Headphones with transparency mode enhance awareness of surroundings while listening to audio

Transparency mode allows headphones to let in outside sounds, helping users stay aware of their surroundings without removing the headphones. This feature is useful for hearing announcements or interacting in public spaces. Many headphones now include Transparency mode, not just high-end models. Apple's AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are well-known examples, but other brands like Sony and Bose also offer this feature under different names. Some budget headphones, like Sony's wireless earbuds, have started to include Ambient mode, which allows outside sound in. While the effectiveness varies, the growing presence of Transparency mode suggests it may soon be standard in all wireless headphones.