Smart glasses that bring the digital world into your view with augmented reality have been developing for almost 10 years. And while we don’t have game-changing hardware from a billion-dollar company yet, there are headsets you can buy today. This guide will show you all the best augmented reality glasses you can buy right now!
So if you:
- Want to be one of the first people to get your hands on this technology
- Are interested in what smart glasses do and why people wear them
- Need to know what Meta, Apple, Google, and other brands are developing for augmented reality hardware
This guide is for you!
What are the Top Augmented Reality Glasses You Can Buy Right Now?
- Nreal Air (Best Overall Augmented Reality Glasses)
- Ray-Ban Meta (Best AI Features)
- Rokid Air (Best Android-Only Glasses)
- GOOVIS LITE (Best Media Glasses)
- Microsoft HoloLens (Best for Enterprise)
- RealMax Qian (Best AR/VR Combo)
- The Ghost Pacer (Best for Running)
- CR Deck Mk.1 (Best for Developers)
- Amazon Echo Frames (Best Audio)
- GodView V5 (Best Looking)
How to Choose the Best AR Smart Glasses For You
Augmented reality glasses are supposed to make your life easier, right?
Yes, 100%
So far, there is no all-in-one set of smart glasses that can be used universally. There have been rumors that Facebook and Apple are creating solutions, but they aren’t available.
Today, AR glasses focus on providing a handful of features really good. Depending on what niche you are looking in, there might be a set of glasses that fits your needs perfectly.
To help you choose the best hardware, here are some important factors you should consider.
Access to Information and Media
One of the main reasons to invest in wearable display hardware is the ability to access information and media faster than before.
You already have a cell phone within arms reach all day long. Augmented glasses should provide you with information even faster, or there’s no advantage to wearing them.
All the best smart glasses listed above have a heads-up display (HUD) that gives you access to information you use every day:
- Messages
- GPS and maps
- Contacts
- Music and video
- Fitness
A company that can develop modern glasses HUD has won half the battle. And you can believe that the biggest companies are fighting to create a modern UI.
Compact Size
One of the main reasons there isn’t a pair of good tech glasses wearable all day long is the size.
Smartglasses require several different components:
- Sensors to track your movement, position, and actions
- Processing power to make sense of this information
- A display to show the user interface to you
- Frames to sit the hardware on your face
- A battery to make the entire hardware wireless
- Other chips for Bluetooth, WiFi, and other connections
Fitting all this technology into a small space that looks as close to real sunglasses is hard. In our AR smart glasses reviews below, we have plenty of pictures and information on the size of current technology.
Developer Support
Like all the best technology, a good network of developers and support is required for success.
For AR glasses to succeed, they’ll need a wide range of apps and games, including:
- Augmented reality games that can be played in the real world
- The ability to control smart home devices
- Control for basic functions like email, contacts, calendar, and to-do lists
- Media players that support the latest video codecs
Microsoft has tried to get a leg up by opening its developer kit for anyone to develop AR apps. It knows that while the hardware needs time to become more compact, the software can be developed today.
People are excited about Apple, Google, or Facebook smart glasses in the future. They already have a huge network of app developers who will jump on board with new applications for the headwear.
Nreal Air (Best Overall)
Nreal Air is a lightweight, wearable augmented reality glasses that offers users an immersive AR experience. Powered by proprietary optic and computer vision technologies, Nreal Air provides three different levels of AR experiences:
- Air Casting
- Virtual Desktop
- AR Space
The augmented reality space feature is the most interesting but underdeveloped still. Until real-world objects can be digitized, the Nreal Air has excellent casting and media playback image quality.
Nreal Air is currently aimed at both consumer and enterprise users, providing an array of applications ranging from entertainment and productivity to spatial internet experiences. The glasses are comfortable to wear, weighing only around 79g, and designed to look like stylish sunglasses.
The glasses offer a wireless experience, and the Nreal Air’s display features Low Blue Light, Flicker Free, and Eye Comfort certifications from TÜV Rheinland Group, making it a safer option for users’ eyes.
Click here to buy the Nreal Air.
Nreal Air Features
- 130″ spatial display in Air Casting mode for an amplified mobile, PC, and gaming experience
- Virtual Desktop mode for a multi-screen workstation, currently available forMacBook computers
- Innovative AR Space experience with select Android phones and Nreal’s Nebula app
- Ultra-lightweight (around 79g) sunglasses-style frame for comfort and portability
- Low Blue Light, Flicker Free, and Eye Comfort display certifications from TÜV Rheinland Group
- Optional prescription lenses available from Nreal’s official partners
Click here to read our full Nreal Air review.
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Ray-Ban Meta (Best AI Features)
The Ray-Ban Metas are the second generation smart glasses by Meta, the owners of the Meta Quest VR headset. The Metas are a collaboration with Luxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, as part of a multi-year plan to develop true augmented reality smart glasses.
The ability to offer a genuinely hands-free and immersive experience sets the Ray-Ban Metas apart. The built-in camera allows you to capture and share life’s moments effortlessly.
Ray-Ban Meta integrates Meta AI, an advanced conversational assistant. By simply saying “Hey Meta,” you can engage with Meta’s generative AI tool to spark creativity, access information, and control various features. This is like having ChatGPT attached to your face whenever you need it.
Meta AI uses generative AI to answer you, making a more personal experience than other voice assistants.
Click here to buy the Ray-Ban Meta.
Ray-Ban Meta Key Features
- Small form factor
- Strong outward-facing cameras
- Complete hands-free controls
- Built-in generative AI
Click here to read our full Ray-Ban Meta review.
Rokid Air (Best Android-Only Glasses)
Rokid Air is a portable, lightweight augmented reality glasses that delivers an immersive cinematic experience on the go. Equipped with a 120″ HD 1080p OLED display and a 43° field of view, users can enjoy stunning 3D AR video through the Rokid Air app.
Designed for comfort and convenience, the Rokid Air AR glasses weigh just 83g and can easily fit into your pocket or backpack. Memory metal nose pads, flexible hinges, padded temple tips, 0.00 to -5.00D myopia correction for each eye, and a right-angle cable connector ensure a comfortable and durable experience.
The glasses provide incredible experiences by enhancing the world around you with dazzling visuals and thrilling games powered by AR. Rokid Air offers extensive compatibility with phones, tablets, computers, and consoles.
Connection options include USB-C over DisplayPort, wireless adapter, or HDMI. Only Android phones are supported, which is Rokid’s biggest drawback so far.
Click here to buy the Rokid Air.
Rokid Air Features
- 120″ HD 1080p OLED display and 43° field of view for an expansive visual experience
- Comfortable and lightweight design, weighing just 83g
- Memory metal nose pads, flexible hinges, and padded temple tips for added comfort
- 0.00 to -5.00D myopia correction for each eye
- Extensive compatibility with phones, tablets, computers, and consoles
- Multiple connection options: USB-C over DisplayPort, wireless adapter, or HDMI
Click here to read our full Rokid Air review.
GOOVIS LITE (Best Media Glasses)
The GOOVIS LITE is a personal cinema screen you wear on your head, similar to a VR headset or heads-up display. It is one of the largest and clearest personal displays available to buy today. The GOOVIS is a dual 0.49″ M-OLED display that appears like a 600-inch television in your vision.
With this super high quality and large screen, you can mirror any display. You can duplicate your phone, laptop, TV, and other devices in your vision wirelessly or with an HDMI cable. The hardware supports all the latest protocols as well, including DLAN, Miracast, and Airplay 2.
The headset is very similar to the GodView V5.
Click here to buy the GOOVIS LITE.
GOOVIS LITE Features
- An immersive 600-inch virtual screen in your vision
- 53 pixels per degree (PPD)
- 4523 pixels per inch!
- Distortion Control < 1.5%
- 3D Dual M-OLED Display
- 2,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio
- Comfortable fit
- Glass Free technology
- Anti-Fog and Excellent Heat Dissipation
- Wireless Cast or HDMI-capable
- Only 200g
- 56 – 72 mm IPD adjustment
- +3D to -8D Diopter adjustment
Click here to read our full GOOVIS LITE review.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 (Best AR Glasses for Business)
Microsoft HoloLens is a wearable computer in the shape of high-tech glasses. The headset includes a built-in Windows 10 computer and lenses that act as the display. Connecting a HoloLens to a computer is unnecessary for it to work.
Hololens is in its prototype stage. Developers can sign up to develop real-world applications for the lenses today. However, the glasses are too expensive and bulky for everyday consumer users. The technology has so far been used to develop proof of concepts for businesses interested in integrating the technology in the workplace.
HoloLens also has a built-in rechargeable battery and Wi-Fi connectivity, so it is wireless when used. The wearer can move around an object, manipulate it, and experience it as if it were actually present.
The holographic processing unit (HPU) in the HoloLens handles the processing in the glasses. It also powers the sensors and the cameras for the hologram in real-time.
Click here to buy the Microsoft HoloLens.
Microsoft HoloLens Features
- A 720p resolution of 1268 × 720 per eye
- Remote Assist support from directly from Microsoft
- Custom HoloLens clicker controller for controlling apps and games
- Hand gesture support
- Custom HoloLens Processing Unity (HPU) for decision-making
- A Windows 10 variant operating system
Click here to read our full Microsoft HoloLens review and guide.
RealMax 100 Review (Best AR/VR Combo Headset)
The RealMax 100 is an AR and VR headset rolled into one package.t performs for augmented and virtual reality gaming and day-to-day tasks. The Qian has been highly anticipated since its original debut at CES 2018 as a prototype. It has gone through multiple iterations and is now shipping to customers.
The RealMax headset contains a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 CPU and requires no connection to a computer. This is the same processor included in the Oculus Quest 1.
Users can switch from augmented to virtual reality and vice-versa with the magnetic VR clip-on shade.
RealMax supports one of the largest open-source augmented reality app stores. The store features various mixed reality experiences and demos
Overall, these aren’t augmented reality glasses you’ll wear in public. However, they allow you to try out the technology at home with unique and fun games.
The biggest drawback is that this headset is not widely available just yet.
Click here to buy the RealMax 100.
RealMax Qian Features
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor
- 4 GB ROM
- 64 GB Hard Drive
- 6000 mAh battery – over 5 hours of battery life
- Dual LCD
- Switch from augmented to virtual reality and vice-versa with a magnetic clip
- 119.5-degree FoV in VR mode
- 180-degree FoV in AR mode
- 6 degrees of freedom (DoF) hand-tracking support
Click here to read our full RealMax Qian review.
The Ghost Pacer Review (Best Augmented Reality Running Glasses)
The Ghost Pacer is a set of glasses that runners can wear while they train. The glasses use augmented reality to overlay a holographic avatar in your vision. This always gives you a frame of reference of how fast you should be going.
Using augmented reality, the glasses project a live avatar in your space in real-time. The avatar runs alongside you, showing you the pace you need to run to improve. The Ghost Pacer will always tell you, as you are running, whether you are sticking to your goal pace. If not, the avatar will guide you in shifting your performance to get back on track. By helping keep you on pace, the Ghost Pacer will maximize the value of each run and workout.
A Pro edition adds the ability to give you suggest daily workouts and routes tailored specifically to your fitness profile. The Pro holographic avatar is also calibrated to change its pace mid-run along your route. This helps you optimize your workout and improve further.
Click here to buy the Ghost Pacer glasses.
The Ghost Pacer Features
- A companion app by Strava to track your runs and progress
- The ability to set a target pace for your run
- Race your friends virtually through the glasses
- Full smartwatch integration for fitness stats
- Lightweight, only 90 grams
Click here to read our full Ghost Pacer review.
CR Deck Mk.1 Review (Best for Developers)
The CR Deck Mk.1 from Combine Reality is an open-source augmented reality headset platform. The headset uses off-the-shelf components that you can 3D print yourself to create an AR headset. With the hardware in hand, the CR Deck has a development platform that makes it easy to create applications in augmented reality.
Unlike the Microsoft HoloLens, which is expensive and hard to get your hands on, the Deck should be much easier to obtain.
The development platform is one of the most exciting aspects of this AR headset. It includes integration with Project North Star and Hand-tracking from UltraLeap. Full SteamVR and Unity integration are included to further simplify development.
The main goal of the Mk.1 is to create a cheap device for AR development that prepares apps and games for future major releases. The black frame on the glasses is clunkier than other solutions as a cost-saving measure.
The CR Deck Mk.1 comes with 3 components:
- Leap Motion Controller – used for hand tracking to recognize commands and gestures.
- Left and right eye displays – Individual 1440×1600 displays at 120 Hz
- Combiners – Reflective lenses that allow the displays to show up in your eyesight in augmented reality, overlaid on top of the real world.
Click here to buy the CR Deck Mk.1 development kit.
CR Deck Mk.1 Features
- Dual LCD display with a resolution of 1440 × 1600 each
- Hand tracking support
- Leap motion controller support
- The ability to 3D print yourself to create a development kit
- 6 DoF tracking available
Click here to read our full CR Deck Mk.1 review.
Amazon Echo Frames v2 (Best Audio)
Echo Frames 2 are the latest version of Amazon’s eyeglasses designed to provide hands-free access to the Alexa voice assistant. The frames maintain a smooth and sleek design without additional sensors, focusing on seamless integration with Alexa for various tasks throughout the day.
With Echo Frames 2, you can use Alexa to:
- Make phone calls
- Set reminders
- Play Music
- Add to your to-do lists
- Get the news
- Listen to podcasts
- Control your smart home from anywhere
- And more!
Echo Frames 2 has built in speakers that direct sound to your ears while minimizing what others can hear. They also feature AI-based volume adjustment that responds to the noise level of your environment. There are also built in microphones so that you can talk to Alexa.
Other AR glasses are bulky, but the Echo Frames are designed for all-day use, Amazon Echo Frames 2 can play back music for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a practical companion throughout your day. This is an improvement over the first generation of Frames.
Click here to buy the Amazon Echo Frames.
Amazon Echo Frames 2 Features
- Full Alexa voice assistant integration
- Ability to fit your lens prescription by taking the glasses to your optometrist
- AI-based automatic volume adjustment to suit your surroundings
- Directional audio sunglasses designed for your privacy
GodView V5 (Best Looking)
The GodView V5 is a pair of HD smart glasses with an extremely high resolution. They were well received back in 2021 when they launched on Kickstarter, but updates have been scarce since.
GodView comes with an amazing 110-degree field of view. It can produce a virtual screen equivalent to a 300″ projection screen, with up to 2000 nits of brightness. The glasses are powered from your mobile phone or computer.
GodView claims to give you a brighter and higher quality display than the Oculus Quest 2.
Instead of focusing on its own augmented reality apps, GodView connects to your phone or computer. It allows you to mirror any device directly in your eyesight for a personal television screen.
Hopefully these glasses become more widely available soon. I think they are the best looking AR tech that look like regular glasses.
You can buy the GodView V5 right now off of Kickstarter.
GodView V5 Features
- Full 300-inch equivalent display in your vision
- High resolution display of 2560 × 2560 per eye
- 110-degree field of view (FoV)
- High brightness of up to 2,000 nits
- Myopia adaptability so that you don’t have to wear glasses
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Omni-compatibility so the GodView connects to all your devices
- Has multiple accessory options, including a game controller, mini computer, or Wi-Fi receiver
Click here to read our full GodView V5 review.
Upcoming Augmented Reality Glasses
The hardware below is upcoming and under development right now! The latest rumors place consumer headwear by Facebook and Apple available for purchase in 2024. This is when we expect this market to be flipped upside-down.
Project Aria by Facebook
Project Aria is a pair of smart glasses used as a research device by Facebook Reality Labs. Its goal is to determine what consumer augmented reality smart glasses actually need. Facebook partnered with Ray-Ban on a multi-year partnership to place technology inside their glasses.
Beginning in September 2020, a few hundred Facebook employees and contractors started wearing the Aria smart glasses around San Francisco. The result of the project was the new Ray-Ban Stories glasses. While they do not have any augmented reality features, they do allow you to record HD video on demand.
Project Aria is exciting because it’s the first announcement from a major company on a consumer AR product.
Facebook showcased a few exciting areas of focus for Aria, including:
- Bringing information into your glasses automatically and on demand
- Mapping the entire world into your vision
- Personalizing apps and responses for maximum value
The hope is that Facebook will announce its first consumer pair of AR smart glasses in late 2023
Click here to learn more about Project Aria by Facebook.
Apple Glass Augmented Reality Glasses
Apple has been developing AR smart glasses for a few years. The company has invested heavily in augmented technology. They recently added an advanced LIDAR sensor to their iPad and iPhones.
The company has also been working with developers to develop augmented apps, games, and content.
There is no word yet on when an official announcement from Apple might come. Rumors say that we could be waiting as long as 2021 or 2022. With Facebook committing to a big unveiling in September 2022, Apple may choose to wait and see like they have done in the past.
Augmented Reality Glasses You Can’t Buy
The following hardware below is technically available today. However, they are only released for industrial and enterprise purposes. They are not available for consumer purchase and are concept devices so far.
Google Glass
Google Glass is an enterprise device used to pilot augmented reality technology. You must have a special arrangement with Google to use the glasses. This hardware is not available for consumer use.
Google Glass is made mostly for manufacturing applications. The goal is to allow operators to do their jobs faster, smarter, and safer. They are heavy-duty to provide protection to the wearer. The hardware has three main goals:
- Allow workers to stay focused
- Improved accuracy of work
- The ability to collaborate and video chat with co-workers in real time
Google is using the hardware to gather data similar to Facebook. The goal is for Google to introduce a consumer product in the future.
The Different Types of Augmented Reality Glasses Today
Augmented reality technology can do a lot of powerful things in 2022. The smart video glasses you want depend on your needs.
At a high level, the following AR device types are available today:
- Media Playback
- Fitness
- Development Hardware
- General Use
Let’s go in-depth on each type to show you what kind of hardware you can buy right now.
Media Playback and Screen Mirroring
Video glasses are a sub-niche that has gotten popular over the last year. Display size and quality for both AR and VR headsets have increased greatly. Media playback glasses let you view and use your phone, tablet, computer, or phone from a personal screen in your vision.
Instead of tying up your television, you can play video games in a 300-inch equivalent projector in your eyesight.
Media glasses are small and compact because they don’t contain all the sensors that full-fledged AR hardware would.
The Nreal Air and Rokid Air are two new options. The GodView V5 and GOOVIS LITE are two original media glasses in this space that were released.
Fitness
FORM AR Swim Goggles
We haven’t seen a full-fledged everyday use pair of glasses hit the market yet. However, fitness glasses that help you train and work out have become popular lately.
These glasses don’t require heavy computing power. Instead of complex calculations, they track specific tasks: your location, movement, and speed. They sync to your phone and mirror specific information in your eyesight.
There are several popular solutions available to buy depending on your sport and goal:
- Running = The Ghost Pacer
- Swimming = FORM Swim Goggles
- Motorcycle Riding = Eyeride HUD
Development Hardware
Development smart glasses aren’t ready to be worn out in public all day long. They have too many sensors and look closer to a VR headset than a pair of Ray-Bans.
Instead, they are either for pure development or sold to manufacturing businesses who don’t care what they look like.
This hardware is laying the framework for the future of augmented reality hardware. Several companies are gathering data and releasing development hardware so that app developers can create new AR apps.
Some of the most popular development hardware today is:
- CR Deck Mk.1
- Microsoft HoloLens
- Google Glass
- Project Aria by Facebook
General Use
General-use glasses are designed to be worn every day if you want. They are closest to a future where augmented reality is in your eyesight 24/7.
Most people are waiting for this category of augmented reality glasses. Today, a few limited options exist for consumer purchase.
This is the space where many people are waiting for Google, Facebook, or Apple to enter. These companies have the manufacturing power and ecosystem to create glasses that transform the world.
Conclusion
Which smart AR glasses are you most excited to buy and get your hands on?
Comment below and let us know what you think the future of augmented reality headwear is. As soon as any major new hardware is released, we will have full coverage here at AR/VR Tips.
