At Meta Join 2025, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a trio of latest good glasses, including to the prevailing assortment of good glasses supplied by Meta. We received 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 conserving them round as essentially the most inexpensive entry within the lineup, with the worth 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 photos, file video, and mirror earbud performance when paired with any telephone, however is the least costly pair your finest wager? Or must you get one thing a bit of 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 referred to as Ray-Ban Tales and debuted in September 2021, however the rebrand to Ray-Ban Meta for the second product was for an enormous purpose. Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) was an outstanding improve, providing Meta AI capabilities, considerably higher video and film 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 an exquisite pair of good glasses that I feel most individuals will probably be proud of. 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.
|
Model choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
3 Frames, 3 colours per fashion. Excessive and low bridge choices. Giant or small measurement (Wayfarer-only). |
|
Lens choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Clear, stable tint, Transitions, prescription (-6.00 to +4.00) |
|
Battery life |
⭐⭐ |
As much as 4 hours per cost |
|
Digicam high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p 30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 5 mics |
|
Further options |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digital camera and microphone entry, video livestreaming |
|
Value |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Begins at $299 |
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) helps a lot of the similar Meta AI options of newer Meta good glasses, with just a few notable exceptions. Whilst you can ask Meta what it sees or hears, it will probably solely course of a single audio cue at a time. This implies you may must ask questions one after the other, whereas newer Meta glasses help Meta AI stay dialog mode.
The Gen 1’s digital camera high quality can be nearly nearly as good because the Gen 2’s, regardless of the gulf in decision supplied in recording high quality. Footage 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 may be used to charging these glasses not less than 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 absolutely 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 pictures, compatibility with Fb and Instagram for fast sharing, and different perks that make them among the many finest good glasses accessible.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is essentially the most fashionable pair of good glasses Meta provides at this time. With over 150 completely different lens, body, shade, and elegance combos, there’s nearly definitely a pair that’ll suit you as a person.
It is also a palpable improve for among the lowest-ranking components of Gen 1. It practically doubles the battery life, which was the largest grievance in regards to the Gen 1 glasses. These run the identical inside {hardware} and cameras as Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses, so my battery checks there provides you with an concept of what to anticipate.
TLDR, Gen 2s ought to take round 60% extra pictures and video on a single cost than Gen 1s, and that is purpose sufficient to decide on them for anybody who desires these for his or her distinctive perspective.
|
Model choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
3 Frames, as much as 6 colours per fashion. Excessive and low bridge choices. Giant 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 |
|
Digicam high quality |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p/60FPS or 3K/30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 5 mics |
|
Further options |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digital camera and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, video livestreaming |
|
Value |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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 operating take a look at video for an concept of what you’ll be able to count on to see from Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2).
Along with the battery and digital camera upgrades, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) additionally provides Meta AI Reside dialog mode. While you say, “Hey Meta, go stay,” the AI will enter dialog mode and be capable 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 digital camera make Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) a superb selection as essentially 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 may consider if you hear the title. These pack the identical inside {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 digital camera high quality, video stabilization, battery life, audio high quality, and Meta AI choices as Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2). The match is extra cosy 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 decide one purpose to decide on Oakley Meta HSTN over Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), it could be for the PRIZM lenses. These specialised polarized lenses provide an additional vibrant shade palette for the world whereas concurrently blocking dangerous UV rays. Examine them out in our full Oakley Meta HSTN evaluation.
|
Model choices |
⭐⭐⭐ |
1 Body fashion, 7 whole body and shade choices. Excessive bridge and customary measurement solely. |
|
Lens choices |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Clear, Polarized, Transitions, PRIZM, prescription (-6.00 to +4.00) |
|
Battery life |
⭐⭐⭐ |
As much as 8 hours per cost |
|
Digicam high quality |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p/60FPS or 3K/30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 5 mics |
|
Further options |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digital camera and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, video livestreaming |
|
Value |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Begins at $399 |
Oakley Meta HSTN
In case you’re searching 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 function 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 had been iterations of each other, however Vanguard is the place the expertise forks a bit. These glasses are made for athletes who plan to file their actions with a extra handy hands-free digital camera as an alternative of strapping a GoPro to a helmet.
As such, they’ve a restricted variety of fashion choices, do not help prescription lenses, and solely include Oakley PRIZM lenses. You may simply swap out lens colours if you wish to purchase further ones, however there is no help for Transitions, polarized, stable shade, 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, routinely matching up recorded movies with health knowledge from these providers. You may even discover an overlay with this knowledge on recorded movies, which is fairly darn slick!
|
Model choices |
⭐⭐ |
White or black frames, 4 lens colours, one measurement. |
|
Lens choices |
⭐ |
PRIZM (non-polarized) |
|
Battery life |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
As much as 9 hours per cost |
|
Digicam 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 |
|
Further options |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digital camera and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, Strava and Garmin integration, IP67 water and dirt resistant |
|
Value |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Begins at $499 |
They help the identical high-resolution video seize as Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) and Oakley Meta HSTN, but in addition help 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 another 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 dirt resistance score, making them excellent 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 further battery to livestream your tips 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’ve got been ready for. With full eye safety, IP67 water and dirt resistance, 9-hour battery life, integration with Garmin and Strava, and new digital camera options like slow-mo and hyperlapse, these are an unbelievable 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 appear to be 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 normal, so you’ll be able to put on them in and out all day lengthy. The 6-hour battery life ensures you could get loads carried out 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 precise lens, illuminating when wanted to indicate you notifications, apps, and even a digital camera 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.
|
Model choices |
⭐⭐ |
White or black Wayfarer-style frames, customary or giant measurement. |
|
Lens choices |
⭐⭐ |
Transitions lenses built-in, Prescription accessible (-4.0 to +4.0) |
|
Battery life |
⭐⭐⭐ |
As much as 6 hours per cost |
|
Digicam high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
12MP ultrawide, 1080p 30FPS video |
|
Audio high quality |
⭐⭐⭐ |
76.1dB twin audio system, 6 mics |
|
Further options |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Meta AI with digital camera and microphone entry, Meta AI Reside, in-lens show, app help, digital camera viewfinder, Neural band gesture management |
|
Value |
⭐⭐ |
Begins at $799 |
Every pair comes with a neural band that is fabricated from “high-performance textiles” and matches in your wrist like a cushty bracelet. The specialised electronics inside perceive how human arm and hand muscular tissues work and are used to regulate the glasses with out a controller, contact, or perhaps a digital camera to see them.
With this, you’ll be able to reply to messages by writing on a desk (as for those who had been holding a pen), flip the music quantity up and down by rotating an invisible dial, and even flick by way of Instagram discretely utilizing your thumb. You may get an concept of how this works in our Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses hands-on.
They will even present stay 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 interchange your smartwatch and partially change your telephone, permitting you to maintain your eyes on the folks round you rather than down at your telephone. They’re the final word good glasses for individuals who have the finances. The $799 price ticket is exorbitant in comparison with the remainder of this record, however the capabilities right here make the worth greater than affordable.
Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses
Take a look at 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.
