Radio Shack was once the goto place for all things electronics and DIY projects. From resistors and capacitors to the latest gadgets, you could find everything you needed at Radio Shack. But sadly, the iconic retail chain closed most of its stores in recent years.
If you’re looking for cheap electronics stores like Radio Shack, there are still plenty of great options available. In this blog post, I’ll highlight 12 of the best Radio Shack competitors, that can serve for your electronic component and gadget needs.
12 Best Electronics Stores Similar To Radio Shack
1. Walmart
With over 2000 retail locations across the US, Walmart is likely the most convenient and affordable option on this list to find basic electronic components, devices, and accessories.
They have a decent range of electronic parts like resistors, capacitors, wires, soldering irons, breadboards, etc. in the crafts section.
You’ll also find all the latest consumer tech gadgets and accessories here like smartphones, laptops, TVs, speakers, headphones, video games, drones, robot vacuums, and more, often at discounted prices.
While the selection isn’t as extensive as specialized stores, it is a solid choice for basic components and popular consumer electronics at low prices. Their wide availability across the country makes it easy to shop.
Key Benefits:
- Low prices on popular consumer electronics
- Basic selection of electronic components and tools
- Convenient one-stop shop for tech and groceries
2. Best Buy
Best Buy is one of the leading consumer electronics stores like Radio Shack carrying the latest computers, home theater systems, cameras, and more from top brands. While they don’t offer electronic components, it is a go-to destination for finished consumer electronics and accessories.
They regularly run sales and have a price match guarantee to help you get tech products at bargain prices.
It also offers services like computer repair, home theater installation, smartphone activations, and tech support through Geek Squad to help you get the most out of your devices.
Key Benefits:
- Huge selection of finished consumer electronics
- Competitive pricing with frequent sales
- Geek Squad support services for tech devices
- Convenient locations across the U.S.
3. Target
Target has a decent electronics department that’s worth checking out if you have one of their 1900+ stores nearby. They carry a range of tech products including TVs, laptops, smartphones, drones, consoles, accessories, and more covering the most popular brands.
You’ll also find a small assortment of basic electronic components like breadboards, jumper wires, LEDs, resistors, etc. along with Raspberry Pi kits to build your own tech projects.
Expect reasonable prices but not the cheapest. The advantage is getting everything in one convenient place.
Key Benefits:
- Good selection of consumer electronics and components
- Affordable prices on tech gadgets
- In-store pickup and fast shipping options
- One-stop shop for tech, home, apparel, groceries
4. Fry’s Electronics
Fry’s Electronics is a big box tech retailer primarily located in 9 states out West. They offer one of the most extensive selections of computers, components, home entertainment gear, appliances, and electronics for tech enthusiasts.
The brand allows hands-on testing of products and has knowledgeable sales staff to help you find exactly what you need.
In addition to finished consumer electronics, it has a vast array of electronic parts and accessories for DIY projects.
This includes things like capacitors, resistors, breadboards, sensors, motors, wiring, tools, and much more. If you’re looking for an electronics playground, head to this Radio Shack competitor.
Key Benefits:
- Extensive selection of consumer electronics and components
- Knowledgeable sales staff for tech advice
- Opportunities to test out products in-store
- Huge selection of parts for DIY electronics
5. eBay
eBay is the perfect place to find reasonably priced electronic components, development boards, tools, and test equipment. You’ll find everything from basic parts like capacitors and resistors to integrated circuits, microcontrollers, and more.
Many sellers offer bulk quantities of components at wholesale prices to help keep costs down for your projects. Just be sure to check seller ratings and product reviews before purchasing.
While shipping times can be slow, the selection and affordability of parts on eBay makes it worthwhile.
Key Benefits:
- Huge selection of electronic components and tools
- Wholesale pricing available on bulk orders
- New, used, and vintage electronic parts available
- Low prices on ICs, microcontrollers, and other hardware
6. Newegg
Newegg is an e-retailer that specializes in electronics, making them a great online alternative to Radio Shack. In this store, you can find everything from computers and gaming gear to R/C toys, smart home tech, tools, cables, and even musical instruments.
While prices aren’t always the absolute lowest, they do runs frequent sales and has daily deals that let you scoop up discounts. Their wide assortment of tech and electronics makes it easy to find exactly what you need.
It has expanded into offering tech services for building PCs, installing smart home networks, and more. For convenient online electronics shopping, this is a great option.
Key Benefits:
- Wide selection of cutting-edge consumer electronics
- PC components and DIY electronics kits
- Discounted prices with regular sales and promo codes
- Helpful product information from fellow techies
7. AliExpress
Part of the Alibaba group, AliExpress is an online marketplace connecting buyers to wholesalers and manufacturers in China. This means you can buy many electronics direct from the source for ultra cheap prices.
On AliExpress you can find drones, hobby electronics, tools, gadgets, cables, R/C vehicles, smart home devices, and basically any electronics accessory imaginable for unbeatable prices. You can also find kits and components to build your own electronics.
The trade-off is waiting up to a few weeks for items to ship directly from China. But for cheap prices on electronics odds and ends, AliExpress is hard to beat. Just be sure to check seller ratings.
Key Benefits:
- Super cheap prices on all kinds of electronic components
- Access to parts that are hard to find elsewhere
- Reviews help identify reliable and legit sellers
- Bulk discounts available on component orders
8. Micro Center
Micro Center is a lesser known electronics store like Radio Shack with 25 locations centralized in coastal regions like California, New York, Ohio, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
They specialize in computers and accessories but also offer a wide range of electronics from home theater to drones, gaming gear, DIY components, IoT devices, tools, and more. Their broad selection rivals Fry’s minus the elaborate themes.
In addition to competitive pricing, this alternative offers a number of services like home tech installations and repairs. Their in-store experts are also helpful for recommendations. For an extensive electronics store focused on computers, this is a great choice to pick.
Key Benefits:
- Extensive collection of electronic components and kits
- Quality house brand filament and parts for makers
- Helpful sales staff with tech expertise
- Physical stores located around the U.S.
9. Tinkersphere
Tinkersphere is an online retailer catering specifically to hobbyists, engineers, makers, and electronics enthusiasts. They carry supplies like Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, sensors, motors, tools, and components for electronics projects.
You’ll also find DIY kits, robotics sets, soldering irons, and more specialty hobby electronics supplies. In addition to affordable pricing, their blog and learning center offers guidance for electronics projects.
While limited for general electronics, for DIY and hobby electronics, it is one of the best Radio Shack alternatives online.
Key Benefits:
- Specialized selection of hobbyist electronic parts
- Beginner kits for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, robots, etc.
- Learning guides and project ideas for all skill levels
- Curated kits remove guesswork of picking parts
10. Sears
Sears has really scaled back its retail presence, but where their stores remain, their electronics departments are worth a look for Radio Shack-esque offerings.
You can still find a range of gadgets, R/C vehicles, DIY components, tools, and accessories. While selection is more limited than in Sears’ heyday, certain locations still offer decent variety of electronics and small home appliances.
Prices are reasonably affordable, especially with their daily deals, coupons, and Member benefits. For a nostalgic shopping trip, it still delivers for basic electronics needs on a budget.
Key Benefits:
- Affordable pricing on brand name consumer electronics
- Convenient online ordering with in-store pickup
- Frequent sales help you save even more
- Appliances, tools, clothing, and home goods also available
11. Circuit City (Online)
Circuit City relaunched as an online-only retail site in 2016 after closing all stores back in 2009. The new web-based Circuit City carries electronics from computers and video games to home theater systems and drones. Brands include Sony, Samsung, HP, Apple, Microsoft and more.
While they don’t offer many unique products you can’t find on Amazon or other major retailers, Circuit City’s prices are competitive.
Their seamless online shopping experience and tech support team make purchasing tech gear simple. For affordable brand name electronics without visiting stores, Circuit City delivers.
Key Benefits:
- Brand name electronics at reasonable prices
- Smooth online ordering and delivery
- Electronics tech support team
- Frequent sales help you save money
12. StarTech
StarTech specializes in IT and AV accessories, making them a great supplier for cables, adapters, racks, KVM switches, video splitters, and the like. They also carry IoT devices, tools, batteries, chargers, and small gadgets.
While variety isn’t as broad as general electronics retailers, the depth of their accessories and components selection is unrivaled. For outfitting an AV setup or server rack, StarTech has the parts you need at affordable prices.
Key Benefits:
- Extensive range of tech adapters and cables
- Products for installing and connecting devices
- Quality materials and reliable performance
- Catered to IT professionals and equipment integrators
Conclusion
While the closing of Radio Shack left a noticeable void in affordable, accessible electronics for DIYers and gadget lovers, there are still plenty of great options to choose from, both in stores and online.
Some key categories to look for in a good Radio Shack competitor include cables, adapters, chargers, batteries, DIY electronics, hobby supplies, drones, robots, STEM toys, speakers, headphones, and basic home tech and appliances.
When choosing where to shop for discounted electronics stores like Radio Shack, consider what selection and prices are most important to you. Convenience of physical retail stores? Depth of a focused product line? Pure bottom-line cost savings? Make your priorities clear.
Also look for regular sales events, promos, coupons, and other ways to maximize savings on the electronics gear you need most. With this list of top Radio Shack competitors, you’re sure to find stores and sites that fit the bill. Happy electronic shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did Radio Shack start?
Radio Shack traces its origins back to 1921 when it opened as a ham radio parts store in Boston. The Tandy Corporation acquired the Radio Shack name in the 1960s and grew it to a nationwide electronics retail chain.
How many Radio Shack locations were there at its peak?
Radio Shack reached its peak of over 2000 stores in the United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s before declining in the later years with increasing digital competition.
What was the original Radio Shack slogan?
“The Technology Store” was Radio Shack’s long-running tagline from the 1970s through early 2000s, touting its reputation as a leading electronics retailer.
Did Radio Shack sell cell phones?
Yes, Radio Shack partnered with top wireless providers over the years to sell various mobile and cell phones and service plans right in stores.
What was Radio Shack’s house brand?
Radio Shack had several proprietary in-house brands like Realistic, Optimus, Micronta, and Enercell that produced its affordable electronics over the decades.
Why did Radio Shack ultimately fail?
Radio Shack struggled to adapt its operator model to compete with the rise of e-commerce and failed to differentiate itself as a destination for the latest tech and knowledgeable service.
Does Radio Shack still have a website?
There is still a RadioShack.com website selling a limited assortment of batteries, headphones, and accessories, along with pointers to remaining franchises.
Who owns Radio Shack now?
Retail Ecommerce Ventures purchased the intellectual property of Radio Shack in 2020 and relaunched RadioShack.com as an e-commerce site reviving the brand online.
Are there any original Radio Shacks still operating?
A small number of independently-owned first-generation Radio Shack storefronts still exist, but the company no longer corporately owns brick-and-mortar store locations.
Where was Radio Shack founded?
Radio Shack opened its first storefront in 1921 in downtown Boston, founded by Theodore and Milton Deutschmann as a Hammarlund radio supplies shop.
