I'm diving into Arduino projects and I've noticed that AliExpress offers really affordable options for Arduino boards and electronics. I'm curious to know if this is a trustworthy source? What are the pros and cons when it comes to purchasing items from AliExpress, especially for electronics?
3 Answers
AliExpress can definitely be a great source for getting Arduinos and various electronic components at low prices. Just keep in mind that sometimes you might get items that are dead on arrival and shipping can take quite a while. I’d stay away from anything that needs to be reliable, especially high voltage items—cheap relays can be pretty sketchy!
Absolutely, I've had good luck finding assortment boxes of passive components on AliExpress. However, I'd exercise caution with niche or out-of-production chips; I've had several arrive dead or turned out to be different from what was advertised. Stick to the basics, and you should be fine!
I've bought countless items like Arduino kits, various modules, LEDs, and even battery packs without issues. Just steer clear of high-spec semiconductors and some soldering kits—they sometimes turn out to be dodgy. For serious projects, I would recommend more reputable sites like Mouser or Digikey, but for hobbyist stuff, AliExpress can work well!