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Phenom 300 vs Citation CJ4 vs Pilatus PC-24
Phenom 300 vs Citation CJ4 vs Pilatus PC-24 (2026): which is best?
Each leads on a different axis: the Phenom 300E on speed and sales, the Citation CJ4 on range, and the Pilatus PC-24 on cabin size and runway access. They are close on price and all single-pilot certified, so the right answer depends on your typical route, airfields, and payload. The table sets the headline numbers side by side.
| Specification | Phenom 300E | Citation CJ4 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | ~2,010 nm | ~2,165 nm | ~2,000 nm |
| Max cruise speed | ~464 kt | ~451 kt | ~440 kt |
| Typical passengers | 7–9 | 7–9 | 8–10 |
| Runway flexibility | Paved | Paved | Short / unpaved capable |
| Cabin note | Best-selling light jet | Longest range; simple | Flat floor, large cargo door |
| Engines | 2 × P&W PW535E | 2 × Williams FJ44-4A | 2 × Williams FJ44-4A |
| Single-pilot certified | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New price (indicative) | ~$11M | ~$11M | ~$11.5M |
Indicative figures for 2026; manufacturers quote range and speed under specific conditions, and price varies by specification and market. Verify current data before citing onward.
Which light jet is fastest, and which flies furthest?
The Phenom 300E is the fastest, cruising up to about 464 knots, with the Citation CJ4 just behind near 451 and the PC-24 around 440. On range the order flips: the CJ4 leads at roughly 2,165 nautical miles, with the Phenom near 2,010 and the PC-24 about 2,000. For most owners these gaps are small — a few minutes or one fuel stop on the longest legs.
Why is the Pilatus PC-24 different from the other two?
The PC-24 is built around versatility rather than pure speed. It has a flat-floor cabin, a large cargo door, and certification for short and unpaved runways — grass, gravel, even dirt — which opens thousands of airfields the Phenom and CJ4 cannot use. Pilatus calls it a Super Versatile Jet; the trade is slightly lower speed and range for far greater access and a roomier, more reconfigurable cabin.
Which light jet should you buy?
Choose the Phenom 300E for the best all-round blend of speed, comfort, running cost, and resale — the safe default. Choose the Citation CJ4 if you regularly fly the longest light-jet legs and value simplicity. Choose the PC-24 if your destinations include short or unpaved strips, or you need to carry bulky cargo. We match the jet to your real route map before recommending one, through a sourcing mandate.
FAQ
Light jets — quick answers
Is the Phenom 300 the best light jet?
The Embraer Phenom 300 has been the world's best-selling light jet for over a decade, which makes it the safe default — it is the fastest of the group, comfortable, and economical to run, with a deep support network. Best, though, depends on mission: the Citation CJ4 flies further, and the Pilatus PC-24 carries more and uses shorter, rougher runways.
Which is faster, the Phenom 300 or the Citation CJ4?
The Phenom 300E is faster, with a top cruise of about 464 knots against roughly 451 knots for the Citation CJ4. The difference is modest — a handful of minutes on a typical trip. The CJ4 answers with slightly longer range, around 2,165 nautical miles versus about 2,010 for the Phenom, so the two trade speed against reach.
Can the Pilatus PC-24 land on unpaved runways?
Yes — that is its signature advantage. The Pilatus PC-24 is certified for short and unpaved surfaces including grass, gravel, and dirt, opening thousands of airfields closed to conventional light jets. Combined with a flat-floor cabin and a large cargo door, it is marketed as a Super Versatile Jet rather than a pure light jet, trading a little speed for access and flexibility.
How much do the Phenom 300, Citation CJ4, and PC-24 cost?
New, all three sit close together at roughly $10–12 million, with the Pilatus PC-24 typically the priciest and the Phenom 300E and Citation CJ4 around $11 million. Well-kept pre-owned examples trade lower, often around $8–10 million depending on year and hours. Operating cost, support, and runway needs usually decide the purchase more than the small list-price gaps.
Sources & further reading: Embraer, Cessna (Textron Aviation), and Pilatus published specifications; independent light-jet comparison data (AvBuyer, Corporate Jet Investor). Figures are indicative and verified against primary sources where cited; see our editorial standards. See also how much a private jet costs and the private jet cost calculator.
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