Roku devices have vanished from UK stores and fans are worried ― ‘what is going on?’

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ROKU PRESS OFFICE
Aaron Brown

By Aaron Brown


Published: 18/02/2024

- 04:30

There's no shortage of Roku-branded Smart TVs, but you'll struggle to find the more affordable players

  • Fans have flooded X to bemoan the nationwide stock shortages
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Express, and Roku Express 4K are all unavailable
  • But a spokesperson has reassured that more devices are on the way
  • Low stock is not a signal that Roku is withdrawing from the UK

Struggling to find a Roku device in stock to buy in the UK? You’re not alone.

Roku devices are sold out nationwide, leaving frustrated fans considering rival set-top boxes, including Amazon’s popular Fire TV Stick range. Roku-powered Smart TVs remain widely available in the UK, but there’s currently a shortage of the company’s streaming dongles, including the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Express, and Roku Express 4K.

Trying to find one of these USB-sized devices ― which plug directly into the HDMI port on the back of your telly and unlock access to the Roku software and a slew of popular streaming services ― from high street and online retailers including Argos, John Lewis, and Currys is impossible.

All three of these stores list the Roku Express and Express 4K as out-of-stock. This has been a problem since late last year, with confused fans flooding X (formerly Twitter) to complain about the disappearance.

“@Roku your devices are out of stock everywhere in the UK. Any chance they'll be back soon before I break down and get a fire stick?” one user posted.

Another added: “Your Roku devices have been out of stock for almost 2 months now in the UK. What is going on?”

“When do you think your Streaming Sticks will be available again in the UK? Doesn't seem to be any anywhere!! Thanks” one fan asked in a message shared with the official Roku account.

GB News has contacted Roku and can confirm the ongoing stock issues will ease very soon.

The US streaming brand said: “We are currently experiencing shipping delays on Roku Streaming Players, and they are due to be back in stock later this month.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and remain committed to offering customers in the UK a seamless smart TV experience with Roku Streaming Players and Roku TVs.”

Roku is comfortably the biggest TV platform in the USA.

While it has a smaller footprint in the UK, it still has a passionate and vocal fanbase, thanks to its simple software, affordable price tag, and powerful search that scours the libraries of every streaming and catch-up service ― so you’ll never accidentally rent or buy a film that’s included in one of your subscriptions.

Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Apple TV+, Channel 4, My5 and countless other streamers and catch-up services can be downloaded to Roku devices.

The brand also has its own free ad-supported streaming service, known as The Roku Channel. It hosts a variety of syndicated shows and films as well as original content that you won’t find anywhere else.

You'll be able to tune into The Roku Channel on any Roku device or Smart TV. But if you don't currently own any Roku hardware, you can watch on Sky Q and NOW, formerly NOW TV, too.

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