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Buying Guide: Smart Glasses
With recent advancements in technology, it seems like everything around us has become automated. We have smart lights that turn on with simple voice commands, smart doorbells that let you know who’s knocking no matter where you are, and smart diffusers that adjust the intensity of their scent based on your mood. If you want to step things up and invest in something truly futuristic, then smart glasses are the way to go. Equipped with a cloud computing system, built-in speakers, and other high-tech features, these glasses keep track of every moment and provide 360-degree panoramic views of your surroundings. While they may not be as common as smartphones (yet), the popularity of smart glasses will likely continue to grow in the years to come. To help you find yourself a pair, we’ve reviewed some of the leading smart glasses of 2023.
Amazon Frames Smart Glasses
Best Overall
Razer Smart Glasses
Great for Music
Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Classic Design
Bose Smart Glasses
Impressive Sound Quality
Snap Inc. Smart Glasses
Budget Pick
Check Sound Quality
If you’re going to spend a sizeable chunk of change on a pair of smart glasses, you’ll want to make sure they have great sound quality. When it comes to sound quality, there are two main factors — volume and clarity. For enhanced sound clarity, opt for a pair of smart glasses that has at least two omnidirectional microphones, as these will eliminate any background noise and provide you with a more immersive experience.Consider Lens Type
There are three types of lenses used in smart glasses — polarized, tinted, and photochromic.- Polarized lenses are made up of two different layers that block light rays from reaching your eyes. This makes sure that sunlight doesn’t harm your eyes or cause any other problems with vision. If you plan on using your smart glasses outdoors, make sure they have polarized lenses
- Tinted lenses, on the other hand, are mostly found in prescription glasses. They help reduce glare from bright lights while also preventing eye strain and fatigue caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lighting systems
- Photochromic lenses automatically change their shade based on ambient light conditions around them using special materials that react to UV rays and other wavelengths
What Types of Connectivity Do Smart Glasses Offer?
Most smart glasses require an internet or Bluetooth connection to access certain features or connect with other devices. Depending on how often you’ll use your smart glasses, connectivity can be a major factor when choosing your next pair. If you want to use your smart glasses with a smart assistant (like Google Assistant or Siri) or plan on listening to music with them, then Wi-Fi connectivity is the way to go. If you instead just want to receive alerts or take calls, then smart glasses with a Bluetooth connection will suffice. Your smart glasses should also have an intuitive touch panel so you can access everything with just a tap on the temple.Ensure Durability
When choosing a pair of smart glasses, make sure they’re durable enough for your needs. If you plan on wearing them while working out or swimming, make sure they have at least an IPX4 rating so you can wear them without having to worry about avoiding damage. The lenses of your smart glasses should also be shatterproof and scratch-resistant.Prioritize Comfort
If you’re going to be wearing your smart glasses for long periods, it’s vital that they rest comfortably on your face and don’t put too much pressure on your nose or ears. Some frames have wide sides that stick out beyond your ears, which can cause pinching and discomfort over time. Other frames have narrow sides with thin temples that fit more snugly against the skin, which will feel better if you’re wearing them for an extended time. Before buying, make sure to look at customer reviews, as these can give you an idea of how comfortable a pair of smart glasses actually are.Check Battery Life
The battery life of smart glasses varies from brand to brand, ranging from 4 hours to a maximum of 8 hours. You’ll want a pair of smart glasses that won’t give up after just a few hours of use — the longer the battery life, the better and more cost-efficient they’ll be in the long run.Amazon Frames Smart Glasses
Best Overall
With advanced Alexa technology and open-ear audio, the Amazon Echo Frames Smart Glasses can do everything from checking the weather to ordering a pizza without taking your phone out of your pocket. Featuring built-in speakers and beamforming microphones, these smart glasses automatically adjust volume according to ambient noise, meaning you’ll always have crystal clear sound. These smart glasses allow you to streamline notifications by automatically filtering alerts from different apps, and with flexible hinges and adjustable temple tips, they offer a comfortable fit so you can wear them for hours. These smart glasses are available in a few different options — prescription-ready, polarized UV400 sunglasses lenses, or blue light-blocking lenses — so you can easily pick one according to your needs. Because of their durability, exceptional connectivity, and high-tech features, these smart glasses stand at the top of our list.
Pros
- IPX4 splash-resistant frame
- Battery life of 14 hours
- Comes with a carrying case
Cons
- Sound quality lacks depth
Razer Smart Glasses
Great for Music
Designed to offer increased immersion, the Razer Smart Glasses feature both blue light and polarized lenses to create a more comfortable viewing experience. With an open-ear design and lowkey omnidirectional microphone, these smart glasses offer 60ms low latency audio so that you can enjoy your favorite music or podcast without any distortions. Thanks to these smart glasses’ touch-enabled screen and compatibility with various voice assistants, you can stay connected and productive while on the go. Their state-of-the-art design can fit snugly on your face, and with around five hours of battery life and IPX4 water resistance, these smart glasses are built to be your companion on all your epic adventures.
Pros
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Low-latency speakers for better audio experience
- IPX4 water-resistant design
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a charging cable
Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Classic Design
If you’re looking for stylish shades with audio and camera functionalities, then the Ray-Ban Smart Glasses might be just what you need. Featuring a sturdy plastic frame, these non-polarized smart glasses have a coating that protects your eyes from UV rays, as well as an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare. Offering seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, these smart glasses have built-in speakers and a microphone so you can listen to music and answer calls without having to take your phone out. What makes these smart glasses notable is their camera functionality which allows you to capture pictures and videos in real-time and share them on Facebook. These smart glasses are available in the classic Wayfarer style with various colors and types of lenses to choose from, so you can easily find the pair that suits your tastes.
Pros
- Classic look with a modern twist
- Stellar audio quality
- Easy to control
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
Bose Smart Glasses
Impressive Sound Quality
The Bose Smart Glasses offer a modern look with a spark of individuality to provide a jaw-dropping experience. Featuring polarized lenses, these scratch- and shatter-resistant smart glasses can block as much as 99% of UV rays to offer your eyes maximum protection, and you can connect them via Bluetooth to listen to your favorite tunes, take calls, and access your phone’s virtual assistant. With an open-ear design, these smart glasses boast a dual beam-forming array and advanced built-in microphone to offer amazing acoustics while reducing ambient noise. They also feature a capacitive touch panel and integrated motion sensor that make it easy to adjust the volume or activate the connected voice assistant with just a single tap on the temple. Even better? The battery of these smart glasses lasts for up to five and a half hours per charge.
Pros
- Stylish, high-gloss finished frame
- Advanced microphone system
- Intuitive touch temple design
- Come with a polycarbonate carrying case
Cons
- Might be a little bulky
Snap Inc. Smart Glasses
Budget Pick
The Snap Inc. Smart Glasses are designed to take your Snapchat experience to the next level. Powered by the Snap Spatial engine, these glasses are designed with two cameras so you can instantly snap, record, and share every moment with the world. After you’ve captured your memories, you can post them on Snapchat or export them to your phone’s camera roll. Featuring a sturdy frame and waterproof design, these smart glasses can be a great way to create memories of all your adventures. When fully charged, you can capture as many as 70 videos, and charging these smart glasses is easy as can be — simply place them in the carrying case that can hold up to four charges at once to get them back up to full power in no time.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Water-resistant design makes them great for adventures
- Lets you share captures on Snapchat
Cons
- Only offers 10-second video recordings
People Also Asked
How much do smart glasses cost?
The cost of smart glasses varies depending on their style, features, and functionality. The high-end models with prescription lenses, built-in cameras, high-quality speakers, and Alexa integration cost around $1,000. On average, though, smart glasses can cost anywhere between $150 and $300.
What is an open-air design?
Smart glasses with an open-air design feature built-in headphones and speakers that deliver sound directly to your ear, eliminating the need for traditional headphones and earpieces. Some smart glasses even come with bone conduction technology that transfers vibrations through your cheekbones or skull bones to your inner ear, bypassing your eardrum and allowing you to listen to music or make calls without any additional devices.
Are smart glasses bulky?
Many people think that, because of their integrated speakers, microphones, and cameras, smart glasses are bulky, but that’s not true. Smart glasses are just as discreet and lightweight as regular prescription glasses or sunglasses, but they can offer you so much more than their traditional counterparts.
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