What Product Categories Does Adafruit Sell for DIY Electronics Projects?

Updated

Adafruit sells DIY electronics across three broad groups: microcontroller and development boards (Arduino, CircuitPython, Feather, Raspberry Pi, RP2040/Pico, Circuit Playground), components and modules (sensors, LEDs/Neopixels, power, breakout boards, components & parts, STEMMA/STEMMA QT), and project support items (kits & projects, tools, wearables, cables, batteries, books, robotics & CNC, mechanical keyboards). You can browse the full range through the Shop → All Categories menu, or start from curated entry points like New Products, Featured Products, Gift Ideas, and Clearance Sale. This guide is for anyone planning a build and deciding where to look first on adafruit.com.

Main Product Categories on adafruit.com

The site's category navigation lists the following areas. Use this table to match your project need to a section.

Category What it covers Typical use
Arduino Arduino-compatible boards and shields Beginners, classic microcontroller projects
CircuitPython Boards and resources built around CircuitPython Python-based embedded projects
Circuit Playground All-in-one educational boards Learning, classroom demos
Feather Compact development boards in a consistent form factor Portable and wearable builds
Raspberry Pi Pi boards and add-ons Linux-based projects, media, automation
RP2040 / Pico Raspberry Pi RP2040-based boards Low-cost microcontroller work
Accessories Supporting items for boards Completing a build
Batteries Power storage Portable projects
Books Printed learning material Self-study
Breakout Boards Small boards exposing a single chip or function Adding a sensor or driver
Cables Connection hardware Wiring and interfacing
Components & Parts Discrete electronics Repairs and custom circuits
Development Boards General-purpose dev boards Prototyping
E-Ink / ThinkInk Electronic paper displays Low-power displays
Gift Certificates Store credit Gifting
Kits & Projects Bundled project packs Guided builds
LEDs Light-emitting components Lighting and indicators
Mechanical Keyboards Keyboard parts and builds Custom keyboards
Neopixels Addressable RGB LEDs Decorative and status lighting
Power Power conversion and regulation Supplying your circuit
Prototyping Breadboards and prototyping aids Testing ideas
Robotics & CNC Motion and machine parts Robots, motion projects
Sensors Measurement and input devices Environmental and motion sensing
Tools Soldering and assembly tools Building and repair
Wearables Wearable-friendly components Clothing and body-worn electronics
Wireless Radio and connectivity modules Connected projects
Clearance Sale Discounted surplus stock Budget builds

How to Choose Where to Start

  • New to electronics: start with Circuit Playground or Arduino, then add a Kits & Projects bundle so you have the parts and guidance together.
  • Python-focused maker: go to CircuitPython and Feather; Feather boards share a form factor, so accessories and add-ons carry across builds.
  • Compact or battery-powered build: Feather for the board, then Power, Batteries, and Wearables as needed.
  • Linux or network project: Raspberry Pi, plus Wireless and Accessories.
  • Cheap microcontroller work: RP2040 / Pico boards.
  • Adding sensing or output to an existing board: Sensors, Breakout Boards, LEDs, or Neopixels; the STEMMA / STEMMA QT line is listed under components and is designed for quick-connect wiring.
  • Display-driven project: E-Ink / ThinkInk or LCDs & Displays.

Browsing Shortcuts and Current Listings

Beyond the category menu, the homepage surfaces several curated sections:

  • New Products — recent arrivals, such as the Adafruit CP2105 Friend USB-to-Dual-UART converter ($6.95), TMF8806 time-of-flight sensor ($12.50), TMF8801 time-of-flight sensor ($9.95), and GP8403 I2C DAC breakout ($7.50).
  • Featured Products — highlighted items like the BMP581 temperature/pressure sensor ($9.95), STSPIN220 stepper driver breakout ($6.50), TPS61169 constant-current boost converter ($4.50), and Sparkle Motion Stick + enclosure kit ($19.95).
  • Gift Ideas and Gift Certificates — for presents rather than personal builds.
  • Clearance Sale — reduced stock; useful when budget matters more than exact part choice.
  • Halloween 2026 — a seasonal guide; the homepage notes a promo code (BeGood15, 15% off the Halloween Guide) valid through Sunday 10/25, and that USPS orders are shipping with a slight delay due to high demand.

Prices above are as listed on the site at the time of writing and may change; confirm on the product page before ordering.

Practical Notes Before You Buy

  • Check the interface, not just the category. A sensor may appear under both Sensors and Breakout Boards; confirm whether it uses I2C, SPI, or analog so it matches your board.
  • Match form factors. Feather accessories assume the Feather layout; STEMMA QT parts use quick-connectors rather than headers.
  • Account and cart: the site shows Sign In / Create Account and a shopping cart, so ordering requires an account; no pricing or login terms beyond what is displayed should be assumed.
  • Verify stock and shipping at checkout, especially during seasonal promotions when delays are noted.

For a first project, the most reliable path is: pick a board category (Circuit Playground, Arduino, or Feather), add a matching kit, then fill gaps from Sensors, Power, and Cables. For a specific function, search the component categories directly and confirm the interface before adding to cart.