All About Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Do you wear glasses? If so, how old were you when you realized you needed them to read or write?

Don’t worry! We’re not trying to sell you anything or collect personal details.

However, if you are someone who keeps up with the latest technology trends, you may have heard of devices like the smart headsets, smartwatches, smart speakers, and even smart locks. Yet, the most popular ‘smart’ device of late has been the smart glasses!

Well, Ray-Ban has now entered the game, partnering with Meta to bring Artificial Intelligence features to your eyewear. So, what exactly do these smart glasses do, and how do they stand out?

Let’s dive in!
 

Introducing Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses bring together style and technology in a way that feels both fun and futuristic. While the original Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, “Ray-Ban Stories,” were released in 2021, its second generation, “Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses,” was released in 2023.
 
During the release, they caught everyone’s eye (pun intended!). Along with blocking the sun and looking cool, they let users listen to music, take calls, and snap photos without ever reaching for their phone. They may seem a little over-the-top with a built-in camera and Meta AI voice commands, but they could be the perfect fusion of fashion and tech for the right person.

Here’s a quick breakdown of its specifications:
 

Price	$299
Connection type	Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi
Water Resistant	Yes
Waterproof	No
Storage	32 GB
Weight	133 grams (including charging case)
Mic	Custom 5-mic array
Battery Life	4 hours
Battery Life With Case	36 hours
Charge Time	1.2 hours
Camera	12 MP Ultrawide
UVA/UVB Protection	Yes
Compatibility	Google Pixel 5 and up, Apple iPhone 11 and up, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up

Want to know more? Well, read on for our deep-dive into the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses!
 

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Design

 

• Charging Case

  The charging case has a sleek faux leather finish that looks premium but feels a bit bulky. It can be tricky to fit into smaller bags, and getting used to the magnetic charging mount inside takes some time. However, the LED light on the flap is a handy touch, letting users check battery life at a glance.

• Frame Arms

  The sunglasses stay secure on the face, but the thick frame arms feel bulky after wearing them for a few hours. During long outings, the weight can become noticeable. However, comfort depends on the frame choice, as different models offer different fits.

• Comfort

  Despite the thicker arms, the sunglasses stay in place without slipping—a major plus compared to other smart glasses. Once adjusted to the fit, they remain comfortable for everyday wear.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Performance

 

• Audio Quality

  Smart sunglasses with built-in audio might seem unnecessary, but the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses prove otherwise. The open-ear design keeps users aware of their surroundings while delivering rich sound. Unlike the Amazon Echo Frames (Gen 3), which lack depth, these glasses provide clear mids and strong bass.

   

• Smart Features

  Touch controls feel intuitive and make it easy to adjust volume or skip tracks. Meta AI responds well to voice commands with a simple “Hey, Meta.” While deep testing of the AI is limited, it handles basic tasks like checking the weather and reading text messages smoothly.

• Camera

  The 12MP camera focuses on fun rather than professional photography. Some photos have a slight fishbowl effect, similar to the wide lens on a Samsung Galaxy phone – but the act of snapping a photo is effortless. Just look at the scene and press a button on the frame. Images upload automatically to Meta’s cloud storage, making sharing quick and easy.

   

• Location Tracking

  One major downside is the lack of location tracking. If the glasses get misplaced, left in a taxi, restaurant, or park, there’s no way to find them. Unlike the Amazon Echo Frames, which have a “find my device” feature, these glasses rely entirely on users keeping track of them. Worse, they pair easily with a new phone, making them a prime target for theft!

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Battery Life

The battery life of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is a bit underwhelming. They last about four hours, but that may not be enough for everyone. A quick trip around the city is fine, but the limited battery could be frustrating for those spending a full day outdoors—whether at the beach, a festival, or lounging in the park.
 
On the plus side, the charging case helps extend usage time, offering up to 32 additional hours of battery life. It also has a handy LED strip to quickly check the remaining charge, making quick top-ups convenient when on the go.
 

The Best Of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses truly shine when it comes to audio quality. The sound is so crisp and clear that it almost feels like bone conduction technology is behind it, but it is not in reality. The speakers deliver audio directly into the ears, making them a great alternative to in-ear earbuds for music and podcasts. Beyond comfort, this design allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, making them ideal for walks or commuting.

Pairing with a phone is seamless, functioning like any Bluetooth headphones. While there’s Spotify integration, users can stream from any preferred app. The speakers are directional, minimizing audio leakage and reducing the risk of disturbing those nearby. Media controls are built into the right arm, allowing users to adjust volume with a swipe or pause playback with a tap. Even calls sound impressively clear, though talking into thin air might attract a few curious glances.
 
Recharging is simple with discreet connectors under the nose bridge that clip into the case, which restores full power in just over an hour. The charging case uses USB-C type, so users will need the right cable and adapter.
Well, time for a verdict!
 

Smart Or Not So Smart?

Meta’s vision for AI-powered smart glasses is ambitious but raises some concerns. Future updates may allow users to ask questions about their surroundings, scan objects for details, or even generate photo captions. Such features will eventually make them wearable AI assistants. While this could be helpful in retail or travel, it also raises privacy concerns.

Some AI functions remain limited depending on location. Remember the Instagram reel where Mark Zuckerberg used the glasses to get hair-braiding instructions? Apparently, that is only available in the U.S., and even then, it's still in beta. Outside the U.S., users only get basic voice commands like taking photos or recording videos.

That said, the existing voice controls work well. Users can start calls, send WhatsApp messages, or dictate texts with a simple “Hey Meta…” command. Thanks to its five-mic array, voice recognition remains accurate even in noisy or windy environments. That’s quite smart, don’t you think?
 

Final Verdict

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses offer an impressive blend of fashion and technology, with standout audio quality, hands-free convenience, and AI-powered features that make everyday interactions easier. However, trade-offs like short battery life, privacy concerns, and the lack of location tracking could be deal-breakers for some users. Whether they’re worth the $299 price tag depends on how much you value open-ear audio and the ability to capture moments effortlessly.

As smart glasses evolve, they raise bigger questions: how much AI in our daily wearables is too much? Where should the line between convenience and privacy be drawn? If these glasses represent the future, are we ready to see it through their lens?