Smart glasses have evolved significantly since the fall of Google Glass. In the time since, this technology sector has subtly advanced, with firms such as Meta, Amazon, Snap, and Viture persistently pursuing the vision of futuristic eyewear. Unlike the bulky and obvious models of the past, today’s smart glasses often look like regular spectacles, integrating effortlessly into daily routines. Given these innovations, it's important to consider: What precisely are smart glasses, and how do they operate?
Smart glasses are innovative wearables that blend augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), audio functionality, and multimedia features, with different models offering unique options. For example, AR-equipped smart glasses can project digital information right into your line of sight. In contrast to standard displays, these glasses allow you to see through them, keeping your hands available to engage with virtual elements in your environment.
Although smart glasses have not completely fulfilled the excitement surrounding them at their inception, they still hold potential for transforming our engagement with the digital realm. Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset is paving the way for future advancements. These cutting-edge devices not only provide immediate information and support but also create captivating entertainment experiences. The leading smart glasses available today give us a sneak peek into a groundbreaking age of wearable tech.
Best Smart Glasses
What to Consider?
Even though smart glasses have existed for some time, they haven't really matched the rapid progress made in smartphones and other wearable technology. Nevertheless, we are gradually approaching the futuristic world envisioned in popular culture. If you're thinking about investing in smart glasses at this point, there are a number of aspects to think about.
1. Audio Quality: Look for glasses that offer clear sound quality, good bass reply, and adequate volume levels. Reading reviews and testing the audio performance can help.
2. Comfort and Fit: Since you’ll be wearing them for long periods, ensure the glasses are comfortable and fit well. Consider the weight, frame style, and adjustable features.
3. Battery Life: Check the battery life to ensure it meets your usage wants. Longer battery life is preferable, especially for outdoor activities or extended use.
4. Connectivity: Ensure the glasses have reliable Bluetooth connectivity and are compatible with your devices. Look for features like easy pairing and stable connections.
5. Microphone Quality: If you plan to use the glasses for calls or voice commands, assess the quality of the built-in microphone. Noise cancellation features can enhance call clarity.
6. Durability and Design: Consider the materials used in the making of the glasses. Look for options that are durable and possibly water-resistant, especially if you plan to use them outdoors.
7. Smart Features: Evaluate the extra smart features offered, such as touch controls, voice assistant integration, and customizable settings.
8. Style and Aesthetics: Choose a design that fits your personal style. Smart audio glasses come in various styles, so find one that you feel comfortable wearing.
9. Price: Set a budget and compare options within that area. Consider the value offered in terms of features and quality.
10. Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research the brand's reputation and read user reviews to gauge overall satisfaction and reliability.
How We Selected
Our suggestions stem from thorough evaluations and extensive studies. Hunter Fenollol, the Test Editor at Popular Mechanics, dedicated a month to examining different models, ultimately selecting the XREAL Air AR Glasses and TCL NXTWEAR S RayNeo XR Glasses as his favorites. For this update, I conducted a market analysis, assessing the newest models based on the criteria outlined earlier. Additionally, I drew from my own experiences with smart glasses and looked back at earlier Popular Mechanics articles. To round off my research, I took into account expert insights and consumer reviews from various sources in the industry.
1. XREAL AIR AR GLASSES
PROS CONS ✅Excellent picture quality ❌Lower 60Hz refresh rate ✅Fantastic virtual work experience
KEY SPECS SCREEN SIZE | Up to 201in. (AR mode) at 60Hz with 46 degree FOV | RESOLUTION | 1920 x 1080 per eye | BATTERY LIFE | N/A | CONNECTIVITY | USB-C port with video output. Adapter required for iPhone/Xbox/PS5/Switch. | WEIGHT | 79g |
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The Xreal Air Glasses, previously known as Nreal, stand out as the most comprehensive augmented reality eyewear on the market. They not only offer the experience of a private 130-inch cinema screen but also support a complete AR operating system for mobile use. This advanced spatial computing platform is referred to as Nebula, featuring a range of applications, such as Microsoft Office for productivity, virtual desktops compatible with both PC and Mac, and a selection of indie games housed in the AR Lab. While the Air’s visual performance is nearly on par with the best in its class, it falls short of achieving the same fluidity in gaming due to its 60-hertz refresh rate. Nevertheless, these glasses represent exceptional value, being the most budget-friendly option with an extensive array of features.
Slip on these circular lenses and plug the provided USB-C cable into a compatible device, like a smartphone or tablet, to project its display onto a sharp, virtual screen measuring 130 inches. However, by linking the USB-C cable to an Android device or a Mac that has the Nebula app installed, you gain access to the Air’s augmented reality platform. Rather than just a fixed display, you'll encounter an expansive 200-inch space filled with app windows that hover in your environment.
You can arrange and shift these displays, which encircle your field of vision like a curved screen. Your mobile device acts as both a touch interface and a motion controller for navigating this overlay. Integrated gyroscopes monitor your movements to position the cursor, while the touchscreen enables you to drag and tap for selection. When using several applications at once, just swipe to the right to expand them or swipe down to draw them nearer. You can pile up as many as you desire and rotate your head to explore the content. I mainly operated across three virtual desktops—Google Docs, Outlook for email, and live news updates.
When combined with the user-friendly touch controls on smartphones, the work environment becomes remarkably engaging. This is largely due to the display’s impressive brightness of 500 nits. However, even though it boasts a greater pixel density (49 PPD compared to the Rokid's 45 PPD), I found it to be somewhat less clear than the Rokid Max. In the single-screen projection mode, subtle details in films and gaming landscapes—like tiny cracks in a stone wall or the gentle ripples on a water surface—are not as clearly defined. Additionally, with a refresh rate of just 60 hertz, fast-paced games felt a tad sluggish, particularly when it came to precision targeting or cursor movements. That being said, whether you're watching videos or working, the experience remains quite similar, so this might not be an issue if you're not indulging in the latest high-end games at their maximum settings. Even without the attached light-blocking shield on the glasses, they're sufficiently bright to make out apps and text in a sunlit space. Nevertheless, the Rokid, with its superior brightness of 600 nits, delivers a crisper image in brighter environments.
In summary, the Xreal Air stands out as the top choice for smart glasses among the general public. They resemble an elegant set of fashionable sunglasses and provide a comprehensive augmented reality workspace, allowing users to manage multiple windows and engage in various tasks simultaneously. This extensive capability as a spatial computing device for productivity distinguishes it from other products, which typically offer a cinema-style display at a static distance. Although the selection of available apps is currently limited, the variety continues to expand month by month.
Although I haven't had the opportunity to try out the new Beam adapter yet, this device is designed to enhance connectivity options for both wired and wireless devices, including home gaming consoles. It features an integrated 4870-milliampere-hour (mAh) battery that boosts video processing capabilities, enriching the overall experience. Additionally, it can secure the digital display in a stable location within your environment and monitor your head movements to minimize any shaking.
2. TCL NXTWEAR S RayNeo XR Glasses
PROS CONS ✅Excellent comfort ❌Heavy ✅easy operation
KEY SPECS SCREEN SIZE | 130-in. at 60Hz with a 45 degree FOV | RESOLUTION | 1920 x 1080 per eye | BATTERY LIFE | N/A | CONNECTIVITY | USB-C | WEIGHT | 89g |
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While the TCL NXTWEAR S smart glasses may not boast the most vivid colors, their unparalleled comfort is a standout feature, thanks to a sleek design that keeps your eyes cool and offers low blue light protection. These glasses are ideal for long movie marathons or extended gaming sessions. TCL has successfully addressed the essentials in ways that competitors have not, making these glasses significantly more user-friendly. For instance, you won’t need to struggle to attach the front lens cover, as it utilizes an ingenious magnetic system that allows for quick and effortless changes. Although this may seem like a small detail, having physical buttons significantly simplifies the process of adjusting the volume and brightness or switching to 3D mode, compared to relying on a touch-sensitive surface or a complicated multifunction dial. Additionally, the NXTWEAR S is the only model we reviewed equipped with a Pogo USB connector. Similar to Apple’s MagSafe technology, this cable easily detaches, minimizing strain on the wire and enhancing convenience during travels.
Although its display is just as clear as the others at 1080p, the restrictions in brightness and refresh rate become particularly apparent during gaming sessions. I found myself needing to concentrate more to identify the flickering flames of far-off foes and to better predict incoming attacks in “Elden Ring.” On the other hand, I enjoyed watching films on the TCL more, as they are typically filmed at under 30 FPS, and the softer screen felt more natural, causing less eye fatigue—details like an actor’s five o’clock shadow or blemishes were still crystal clear. The speakers on the TCL delivered excellent bass and a truly immersive 3D audio experience. Additionally, you can connect another device via Bluetooth, allowing you to enjoy sound from your phone at the same time.
Remember that the wayfarer style of the glasses is more slender compared to the rounded designs of the other two pairs. This means you'll notice more of your surroundings in your side vision. I personally find this preferable when traveling, as it appears the most "normal" among the options (think of a classic pair of Ray-Bans) and has a more compact form. However, if you're in a bustling room, this heightened awareness might become a bit distracting. These glasses provide a premium feel and come from the most established brand of the three. That said, if you're looking for a multi-window virtual workspace or plan to mostly use them at home, other models offer a broader field of view and have computing features that the NXTWEAR S doesn’t provide.
Other Smart Glasses to Consider
1. Amazon Echo Frames Smart Glasses (3rd Gen)
PROS CONS ✅Fashionable design ❌Case doesn't support charging ✅Solid headphones replacement ✅Hands-free Alexa
KEY SPECS SCREEN SIZE | N/A | RESOLUTION | N/A | BATTERY LIFE | Up to 6 hours of continuous media playback | CONNECTIVITY | Bluetooth 5.2 | WEIGHT | 41g |
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The Amazon Echo Frames adopt a notably simpler design for smart eyewear, and this is quite advantageous. They resemble ordinary glasses and come in a range of shapes, sizes, and styles, allowing you to easily select a pair that fits your taste. Their sleek and timeless appearance includes UV400 protection, resistance to water and sweat rated at IPX4, polarized lenses, and an anti-reflective layer that minimizes glare. However, what truly enhances the Echo Frames is their exceptional open-ear audio experience.
The Echo Frames are crafted with an open-ear audio design that enhances the sound experience while enjoying music, tuning into podcasts, or making phone calls. This innovative approach directs sound straight to your ears, providing crystal-clear audio, while also keeping noise levels down for those nearby. Additionally, the Echo Frames come equipped with an automatic volume adjustment feature that alters the sound level in response to the surrounding noise. Essentially, they serve as a fantastic substitute for traditional wireless earbuds, delivering an immersive audio experience without the need for anything inserted into your ears.
Moreover, the Echo Frames come with adjustable buttons that allow users to manage calls and alerts, toggle the microphone, play or pause music, and interact with Alexa. Although they may not boast the widest range of features on the market, they provide reliable sound quality within a stylish design.
2. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
PROS CONS ✅Takes excellent photos and videos ❌Difficult to frame shots ✅Sleek, stylish design
KEY SPECS SCREEN SIZE | N/A | RESOLUTION | N/A | BATTERY LIFE | Up to 4 hours; Up to 36 hours with charging case | CONNECTIVITY | Bluetooth 5.2 | WEIGHT | 48.6 g |
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Equipped to take stunning pictures and videos, and even to broadcast live, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are designed perfectly for our current era, which is heavily influenced by social media. They boast a fantastic appearance, available in a wide range of styles, featuring two distinct frame designs, seven vibrant colors, and various lens choices. Additionally, they rank among the most advanced smart glasses on the market, offering versatile AI functions that can, for instance, interpret a sign or provide information about the historical significance of a building in your view.
Taking everything into account, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses truly resemble the experience of being in a spy film. They allow you to effortlessly share your perspective directly on Instagram or save it for later use. Additionally, these smart glasses are excellent for making phone calls and enjoying music, making them a versatile choice if augmented reality features aren't a priority for you.
3. Viture Pro XR Smart Glasses
PROS CONS ✅Triple-monitor virtual setup ❌Somewhat limited FOV ✅Excellent display quality
KEY SPECS SCREEN SIZE
| 135-in. at 120Hz with 46 degree FOV | RESOLUTION | 1920 x 1080 per eye | BATTERY LIFE | Up to 4 hours | CONNECTIVITY | USB-C | WEIGHT | 77g |
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For those seeking a personal cinema experience right before their eyes, the Viture Pro XR is the perfect solution. These innovative glasses offer a massive 135-inch display, transforming your beloved films into stunning visuals no matter your location. With the advanced Micro-OLED technology, the screen delivers remarkable brightness and vivid color quality, and it can be fine-tuned to accommodate individuals with nearsightedness.
The Viture Pro XR enhances spatial computing capabilities by linking directly to your Mac or PC, offering a versatile multi-display feature that accommodates various workspaces. You can arrange your displays in multiple ways, ranging from a single 21:9 ultrawide monitor to a dual setup that includes one vertical screen. Additionally, these glasses come equipped with an electrochromic film that effectively shields against surrounding light, ensuring total privacy. This means that anyone beside you won't have the chance to glance at what you're viewing.
Picture your perfect pair of smart glasses, and you’ll find that the Viture Pro XR gets remarkably near to that vision. Although they come with a hefty price tag, the array of features and the immersive viewing experience make the cost worthwhile.
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