the invention concerns a linear compressor , particularly a refrigerant compressor , with a compression unit having a cylinder and a piston reciprocating in the cylinder , and a linear motor having an outer stator , an inner stator and an armature located in a gap formed between the outer stator and the inner stator , the armature being connected to the piston via a piston rod . it is endeavoured to design such a linear compressor in a simple manner with the smallest possible dimensions . for this purpose , it is ensured that the armature is connected to the piston rod inside the axial length of the inner stator .