What Are the Differences Between Neodymium and Ceramic Magnets?
Short answer
Neodymium magnets are much stronger: their energy product is up to about 52 MGOe, versus about 3.5 to 4.5 MGOe for common ceramic (ferrite) grades. Ceramic magnets cost less, don’t rust (they’re already an iron oxide) and tolerate more heat (about 250°C versus 80°C for standard neodymium). Choose neodymium when size and strength matter; choose ceramic for low-cost, larger parts.
Neodymium (NdFeB)
- Alloy of neodymium, iron and boron
- Energy product 33 to 53 MGOe
- Shiny nickel plating; rusts if the plating is damaged
- Standard grades to 80°C (176°F)
- Small and strong; higher cost per magnet
Ceramic (Ferrite)
- Iron oxide with strontium or barium
- Energy product about 3.5 to 4.5 MGOe
- Dark gray, no plating needed; doesn’t rust
- Works to about 250°C (482°F)
- Larger for the same pull; very low cost
How Much Stronger Is Neodymium?
In practice, a neodymium magnet can match the pull of a ceramic magnet several times its size. That’s why phones, earbuds and cordless tools use neodymium, while fridge magnets and large, low-cost speakers often use ceramic.