Manage updates with the Download AppRoku 2 XS
Manufacturer: Roku Part number: ROKU2XS
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Roku 2 XS is an excellent Internet media box, but most users will find the cheaper Roku LT or Roku HD models to be a better deal.
Read more
Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Roku 2 XS price range: $79.97 - $119.99
- Reviewed by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 08/15/2011
- Updated on:11/23/2012
- Released on: 07/19/2011
The good: The Roku 2 XS is a small streaming-media box that costs only $100. It offers hundreds of streaming-video and -audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Vudu, Pandora, Mog, Rdio, and MLB.TV. Roku also offers cross-platform search, capable of finding content across major streaming services. The XS model also offers 1080p HD video, an Ethernet port, a motion remote, and a free copy of Angry Birds.
The bad: For twice the price, the XS doesn't deliver a lot of compelling additional features beyond those available on the Roku LT. For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Roku doesn't offer the same tight integration as the Apple TV's AirPlay functionality. The Roku 2 XS also lacks channels for YouTube and Spotify.
The bottom line: The Roku 2 XS is an excellent Internet media box, but most users will find the cheaper Roku LT or Roku HD models to be a better deal.
User reviews
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Not bad for the dough
by gadgetboy1977 on July 25, 2011
Pros: The unit is small and the picture quality is nice, netflix works well, and there are lots of channels to choose from.
It comes with angry birds and it is wireless out of the box or wired.Cons: No youtube and sometimes unit acts up.
Summary: This ilittle unit shows lots of promise.
Summary: This ilittle unit shows lots of promise.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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PURE JUNK and bad customer service
by ScottSJohnson on November 5, 2011
Pros: Small 30 day money back guarantee
Cons: Bad quality Bad customer service
Summary: I ordered this product straight from Roku and after about an hour of trying to hook it up, I decided to call Roku customer service. I'm not sure which ...
Summary: I ordered this product straight from Roku and after about an hour of trying to hook it up, I decided to call Roku customer service. I'm not sure which is worse, their quality control or their customer service. The brand new box they sent me was not able to connect with any network, it was defective, but their customer service was condescending and wasted my time. I've been around the block with troubleshooting my home network, I'm not an expert, but I know how to correct problems quickly. I had already tried nearly everything their customer service representative wanted me to do (reset Roku box, unplug and reset cable modem, soft reset wireless router etc) but they would not proceed with troubleshooting until I completed the steps they wanted me to complete (obviously from a manual.) After several hours on the phone, I had to go to dinner and had to disconnect. Before I called back, I reset EVERYTHING. I downloaded new firmware for my router, set up my network security, reset my cable modem, tested the connection with every gadget under the sun including my cell phone, tablet, PS3, Logitech Revue, and laptop. Every device was working flawlessly when I tried once more with the Roku. The unit still would not connect to my network. I called back Roku customer service and used my case number from the previous call. The CSR walked me through some more steps which were more advanced than the previous day but still obviously from a book, and he still would not take my word for any step that I had already completed. He told me to set my router to a set channel which I told him flat out was congested, but he didn't care, that's what the book told him. Finally, after completing the steps in the book, he told me that the box I had received was defective (DUH) and that they would send me a new one. I informed him that the only way I was going to monkey around with their products for one more minute was if I received a partial refund. They refused, so I told them that I would be returning the box for a refund. They wouldn't even send me the return slip from customer service, I had to log onto their website and request a return even though their customer service determined that the unit was junk.
Bottom line: This is an inferior product with customer service that treats you like an idiot. I spent hours on the phone getting "help" that could have been published on their website. Avoid this product! I would give negative stars if I could.3 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Mediocre at best.
by drtrumpet2000 on August 17, 2011
Pros: Large number of channels including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.
Cons: Freezes constantly
No dual band support
No power button
Lackluster menu layout
FREEZES CONSTANTLYSummary: I owned a Roku XDS and recently upgraded to the Roku 2 XS. The menus seem faster to navigate, but beware of constant rebuffering and freezing. This device seems like ...
Summary: I owned a Roku XDS and recently upgraded to the Roku 2 XS. The menus seem faster to navigate, but beware of constant rebuffering and freezing. This device seems like a downgraded version of the previous generation. Very, very disappointing. Buy the 2nd generation on eBay for a fraction of the cost and save yourself a lot of frustration and headaches. I would give it 4 stars if they fixed the streaming issues, but as it stands, don't waste your money on this product.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is OK, but it has given me problems.
by Doctor Who on January 26, 2013
Pros: I love the amount of online streaming available to you, and for the price, it's very hard to beat.
Cons: I have had 2 units of this. The first one failed after having it for a short time. I've had the second one for a little over a year, but it frequently can't stream some titles from Netflix. In such cases I have to use my Blu-ray player to watch them.
Summary: This is OK, but honestly disappointing. If it weren't for the fact that I have a Blu-ray player that can stream Netflix reliably, then this would be terrible. Streaming ...
Summary: This is OK, but honestly disappointing. If it weren't for the fact that I have a Blu-ray player that can stream Netflix reliably, then this would be terrible. Streaming from my Roku 2 XS is inconsistent at best. When it works, its great. But when it doesn't, man it sucks.
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Customer Sup is awful I spent 45 mins trying everything
by bystulip on January 19, 2013
Pros: The Roku XS is great.
Cons: Customer Support is AWFUL. I spent 45 minutes trying everything I was advised to try ROKU XS still not working. When it did work it was fine but known that it has malfunctioned they are giving me a hard time to replace machine.
Summary: Customer Service please become more supportive.
Summary: Customer Service please become more supportive.
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Refreshingly simple and perfectly functional
by Luigi Semenzato on January 14, 2013
Pros: 1. Well thought-out UI, coupled with a small and friendly remote
2. Video is smoother than with expensive laptops
3. Additional stereo audio output offers extra flexibility
4. USB input may be useful (haven't used it yet)Cons: 1. No YouTube (yet?)
Summary: With so many manufacturers messing up so badly on usability and user experience, it's refreshing to see someone get it right. This tiny box is a pleasure to use, ...
Summary: With so many manufacturers messing up so badly on usability and user experience, it's refreshing to see someone get it right. This tiny box is a pleasure to use, because it is easy to understand what it does, and just as easy to make it do what you want. I have tried many of the channels and the quality of the video is consistently very high, with no dropped frames that I can tell. I was a little annoyed that I had to give Roku my credit card number to start using it (some channels must be bought from the Channel store, although most are free) but I didn't mind it too much, since all purchases are protected by a PIN (contrary to Amazon digital purchases). But other than that, the rest of my interaction with this device and its channels was positive and I am very happy to own it. I could probably have spent less than $89 and gotten a cheaper model, but since I expect to get a few years of use from it, the cost difference is almost a non-issue.
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Beware with avr's in the loop.
by d6500k on November 9, 2012
Pros: While doubtlessly the "content king", be wary of the kings clothes.
Cons: After months of communications with Roku, they have not addressed the issue (read fixed) of delivering a pink screen and crushed blacks with DD+ or 5.1DD engaged.
Summary: This can happen with several types of AVR's out there, in my case a middle caste Onkyo TX-NR 809.
I'm now looking for a better option for film ...Summary: This can happen with several types of AVR's out there, in my case a middle caste Onkyo TX-NR 809.
I'm now looking for a better option for film viewing with the aforementioned DD+/5.1 engaged. -
Needs lots of improvement, customer service terrible!
by coolvibes2020 on May 16, 2012
Pros: size and portability.
Cons: No Youtube access, it only has RATERIXX which is TERRIBLE,it has hardly any video selection at all, RATERIXX is a waste of time.I was forced to create an account and give my credit card after first bought.
Summary: We were at first excited to purchase Roku2 player at our Costco, but has been mostly a dissappointment, as mentioned in all the Roku cons above.Will be returning to ...
Summary: We were at first excited to purchase Roku2 player at our Costco, but has been mostly a dissappointment, as mentioned in all the Roku cons above.Will be returning to Costco and leaving same review there as well. Roku customer service also told us they make software changes and upgrades 1-2 times a month, after a few months , we have yet to see anything. They need to overhaul their entire customer service, just terribly lacking!
Not many options when it freezes up. No categories to separate free and pay channels. No response back from customer service, even when they promise to get back to you. Reps not properly trained. Does not play ISO Format. -
Best streaming device I've tried
by Beyondcom on May 15, 2012
Pros: Streams more smoothly than any device I've tried.
Works well on my slow Centurylink 1.5 MBPS DSL.
Nice, easy to use interface.
Roku Newscaster with NPR and many others.
Has more channels than other streaming devices.Cons: Minor installation glitch, see summary below (didn't allow enough room to explain the solution here).
Summary: One minor con from above:
When installing both XS boxes I had to turn off the DSL modem, turn it back on, and then plug in the Roku in that ...Summary: One minor con from above:
When installing both XS boxes I had to turn off the DSL modem, turn it back on, and then plug in the Roku in that order for it to find the internet. They would occasionally lose connection (maybe once every 2 weeks) and the process would have to be repeated. A firmware update solved the problem so just go to settings and get new updates. Glitch solved. BTW, I purchased an LT model recently directly from Roku and it did not exhibit this installation glitch since it already had newer firmware installed.
Summary:
I've tried various streaming devices and also Windows Media Center on a VERY fast PC with high end dual video cards. None of them worked even CLOSE to as well as the Roku. DSL here is limited to 1.5 MBPS and all the other devices had stalling problems. Many of them crashed after stalling. Only the Roku passed, and with flying colors. I have 2 ethernet wired XS Rokus and 1 LT connected wirelessly. They all work flawlessly. -
Have you called 'customer service"? WOW.
by Christopher715 on April 22, 2012
Pros: Would be great if they SUPPORTED THE THING. Customer service SUCKS big time!
Cons: After 2 "remote wands" the remote STILL doesn't respond correctly.
Summary: What started out as a "maybe this will be a cool device" turned into a small claims lawsuit (yes, I had to file a small claims lawsuit against the company)....
Summary: What started out as a "maybe this will be a cool device" turned into a small claims lawsuit (yes, I had to file a small claims lawsuit against the company).
If you REALLY want a effort in "futility", contact their "Magical Support Team" and if you can decipher their "bastardized English", I wish you luck!!!! You'll need it!!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Roku
- Part number: ROKU2XS
- Description: 600+ entertainment channels Works with virtually any TV Motion control for games Ethernet port and USB port
General
- Product Type Digital multimedia receiver
- Width 3.3 in
- Depth 3.3 in
- Height 0.9 in
- Weight 3 oz
Audio
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
Networking
- Internet Streaming Services Netflix,
HULU+,
Facebook,
Pandora,
Vudu,
Twitter Digital Media & Network Players
- Network player functionality Video streaming,
Music streaming
Inputs & Outputs
- Connections 1xComposite video/audio output(Mini-phone 3.5 mm)-Rear,
1xHDMI output(19 pin HDMI Type A)-Rear,
1xEthernet(RJ-45)-Rear,
1xUSB-Side Accessories
- Remote Control Type Remote control
- Included accessories [Jul 2, 2008 from CDS: Miscellaneous] A/V cable,
Remote control with motion control sensor,
AC power adapter,
2 AA batteries Power
- Power Consumption Operational 2 Watt
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 90 days warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 90 days,
Limited warranty
Product series
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Manufacturer: Roku
Specs: Digital multimedia receiver,
Internet video playback,
Internet radio playback,
Stereo,
Remote control -
Manufacturer: Roku
Specs: Digital multimedia receiver,
Internet video playback,
Internet radio playback,
IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi),
Stereo,
Remote control -
Manufacturer: Roku
Specs: Digital multimedia receiver,
Stereo
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Roku products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Roku
- Address:
399 Sherman Ave., Ste. 12, Palo Alto, CA 94306 - Phone: 1-888-600-7658
- Fax: 650-321-9648
