At Meta Join 2025, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a trio of recent good glasses, including to the prevailing assortment of good glasses provided by Meta. We obtained to go hands-on with all of them, and I’ve used a number of pairs since 2021.
Regardless of popping out with a Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), Meta is not sunsetting the Gen 1s in any respect. The truth is, the corporate is retaining them round as probably the most reasonably priced entry within the lineup, with the value scaling up from there. In whole, Meta has half a dozen completely different good glasses to select from.
So which pair of Meta good glasses is best for you? All of them have Meta AI at their core and might take footage, document video, and mirror earbud performance when paired with any telephone, however is the least costly pair your greatest wager? Or must you get one thing somewhat extra premium? I reply all these questions and extra under.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1)
Regardless of what the title says, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) is definitely the second-generation Ray-Ban good glasses product. The unique was known as Ray-Ban Tales and debuted in September 2021, however the rebrand to Ray-Ban Meta for the second product was for a giant purpose. Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) was an outstanding improve, providing Meta AI capabilities, considerably higher video and movie high quality, encompass sound audio recording and playback, and higher battery life.
Regardless of Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) being the most cost effective of the bunch, they’re nonetheless a beautiful pair of good glasses that I feel most individuals might be pleased with. They arrive in three basic Ray-Ban types — Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler — every with a big selection of lens colours and tints. And sure, you’ll be able to even get prescription lenses from -6.00 to +4.00.
However Meta would not appear to be stocking all accessible lens colours for the Gen 1s anymore. As of this writing, Meta solely provides Wayfarer and Skyler on its web site, and Finest Purchase has a really restricted choice, as nicely.
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Fashion choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
3 Frames, 3 colours per fashion. Excessive and low bridge choices. Massive or small measurement (Wayfarer-only). |
|
Lens choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Clear, stable tint, Transitions, prescription (-6.00 to +4.00) |
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Battery life |
⭐⭐ |
As much as 4 hours per cost |
|
Digital camera high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p 30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 5 mics |
|
Extra options |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digicam and microphone entry, video livestreaming |
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Worth |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Begins at $299 |
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) helps many of the identical Meta AI options of newer Meta good glasses, with a number of notable exceptions. Whilst you can ask Meta what it sees or hears, it might probably solely course of a single audio cue at a time. This implies you will have to ask questions one by one, whereas newer Meta glasses assist Meta AI reside dialog mode.
The Gen 1’s digicam high quality can be nearly pretty much as good because the Gen 2’s, regardless of the gulf in decision provided in recording high quality. Photos are largely equivalent between generations, however video high quality is considerably higher on Gen 2s. Gen 1 additionally has worse video stabilization.
Battery life is the weakest a part of the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1). At simply 4 hours of most battery life per cost, you will be used to charging these glasses at the least as soon as per day. Fortunately, the included charging case makes it simple to prime them up on the go, and you can cost the glasses totally a number of instances over earlier than needing to recharge the case.
Ray-Ban Meta good glasses
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) packs in glorious audio system and mics, basic Ray-Ban types, respectably high-res images, compatibility with Fb and Instagram for fast sharing, and different perks that make them among the many greatest good glasses accessible.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is probably the most fashionable pair of good glasses Meta provides as we speak. With over 150 completely different lens, body, coloration, and elegance combos, there’s nearly definitely a pair that’ll suit you as a person.
It is also a palpable improve for a number of the lowest-ranking elements of Gen 1. It practically doubles the battery life, which was the largest criticism in regards to the Gen 1 glasses. These run the identical inner {hardware} and cameras as Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses, so my battery assessments there offers you an thought of what to anticipate.
TLDR, Gen 2s ought to take round 60% extra images and video on a single cost than Gen 1s, and that is purpose sufficient to decide on them for anybody who needs these for his or her distinctive perspective.
|
Fashion choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
3 Frames, as much as 6 colours per fashion. Excessive and low bridge choices. Massive or small measurement (Wayfarer-only). |
|
Lens choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Clear, stable tint, Transitions, prescription (-6.00 to +4.00) |
|
Battery life |
⭐⭐⭐ |
As much as 8 hours per cost |
|
Digital camera high quality |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p/60FPS or 3K/30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 5 mics |
|
Extra options |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digicam and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, video livestreaming |
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Worth |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Begins at $379 |
Video recording high quality additionally sees a considerable improve over the Gen 1s, with a brand new 60FPS recording choice, in addition to considerably higher stabilization. See this Oakley Meta HSTN working take a look at video for an thought of what you’ll be able to count on to see from Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2).
Along with the battery and digicam upgrades, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) additionally provides Meta AI Reside dialog mode. Whenever you say, “Hey Meta, go reside,” the AI will enter dialog mode and have the ability to see and listen to what you see in real-time.
That is an improve over the earlier Meta AI performance on Gen 1 glasses, as you’ll be able to stroll round and have a flowing dialog with Meta AI. It really works identically to Google Gemini Reside, besides that you do not have to carry your telephone (and it would not use a show).
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)
Double the battery life, higher AI options, and a higher-quality digicam make Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) a wonderful selection as probably the most fashionable AI glasses available on the market.
Oakley Meta HSTN
Oakley Meta HSTN are succesful, style-forward Oakley glasses with out that conventional Oakley “visor” look you would possibly consider once you hear the title. These pack the identical inner {hardware} as Ray-Ben Meta (Gen 2), so the one actual purpose to decide on them over these glasses is for the distinctive fashion.
They provide the identical digicam high quality, video stabilization, battery life, audio high quality, and Meta AI choices as Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2). The match is extra comfortable than Ray-Ban Metas and has a straighter temple design, whereas Ray-Bans have a curved temple tip that holds on to your ears higher.
If I needed to choose one purpose to decide on Oakley Meta HSTN over Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), it will be for the PRIZM lenses. These specialised polarized lenses supply an additional vibrant coloration palette for the world whereas concurrently blocking dangerous UV rays. Test them out in our full Oakley Meta HSTN assessment.
|
Fashion choices |
⭐⭐⭐ |
1 Body fashion, 7 whole body and coloration choices. Excessive bridge and customary measurement solely. |
|
Lens choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Clear, Polarized, Transitions, PRIZM, prescription (-6.00 to +4.00) |
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Battery life |
⭐⭐⭐ |
As much as 8 hours per cost |
|
Digital camera high quality |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p/60FPS or 3K/30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 5 mics |
|
Extra options |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digicam and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, video livestreaming |
|
Worth |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Begins at $399 |
Oakley Meta HSTN
For those who’re on the lookout for a sportier pair of good glasses with the identical smarts as Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), then Oakley Meta HSTN are for you! These even characteristic trademark Oakley PRIZM lenses and the smoothest video seize but.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
Oakley Meta Vanguard is the place issues begin to get attention-grabbing. Up till now, Meta’s glasses have been iterations of each other, however Vanguard is the place the expertise forks a bit. These glasses are made for athletes who plan to document their actions with a extra handy hands-free digicam as a substitute of strapping a GoPro to a helmet.
As such, they’ve a restricted variety of fashion choices, do not assist prescription lenses, and solely include Oakley PRIZM lenses. You possibly can simply swap out lens colours if you wish to purchase extra ones, however there isn’t any assist for Transitions, polarized, stable coloration, or clear lenses presently.
However what they lack in fashion, they greater than make up for in functionality. Oakley Meta Vanguard are the primary Meta good glasses that tie instantly into Garmin and Strava, mechanically matching up recorded movies with health information from these companies. You will even discover an overlay with this information on recorded movies, which is fairly darn slick!
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Fashion choices |
⭐⭐ |
White or black frames, 4 lens colours, one measurement. |
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Lens choices |
⭐ |
PRIZM (non-polarized) |
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Battery life |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
As much as 9 hours per cost |
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Digital camera high quality |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p/60FPS or 3K/30FPS video. Hyperlapse and slow-motion video recording. |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
82.1dB twin audio system, 5 mics |
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Extra options |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digicam and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, Strava and Garmin integration, IP67 water and mud resistant |
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Worth |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Begins at $499 |
They assist the identical high-resolution video seize as Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) and Oakley Meta HSTN, but additionally assist slow-motion and hyperlapse video seize. That is nice for individuals who like to trick off slopes or skateboards.
Plus, the open-ear audio system are repositioned and are 6dB louder than every other Meta good glasses. Meta says they’re good for listening to in as much as 30MPH winds, so you’ll be able to jam to tunes when you fly down the slopes. They’re additionally the solely Meta good glasses with an IP67 water and mud resistance ranking, making them good for some watersports.
Oakley Meta Vanguard has the longest battery lifetime of any Meta good glasses, however you’ll be able to’t use that additional battery to livestream your methods to the world. They’re additionally the most costly AI glasses Meta sells, beginning at $499.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
Oakley Meta Vanguard are the game AI glasses you have been ready for. With full eye safety, IP67 water and mud resistance, 9-hour battery life, integration with Garmin and Strava, and new digicam options like slow-mo and hyperlapse, these are an unimaginable improve.
Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses
For some folks, Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses are the one specs on this web page that meet the definition of “good glasses.” They could seem like a thicker model of Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) Wayfarer AI glasses, however there’s a lot extra to them, beginning with the lenses.
All Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses include Transitions lenses as a typical, so you’ll be able to put on them in and out all day lengthy. The 6-hour battery life ensures you could get lots achieved earlier than needing to cost, and the useful folding charging case matches in a bag or pocket, making it extra handy than different glasses on this web page.
A clear show sits inside the correct lens, illuminating when wanted to point out you notifications, apps, and even a digicam viewfinder. This show is totally personal and might solely be seen from the within of the glasses, making certain people round you’ll be able to’t learn your personal messages.
|
Fashion choices |
⭐⭐ |
White or black Wayfarer-style frames, customary or massive measurement. |
|
Lens choices |
⭐⭐ |
Transitions lenses built-in, Prescription accessible (-4.0 to +4.0) |
|
Battery life |
⭐⭐⭐ |
As much as 6 hours per cost |
|
Digital camera high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p 30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 6 mics |
|
Extra options |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digicam and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, in-lens show, app assist, digicam viewfinder, Neural band gesture management |
|
Worth |
⭐⭐ |
Begins at $799 |
Every pair comes with a neural band that is manufactured from “high-performance textiles” and matches in your wrist like a cushty bracelet. The specialised electronics inside perceive how human arm and hand muscle tissue work and are used to regulate the glasses and not using a controller, contact, or perhaps a digicam to see them.
With this, you’ll be able to reply to messages by writing on a desk (as when you have been holding a pen), flip the music quantity up and down by rotating an invisible dial, and even flick by Instagram discretely utilizing your thumb. You will get an thought of how this works in our Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses hands-on.
They’ll even present reside captions for somebody speaking to you, provide you with visible translations of indicators or different supplies, present turn-by-turn instructions, and extra with the in-lens show.
In essence, these good glasses are designed to exchange your smartwatch and partially exchange your telephone, permitting you to maintain your eyes on the folks round you rather than down at your telephone. They’re the last word good glasses for individuals who have the price range. The $799 price ticket is exorbitant in comparison with the remainder of this record, however the capabilities right here make the value greater than affordable.
Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses
Try Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses at your native Finest Purchase! Get fitted, take a look at them out, and order your personal pair on the in-store demo space.
