Due to many requests by our user community I’ve put together this handy list of Arduino sensors and modules.  There are many, many sensors and the differences and uses of some of them can be very confusing.  In this list of Arduino sensors we’ll explain what each one is used for and some quick links to where you can purchase them.

List of Arduino Sensors and Modules

Although modules are not expressly sensors we’re including them in the list here along with the sensors.  Modules could be LCD character displays, LED dots displays, transistor modules, and the like. Since modules and sensor grow on the same trees, we’ve made it easy for you to find everything you need for your Arduino projects in one place.

This list of Arduino sensors and modules are in “module” form-factor.  This means they already include things like current-limiting resistors, terminal posts, and potentiometers on-board to help you save time. While this makes creating with your Arduino simple, its not entirely necessary. For example, in lieu of the two-color LED module, you could use a two color LED, 330 Ohm resistors, and a breadboard wire separately to create your own Arduino module.

Raspberry Pi Sensors and Modules

In most cases these sensors will also work with the Raspberry Pi without modification.

 

Sensor/Module Description Links
KY-012 Active Piezo-Buzzer Module Active Piezo-Buzzer Module
This active piezo-buzzer module KY-012 will make a beep sound (2.5 Khz) when 3.3V is applied to its input pins. No PWM required.  You can see this in our Ardiuno Railroad Crossing project.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
KY-026 IR Flame Sensor Module Flame IR Sensor
The KY-026 IR Flame sensor module is sensitive the IR light spectrum emitted by open flames and triggers a digital output.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
KY-039 Heartbeat Pulse sensor for Arduino Heartbeat/Pulse Sensor
The KY-039 heartbeat detects heartbeat/pulse via the finger using a photoresistor and flashing an LED.  Should not be used as a medical device.
Wiki PageBuy on Amazon
High Sensitivity Microphone Sensor High Sensitivity Microphone Sensor
This is the KY-037 sensor is a highly sensitive module for picking up sound and audio. This sensor triggers a digital output based on the intensity of the sound. The trigger value can be adjusted based on the position of an on-board potentiometer.
Buy on Amazon
High-Voltage Relay Module High-Voltage Relay Module 
The KY-019 5V one channel relay module allows you to control high-voltage/high-current devices using a low-voltage digital output pin on the Arduino.  Great for controlling lamps or other appliances with an Arduino.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
KY-022 Infrared (IR) Sensor Infrared (IR) Sensor 
Infrared IR sensor module (KY-022) for use in infrared data transmission projects. The perfect sensor for receiving button presses from an infrared remote control. Can decode most all TV and AV remote controls.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
KY-005 Infrared Transmitter Module Infrared (IR) Transmitter
The KY-005 Infrared transmitter module allows you to transmit IR signals and codes. This is great for remote controlling other devices or for home automation projects. Also great for the homemade TV B-Gone project.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
KY-023 Joystick Module Joystick Module
This (KY-023) module is the perfect input device for gaming, controlling stepper motors, servos, and remote control robotics projects. These have both analog (AO) and digital (DO) output options.
Buy on Amazon
KY-031 Knock Sensor Module for Arduino Knock Sensor
Knock sensor are vibration sensors specifically designed to pick up the vibration of knocking. Great for magic door openers triggered by knocking on the door.
Buy on Amazon
KY-010 Light Barrier Module Light Barrier Module
This (KY-010) module will create a digital output when the light path is broken between the two sensors. Great for detecting if a card or other object is passing between the sensors.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
Logic Level Shifter
Logic level shifters (sometimes called voltage translators) are great ways of working with modules or components that require a different voltage. With an LLS you can use a 3.3 volt module on a 5 volt line or vice-versa.
Buy on Amazon
Magnetic Dry Reed Switch Magnetic Dry Reed Switch
The KY-025 4pin magnetic dry reed pipe switch detects nearby magnetic fields. On detection of a magnetic field a digital output will occur.
Buy on Amazon
Metal Touch Sensor Metal Touch Sensor 
This is the KY-036 sensor module for detecting human touch. Can be used to control projects based on human or animal touches to metal connected object. Great for making a touch lamp project.
Buy on Amazon
KY-004 Button Module Momentary Button Module 
The KY-004 momentary button module is a great module for providing input into your projects from the press of a button.
Buy on Amazon
KY-032 Obstacle Detection Sensor Obstacle Detection Sensor
This is the KY-032 obstacle detection sensor. It emits infrared light that is bounced back by objects in proximity. When detected by a digital output is sent. Sensitivity can be adjusted by on-board potentiometers. Great for detecting when a robot is about to impact with walls or other objects.
Buy on Amazon
KY-006 Passive Piezo-Buzzer module Passive Piezo-Buzzer
This is the KY-006 Passive Piezo-Buzzer module. This buzzer’s sound and volume can be changed by sending signals of different frequencies.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
KY-108 Photoresistor Light Sensor Photoresistor Light Sensor
The KY-018 Photoresistor light sensor changes resistance value based on the amount of light contacting the surface of the photoresistor. Great for sensing whether it is daylight or nightlight conditions.
Buy on Amazon
KY-009 RGB LED SMD Module RGB SMD LED
The KY-009 is a surface mount (SMD) RGB LED. It can display any of over 16 million colors in a single dot. Great for visual indicators on projects where a changing in color could indicate status.
Buy on Amazon
KY-040 Rotary Encoder Module for Arduino Rotary Encoder Module
Rotary Encoders like the KY-040 output the position of the sensor allowing for price control of stepper motors and servos.
Buy on Amazon
Arduino Soil Moisture Sensor Soil Moisture Sensor
Soil moisture sensors let you accurately detect the amount of water suspended in soils (plant pots for example). These are great for Arduino gardening projects.
Buy on Amazon
Temperature Sensor Temperature Sensor
The KY-013 Analog Temperature sensor measures ambient temperature from -55℃ / +125℃ with an accuracy of ± 0.5℃. This is commonly used to measure the temperature of devices and enclosures of your Arduino projects.
Buy on Amazon
KY-015 DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Combination Sensor Temperature and Humidity Combination Sensor
The KY-015/DHT11 combination sensor detects both temperature and humidity levels. Fantastic for use with weather stations. You can learn about the DHT11 here.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
KY-017 Tilt Switch Module Tilt Switch Module
Tilt switch modules such as this KY-017 are ideal for detecting if your robot or other project has become tilted from its normal position.
Buy on Amazon
KY-033 Tracking Sensor Tracking Sensor
Tracking sensor are used to help robots follow a specific path on paper or other surfaces by sensing lines and markings drawn on their surfaces.
Buy on Amazon
Two-Color LED Module KY-011 Two-Color LED Module
This KY-011 Arduino two-color LED module has a bi-color LED capable of displaying red or green sharing a common cathode.  Can be used as a visual indicator for go/stop type feedback in projects.
Buy on Amazon
Ultrasonic Distance Sensor (KY-050) Ultrasonic Distance Sensor
Ultrasonic distance sensors like the KY-050 emit a high frequency ultrasonic pulse that bounces back to the on-board ultrasonic sensor. The time delay can be used to determine distances surprisingly accurate. We have an ultrasonic distance sensor project you can try!
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon
Vibration Sensor Vibration Sensor
The KY-002 vibration switch module detects movement and vibration of your project and connects two pins (digital output). This can be used to detect if your Arduino project is being shaken or abruptly moved.
Buy on Amazon
Arduino Water Level Leak Sensor Water Level Sensor (Leak Sensor)
Water level sensors (or leak sensors) allow you to gauge the presence of water or the depth of water by reading the sensor output values.  Great for detecting leaks in the pans of hot water heaters.
Wiki Page
Buy on Amazon

 

Hopefully this list of Arduino sensors is helpful. If you find any sensors or modules we’re missing from the list, let us know in the comments below and we will add them!