A linear compressor is provided which is capable of reducing noise and fabrication costs. The linear compressor may include a piston that performs a reciprocating motion within a cylinder, a linear motor that supplies a driving force to the piston, a sensor that detects a motor voltage and motor current associated with the motor, a valve plate provided at one end of the cylinder to adjust a discharge of a refrigerant compressed in the cylinder, a pressure changing unit or device that changes a variation rate of pressure applied to the piston before the piston reaches the valve plate during the reciprocating motion, and a controller that determines whether the variation rate of the pressure applied to the piston has changed using the detected motor voltage and motor current, and controls the motor to prevent the piston from colliding with the valve plate on the basis of the determination result.