Open MRI vs Closed MRI: Which Is Right for You?

If you're booking a private MRI scan, you may have the option to choose between an open MRI and a closed MRI scanner. The choice matters — it affects your comfort, the image quality, how long the scan takes, and which clinical questions can be answered. This guide compares the two designs honestly so you can pick the right one for your situation.

What Is a Closed MRI Scanner?

A closed MRI scanner is the traditional tunnel design. It consists of a cylindrical bore roughly 60cm in diameter and 1.5-2 metres long. You lie on a motorised table that slides into the centre of the tube. The magnet surrounds you on all sides, creating the strong, uniform magnetic field needed for high-quality images.

Closed scanners typically operate at 1.5 Tesla (T) or 3 Tesla. The large majority of diagnostic MRI scans in the UK are performed on closed-bore scanners, and they remain the reference standard for most clinical examinations.

Advantages of Closed MRI

• Better image quality — Higher field strengths produce sharper, more detailed images with a better signal-to-noise ratio. This matters most for small structures (brain lesions, small joint cartilage, prostate zones).
• Faster scan times — Stronger magnets allow sequences to run faster, reducing overall scan duration by 30-50% compared to low-field open systems.
• Wider clinical applications — Some scans specifically require high field strength: cardiac MRI, functional brain MRI (fMRI), MR spectroscopy, and detailed prostate mapping (PI-RADS).
• More locations available — The majority of UK MRI centres operate closed scanners, giving you more choice of location and appointment times.

Disadvantages of Closed MRI

• Claustrophobia — The enclosed tube causes significant anxiety for some patients. Studies suggest 1-15% of patients experience anxiety in closed scanners. See our claustrophobia and MRI guide.
• Size limitations — Patients over roughly 130kg or with a wide body habitus may not fit comfortably in the standard 60cm bore.
• Noise — Higher field strengths produce louder gradient noise (80-100 dB). Ear protection is always provided.

What Is an Open MRI Scanner?

An open MRI scanner has a fundamentally different design. Instead of a tube, the magnets sit above and below you, with the sides left open. You can see out, feel air movement, and often have a companion stand right next to you during the scan.

Open scanners traditionally operated at low field strengths (0.2-0.7T), but modern systems now reach 1.0-1.2T, which has significantly improved image quality compared to earlier generations.

Advantages of Open MRI

• Comfort for anxious patients — The open design dramatically reduces claustrophobia. Patients who can't tolerate a closed scanner often complete an open MRI without any issues.
• Accommodates all body sizes — No bore width to worry about. Open scanners work for patients of any size.
• Companion access — A friend, family member, or parent (for children) can stand right next to you, holding your hand if needed.
• Less noise — Lower field strengths mean quieter gradient coils.
• Weight-bearing imaging — Some open and upright scanners can image joints under load (standing or sitting), which is clinically useful for certain spinal and knee conditions where pathology only appears under body weight.

Disadvantages of Open MRI

• Lower image resolution — At lower field strengths (0.3-0.7T), images have less detail and more noise, which can limit diagnostic confidence for some conditions.
• Longer scan times — Lower field strengths require longer acquisition times. Expect an open MRI to take 30-50% longer than the equivalent closed scan.
• Fewer centres — Open MRI is available at fewer locations across the UK, which may mean travelling further.
• Not suitable for all examinations — Cardiac MRI, detailed brain imaging, prostate multiparametric MRI, and MR spectroscopy generally require the higher field strength of a closed scanner.

Wide-Bore MRI: The Middle Ground

A wide-bore MRI scanner is a closed tunnel design but with a larger bore diameter — 70cm instead of 60cm — and a shorter tunnel length. It operates at full clinical field strength (1.5T or 3T), so image quality is identical to a standard closed scanner.

Wide-bore scanners have become increasingly popular and are now standard equipment at many modern UK centres. They provide:

• Noticeably more space and a less enclosed feeling (that extra 10cm makes a real difference psychologically)
• Full diagnostic image quality — no compromise
• Comfort for larger patients
• Standard scan times

For many patients with mild to moderate claustrophobia, a wide-bore scanner offers enough comfort without sacrificing image quality. It's often the best compromise.

Which Scanner Is Right for You?

Your Situation	Best Scanner Choice
No anxiety about enclosed spaces	Standard closed (1.5T or 3T)
Mild claustrophobia	Wide-bore closed (70cm, 1.5T or 3T)
Severe claustrophobia	Open MRI (or closed with sedation)
Larger body size (>130kg)	Open MRI or wide-bore
Brain or cardiac scan needing high detail	Closed 1.5T or 3T (required)
Prostate multiparametric MRI	Closed 3T (strongly preferred)
Knee, shoulder, or spine scan	Any scanner type works
Child who needs a parent present	Open MRI (parent can stand beside them)
Weight-bearing spinal imaging needed	Open upright scanner

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an open MRI scan as accurate as a closed MRI?

For many common scan types — knees, shoulders, and spinal imaging — modern open MRI scanners (1.0-1.2T) produce images that are adequate for diagnosis. However, for examinations requiring the highest resolution (detailed brain imaging, cardiac MRI, prostate multiparametric MRI), a closed 1.5T or 3T scanner is recommended. If in doubt, the radiologist reviewing your referral will advise whether open MRI is appropriate for your clinical question.

Can I request an open MRI scanner?

Yes. When booking a private MRI through Lola Health, you can request an open or wide-bore scanner. Availability varies by location — open MRI is less common than closed — so book early to secure your preferred scanner type.

Are wide-bore MRI scanners better for claustrophobia?

Many patients with mild to moderate claustrophobia find wide-bore scanners much more comfortable. The extra 10cm of space and the shorter tunnel length make a noticeable practical and psychological difference. For severe claustrophobia, an open scanner or sedation may still be needed. See our claustrophobia guide for more detail.

Do open MRI scans take longer?

Generally, yes. Because open scanners typically operate at lower field strengths, sequences take longer to build up enough signal for a diagnostically useful image. Expect an open MRI to take roughly 30-50% longer than the equivalent scan on a closed-bore system.

Can children use open MRI scanners?

Yes, and they can be particularly helpful for children, since a parent can stand right beside the child throughout the scan. This provides comfort and reassurance that can mean the difference between a successful scan and one that has to be abandoned. Read our children and MRI guide for more.

What does an open MRI scanner look like?

Imagine two large flat discs (the magnets) positioned above and below you, with clear space on all sides. You lie on a table between the two discs. You can see the room around you, and there's no tunnel. Some patients describe it as lying between two large tables. The design feels dramatically different from a closed scanner.