Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 AI Smart Glasses Review: Where Fashion Meets Emerging Tech

Smart glasses have been hyped for over a decade, but most attempts have either felt too bulky, too geeky, or simply not useful enough for daily life. In 2025, Ray-Ban and Meta return with their second-generation collaboration, promising a sleek, wearable design packed with audio, camera, and AI functionality—without compromising style.

Marketed as a fashion-tech hybrid, the Ray-Ban Meta 2nd Gen aims to make smart eyewear mainstream. But can it deliver a genuinely helpful experience, or is it still more concept than reality? We tested the glasses across everyday scenarios to see where they shine—and where they still fall short.

Design & Build: Classic Ray-Ban Aesthetics with Improved Wearability

Ray-Ban Meta 2nd Gen stays true to Ray-Ban’s timeless look, disguising its tech within stylish frames that resemble standard eyewear. The 50g weight—lighter than the first generation—makes for comfortable wear throughout the day, striking a balance between tech integration and traditional aesthetics.

Most users won’t notice the built-in camera, speakers, or microphones at first glance. The design doesn’t scream “smart glasses,” which is exactly the point. That said, build quality could use refinement: some users report slight asymmetry in the hinges, rough plastic edges, and a glossy finish prone to fingerprints or scratches.

While the weight is heavier than minimalist frames, it’s generally acceptable once worn, making it one of the most wearable smart glasses available.

AI Features: Ambitious but Geographically Limited

Running on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 chip, the glasses offer local AI support for basic commands—like taking photos or playing music. However, more advanced capabilities such as object recognition or conversational queries depend on Meta’s cloud-based AI via the Meta View app.

Here’s the catch: Full AI features are currently only available in the U.S. and Canada. Users outside these regions must join a waitlist and cannot fully access the system, limiting practical functionality.

Even for eligible users, AI responses can be hit-or-miss. While it’s capable of identifying objects and offering basic interactions, recognition accuracy still lags—especially for animals or complex environments. It’s a compelling demo of future possibilities but not yet a productivity tool.

Camera: Great for First-Person Capture, Not for Quality

The 12MP camera records at 1080p/30fps, delivering image quality comparable to mid-range smartphones. Under bright conditions, footage is acceptable, but performance quickly deteriorates in low light or high motion scenes.

• Pros: Hands-free, quick tap or voice-triggered capture
• Cons: No viewfinder or preview, no zoom, limited dynamic range

While unsuitable for professional use or vlogging, the ease of capturing spontaneous moments is a major selling point. Video stabilization is surprisingly effective, helping smooth out footage during light activity. Think of it more as a life-logging tool than a content creation device.

Audio & Calls: Strong Performer in Noisy Environments

Audio is where the Meta 2nd Gen truly shines. Using an open-ear speaker design, the glasses produce clear, rich sound with impressive bass. They’re comfortable for long listening sessions and provide a safer alternative to in-ear buds.

With a 5-mic array, the glasses also excel at picking up your voice in noisy environments—subways, city streets, or windy commutes included.

Sound leakage is well managed: at 50% volume, sound is barely audible a few feet away, making them discreet for podcasts, music, and calls. Bluetooth pairing is stable across phones and laptops.

Comfort & Fit: Mixed Reviews Depending on Face Shape

The glasses come in multiple sizes, but user reports show the fit isn’t perfect for everyone. Medium frames may pinch, while large sizes can slide easily. Additionally, the fixed nose pad design isn’t ideal for lower nose bridges, common among many Asian users, leading to slippage and discomfort.

Ray-Ban would benefit from offering customizable nose pads or regional fit adjustments in future models. If comfort is a priority, in-store try-ons are highly recommended.

Ease of Use & Battery: Polished Software, Short Runtime

Basic functionality like photo capture, audio playback, and content syncing is well-polished. The Meta View app automatically transfers media to your phone, eliminating the need for manual uploads—a big usability win.

However, software and feature access remain region-locked. The app supports English only, and it’s not available in key markets like China.

Battery life is also a limiting factor. One continuous video session drains the battery in under an hour, while casual mixed-use averages 3–4 hours. While the case offers fast charging, the inability to charge while in use restricts longer wear times.

Compatibility issues persist on Android, with some devices experiencing limited Bluetooth audio functionality and patchy AI access.

Verdict: A Stylish Step Forward, But Still Early Days for AI Wearables

Ray-Ban Meta 2nd Gen is arguably the most wearable smart glasses to date. It nails the fashion side of the equation and offers solid performance in audio and casual photo/video capture. However, its AI functionality is geographically limited, and camera/battery specs fall short of professional or productivity needs.

For now, it’s best viewed as a stylish lifestyle accessory with some smart capabilities—not a full-fledged AI assistant or content creation tool.