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Notable differences have been identified between low-resolution manometry (LRM) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) in normative data. This study aimed to investigate within-subject differences between unidirectional LRM and circumferential HRM solid-state measurement sensors in the pharyngoesophageal segment during swallowing. Ten healthy subjects (mean 26.9 years) were evaluated with both a 2.10 mm unidirectional catheter and a 2.75 mm circumferential catheter, with randomized order of catheter placement. Unidirectional measurements were made in four directions (posterior, anterior, right-lateral, left-lateral). Pressures and durations were analyzed to compare (1) posterior to anterior and lateral recordings and (2) posterior and average-LRM measures (C-LRM) to HRM measures at same anatomical location. No significant differences were found in any of the measures across the four radial directions. A lower amplitude was measured in C-LRM compared to HRM for pharyngeal sensors (LRM Sensor 1: − 39.7 mmHg; Sensor 2: − 61.4 mmHg). Compared with posterior-LRM, HRM recorded higher UES pressures (− 12.8 mmHg) and longer UES relaxation durations (− 0.31 s). This exploratory study is the first to compare within-subject pressures between unidirectional LRM and circumferential HRM. Substantial differences in pharyngeal manometric measures were found, particularly with regard to UES function. This is clinically important as manometry is uniquely able to evaluate UES function and clarify differential diagnoses in patients with dysphagia.