Embraer Phenom 300 vs Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Learjet 45
The Embraer Phenom 300, Citation CJ4 and Learjet 45 are three light jets with different strengths — the best-selling Phenom 300, the larger CJ4 and the fast, classic Learjet 45. The Phenom leads on sales and cabin, the CJ4 tops the CitationJet line, and the Lear 45 brings speed and ramp presence. Where each trades now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 88
- Model years available
- 2010–2025
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 2010–2024
- For sale now
- 61
- Median asking
- $2,345,000
- Range
- $1,761,250–$7,125,000
- Model years available
- 1999–2012
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Embraer Phenom 300 | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Learjet 45 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $7,621,250 – $14,537,500 | $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 | $1,761,250 – $7,125,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 430 kts (796 km/h) | 420 kts (778 km/h) | 438 kts (811 km/h) |
| Range | 2,010 nm (3,723 km) | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 2,120 nm (3,926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 18,387 lbs (8,340 kg) | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) | 21,500 lbs (9,752 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg) | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 527.0 gal (1995 L) | 581.0 gal (2199 L) | 575.0 gal (2176 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 155.0 GPH (587 L/h) | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | $325,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | $385,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,200 | $2,150 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateEmbraer Phenom 300
Cessna Citation CJ4
Learjet 45
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: Choose the Phenom 300 for the all-round leader — speed, range, cabin and the best-selling record in the class. Choose the CJ4 for the top CitationJet — more range and cabin than smaller CJs, with Cessna support. Choose the Learjet 45 for speed and character — a fast, classic light jet, now an affordable used option. On safety all three are twin-engine jets with redundancy and proven records; the divide is performance, cabin and age, not safety. Sales leader, top CitationJet, or fast classic.
Pick the Phenom 300 if…
- Most listings for sale — 73
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- Lowest operating cost — about $2150/hr
- Longest range — 2165 nm
- Newest design — built from 2010
Pick the 45 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $1,761,250
- Fastest cruise — 438 kts
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.