22 inches
Bed Length: Up to 78 inches
Extras: In-seat mini-bar on A380
Generally speaking, Emirates A380 is preferable as it features a really spacious and private business class layout, but these older 777s still have that far from ideal 2-3-2 seating when it comes down to privacy.
Qatar Airways Qsuite
Qatar decided to take Business Class to an entirely new frontier with Qsuite, often proclaimed the best in the world.
Seat Type: Private suite with sliding doors
Privacy: Complete Privacy – suites fully closed
Seat Width: 21-22 inches
Bed Length: up to 79 inches
Extras: Configurable suites that allow passengers to open up shared spaces for families or colleagues
Winner: Qatar Airways. Qsuite offers maximum privacy and comfort, hence the reason why Qatar’s business class is outstanding and should be chosen by any passenger who wants to fly first class.
- Dining and In-Flight Service
Emirates Business Class Dining
Emirates provides gourmet dining through multi-course à la carte menus that espouse regional flavors, paired with fine wines.
Dining Style: On-demand
Meal Options: International cuisine, gourmet dishes
Beverages: Premium wine, spirits, and cocktails
Signature Touch: Arabic coffee and dates before takeoff
Dining – Qatar Airways Business Class
Arguably, Qatar Airways offers one of the best dining experiences in business class up in the skies, considering its menu features Michelin influences with à la carte on-demand dining.
Dining Style: Dine-on-demand whereby every passenger can have food any time that he/she desires
Meal Options: Middle Eastern, European, and Asian cuisines
Beverages: Signature cocktails, fine champagnes, and premium wines
Signature Touch: Arabic mezze and caviar service on select routes
Winner: Qatar Airways. This airline’s dine-on-demand facility and Michelin-designed meals just take it to the next level for gourmands.
- In-Flight Entertainment
Emirates ICE System
Emirates’ ICE – the acronym stands for Information, Communication, Entertainment – is generally thought to be the best system in the skies.
Screen Size: 23-inch HD touchscreen
Options: Over 5,000 movies, TV shows, music and games
Live TV: Yes, incl major sporting events
Wi-Fi: Yes, with free messaging on most flights
Qatar Airways Oryx One
Oryx One is the onboard entertainment system for Qatar. Again, this has an excellent movie selection with a ton of current releases, TV and music.
Screen Size: 21-22 inches
Options: Over 4,000 including Hollywood and international films
Live TV: Yes, some flights
Wi-Fi: Yes, but very slow
Winner: Emirates – not only does ICE have more options, the screen bigger too, and excellent for those super long flights.
- Lounges and Ground Experience
Emirates Business Class Lounge Dubai
The Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai is among the largest and plushest lounges in the world.
Amenities: Gourmet buffet, shower facilities, nap zones, direct boarding
Exclusive Perks: Free-flowing Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge
Other Amenities: Chauffeur service for qualifying business class passengers
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge – Doha
Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge in Doha is more of a high-end lounge with a five-star ambiance.
Amenities: Gourmet dining, private sleeping suites, showers and relax areas
Special Treats: Koi pond, à la carte dining
Additional Amenities: Direct to gate boarding select gates
Winner: Tie. While Emirates has an enormous lounge experience when flying out of Dubai, Qatar’s Al Mourjan Lounge is cozier and more luxurious.
- Value for Your Buck
While both airlines shine quite brightly in their premium offerings, Qatar often does have better business-class fares and promotional sales than Emirates.
Emirates: Pricier but second to none in its class; Qatar Airways: Pricier but the more premium product is relatively competitive; Winner: Qatar Airways – generally offering the best last-minute deals and offers in its business class.
Final Decision: Which Airline Offers the Best Business Class?
Best Overall: Qatar Airways Qsuite
The Qatar Airways Qsuite still holds the gold standard of business class-for maximum privacy, fine dining, and innovative seating.
Best for Entertainment: Emirates
If what you’re after is some luxury in-flight entertainment, Emirates easily has the largest screen size along with the biggest media selection airborne.
Best for Gourmet Meals: Qatar Airways
Qatar’s Michelin- inspired cuisine and dine-on-demand service inch them ahead of the competition in first-class gourmet meal service.
Best For Privacy: Qatar Airways
For complete privacy, the Qsuite takes the cake; it’s still the only business class in the skies with sliding doors, thus offering the most private experience in first class.
Best Value for Money: Qatar Airways
Generally, Qatar has better fares and more sales; thus, this naturally equates to better value for passengers seeking the best while not wanting to break the bank.
Yes, Emirates probably does the most ultra-luxurious experience across with its A380 Business Class, but when it gets down to pure business class-the ultimate in privacy and comfort with overall value-then you’re getting it on Qatar Airways. If you want to do the most aspirational, ultimate business class flying you can do in 2025, you simply can’t do better than Qatar Airways.
Which airliner do you think serves the best business class? Let us know in the comments!