Ray-Ban Meta Audio Review: The Best Smart Glasses
Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses remove the camera from Meta’s smart glasses, and the reviewer argues that this makes them more appealing for everyday use. They avoid the privacy concerns associated with recording while retaining hands-free music, calls and AI assistance.
The reviewer found the open-ear speakers useful for running, with ambient sounds still audible, and praised the quickly adjusting transition lenses and call quality. The sound can leak and lacks strong bass; the glasses weigh 43 grams in Burbank style or 47 grams in Clubmaster, compared with 51.5 grams for the camera-equipped Gen 3 Wayfarer. Meta claims 12 hours of battery life, while navigation worked but was imperfect.
In short
- Camera-free design eases privacy concerns.
- Open-ear audio keeps ambient sounds audible.
- Battery life is rated at 12 hours.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Removing the camera may make smart glasses more acceptable in everyday settings by reducing concerns about covert recording, while preserving practical features such as music, calls and AI assistance. Open-ear audio can also help runners stay aware of their surroundings, and the reviewer praises the call quality, transition lenses and lighter weight.
The case against
The camera-equipped model may be more useful to people who value capturing photos or video, and its added capability could justify the trade-off for them. The Audio glasses also have limitations of their own: sound can leak, bass is weak, navigation is imperfect, and their claimed battery life may not suit every user.