TBM 850 vs M500
The TBM 850 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Daher (TBM) TBM 850 (introduced 2006) beside the Piper Aircraft M500 (introduced 2015) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the TBM 850 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
TBM 850 vs M500: the key differences
- The TBM 850 delivers 67% more range (TBM 850: 1,665 nm; M500: 1,000 nm).
- The TBM 850 delivers 23% more cruise speed (TBM 850: 320 kt; M500: 260 kt).
- The TBM 850 delivers 20% more passenger capacity (TBM 850: 6 seats; M500: 5 seats).
- The M500 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2006 for the TBM 850), a gap of 9 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The TBM 850 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,394 lbs versus 5,092 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the TBM 850 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the TBM 850 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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TBM 850 vs M500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the TBM 850 or the M500?
The TBM 850 has the longer published range — 1,665 nm versus 1,000 nm for the M500.
Does the TBM 850 or M500 seat more passengers?
The TBM 850 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 5 on the M500.
Which is faster, the TBM 850 or the M500?
The TBM 850 cruises faster, at 320 kt versus 260 kt for the M500.
Which is newer, the TBM 850 or the M500?
The M500 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2006 for the TBM 850.
Is the TBM 850 or the M500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the TBM 850 is the larger aircraft — 7,394 lbs versus 5,092 lbs for the M500.
Should I buy the TBM 850 or the M500?
On published specifications the TBM 850 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the TBM 850 vs M500?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.