Norwegian, by far. Newer planes, more comfort, better service, they are better on pretty much everything. Someone told me that RyanAir saves on fuel by flying through areas of turbulence rather than flying above it.

In 2026 customer satisfaction rankings, Norwegian Air consistently outperforms Ryanair, particularly in the areas of cabin comfort, service quality, and overall "hassle-free" experience. While both are low-cost carriers, Norwegian is often viewed as a "premium" budget option; their fleet of Boeing 737s typically offers more legroom, free Wi-Fi on many routes, and a more modern, friendly brand image. Ryanair, conversely, is famous for its "unbundled" model where almost everything—from checking in at the airport to carrying a small cabin bag—incurs a significant extra fee. While Ryanair often wins on raw ticket price, the total "cost of travel" frequently evens out once you add basic amenities. For a traveler, Norwegian is a grounded choice for a more comfortable journey with fewer "gotcha" fees, whereas Ryanair remains the choice for those whose only priority is the absolute lowest possible fare and who are willing to navigate a more "militant" boarding and fee structure.