The truth about donning modern smart glasses—particularly those equipped with a flashing camera—is that they make observers uneasy. A quick commute on a Manhattan subway in the morning instantly reveals the prevailing stigma. Indeed, the amount of side-glances one receives while wearing them is unmistakably palpable.
To spare users from public embarrassment, Meta is introducing a product it should have launched at the start of the smart glasses trend: Ray-Bans without cameras. The new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses feel familiar yet refreshingly different. The Burbank model resembles classic Ray-Ban glasses, featuring lightweight, glossy black frames and a faux-leather charging case.
The key feature, key for both buyers and the creators of the notorious ‘pervert glasses,’ is that these glasses are audio-only. Users can make calls, interact with Meta AI, listen to music and podcasts, and translate languages. That’s the extent of their capabilities. There’s no ability to take photos, record videos, or engage in awkward conversations about whether the glasses are recording.
Comfort and Battery Life Improve With Cameras Removed
Meta is banking on this design, as removing the cameras offers two advantages: enhanced comfort and longer battery life. The Burbank and Clubmaster models weigh 43 and 47 grams, respectively. While not as light as regular glasses, they are significantly lighter than the camera-equipped Ray-Ban Metas, which weigh between 51 and 55 grams.
With the Burbank model, one tester found they could wear them for much longer periods compared to previous Meta versions, only experiencing fatigue by midday rather than within the first hour or two. The adjustable nose pads and temple tips contribute to this comfort. Without the camera’s optical components, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio features a larger battery, offering 12 hours of use per charge or up to 60 hours with the charging case, an improvement over the camera version’s nine-hour rating.
Using the audio-only glasses feels somewhat different. The increased comfort and ease of camera-less glasses make them more suitable for daily use, resembling Meta’s Optics line of prescription smart glasses.
Like other Ray-Ban Meta models, the Audio glasses can accommodate prescriptions ranging from -12.00 to +6.00, covering most cases of myopia and hyperopia.
The audio quality of these glasses is unsurprisingly good. Since the first Ray-Ban Metas, the micro-speakers have delivered clear, spacious sound, with mids and high frequencies standing out. While the open-ear design can’t match the immersive bass of traditional headphones or earbuds, it’s adequate for casual listening, such as podcasts or movie soundtracks during daily tasks.
The microphones, however, sounded less muffled. The AI noise cancellation may have something to do with it, but most of the time, callers told the wearer their voice sounded like their mouth was cupped. At one point, a family member joked that they were a call-in guest on an AM radio show. On a brighter note, the same hard switch on the inner frame that prompts the glasses’ pairing process doubles as a microphone mute.
After a week of testing the Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, one is not necessarily convinced that these will sway skeptics and critics back to Meta’s good side, but they are certainly a much safer entry for those looking to venture into smart glasses and want to avoid the “creep factor.” At a starting price of $349, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio aren’t the most affordable option on the market, but they are $100 cheaper than the camera-equipped model.
Software Limitations and Final Verdict
Not using Meta services can make the experience less smooth for some users. Staying connected through Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp works well for those already in the ecosystem. However, the glasses rely on Meta AI for voice assistance. This limits the options for people who prefer other platforms. The “programmable” button on the right frame has few choices. It can prompt Meta AI, play music, or do nothing. There is no option for custom shortcuts or voice command sequences based on location.
