A linear encoder includes a scale disposed within a housing and a scanning unit that is displaceable in a measuring direction relative to the scale. The scanning unit includes a scanning head disposed inside of the housing opposite to the scale such that the scale is scannable by the scanning head, as well as a mount to which the scanning head is fastened, and a driving component, via which the mount is coupled to a mounting base disposed outside of the housing. A vibration damper suppresses vibrations transversely to the measuring direction. The vibration damper is disposed on the mount or on the scanning head, and includes a damping mass and an elastic element. The damping mass is fastened by the elastic element to an attachment surface of the mount or of the scanning head.