The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni updates last year’s Nova Pro with two headline changes: a new omnidirectional microphone and expanded cross-platform support. For anyone who plays on multiple consoles or wants a single, high-end headset for PC, mobile and VR, those shifts make this model worth a close look today.
- What it is: A premium all-platform gaming headset that replaces the original Arctis Nova Pro.
- Price: $399 / £349 — positioned below SteelSeries’ top-tier Nova Elite.
- Best for: Competitive gamers, multi-platform users and casual streamers who want robust connectivity and strong sound.
- Main strengths: Detailed audio, wide connectivity options, comfortable fit and a dual-battery system that minimizes downtime.
- Main drawbacks: Active noise cancellation (ANC) is modest, and the headset is expensive.
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Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $399 / £349 |
| Colours | Black, Blue, White |
| Platforms | PC, Mac, Xbox, PS5, Switch, Steam Deck/handheld, Meta Quest 2 & 3, iOS, iPadOS, Android |
| Connectivity | Wired, 3 × 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth |
| Battery | Two swappable rechargeable cells (combined ~60 hours) |
| Drivers | 40 mm dynamic (10–40,000 Hz) |
| Microphone | Omnidirectional boom mic |
| Weight | 339 g / 11.9 oz |
Sound that puts game audio first
The Nova Pro Omni delivers a clear, well-defined soundstage that favors spatial detail — footsteps, reloads and subtle environmental cues are easy to locate. SteelSeries has retuned the drivers for a punchier low end compared with the original Nova Pro, so explosions and engine rumbles carry weight without obvious distortion.
Treble is clean and airy, lending useful separation for competitive play, and midrange clarity helps voices and weapons sound natural. The headset also performs well with music: hi-res 96K / 24-bit wireless playback yields a surprisingly musical presentation for a gaming-focused design.
Controls and software: practical, not bloated
A compact USB DAC doubles as a control hub, giving quick access to EQ presets, mic levels and ANC toggles while you play. For deeper customization, SteelSeries’ GG app adds per-game profiles, a true custom EQ and a mixing interface called Sonar for streamers. The software is unobtrusive and stable — a pragmatic alternative to heavier suites from some competitors.
Comfort, build and everyday use
The headset uses SteelSeries’ suspended headband and plush memory-foam earcups, which remain comfortable during long sessions. The Omni’s build feels more premium than mid-range Arctis models, with metal accents and a refined volume wheel — small touches that lift the overall impression.
Adjustability is broad: both the headband and earcup sliders let you fine-tune fit. SteelSeries also repositioned the ANC mic housing to reduce rubbing on the ear’s rim, a thoughtful tweak for users who previously reported fit issues.
Connectivity and zero-downtime battery
Where the Omni stands out is in multi-device handling. The USB-C base supports three high-resolution 2.4 GHz links plus Bluetooth, and you can also plug in a wired source, allowing several devices to remain paired at once. For players who switch between console, PC and phone, that versatility removes friction.
SteelSeries’ dual-battery approach (the so-called Infinite Power System) supplies two cells, one powering the headset while the other charges in the hub. In practice this eliminates long breaks to recharge: each battery promises roughly 30 hours under typical use, though ANC and high-rate streaming reduce real-world runtimes.
Microphone: warmer, more natural — with trade-offs
The move to an omnidirectional boom mic aims to capture a fuller vocal range and produce a more natural tone. In tests the mic sounded clear and lifelike on the default flat profile, making it a solid choice for in-game chat and casual streaming.
That said, omnidirectional pickup will also capture ambient voices and room noise more readily than a tight bidirectional pattern. If you frequently share a noisy space, a dedicated standalone microphone will still outperform any headset boom mic.
ANC falls short of the hype
SteelSeries markets the Omni’s ANC aggressively, but the real-world effect is moderate. The system trims steady, low-level noise and dulls some background chatter, yet it won’t compete with the top noise-cancelling headphones that knock out louder, complex sounds. For most gamers who want to reduce music, keyboard clatter or traffic, the ANC helps — but expectations should be tempered.
How it compares and who should consider it
At $399 the Nova Pro Omni sits below SteelSeries’ premium Nova Elite but above the brand’s mid-range models. It competes with higher-end rivals such as Audeze’s Maxwell 2 ANC on price and feature set, trading some planar-driver advantages for a more flexible, multi-platform focus.
- Buy it if you own multiple consoles or devices and want one headset that covers PC, console, handheld and mobile with strong sound and a convenient battery system.
- Skip it if ANC is your top priority or you’re on a strict budget — you can find effective alternatives and cheaper Arctis models that sacrifice less-needed extras.
Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is a versatile, well-engineered headset that answers a common modern need: one serious gaming headset that spans platforms. Its audio tuning, comfortable fit and multi-link connectivity make it an attractive option for competitive and multi-platform players. The dual-battery system is a practical convenience that reduces interruptions, and the omnidirectional mic improves voice warmth at the cost of wider ambient pickup.
Its drawbacks are clear: the ANC is modest and the price is high. Still, for users who prize platform flexibility and sound detail over headline-canceling noise suppression, the Omni represents a thoughtful middle ground in SteelSeries’ lineup.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.