Looking for the most affordable private jets in 2025? In this guide, we highlight the cheapest private jets available in every category.
Looking for the most affordable private jets to buy right now? Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a business owner flying more than 250 hours a year or a pilot searching for the ultimate personal aircraft, 2025 and 2026 offer some of the best opportunities in decades to enter private jet ownership at realistic price points.
In today’s pre-owned market, you can realistically own a real private jet (not just a turboprop) for under $1 million - and in some cases, well under $700,000.
But before we reveal the top 3 cheapest private jets in every major category, let’s quickly compare all the ways to fly private so you know exactly where full ownership fits.
Private Aviation Access Options - From Cheapest to Most Exclusive
- Single-seat sharing / empty-leg apps - Lowest per-trip cost, but zero control
- On-demand charter - Great flexibility, but $2,000 - $14,000+ per hour
- Jet cards & memberships - Predictable pricing, still expensive after 50+ hours
- Fractional ownership - 1/16th share of a light jet typically starts at $400,000 - $750,000 + monthly fees
- Full ownership - Highest upfront cost, but lowest hourly cost after ~200 - 300 hours/year + total control, privacy, and potential asset appreciation
The truth: If you fly more than 250 - 300 hours per year and value absolute schedule control, worldwide availability, and long-term wealth preservation, buying your own aircraft is almost always the smartest financial and lifestyle move.
Why Pre-Owned is the Sweet Spot in 2025 - 2026
Brand-new private jets still start at $3 - $4 million (Cirrus Vision Jet) and climb to $75+ million for large-cabin aircraft. The real bargains are in the pre-owned market, where well-maintained 10- to 25-year-old jets and turboprops have already taken their biggest depreciation hit - yet still deliver incredible performance, safety, and luxury.
Plus, many come freshly refurbished with upgraded avionics, Wi-Fi, and interiors that rival brand-new planes - at a fraction of the price.
What You’ll Discover in This Guide
Below, we rank the top 3 most affordable private aircraft to own in 2025 - 2026 across every popular category:
- Very Light Jets (VLJs)
- Light Jets
- Super Light Jets
- Midsize Jets
- Super Midsize Jets
- Large Jets
- Ultra Long-Range Jets
- VIP Airliners
- Bonus: The absolute cheapest turbine-powered aircraft you can buy today
Each listing includes current market prices (updated December 2025), aircraft performance, capabilities, range, passenger capacity, pricing and more.
If you're looking for a more modern and luxurious yet cost-effective option, popular models include the Cirrus Vision Jet (SF50), Pilatus PC-12, Embraer Phenom 100, Phenom 300, and the Citation X. Our charter clients have given us positive feedback on these planes.
Ready to find your perfect entry-level private jet? Keep scrolling - the numbers might surprise you.
(Pro tip: Always work with an IADA-accredited aircraft broker when purchasing pre-owned. They eliminate risk and often save buyers 5-15% on the final price.)
Let’s dive into the most affordable private jets you can actually own today ↓
Turbo Props
- King Air C90GTi ($1.5 million): A versatile and reliable turboprop, ideal for short to mid-range flights, offering comfort and speed. New models for purchase can range from $3.5 to $4.5 million. Pre-owned prices are as low as 1.5 million.
- King Air 100 ($1 million): Larger than the C90GTi, it provides increased capacity and range, perfect for longer domestic flights. Older models; new ones aren't manufactured. Pre-owned prices range from $1 million to $2 million.
- Pilatus PC-12 ($2 million): Renowned for its versatility, spacious cabin, and ability to operate from shorter runways. New models are around $5 million, while pre-owned can range from $2 million to $4.5 million depending on the year and condition.
Very Light Jets
- Eclipse 500 ($1.5 million): A cost-effective and efficient jet, offering speed and luxury for short trips. Pre-owned prices are around $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
- Citation Mustang ($1.8 million): Compact yet comfortable, great for quick business or leisure trips with a small group. Pre-owned prices range from $1.8 million to $2.5 million.
- Vision Jet ($2.5 million): The world's first single-engine personal jet, offering affordability without compromising on luxury. New models start at $3.3 million, with pre-owned costs around $2.5 million.
Light Jets
- Citation CJ1+ ($2 million): A popular choice for its efficiency and comfort, ideal for short to medium-range flights. Pre-owned prices range from $2 million to $4 million.
- Beechjet 400 ($1 million): Offers a blend of speed, range, and comfort, with a spacious cabin. Pre-owned models range from $1 million to $2 million.
- Citation M2 ($3.5 million): Strikes a balance between cost and performance, with modern avionics and interiors. New models are approximately $4.5 million, with pre-owned at around $3.5 million.
Super Light Jets
- Phenom 300 ($7 million): Best in class for range and cabin space, it’s perfect for travelers seeking both luxury and performance. New models are around $9 million, with pre-owned prices ranging from $7 million to $8.5 million.
- Learjet 45 ($2 million): Known for its speed and range, it is a solid choice for business travel. Pre-owned prices range from $2 million to $3.5 million.
- Learjet 70 ($3.5 million): Offers upgrades in efficiency and comfort over its predecessors, with state-of-the-art interiors. New models are around $11 million, with pre-owned prices as low as $3.5 million.
Midsize Jets
- Citation XLS ($5.2 million): Combines transcontinental range, first-class cabin luxury, and remarkable performance. New models are around $13 million, with pre-owned prices as low as $5.2 million.
- Citation Excel ($2 million): Provides a spacious cabin and is capable of operating from smaller airports. Pre-owned prices range from $2 million to $4 million.
- Hawker 800XP ($1.5 million): Known for its blend of range, speed, and cabin comfort. Pre-owned models range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
Super Midsize Jets
- Citation Sovereign+ ($5.9 million): Offers high performance, extensive range, and a spacious cabin. New models are around $18 million, with pre-owned prices varying.
- Citation X ($3.5 million): One of the fastest business jets, combining speed with comfort. New models can exceed $20 million, with older pre-owned models starting at $3.5 million.
- Praetor 500 ($16 million): State-of-the-art technology, comfort, and performance, with intercontinental range. New models are around $17 million.
Large Jets
- Challenger 601 ($2 million): Spacious and luxurious, suitable for longer, intercontinental flights. Older pre-owned models range from $2 million to $3.5 million.
- Challenger 604 ($5 million): Offers a large cabin, long-range, and reliability. Pre-owned models range from $5 million to $7 million.
- Challenger 850 ($7 million): Features the largest cabin in its class, providing ultimate comfort and space. Pre-owned models range from $7 million to $10 million.
Ultra Long Range
- Gulfstream GV ($14 million): High performance, long-range, and luxurious amenities for global travel. Pre-owned prices range from $14 million to $16 million.
- Gulfstream G550 ($20 million): Exceptional range, cabin space, and technology for an unparalleled flying experience. New models are around $50 million, with pre-owned varying from $20 million to $40 million.
- Falcon 7X ($19.7 million): Features advanced aerodynamics for efficiency, range, and a quiet cabin. New models are around $50 million, with pre-owned prices starting at $19.7 million.
VIP Airliner
- Lineage 1000 ($20 million): Offers the space and flexibility of an airliner with the comfort of a private jet. Pre-owned prices range from $20 million to $30 million.
- Airbus ACJ318 ($21.5 million): Combines airline capacity with private jet luxury, suitable for VIP transport. New models can exceed $75 million, with pre-owned around $21.5 million.
- Boeing Business Jet ($46 million): Ultimate in space, range, and amenities, akin to a flying luxury home. New models can exceed $80 million, with pre-owned prices are around $46 million.
Bonus: The Absolute Cheapest Turbine-Powered Aircraft You Can Buy Today
Based on current December 2025 market listings from major aviation marketplaces like Controller.com and GlobalAir.com, the absolute cheapest turbine-powered aircraft available for purchase is the Aero L-39 Albatros (a demilitarized Czech jet trainer from the 1970s–1980s era). Well-maintained, flyable examples are listed starting at under $150,000.
FAQs
What is the cheapest private jet to own in 2026?
The Eclipse 500 very light jet - well-maintained examples are currently selling for $650,000 - $950,000.
How much does a used Cirrus Vision Jet cost in 2026?
Pre-owned Cirrus SF50 Vision Jets range from $2.1 million to $2.9 million depending on year and hours – still the cheapest brand-new-capable jet you can buy.
Can you buy a private jet for under $1 million?
Yes - multiple options exist: Eclipse 500 ($650k+), HondaJet HA-420 early models ($1.8m–$2.2m dropping fast), and older Cessna Citation Mustangs ($1.3m–$1.9m).
What is the most affordable turboprop aircraft I can buy in 2026?
The Beechcraft King Air B100 - solid examples start in the high $400,000s to $650,000, with some 1970s–1980s King Air 90s under $500,000.
Is the Embraer Phenom 100 still one of the cheapest light jets?
Absolutely - 2009-2014 Phenom 100s are trading between $1.75 million and $2.5 million, making it one of the lowest-cost true light jets on the market.
What’s the cheapest single-engine private jet you can buy?
The Cirrus Vision Jet (SF50) – no other single-engine turbine jet exists; used prices now start at just over $2 million.
How much does it cost to own and operate a $700,000 private jet annually?
Expect $450,000–$750,000 per year for 200 hours (fuel, maintenance, hangar, insurance, crew), or roughly $2,250–$3,750 per flight hour.
Are very light jets (VLJs) cheaper to buy and operate than light jets?
Yes - purchase price is 40-70% lower and hourly operating costs are typically $1,200-$2,000 less than traditional light jets.
What is the least expensive way to own a private jet in 2026?
Buy a pre-owned Eclipse 500 or Cessna Citation Mustang outright – both routinely sell under $1.5 million with reasonable operating costs.
Can you get a private jet for under $500,000?
Yes, but only older multi-engine turboprops (1970s–1980s King Air 90/100, Cessna Conquest) or experimental very light jets. Pure jets under $500k do not currently exist.
Continuing Your Research:
You can get an online private jet flight estimate.
Learn more about what makes up the private jet rental costs.
Use our Private Jet Comparison tool to compare up to three aircraft side by side.
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