| Electromagnet | Permanent Magnet |
| 1) It is made of soft iron. | 1) It is made of steel. |
| 2) It produces the magnetic field so long as current flows in its coils. | 2) It produces permanent magnetic field. |
| 3) The magnetic field strength can be changed. | 3) The magnetic field strength cannot be changed. |
| 4) The electromagnet can be made as strong as needed. | 4) The permanent magnets are not so strong. |
| 5) The polarity of an electromagnet can be reversed. | 5) The polarity of permanent magnet cannot be reversed. |
| 6) It can be easily demagnetised by switching off the current. | 6) It cannot be easily demagnetised. |