As students prepare to return to classrooms and university halls, Roku is rolling out a series of discounts on its streaming devices and smart TVs.
The deals, with some running until early September, see prices drop by up to 25% on some models, making streaming more accessible for budget-conscious students and families alike.
These devices come with features particularly useful for students, such as Hotel & Dorm Connect for easy connection to public Wi-Fi networks in accommodation, and Headphone Mode allowing up to four audio devices to connect for private listening (via your mobile phone) – perfect for shared living spaces.
Additionally, Roku is offering a 2-month free trial of the anime streaming service Crunchyroll for new device activations.
For those who need a refresher, Roku is a popular streaming platform that has been gaining traction in the UK market over the past few years.
While not as popular as it is in the US, Roku has been steadily expanding its presence in British homes through a combination of standalone streaming devices and – in particular in recent months – smart TVs with Roku’s OS built-in.
In the UK, Roku offers three main types of products:
1. Streaming Devices: These small boxes or sticks connect to existing TVs via HDMI, transforming them into smart TVs.
2. Roku TVs: These are TVs from various manufacturers (such as JVC, TCL, Metz and Polaroid) that come with Roku’s operating system built-in.
3. Roku Streambar: A soundbar that doubles as a streaming device.
Roku’s platform provides access to a wide range of streaming services, including global giants like Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, and Disney+, as well as UK-specific services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5.
The interface is known for its simplicity and ease of use. Its customisable home screen allows users to organise their favourite apps and channels, but it maintains a fairly clean and uncluttered look.
In the UK market, Roku TVs also integrate with Freeview Play, which provides easy access to live TV and catch-up services from British broadcasters.
However, it’s worth noting that this integration isn’t as seamless as some users might hope, with the Freeview Play section existing somewhat separately from the main Roku interface (so it’s different from the new Freely service, with aims to better blend Freeview channels and streaming platforms).
Roku Streaming Stick Deals
Ahead of the new school year, Roku is discounting its three main streaming device models:
Roku Express (now £24.99, was £29.99)
This entry-level HD streamer is ideal for those on a tight budget or with older HD TVs. It offers Full HD (1080p) streaming and comes with a simple infrared remote.
The Express uses single-band WiFi and has less powerful hardware compared to its siblings, which can result in slightly slower performance. It’s a good option for secondary TVs or for users who don’t need 4K capabilities.
Roku Express 4K (now £29.99, was £39.99)
A step up from the basic Express, this model supports 4K streaming for those with compatible TVs. It offers better performance thanks to its more powerful processor and 1GB of RAM (compared to 512MB in the standard Express).
The Express 4K supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats, making it a good choice for users wanting high-quality visuals without breaking the bank. It also features dual-band WiFi for improved connectivity.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (now £39.99, was £49.99)
Roku’s premium stick offers 4K streaming with added features. It supports all the HDR formats of the Express 4K and adds Dolby Vision to the mix.
The Stick 4K comes with an advanced remote that doesn’t require line-of-sight (unlike the infrared remotes of the Express models) and includes voice control capabilities. It also features TV controls for power and volume.
The Stick 4K boasts the most powerful processor of the three, resulting in snappier performance. Its compact stick design plugs directly into the HDMI port, and it includes a long-range WiFi receiver for better connectivity.
All three devices run the same Roku OS, providing access to thousands of streaming channels and apps.
These deals run until September 4 and are available at various retailers.
Roku Smart TV Deals
For those seeking an all-in-one solution, Roku has partnered with JVC and TCL to offer discounts on Roku-powered smart TVs:
JVC Roku TVs (available at Currys):
- 24″: £119 (was £129.99)
- 32″: £139 (was £169.99)
- 40″: £179 (was £219.99)
- 43″: £189 (was £219.99)
TCL Roku QLED TVs (available at Currys):
- 43″: £288 (was £329)
- 50″: £348 (was £399)
- 55″: £378 (was £429)
- 65″: £549 (was £599)
- 75″: £748 (was £899)
These TV deals are available until August 20.
It’s worth noting that while the JVC models offer HD or Full HD resolution, the TCL QLED range provides 4K options for those seeking higher picture quality.
Crunchyroll Promotion
In addition to the hardware discounts, Roku is offering a 2-month free trial of the anime streaming service Crunchyroll with the purchase and activation of any new Roku streaming device.
With a rich history dating back to 2006, Crunchyroll has steadily grown into a hub where anime enthusiasts can explore a vast range of titles spanning numerous genres.
The platform offers one of the largest collections of licensed anime translated into multiple languages, making it a go-to destination for fans worldwide.
This offer runs until October 31.