SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Review: Premium Gaming Headset for Versatile Players

As a specialist in gaming accessories, SteelSeries has added a significant new product to its lineup: the Arctis Nova Pro Omni. This headset boasts an impressive spec sheet that includes dual wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, removable battery, retractable microphone, and broad compatibility across all current platforms, including Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation, Switch, PC, and smartphones.

On paper, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni lacks nothing. But does this Bluetooth gaming headset really live up to all its promises in real-world use?

Specifications

A Premium Headset with a Refined Design

Right out of the box, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni makes a strong impression. The glacier white model tested here stands out from the typically dark and busy gaming headsets, offering a refreshing change. The stainless steel headband, removable magnetic earcup plates, and memory foam leatherette cushions are indicative of meticulous construction, fitting its premium pricing tier.

It’s worth noting that the earcup plates also house the batteries, a feature we’ll touch on later.

Ergonomics & Comfort

This is an over-ear headset. This means the cushions fully enclose the ears rather than simply resting on them. Weighing in at 339 grams, it is somewhat on the heavier side compared to others in its category, but not excessively so for a headset of this type.

A soft, pleasant-to-touch fabric carrying case is included in the box. However, a slightly more rigid case would have been preferable for more confidence during travel. The earcups can rotate flat, making it easier to lay the headset on a desk, though daily storage in a backpack might be avoided.

The button layout is thoughtfully designed, with all controls easily identifiable by touch alone, without needing to look at the headset. On the left earcup, you’ll find the volume wheel, power button, and the discreetly housed ClearCast retractable microphone. The right earcup hosts the dedicated Bluetooth button.

The GameHub

The included wireless GameHub is more than just a simple dongle. It serves multiple roles: a DAC (digital-to-analog converter, which converts digital audio signals into high-quality sound), a wireless adapter, and an audio control center.

Its display shows the connection status, battery level, and volume in real-time, while its notched wheel allows for precise volume adjustments. Its three USB ports and two jack inputs provide full connectivity for multiple consoles.

While compact and stylish, the unit does take up a bit of desk space, something to consider depending on your available room.

Remarkable Comfort

Comfort is undoubtedly one of the headset’s strong points. The elastic headband, a common feature on many SteelSeries headsets, distributes pressure evenly across the skull, avoiding any pain points even after several hours of use. After three hours of gaming, the headset becomes virtually unnoticeable. Even after a full day at the office, only a slight warmth under the earcups begins to develop, which is hardly a deal-breaker. It’s simply one of the most comfortable gaming headsets for long-term wear that we’ve tested.

OmniPlay: Practical Universal Connectivity

Setup is remarkably simple: the headset and GameHub are pre-paired at the factory, avoiding any tedious configuration on first use. Just plug the unit into a USB port, turn on the headset, and you’re ready to go. For new pairing in 2.4 GHz, navigating the GameHub menu takes just a few seconds. In Bluetooth mode, holding the dedicated button for four seconds initiates detection. There’s no NFC, but that’s not unexpected in gaming gear, and the experience remains seamless.

All controls are physical buttons, with no touch surfaces. This is a deliberate choice, perfectly suited for gaming where an accidental touch can be costly. The volume wheel is nicely indented, providing a tactile resistance that feels solid, reflecting the product’s overall quality. Button customization is done through the SteelSeries GG software on PC, offering interesting possibilities for those who want to dive deeper into settings.

OmniPlay, the Core Feature

This is where the headset truly distinguishes itself from the competition. The OmniPlay system allows for the connection and simultaneous mixing of up to four audio sources: two devices via 2.4 GHz, one via Bluetooth 5.3, and one via a 3.5 mm jack. In practice, this means you can listen to your PS5’s audio while receiving sound notifications from your smartphone, all balanced in real-time from the GameHub’s wheel. A feature that might seem trivial on paper, but it significantly alters daily usage habits.

Wired Mode & Software

The headset also supports wired connection via the 3.5 mm jack on the GameHub, a particularly useful feature for Switch in portable mode or when plugged into an Xbox controller. In wired mode, the headset operates in passive mode, not requiring the battery, ensuring continuous use even if the battery is depleted.

On PC, the SteelSeries GG is the most comprehensive tool available: a parametric 10-band equalizer, over 200 presets per game via the Sonar module, ChatMix to balance the mix between voice chat and game audio, management of sidetone, microphone gain, and ANC levels.

On consoles and mobile, the Arctis Companion app (iOS/Android) covers the essentials with a more limited but sufficient range of functions for everyday settings.

Adequate Noise Reduction, Without Revolution

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni incorporates an ANC that is adjustable across three levels: Low, Med, and High, plus an Off mode. It can be activated directly from the headset by navigating with the wheel and pressing it to confirm. On the GameHub, a small touch area allows switching between modes, either by tapping or holding it based on the desired action. The Transparency mode is managed separately via a double press on the power button of the headset.

Tested without music in various environments, it proves effective against continuous noises like PC fans, air conditioning, and general office buzz. These sounds are well-diminished from the Medium level, which adequately covers most common use cases. Close human voices are partially filtered without being completely erased, but unpredictable noises like construction work or passing cars still come through relatively clearly.

It does not compete with top consumer references like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and that’s not really its goal. For gaming use, it performs its role without any issues. Activation does not produce a notable clogging effect, which is always a plus. A slight hiss is noticeable in total silence at the High level, but it disappears as soon as the audio resumes.

Surprisingly Good Audio Quality

Technically, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni is well-equipped. Its 40 mm drivers, certified for Hi-Res Audio, are capable of reproducing sound details that many gaming headsets simply miss. The 2.4 GHz connection transmits up to 96 kHz / 24 bit, more than double the quality of a standard CD.

Bluetooth 5.3 is also included, with the latest LE Audio and LC3+ protocols for a stable and energy-efficient connection. However, LDAC and aptX are missing, which may disappoint the most demanding Android users.

Rediscovering Games Through Sound

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni offers a clean and balanced sound profile, with bass that is present but doesn’t overpower the rest of the audio spectrum. Settings can also be adjusted directly from the headset, by pressing the wheel and navigating through the GameHub’s display.

In gameplay, this makes a real difference. In Cyberpunk 2077, the rain, engine rumbles, and voices lost in the crowd: each sound detail finds its place. In Phasmophobia, pinpointing the exact location of a ghost’s noises becomes almost instinctive. This kind of precision genuinely alters the course of gameplay.

A Truly Convincing Microphone

The retractable ClearCast microphone extends from the left earcup, with an included pop filter, a thoughtful addition. Its main strength is noise reduction which works across all platforms, not just on Windows. This is an advantage over many competitors who limit this function to PC use only.

At a normal usage distance, the quality is quite good. The voice is captured cleanly, naturally, and prominently, with background noise effectively reduced without compromising voice clarity. Our interlocutors confirmed this. The automatic mute function when the microphone is retracted into its housing works flawlessly, without any issues.

The quality remains consistent even at a significant distance from the PC, offering real freedom of movement. Specifically, at the far end of a 70 m² apartment, next to the bathroom wall, it still performs well, and the audio signal remains very good.

Limitless Battery Life

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni adopts a unique approach to battery life in the market: a dual interchangeable battery system. Two lithium-ion batteries are included, and when one is depleted, it’s simply a matter of removing the right earcup plate to swap in the second. The depleted battery can then be recharged directly in its slot on the GameHub.

The manufacturer claims 30 hours per battery, a figure that seemed slightly optimistic in real-world conditions, with sessions typically lasting about 20 to 25 hours.

It’s hard to be definitive without precise timing on our part, but in practice, battery life is no longer a concern. With one battery charging on the GameHub while the other powers the headset, you’re never left without power. It’s a day-to-day comfort that’s hard to match, and you simply stop worrying about whether the headset is charged.

Rapid charging is another major plus: 15 minutes of charging provides 4 hours of use, and a full charge takes about 2 hours. In passive wired mode through the 3.5 mm jack, the headset operates without a battery.

Price and Availability

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni is available in Midnight Blue, White, and Graphite colors starting from May 5, at a suggested retail price of €399.99.