Abstract: A linear motor and/or compressor (10; 100; 300; 500; 600) comprises a housing (20; 120; 311; 511) fitted with a number of electromagnets (40, 40′; 140, 140′; 315, 315′, 316; 515a-515c, 635a-635d), a shuttle (50; 150; 350; 550; 650) with a central guide (30, 30′; 130; 356, 356′; 520; 655) for keeping it coaxial with the electromagnets and a suspension mechanism for the shuttle including mechanical spring, gas spring and magnetic spring arrangements. The electromagnets form a number of axially exposed magnetic gaps to interact with axially exposed magnetic gaps formed on the shuttle to cause it reciprocate by push-and-pull forces. A phase difference can be produced between the electromagnets to improve shuttle suspension. The central guide can be made hollow to circulate a coolant to cool the compressor from inside.