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I’ve reviewed virtual and augmented reality tech for well over a decade, going all the way back to Google Glass in 2013. And yet, the category of smart glasses still feels strange and new. Part of that is because smart glasses take on many different forms. They’re all lightweight things that have tech in them and rest on your nose for your eyes to see through. Beyond those similarities, clear differences emerge.
In the future, smart glasses are likely to be full-fledged augmented reality devices much like Meta showed off last fall with the Orion prototype I test-drove. But in the present, and for the purposes of this list, the most popular products in this space are either AI-enabled audio and camera-equipped glasses, or tethered display glasses. They’re very different sets of products and experiences, but down the road their roles are likely to blend. While we have favorites in the category right now, it's also a good time to pause before grabbing a pair of smart glasses. Better products might be right around the corner.
What are the best smart glasses?
Today, the best pair of smart glasses you can buy are Meta’s Ray-Bans. These nearly normal-looking camera and audio glasses are fully wireless, have surprisingly good off-ear audio and microphones for playing music or taking calls, and can capture photos and vertical video clips that can be shared via your phone. They also have a growing and surprisingly functional set of AI features that can use the camera to assist in seeing and translating the world around you. Oakley Meta glasses are also out now with even better battery life and improved video recording, but we’re still testing them. Will Meta update the Ray-Bans with a better battery soon, too?
Another pair of glasses-like hardware you should consider are the Xreal One and One Pro. They’re not all-day glasses. Instead, think of them as wearable wired displays that plug into nearly any USB-C device such as a phone or a laptop. The Xreal One can be a portable monitor or on-the-go movie screen, and they do a great job at it. Viture’s Luma Pro and upcoming Beast glasses offer brighter displays, although with fewer onboard display settings.
Best smart glasses of 2025
Scott Stein/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Scott Stein/CNET Best Smart Glasses Overall Meta Ray-Bans Pros Great audio and microphone quality
Truly look like regular glasses
Good photos, videos have solid stabilization
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