Common capacitor types and price drivers
Capacitor price comes from materials, size, ESR/ESL performance, voltage rating and tolerance. Below is a quick at-a-glance table showing typical spec trade-offs that affect cost:
| Type | Typical use | Price driver |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic (MLCC) | Decoupling, high-frequency | Dielectric class, capacitance/size |
| Electrolytic (Al) | Smoothing, bulk storage | Capacitance, ripple current, lifetime |
| Polymer electrolytic | Low ESR power rails | Low ESR grade, voltage |
| Film (Polyester, Polypropylene) | Timing, audio, precision | Dielectric quality, tolerance |
| Tantalum | Space-constrained, stable capacitance | Failure rate class, manufacturer |
When comparing prices, always check the voltage rating and ESR at your operating temperature - cheaper capacitors with inadequate ripple handling will fail quickly in power supplies. For quick compatibility pointers and brand options, see our buy capacitors page: Shop by Brand.
Specification callouts to compare - practical checklist
- Capacitance (µF, pF) and tolerance - match the circuit requirement.
- Voltage rating (Vdc or Vrms) - always choose a margin above operating voltage.
- ESR and ripple current - critical for switch-mode supplies.
- Temperature range and lifetime (hours at 85/105°C) - important for long-term reliability.
- Package/lead style - SMD vs radial affects assembly cost.
