Style meets substance — but are they worth the weight?
First Impressions
Tried in a pale beige (officially “Shiny Warm Stone”), the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses immediately strike a balance between classic Wayfarer charm and subtle tech integration. The translucent frame reveals a hint of circuitry – a design choice that feels more “tech-chic” than gimmicky. That said, they’re slightly heavier than expected, especially if you’re used to featherlight sunnies. The weight is evenly distributed, but after a few hours, you’ll know you’re wearing them.
What They Do
These aren’t just sunglasses – they’re a wearable assistant. Key features include:
- A discreet 12MP camera for hands-free photos and first-person video, ideal for travel creators and immersive storytelling.
- Open-ear speakers and five microphones for calls, music, and crystal-clear voice memos.
- Meta AI integration – letting you ask questions, translate in real time, or identify what you’re looking at.
- Touch controls and prescription options including Transitions and Polarised lenses.
- Livestreaming capability to Facebook or Instagram, for creators wanting effortless, on-the-go content.
The Daily Use
Battery life hovers around four hours per charge, but the stylish charging case is more clutch than compact and extends usage up to 36 hours. The open-ear audio keeps you aware of your surroundings while streaming music or handling calls, though don’t expect concert-hall acoustics. The camera is a step up from earlier wearables, but naturally lags behind your smartphone’s precision.
Market Reaction
Among early adopters and reviewers, the reception has been broadly positive. The glasses are applauded for discreet functionality and a genuinely useful AI assistant. Real-time translation and voice-controlled image capture feel futuristic and practical in equal measure. That said, some point out the limited battery life and dependence on Meta’s ecosystem as sticking points, and the design though stylish, carries a bit of extra bulk compared to standard specs.
Why Buy Them
For those looking to blend connectivity with style, these glasses offer one of the most polished executions yet. They’re particularly appealing to frequent travellers, creatives, and digital multitaskers who want hands-free functionality without compromising on aesthetics.
Pricing starts at £299, rising to £329 for Polarised lenses and £379 for Transitions putting them squarely in the premium eyewear bracket, though still more accessible than other high-end wearables.