Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are rapidly evolving, offering exciting possibilities for both new and experienced users. While Virtual Reality (VR) headsets immerse you in virtual environments, AR and MR glasses offer a more comfortable alternative that lets you stay connected to the world around you.
These devices enhance your surroundings via digital overlays, blending the real with the digital. Certain models can teach you about the world by delivering real-time information and allowing you to check sports scores, among other things. Another major benefit of AR glasses is their affordability.
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Many companies, both big and small, are capitalizing on this growing trend by launching their own pair of smart glasses. ZDNET experts test multiple models, putting them through their paces to give you the best advice on what to buy. Within this category, the best is Meta Ray-Bans 2 for its great design, 3K video recording, and longer battery life.
Also: The best cheap smartwatches of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Why we like it: Leading the list as the best pair of AR glasses is the Meta Ray Bans 2. As the name suggests, this is the direct follow-up to the original Meta Ray Bans from 2023, but not a complete overhaul. The latest generation keeps the same familiar design that blends well in social situations. Instead, Meta opted for precise refinements in key areas.
The 12MP camera has been upgraded to record 3K videos. Footage looks sharper, colors are more accurate, and even the image stabilization is noticeably better while walking. Battery life improved as well, with Meta stating its wearables can last up to 6 hours on a single charge. The original model peaked at four hours.
Who it's for: These smart glasses are great for content creators, travelers, or just about anyone who wants an easy way to document life from a first-person perspective. Notable features include voice controls, live translation, and AI-assisted search queries.
Review: Meta Ray-Bans 2
Who should look elsewhere: If you already own the first generation of Meta Ray Bans, you should probably just stick to those glasses. While the Meta Ray Bans 2 are an upgrade, the core experience remains very much the same. Additionally, if you take privacy very seriously, you should also look elsewhere. Meta has some "questionable AI and data policies" that you may not be comfortable with.
Meta Ray-Bans 2 (Large fit) specs: Weight: 53g | Dimensions: 53 x 44 x 155 mm | Audio: Discreet open ear audio with Adaptive Volume | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C | Microphone: Custom Five-mic setup | Camera: 12MP ultra-wide
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Jason Howell/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Xreal 1S offers one of the most immersive big-screen experiences you'll find in a pair of smart glasses. It projects a massive 500-inch digital display with an expansive 52-degree field of view. The wearables house bright Sony micro-OLED panels that run at 1200p resolution and a high refresh rate of 120Hz to deliver an impressive visual experience. A really neat feature of these glasses is the built-in 2D-to-3D conversion. It lets you turn almost any content into a 3D model in mere seconds without extra software.
Review: Xreal 1S
Who it's for: These wearables are perfect for travelers, commuters, and mobile gamers who want a large, private screen wherever they go. They're lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for long sessions. Also, because of its large size, the digital screen can replicate a multi-monitor setup without all the extra hardware.
Who should look elsewhere: There are a couple of issues with the Xreal 1S glasses. Its internal speakers are solid, but in noisy environments, the audio output can be underwhelming. If you plan on using the devices on a plane or in a public setting, I recommend using earbuds. There are also no built-in diopter adjusters, so users with poor vision may need to buy prescription lenses.
Xreal 1S specs: Weight: 82g | Dimensions: 203.2 x 94 x 81 mm | Audio: Immersive audio from Bose speakers | Connectivity: USB-C | Battery: Needs external 10,000 mAh battery bank | Microphone: Multi-microphone array with ENC
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Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Why we like it: Although the Viture Pro XR is on this list as the best AR glasses for travel, you could also argue that they're best for daily productivity. They offer a large 135-inch virtual display with a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. If that's not enough, this device provides a massive 120% boost in brightness compared to the previous generation -- all while keeping the same comfortable design. According to ZDNET Contributing Writer Matthew Miller, " audio output from the Viture Pro glasses is solid, thanks to [the company's] partnership with [audio brand] Harman."
Sound comes from the speakers on the side frame, pointing directly into your ears. People nearby will hardly be able to hear the content playing. Other notable features include on-screen volume and brightness controls, integrated myopia dials, and vastly improved light blocking.
Review: Viture Pro XR
Who it's for: People who travel frequently, work remotely, or just want an immersive cinematic experience will get a lot out of the Viture Pro XR. Business people will appreciate the support for multiple displays. Gamers can hook their Nintendo Switch to the smart glasses and enjoy smooth, action-packed gameplay.
Who should look elsewhere: At $459, the Viture Pro XR is a premium investment that might not appeal to casual users or those looking for basic smartglasses. The device is already competent on its own, but certain features and use cases require extra hardware. For example, you will need the Viture Pro Mobile Dock, which costs $129, to connect the glasses to a Nintendo Switch.
Viture Pro XR specs: Weight: 77g | Dimensions: 54 x 47 x 160 mm | Audio: Built-in spatial sound | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C | Resolution: 1080p per eye | Virtual screen size: 135 inches
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Why we like it: RayNeo's Air 3s Pro glasses deliver a deeply immersive entertainment experience that few other AR devices can. Its micro-OLED screens produce a massive virtual display measuring 201 inches. It's like having a movie theater screen all to yourself. This wearable supports up to 20 different brightness levels. Plus, the exterior sports an anti-glare coating, ensuring clear visibility under various lighting conditions. Because it's part of the RayNeo ecosystem, users can enhance their experience with accessories like the JoyDock and PocketTV. Other notable features include support for HDR 10 and 3D Spatial Sound.
Review: RayNeo Air 3s Pro
Who it's for: These wearables are perfect for anyone who wants a portable entertainment system all to themselves. The Air 3s Pro is great for watching movies on flights, gaming with the Nintendo Switch, and streaming content from a smartphone.
Who should look elsewhere: Because these glasses are so focused on entertainment, they don't offer much support for productivity software or tasks. The pair doesn't have any dedicated work features beyond basic screen mirroring and Windows and macOS extensions. If you want a more premium experience, you should check out the other options.
RayNeo Air 3s Pro specs: Weight: 76g | Dimensions: 47 x 154 x 177 mm | Audio: Quad-speaker audio by Bang & Olufsen | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C | Resolution: 1080p per eye at 120Hz | Virtual screen size: 201 inches
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Why we like it: The Even Realties G1 smart glasses deliver subtle, useful augmented reality without drawing attention. In his review, ZDNET Contributing Writer Prakhar Khanna praised the device's form factor, noting that his friends couldn't even tell he was wearing an electronic gadget. It's an instance where "tech takes a backseat, and lifestyle sits in the front."
These glasses lack a camera and speakers, sporting only a set of microphones and a glance-up display. The screen provides clear, green digital text with a 640 x 200-pixel resolution that doesn't strain a user's eyes. The Even Realities G1 has six key features, which include accurate live translation and turn-by-turn navigation, all "without needing to check your phone". This is just the start for these glasses as they receive consistent updates.
Review: Even Realities G1
Who it's for: This entry is a good choice for travelers and even cyclists who value discreet smart glasses that provide glance-based information. The navigation feature isn't distracting, so you can keep your eyes on the road. The teleprompter function is helpful for presentations, as it displays your script on the screen. And no, the audience won't notice. Information on the Even Realities G1 "can be seen only at an angle."
Who should look elsewhere? The Even Realities G1 is the most expensive option on this list, starting at $599. And that doesn't factor in add-ons like prescription lenses ($150) or clip-on shades ($100). Also, they don't provide the most fulfilling mixed reality experience. Many of the features need further polishing.
Even Realities G1 specs: Weight: up to 38g | Dimensions: 54 x 47 x 160 mm | Audio: N/A | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C | Resolution: 640 x 200 pixels per eye | Virtual screen size: text shown in 640 x 200 resolution
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Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Why we like it: Rounding out the list is the Oakley Meta Vanguard. This is a pair of athletic smart glasses that combine fitness tracking, content capture, and AI assistance into a single device. It can integrate with Garmin devices and the Starva cardio app to track fitness metrics. Through Starva, users can also add a helpful overlay to recordings that displays performance metrics, including distance, average pace, and elevation. With Garmin integration, you can even ask Meta AI for real-time stats on your workout.
In the middle of the glasses, you will find a 12MP camera that can record workouts in 3K resolution. You can even document your exercises in both slow-motion and hyperlapse.
Who it's for: I recommend these glasses to runners, cyclists, and other fitness enthusiasts who want to capture action footage without constantly checking their smartphone or watch. You can stay focused on the task at hand. I should mention that the Oakley Vanguard has an IP67 rating, meaning it is completely dust-tight and can withstand brief underwater immersion. If you plan to run at the beach or in the rain, the Vanguard is perfect for you.
Review: Oakley Meta Vanguard
Who should look elsewhere: Because of its visor-like design, the lens is one single unit. You can't remove the screens. As a result, these smart glasses do not support prescription lenses. Fast battery drain is a bit of a problem. The wearable is not as energy efficient as Meta claims.
Oakley Meta Vanguard specs: Weight: 66g | Dimensions: 120 x 59 x 136 mm | Audio: 2 discreet open-ear speakers | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C | Microphone: Custom Five-mic setup | Camera: 12MP ultra-wide
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The best AR glasses are the Meta Ray-Bans 2 for their comfortable design, 12MP camera, and improved battery life. It isn't the only option to consider. If you're considering something else, the table below compares the best devices based on price, weight, and connectivity options.
| AR glasses | Price | Weight | Connectivity |
| Meta Ray-Ban 2 | $409 | 53g | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
| Xreal 1S | $449 | 88g | USB-C |
| Viture Pro XR | $284 | 77g | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C |
| RayNeo Air 3s Pro | $300 | 76g | USB-C and Bluetooth |
| Even Realities G1 | $499 | 38g | Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C |
| Oakley Meta Vanguard | $499 | 66g | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
AR and MR glasses are great across multiple areas, but some are better than others in certain scenarios. Some excel in gaming, while others can help you learn about the world around you. For these reasons, you need to know what you're looking for in a pair of either AR or MR glasses. You don't want to buy a device that won't meet your needs. Here's how to figure out which model is the best for you:
| Choose these AR glasses... | If you want... |
| Meta Ray-Ban 2 | The best overall option. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, Meta's Ray-Ban 2 comes with an improved camera and battery. |
| Xreal 1S | The best big-screen option. The Xreal 1S projects a huge 500-inch digital display with a 52-degree FOV. |
| Viture Pro XR | The best travel option. This pair sports a lightweight design and integrated myopia dials to help reduce eye fatigue over long periods. |
| RayNeo Air 3s Pro | The best multimedia option. RayNeo's device can project a 201-inch virtual screen and houses a quad-speaker system. |
| Even Realities G1 | The best AR glasses for navigation. These glasses provide clear turn-by-turn navigation that isn't distracting |
| Oakley Meta Vanguard | The best athletic AR glasses. It integrates with Garmin smartwatches and the Strava app to record workouts in real time. |
Augmented and mixed reality can enhance your surroundings in different ways. AR tech helps people in their lives by acting as a personal assistant of sorts. They can provide insight into the topic and record videos from your unique perspective. MX devices do something similar, although they can also immerse you in a private digital space. Whichever one you prefer, both share several factors to consider before purchase.
It seems there will be new smart glasses later this year. There are a lot of rumors floating around. Apple is apparently working on a pair of smart glasses. The rumors claim the wearable could be called either Apple Glasses or Apple Vision. A December 2025 report from 9 To 5 Mac claims it may arrive later in 2026. Bloomberg says it won't come out until 2027, but the reveal will be this year.
Samsung is also reportedly slated to launch its own smart glasses later this year. It's a device that has been delayed several times at this point. Whether we'll actually see a 2026 release remains to be seen. Still, there is plenty of leaked information out there.
Also: Watch out, Meta: Samsung just confirmed its smart glasses plans (with some spicy hints)
According to SamMobile, the device will reportedly be known as the Galaxy Glasses. It'll house a 245mAh battery, speakers, microphones, and a "touch-sensitive control area". It'll be available in a variety of colors and have a sunglasses variant. Looking at the rumored info, the Galaxy Glasses will have many similarities to Meta Ray-Bans. Other rumors claim Samsung's wearable will come with transition lenses as well as support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Smartglasses receive frequent updates, improving overall performance and addressing any lingering bugs. Most updates are nothing of note, but sometimes the devices get a new feature. In late April 2025, the Meta Ray-Ban smartglasses gained live translation. This allows the pair to translate specific languages in real time through the glasses. At the time of this writing, the feature only "supports English, French, Italian, and Spanish."
It can be hard to tell the two terms apart because they're often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between them. Smart glasses have simpler functionality. They aim to enhance the world by providing information that overlaps with the surrounding environment, such as giving details about a landmark. It's like having a help screen with you at all times. AR tech actively changes the world by displaying overlays or giving access to an AI assistant.
The Meta Ray-Bans sit on the cusp between smart glasses and AR glasses. On the surface, they appear to be nothing more than smart glasses with a few extra tricks. However, you realize they offer so much more. You can enjoy various media types, record videos, and translate other languages in real time.
XR stands for Extended Reality, and it is also used interchangeably with mixed reality or augmented reality, which leads to a lot of confusion.
XR is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of technologies, including virtual reality, AR (augmented reality), and MR (mixed reality). It is a type of tech capable of overlaying information digitally over a real-world environment. The extent depends on the tech itself. As you already know, VR completely engulfs you in a digital space. AR injects a few pieces of information into your view. MR sits in the middle, providing some overlays.
Yes, AR glasses are safe to use for the most part. No studies have shown that they cause permanent eye damage, blurred vision, or lowered depth perception. However, side effects do exist. According to a recent study by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Hamburg, Germany, subjects reported experiencing headaches, aching eyes, and fatigue after wearing AR glasses.
This isn't a problem exclusive to AR glasses. Symptoms like those mentioned often happen to people who stare at monitors and screens for hours on end. Medical professionals have even dubbed it Computer Vision Syndrome. Eye strain can be easily fixed by taking frequent breaks and reducing brightness levels.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
The Engo 2 Vive features a new heads-up display that shows real-time data. They also last a pretty long time for smart glasses at 12 hours on a single charge.
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The base RayNeo Air 3s shares many of its features with the Pro model, although it lacks the Band & Olufsen speakers. It makes up for this by being cheaper than the Pro.
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For more, check out our comparison post on Ray-Ban Meta vs Optics and our review of the RayNeo Air 4 Pro.
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