SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Review: 96kHz Hi-Res Wireless Gaming Audio
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is a premium wireless gaming headset designed for gamers who use multiple systems and want excellent audio, strong microphone quality and advanced device mixing.
It combines 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Wireless audio, Active Noise Cancellation, ClearCast Pro microphone, AI Noise Rejection, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth and SteelSeries OmniPlay.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Wireless Over-Ear Gaming Headset |
| Drivers | 40mm Neodymium Magnetic |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz–40kHz |
| Hi-Res Audio | 96kHz / 24-bit |
| Wireless Codec | LC3+ |
| Wireless | 2.4GHz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| ANC | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
| Microphone | ClearCast Pro |
| AI Noise Rejection | Yes |
| Multi-Source Mixing | Up to 4 Sources |
| USB Connections | 3× USB |
| Line-In | Yes |
| Batteries | 2× Hot-Swappable |
| Software | SteelSeries GG / Sonar / Mobile App |
SteelSeries says the headset can work across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices through its OmniPlay system.
96kHz / 24-Bit Hi-Res Wireless
One of the biggest upgrades is support for 96kHz/24-bit wireless audio.
SteelSeries uses the LC3+ codec to deliver low-latency, high-resolution audio over wireless connections. The headset is also officially Hi-Res Wireless certified by the Japan Audio Society.
The 40mm neodymium drivers have an extended 10Hz–40kHz frequency range.
Sound Quality
The Nova Pro Omni delivers a detailed and energetic sound profile suitable for:
- Competitive FPS games
- RPGs
- Racing games
- Movies
- Music
- Voice chat
Independent testing found the default sound somewhat V-shaped, with boosted bass and treble, but SteelSeries provides extensive EQ customization.
OmniPlay Multi-System Audio
OmniPlay is one of the headset’s biggest advantages.
The GameHub can connect multiple devices and mix up to four audio sources at the same time:
2× USB + Bluetooth + Line-In
For example, you can:
- Play on PS5
- Listen to Discord from PC
- Receive Bluetooth audio from your phone
- Mix another external audio source
without constantly reconnecting devices.
GameHub Control
The included GameHub acts as the central control station.
You can adjust:
- Source selection
- Volume
- Audio mix
- EQ
- ChatMix
- ANC
- Battery charging
directly from the hardware.
This makes the Nova Pro Omni particularly useful for multi-platform gaming setups.
Active Noise Cancellation
The headset includes Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode.
SteelSeries claims its updated ANC can reduce more background noise than key competing gaming headsets under its test conditions.
Independent RTINGS testing found the ANC effective against common office, travel and environmental noise, although it still does not match the very best dedicated ANC headphones.
ClearCast Pro Microphone
The retractable ClearCast Pro microphone is one of the biggest upgrades over the older Nova Pro Wireless.
It uses an omnidirectional design and onboard AI noise rejection.
SteelSeries claims the AI system can reduce up to 96% of background noise under its independent lab test conditions.
RTINGS also found microphone clarity very good, with excellent noise handling even in busy environments.
AI Noise Rejection
Unlike the older Nova Pro Wireless, which depended more heavily on PC-side Sonar processing, the Nova Pro Omni includes onboard AI noise reduction.
That means the noise rejection system works across multiple platforms, not just PC.
This is particularly useful for:
- Discord
- Xbox chat
- PlayStation voice chat
- Streaming
- Work calls
Infinite Power System
The Nova Pro Omni includes two removable batteries.
One powers the headset while the second charges inside the GameHub. When one battery runs low, you simply swap them.
SteelSeries markets this as its Infinite Power System, effectively eliminating traditional charging downtime.
Independent testing measured roughly 27 hours per battery with ANC enabled, giving more than 50 hours combined before both batteries would need recharging.
Bluetooth + 2.4GHz
The Nova Pro Omni supports both:
Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless
Bluetooth
and can blend wireless sources together.
SteelSeries uses Bluetooth support as part of OmniPlay, allowing users to hear phone audio alongside gaming audio.
Mobile App
The SteelSeries Arctis Mobile App lets you adjust sound without returning to a PC.
You can access:
- EQ presets
- Game-specific profiles
- ANC controls
- Audio settings
SteelSeries also offers more than 200 game-specific EQ presets through its ecosystem.
SteelSeries Sonar
On PC, SteelSeries GG and Sonar provide deeper customization.
You can independently adjust:
- Game audio
- Chat
- Media
- Microphone
- EQ
- Noise reduction
- Compression
- Spatial audio
RTINGS highlighted this extensive customization as one of the headset’s strongest features.
Comfort
The headset uses:
- Memory foam ear cushions
- Vegan leather
- Suspended inner headband
- Adjustable earcups
SteelSeries designed the suspension system to distribute weight more evenly.
RTINGS found the headset comfortable for long gaming sessions, although the leatherette cushions can get warm.
Nova Pro Omni vs Nova Pro Wireless
| Feature | Nova Pro Omni | Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-Res Wireless | 96kHz/24-bit | More Limited |
| USB Inputs | 3 | 2 |
| Audio Mixing | Up to 4 Sources | More Limited |
| AI Mic Noise Rejection | Onboard | Mainly Sonar |
| ANC | Improved | Good |
| Mobile App | Yes | More Limited |
| Battery Efficiency | Improved | Lower |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
SteelSeries says the Omni improves connectivity, microphone performance, ANC and battery efficiency over the older Nova Pro Wireless.
Pros
✓ 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Wireless audio
✓ LC3+ low-latency codec
✓ Excellent ClearCast Pro microphone
✓ Strong onboard AI noise rejection
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Transparency Mode
✓ Mix up to four audio sources
✓ Three USB connections
✓ Hot-swappable dual batteries
✓ Excellent software customization
✓ PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch and mobile support
Cons
✗ Premium price
✗ ANC is not as strong as premium Bose or Sony headphones
✗ Plastic-heavy construction for the price
✗ Large GameHub reduces portability
✗ Only one Bluetooth device at a time
✗ Leatherette earcups can get warm
RTINGS also notes that the build uses more plastic than some competing premium headsets.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Rating
Sound Quality: 9.4/10
Microphone: 9.6/10
Wireless Performance: 9.7/10
ANC: 8.9/10
Comfort: 9.2/10
Connectivity: 9.9/10
Battery System: 9.8/10
Value: 8.8/10
Overall: 9.4/10
Verdict
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is an excellent premium gaming headset for players who use multiple platforms and want maximum connectivity.
Its biggest strengths are 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Wireless audio, OmniPlay multi-source mixing, ClearCast Pro microphone, onboard AI noise rejection and the hot-swappable battery system.
The biggest drawbacks are the premium price, plastic-heavy construction and ANC that still trails dedicated flagship noise-cancelling headphones.
For gamers switching between PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch and mobile, the Nova Pro Omni is one of the most flexible gaming headsets available.