Razer’s new entry‑level head‑cushion speaker
Razer announced the Clio X at this year’s PAX West, positioning it as a more affordable sibling to the original Clio headset speaker that debuted in 2025. Priced at US$110 (around £85 after conversion), the Clio X is less than half the cost of the flagship model, making immersive audio on a gaming chair a realistic option for budget‑conscious gamers.
How it fits on a chair
The device is designed to snap onto the headrest of any Razer gaming chair – the Razer Iskur, Goliath, or the newer Razer Viper – using an adjustable nylon strap. No tools are required; you simply slide the strap over the head cushion, tighten it, and you’re ready to plug it into a power source. The strap’s flexibility means it can accommodate a range of chair designs, though it is officially supported only on Razer‑branded chairs.
Power and connectivity
Unlike the original Clio, which shipped with a dedicated power brick, the Clio X relies on a 15 W USB‑C power source. Razer recommends a Power‑Delivery (PD) 2.0 charger or a high‑capacity power bank – at least 10 000 mAh – to avoid throttling the speaker’s volume. A non‑PD charger will still work but may limit the maximum output, especially at higher listening levels.
For wireless transmission, the Clio X uses Razer’s proprietary HyperSpeed 2.4 GHz radio. The company claims the protocol, originally built for competitive‑grade mouse and keyboard links, delivers sub‑10 ms latency, which is crucial for games where audio cues need to be perfectly in sync with on‑screen action.
Acoustic design – smaller but still immersive
The flagship Clio featured 43 mm full‑range aluminum cone drivers. To cut costs and size, the Clio X swaps those for two 38 mm drivers paired with two 55 mm passive radiators. While the drivers are slightly smaller, the passive radiators help extend low‑frequency response, giving the speaker a surprisingly full soundstage for its compact form factor.
Razer also integrates THX Spatial Audio software, which upmixes stereo sources into a 360‑degree sound field. In practice, this means that even standard game audio can feel more enveloping when heard through the head‑rest speakers, a feature that previously required a separate soundbar or a full‑room speaker system.
Optional soundbar pairing
For users who want even louder output or a more traditional speaker layout, Razer notes that the Clio X can be linked to a Razer soundbar via the same HyperSpeed connection. This hybrid setup lets you keep the immersive head‑cushion audio while adding a rear‑facing speaker for extra punch.
Availability and UK considerations
The Clio X is now available for order on Razer’s global website and through major retailers such as Amazon, Currys PC World, and Argos. Shipping to the UK typically adds a modest import duty, but the listed price already reflects the US‑to‑UK conversion used by Razer’s European storefront, so UK customers should see the £85‑ish price tag at checkout.
For gamers who already own a Razer chair, the Clio X offers a low‑commitment upgrade path to spatial audio without the need to purchase a separate headset or a pricey speaker system. For those on a contract‑phone plan looking to maximise their gaming setup at home, the modest price means the device can be bundled with a 10 000 mAh power bank – many of which are now offered as part of phone carrier deals – keeping the whole rig under £120.
How it stacks up against alternatives
| Feature | Razer Clio X | Original Clio (2025) | Competing options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 / £85 | $230 / £180 | Logitech G560 (room speakers) – $200 / £155 |
| Drivers | 2×38 mm + 2×55 mm passive radiators | 1×43 mm aluminum cone | Varies – typically larger full‑range drivers |
| Wireless tech | HyperSpeed 2.4 GHz (≤10 ms latency) | Same | Bluetooth 5.0 (higher latency) |
| Spatial audio | THX Spatial Audio (software) | THX Spatial Audio | Dolby Atmos (headphones only) |
| Power | USB‑C PD 2.0 (requires external source) | USB‑C PD 2.0 (included charger) | Usually mains‑powered |
The table highlights that while the Clio X sacrifices some driver size and the convenience of an included charger, it still beats most Bluetooth‑based head‑rest speakers on latency and spatial processing.
Bottom line for UK gamers
Razer’s Clio X delivers a budget‑friendly route to 360° audio for anyone already invested in the Razer chair ecosystem. Its reliance on a USB‑C power bank means you can repurpose the same battery you might already carry for your Android phone, keeping the setup tidy and portable. The low latency HyperSpeed link ensures that the audio stays in step with fast‑paced shooters, and the THX Spatial Audio engine adds a sense of depth that would otherwise require a full‑room speaker array.
If you’re hunting for a contract‑phone deal that includes a high‑capacity power bank, pairing it with the Clio X could give you a complete gaming‑and‑mobile entertainment hub for under £130. For those who already own a Razer chair, the Clio X is a compelling upgrade that finally brings immersive sound to the headrest without breaking the bank.
The information in this article is based on Razer’s product announcement at PAX West 2026 and the specifications listed on the company’s UK web store.
