Among the many gaming headset manufacturers on the market, few are performing as consistently well as SteelSeries. The new Arctis Nova Pro Omni is the latest proof of that dominance. As a fresh entry into the Arctis Nova line, it follows in the footsteps of the original Arctis Nova Pro—a headset that has remained a top recommendation for years.
While the improvements on this model are somewhat incremental, it remains a fantastic headset packed with features you simply won't find elsewhere. Priced at $400, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni sits just below the ultra-luxury tier of the Nova Elite. Despite the hefty price tag, the combination of sound quality, long-term comfort, and unmatched versatility makes this another certified winner for SteelSeries.
Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Design and Comfort
If it isn't broken, don't fix it. The ArctIS Nova Pro Omni sports a design nearly identical to the rest of the Arctis Nova roster. It features a slim, low-profile frame and the signature SteelSeries elastic headband, which uses adjustable notches to provide a comfortable fit atop your head. The telescoping arms slide continuously and feel secure once adjusted, and despite the thin profile, the build is both flexible and durable.
The headset's comfort is defined by several key elements:
- Premium Materials: Earcups are lined with deep foam padding and high-quality leatherette.
- Superior Seal: While leatherette can run a little warm, it provides a much better acoustic seal than velour or mesh.
- Ergonomic Fit: The earpads strike a perfect balance between firm and soft, sinking around the ears to allow for sessions lasting five hours or more.
- Integrated Mic: A retractable microphone conveniently tucks into the earcup to sit flush when not in use.
Onboard controls remain simple and intuitive. Aside from the Bluetooth toggle, all essential functions—including the power button, microphone mute, and volume wheel—are located on the left earcup. You will also find a 3.5mm audio jack for aux inputs. While there is a USB-C port, it is hidden behind a magnetic cap on the left earcup; however, you'll rarely need it outside of occasional firmware updates.
Innovative Features and Software Customization
The standout feature of the Arctis Nova Pro Omni is the return of the unique swappable battery system. The headset comes with two distinct battery packs: one resides in the headset, while the other sits in the base station to stay charged. This creates a near-infinite loop of power. Swapping them takes roughly 10 seconds, and if done quickly enough, the headset stays powered on throughout the process. Each battery lasts approximately 25 hours depending on your use of features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
The base station is the true heart of this setup. It offers incredible versatility for multi-platform gamers:
- Multi-Device Connectivity: Three USB-C ports allow you to connect three separate devices simultaneously.
- Universal Compatibility: You no longer need a specific model for Xbox, as all Omni base stations include Microsoft's proprietary wireless protocol.
- Audio Routing: Includes line-in and line-out ports, making it easy to integrate external speakers.
- Seamless Switching: Easily swap between PC, PS5, Xbox, and Bluetooth sources via the base station.
While using a base station instead of a small USB dongle might be slightly more cumbersome for some, the trade-off is worth it. The station features a large tactile volume dial and a monochrome LED screen with a touch button, allowing you to adjust settings on the fly.
For those who want deeper customization, the SteelSeries GG software suite offers granular control. You can adjust custom EQ, noise gates, and sidetone through an intuitive interface. For power users, enabling Sonar within the app adds an extra layer of depth, allowing you to assign up to nine custom profiles. This includes fine-tuning EQ bands and adjusting spatial audio behavior—switching between "performance" modes for competitive gaming and "immersion" modes for cinematic experiences.