Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

What is transparency mode and how does it work?

If you’ve been shopping around for a new set of earbuds or headphones with the latest technology, like the recently announced 2nd generation of Apple’s AirPods Pro, you’ll see some of them boast about something called a “transparency mode.” It’s not immediately clear what that means or if it’s something that you want, so we’re taking a moment to go over this headphone/earphone tech, what it is, and when you would use it. Let’s get started with some answers to important questions!

A woman wearing the UE Drops custom-fit wireless earbuds.
Ultimate Ears

What is transparency mode?

To talk about transparency mode, we first have to introduce a different feature — ANC, or Active Noise Cancellation. This mode is found on an increasing number of today’s earbud and headphone models, and it works to silence external noises. ANC does this with mics that are actively picking up background noises and creating inverted soundwaves that help block those noises out. There are many ANC designs, but they all function in similar ways and excel at blocking out ongoing background noises such as the rumbling of a subway, passing cars, airplane cabins, and so on.

Transparency mode, on the other hand, is a solution when you can keep external noises at bay but still want to listen to something without completely blocking out the world. It can also be called social mode, world volume, and hear-through technology, among other names. These modes let some outside sounds filter through, so it’s no longer ANC, but you can still enjoy your music and podcasts, etc. Transparency modes can also help bypass passive noise cancellation or the natural sound-blocking seal made by in-ear earphones, for example.

How does transparency mode work?

Sometimes transparency modes simply turn off ANC, but they often go a step further. They use the ANC mics to pick up external sounds, then channel those sounds into the headphone speakers, amplifying surrounding sounds in addition to the music or other audio you’re listening to. That means you don’t have to take off your earbuds to get a crystal-clear listen to what’s happening around you and can switch back to ANC whenever you feel like it.

What’s the point of using a transparency mode?

It may sound weird at first, but we bet you can think of a few situations where you may be using your earbuds but need to pick up external sounds for safety or convenience. Common examples include:

  • Jogging alone, where you want to listen to sounds of nearby people, dogs, and vehicles that could pose safety hazards.
  • Riding a subway, bus, or train when you want to listen to announcements so you know when your stop is near.
  • Cleaning the house or cooking in the kitchen while you want to listen for sounds of a baby or toddler stirring in the next room.
  • Sitting at an airport or in a DMV, waiting for your seating or number to be called out.
  • Needing to briefly interact with someone, like a barista or clerk, with the intention of going back to your music afterward.

Can you adjust transparency modes?

It’s not always possible, but many transparency modes have an option to turn up or down the sounds that the mics are relaying, so you can control how much world noise is getting in or what volume it plays at until you find the right balance. Some transparency modes also include the option to either silence your music entirely or blend music and external sounds together.

A close-up of the new House of Marley Redemption ANC 2 True Wireless earbuds.
House of Marley

What kind of headphones have transparency modes?

As ANC has become more popular, so have transparency modes, so there are plenty of options. Among the most famous are Apple’s AirPods Pro and AirPod Max models, both of which offer ANC with a transparency mode option.

Stop by our list of the best earbuds you can buy, and you’ll see that our top pick, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, also come with a transparency mode to complement ANC. In fact, most of our picks for that list have the option, including Sony’s excellent WF-1000XM4 earbuds, as well as the patented high- and low-frequency cancellation technology found in the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. You can also check out our list of the best headphones for running to find more examples.

Currently, we’re seeing transparency modes most on the latest true wireless earbuds (those with no wires), but you can find it in other types of headphones as well. Remember, different brands may have different terms for it, even though the purpose is the same.

Does a transparency mode cost extra?

Transparency modes tag along with ANC. Active noise cancellation is an advanced feature that requires extra hardware and does tend to cost more compared to headphones without it. However, as it’s become more common in recent years, prices are often reasonable. You can probably even find budget earbuds that have the technology.

Does transparency mode drain batteries faster?

Yes, it will drain your battery faster. Picking up and relaying outside sounds takes extra power, just as it does to cancel those sounds out. Expect your batteries to drain faster with any type of ANC turned on.

Do you really need a transparency mode on new headphones?

If you resonated with some of the cases we listed above, it’s probably a good idea to find headphones that include ANC with transparency mode. ANC itself is excellent for blocking out noise so you can really enjoy your music (especially if you’re into immersive experiences like Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos 3D sound), which means it pairs best with the highest-quality headphones. In general, if you find yourself rapidly switching between listening to your headphones and paying attention to the outside world in certain circumstances, then a transparency mode is worth having.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Tyler Lacoma
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
Best Bose Cyber Monday deals: Headphones, soundbars and more
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

It's no secret that Bose makes some of the best audio equipment available. One hint is right there on the price tag. Bose products are expensive. Thankfully there are some great opportunities to save money with Cyber Monday deals. We've gathered our favorites below, including soundbars, speakers, headphones and few more more goodies.
Best Bose soundbar Cyber Monday deals

There are multiple options for Bose devices in the available Cyber Monday soundbar deals, including the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, which we described as the best small soundbar in our list of the best soundbars. It provides excellent Dolby Atmos surround sound for its size, in addition to amazing music quality and an easy setup process. You'll have to act fast if you want it or any of the following Bose soundbar Cyber Monday deals though, as stocks may already be running out.

Read more
The 25 best Cyber Monday TV deals on LG, Sony, Samsung, and more
Digital Trends Best Black Friday 65 Inch TV Deals

Cyber Monday deals are live, giving you an awesome opportunity to save on big-ticket entertainment devices like TVs. It's not going to be easy to select your purchase though, so to help you narrow down your choices, here are the best Cyber Monday TV deals for each brand. We're not going to tell you what you should buy, as that will have to take into account several factors such as your budget and preferred features, but these lists should set you on the right course.

Beyond the potential savings, there are some things that stay consistent no matter when you're shopping for a new TV. While 8K TVs have become slightly more accessible, 4K TVs are still the norm, so you should check out our 4K TV buying guide for helpful advice. You may also want to take a look at our list of the best TVs to help you figure out what you want from your purchase. You'll also want to peek into our roundup of the best TV brands to help you select what you want, as TVs from a single brand are generally similar with their operating systems, compatibility with soundbars, and other things to consider.
Best TCL Cyber Monday TV deals

Read more
Best Roku Cyber Monday deals: Save on TVs and streaming hardware
The Roku Class Select Series 4K TV on a media stand.

Roku changed the game with its streaming sticks and boxes. Now any TV can become a smart TV with just a discreet USB or HDMI plugin. If you want to stream your favorite shows from Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video straight on your TV (and that tech isn't already built into it), grab a cheap Roku in the Cyber Monday sales.
Best Roku TV Cyber Monday deals

While some of the best TV brands use Roku for the operating system of their products, Roku has rolled out its own line of TVs. With resolutions ranging from HD to 4K Ultra HD, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite shows and movies with bright colors and sharp details, with prices that start from budget displays and going all the way up to premium screens. These TVs are also excellent for playing video games and accessing cable channels, and our recommendation is to go for the largest model that you can afford -- but consult our guide on what size TV to buy first to make sure that you have enough space.

Read more