Ray-Ban Meta Audio review: camera-free smart glasses trade utility for comfort
The Verge reviewed the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, an audio-only version of Meta’s smart glasses without a camera. The reviewer liked the lightweight design, long battery life, open-ear sound, and the fact that they do not feel invasive, but considered them expensive and was not convinced by the AI features. They cost $349.
The Verge’s Victoria Song tested the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, an audio-only version of Meta’s smart glasses that leaves out a camera. She wore them while running, ordering coffee, reading, calling a friend, and asking about calendar events; the assistant failed to recognize an already connected Google Calendar.
The frames come in Clubmaster-like and Burbank styles, offer open-ear audio, and cost $349. Song found them lightweight, stylish, long-lasting, and less unsettling than camera glasses, though she questioned their value and remained unsure about AI as the main draw.
These glasses may appeal to people who want connected audio without camera-related social friction. Bystanders could feel less observed, while wearers might gain convenience and comfort. However, high price and uncertain AI usefulness may limit adoption. If audio-only smart glasses become common, norms around public listening and voice assistants could shift, though privacy concerns about Meta’s data practices may persist.