Joby Aviation

Joby S4

VS
Archer Aviation

Archer Midnight

Joby S4 vs Archer Midnight: Complete eVTOL Comparison 2026

Compare Aircraft / Joby S4 vs Archer Midnight

Quick Verdict

Joby S4 and Archer Midnight are the two leading US eVTOL programs and the most direct competitors in the market. Joby leads on speed (200 vs 150 mph), range (150 vs 100 miles), and is further along in certification — already launching commercial service in Dubai Q2 2026. Archer counters with strong airline partnerships (United Airlines) and the prestigious LA 2028 Olympics contract. Both seat 4 passengers and operate at whisper-quiet noise levels below 45 dB. For early adopters, Joby offers the first opportunity to fly; for the US domestic market, Archer may arrive with stronger airline distribution.

Side-by-Side Specifications

Company
Joby S4
Joby Aviation
Archer Midnight
Archer Aviation
Configuration
Joby S4
Tilt-Rotor
Archer Midnight
Lift+Cruise
Passengers
Joby S4
4 + pilot
Archer Midnight
4 + pilot
Max Speed
Joby S4
200 mph
Archer Midnight
150 mph
Range
Joby S4
150 miles
Archer Midnight
100 miles
Cruise Altitude
Joby S4
1,500–4,000 ft
Archer Midnight
1,500–4,000 ft
Noise Level
Joby S4
~45 dB at 500m
Archer Midnight
Sub-45 dB
Certification
Joby S4
FAA certification ~85% complete
Archer Midnight
FAA certification in progress
Expected Service
Joby S4
Dubai Q2 2026 (Launching Now)
Archer Midnight
Late 2026
Ticket Price
Joby S4
$50–$200
Archer Midnight
$50–$150
Key Partners
Joby S4
Toyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
Archer Midnight
United Airlines, Stellantis, LA 2028 Olympics

Where Each Excels

Joby S4

Faster top speed
200 mph vs 150 mph — Joby covers more ground in less time, making it better suited for longer airport transfer routes.
Longer range
150-mile range vs 100 miles gives Joby the ability to serve regional routes and city pairs that Archer cannot reach.
First to market
Launching commercial service in Dubai Q2 2026, Joby will accumulate real-world operational data and passenger feedback before competitors.
Toyota manufacturing partnership
Toyota's involvement brings world-class manufacturing expertise and supply chain efficiency to scale production.

Archer Midnight

United Airlines partnership
Deep integration with a major US airline gives Archer unmatched airport-to-city distribution potential from day one.
LA 2028 Olympics
As the official air mobility provider for the Olympics, Archer will have massive global visibility and a proving ground for operations at scale.
Lift+Cruise simplicity
Archer's architecture separates lift and cruise functions, potentially simplifying certification and maintenance compared to tilt-rotor designs.
Strong US focus
While Joby is launching internationally first, Archer's strategy is heavily US-focused with clear domestic launch plans.

Best For Each Use Case

Airport transfers (30–50 mi)
Tie
Both aircraft excel at this core use case. Joby is slightly faster; Archer may have better airport integration via United Airlines.
Cross-city commutes (10–20 mi)
Tie
Nearly identical performance for short urban hops. Choose based on which launches in your city first.
Regional routes (80–150 mi)
Joby S4
Joby's 150-mile range comfortably covers regional routes that Archer's 100-mile range cannot.
Earliest availability
Joby S4
Joby is launching in Dubai Q2 2026; Archer targets late 2026 for initial service.

About the Manufacturers

Joby Aviation

AircraftJoby S4
ConfigurationTilt-Rotor
StatusFAA certification ~85% complete
PartnersToyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
Learn more about Joby Aviation

Archer Aviation

AircraftArcher Midnight
ConfigurationLift+Cruise
StatusFAA certification in progress
PartnersUnited Airlines, Stellantis, LA 2028 Olympics
Learn more about Archer Aviation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Joby S4 or Archer Midnight?
It depends on your priorities. Joby S4 offers higher speed (200 mph), longer range (150 miles), and is first to launch commercially in Dubai Q2 2026. Archer Midnight has strong airline partnerships with United Airlines and is the official air mobility provider for the LA 2028 Olympics. Both carry 4 passengers and operate at similar noise levels below 45 dB. For US domestic routes, Archer's airline distribution may give it an edge; for international and longer routes, Joby has the advantage.
When can I fly on a Joby S4 or Archer Midnight?
Joby Aviation is launching commercial air taxi service in Dubai in Q2 2026, making it the first of the two to enter revenue service. Archer Aviation targets late 2026 for initial US service. Both companies are working through FAA certification, with Joby further along at approximately 85% completion.
How much will a Joby S4 or Archer Midnight flight cost?
Joby estimates ticket prices of $50–$200 per trip depending on route distance. Archer has indicated similar pricing around $50–$150 per trip. At scale, both companies aim to bring costs down toward $3–4 per mile, making air taxi service competitive with premium ride-sharing for distances over 20 miles.
Are Joby and Archer eVTOLs safe?
Both aircraft are designed with multiple layers of safety redundancy including 6+ independent electric motors (so the aircraft can fly safely even if several motors fail), fly-by-wire flight controls, and battery management systems. Both must meet FAA certification standards before commercial service. Joby has completed over 1,000 test flights, and Archer has conducted extensive flight testing of the Midnight aircraft.

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