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:
MC says
Mouser Electronics http://www.mouser.com
Similar to DigiKey, and located in Mansfield TX, which is a 1 – 2 day delivery for me.
admin says
Yes, mouser is a good one. I’ve used them too in the past.
Good suggestion!
Mike says
Hello,
I saw a site called integratedcircuit.com
Check it out if it fits your list!
Wayne says
How about Radio Shack http://www.radioshack.com/
admin says
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!
jfkdkd says
He i open mosquitolight but no power conect i put 3 led lights power on resisters is fair
John Teel says
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
admin says
Great additions John. Thanks!
Oyvind
Saint Skinny says
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?
sneha says
Is their any online shopping site in India
admin says
There should be. Let me know if you find any.
Errol Collen says
Mantech is a good one in South Africa: http://www.mantech.co.za/
admin says
Thanks for the input! I know many people are looking for stores in South Africa and other African countries.
Richard J. Nelson says
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
admin says
Thanks for your input Richard!
Flo says
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
e grava says
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.
Clayton Benignus says
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?
admin says
Hey Clayton,
Sure! You can send me through the Contact page: https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/contact/
Best,
Oyvind
Sayed Rabiaa says
Hello
I really need your help to in buying components
Joe says
How do you feel about arrow.com for purchases?
admin says
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
Claire White says
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
Keme says
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. :)
Elf Demian says
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！
Stephen says
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…
Wendy says
UTSOURCE is good enough for small amount purchase. Check this http://www.utsource.net
RICHARD says
1Source Components at http://www.1sourcecomponents.com
John says
I know one good Chinese OEM store, http://www.in-fortune.com, has good prices.
Jeff mills says
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
admin says
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
richard gross says
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..
admin says
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.
Ali Khan says
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.
Jeff mills says
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
Carl-Mikael Zetterling says
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
Stuart Campbell says
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
Ron Watson says
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.
Derrien says
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.
Callum Palmer says
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.
Shamil says
I used to buy most of my components and modules from this website http://www.hitech-components.com Customer service is amazing. Good Luck
Matt says
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/
Felix says
Low shipping prices and good quality parts.
Try this one and let me know, thanks.
willis says
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
willis says
Jotrin electronics is a good one in China: https://www.jotrin.com/
sometimes,i can found some old parts at jotrin but not mouser
Ralph Yang says
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.
Eggy says
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/
TAY W.S. says
Can anyone recommend any good electronic stores in my town/area in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Rick Smith says
Don’t forget about Dan’s Small Parts. http://www.danssmallpartsandkits.net/
Sach1313 says
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.
Abraham says
Am from Nigeria, pls who know where I can buy components or online shop
William Nichols says
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
jack says
yep! very correct its same as you said.
Phillip Smith says
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
Mario says
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!
Mario says
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
TpKnet says
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.
Silas Joseph says
How can I get connected to shopping online? Sir
admin says
Just click on any of the links and you’ll be taken to the online shop.
A. S. says
http://www.futurlec.com
Morgan Johnson says
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.
walid says
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
Hannah says
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/
George M. says
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….)
Bob Cassidy says
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.
James says
http://www.altronics.com.au has a larger range of component lines than Jaycar.
oleg medved says
https://www.peconnectors.com/ for Connectors, IC Sockets, Wire, Ribbon Cable
Keith Lau says
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.
Elianna Lolos says
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
Frank Watson says
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
Katsi says
https://connectortrade.com/ – for connectors, terminals, wires, cables, other passive(resistor, inductors, capacitors,etc) and active components(ICs, MPUs, etc.).
John Charles Vandenbergh says
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?