| Customer Reviews Collected from roku.com |
Roku - 2 Streaming Player - Black
Average Customer Rating:
4.5
Rating breakdown 10,018 reviews
5 Stars
6,621
4 Stars
2,230
3 Stars
607
2 Stars
254
1 Star
306
92%of customers recommend this product.
(
9,095 out of
9,861)
Customer Reviews for Roku - 2 Streaming Player - Black
Customer Rating
4
Fast processor and good with Plex
on October 24, 2015
Posted by: aa0nn
from Wasilla, Alaska, United States
Gender:Male
I purchased this unit two weeks ago after having problems with a Western Digital TV Live streaming media player. The model I purchased is the newest as of October 2015. This one is the newest model as of this date - October 2015 - with an HDMI output, SD card slot and a USB connection. It does not have a composite video connection. That said, I'll compare the two that I have owned:
The Roku 2 is very responsive. It switches quickly between screens. No lag at all. In comparison, the WD TV Live has lags a couple of seconds between screens.
Both are feature-rich, but the Roku 2 is a bit more intuitive to set up. I found myself going over the settings in the WD TV Live several times before I found all the things I wanted to change. I think this had to do with the fact that the WD box has multiple layers of nested menus. The Roku 2 minimizes this.
On the downside, the Roku 2 is not compatible with .ISO files, so you'll have to convert them if you want to watch them.
I purchased the Roku 2 after looking at several streaming media players that appeared to be compatible with Plex media server (http://www.plex.tv). The Roku 2 was compatible with more file types, which meant my media server's processor would have to do less work to transcode files before streaming them to the media player. The Roku 3 has a more bells and whistles for another $20, but they didn't interest me. I'm satisfied with my purchase choice.
The video is great as expected. There are more channels than I need. If you're looking for H.265 compression (4K) video, you'll need to go to the Roku 4. There were arguments for purchasing the Roku 4, but ultimately I decided there isn't enough 4K content out there yet, and by the time there is the technology will probably be outdated. I'll buy it when I need it. Consumer electronics are reasonably priced, after all.
One other note: the Roku 2 gets warm, and electronic devices generally don't like heat. I put a couple of 1/2 inch spacers between the Roku2 and the component below it to help with airflow. It seems to do the trick.
The Roku 2 is very responsive. It switches quickly between screens. No lag at all. In comparison, the WD TV Live has lags a couple of seconds between screens.
Both are feature-rich, but the Roku 2 is a bit more intuitive to set up. I found myself going over the settings in the WD TV Live several times before I found all the things I wanted to change. I think this had to do with the fact that the WD box has multiple layers of nested menus. The Roku 2 minimizes this.
On the downside, the Roku 2 is not compatible with .ISO files, so you'll have to convert them if you want to watch them.
I purchased the Roku 2 after looking at several streaming media players that appeared to be compatible with Plex media server (http://www.plex.tv). The Roku 2 was compatible with more file types, which meant my media server's processor would have to do less work to transcode files before streaming them to the media player. The Roku 3 has a more bells and whistles for another $20, but they didn't interest me. I'm satisfied with my purchase choice.
The video is great as expected. There are more channels than I need. If you're looking for H.265 compression (4K) video, you'll need to go to the Roku 4. There were arguments for purchasing the Roku 4, but ultimately I decided there isn't enough 4K content out there yet, and by the time there is the technology will probably be outdated. I'll buy it when I need it. Consumer electronics are reasonably priced, after all.
One other note: the Roku 2 gets warm, and electronic devices generally don't like heat. I put a couple of 1/2 inch spacers between the Roku2 and the component below it to help with airflow. It seems to do the trick.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com
Customer Rating
2
A lot of problems with Roku 2.
on October 25, 2015
Posted by: JoyceF
from Glassboro, NJ, United States
Gender:Female
I purchased this a few weeks ago and have had a lot of problems. My Roku 3 works much better although I've had to reset it a few times. The Roku 2 has to be reset often.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com
Customer Rating
4
Good product
on October 25, 2015
Posted by: sewvacman
Gender:Male
This is the second one I've purchased. Very happy with the product
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com
Customer Rating
5
Incredible little device!
on October 25, 2015
Posted by: Flyersfan_11
from Northern VA
Gender:Male
Like others, I was tired of paying high cable tv monthly fees and wanted to cut loose. I bougt 4 of the R2's and dont regret it one bit. Still learning the in's-and-out's of it, but overall I am completely satisfied. The only negative comment is that the remote tends to lag when depressed and it makes for a furstrating experience when trying to register for certain channels - adding email and password info.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com
Customer Rating
5
Roku 2
on October 25, 2015
Posted by: JesiR
from Middleburg, PA, United States
Gender:Female
Purchased Roku 2 to use for Netflix on the tv. Setup was very easy, just needed to purchase hdmi cable for tv-roku connection. Fact that it is not only a one time fee, but it offers both paid and UNpaid channels from Disney to cooking to weather. Cheaper than buying a gaming system to use for same reason. Couldn't be happier!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com
Customer Rating
3
Room for improvement
on October 25, 2015
Posted by: Maatrx
from Houston, TX, United States
Gender:Male
I purchased the Roku 2 after a power surge fried my Roku Stick. I don't notice any difference for the added price. It's been a few years since I purchase the stick and was hoping for an improved remote control. Still hoping.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com
Customer Rating
4
Careful with Plasma TV
on October 25, 2015
Posted by: Mixer71
from Florida, United States
Gender:Male
Picture and speed are both good. Unfortunately while watching the NHL channel I discovered that my Plasma TV now has burn in from using the Roku. Not very happy at all. And it really needs a shut off switch. I use it to watch NY Ranger games and that it it. No need for the unit to be on all of the time
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com
Customer Rating
4
Works well but needs a more responsive remote
on October 25, 2015
Posted by: Rachaellee
from Leominster, MA, United States
Gender:Female
Glad I bought it, but my only complaint is the way you use the alpha portion of the remote. It needs to be improved.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting roku.com