Comparison page

74HC595 vs ULN2003

Side-by-side selection notes for specs, ecosystem readiness, known issues, and data confidence. This page is generated from structured component fields instead of a hand-written article.

74HC595

Projects needing IO expansion and Shift register with a commonly available power part.

ULN2003

Projects needing Driver array and Stepper kit with a commonly available power part.

Specification Matrix

Dimension74HC595 ULN2003

CategoryPowerPower

MakerNexperiaTexas Instruments

CoreNot specifiedNot specified

ClockNot specifiedNot specified

WirelessNot specifiedNot specified

Voltage3.3V3.3V

LibrariesArduino, MicroPythonArduino

Price$0.05 - $0.30$0.10 - $0.60

Known Tradeoffs

74HC595

Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

ULN2003

Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Open Individual Model Pages

74HC595

Nexperia

8-bit shift register used to expand outputs for LEDs, relays, and simple digital control.

China-madePower86% confidence

ULN2003

Texas Instruments

Darlington transistor array often sold with 28BYJ-48 stepper motor kits.

China-madePower82% confidence