When Ray-Ban first announced its collaboration with Meta, the reaction was a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. Smart glasses have struggled to find their footing in the past—too clunky, too gimmicky, not fashionable enough. But Ray-Ban has always had the edge when it comes to blending form and function, and with Meta’s tech thrown into the mix, the result is genuinely interesting. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been wearing the latest generation of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and a few things quickly became clear.
They Actually Look Like Normal Sunglasses
Let’s start with the design. If you’re imagining something overly bulky or overly “techy,” you’re in for a surprise. These glasses come in classic Ray-Ban styles—Wayfarer, Headliner, and so on—which means they’re indistinguishable from standard sunglasses at a glance. The lenses are available in different tints, and there’s even a prescription option for those who need it.
What struck me first was how lightweight they felt. Despite the embedded tech, they sit comfortably on the nose and don’t feel any heavier than my usual pair. This is especially impressive considering what’s inside: dual speakers, microphones, and a front-facing camera. It’s all tucked away with precision.
Surprisingly Good Audio
I expected the speakers to be the weakest part of the experience, but I was wrong. Audio is directed just above the ear and remains surprisingly clear even when walking through a noisy high street. You won’t get thumping bass or rich layering like you might from over-ear headphones, but for podcasts, calls, and casual music listening, they do the job very well.
Even better, they don’t completely block out environmental sound, which is ideal if you’re walking in busy areas or want to remain aware of your surroundings. Think of it more as a subtle soundtrack to your day rather than a full-on audio experience.
Hands-Free Photography Has Its Moments
One of the standout features is the camera, positioned on the front corner of the frames. With a simple “Hey Meta, take a photo,” you can capture what you’re seeing without reaching for your phone. The hands-free aspect feels natural surprisingly quickly. I used it most often while out on walks—snapping a shot of a nice view, a street scene, or just something I wanted to remember later.
The image quality is what you’d expect from a small lens on a pair of glasses: decent in good lighting, less so in low light. Video is similarly passable. You’re not replacing your phone camera with these, but for capturing moments without breaking the flow of what you’re doing, they’re genuinely useful.
The Voice Assistant: Useful, But Not Perfect
The built-in Meta AI assistant is the brains of the operation, letting you ask for directions, dictate messages, control music, and more. Most of the time it works smoothly, especially with simple commands. I used it to check the weather, change playlists, and take photos without issue.
That said, there were occasional misfires—misheard instructions or slower-than-expected responses. And naturally, there’s a slight learning curve as you figure out which commands work best. But it’s a promising feature that’ll likely get smarter over time with updates.
They Shine in Social Settings
Where these glasses really shine is in casual, everyday scenarios. Heading to a picnic? You can stream music without bringing a speaker. Cycling through the city? You can answer calls without fiddling with your phone. Travelling solo? Narrate a little video or snap a few candid shots of the journey.
They’re not for everyone, and they won’t replace every gadget in your pocket. But they do slot nicely into modern life, especially if you’re already comfortable with wearable tech.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is better than expected. With light to moderate use—taking a few photos, listening to music on a short walk, answering a call or two—they comfortably last a full day. The charging case is well designed and functions like an oversized glasses case, which is a nice touch. It gives them a quick top-up when stored and doesn’t feel like another cable-filled burden to carry around.
Privacy and Consideration
One area that can’t be ignored is privacy. A tiny light beside the camera indicates when it’s in use, but not everyone will notice it—or trust it. Wearing them in cafés or on public transport attracted the occasional glance, and understandably so. If you’re planning to use the camera or voice assistant in public, it’s worth being mindful of how that’s perceived.
The Verdict
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses don’t pretend to be revolutionary. Instead, they quietly slip into your routine and enhance little moments—without shouting about it. They look like proper sunglasses, sound good enough for casual use, and offer convenience that genuinely comes in handy once you get the hang of it.
For anyone who likes the idea of smart glasses but hates the look of them, these are worth considering. They’re stylish, subtle, and practical in a way that makes sense for real life—not just tech demos.
They’re not essential—but they’re the first smart glasses I’ve tried that don’t feel like a compromise. And that, more than any one feature, is what really stands out.
