| Comparative point | Centrifugal Compressor | Reciprocating Compressor |
| Working principle | It uses centrifugal force to compress the vapour refrigerant. | It uses reciprocating motion of piston to compress the vapour refrigerant. |
| Output | It gives continuous output of compressed vapour refrigerant. | It gives intermittent output of compressed vapour refrigerant. |
| Vibrations | No vibrations. | Heavy vibrations. |
| Wear and tear | Less wear and tear, because valves and piston are absent. | High wear and tear. |
| Life | Longer life. | Shorter life. |
| Noise | Less noisy operation. | More noisy operation. |
| Running speed | It is capable of running at high speeds. | It runs at lower speeds due to piston limitations. |
| Volume of vapour refrigerant handled. | Large. | Comparatively less. |
| Efficiency | High efficiency. | Low efficiency. |
| Suitability for systems having capacity below 50 TOR | It is not practical to use below refrigeration load of 50 TOR. | It is practical to use below refrigeration load of 50 TOR. |
| Specific volume of refrigerant to be compressed. | Refrigerants with high specific volume are compressed. | Refrigerants with low specific volume are compressed. |
| Problem of Surging | Surging is a problem. | Surging is not a problem. |
| Increase in pressure per stage | Less | More. |
| Size | Compact | Bulk. |
| Floor area required | Less | Large. |