Every time I talk about Meta’s AI-powered glasses, the question I’m frequently faced with is: Why do you want them? What’s the appeal of smart glasses that can play music or inaccurately identify plants with enthusiasm? As a fan of Ray-Ban Wayfarers and a user of Meta for WIRED, I prefer Meta glasses for the integrated experience they offer—sunglasses combined with workout headphones.
In 2025, Meta achieved sales of over 7 million units. These glasses have gained popularity at outdoor and sporting events for documenting experiences to share on social media. The partnership with EssilorLuxottica has rendered these glasses both stylish and accessible, prompting competition from companies like Google and Apple. After the unsuccessful launch of the Apple Vision Pro, Apple is pivoting towards more straightforward, fashionable options devoid of displays.
Nevertheless, it’s wise to proceed with caution when using these glasses given Meta’s dubious privacy policies. Even for those unbothered by facial recognition, the notion of being potentially recorded at any moment is quite disconcerting.
Social attitudes pose a notable challenge; donning these glasses might be perceived as defying social norms, leading to monikers like Zuckerberg’s “pervert glasses.” Yet, brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban still offer fantastic sunglasses that perform well, even if their AI capabilities aren’t utilized.
If you’re inclined to give them a shot, here’s what to look for. If not, check out our purchasing guides for the top smart glasses or workout headphones.
Meta has upgraded the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers, now offering entry-level glasses featuring various lens options, including clear, prescription, transition, or original sunglass lenses, in addition to assorted fits. The enhancements include a 12-MP camera and up to eight hours of battery life, although writer Boone Ashworth found it to last between five to six hours in practical use.
