SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro vs Omni vs Elite

YouTube Link · Channel: Stream Tech Reviews · Host: Tim

Models ComparedNova Pro · Omni · Elite
Price Range$330 – $600
TopicGaming Headset Review

Key Takeaways

  1. All three headsets are wireless with simultaneous 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth dual connectivity
  2. Nova Pro Wireless ($330, 2022) is the base model — 40mm neodymium drivers, 24bit/48kHz max, swappable between 2 devices
  3. Nova Elite ($600, 2025) is the flagship — carbon fiber drivers, better bass, 24bit/96kHz, multi-system audio, backup mic, more metal
  4. Nova Pro Omni ($400, 2026) is the mid-tier: improved Nova Pro + Elite features, tuned to sound like Elite, lightest weight, best ear cushions
  5. Only the Nova Pro has separate Xbox vs PlayStation versions — Xbox version works on PS, but PS version doesn't work on Xbox
  6. Omni and Elite work on Xbox, PS5, PC simultaneously from one headset
  7. Bitrate ranking: Elite/Omni (24bit/96kHz) > Nova Pro (24bit/48kHz)
  8. All support wired 3.5mm; come with 2× 5ft USB-C to USB-A cables (Elite has 3)
  9. Game/chat audio mixing on Xbox works natively; on PC requires Sonar software; NOT available on PS5
  10. Base station (Nova Pro) vs compact transceiver (Omni/Elite) — base station is larger with built-in DAC/amp
  11. All include game/chat volume wheel + EQ + ANC + sidetone controls on device
  12. Elite's pleather pads are plusher but trap more heat — comfort is subjective

Quick Recommendation

Nova Pro$330Save money / don't need extras
Nova Pro Omni$400★ Best value · Most comfortable
Nova Elite$600Best overall (if price no object)

Full Comparison

FeatureNova Pro ($330)Nova Pro Omni ($400)Nova Elite ($600)
Launch202220262025
Drivers40mm Neodymium40mm Neodymium (Elite-tuned)Carbon Fiber
Max Bitrate24bit / 48kHz24bit / 96kHz24bit / 96kHz
DongleBase Station (larger)Compact transceiverCompact transceiver
Multi-system audioNoYesYes
Backup micNoNoYes
WeightMediumLightest ★Heaviest
Bitrate24bit/48kHz24bit/96kHz24bit/96kHz
Game/Chat mix (PS5)NoNoNo
Game/Chat mix (Xbox)Yes (native)Yes (native)Yes (native)
Swappable circuit boardYes (Pro module)NoNo

Key Quotes

0:07 Tim: "These three are all wireless gaming headsets with simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio."
1:10 Tim: "The Nova Pro Omni launched for $400 in 2026, and it's basically a slightly improved Nova Pro with features and connectivity options from the Nova Elite included."
1:29 Tim: "It's definitely the most comfortable overall as it keeps the lighter weight of the Nova Pro. It's actually even lighter than the Nova Pro and it adds even better ear cushions."
16:31 Tim: "The Omni's drivers are a significant step down from the Elite. And for $400, I wouldn't want to step down from [the Elite drivers]."
1:40 Tim: "Get the Pro to save money. Get the Omni if you don't want to drop $600 on a gaming headset but still want some of the Elite specs. Get the Elite if you want the best overall gaming headset out."

Discussion Questions

Is the Omni's price-to-performance ratio better than the Elite given the driver quality trade-off?

Why does PlayStation lock out Xbox functionality while Xbox version headsets work on PlayStation?

How significant is the 48kHz vs 96kHz bitrate difference for gaming audio perception?

Is dual-connectivity (2.4 GHz + BT) worth the premium over single-connection gaming headsets?

Is the base station's swappable circuit board feature still relevant in 2026?