Turtle Beach Launches Affordable Alternative to SteelSeries Headset, Saving You $50

I was already a fan of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, so when the company unveiled its successor, the $399 Nova Pro Omni, on May 5th, I was eager to see what it had to offer. The design remains similar to the 2022 version, but it comes packed with enhancements like support for wireless hi-res audio (24-bit / 96kHz over 2.4GHz), improved microphone quality, and compatibility with all console models. The $599 Nova Elite only adds premium materials and larger drivers to the mix.

Things got interesting when Turtle Beach revealed its Stealth Pro 2 just weeks before the Omni’s launch. This headset clearly draws inspiration from previous SteelSeries models, featuring swappable batteries, a battery-charging wireless base station, a companion app for quick audio adjustments, and the ability to stream both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio at the same time. Plus, it supports wireless hi-res audio and comes in at a slightly lower price of $349.

To find out which headset offered the best value, I decided to test both side by side. I discovered that while the SteelSeries $399 Arctis Nova Pro Omni and Turtle Beach’s $349 Stealth Pro 2 both excel in various areas, their hi-res audio capabilities alone don’t justify a purchase. I couldn’t discern a significant difference between the hi-res audio and the standard bit rate (24-bit, 48kHz) on my Windows 11 PC.

I listened to several albums of lossless music on Qobuz and played a lot of Marathon, which is filled with subtle sounds that can signal danger. I wouldn’t call myself an audiophile due to my tinnitus, which limits my ability to hear certain high frequencies. However, I’m not alone in my inability to reliably detect the hi-res difference; everything sounded good, but not compelling enough to warrant a new headset.

If you don’t have all your gaming devices in one spot, the Stealth Pro 2 is the more practical choice. My devices are scattered throughout my apartment, so I appreciate the Stealth Pro 2’s button that allows you to switch between transmitters while maintaining a Bluetooth connection to my phone.

Both the Omni and the Stealth Pro 2 let you adjust equalizer and mic settings on the fly via a mobile app over Bluetooth, eliminating the need to rush to your PC for tweaks. However, the Turtle Beach headset offers more on-device controls. You can cycle through equalizers with a button on the Stealth Pro 2, and it features three dials for independent USB source and Bluetooth volume adjustments, as well as game/chat mix levels. You can also customize some additional inputs through the app, while SteelSeries relies more on the GameHub station for controls.

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni operates similarly to the Nova Pro Wireless but with some differences in execution. Its station serves as the central hub for all your gaming devices, provided they’re within 5 feet for the two included USB-C-to-USB-A cables. It can handle four wired audio sources (three USB-C and one 3.5mm line-in) and mix up to three at once, including Bluetooth. The mic is compatible across platforms, making the Omni a solid choice if you can keep its USB audio source-swapping base station close by.

Both headsets deliver rich, balanced audio that immerses you in gameplay. Even without their effective active noise cancellation, the ear pads do a good job of blocking outside noise. While both headsets offer detailed equalizer customization through their PC apps, I found the Omni’s sound profile more appealing, with stronger mids and highs, controlled bass, and clearer frequency separation. The Stealth Pro 2 is a close contender, though.

SteelSeries takes the lead in microphone quality, with its retractable boom mic outperforming Turtle Beach’s detachable flip-to-mute option. My voice comes through warmer and clearer, lacking the telephone-like quality of the Turtle Beach mic. However, neither headset can match the quality of a dedicated desktop microphone.

Most gamers likely have a preference for which headset suits their setup best. The Stealth Pro 2 is priced $50 lower than the Omni and includes several features typically found in SteelSeries headsets. However, it may not fit everyone’s setup or sound preferences.

The Omni is an excellent headset as well, but if your budget is capped at under $300, the SteelSeries Nova Pro Wireless remains a fantastic option, often available for around $270. Its absence of wireless hi-res audio isn’t a drawback for me, and there’s still a lot to appreciate about the design, comfort, and performance of the previous generation model.