There’s a bunch of places to buy electronic components.
Myself, I love to go to a brick-and-mortar store to buy components, because then I can get them without waiting. Unfortunately, many cities don’t have these anymore. So what do you do?
The solution:
Buy electronic components online. And if you’ve never bought components before, check out the links at the end with tips on how to choose components.
Below I’ve listed the stores that I’ve either used myself, or that I’ve been recommended.
List of where to buy electronic components
Amazon – www.amazon.com (US)
Adafruit – www.adafruit.com (US)
DigiKey – www.digikey.com (US)
SparkFun – www.sparkfun.com (US)
Jameco – www.jameco.com (US)
Bitsbox – www.bitsbox.co.uk (UK)
Spiratronics – www.spiratronics.com (UK)
Rapid Electronics – www.rapidonline.com (UK)
Quasar Electronics – www.quasarelectronics.co.uk (UK)
Jaycar – www.jaycar.com.au (Australia)
Protostack – www.protostack.com (Australia)
Seeed Studio – www.seeedstudio.com (China)
Tayda Electronics – www.taydaelectronics.com (Thailand, US)
Farnell – www.farnell.com (Worldwide)
If you don’t see your favorite store here, add it in the comments below and I’ll check it out.
How to choose components?
If you’ve never bought components before, it’s a bit intimidating. Some stores have A LOT of different components.
But once you get the hang of it – it’s easy peasy ???? And suddenly you’re not limited by the supply of one store. The whole world is your shopping center.
Here’s a tip for beginners:
DigiKey has about every component that exist in the universe. That’s great, but a bit overwhelming. Start your search by using a more hobby-oriented shop like Sparkfun or Bitsbox. There you’ll find the most standard transistors, resistors and capacitors that usually works for most beginner projects. Find the part numbers and use these to order from whatever store that has the best shipping option for you.
Here’s a few articles that will help you choose components:
- Types of Resistors and How To Choose One
- How to Choose the Right Capacitor Types Every Time
- Basic Electronic Components Used in Circuits
Mouser Electronics http://www.mouser.com
Similar to DigiKey, and located in Mansfield TX, which is a 1 – 2 day delivery for me.
Yes, mouser is a good one. I’ve used them too in the past.
Good suggestion!
Hello,
I saw a site called integratedcircuit.com
Check it out if it fits your list!
How about Radio Shack http://www.radioshack.com/
They’ve gone through some changes back and forth, so I’m not really sure what they are anymore. But seems like they are selling components online now. Thanks for the comment!
He i open mosquitolight but no power conect i put 3 led lights power on resisters is fair
Hi Øyvind,
For the US I would also include Arrow Electronics (arrow.com) and Future Electronics (futureelectronics.com). They are similar to Digikey and Mouser.
John
Great additions John. Thanks!
Oyvind
Is their any online shopping site in India
There should be. Let me know if you find any.
Mantech is a good one in South Africa: http://www.mantech.co.za/
Thanks for the input! I know many people are looking for stores in South Africa and other African countries.
Three Internet sources I can highly recommend. Each has its own “inventory type” and their websites have fairly compete technical specifications.
(1) MPJA http://www.mpja.com New, in Florida
(2) All Electronics http://www.allelectronics.com/ Surplus & New, in So. California
(3) Circuit specialists https://www.circuitspecialists.com/ New, esp good instruments, in Mesa AZ
I live close to #3 and I go to their warehouse and pick up my parts. I have ordered parts from all three several times a year for the last ten years.
I also have a pot power calculation question.
X Y, Richard
Thanks for your input Richard!
There is also Transfer Multisort Elektronik – TME – https://www.tme.eu/
Polish company with 9 subsidiaries in Europe, and more coming (China, USA…).
They have also a sales and customer services’ office for African and Middle-Eastern Markets. Their delivery time and prices are interesting.
Flo
http://www.aliexpress.com has a lot of components. Many of the components have to be bought in bulk, but the bulk prices can be lower than single item pricing at the retail store. For example, buy 100 2N3904 transistors for $1.08 USD total, plus free shipping. It can take up to about a month to arrive however.
I recognize that this website is ran and operated by Oyvind N. Dahl, an expert in Electronics. Having said that, I have learned some unique knowledge over the last 2 years that may qualify me as a Guest Columnist. In particular, I can give a few pointers on how to buy from Element14 to minimize cost and delivery time. Are you receptive?
Hey Clayton,
Sure! You can send me through the Contact page: http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/contact/
Best,
Oyvind
How do you feel about arrow.com for purchases?
I haven’t used them in many years. Before, they were only focused on business-to-business and I think they didn’t even sell to you if you weren’t a business. I took a quick look at their webpage now, and it seems like they are more up-to-date with things.
I recommend you try them out and post your experience here.
Best,
Oyvind