The Meta Vanguard aims to redefine what sporty smart eyewear can do by combining top-tier lenses and frame design from Oakley with AI, camera capture, and workout integrations courtesy of Meta. From the moment I strapped them on during a run and bike ride, the vision was clear: a pair of glasses you wear for protection, style, and performance tracking. Over multiple sessions I explored how well they delivered, and where they fell short.
Design & Build
The Meta Vanguard sits sharply in the Oakley DNA: bold, wraparound styling with full coverage. With the signature Prizm lenses and multiple lens-change options, they handle bright sunlight, glare, and outdoor elements with ease. The frame weighs 66 grams and includes a one-piece nose bridge housing a 12-MP camera with 122° field of view.
During use I found the fit stable even while cycling at speed; the Apple-style nose piece and temple grip helped. That said, the larger wraparound frame may feel oversized on smaller faces, and the strong sporty aesthetic isn’t as subtle as standard sunglasses.
The build feels premium with sweat- and water-resistance rated at IP67—ideal for high-intensity outdoor use. Controls are physical buttons and an action button on the lower stem, which remained accessible while wearing a helmet or glasses. Learning the exact button positions took some time.
Smart Features & Performance
What sets the Meta Vanguard apart are its performance-oriented smart features. The glasses integrate with Garmin and Strava for real-time metrics; you can ask voice-activated Meta AI questions like “What’s my heart rate?” and receive audible responses. During a ride I tested this and the glasses relayed my heart rate and pace without me looking down.
The built-in camera lets you capture 3K video at 30 fps, plus slow motion and hyperlapse. I recorded cycling and trail runs and appreciated the freedom of hands-free capture. Image stabilization was decent; it handled modest vibration but did not rival dedicated action cameras in rough terrain. Audio through open-ear speakers was louder than expected, even with wind at 30 mph—but those who want bass-heavy sound may still prefer earbuds.
Battery & Connectivity
Oakley claims up to nine hours of battery life for mixed use, and during my testing I got close to that when capturing video, using smart features, and listening to music. The included charging case adds up to an additional 36 hours—handy for multi-day outings. The glasses support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi for firmware updates and uploads to the Meta AI companion app.
However, heavy use of video capture or live metrics drained battery noticeably faster, which means some users might need to carry the case on long trips. Also, full compatibility with Garmin devices depends on your specific smartwatch model, giving a caveat for users with older gear.
Pros
- Excellent wraparound sunglass design with performance lenses
- Strong integration with fitness platforms (Garmin, Strava)
- 12 MP ultra-wide camera with 3K video capture and stabilization
- IP67 rating makes them rugged enough for outdoor use
- Built-in open-ear speakers and voice-activated Meta AI
- Long battery life plus extended case charging
Cons
- Smart features depend on compatible devices and apps
- Captured video quality doesn’t match top action cameras
- Frame design feels large on smaller faces
- Sound is open-ear style, not sealed—in noisy environments it may miss bass or clarity
- Button layout takes time to learn
- Premium price (~$499) for niche use case
Verdict
These glasses represent one of the stronger entries in the smart-sport-eyewear category. They deliver a believable blend of high-end optics, rugged build, and smart performance features. If you cycle, run, or train outdoors and want gear that works like sunglasses and tech at once, the Meta Vanguard is compelling. Just be prepared for the premium price, some learning curve, and the fact that no system in this class yet matches dedicated action cams or audio gear.
Overall Score: 8.1 out of 10
