This paper presents a comparative analysis of two parallel hybrid magnet memory machines (PHMMMs) with different permanent magnet (PM) arrangements. The proposed machines are both geometrically characterized by a parallel U-shaped hybrid PM configuration and several q-axis magnetic barriers. The configurations and operating principles of the investigated machines are introduced firstly. The effect of magnet arrangements on the performance of the proposed machines is then evaluated with a simplified magnetic circuit model. Furthermore, the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed machines are investigated and compared by the finite-element method (FEM). The experiments on one prototype are carried out to validate the FEM results.