I’ve been testing the Ray-Ban Meta 2nd generation smart glasses, and after several weeks of use, I can confidently say they are the first pair of smart glasses that feel practical for everyday life. They are not perfect, but the improvements in battery, camera, and AI finally make them something I reach for in real-world situations.

Design and Comfort

The first thing that stood out is how normal these glasses look. They feel like classic Ray-Bans, light enough for long wear, and I didn’t get the “tech gadget” stares you sometimes do with other smart glasses. I also like that I can order them with prescription or Transitions lenses, which makes them functional beyond the tech.

Camera and Video

The new 12 MP camera is a noticeable upgrade. Photos are sharper, and video quality has jumped up to 3K at 30 fps. For day-to-day clips like biking, cooking demos, or quick vlogs, the footage is solid. Stabilization has improved, though if you’re moving fast, head movement still introduces some bounce. Low light is where the glasses fall short, phone cameras still win there.

Audio and Calls

The open-ear speakers are surprisingly good. Podcasts, calls, and background music sound clear, though you won’t confuse them with high-end earbuds. I did notice sound bleed in quiet spaces, so they aren’t discreet at higher volumes. Calls, on the other hand, work great. The five-microphone system picks up voice cleanly, and people on the other end didn’t complain about clarity.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is where these glasses really stepped up. I got about seven to eight hours of mixed use on a single charge. The charging case is also useful, it extends life for multiple days and charges quickly. A 20-minute charge gave me enough juice for most of a workday, which kept downtime minimal.

AI and Everyday Use

Meta’s AI integration is one of the biggest reasons I think these glasses stand out. Asking “Hey Meta” to identify objects, translate text, or even answer quick questions feels natural when you’re on the go. For me, it came in handy while cooking, when my hands were busy but I needed conversions, or when I wanted to dictate a quick message. This is where the device started to feel more than a camera, it felt like a tool.

Limitations

There are still some drawbacks. First, you have to use a Meta account, which won’t be for everyone. Second, while the video is good, I still found myself preferring my phone for important shots. Third, privacy is always in the back of my mind. The white LED indicator helps, but recording in public still draws attention and sometimes discomfort.

My Final Thoughts

The Ray-Ban Meta 2nd gen smart glasses are not going to replace your phone, but they don’t need to. They shine as a companion device, one that makes it easier to capture life hands-free and get quick access to information without pulling out your phone. They feel more polished than the first version, and for me, they’ve crossed into being useful rather than just a cool idea.

They deliver on style, battery life, and functionality, with just enough limitations to keep them short of a score over 9. For people who want hands-free recording and practical AI features in everyday eyewear, they are finally worth it.

Overall Score: 8.2 out of 10