Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer eyewear review
Meta's collaboration with Ray-Ban has led to the release of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, an exciting step forward in wearable technology that combines style with functionality. Building on the foundation of the 2021 Ray-Ban Stories, these smart glasses offer enhanced features including better cameras, improved audio quality and seamless integration with social media platforms. While there are minor limitations, the overall package is impressive and caters to a variety of users looking for a stylish technology accessory.
Design and comfort
Right out of the box, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses retain the iconic look of the classic Wayfarer. At first glance, they look like any other stylish pair of sunglasses, making them an attractive choice for the fashion-conscious. They are a little heavier than the classic Ray-Bans, but the difference is not noticeable. I think having slightly heavier glasses is not a bad thing at all.
In terms of comfort, the glasses are slightly heavier than standard glasses, weighing 50 grams, which is 5 grams more than standard Wayfarers. However, once you get used to the weight, they are surprisingly comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The fact that they come in a variety of lens types - clear, photochromic or tinted - and can be customised with corrective lenses, makes them a more versatile option for everyday use. Saying that, if you are a corrective glasses wearer, you will have to order them with an exact prescription (which incurs extra costs) or switch between your regular glasses and these, making them much less convenient to use on the go. Unlike AR glasses/smartglasses such as the XReal Air, Ray-Ban Meta do not have a screen and are therefore unable to project content onto the wearer's field of vision. However, they plan to announce a cheaper version of the glasses Orion meta at 202y.
Camera performance and usability
One of the main highlights of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses is the 12-megapixel camera, an improvement over the 5 MP on the previous model. This improvement results in sharper images, with the resolution raised from 2592 x 1944 to 3024 x 4032 for photos and from 1184 x 1184 to 1376 x 1824 for video. In terms of image quality, colours are generally vibrant and detail is captured well enough for casual sharing on social media platforms. However, the images have a fisheye effect, which can make objects appear further away than they are, and framing the shot can be awkward. Often you'll find that the objects you were looking directly at are off-centre, requiring some awkward head movements to compensate.
The video bone is decent, but with some caveats. You can record up to 60 seconds of video at a time, which is ideal for quick clips on social media, but not for more serious vlogging or creating longer content. Video stabilisation is noticeably good and transitions between different lighting conditions are smooth. The ability to record video from a first-person perspective offers a unique point of view, especially for things like tours or casual moments. However, the relatively low resolution of 1376 x 1824 and the 3:4 aspect ratio may leave more serious creators looking for better tools and more flexibility in editing.
Meta has also introduced the ability to live stream directly from the glasses, but this feature is limited to Instagram and Facebook and has a maximum resolution of 720p. While the ability to switch between phone and glasses while live streaming is interesting, the quality and platform limitations make this unattractive for users who want to expand their creative output beyond the Meta ecosystem.
Sound quality and features
If there is one area where the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses really excel, it is the audio experience. With five microphones strategically placed along the frames and enhanced directional speakers, the sound quality for both music and phone calls is remarkable. The speakers sit just above the ears and provide clear sound with a significant increase in volume compared to previous models. I can also feel a subtle bass, but it's nothing crazy.
For music lovers or podcast enthusiasts, this can be a valid alternative to in-ear headphones, with the added advantage of leaving your ears open to ambient sound. Sound leakage is minimal, so even in public places you rarely disturb those around you. During conversations, the microphone works impressively well. Even in noisy environments, the person on the other end of the call can hear you clearly thanks to the noise-cancelling capabilities of the multiple microphones.
The voice control also works quite well. Commands such as 'Meta, take a picture' or 'Meta, start video recording' are quickly recognised and executed without much delay. However, Meta's more advanced AI voice features, such as asking for information or object details, are still in beta and currently only available in the US, limiting the full potential of the glasses outside this market.
Integration with social media
The Met has made it clear that these glasses are primarily designed for content creation, especially for users heavily involved in their platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. This is where the product really reveals its limitations. Sharing content is mostly seamless thanks to the Meta View app, which allows quick uploads of photos and videos. However, relying on the Meta ecosystem is problematic. While the app offers some basic editing tools (such as editing multiple clips and adding basic music tracks), it lacks the depth and precision that serious creators may need.
The real downside is the lack of freedom to share. Although you can export media to other apps such as Signal or even Bluesky, live broadcasts are locked on Instagram and Facebook. If you prefer Twitch or YouTube for your live content, you are at a loss.
Privacy concerns and public perception
One of the biggest challenges for smart glasses in general is the issue of privacy, and Meta has not done enough to address these concerns. Although a small LED indicates when recording is active, it is too subtle to reassure those around you that they are not being filmed. In tests, many people expressed discomfort and caution when they realised that the glasses could record at any time, even after being assured that the camera only works when the LED is on.
Furthermore, the idea of wearing a camera on one's face at all times inevitably brings back memories of the negative reaction of the 'glasshole', a term coined for Google Glass users who used a similar device without understanding the impact on social interactions.
Battery and operating time
The battery life of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses is quite good, giving an average of 6 hours of active use on a single charge. For fairly normal use, where you shoot a few videos and take photos, it holds decently, but heavy use of live streaming significantly reduces the runtime. Charging time is also around 90 minutes, which is decent. This allows you to easily incorporate it into your daily routine.
Impressive AI features (and new opportunities)
The artificial intelligence functionality in Meta Ray-Ban eyewear is becoming increasingly advanced and context-aware. One of the standout features is the ability to activate and interact with Meta AI without having to constantly use the 'Hey Meta' command. This allows for a smoother, more conversational interface that is natural and completely touchless, which is a major step forward in integrating eyewear into the wearer's daily life.
Meta AI will now be able to help users with memory tasks such as remembering where they parked their car, which is particularly useful for people with busy lifestyles who often forget small things. These memory enhancements, combined with real-time reminders, make the glasses not only smart, but also proactive. The ability to set voice reminders, especially when our hands are busy, greatly enhances the convenience of AI in wearables.
Additionally, Meta has added a feature that allows AI to record and send voice messages directly through platforms such as WhatsApp and Messenger, further enhancing the contactless experience. These features will be particularly useful for people on the move, such as commuters, travellers or active people such as those playing sports or taking part in adventure trips.
Another significant improvement is the video AI feature, which allows users to use Meta AI for continuous, real-world visual assistance. Whether you are exploring a new city and looking for information on nearby sights, or shopping and need culinary suggestions based on the products you are holding, the glasses now become an interactive guide - almost like a personal assistant that sits comfortably on your face instead of in your pocket.
Ultimately, the introduction of real-time language translation opens up new possibilities in overcoming language barriers. With support for multiple languages (currently Spanish, French and Italian), Meta Ray-Ban glasses are becoming an essential tool for travellers, tourists or users living in multicultural societies. This feature essentially turns the glasses into a live translator, which is a great value for people who often have to deal with language differences.
Summary
My conclusions (and most of the review) will vary considerably depending on where you live. Why? Because of the AI features the glasses currently offer. They are impressive, but unfortunately only available in the US. If you live in the US, these glasses are a great, functional gadget with built-in AI help. If you live in Europe, these are just smart glasses for taking photos and videos, from which you can listen to music and take calls.
In either case, I would recommend this device. While at a price of $300 it may be hard to justify the purchase, especially in Europe without the AI features, it is still a gadget I have used often, even without these advanced capabilities. I think Meta is on the right track with these kinds of devices, which have a good chance of becoming a serious computing platform in the future.
How do I change my Meta Ray-Ban glasses to record videos that are 3 minutes long?
Are the Ray-Ban Meta glasses waterproof?
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are waterproof with an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand splashes of water. However, they are not designed for full immersion or prolonged exposure to water or other liquids. If your glasses have come into contact with water, make sure you dry them thoroughly and clean the charging areas. Note: The charging case is not waterproof and contact with liquids may damage the case or cause injury.How much do Ray-Ban Meta glasses cost?
The price of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses can vary depending on the model and location. They typically start at around US$299 for a standard model.
How long can Ray-Ban Meta glasses record?
By default, Ray-Ban Meta glasses record video for 60 seconds, but with the latest software update you can extend this to 3 minutes.
Is it possible to order Ray-Ban Meta glasses with correction?
Yes, Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are available with corrective lenses. You can customise your order on the Ray-Ban website to include your prescription.
How do I answer calls on my Ray-Ban Meta glasses?
To answer a call on your Ray-Ban Meta glasses, simply tap the touchpad on the side of the frame. You can also use voice commands by saying: "Hey Meta, answer the call." The glasses are equipped with built-in microphones and speakers for seamless conversations.
