Friends, I’ve really been struggling lately. Commuting to work every day by subway, the surrounding environment is so noisy that I have to turn up the volume of my headphones to enjoy the music, which really ruins the listening experience.
Therefore, I have a strong curiosity about the noise reduction and transparent mode of headphones, especially wondering, ‘Do Bose headphones have a transparent mode?’ So I delved into the topic and embarked on a fascinating journey of discovery, which I can’t wait to share with you now!
Which headphones have an excellent transparency mode?
At a recent party, I was immediately attracted to my friend’s Apple AirPods Max – they looked amazing. When I spoke to him, he mentioned that the transparency mode was very practical, as it allowed him to hear the sounds around him clearly and not miss any details.
This aroused my curiosity, and after some research, I discovered that many headphones have a transparency mode:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony is a giant in the field of audio technology, and its transparency mode is undoubtedly top-notch, reportedly processing ambient sound very naturally.
- Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Earbuds: Despite their small size, they are packed with powerful features, including an effective transparency mode that allows you to enjoy music without missing important sounds around you.
- Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones: also equipped with transparent mode, which can perfectly blend in ambient sounds for a unique listening experience.
- Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless noise-cancelling headphones: this is what I initially wanted to find out – how effective is its transparent mode? This is really worth looking forward to.
The transparent mode experience of the Apple family
Once, while browsing in an Apple store, a friendly store assistant demonstrated the transparency mode on both the AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and the AirPods Max. Once activated, wow, I could hear my surroundings clearly and the quality of the music was not affected. Apple’s audio technology is really impressive, and the transparency mode is excellent, providing a great audio experience whether you’re shopping, exercising or commuting.
What’s so special about Bose’s transparency mode?
At an official Bose event, I had the opportunity to experience Transparency Mode on the QuietComfort Ultra and QuietComfort 45.
It was very comfortable! The sound quality is consistent, ambient sound naturally comes through as if there were no headphones blocking it, and it blends in perfectly with the surroundings, demonstrating Bose’s deep expertise in audio technology.
The power of Sony’s Transparency Mode
One of my friends owns a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and he often praises the transparency mode. Once, we were on the bus and he put on his headphones and turned on the transparency mode.
The bus announcements were clearly audible and the background music played steadily. Sony’s audio technology expertise is fully demonstrated through the transparency mode, which is very impressive.
Other brands’ transparency mode highlights
- FIIL Pro: I discovered the FIIL Pro headphones at a digital product exhibition. The staff explained to me about its transparent mode and I tried it out. Although this brand may be relatively niche, I was very impressed that I could clearly hear the surrounding sounds in transparent mode.
- OnePlus Buds Pro 2: While browsing online for headphone reviews, someone shared their experience with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, specifically mentioning its transparent mode. It is said that in this mode, the ambient sound is clear and the sound quality is good. OnePlus continues to innovate in the field of headphones, providing users with more options.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: At a Samsung product experience event, I tried the transparent mode of the Galaxy Buds FE. When activated, I can easily perceive changes in my surroundings while listening to music, making daily commuting and conversations much more convenient and greatly improving usability.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: I often see people recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones on forums, praising their pure sound quality and realistic reproduction of ambient sound in transparent mode. I tried them on in the store and they really lived up to their reputation. Sennheiser has always excelled in sound quality, and the transparency mode continues this tradition.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: I noticed the Px7 S2e headphones at an audio equipment exhibition. The staff emphasised the headphones’ ability to capture sound details in transparency mode. I tried them on and found that the subtle sounds around me were clearly audible. The music played perfectly, which fully demonstrated the advanced audio processing capabilities of these headphones.
- Jabra Elite 65t Series: My colleague often wears the Elite 65t Series headphones, and he told me that their transparency mode is very practical. In the office, he can relax while listening to music and hear the voices of his colleagues at the same time, without missing important information, which greatly helps in daily work scenarios.
- Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro: I bought the Liberty 4 Pro headphones online and immediately tried the transparent mode. When I go for a walk outdoors, I can clearly hear the surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, while the music is playing normally, making the walk both safe and enjoyable.
What is the ‘magic function’ of the transparent mode of noise-cancelling headphones?
Have you ever been at home listening to music while waiting for a delivery? I often find myself in this situation, and I wish the headphones could let me hear the delivery person knocking on the door without interrupting the music. Then I discovered to my surprise that the transparent or through mode of noise-cancelling headphones can do just that!
This mode is like opening a small window for our ears, allowing specific noises to pass through without affecting the quality of the music.
Imagine wearing headphones, turning on transparent mode, and completely immersing yourself in the music while easily keeping up with your surroundings – it’s fantastic!
How was the transparent mode experience with the Bose QC45?
Once, in the headphone experience area of a shopping mall, I finally had the opportunity to try on the Bose QC45. I switched it to AWARE mode, and wow, it was amazing!
The ambient sounds that had previously been blocked by the music suddenly came through clearly and naturally, as if the headphones had disappeared.
One second I was lost in the world of music, and the next I was seamlessly back in the hustle and bustle of the mall. This amazing feeling was unforgettable and confirmed that the transparency mode of the Bose QC45 is truly impressive.
What is the unique charm of Bose’s transparency mode?
Aware – Bose optimised audio Total transparency
Once, I was walking in the park with my Bose headphones on, in Aware mode, and felt completely at one with nature. The music blended seamlessly with the birds chirping and the leaves rustling in the wind.
I was enjoying the music, but also really feeling the wonder of nature. It was a beautiful experience, and one I would have liked to have lasted longer. The ambient sounds of nature came to me naturally, as if the headphones weren’t even there.
Customise – personalise your listening experience
On my beach vacation, the sea breeze is too strong and it affects my music listening. However, I open the Bose app and try to create a custom mode. Based on the beach environment and my listening preferences, I personalise the noise cancellation and wind protection settings.
After setting up, I put on the headphones, and the effect is fantastic! I can clearly hear the sound of the waves without being disturbed by the whistling wind, and I can comfortably enjoy my leisurely beach time.
What useful modes do Bose headphones have?
I was frustrated when I tried to access the new modes on my Bose headphones and couldn’t find the access point. Then I learned that to access the Bose Headphone Modes, you need to set them as favourites in the Bose app.
By default, Quiet, Awareness and Immersion modes are added to the favourites. Armed with this knowledge, I immediately opened the Bose app on my phone and clicked on the ‘Modes’ option on the main screen to start customising my favourite modes. This makes it much easier to switch modes and allows me to find the mode I need at any time.
How do I activate the super-useful Transparency mode on my headphones?
Last week, I was running with my iPhone and wanted to listen to music, but also keep an ear out for my surroundings.
I followed the method I had researched earlier: First, I went to Audio and Video > Headphone Adjustment in the Accessibility settings, turned on Headphone Adjustment, then clicked on Transparency Mode to enable custom transparency mode and adjust the Ambient Noise Reduction slider.
With these adjustments, I found the perfect transparency mode setting. Now I can happily listen to music while clearly hearing passing cars, which makes me feel safer when running.
Do the Bose NC 700s have transparency mode?
Once, on a long-distance bus, the person next to me kept chatting, which gave me a headache. I quickly put on my Bose NC 700 headphones in the hope of silencing the surroundings. Recalling what I had learned, I set the active noise cancellation to 0 and sure enough, transparent mode was activated, significantly reducing the ambient noise.
If I don’t want to activate transparent mode and just want to turn off the active noise cancellation, I can easily do so via the Bose Music app. This way, I was able to enjoy some quiet, private time on the bus.
How do I choose between noise cancelling mode and transparent mode?
A few days ago, on the plane, the engine noise was so loud that I immediately switched to noise cancelling mode. It was instantly quiet, so I could concentrate on the movie and immerse myself in my own little world.
But after landing, while waiting for my luggage in the terminal, I switched to transparent mode. This way, I could hear the announcements clearly and notice if someone was calling my name, so I wouldn’t miss any important information. From my experience in different situations, I fully understand the characteristics of the two modes:
Noise cancelling mode
On a plane or in a particularly noisy office, noise cancelling mode is an absolute lifesaver. It actively blocks out most external sounds, creating a quiet little bubble that’s perfect for working, studying or just resting and focusing on your task.
Transparent mode
is really useful when running outside or waiting in a public place. It amplifies ambient sounds, so you can keep an ear out while enjoying your music. It’s really practical for safety and not affecting the enjoyment of your music.
Are the Bose QuietComfort headphones wireless?
I remember once attending an outdoor event and seeing someone wearing QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II. Out of curiosity, I asked them about their experience.
They told me that the noise cancellation was excellent, and it made them feel isolated from the outside noise, so they could better enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors.
This conversation made me realise that Bose has many excellent products in the field of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, which made me very interested in the Bose QuietComfort series.
Can Transparency Mode make you hear better?
I was once in a noisy café chatting with friends, and it was difficult to hear them. I put on my headphones and turned on Transparency Mode, and something amazing happened! It seemed that the headphones automatically pointed the microphone at my friends, making their voices very clear while reducing the surrounding noise.
In addition, in the Transparency Mode setting, you can adjust the ambient noise level, which is a very thoughtful design that immediately improves the communication experience.
How many modes does the Bose QuietComfort 45 have?
Last time I was at the gym, the sound of people talking and equipment clashing around me was unbearable with the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones on.
I immediately switched to noise cancelling mode and it instantly got quiet, allowing me to focus on my workout. During breaks, I pressed the control button on the back of the left earpiece to switch to Transparency mode, so I could have a pleasant chat with others and learn some fitness tips.
The Bose QuietComfort 45’s noise cancellation is particularly powerful, reducing unwanted noise and delivering exceptionally clear and realistic audio. It has Quiet and Aware noise cancellation modes to suit different scenarios – that’s really great.
How do I switch to the cool transparent mode?
Friends, although the method of switching to transparent mode varies depending on the brand and model, don’t worry – you can usually find detailed instructions in the headphones manual or in the relevant app.
For example, when I bought my new headphones, I easily found the way to switch to transparent mode by following the steps in the manual and enjoyed the convenience it brought. Like the Bose QC45, you can switch between modes by simply pressing the control button on the back of the left earcup – simple, right? Once you know how, you can switch between modes as needed.
Friends, after this thorough and in-depth exploration, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the various headphone models, especially the transparent model. Now, when choosing headphones, I know how to choose according to my actual needs.
I hope that my sharing can also help you, so that you no longer have to agonise over your choice of headphones, and help you find the one that suits you best!