Kunkune is the best place to buy Arduino components in the UK for hobbyists and students, offering same-day dispatch, no minimum orders, quality-tested boards from £3.90, and free delivery over £25.
What Actually Matters When Buying Arduino Components
The cheapest supplier rarely offers the best value. Here’s what genuinely impacts your projects:
Delivery Speed
Weekend builds can’t wait until Thursday. Industrial suppliers often process hobbyist orders as low priority, whilst dedicated hobbyist shops typically dispatch the same day.
Component Availability
Ordering everything from one supplier saves both time and postage costs. Splitting orders across multiple suppliers to save £2 usually backfires when you factor in additional delivery charges.
Quality Assurance
Not all Arduino-compatible boards work reliably. Some cheap imports have faulty voltage regulators or bootloader issues that waste entire afternoons troubleshooting.
No Minimum Order Requirements
Industrial distributors often impose minimum order values or sell components in bulk quantities (packs of 100 or 1000). Hobbyists need the flexibility to buy single units.
Fair Pricing for Small Orders
Corporate suppliers add surcharges for orders under £20-50. Specialist hobbyist suppliers understand that not every project needs £100 worth of components.
Same-day dispatch ensures components arrive within 1-2 days across the UK
Arduino-Compatible Boards: Understanding Your Options
Kunkune Arduino-compatible boards offer the same functionality as official boards at a fraction of the cost – from £3.90
Let’s address the obvious question: what’s the difference between official Arduino boards and compatible alternatives?
Arduino-compatible boards (sometimes called clones) use the same microcontroller chips, the same bootloader, and work with the same Arduino IDE. At Kunkune, we stock quality Arduino-compatible boards because they offer genuine value for hobbyists and students:
Official vs Compatible Boards
| Feature | Official Arduino | Kunkune Compatible Boards |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £20-35 | From £3.90 |
| Functionality | Full Arduino IDE support | Identical – upload sketches, run code, connect sensors |
| Warranty | Varies by retailer | 60-day returns, tested before stocking |
| Best For | Supporting original creators | Learning, prototyping, experimenting |
- Lower price – Our boards start from £3.90, compared to £20-35 for official Arduino boards
- Same functionality – Upload sketches, run code, connect sensors identically
- Different manufacturer – Not produced by Arduino AG but built to the same open-source hardware specifications
- Ideal for learning and prototyping – Especially when you’re experimenting and might damage boards
For hobbyists, students, and makers, Arduino-compatible boards offer the same capabilities at a fraction of the cost. The open-source nature of Arduino hardware means compatible boards aren’t knock-offs – they’re legitimate alternatives using publicly available designs.
Quality markers for Arduino-compatible boards:
At Kunkune, we test all Arduino-compatible boards before stocking them. When choosing Arduino boards from any supplier, look for:
- Clear chipset specifications (ATmega328P for Uno, ESP32 for WiFi boards)
- USB chip details (CH340, CP2102, or FTDI)
- UK supplier with warranty and returns policy (we offer 60-day returns)
- Technical documentation provided
- Customer reviews mentioning successful projects
The UK Arduino Component Market: What’s Available
The UK electronics market has evolved considerably. Ten years ago, hobbyists had limited options beyond industrial distributors designed for corporate procurement. Today, the landscape includes:
Choose Your Supplier Type
Specialist Hobbyist Suppliers
Best for: Most hobbyists & students
Example: Kunkune
Pros:
- Same-day dispatch (orders before 14:00)
- No minimum orders
- UK stock (1-2 day delivery)
- Curated selections
- Free delivery over £25
- 60-day returns
Cons: Smaller catalogue than industrial
Industrial Distributors
Best for: Corporate procurement
Examples: RS Components, Farnell
Pros:
- Massive catalogues (500k+ products)
- Professional certifications
- Bulk quantities available
Cons:
- Minimum order values
- Premium prices for small orders
- Hobbyist orders low priority
International Marketplaces
Best for: Patient, budget-conscious buyers
Examples: AliExpress
Pros:
- Lowest prices
- Huge variety
Cons:
- 2-8 week shipping
- Quality inconsistency
- No easy returns
- Possible customs fees
Specialist hobbyist suppliers – Kunkune and similar shops stock curated selections of Arduino components, sensors, and development boards. We focus on small quantities and fast dispatch, with same-day processing for orders placed before 14:00. No minimum order requirements mean you can buy single components or complete kits.
Industrial distributors – RS Components, Farnell, and similar established firms serve professional engineering departments. Vast catalogues (500,000+ products) but often impose minimum order values and charge premium prices for small hobbyist quantities.
International marketplaces – AliExpress and similar platforms offer rock-bottom prices but come with trade-offs: 2-8 week shipping times, quality inconsistency, and no recourse if components arrive faulty.
Former specialist suppliers – Cool Components, formerly a popular source for premium maker brands like SparkFun and Adafruit, ceased trading. This consolidation means fewer specialist options for UK hobbyists.
Each category serves different needs. Industrial suppliers excel at bulk corporate orders with specific certifications. International marketplaces suit those willing to wait for the absolute lowest prices. Specialist hobbyist suppliers like Kunkune bridge the gap – UK stock, reasonable pricing, and no minimum order requirements.
For most Arduino projects, specialist hobbyist suppliers offer the best balance of speed, quality, and value. Same-day dispatch from UK stock means components arrive in 1-2 days rather than 1-2 weeks.
Essential Arduino Components for UK Projects
A well-stocked Arduino component collection enables diverse project possibilities
What should you actually stock for Arduino projects? Here’s what gets used repeatedly:
Development Boards
Arduino Board Comparison at Kunkune
| Board Type | Key Features | Best For | Kunkune Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno Compatible | ATmega328P, 14 digital pins, 6 analogue inputs | Learning basics, general projects | From £3.90 |
| ESP32 | Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth, dual-core, more memory | IoT projects, home automation | £3.90-8 |
| ESP8266 | WiFi connectivity, single core | Budget WiFi projects | From £3.90 |
Arduino Uno compatible boards – The classic starting point. ATmega328P microcontroller, 14 digital pins, 6 analogue inputs. Perfect for learning basics and general-purpose projects. Kunkune’s Arduino Uno compatible boards start from £3.90. Browse our complete range of Arduino-compatible boards or explore our curated Arduino starter kits for beginners.
ESP32 development boards – Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth make these ideal for IoT projects. More powerful than Uno (dual-core processor, more memory), whilst remaining compatible with Arduino IDE. Perfect for home automation and wireless sensor networks. Browse our ESP32 and ESP8266 modules priced at £3.90-8, or explore Wemos D1 Mini, WiFi modules, and communication boards.
Kunkune ESP32 and RP2040 boards bring wireless connectivity to Arduino projects at affordable prices (£3.90-8)
ESP8266 boards – Budget-friendly WiFi connectivity. Less powerful than ESP32 but excellent for simple connected projects. Popular choice for students and first IoT builds.
Popular Arduino Boards at Kunkune
Browse our most popular Arduino-compatible boards, all tested before stocking and available with same-day dispatch:
Common Sensors
Kunkune Arduino Nano V3.0 – compact and powerful, perfect for sensor projects and automation
Temperature & Humidity
DHT22 and BME280 provide accurate environmental readings for weather stations, greenhouse monitoring, and climate control projects.
Motion Sensors
PIR sensors detect movement for home automation, security systems, and energy-saving lighting projects.
Distance Sensors
Ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04) measure distances for robotics, parking sensors, and object detection applications.
Light Sensors
LDRs and digital light sensors enable automatic lighting, solar trackers, and photography light meters.
Temperature and humidity sensors – DHT22 and BME280 provide accurate environmental readings for weather stations, greenhouse monitoring, and climate control projects.
Motion sensors – PIR sensors detect movement for home automation, security systems, and energy-saving lighting projects.
Distance sensors – Ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04) measure distances for robotics, parking sensors, and object detection applications.
Light sensors – LDRs and digital light sensors enable automatic lighting, solar trackers, and photography light meters.
At Kunkune, we stock a comprehensive range of Arduino sensors for hobby and professional projects, all available in single units with no minimum order requirements. Also explore our Arduino shields, electronic components, and specialized tools like Geiger counters for radiation monitoring projects.
Compare Popular Arduino Boards at Kunkune
Side-by-side comparison of our most popular Arduino-compatible boards:
Arduino Uno R3
- Microcontroller ATmega328P
- Clock Speed 16 MHz
- Digital I/O 14 pins
- PWM Pins 6 pins
- Analog Inputs 6 pins
- Flash Memory 32 KB
- Best For Beginners
Arduino Nano V3.0
- Microcontroller ATmega328P
- Clock Speed 16 MHz
- Digital I/O 14 pins
- PWM Pins 6 pins
- Analog Inputs 8 pins
- Flash Memory 32 KB
- Best For Compact Projects
MEGA 2560 PRO
- Microcontroller ATmega2560
- Clock Speed 16 MHz
- Digital I/O 54 pins
- PWM Pins 15 pins
- Analog Inputs 16 pins
- Flash Memory 256 KB
- Best For Complex Projects
Expansion and Control
Relay modules – Safely control mains voltage devices (lights, pumps, heaters) from low-voltage Arduino outputs. Essential for home automation projects. Browse our relay modules collection.
Motor drivers – Control DC motors and stepper motors for robotics, CNC projects, and automated systems. Check our servo motors and shields.
Display modules – OLED and LCD screens provide visual feedback for sensor readings, status information, and user interfaces. View our LCD and OLED displays and audio modules for multimodal projects.
Power and Conversion
DC-DC converters – Buck converters step down voltage efficiently for battery-powered projects. Boost converters step up voltage when needed. Buck-boost converters provide flexibility for variable input voltages, and 12V to 5V converters are ideal for automotive applications. Browse all DC-DC converters, LED drivers, and lithium polymer batteries for portable projects.
Breadboards and jumper wires – Essential for prototype development before committing to permanent soldering. Shop our breadboards and prototyping supplies.
Tools Worth Having
Kunkune stocks professional development tools including ST-Link programmers and YIHUA soldering stations with 12-month guarantees
Quality tools make every project easier:
Soldering equipment – Temperature-controlled soldering stations provide consistent results for permanent connections. Cordless soldering irons offer portability for repairs. At Kunkune, we stock YIHUA soldering stations with 12-month guarantees, providing professional capabilities at hobbyist prices. For advanced work, explore our hot air rework stations, desoldering stations, and complete soldering iron kits for PCB soldering and SMD rework.
Digital multimeters – Essential for troubleshooting voltage, current, and continuity issues. Browse our digital multimeters, auto-ranging multimeters, CAT II 600V rated meters, and test equipment.
Handheld oscilloscopes – Visualise signals for debugging communication protocols and timing issues in advanced projects. Our FNIRSI oscilloscopes, handheld oscilloscopes, and signal generators offer portable testing solutions for Arduino development. For advanced diagnostics, explore our digital oscilloscopes and circuit testing tools.
For complete project setups, explore our curated collections including university electronics lab kits, maker space essentials, hobbyist repair bench setups, engineering internship kits, and IoT smart home project kits. For specialized tools, browse our electronics tools and precision screwdriver sets.
Smart Shopping: Getting Value Without Compromising Quality
Breadboard prototyping allows testing circuits before permanent assembly
“Cheap Arduino components UK” attracts thousands of searches monthly. Everyone appreciates value, but the cheapest option isn’t always the most economical.
✓ Where to Save Money Safely
Some components tolerate budget options without issues:
- Generic jumper wires – Quality differences are minimal. Even budget wires make reliable connections. Check our breadboards and jumper wires selection.
- Basic resistor and capacitor kits – Hard to manufacture poorly. Assorted value packs provide good value. Browse our electronic components for great-value assortments.
- Standard breadboards – Even economical breadboards provide reliable prototyping platforms. See our prototyping supplies.
- Generic LED strips – Visual inspection catches obvious defects before use.
⚠ Where Quality Matters
Don’t compromise on these:
- Microcontroller boards – Faulty boards waste hours debugging phantom issues. A quality Arduino-compatible board from Kunkune (starting at £3.90) works reliably from day one. A £2 board from an unknown source might not upload sketches or could have voltage regulator faults. Browse our tested Arduino-compatible boards.
- Power supplies – Underspecified or poorly regulated power supplies damage components and create safety hazards. Explore our DC-DC converters and lithium polymer batteries for reliable power.
- Critical sensors – For projects requiring accurate readings (temperature monitoring, gas detection), reliable sensors are essential. Budget sensors might provide inconsistent data. Shop our quality-tested Arduino sensors including temperature and humidity sensors.
- Soldering equipment – Poor-quality soldering irons make every project harder. A decent temperature-controlled station lasts years and improves results. Check our professional YIHUA soldering stations with 12-month guarantees.
📦 Bundle Orders Strategically
Postage costs affect small orders disproportionately. At Kunkune, we offer free delivery on orders over £25, making it worthwhile to plan complete projects. Consider:
- Planning complete projects and ordering all components together
- Arduino starter kits often cost less than buying individual components separately
- Our same-day dispatch service (orders before 14:00) means you’re not waiting weeks between orders
- Bundling sensors, boards, and tools in a single order maximizes value
🇬🇧 The Domestic Advantage
Choosing UK suppliers like Kunkune over international marketplaces offers hidden benefits:
- No customs complications – International orders can incur unexpected customs fees and delays
- Faster delivery – Our UK stock means 1-2 days vs 2-8 weeks from overseas
- Simple returns – UK consumer protection applies, we offer straightforward 60-day returns
- Quality assurance – We test all Arduino-compatible boards and components before stocking
- No authenticity questions – All components verified and warranted
Choosing Your Arduino Supplier: Use Case Guide
An organized workspace with readily available components accelerates project development
Different projects have different priorities. Here’s how to choose:
For Beginners Learning Arduino
Priority: Fast delivery and curated selection
Starting Arduino projects generates excitement. Waiting four days between learning steps kills momentum. At Kunkune, our same-day dispatch (orders before 14:00) and curated component selection prevent choice paralysis whilst getting you building quickly.
Our Arduino-compatible starter kits provide everything needed for first projects: board, breadboard, sensors, LEDs, resistors, and jumper wires. Perfect for university students and tech-curious beginners. For those interested in expanding beyond Arduino, explore our Raspberry Pi compatible modules for more advanced projects. All kits ship from UK stock with clear component listings.
Helpful learning resources for beginners: Once you have your components, excellent free tutorials are available at Random Nerd Tutorials, Hackster.io beginner projects, and Instructables Arduino guides. These resources provide step-by-step instructions perfect for first-time builders.
For Weekend Hobby Projects
Priority: Same-day dispatch
Weekend builds don’t accommodate Tuesday delivery. If you’re ordering Friday afternoon for a Saturday build session, same-day dispatch becomes essential.
Kunkune processes orders placed before 14:00 the same day. With Royal Mail tracked delivery, this typically means Saturday or Monday arrival for most UK postcodes (1-2 day delivery, though not guaranteed). For urgent projects, our paid next-day Special Delivery service can provide Saturday delivery from Friday orders. Whether you’re working on DIY electronics or robotics projects, we stock the components you need.
For Students and University Projects
Priority: Affordable components with reliable delivery
Student projects have fixed deadlines and tight budgets. Kunkune’s Arduino-compatible boards (from £3.90) offer the same functionality as official boards at significantly lower cost – important when building multiple prototype iterations.
Our fast turnaround helps complete coursework on schedule. Same-day dispatch means ordering mid-week and receiving components before weekend work sessions. We understand student budgets and stock components at prices that don’t require compromising on quality. Explore our university electronics lab kits and engineering internship prep kits designed specifically for academic projects.
For Professional Prototyping
Priority: Reliable components and professional support
Client deadlines don’t accommodate component failures or shipping delays. At Kunkune, we stock tested components with genuine warranties and offer professional support for technical queries.
Professional projects often benefit from quality test equipment – our FNIRSI oscilloscopes for debugging serial communication, multimeters for power verification, and YIHUA soldering stations (with 12-month guarantees) for permanent assemblies. For specialized work, explore our circuit board repair tools, electronics repair equipment, mobile phone repair tools, and BGA rework stations. Check our engineering internship prep kit and embedded systems tools. Same-day dispatch ensures project timelines stay on track.
Common Arduino Shopping Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Learn from common pitfalls:
Ordering from multiple suppliers to save £3
Component A costs £1 less at Supplier X, Component B costs £1.50 less at Supplier Y. Brilliant, right? Except you’ve now paid £8-10 postage to each supplier, monitored multiple tracking numbers, and complicated returns if something’s wrong. At Kunkune, ordering everything from one supplier with free delivery over £25 makes more sense. The convenience outweighs saving a few pounds.
Choosing cheapest without checking reviews
That £2.99 ESP32 board looks tempting until you read reviews mentioning failed USB ports, boards dead on arrival, and unresponsive customer service. Kunkune’s ESP32 modules (£3.90-8) come with warranties, tested quality, and UK-based customer support.
Ignoring delivery speed for time-sensitive projects
Standard delivery is free, next-day costs £4.99 extra. For a Monday deadline, paying for expedited delivery beats missing the deadline entirely. Better yet, choose suppliers like Kunkune with fast standard delivery – our same-day dispatch (orders before 14:00) means most UK locations receive components within 1-2 days on standard tracked delivery.
Buying components without a complete parts list
Ordering the Arduino board now and “figuring out what else I need later” leads to multiple small orders with repeated postage costs. Plan complete projects, order everything together.
Planning complete project requirements before ordering saves time and postage costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to buy Arduino components in the UK?
For most hobbyists and students, Kunkune offers same-day dispatch (orders before 14:00), no minimum orders, and UK stock. We stock Arduino-compatible boards from £3.90, ESP32 modules from £3.90-8, and comprehensive sensor ranges – all available in single units.
Industrial distributors (RS Components, Farnell) serve professional engineering departments well but often impose minimum order values unsuitable for hobbyist projects. International marketplaces offer lower prices but require patience for 2-8 week delivery times.
What’s the difference between Arduino-compatible and official Arduino boards?
Arduino-compatible boards use the same microcontroller chips, the same bootloader software, and work identically with the Arduino IDE. The primary difference is price – at Kunkune, our compatible boards start from £3.90 versus £20-35 for official boards.
Arduino’s open-source hardware design allows other manufacturers to produce compatible boards legally. For hobbyists, students, and prototyping, compatible boards offer the same functionality at significantly lower cost.
Quality compatible boards include clear technical specifications (chip types, voltage regulators, USB chips) and come from suppliers offering warranties and returns policies. At Kunkune, all Arduino-compatible boards are tested before stocking and come with our 60-day return period.
Do UK Arduino suppliers offer same-day delivery?
Kunkune offers same-day dispatch for orders placed before 14:00. This means components ship the same day, with delivery usually within 1-2 days via Royal Mail tracked services (though delivery timeframes are estimates, not guarantees).
For urgent projects, our paid next-day delivery service (Royal Mail Special Delivery) can provide Saturday delivery if ordered Friday, subject to order cut-off times and service availability.
Industrial distributors may claim same-day dispatch but hobbyist orders often don’t qualify for priority processing.
How much do Arduino components cost in the UK?
At Kunkune, typical pricing for quality Arduino components:
- Arduino Uno compatible boards: from £3.90
- ESP32 development boards: £3.90-8
- ESP8266 WiFi boards: from £3.90
- Common sensors (temperature, motion, distance): £2-5
- Complete starter kits: £25-40
- Relay modules: £2-4
- Display modules (OLED, LCD): £3-8
Prices vary based on specifications and features. Arduino-compatible boards offer significant savings versus official Arduino boards whilst maintaining full functionality. Free delivery available on orders over £25.
Can I buy individual Arduino sensors in the UK?
Yes, at Kunkune and other UK Arduino suppliers, all sensors are available individually. We stock sensors in single units with no minimum order quantities.
Common sensors available individually at Kunkune include DHT22 temperature/humidity sensors, PIR motion sensors, ultrasonic distance sensors, BME280 environmental sensors, and various light sensors. This is more cost-effective than buying multiple starter kits once you know your project requirements.
Are Arduino-compatible boards reliable for serious projects?
Quality Arduino-compatible boards from reputable UK suppliers like Kunkune work reliably for both hobby projects and professional prototyping. We test all Arduino-compatible boards before stocking them to ensure reliability.
Key factors ensuring reliability:
- Clear technical specifications (microcontroller type, voltage regulator, USB chip)
- UK supplier with warranty and returns policy (Kunkune offers 60-day returns and 12-month guarantees on equipment)
- Customer reviews confirming successful projects
- Proper documentation and support
For learning, experimentation, and most practical applications, compatible boards provide identical functionality to official boards. Professional applications requiring specific certifications might necessitate official boards, but this represents a small minority of use cases.
Where can I find beginner Arduino tutorials and project ideas?
Excellent free learning resources are available online for Arduino beginners:
- Random Nerd Tutorials – Comprehensive tutorials covering ESP32, ESP8266, Arduino, and IoT projects with clear code examples and wiring diagrams
- Hackster.io Beginner Projects – Community-driven platform with hundreds of beginner-friendly Arduino projects, complete with parts lists and step-by-step instructions
- Instructables Arduino Guides – Detailed project tutorials with photos, videos, and helpful community comments from experienced makers
These resources provide free, high-quality education from basic LED blinking to complex IoT projects. Once you’ve identified your project, Kunkune can supply all components with same-day dispatch from UK stock.
Final Recommendations
The UK Arduino market offers genuine choice. Industrial distributors serve corporate procurement well. International marketplaces provide rock-bottom pricing for patient buyers. At Kunkune, we’ve built our business around what hobbyists and students actually need.
Why choose Kunkune for Arduino components:
Same-day dispatch
Orders before 14:00 ship the same day from UK stock
No minimum orders
Buy single components or complete kits, starting from £3.90
Quality tested
All Arduino-compatible boards tested before stocking
Free delivery over £25
Bundle projects for free tracked delivery
60-day returns
UK consumer protection, straightforward returns policy
12-month guarantees
Professional equipment backed by genuine warranties
Your Arduino project shouldn’t wait a week for components. Whether you’re building your first LED circuit, developing IoT systems, working on automotive diagnostics, setting up an electronics repair business, or creating circuit board repair solutions, we stock what you need with the speed you deserve. Explore our complete range of Kunkune accessories for every project type.