I was scrolling through Twitter (sorry, X) when I saw someone live-translating a conversation in Tokyo using Ray-Ban Meta glasses. The video looked incredible—seamless, natural, like something out of a sci-fi movie. I thought, "This is it. This is the wearable tech moment we've been waiting for since Google Glass crashed and burned."

So I bought the Ray-Ban Metas. Then I bought the Solos AirGo3 because the AI coaching features sounded amazing for my running. Then Even Reals G1 showed up because I convinced myself I needed a "professional" pair for work calls. Before I knew it, my apartment looked like a failed Best Buy prototype lab, and my girlfriend started asking pointed questions about our shared savings account.

Here's what nobody tells you about the "AI smart glasses revolution": it's simultaneously more impressive and more disappointing than you'd expect. Some of these glasses have genuinely changed how I work and communicate. Others are expensive paperweights that I used exactly three times before relegating them to a drawer. And a few sit in that uncomfortable middle ground where they're almost good enough to be worth the hassle.

The truth is, we're in a weird transitional moment for smart glasses. The technology has finally advanced enough that these devices can do legitimately useful things—real-time translation, AI assistance, hands-free photos that don't look terrible. But we're not quite at the point where they're as seamless as just pulling out your phone. It's like we're in the iPhone 3G era of smart glasses: the future is visible, but you're going to deal with some jank along the way.

I'm writing this review because I wish someone had written it for me six months ago. Not the polished press release rehashes you find on most tech sites, but an honest account from someone who actually used these things in embarrassingly normal situations.

My methodology was simple but time-consuming: I wore each pair of glasses as my primary eyewear for at least two weeks. I used them in the situations their marketing promised they'd excel at. I subjected them to the chaos of real life—rain, subway commutes, loud restaurants, video calls with terrible lighting, and the ultimate test: whether I'd actually grab them instead of my regular glasses when rushing out the door.

I also spent way too much time in Discord servers, Reddit threads, and Kickstarter comment sections, tracking what early adopters were actually saying once the honeymoon phase wore off. Turns out, there's a huge gap between "this is revolutionary" (week one) and "I can't believe I paid $300 for this" (month three).

This review covers everything from the $300 mainstream options you can buy at Target to the $600+ enthusiast models that require joining waitlists and signing NDAs. I've organized it so you can skip to whatever matters most to you—whether that's finding the best option available right now, understanding what's coming next, or just learning from my expensive mistakes.

Fair warning: I'm going to be brutally honest about what works and what doesn't. Some of these products are made by companies that probably won't exist in two years. Some have serious privacy concerns. And some are genuinely impressive pieces of technology that still fail at the basic job of being comfortable glasses you want to wear.

The big question I'm going to answer: Should you buy AI smart glasses or wait for the next generation? Spoiler alert—the answer is more nuanced than you'd think, and it depends entirely on what you actually want to use them for.

Let's start with the big three that everyone's talking about, then dive into the weird, wonderful, and occasionally disastrous world of smart glasses alternatives.


Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Price: $299-$379 (depending on lens options)

Ray-Ban Meta

Meta (formerly Facebook) partnered with Ray-Ban parent company EssilorLuxottica to create smart glasses that don't scream "I'm wearing a computer on my face." They promise hands-free photos and videos, AI assistance through Meta AI, open-ear audio, and the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer styling that's been cool since the 1950s.

The pitch is simple: normal-looking glasses that happen to have a 12MP camera, speakers, and access to Meta's latest AI technology. Take photos with a voice command. Get answers without pulling out your phone. Listen to music or podcasts without blocking your ears. It's ambient computing that doesn't require you to sacrifice your personal style.

What Actually Works Well

I'm going to say something that surprised me: these are the smart glasses I reach for most often, and I'm as shocked as you are. I've spent the last decade being skeptical of everything Meta touches, but they've actually nailed the fundamentals here.

The form factor is genuinely good. If you handed me these without telling me they were smart glasses, I'd just think they were slightly chunky Wayfarers. They weigh 51 grams—barely heavier than regular sunglasses. I've worn them for 8-hour stretches without the ear fatigue I get from most wearables.

The camera quality legitimately impressed me. Not "good for smart glasses" impressed—actually good. The 12MP ultra-wide sensor captures 3024 x 4032 photos that look solid in good lighting. I've used these at concerts, family gatherings, and random moments when pulling out my phone would've killed the vibe. The first-person POV shots have a unique aesthetic that's grown on me.

But here's where these really shine: the Meta AI integration. After the December 2024 update, these glasses got access to Claude, Gemini, and GPT-4o through Meta AI. I can ask complex questions and get surprisingly nuanced answers. "What's that building?" while walking around a new city. "How do I say 'where's the bathroom' in Portuguese?" when traveling. "Summarize this article" while looking at my computer screen.

Ray-Ban Meta

The real-time translation feature is borderline magical. I tested this extensively during a trip to Madrid last fall. Looking at a restaurant menu, I said "Hey Meta, translate this to English," and it read out the menu items with explanations. Not perfect, but shockingly functional. This alone has made these worth the price for me.

The open-ear audio is better than expected. It uses directional speakers that beam sound toward your ears without blocking them. Can people nearby hear? Yeah, a little bit, especially if you're blasting music. But for podcasts and calls at reasonable volume, it's surprisingly private. The five-microphone array picks up my voice clearly even in noisy environments.

Battery life is realistic: 4-5 hours of moderate use (podcasts, occasional photos, some AI queries), which gets me through most of my day. The charging case provides two full charges and magnetically snaps the glasses in place—it's honestly more elegant than most phone cases.

What Doesn't Work or Disappoints

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: this is Meta, and you're feeding them even more data about your life. The privacy LED that lights up when recording is tiny—about the size of a grain of rice. While Meta claims they're not using your photos and videos to train AI (yet), the terms of service leave enough wiggle room to drive a truck through. If you're already uncomfortable with Meta's data practices, strap-on cameras feeding into their ecosystem probably aren't for you.

The video recording limit is 60 seconds unless you use a voice command to extend it, which feels arbitrary and annoying. Want to record your kid's entire school performance? You'll be saying "Hey Meta, keep recording" every minute like some kind of desperate robot.

The AI features are heavily dependent on internet connection. In areas with spotty cellular service, you're basically just wearing a camera with speakers. I tested these extensively on the NYC subway, and the smart features become dumb features real quick underground.

Live streaming to Facebook or Instagram is technically possible but awkward in practice. The quality maxes out at 1080p, there's noticeable latency, and you need your phone in your pocket with the Meta View app running. I've tried this exactly twice—once as a test, once by accident when I meant to take a photo. Both times were embarrassing.

The prescription lens process is more complicated than it should be. You have to order through Lenscrafters (in the US) or other authorized retailers, and the markup is significant. All-in cost with prescription lenses and blue light filtering? Easily $500+.

Voice commands work about 85% of the time, which sounds good until you're trying to capture a fleeting moment and have to repeat "Hey Meta, take a photo" three times while the moment evaporates. The wake phrase "Hey Meta" also makes me sound like I'm talking to Facebook's corporate overlord, which I guess I am.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Where these truly excel: travel, concerts, family events where you want to capture moments without a phone in your face. I've used them at my nephew's birthday party and actually got to be present instead of watching through a screen. The POV footage from a concert was better than shaky phone video from arm's length.

The AI translation during international travel was legitimately helpful. Not just menu translations—I used it to read signs, understand historical plaques, and even get real-time assistance during a conversation with a Portuguese taxi driver. It's not perfect enough to replace a human translator, but it's way better than fumbling with Google Translate on your phone.

For phone calls, they're surprisingly effective. I've taken dozens of calls while walking, cooking, and working, and people consistently tell me I sound clear. The multipoint Bluetooth means I can stay connected to both my phone and laptop, which is more convenient than expected.

Who Should Buy It

  • You want the most polished, feature-complete smart glasses available right now
  • You're already in the Meta ecosystem and aren't concerned about privacy
  • You value real-world AI assistance and translation features
  • You want something that doesn't look aggressively tech-y
  • You attend lots of events where hands-free capture makes sense

Who Should Avoid It

  • You have strong privacy concerns about Meta
  • You need professional-grade video recording (the 60-second limit is a deal-breaker)
  • You're not comfortable with people potentially overhearing your audio
  • You want something that works fully offline
  • You expect flawless voice recognition in all conditions

Solos AirGo3

Price: $299 (ChatGPT Plus subscription required for best features: $20/month)

Solos AirGo3

Solos positions the AirGo3 as your AI-powered fitness companion—smart glasses that provide real-time coaching, performance metrics, and conversational AI while you run, cycle, or work out. They promise OpenAI's ChatGPT integration for on-the-go assistance, high-quality audio, and fitness tracking that competes with dedicated running watches.

The core pitch: instead of glancing at your watch mid-run or fiddling with your phone, you get audio updates about pace, heart rate, and performance through natural conversation with an AI coach. Plus, they claim superior audio quality compared to typical bone-conduction or open-ear designs.

What Actually Works Well

The audio quality is legitimately impressive—better than Ray-Ban Meta by a noticeable margin. Solos uses SurroundSonic™ audio (their marketing term for well-tuned directional speakers) that delivers richer sound without blocking your ears. For podcast listening and music during runs, these are excellent.

The fitness tracking is more comprehensive than I expected. When paired with a heart rate monitor and the Solos app, I got real-time updates on pace, heart rate zones, distance, and cadence. The AI coaching feature will actually respond to your performance—if you're pushing too hard too early, it'll suggest backing off. If you're consistently finishing strong, it might propose increasing your target pace.

The ChatGPT integration works well when it works. During runs through unfamiliar neighborhoods, I've asked questions like "What's a good recovery routine for hip flexor strain?" and received coherent, helpful responses read aloud. The natural language processing is solid—you don't need to memorize specific commands.

Battery life for fitness activities is solid: 6-8 hours of active use, which is more than enough for even ultra-marathon training runs. The glasses are IPX4 water-resistant, meaning they've survived dozens of sweaty runs and light rain without issues.

The frame design is more athletic than the Ray-Ban Metas—lighter (43 grams) and with adjustable nose pads and grippier temple tips. They stay put during high-intensity interval training, which is harder than it sounds for glasses with embedded electronics.

What Doesn't Work or Disappoints

Here's the brutal truth: the AI coaching that's supposed to be the killer feature is frustratingly inconsistent. The voice recognition struggles with heavy breathing during intense efforts. I've had sessions where I tried to ask three questions and got zero responses because the AI couldn't parse my huffing and puffing.

The ChatGPT integration requires your phone in your pocket with the app running and a solid data connection. If you run in parks with spotty coverage or prefer phone-free runs, you're left with basic fitness tracking and audio—features your phone or running watch already handles better.

The subscription model is borderline insulting. You need ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) to access the premium AI features. So your $299 glasses become a $299 + $240/year investment for functionality that should arguably be included. The free tier gives you basic voice commands, but it's neutered enough to feel like a perpetual trial version.

Solos AirGo3

The fitness tracking is good but not great. It's not as accurate as dedicated running watches from Garmin or Coros. GPS tracking relies on your phone, which means if you're trying to go phone-free for runs, you lose distance and pace accuracy. Heart rate requires a separate chest strap or watch—the glasses don't have optical HR monitoring.

The smart features outside of fitness are limited. No camera, no photos or videos, no visual AI assistance. If you're not using these primarily for workouts, you're paying $299 for Bluetooth audio glasses with a chatbot—which is not a good value proposition.

The app ecosystem feels underbaked. Integration with Strava, TrainingPeaks, and other fitness platforms exists but is clunky. I encountered multiple instances where workouts didn't sync properly, requiring manual data entry or just giving up.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

These shine during structured workouts: tempo runs, interval training, long endurance sessions where having an AI coach talking you through performance makes sense. I did a marathon training cycle with these, and the real-time pacing guidance was genuinely helpful for staying in target zones during tempo work.

They're decent for commute listening—the audio quality makes podcasts and music enjoyable, and the open-ear design means you hear traffic and announcements. But at that point, you're using $299 glasses as $100 earbuds.

For casual AI assistance while walking around town, they're serviceable but not special. The ChatGPT responses are fine, but pulling out your phone is usually faster unless your hands are full.

Who Should Buy It

  • You're a serious runner or cyclist who trains 4+ times per week
  • You already have a ChatGPT Plus subscription
  • You value audio quality during workouts above all else
  • You're willing to carry your phone for full functionality
  • You find real-time AI coaching genuinely motivating

Who Should Avoid It

  • You want smart glasses for daily life, not just fitness
  • You prefer phone-free runs (the features degrade significantly)
  • You're not willing to commit to a $20/month subscription
  • You already have a running watch you love
  • You want photo/video capabilities or visual AI features

Even Reals G1

Price: $599 (prescription lenses included)

Even Reals G1

Even Reals markets the G1 as the professional's smart glasses—discrete micro-OLED displays that project information into your field of view for private notifications, presentations, and productivity. Think augmented reality for work: reading emails without looking at your phone, checking calendar appointments discreetly in meetings, or reviewing presentation notes while speaking.

The pitch is ambitious: true AR displays (not just audio or cameras) in a form factor light enough for all-day wear, with prescription lenses included in the price. They promise smartphone independence—handle notifications, messages, and basic tasks without pulling out your phone in meetings or social situations.

What Actually Works Well

When the displays work, they're genuinely impressive. The micro-OLED screens deliver crisp, bright text that's readable in most lighting conditions. I've used them to read through email summaries, check calendar items during back-to-back meetings, and review speaker notes during presentations. The privacy aspect is real—people next to you can't see what you're viewing.

The prescription lens integration is seamless and included in the base price, which is rare for smart glasses at any price point. The lenses are legitimate quality—I got my actual prescription from my optometrist integrated, and the optical clarity matches my regular glasses.

The voice control for basic functions (notifications, time, calendar) works consistently. Simple commands like "show my next meeting" or "read new messages" execute reliably without needing to repeat yourself.

Battery life is adequate: 6-8 hours of moderate use (checking displays intermittently), which gets most people through a workday. The case charges via USB-C and provides one full recharge.

The fit and finish feel premium. These look professional—more like high-end glasses than obvious tech. The build quality is solid, with metal frames and quality hinges that don't feel like they'll break after three months.

What Doesn't Work or Disappoints

Here's where I need to be really honest: these are uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. The displays are positioned at the top of your vision, which means you're constantly doing micro eye movements to check information. After a 2-hour meeting, I had eye strain headaches. After a full day, my eyes felt genuinely fatigued in a way that regular screen time doesn't cause.

The sweet spot for the displays is tiny. Tilt your head slightly wrong, and the text becomes blurry or hard to read. This makes them impractical for any activity where you're moving around—walking, turning your head in conversations, or basically anything except sitting still.

The companion app is bare-bones and buggy. Integration with productivity tools is limited: basic email and calendar support, but no Slack, no Teams, no document viewing beyond simple text. Given that these are supposedly "productivity" glasses, the lack of deep integration with productivity software is baffling.

Even Reals G1

Notifications are delivered as text summaries, but the character limit means most messages are truncated in useless ways. "Your package has been..." and then nothing. You end up pulling out your phone anyway to see the full context, defeating the entire purpose.

The social awkwardness factor is high. Even though these look relatively normal, the act of obviously checking your glasses for information during conversations is weird. People notice, and it creates the same disengagement vibe as checking your phone mid-conversation.

Setup is complicated enough that I had to watch YouTube tutorials from other users. The official documentation is sparse, and key features aren't discoverable through the app interface. This feels like an engineering prototype that shipped before the UX team got their hands on it.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

The only scenario where these consistently provided value: solo work sessions where I wanted quick reference to notes or calendar without alt-tabbing away from deep focus work. Writing code or documents while having instant access to specs or meeting details was occasionally useful.

For presentations, the speaker notes feature theoretically helps, but in practice, the awkward eye movements to read the displays made me look like I was reading off cards anyway. Traditional preparation worked better.

In meetings, these failed the fundamental test: checking them was more distracting and obvious than quickly glancing at my phone under the table. At least phone-checking is a universally understood social signal. Glasses-checking just confuses people.

Who Should Buy It

  • You're a developer or early adopter willing to beta test hardware
  • Your work involves frequent solo sessions with quick reference needs
  • You have a high tolerance for ergonomic discomfort
  • You want to support Even Reals' vision and influence V2 development
  • Privacy is paramount (truly nothing on screen is more private than AR displays)

Who Should Avoid It

  • You expect comfortable all-day wear (the eye strain is real)
  • You need robust productivity software integration
  • You want to use them in social situations without awkwardness
  • You're sensitive to eye fatigue or have vision issues
  • You expect polish and refinement (these feel very beta)

Actually Worth Watching

Baidu AI Smart Glasses

Baidu AI Smart Glasses

Chinese tech giant Baidu announced AI glasses in late 2024 with Ernie Bot integration (their ChatGPT equivalent). If they ship globally with solid AI features at aggressive pricing, they could disrupt the market. But see: Xiaomi, Oppo, and every other "coming soon" Chinese tech product.

Samsung AR Glasses

Samsung AR Glasses

Samsung has confirmed they're working on AR glasses in partnership with Google and Qualcomm. Given Samsung's hardware expertise and Google's software capabilities, this could be significant. But don't hold your breath—expected release is 2026 at earliest.

Apple Vision Pro Glasses

Apple Vision Pro

Apple has confirmed they're working on a lighter, cheaper version of Vision Pro, potentially in glasses form factor. If anyone can create the "iPhone moment" for smart glasses, it's Apple. But we're years away, and knowing Apple, the first version will cost $2,000+.


Buying Guide: What to Buy, What to Avoid, What to Wait For

Immediate Buys (Available Now)

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - $299

Buy if: You want the most polished, feature-complete smart glasses available right now. You value Meta's AI integration and don't have overwhelming privacy concerns. You attend events where hands-free photos/videos make sense.

Avoid if: Privacy concerns about Meta outweigh convenience. You need professional video recording. You want truly offline functionality.

These are the safe choice. The best smart glasses you can buy right now for general consumer use. Not perfect, but more functional and refined than anything else at this price point.


Wait for Version 2.0

Even Reals G1

he display technology is promising, but the ergonomics aren't ready. Eye strain and comfort issues prevent these from being daily drivers. Gen 2 needs to address the fundamental comfort problems before these are recommendable. Even Reals announcing lighter weight, better display positioning, or improved ergonomics. If reviews of the next generation mention significantly better comfort, reconsider.


Solos AirGo3

The fitness features are solid but require phone-dependence that undermines the wearable concept. The subscription model for AI features is frustrating. Wait to see if Solos 4 includes more features without requiring ChatGPT Plus, or adds standalone GPS. Announcements of improved independence from phone, included AI features without subscriptions, or integrated GPS for phone-free runs.


FAQ

Are smart glasses worth buying in 2025, or should I wait?

It depends on what you want them for.

Buy now if:

  • You want hands-free AI assistance and like Meta's ecosystem (Ray-Ban Meta)
  • You’re an endurance athlete needing real-time performance data (Activelook)
  • You’re a developer building AI wearables (Brilliant Labs Frame)

Wait if:

  • You want real AR with all-day comfort and robust apps (2026–2027)
  • You need enterprise-grade AR (current products are early-stage)
  • You expect Apple-level refinement (wait for Apple to enter the market)

Bottom line: Current devices—especially Ray-Ban Meta—offer real value, but the “iPhone moment” is still 2–3 years away.

Do I need prescription lenses, and how much does that add to the cost?

Prescription support varies widely.

Ray-Ban Meta: $100–$300 extra via Lenscrafters/Eyewear partners
Even Reals G1: Prescription lenses included in the $599 price
Solos AirGo3: Prescription inserts for $129 (less elegant but easier to replace)

Budget impact: Expect to add $100–$300 to the advertised price for most models. A “$299” pair often becomes $400–$500+ once you add prescription lenses.

How's the battery life really, and can I get through a full day?

Manufacturers overstate battery life.

Real-world usage:

  • Ray-Ban Meta: 4–5 hours moderate use; 3 hours heavy AI/calls
  • Solos AirGo3: 6–8 hours with fitness-oriented use
  • Even Reals G1: 6–8 hours light display use; 4–5 hours heavy use

Bottom line: None provide true all-day continuous smart features. Most offer a “workday with moderate use” experience.

Can people tell I'm recording them? Are privacy concerns real?

Yes—privacy concerns are significant.

Technical: All smart glasses show a recording indicator, but some (Ray-Ban Meta’s tiny LED) are easy to miss.
Social: Many people are uncomfortable with wearable cameras; expect questions or suspicion.
Legal: Recording laws vary. Audio often requires consent; private spaces may prohibit filming.

Reality: Social acceptance of camera glasses is still years away.

Do I need to pay for subscriptions after buying smart glasses?

No subscription required:

  • Ray-Ban Meta
  • Activelook
  • Amazon Echo Frames

Subscriptions required:

  • Solos AirGo3 → ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo) for premium AI coaching
  • Some enterprise AR platforms

Future risk: Meta could introduce a paid AI tier eventually.

Advice: Avoid glasses where core features require subscriptions.

What about audio quality? Can these replace my headphones?

Tier 1 — Best audio:

  • Solos AirGo3 (surprisingly good for music)
  • Ray-Ban Meta (great for podcasts/calls; decent music)

Tier 2 — Adequate:

  • Amazon Echo Frames
  • Activelook

Tier 3 — Minimal audio:

  • Display-focused AR glasses (Even Reals, Vuzix, etc.)

Reality: Open-ear audio can’t match earbuds or over-ear headphones. Great for awareness and mobility, not audiophile listening.

Can I use these for work video calls?

Good for:

  • Walking meetings
  • Clear voice quality
  • Hands-free convenience
  • Multipoint Bluetooth (laptop + phone)

Caveats:

  • Picks up ambient noise
  • Wind noise outdoors
  • No physical mute button
  • Looks unusual on-camera

Experience: Excellent for audio calls while moving; not ideal for formal video meetings.

How do these compare to just using AirPods or other earbuds?

Smart glasses are better for:

  • Situational awareness (running, city walking)
  • Avoiding ear fatigue
  • Visual AI assistance
  • Hands-free photos/video
  • A more professional appearance in meetings

Earbuds are better for:

  • Noise isolation & audio quality
  • Portability
  • Battery life
  • Price
  • Social acceptance

Conclusion: They’re complementary, not replacements.

What happens if I lose or break them? What about repairs?

Smart glasses are fragile and expensive to replace.

Ray-Ban Meta:

  • Loss/theft not covered without extra insurance
  • Repairs ~$150–$250; limited options

Most brands:

  • Minimal repair programs
  • Broken frames often mean full replacement
  • Water damage rarely covered

Advice: If you're prone to losing sunglasses, consider carefully before buying $300–$600 smart glasses.

Are any of these good for gaming or entertainment?

For Gaming:

  • Viture Pro XR — Great for console/PC gaming
  • Most others — Not gaming-focused

For Media Consumption:

  • Viture Pro XR — Primary use case
  • Rokid Max — Solid portable display
  • Others — Not ideal for movies

Bottom line: Gaming/media glasses (Viture, Rokid) are fundamentally different from AI-assistant glasses (Ray-Ban Meta).


Should You Buy Smart Glasses Right Now?

After six months and nearly $4,000 spent, here's my honest framework for deciding:

Buy Smart Glasses Now If:

You have a specific use case where they excel

Not "they seem cool" or "I want to try them"—actual specific scenarios where smart glasses solve problems better than your phone. Examples: frequent travel with language barriers, content creation needing hands-free capture, endurance sports where performance data in vision matters.

You're comfortable being an early adopter

You understand you're buying into an immature product category. There will be bugs. Social norms are unsettled. Some features won't work as advertised. You're okay with this because you value having access to emerging technology.

$300-$600 isn't a significant financial burden

If spending $400 on smart glasses means sacrificing other purchases, wait. This technology will get cheaper and better. Don't strain your budget for first-generation products.

You're specifically buying Ray-Ban Meta

These are the only smart glasses I'd recommend to regular consumers right now. They're polished enough, functional enough, and useful enough to justify the purchase for the right person. Everything else is either niche (Activelook), beta (Even Reals), or questionable (most others).


Wait If:

⏸️ You expect polished, mature products

We're in the awkward early phase. If you expect Apple-level refinement, wait for Apple (or at least wait 2-3 years for the market to mature).

⏸️ Privacy concerns about Meta/Amazon/etc. outweigh convenience

The best current products come from companies with questionable privacy track records. If that's a deal-breaker, wait for alternatives.

⏸️ You want "true AR" with robust ecosystems

Current AR display glasses have narrow FOVs, cause eye strain, and have limited apps. The AR glasses vision requires 3-5 more years of development.

⏸️ You're waiting for Apple

Apple's eventual smart glasses will likely be expensive and years away, but will probably set the standard for quality. If you're an Apple ecosystem person, waiting might make sense.


Definitely Skip If:

You're hoping smart glasses will replace your phone

They won't. They augment phone use; they don't replace it. You'll still carry your phone.

You rarely wear glasses/sunglasses normally

If you're not already comfortable with glasses on your face, adding electronics and weight won't help.

You work in privacy-sensitive environments

Many workplaces, gyms, and social spaces prohibit recording devices. Check before buying.

You want something everyone will think is cool

Most people's reactions range from curious to uncomfortable. Prepare for questions, skepticism, and some social awkwardness.


My Personal Recommendation

If you're seriously considering smart glasses right now, here's what I'd tell a friend:

  • For 90% of people: Wait another year. The technology is improving rapidly. Prices are coming down. Social acceptance is increasing. The next generation of products (late 2025, early 2026) will likely be significantly better than current options.
  • For the other 10%: Buy Ray-Ban Meta if you have specific use cases where their features genuinely help. Skip everything else unless you're a serious athlete (Activelook) or developer (Brilliant Labs).

What's Coming That Might Be Worth Waiting For

Meta Ray-Ban Meta 2 (Early 2026)

Meta is committed to the Ray-Ban partnership through multiple generations. The current success means a successor is inevitable.

What to Expect:

  • Improved displays (possibly micro-LED integrated into lenses)
  • Better AI integration as Meta's models improve
  • Longer battery life
  • More frame styles

If you like the Ray-Ban Meta concept but want better displays or improved AI, the next generation could be worth holding out for.

Apple Smart Glasses (2026-2027 at earliest)

Apple is confirmed working on lightweight AR glasses, though they're years away from launch.

What to Expect:

  • Premium price ($1,500+ likely for first gen)
  • Seamless iOS/Apple ecosystem integration
  • Focus on privacy and security
  • Polish and refinement that defines new standard
  • But: probably limited to Apple ecosystem

If you're deep in Apple's ecosystem and can wait 2-3 years, Apple's entry will likely set the quality bar.

Samsung/Google/Qualcomm Partnership AR Glasses (2026)

The three companies confirmed they're collaborating on AR glasses, combining Samsung's hardware, Google's software, and Qualcomm's chips.

What to Expect:

  • Android integration
  • Potentially more open ecosystem than Apple
  • Competitive pricing (lower than Apple, higher than Meta)
  • Focus on productivity and real-world AR overlays

If you're an Android user, this could be the answer to Apple's eventual glasses.

Meta Orion Consumer Version (2027-2028)

Meta demonstrated Orion prototypes with impressive holographic displays and neural interface controls. They confirmed consumer versions are years away.

What to Expect:

  • True AR with hand/neural interface controls
  • Expensive (possibly $2,000+ for first consumer version)
  • Requires separate compute puck
  • But: will likely define what "real" AR glasses can do

If you want to see where smart glasses are heading before committing, Orion represents the next major leap.


Wrap up

Six months ago, I was excited about smart glasses revolutionizing how we interact with technology. I imagined a future where I'd leave my phone in my pocket all day, relying on ambient computing through glasses that seamlessly integrated into my life.

The reality is more modest and honestly more interesting. Smart glasses in 2024 are useful gadgets for specific situations, not transformative tech for everyone. They're a first step toward something bigger, but they're just a first step.

I don't regret the money I spent—learning what works and what doesn't has value, and this review hopefully saves you from making the same expensive mistakes. But if I could go back and do it over, I'd buy only the Ray-Ban Metas and wait for everything else to mature.

The smart glasses revolution is coming. It's just not here yet. And that's okay. You don't need to be at the bleeding edge of every technology. Sometimes it's smarter to wait for the second or third generation, when companies have learned from their mistakes and built something genuinely great.

For now, if you're going to buy smart glasses, buy the Ray-Ban Metas and treat them as a useful supplement to your phone, not a replacement for it. Or wait another year and see what 2026 brings. Either choice is smarter than convincing yourself that half-baked products will magically improve your life just because they're new.

The future is exciting. But you don't have to pay to beta test it.


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7 Revolutionary AI Gadgets From Kickstarter 2025 | HumAI
Discover 7 groundbreaking AI gadgets from Kickstarter revolutionizing fitness, sleep, photography, health, automation, storage & more in 2025.