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You are here: Home / Basic Electronics / Where To Buy Electronic Components?

Where To Buy Electronic Components?

June 5, 2020 By Øyvind Nydal Dahl 79 Comments

Buy electronic components online

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)

Planeta Electrónico – www.planetaelectronico.com (Spain)
Electrokit – www.electrokit.com (Sweden)

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. 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 exists 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 work 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 are 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

Filed Under: Basic Electronics

Reader Interactions

Comments


  1. MC says

    October 5, 2016

    Mouser Electronics http://www.mouser.com

    Similar to DigiKey, and located in Mansfield TX, which is a 1 – 2 day delivery for me.

    Reply

    • admin says

      October 8, 2016

      Yes, mouser is a good one. I’ve used them too in the past.
      Good suggestion!

      Reply

  2. Mike says

    October 6, 2016

    Hello,
    I saw a site called integratedcircuit.com

    Check it out if it fits your list!

    Reply

  3. Wayne says

    October 6, 2016

    How about Radio Shack http://www.radioshack.com/

    Reply

    • admin says

      October 8, 2016

      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!

      Reply

  4. jfkdkd says

    October 8, 2016

    He i open mosquitolight but no power conect i put 3 led lights power on resisters is fair

    Reply

  5. John Teel says

    October 12, 2016

    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

    Reply

    • admin says

      October 19, 2016

      Great additions John. Thanks!

      Oyvind

      Reply

    • Saint Skinny says

      November 13, 2018

      YES! I love Arrow.com and it’s my go to, especially when I only need one or two item, I love that they have free next day shipping with no price minimum.

      Who wants to pay $5-$10 shipping when all you need is one $0.50 5w 10 ohm resistor?

      Reply

  6. sneha says

    November 1, 2016

    Is their any online shopping site in India

    Reply

    • admin says

      November 4, 2016

      There should be. Let me know if you find any.

      Reply

  7. Errol Collen says

    January 26, 2017

    Mantech is a good one in South Africa: http://www.mantech.co.za/

    Reply

    • admin says

      February 15, 2017

      Thanks for the input! I know many people are looking for stores in South Africa and other African countries.

      Reply

  8. Richard J. Nelson says

    February 12, 2017

    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

    Reply

    • admin says

      February 15, 2017

      Thanks for your input Richard!

      Reply

  9. Flo says

    March 14, 2017

    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

    Reply

  10. e grava says

    April 9, 2017

    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.

    Reply

  11. Clayton Benignus says

    April 12, 2017

    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?

    Reply

    • admin says

      April 17, 2017

      Hey Clayton,

      Sure! You can send me through the Contact page: https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/contact/

      Best,
      Oyvind

      Reply

    • Sayed Rabiaa says

      November 22, 2019

      Hello
      I really need your help to in buying components

      Reply

  12. Joe says

    May 1, 2017

    How do you feel about arrow.com for purchases?

    Reply

    • admin says

      May 2, 2017

      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

      Reply

  13. Claire White says

    July 27, 2017

    For my business, I use Mouser/Digikey frequently. Because they provide the most complete selection of parts for my projects.
    https://www.mouser.com
    https://www.digikey.com
    But Electronics is also my hobby, I spent a lot of time for searching parts for my hobby projects. I usually visit Hobby Engineering.
    https://www.hobbyengineering.com
    Recently, I found a online store called LCSC on EasyEDA, an online PCB design tool I’ve used for a long time. The price is incredibly low. the MAX6675ISA+T bought from LCSC is $2.8, but $17.2 from Mouser. That’s so surprise.
    https://lcsc.com/product-detail/Micro-USB-Connectors_ValuePro_micro-USBFemale_MICRO-USB-5S-B-Type-horns-High-temperature_C10418.html
    https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/amphenol-fci/10118194-0001LF/609-4618-1-ND/2785382

    Reply

    • Keme says

      August 4, 2017

      Thanks Claire for your recommendation. I just went to the LCSC.com. They do have a very attractive price, and prompt customer service. I am going to have a trial order with them, and post my experience here later then. :)

      Reply

      • Elf Demian says

        May 26, 2018

        you can also try https://www.win-source.net,I have bought 20 pcs MAX98400AETX online, the price is as low as $1.74,good price!

        Reply

  14. Stephen says

    September 30, 2017

    A very good platform of electronic components service. https://www.allchips.ai
    and its Chinese website: http://www.allchips.com

    I have apply for its free sample of banana pi M3…

    Reply

  15. Wendy says

    October 16, 2017

    UTSOURCE is good enough for small amount purchase. Check this http://www.utsource.net

    Reply

  16. RICHARD says

    November 8, 2017

    1Source Components at http://www.1sourcecomponents.com

    Reply

  17. John says

    November 19, 2017

    I know one good Chinese OEM store, http://www.in-fortune.com, has good prices.

    Reply

  18. Jeff mills says

    November 21, 2017

    I really miss the days of going to the local radio shack. I went through a bunch of your list of website to buy componets. A few of the sites didn’t even have a means to search. A few that had search I typed in 2200uf 50v and came up dry on some of them. I mean I think everyone knows that’s a capacitor. I would just like one site that has a search, vast inventory, fair shipping costs to the USA and where the components are reasonably priced. Any ideas?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • admin says

      November 24, 2017

      Hey Jeff,
      I would recommend Digikey for that. But leave out that 2200uF and 50V in the search. You’ll get thousands of suggestions, but with a filter where you can specify 2200 uF and 50V.

      Best,
      Oyvind

      Reply

      • richard gross says

        October 6, 2018

        I’m going through the same run-around..looking for a couple pots ( potentiometers )….done an open search and a closed search…..I’m getting nowhere….have to start robbing from peter to pay paul..I want new components but have to salvage parts from other non working units..

        Reply

        • admin says

          October 6, 2018

          You’re not finding any potentiometers? Or you need something very specific? If you just want some standard potentiometers and are having a hard time browsing through digikey, I’d suggest sparkfun.com. They have a smaller selection, so it’s easier to make a choice.

          Reply

  19. Ali Khan says

    November 28, 2017

    Pak Electronics is the best one I found. They always deliver very fast at my home. http://pakelectronics.com.pk . If they don’t have something, then I have to go to market.

    Reply

  20. Jeff mills says

    November 30, 2017

    I’m pulling my hair out trying to find a qty of 10 YPI6055C TO220 transistor. I can’t find any information, data sheet or substitutes. It’s like the transistor does not exist but I’m starting a Rockville car amp board with 8 of them soldered in. They are TP220 package not the metal can 2n6055. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

    Reply

  21. Carl-Mikael Zetterling says

    January 30, 2018

    In Sweden Elfa (now ELFA Distrelec) has always been known to have a large assortment of parts, and they ship to at least all of EU: http://www.elfa.se
    For small orders I prefer Electrokit, they have a good assortment of kits, embedded computers, beginner’s books with components, and the most common components sold individually. The site is in Swedish and English and they ship within EU. Very quick service in Sweden, almost next day: http://www.electrokit.com

    Reply

  22. Stuart Campbell says

    February 3, 2018

    Here in Johannesburg a company called Communica which is a brick and mortar store sells a wide variety of electronic tools components solvents test equipment etc and R.S.Components Kyalami also brick and mortar and Hobbytronics which is in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape on line trading from Jo’burg and quite a few more that seem to cater for Engineers

    Reply

  23. Ron Watson says

    March 7, 2018

    I have an account with RS Components online in the UK, for some of my components. I also use Maplin shops in the UK, but they are now in administration, so I am watching the outcome of this situation.

    Reply

  24. Derrien says

    April 25, 2018

    Impressive work, great recommendation for common-used parts,
    But if you need some hard to find parts,
    I would recommend win source,www.win-source.net
    also generously provide alternative parts guide to us.

    Reply

  25. Callum Palmer says

    May 1, 2018

    It really does take time and a little bit of practice to get the hang of buying electrical components. After all, there are so many different kinds of electronics that it can be hard to figure out what you need to buy. Fortunately the article does provide a pretty great list of places to go where you can get help in choosing the right electronics.

    Reply

  26. Shamil says

    June 8, 2018

    I used to buy most of my components and modules from this website http://www.hitech-components.com Customer service is amazing. Good Luck

    Reply

  27. Matt says

    June 13, 2018

    I would advise TME LTd as a great source of electronics components. They’ve got several offices acorss the Europe (UK, Spain, Italy, Germany Holand etc.).

    UK office is brilliant!

    https://www.tme.eu/gb/

    Reply

  28. Felix says

    August 12, 2018

    Low shipping prices and good quality parts.

    Try this one and let me know, thanks.

    Reply

    • willis says

      August 16, 2018

      sometime i need to buy some electronic parts that it is difficult to fond in the market,jotrin electronics is a good choice to personal and small store,mouser,digikey is big distributor,they are have a request for quant

      Reply

  29. willis says

    August 16, 2018

    Jotrin electronics is a good one in China: https://www.jotrin.com/
    sometimes,i can found some old parts at jotrin but not mouser

    Reply

  30. Ralph Yang says

    September 26, 2018

    You can buy electronic components from Shenzhen China, that what we do, you can visit us by website: http://www.szlantuwy.com/en. Then contact us.

    Reply

  31. Eggy says

    October 3, 2018

    I’ve been recently getting all my components from this shop. They have great prices, I recommend it to all of my students.

    https://electronicsurplus.ca/

    Reply

  32. TAY W.S. says

    October 24, 2018

    Can anyone recommend any good electronic stores in my town/area in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

    Reply

  33. Rick Smith says

    October 31, 2018

    Don’t forget about Dan’s Small Parts. http://www.danssmallpartsandkits.net/

    Reply

  34. Sach1313 says

    November 13, 2018

    Hey you say that you prefer to go to brick and mortar stores, are there any that you would recommend? It would be better if they were a chain because then there would be more of a chance of one being near me.

    Reply

  35. Abraham says

    November 16, 2018

    Am from Nigeria, pls who know where I can buy components or online shop

    Reply

  36. William Nichols says

    December 28, 2018

    I, for one, cannot stand online shopping. Waiting on delivery takes literally forever, and sometimes they deliver to the WRONG ADDRESS! Expensive items GONE! This is just my opinion but, I think brick and mortar electronic component stores have gone to the wayside because of the “dumbing down” of the USA. Of course they closed their doors, no one here hardly delves into that kind of stuff anymore. Closest thing we have here is a Best Buy, and they only sell overpriced garbage for the idiotic masses. Literally nothing for DIY’ers

    Reply

    • jack says

      December 17, 2019

      yep! very correct its same as you said.

      Reply

  37. Phillip Smith says

    February 19, 2019

    For some hard to find oem parts NTE has massive cross reference guaranteeing at least equivalent cross characterizistics. Frys carries the for one and will order for you to p/u at store in short time. Hope this helps

    Reply

  38. Mario says

    March 26, 2019

    Im looking for a transformer for the main power board of a whirlpool gas dryer …I have no idea where to buy one please help I have the specs if you need them …thank you!

    Reply

  39. Mario says

    March 26, 2019

    I checked all of them and I cant find the part I need It’s a Line Power Transformer Elytone Part#: EPS-4-24-W..Thanks again

    Reply

  40. TpKnet says

    March 30, 2019

    What about Ebay. They have a lot of parts that are hard to find and low prices on some items when you buy 10 or 20 of something.

    Bangood also has lots of cheap components.

    With both you need a little of the “buyer beware” mentality.

    Reply

  41. Silas Joseph says

    April 20, 2019

    How can I get connected to shopping online? Sir

    Reply

    • admin says

      April 21, 2019

      Just click on any of the links and you’ll be taken to the online shop.

      Reply

  42. A. S. says

    April 22, 2019

    http://www.futurlec.com

    Reply

  43. Morgan Johnson says

    May 16, 2019

    Allicdata Electronics http://www.allicdata.com
    Most similar to Digikey or Mouser. Sometime,Digikey or Mouser have no stock.But they have and shipping on the same day. Price is much cheaper.

    Reply

  44. walid says

    May 25, 2019

    you can find what you search for about electronic components via Tronikshop application from play store, they have a lot of components with great prices and fast delivery : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tronik.shop.com

    Reply

  45. Hannah says

    June 21, 2019

    Switch Electronics are good in the UK for quick delivery and wide range of components, otherwise we use Ebay a lot for quick turn around

    https://www.switchelectronics.co.uk/

    Reply

  46. George M. says

    August 14, 2019

    More of a hobbyist place, shop.evilmadscientist.com has kits and other nifty stuff, as well as some parts (like candle-flicker LEDs) I haven’t been able to find in reasonable quantities anywhere else. (No, I don’t need 10,000….)

    Reply

  47. Bob Cassidy says

    August 20, 2019

    Anyone know where I can get a Semtech Corp SC1460 “capless” charge pump? I’ve scoured the web with no luck other than lots of data sheets.

    Reply

  48. James says

    September 11, 2019

    http://www.altronics.com.au has a larger range of component lines than Jaycar.

    Reply

  49. oleg medved says

    October 30, 2019

    https://www.peconnectors.com/ for Connectors, IC Sockets, Wire, Ribbon Cable

    Reply

  50. Keith Lau says

    November 8, 2019

    I will use nationalsemiconductor.net or 1n4148.com and they specialize transistors and diodes made in China.

    Local brand, low cost, but good quality.

    Faster delivery to any countries.

    Reply

  51. Elianna Lolos says

    December 15, 2019

    Well, I’d recommend that if you’re looking to purchase electronic components always go straight to the source, directly through the manufacturer. Here are some reasons that my customers choose to go through me.
    1. Shorter lead-times
    2. Authenticity, reliability, durability & quality
    3. Cheaper Costs, not up-selling component/s 20, 30 points for ROI
    4. If in stock, fast same day shipping. Manufacturers tend to have stock that
    suppliers/distributors don’t.
    5. Forecast customers activity, therefore being able to have stock on components for
    next P/O.
    6. Thousands of components, having a wide assortment.
    Elianna Lolos
    [email protected]
    [email protected]
    (W) 973-429-8000 x132
    (C) 201-702-4845
    http://www.linkedin.com/in/elianna-lolos-b0851b199

    Reply

  52. Frank Watson says

    February 14, 2020

    There are a number of options left out here – but there are a bunch of good electronic component sellers and distributors.
    onlinecomponents.com is highly competitive

    Reply

  53. Katsi says

    May 21, 2020

    https://connectortrade.com/ – for connectors, terminals, wires, cables, other passive(resistor, inductors, capacitors,etc) and active components(ICs, MPUs, etc.).

    Reply

  54. John Charles Vandenbergh says

    July 1, 2020

    I need an on-off switch for an Akai AA-1010db. the two numbers that I took off the service manual was es655706 or es697926/sr26n(?). how do I find parts?

    Reply

  55. Mahdi says

    October 11, 2020

    i bought my electronic components from https://tronikshop.com web store with free delivery and very fast shipping

    Reply

  56. Jimmy says

    October 12, 2020

    It seems I am repairing VCR’s and cassette players for people. I guess a lot of digital converting going on. I’m in the need for pulley belts. Where is the best site for that.

    Reply

  57. chrisluxi says

    October 13, 2020

    In fact, the platform is one aspect, it is more mainly thing to have a good quality and a relatively favorable price,so that the cost can be reduced. And it’s even better if you can find some old chips.
    Here recommends a new platform with pretty good service named “fpgamall”, which I have cooperated before. The delivery speed is very fast, and all quality inspections have passed. It’s so great that I’d like to recommend it for your reference.

    Reply

    • justcrist says

      October 19, 2020

      The website is new?

      Reply

  58. Petra says

    November 12, 2020

    As an experienced electronic company for more than 10 years,Heisener is a good choice for you. Key Trade reference: Intel, Foxconn, Flex, Siemens, ses imagotag, Jabil.
    Any requirements for electronic components, please visit our website or contact me directly, we will do our best to serve your needs.

    Reply

  59. David says

    November 14, 2020

    A great place to buy electronic components is vakits.com

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Robotics Parts and Information | Bradley Ross' Blog on Life and Computer Software says:
    March 24, 2019 at 4:38 am

    […] here carry a wide variety of electronic parts. In addition, a list of suppliers can be found at https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/buy-electronic-components/.  There is also a blog entry comparing some of the vendors at […]

    Reply

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