TECHNOMALIST
SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pro Omni slots neatly between the existing Nova Pro and the top-tier Nova Elite, blending the plastic-and-steel build of the Pro with the refined tuning, active noise cancellation (ANC), microphones, and USB hub of the Elite. The result is a versatile $350 wireless headset aimed at multisystem, multimedia power users.
Two standout features carry over from the Nova Pro line: hot-swappable batteries and multisystem mixing. The USB hub charges a spare battery while the headset is in use, so swapping takes seconds and provides essentially infinite battery life—a trick no other gaming headset maker currently offers. A hidden USB-C port under the ear cup cover allows charging away from the hub.
Multisystem mixing is now expanded to handle up to four audio sources simultaneously—up from two on the older Nova Pro. Common scenarios like a console for game audio, a PC for Discord, and a phone for Bluetooth music put this extra capacity to use. The microphone also outputs to multiple destinations at once, making it possible to join proximity chat while on a Discord call. For gamers who genuinely need three or more sources, this added flexibility justifies the premium over the Nova Pro.
Audio quality sees meaningful upgrades even though the Omni uses the same 40-millimeter drivers as the Nova Pro. SteelSeries’ software applies game-specific EQ profiles, pulling important sounds forward. In testing with Marathon, environmental effects remained vivid while enemy footstep cues stayed clearly audible. Improved ANC, similar to the Elite’s, further enhances the experience. Music and movie playback reveals a richer sound, especially with music EQ presets applied—an area where the Omni markedly outpaces the older Pro. Wireless hi-res audio support is now included, another step up. Still, side-by-side with the pricier Elite, the Omni’s soundstage is less spacious and details are less delicate, a difference more apparent with music than with gaming.
The microphone has been upgraded to an omnidirectional pattern, delivering cleaner, crisper voice pickup than most gaming headsets, though the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro may retain a slight edge in sharpness. Background noise rejection—coughs, chair scoots, dog barks—works well on both.
Comfort remains a strong point, thanks to the “ski goggle” suspension strap and thicker ear pads versus the older Pro. A new dark blue color avoids overt gamer aesthetics, though the sage-and-gold Elite option is absent here.
At full price, the Omni offers tangible improvements over the Nova Pro—four-source mixing and upgraded wireless audio—but the gains are most noticeable for music and movies. For existing Nova Pro owners, an upgrade only makes sense if the extra inputs are essential. The Nova Elite demands an additional $200 for premium materials and its exclusive color; for most users, the Omni hits the sweet spot.
In short, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni matches the excellence of the Nova Pro while adding meaningful functionality for complex setups. It’s a feature-rich, elegant-sounding choice for serious mixed-use gamers willing to invest in high-end wireless audio.
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