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Raspberry Pis are an incredibly affordable SBC (single board computer) designed with tinkering and education in mind. However, recent issues have rendered them nearly impossible to find. So, we’re going to help you find out where to buy the Raspberry Pi 5 and when it could be back in stock.
The Raspberry Pi 5 is the new flagship device, building on the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 4 and 3 Models B and B+. With vastly improved specs and power, alongside a slightly higher price, there’s been huge demand surrounding the mini computer.
Pre-orders for a slice of the Pi have actually been open for weeks now with the first batch shipping from the end of October following the confirmed release date. Be prepared for possible delays though as production struggles to keep up with demand. Before launching into where to buy the Pi, remember the MSRP of Pi 5 is $80 for the 8GB model and $60. As you can sadly expect, scalpers are having a field day doubling the prices of the Raspberry Pi model, which poses a challenge of finding the model close to MSRP.
Where to buy Raspberry Pi 5 – availability in US and UK
If you have a subscription into MagPi and Hackspace, then you’re one of the lucky ones, as shipments for pre-orders have already begun if you got them in early. You don’t need to have a subscription to pre order Raspberry Pi 5 though. Below we’ve listed some of the retailers stocking Raspberry Pi 5. Be weary that some of the stores may already be ‘sold out’ or showing limited stock.
| Retailer | Raspberry Pi 5 4GB | Raspberry Pi 5 8GB | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adafruit | $60 | $80 | US | Out of stock – Sign up for notifications |
| CanaKit | $60 | $80 | US | Pre-order – ships late November |
| Chicago Electronic Distributors | $60 | $80 | US | Out of stock – Sign up for notifications |
| Micro Center | $59 | $80 | US | In-store only from November 3rd |
| PiShop.us | $60 | $80 | US | Out of stock – Sign up for notifications |
| Pimoroni | £59.40 | £78.90 | UK | Pre-order available – ships November/December |
| SparkFun Electronics | $60 | $80 | US | Out of stock – Sign up for notifications |
| The Pi Hut | £49.42 | £65.83 | UK | Pre-order available – ships early 2024 |
| Vilros | $60 | $80 | US | Sold out |
Before pre-ordering, make sure you’re happy to wait until the item ships. Some retailers are not sending their first shipments until early 2024, so you might have to be very patient.
Where to find Raspberry Pi 5
A trick of the trade is to keep an eye on rpilocator page that tracks at least 16 different retailers and whether they’re in stock. It’s not looking good for now though, and competition is fierce to make sure you eventually get one.
Where to buy Raspberry Pi 5 accessories
We recommend looking for Raspberry Pi 5 accessories from the retailers that are stocking the computer itself. Accessories available include cases, power supplies, active coolers and heatsinks. Just one look at what’s available for Pi 4 and you’ll see what could be coming for the latest flagship model. In the meantime, we’ve dropped an Amazon link below if you want to check what’s available at this time.
Is the Raspberry Pi still made in the UK?
With a name like Raspberry Pi, you’d hope that Raspberry Pi 5 is still made (or should we say baked?) in the UK. According to the Wiki page, most models are made in a Sony factory in Pencoed, Wales. However, to deal with a growing global demand additional Pis are made in China and Japan.
Should You Buy a Raspberry Pi 5?
Although we haven’t personally got our hands on the new Raspberry Pi 5, the new flagship looks set to be a promising upgrade from Raspberry Pi 4, and an all round worthwhile investment. The computer is two to three times faster than its predecessor, boasting a real-time clock, PCIe 2.0 connection and a nice new power button. For just $5 more than the Pi 4, there’s a pretty strong case to invest in the new flagship model.
If you’re on a tight budget, remember there are cheaper options available – the 1GB and 2GB options from Pi 4 will only cost around $35-$45 so well worth looking into. However, if you can, the fastest Pi 5 is probably worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no Raspberry Pi 4 stock?
The pandemic brought a semiconductor shortage to global supply chains, and alongside the increased demand for tinkering tools, the Raspberry Pi 4 suffered greatly.
Is it worth buying the Raspberry Pi 4 now?
Yeah, the Raspberry Pi 4 is still a powerful device, and by no means obsolete because of its successor. You may also find it’s much easier to get your hands on given the stock issues for Pi 5. If you’re wanting something powerful though, the Orange Pi 5 also makes a good alternative, with more horsepower than the Pi 5. The only downside of the board is you have to add a Wi-Fi connection yourself.
Final word
That’s all we’ve got for now. We’ll be sure to update this page as more retailers begin to stock Raspberry Pi 5, so check back here soon for more updates.
