What is Tindie?
Tindie is an online marketplace where independent makers and small businesses sell their unique hardware products. Think of it as a place to find those cool, niche electronic gadgets and components that you won't see on the big retail sites.
What Makes Tindie Stand Out
- Direct Connection to Makers: You're buying directly from the people who designed and built the products, often with the ability to ask them questions.
- Unique and Niche Products: Tindie is a treasure trove for specialized electronic components, DIY kits, and one-of-a-kind electronic creations.
- Focus on Hardware: It's specifically geared towards hardware enthusiasts, engineers, and hobbyists looking for interesting electronic projects and parts.
Who Should Use Tindie?
If you're an electronics hobbyist, a robotics enthusiast, a DIYer looking for specific components, or someone who appreciates innovative hardware from small creators, Tindie is worth exploring. It's also a great platform for makers to sell their own creations.
Is Tindie Free?
Browsing and buying on Tindie is free for customers. However, sellers pay a commission on each sale they make through the platform.
Tindie Alternatives in 2026
Each one takes a different angle on the same core idea — pick based on what Tindie is missing for you.
Global marketplace for unique handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.
Vast online marketplace for buying and selling new and used items.
Platform for sharing and selling 3D printable designs and models.
Specializes in a wide variety of craft and hobby supplies.
Marketplace for artists to sell their designs on various products.
Amazon Handmade
Amazon Marketplace
Handmade goods sold by artisans directly to consumers on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of engineering problems is Tindie useful for?
Tindie addresses Hardware, Marketplace with the technical depth that engineers working on real systems need. It's not an introductory resource — it's a reference for practitioners. Find it at www.tindie.com.
Is Tindie aimed at students or working engineers?
Primarily working engineers — the Hardware, Marketplace content assumes you've already got the fundamentals and are looking for resources that match the complexity of real-world problems.
What are the best alternatives to Tindie?
If Tindie doesn't fit your specific workflow, our curated Engineering directory has hand-picked alternatives — each evaluated on the same criteria. Filter by Hardware, Marketplace to find tools with similar strengths.