Neanderthals should not be classified as modern humans, despite the genetic overlap and similarities between the two groups. While Neanderthals and modern humans share a common ancestor, they are distinct hominin species that evolved separately. Morphological and genetic evidence indicate that Neanderthals had unique physical traits and adaptations that set them apart from anatomically modern Homo sapiens. These differences are not limited to skeletal features but also extend to their behaviors, cultural practices, and tool technologies. Despite interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans in certain regions, their distinct evolutionary trajectories and the existence of specific anatomical differences argue against classifying Neanderthals as modern humans. Recognizing their separate species status acknowledges the complexity of human evolution and the diversity of our ancestral lineages.