Head-to-Head · April 2026 · Independent Research
Hylio ARES VS DJI Agras T50
Two of the most popular agricultural drones in the U.S. — every spec, every cost, and every regulatory consideration laid out side by side so you can buy with confidence.
Our approach: Both drones have real strengths and real tradeoffs. The right choice depends entirely on your operation — what you spray, who you spray for, and whether government-funded work is part of your business. We present the facts on both sides and let you decide.
Hylio
ARES (HYL-150)
Made in Richmond, Texas. NDAA compliant. Built for U.S. commercial operators with the largest payload in its class, FAA-approved swarm operations, and modular application systems.
~$35,000–$50,000
Configured pricing via Hylio's online configurator. Financing available.
Liquid Payload
13–20 Gallons
Coverage Rate
Up to 70 ac/hr
NDAA Status
✓ Compliant
Made In
USA (Texas)
DJI
Agras T50
The market-leading ag drone with proven field performance, polished software, and a massive support network. The most widely used spray drone in the U.S. — with regulatory considerations for certain buyers.
~$16,499–$24,999
Drone only or complete generator kit. Available through nuWay Ag in Dundee, Ohio.
Liquid Payload
10.5 Gallons
Coverage Rate
40+ ac/hr
NDAA Status
⚠ Not Compliant
Made In
China
Important Context for U.S. Buyers
Understanding the NDAA & FCC Situation in 2026
As of December 2025, DJI has been added to the FCC Covered List, restricting new model authorizations and prohibiting use on federally funded projects. This is a real consideration — but it affects different buyers very differently.
If You Spray for Private Farmers
The NDAA restriction does not apply to private commercial work. If you spray for individual farmers with no federal funding involved, the DJI T50 is legal to operate today. Many of the most profitable operators in the country run DJI fleets.
If You Pursue Government Contracts
Federal contracts, USDA grants, and federally funded programs now require NDAA-compliant hardware. If government work is part of your plan — now or in the future — a non-compliant drone locks you out of that market entirely.
Our Ratings
How We Score Them
Hylio ARES — Scorecard
Payload / Coverage
9.5
Build Quality
9.0
Software
8.2
Ease of Use
8.0
Support & Parts
8.5
Value for Money
8.0
8.9
/10
Overall Score
DJI Agras T50 — Scorecard
Payload / Coverage
8.0
Build Quality
8.8
Software
9.2
Ease of Use
9.0
Support & Parts
8.8
Value for Money
8.8
8.8
/10
Overall Score
Full Specification Breakdown
Every Spec, Side by Side
| Specification | Hylio ARES (HYL-150) | DJI Agras T50 |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Payload | 13 gal (50L) or 20 gal (76L) Larger | 10.5 gal (40L) |
| Spreading Payload | 110 lbs (50 kg) | 110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Coverage (Liquid) | Up to 70 acres/hr @ 2 GPA Faster | 40+ acres/hr |
| Empty Weight | 80 lbs (36 kg) | 80 lbs (36 kg) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) | 227 lbs (103 kg) |
| Max Speed | 30 mph (48 kph) | 33 mph (54 kph) Faster |
| Battery Charge Time | 10–12 min (single) | 8–10 min Faster |
| Obstacle Avoidance | 6-radar sphere detection | Binocular + radar Advanced |
| Swarm Capability | Up to 3 drones, 1 pilot FAA Approved | Multi-drone (varies) |
| RTK Precision | Available via add-on | Built-in RTK Included |
| Software | AgroSol GCS (proprietary) | DJI Agras App More Polished |
| Ground Station | GroundLink — Windows tablet + RC | DJI RC Plus — 7" screen |
| Application Types | Liquid, atomizer, spreader | Liquid, spreader |
| NDAA Compliance | ✓ FY2019 & FY2020 Compliant | ✗ Not Compliant |
| FCC Status | ✓ FCC Part 15 Compliant | On FCC Covered List (Dec 2025) |
| Manufactured In | Richmond, Texas, USA | Shenzhen, China |
| Drone-Only Price | ~$35,000–$50,000 (configured) | $16,499 drone only Lower Cost |
| Complete Kit Price | Contact Hylio for quote | $24,999 (nuWay Ag kit) |
| Training | Via Hylio dealer network | Free coaching — nuWay Ag Ohio Strong |
| Financing | ✓ Available through Hylio | ✓ 5.7% via nuWay Ag |
Pros & Cons
The Honest Breakdown
Hylio
ARES (HYL-150)
Pros
- Largest liquid payload in its class — 13 or 20 gallons
- Highest coverage rate — up to 70 acres/hr
- Fully NDAA compliant — required for government-funded work
- First FAA-approved swarm system in the U.S. (3 drones, 1 pilot)
- U.S.-based support, service, and parts supply chain
- Modular — spray, atomize, or spread with one platform
Considerations
- Significantly higher upfront cost than DJI
- Heavier airframe — more field logistics
- Smaller dealer network and community vs. DJI
- Software less mature than DJI's ecosystem
DJI
Agras T50
Pros
- Most widely used ag drone in the U.S. — proven at scale
- Lower upfront cost — complete kit from $24,999
- Industry-leading software and app ecosystem
- Built-in RTK precision positioning
- Fast 8–10 minute battery charge time
- Free in-person coaching with nuWay Ag purchase
Considerations
- Not NDAA compliant — ineligible for federally funded work
- On FCC Covered List as of December 2025
- Smaller payload than Hylio ARES
- Future regulatory changes could affect support availability
Buyer Guide
Which Drone Is Right for You?
Consider Hylio ARES If...
Government contracts or maximum payload are your priority
- You plan to bid on USDA grants or federally funded spray programs
- You want the highest payload and coverage rate in a compliant platform
- You're scaling with FAA-approved swarm capability
- Data security and supply chain compliance matter for your customers
- You want to future-proof against tightening U.S. regulations
Consider DJI T50 If...
Private commercial spraying is your focus and budget matters
- You spray exclusively for private farmers with no federal funding
- You want the most field-proven, widely supported drone on the market
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You want polished software and a large community of operators
- You want in-person training from nuWay Ag in Ohio
Where to Buy
Trusted Purchase Options
Hylio ARES
Buy Direct from Hylio
Hylio sells direct through their online configurator and dealer network. Build your exact setup and get a quote. Financing available. U.S.-based support from their Richmond, Texas headquarters.
Build Your Hylio ARES →
DJI Agras T50
Buy from nuWay Ag (Ohio)
nuWay Ag in Dundee, Ohio is one of the most established DJI ag drone dealers in the country. Their $24,999 complete kit includes free in-person coaching. Financing at 5.7% available.
View nuWay Ag T50 Kit →
Affiliate Disclosure: AG Drone Guide may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — we research and present all products objectively.