Difference between Electromagnet and Permanent Magnet

 

Basis for Comparison	Electromagnet	Permanent Magnet
Generation of the magnetic field	Due to electric current	Due to material characteristics when magnetized.
Strength of magnetic field	The strength of the field depends on the total current flowing through the solenoid or coil.	Here the magnetic field strength solely relies on the respective material.
Magnetization	Temporary	Permanent
Type of material used	Generally the soft iron core	Usually, it makes use of hard material.
Demagnetization	It is demagnetized when the flow of current is stopped.	The material is demagnetized when it is subjected to extremely high temperatures.
The requirement of external power	Exist	Not Exist
Magnetic field retention	The field is retained till the time current flows through the material	These materials retain the field all the time.
Cost	Low	Comparatively high
Poles of the magnet	Can be varied.	Here the poles can never be changed.
Example	A solenoid across an iron	Bar Magnet
Applications	Electric bells, loudspeakers, motors, etc.	Cell phones, headphones, sensors, etc.