Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 offers better value than SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, review finds
While the SteelSeries model delivers superior sound and microphone clarity, the Turtle Beach option provides greater connectivity flexibility and a lower price point, making it the more practical choice for most consumers.
The Verge has published a hands-on comparison of two premium wireless gaming headsets, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, concluding that the former offers superior value despite the latter’s technical audio advantages. Released on May 5 at a price of $399, the Omni positions itself as a successor to the 2022 Nova Pro Wireless, while the Stealth Pro 2 is priced at $349, making it $50 cheaper. Both devices support wireless hi-res audio at 24-bit and 96kHz over 2.4GHz, a feature highlighted by manufacturers but found by reviewers to yield no audible difference compared to standard 24-bit, 48kHz bit rates during testing.
Functionally, the headsets diverge significantly in how they manage connectivity and user control. The Stealth Pro 2 features simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, allowing users to maintain a phone connection while switching between wireless transmitters. It also provides extensive on-device controls, including physical dials for independent volume adjustment and game-chat mix levels, as well as a button to shuffle equalisers. In contrast, the SteelSeries Omni delegates most controls to its central GameHub base station, which can manage up to four wired audio sources and mix three simultaneously, provided the devices are within the reach of the included USB-C cables.
In terms of audio performance, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni was rated superior. Reviewers noted that the Omni delivers stronger mids and highs with better frequency delineation and more controlled bass compared to the Turtle Beach model. The Omni’s retractable boom microphone was also found to be superior, offering warmer voice reproduction with more detail than the Stealth Pro 2’s detachable flip-to-mute mic. However, the reviewer acknowledged personal hearing limitations, including tinnitus, which may affect the perception of high-frequency differences, a factor shared by many consumers who cannot reliably distinguish hi-res audio from standard formats.
The Stealth Pro 2 is described as being visually and functionally inspired by previous SteelSeries designs, featuring an AirPods Max-inspired aesthetic and swappable batteries. While it does not match the Omni’s raw audio fidelity, its lower price and flexible connectivity options make it a compelling alternative for users who do not have a centralized gaming setup. The Omni remains the better option for those who prefer a base-station-centric workflow and prioritise audio and microphone quality above cost.
For consumers considering alternatives, the previous generation SteelSeries Nova Pro Wireless remains a viable option, commonly selling for around $270. Although it lacks wireless hi-res audio support, it retains the core design and performance characteristics of the newer models, offering a budget-friendly entry point for those looking to stay under the $300 threshold without sacrificing significant functionality.
