Enter: The Razer Leviathan V2 X. A more affordable form of the Leviathan V2 that removes the external sub and is more compact overall. Now we’re talking! Obviously, you don’t get a smaller, cheaper form of something without making some sacrifices on the way and also the Leviathan V2 X definitely doesn’t have a similar audio chops since it's big brother but soon after weeks of usage I must admit I’m astounded by what this little thing is capable of doing – also it looks great as well.
Unboxing the Leviathan V2 X is a typically-Razer experience with the compact outer packaging revealing the bare essentials inside – a little instruction booklet, a USB-C cable and also the soundbar itself. Frustratingly, finding that the cable inside was USB-C on both ends meant I needed to run down to my local JB Hi-Fi and get an adapter in my PC’s USB-A ports.
If you’ve got an additional C-to-A cable available you can feasibly use that too, however the one Razer supplies includes a handy 90-degree bend to fit flush into the back from the soundbar so I wanted to stick to that. An adapter or alternate cable packed-in would have been super handy, but this is the budget form of the Leviathan V2 in the end, so a pared-back experience is sort of expected.
Thankfully that single USB-C cable acts as both a data connection and power delivery towards the Leviathan V2 X, which makes it very simple to situate on a desk without cable mess. It’s got Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities too, meaning you can slam that USB-C cable into a nearby wall adapter and use it as a speaker for your cellular devices, if that’s your schtick. If you’re not taking a super-immersive, cinematic audio experience at the computer desk, then simple is nice and simple is exactly what this soundbar delivers.
Outside from the Razer logo around the front and buttons on the top for input switching, volume and power, the Leviathan V2 X is really a svelte little number. It’s a Razer product so naturally it’s got Chroma RGB lighting, which you'll control with the Razer Synapse PC suite or the Razer Audio App.
Of course the real question is when the Leviathan V2 X performs like a soundbar, especially given the small form factor, low power draw and affordable price point. Within the Razer Leviathan V2 X are a couple of full-range drivers and two passive radiators that Razer reckons can are as long as 90dB when in a 1m range, that is probably a lot more than anyone want before them at a desk.
It lacks the sub and THX Spatial Audio capabilities of their bigger brother, however i was genuinely pleased with the sound it pumps in spite of all the above. It’s not really a particularly rich or powerful audio experience but it sounds great in many games I played with plenty of clarity and decent performance at higher volumes. I maybe wouldn’t go utilizing it like a main driver for listening to music but because a dedicated PC gaming speaker it’s perfectly decent.
All told, for less than $200 the Razer Leviathan V2 X represents decent value, particularly if what you’re searching for is a half-decent audio experience without adding an excessive amount of extra clutter and cables for your desk. Adhere to what they go bigger and better with something similar to the Leviathan V2 but this one’s small, easy and packs in some great features while punching above its weight class in sound. For someone like me, that’s about the best I can request.
Get yours here.
