These days, game developers put a lot of emphasis on audio, not just graphics. So, to fully experience these interactive experiences, you’ll want to use gaming headphones that block out ambient sounds, allow you to experience crystal clear audio, and that offer both active noise cancellation and 360-degree spatial audio.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones offer all this and more, but at a premium price around $400. On the plus side, while these headphones can greatly enhance a user’s game play experience, they’re also ideal for listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, or participating in hands-free phone calls and video calls.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Gaming Headphones
When using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones, you don’t need to worry about device compatibility, since they support all popular computer and console gaming systems and mobile devices using a Bluetooth, USB, or Line-in connection. And using the included GameHub, up to five devices can be connected simultaneously, which allows for quick switching between devices.
Based on my testing, I quickly discovered that these are full-size, well-equipped headphones that include premium features and maximum customization options.
The folks at SteelSeries recently provided me with a review unit of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones which I connected to my Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Over several weeks, I used these headphones for gaming, hands-free calls, and for streaming music.
As you’ll discover, I was extremely pleased with my overall experience using these headphones and definitely recommend them to serious gamers who appreciate the added value that full-size headphones offer (compared to earbuds). Keep reading to learn more about these premium and versatile gaming headphones from SteelSeries.
Specifications
- Price: $400.00.
- Drivers: Custom 40mm Neodymium Magnetic (Hi-Res).
- Frequency Range: 10Hz – 40kHz.
- Headphone Impedance: 38 Ohms.
- Headphone Sensitivity: 98 bdSPL @ 1kHz/1mW.
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 1%.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Yes.
- 360-Degree Spatial Audio: Yes.
- Compatibility: All systems (PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, mobile devices, etc.) using OmniPlay.
- Audio Source Connections: USB 2x, Bluetooth, Line-In.
- Audio Adjustment Options: Sources, volume, mix, EQ, and more.
- Microphone: 1x ClearCast Pro retractable boom microphone with onboard AI noise rejection. .
- Bluetooth: 5.3 + LE Audio.
- Battery Life: Up to 50 hours (with ANC off) or 19 hours with Bluetooth + 2.4G and ANC turned on).
- No. of Batteries Included: 2.
- Headphone Weight: 0.74 pounds.
- Headphone Color Options: Black, White, or Midnight Blue.
- What’s Included: Headset, GameHub,2x USB-C to USB-C charging cables, microphone pop filter, cloth headphone carry pouch.
Pros
- Superior sound quality that’s immersive and customizable.
- The GameHub allows the headphones to connect to up to five sources simultaneously.
- Offers active noise cancellation (ANC) and 360-degree Hi-Res audio.
- Enjoy wireless or wired gaming headphones using virtually any gaming system/console.
- Control audio using the GameHub, onboard controls, or the mobile app.
Cons
- Expensive.
- The included cloth pouch offers little protection during transport.
- There’s nowhere to store the pop filter when the boom mic is retracted.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Headphones Were Designed for Serious Gamers
Available in black, white, or midnight blue, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones were designed with serious gamers in mind. They offer excellent sound quality whether you’re using a wired or wireless (Bluetooth) connection with your computer, gaming console, or mobile device. When used wirelessly, you can experience 96kHz/24 bit Hi-Res audio, while taking full advantage of the integrated active noise cancellation and 360-degree spatial audio.
One of my favorite features of these headphones is the retractable and flexible boom microphone that uses AI noise rejection to block out up to 96 percent of the ambient noise in the room. What this means is that while you’ll clearly hear the people you’re speaking to and gaming with, they’ll hear you too, even if there’s a lot of noise in your gaming space. When the mic isn’t needed, it virtually disappears into the headphones when retracted.
The advanced drivers used by these headphones offer excellent audio range and clarity, whether you’re listening to dialogue, music, sound effects, or any other type of audio.
What gamers will really appreciate about these headphones is how well the audio can be customized using the onboard controls, mobile app, or GameHub.
The audio source, volume, mix, and EQ, for example, are easily adjustable. And the two swappable batteries allow for virtually unlimited power. While one battery is used to power the headphones, the second one can be recharged within the GameHub.
Since everyone’s audio preferences are slightly different, I found it’s easy to adjust these headphones for each game being played. However, SteelSeries offers a library of audio presets for more than 200 popular games, from the Call of Duty series to Fortnite and the Grand Theft Auto games.
Ultimately, I discovered it’s the combination of active noise cancellation and 360 degree spatial audio that delivers the audio quality that SteelSeries promises from these headphones.
For me, the audio quality consistently lived up to my expectations. This quality, however, extends to other types of listening experiences, too. The headphones and boom mic do an excellent job making hands-free calls crystal clear, while the headphones alone (with the mic retracted) allow music and other forms of audio to be heard with the utmost level of realism, clarity, and immersiveness.
Using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Headphones
Initally setting up the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones is a quick process. What I spent the most time doing was tinkering with the various controls early on to discover what was possible and how tweaking the various audio settings impacted my overall listening experience.
The ability to adjust the levels of sound effects, dialogue, and music within each game makes a huge difference and is something you can’t do with non-gaming headphones. It’s these customization options that for me, really set these headphones apart from competitors.
Built into the right earcup is where the swappable rechargeable battery goes. The cover slides off (and is held onto the headphones using a twisting mechanism and magnets). I found it’s important to rotate the battery cover until it locks into the earcup to avoid the cover from falling off.
The magnets could be a tad stronger to really get the job done and ensure a secure fit. Inserting and removing the battery takes mere seconds. However, the two included batteries are small and thin, so it’s a good idea to store one battery within the headphones and the other within the GameHub so neither gets lost.
The included GameHub is truly the control center for these headphones. The listening options are adjustable using the dial and display on the front, while on the back you’ll discover three USB ports, one Line-In port, and one Line-Out port.
Two sets of USB Type-C to USB Type-C cables are included. As a gamer, you can decide if you want to take advantage of the MultiPort Bluetooth connectivity (which stores details about up to 10 devices), or use a USB or Line-In cable connection with your computer or gaming console. Either way, connecting your gaming devices to the headphones is a breeze. (You’ll pair the headphones via Bluetooth with your mobile devices.)
The onboard controls available while wearing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones include a volume/ChatMix dial control, a power button (that also serves as a source mix, pairing button, and quick-switch button), a mute button, Bluetooth media control, and a multi-function wheel for remote control over the GameHub.
These are all found on one of the earcups, along with the 3.5mm audio cable jack and the retractable boom mic. The buttons and dials integrated into this earcup are easily accessible, but since you can’t see the labels while you’re wearing the headphones, it will take some practice to learn the layout of the buttons and dials.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omnis are full size headphones that weigh in at 0.74 pounds. That said, the headband is fully adjustable to provide a snug, but comfortable fit. The earcups are made using soft memory foam covered with a leatherette material. This combination is designed to fully surround each ear and work with the ANC to block out unwanted ambient sound.
I found the earcups to be comfortable, since they put minimal pressure on the ear. However, if worn for extended periods, the snug enclosed fit around the ear does eventually start to generate some heat. This is something I’ve experienced with many premium headphones, so it’s not a drawback that’s exclusive to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones.
My Final Thoughts: Are the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Worth It?
There are plenty of premium headphones on the market that can be used for gaming. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) and Sony WH-1000XM6 are two popular options offered at around the same price point as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones. However, it’s these top-of-the-line headphones from SteelSeries that were designed specifically for gamers and that address the needs of gamers that go beyond just excellent audio quality.
I am a huge fan of the swappable batteries, onboard controls, and the ability to connect multiple devices with the headphones. These features make it easy to switch between a Windows PC, PS5, and iPhone, for example.
The retractable boom microphone with a flexible arm is also a welcome feature, since it can be tucked away when not in use. When extended, its arm is flexible and can be fully adjusted as needed. The included pop filter does make a difference in the mic’s performance, when when the boom is retracted, it must be removed. Unfortunately, there’s no convenient place to store this small sponge accessory, so it could easily get lost.
Using these headphones, I liked how the onboard controls, mobile app, and included GameHub offer a wide range of options for fine-tuning the audio, and that SteelSeries makes more than 200 audio presets available for popular games.
My biggest complaint about these headphones is that if you want to transport them, along with the GameHub, cables, extra battery, and other accessories, there’s no simple solution. All of these gear takes up a lot of storage space in a backpack or optional carry bag. But, if you leave the GameHub and related accessories connected at your primary gaming session, they’ll be ready anytime you need them.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Gaming Headphones
Yes, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones offer a lot of impressive bells and whistles, but what it comes down to is audio quality and the ability to immerse yourself in your favorite games by hearing the most realistic and clear sound possible.
Between the high-quality quality of the hardware, the integrated active noise cancellation, and the 360-degree spatial audio, this is exactly what you get from these headphones. So, if you have the budget, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headphones can be the perfect addition to your gaming setup.
They also make excellent everyday use headphones, too, but I would seek out other options for those who aren’t gamers. Especially if you can find them on sale, these headphones definitely offer good value.
