The best replacement for photodiode is phototransistor.


The best alternatives to photodiode are rated as following:
★★★★★  phototransistor
★★★  photoresistor
★★  ldr
★★  photocell
★★  ccd
★  photomultiplier
★  photomultiplier tubes
★  solar cell
★  photoconductor
  pmt
  photodetector
  photodiode
  apd

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Speaking about photodiode, one probably shouldn't forget about transimpedance amplifier.

Other search terms related to photodiode and their ratings are:

★★★★★ transimpedance amplifier
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