An electric motor having low vibration and/or noise comprises a rotor or stator comprising permanent magnets each comprising at least two pole pairs, with an internal flux gap within the permanent magnets between adjacent internal pole pairs. The internal flux gap between the internal pole pairs may be similar to an external pole to pole physical spacing between adjacent poles of adjacent magnets. The motor is suitable for use in for example a laundry washing machine or dryer or washer-dryer.