The Best Meta Smart A.I. Glasses, Ranked Based on Whether I’d Actually Be Caught Dead Wearing Them

ProsLenses are prescription-readyGood for everyday wearThe Scribers (which I reviewed) are my favorite because they look and feel like traditional glasses, rather than some big tech statement on my face. The round, shiny black frames feel a little more distinctive than the usual chunky tech specs, but aren’t so bold that they’d clash with any outfit. I’d wear them even if they weren’t smart glasses.And they get extra points from me because they’re prescription-ready, so glasses-wearers can get them for everyday eyewear. They are Gen 2, not the new Gen 3, so you’re missing out on some features, but I think that’s fine for now. What’s important is that you don’t feel like you’re wearing a costume (or an iPhone) on your face.ProsLook the closest to standard, tech-free sunglassesVery trendy and stylishConsNo clear-only lens option, just transition and tintedMeta’s second-gen special edition collab with Kylie Jenner is perfect for me. Their slim, oval frames are almost identical to the sunglasses I already wear regularly. Though the stems are a bit chunky (like most Meta glasses), they have clean lines and come as close to passing for a standard, tech-free pair of sunglasses as I’ve seen so far. (That doesn’t mean they hide the tech: The cameras and indicator light are still clear. It’s more about the shape of the glasses and how they frame your face.)Though you might assume they’re fashion-first, these glasses have all the tech you’ll find in any second-gen Meta Glasses, plus a little extra: The ability to make Kylie the voice of your AI assistant, which is a nice touch if you’re a fan. For me, though, I’m into these specifically for the look. It’s a style that goes with basically everything.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsClear lens version can be worn year roundEasy to styleConsWayfarer can be used for glasses, but work better as sunglasses.There’s a reason why the Ray-Ban Wayfarers have been considered a classic for decades. Their iconic shape is recognizable, versatile, and easy to style. While the Meta-equipped frame is a little chunkier than the standard Wayfarer, you don’t have to think too hard to make these look good.I’d personally lean more toward the clear-lens version for year-round wear, although the sunglasses are a good choice for travel and outdoor adventures. These have open-ear audio and a 12-megapixel camera, but the Gen 3 model comes with a few upgrades, too, like an extra hour of battery life and a six-microphone array instead of five.ProsUpswept corners can lift and elongate the faceMore refined silhouette ConsDistinct shape may be harder to pair with some personal styles.These upswept cat-eye glasses have much more character than many of the “standard” square Wayfarer-style shades. The gently lifted outer corners draw the eyes upward, creating a subtle lengthening effect that can flatter rounder faces, while the curved shape of the frames can also balance a more angular jawline.The Zena doesn’t look overly bulky or oversized, and the cat-eye shape gives the glasses a fashion-forward appeal, rather than feeling like the frames were just built around the technology. These are a great choice if you want something bold. I’d pick these first if I were looking for bright colors like the Milky Pink Blush or Milky Gray Lilac. But they would also work great with a classic black or tortoiseshell pattern, if you prefer something more subdued for everyday wear.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAudio-only designClassic style but with smart tech built insideConsExtra thick arms compared to actual Ray-Ban ClubmastersMeta’s new, camera-free Ray-Ban smart glasses are based on another of the brand’s well-known designs, the Clubmaster, a browline-style frame with bold upper frames, slim lower rims, and square lenses, but this time with smart tech built inside. The Audio Clubmaster mostly embodies that classic design, though the browline and arms are extra thick to account for the added hardware.The Clubmaster is an audio-focused pair of smart glasses, without a built-in camera. You still get open-ear speakers, microphones, voice controls, and Meta AI, making it a good option for listening to music, taking calls, interacting with an assistant, or if you’re just still not fully on board with the “creep glasses.” With these, you get the wearable tech without the implications of having a camera on your face.ProsComes with core Meta smart featuresLess bulky than other smart glasses designsConsLooks more generic compared to Meta's more style-forward framesThe Meta Adventurer is effectively the tech giant’s own riff on the Wayfarer style, so just about everything I said about the Ray-Bans applies here as well... But also, they aren’t actual Wayfarers, which is why they’re near the bottom of the list.These frames lean a little bit more rugged than the original Wayfarers, which meshes well with the mandatory bulk in the stems. Despite the name, are these going to completely revolutionize your hiking wardrobe? Probably not. But if you’re the type to spend your weekends on trails, exploring somewhere new.And, practically speaking, the Adventurer is a great deal. you get the same camera, speakers, and microphones as most of the newer Ray-Ban Meta designs, but they cost $150 less than the Wayfarers.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBold colorway optionsAffordableConsOversized, blocky design may not be suitable for smaller facesThe chunky, oversize Meta Fury kind of reminds me of the sunglasses that people wear over their glasses at the beach. The stems are thick; The lenses, oversized. If you’re looking for subtlety, you won’t find it here. These glasses make sense for folks with larger faces who want to wear bright, bold colors. (You may notice the Fury has some of the most out-there colorways.) But smaller features may get overwhelmed by their blockiness, which makes them a niche choice.These aren’t for me, honestly, but I can totally see this being someone’s go-to pair. In some ways, these actually feel more like aviators than the actual Ray-Ban aviators.ProsReportedly lighter and thinner than other Ray-Ban smart glasses stylesRetro aestheticConsDon't really look like aviatorsRay-Ban’s aviators are, like the Wayfarers, a timeless staple. The smart version is among Meta’s newest additions, though, and they don’t look exactly like the original. They’re reportedly lighter and thinner than other smart Ray-Bans (I haven’t tested them myself, so take that with a grain of salt), but the frames are very chunky. Without the wire rims that made the style famous in the first place, they don’t look a whole lot like their namesake. Despite that, they have a fun retro aesthetic that feels surprisingly understated, especially in neutral colors.Given that, don’t expect them to fit the same way as a pair of aviators. They won’t hang off your nose in quite the same way. And, like the Meta Fury, their oversize lenses and a pronounced bridge make them more fitting for larger faces. I’d pay attention to the sizing and definitely try them on before buying.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsMade for an active lifestyleGarmin integration for real-time workout statsConsGreat for sports, not for everything else.I can definitely see the appeal of the Oakley Meta Vanguard for runners, hikers, snowboarders, and cyclists who want to document their adventures without fumbling for their phone and also need the benefits of the high-contrast Prizm lenses, which make details sharper, colors more vibrant, and filter light to reduce eye strain when in outdoor environments.The wraparound shield is very sporty, with a secure fit and open-ear audio, and there’s even Garmin integration for real-time workout stats, so these are made for more than just snapping pics. Some people like to wear these kinds of glasses all the time, but to me, you look silly wearing them if you aren’t on a jog, on a hike, or playing sports. And that’s why they’re near the bottom. With this style, your smart glasses are more of a task-oriented tool than a fashion statement.Amber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.