# Choosing the right buzzers - Piezo and Magnetic

**URL:** <https://forum.digikey.com/t/choosing-the-right-buzzers-piezo-and-magnetic/2172>\
**Category:** Digikey.com Navigation and Terminology\
**Tags:** navigation-tips, alarms-buzzers-and-sirens, audio-products\
**Created:** [November 23, 2018, 9:22am UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/choosing-the-right-buzzers-piezo-and-magnetic/2172 "2018-11-23T09:22:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Barley\_Li](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/user_avatar/forum.digikey.com/barley_li/32/558_2.png) [@Barley\_Li](https://forum.digikey.com/u/Barley_Li)\
**Post date:** [November 23, 2018, 9:22am UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/choosing-the-right-buzzers-piezo-and-magnetic/2172/1 "2018-11-23T09:22:58Z")

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**[Buzzers](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/result?s=N4IgTCBcDaIEYFcBeSCmAnEBdAvkA)** are common audio signalling devices which utilize 2 mainstream technologies - Piezo Buzzers and Magnetic Buzzers. Each have specified advantages and tradeoffs when considering their use, depending on the requirements of your project  
.  
 ![Technology](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/2X/4/444ef4f423e9becdcc8e13ca0bc2c25b9fcc9366.jpeg)

| | Piezo Buzzer | Magnetic Buzzer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operating voltage | Wide | Narrow |
| Current consumption | Lower | Higher |
| Rated frequency | Higher | Lower |
| Footprint | Larger | Smaller |
| Sound pressure level | Higher | Lower |

At the same time, you can classify both piezo buzzers and magnetic buzzers by their driver circuitry - Indicators and Transducer.

![Driver](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/2X/b/b7d581472b611fead6a2101413b6a5468433b69c.jpeg)  
Piezo and magnetic indicators come with internal driving circuitry, creating a “plug and play” solution to drive the buzzers. Transducers require you to build external driving circuitry, so it offers the flexibility to customize your circuit.

| | Indicator | Transducer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Built in driving circuit | Yes | No, external driving circuit required |
| Design | Simple | Complex |
| Frequency Range | Fixed | User-selected or multiple |

For more technical information on buzzers, please check out more TechForum threads here:

> [@Why do two of the same audio indicator sound different?](https://forum.digikey.com/t/why-do-two-of-the-same-audio-indicator-sound-different/576):
>
> There are many times where you might find you purchase or have a large quantity of the same audio buzzer, indicator, or transducer that sounds different. The reason is because of the tolerance within the frequency range of the audio component. Many suppliers have ± ranges that can be even 500 Hz. This specification is called out on most data sheets so make sure to take note on design in. Usually when production takes place they are relatively close but if you purchase in future or at different t…