Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1: Smart Glasses Review and Buyer’s Guide

Smart eyewear keeps evolving, but the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 still stands out for people who want style and helpful tech in one frame. These glasses blend classic Ray-Ban design with Meta’s AI tools in a way that feels natural. You get hands-free photos, voice controls, open-ear audio, and real day-to-day usefulness.

The price ranges from $249 to $299, which makes them one of the most accessible smart glasses available today. If you want tech that looks like standard eyewear but adds real function to your routine, these deserve a close look. Here’s a full guide to help you decide.

The first thing you notice is how familiar the frames look. You still get the classic Ray-Ban shapes, including Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler. The frames hide Meta’s hardware well, giving you a clean silhouette that feels polished instead of bulky.

Build Quality and Comfort

The glasses weigh around 52g, so they feel heavier than standard Ray-Ban frames. Even so, the weight sits evenly, which helps during long wear. The build uses sturdy materials that handle everyday movement and travel. An IPX4 water-resistance rating protects the glasses from light rain or splashes. You can walk through a drizzle without worry, though they are not made for heavy storms or swimming.

Integrated Tech That Stays Subtle

The tech sits inside the frame without drawing attention. There are no oversized lenses or awkward bumps. Most people won’t notice any hardware unless they look closely, which makes these glasses great for daily use.

The built-in 12MP ultra-wide camera is one of the key reasons people choose the Gen 1 model. You get a true first-person angle that feels natural and immersive.

Photo and Video Details

Photos reach 3024 × 4032 resolution, giving you sharp images in bright conditions. The ultra-wide lens captures more of your field of view, which works well for travel, food shots, hikes, and casual daily moments. Video records at 1080p 30fps. It works best for short clips or social content. There’s no image stabilization, so fast movement can feel shaky.

Real-World Uses

Hands-free shooting helps you stay in the moment. You can cook, walk, bike, or record a quick demo without reaching for your phone. A small front indicator light turns on during recording to keep things transparent in public.

Storage Capacity

Built-in storage holds several hundred photos plus shorter videos. For longer outings, you may want to transfer files to your phone through the companion app.

For such thin frames, the audio is impressive.

Open-Ear Sound

Dual open-ear speakers give you clear audio while keeping you aware of your surroundings. Music sounds good enough for casual listening, podcasts feel crisp, and spoken audio comes through well.

Call Quality

A 5-microphone array captures your voice cleanly. Even in moderate background noise, calls stay understandable thanks to smart voice isolation.

Voice Commands

Meta’s voice assistant responds quickly to prompts. You can control music, send replies, capture photos, or get quick answers without touching your phone.

The glasses work with both iOS and Android, which gives you freedom to switch devices.

Connection Stability

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections stay stable through daily use. Pairing takes only a minute, and reconnecting is automatic.

Companion App

The Meta View app manages settings, transfers photos, and organizes your library. The interface is simple, and updates continue to add new tools and improvements. There are slight feature differences between Apple and Android devices, though nothing major enough to limit general use.

Battery life is the main limitation of the Gen 1 model.

Daily Use

Expect around 4 hours of active time. This covers normal recording, short videos, and music or calls. Long travel days may require recharging sooner.

Charging Case

The included charging case boosts total use to around 32 hours. The glasses charge quickly inside the case, though the case itself needs recharging through USB-C.

The Gen 1 model fits best into casual routines. It helps you capture moments easily, listen to audio while staying aware, and use voice commands without pulling out your phone.

Content Creation

The first-person angle gives your recordings a natural feel. It’s great for daily vlogs, cooking steps, quick tutorials, or documenting travel moments.

Ease of Use

You can learn the basics in minutes. Once you get used to voice commands, most features feel second nature.

Prices range from $249 to $299, depending on style and lens type. For smart glasses, this sits on the lower end while still offering helpful features.

Comparing Gen 1 and Gen 2

Gen 2 models include stronger cameras, better stabilization, and longer battery life. Still, the Gen 1 version remains a great entry point if you want smart features without a higher price tag. The package includes a charging case, cable, and cleaning cloth. Some buyers add a soft pouch or extra cable for convenience.

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses remain a strong pick for people who want style with useful tech. The design feels natural, the camera is fun for everyday content, and the open-ear audio makes daily tasks simple. Battery life could be better, but the charging case helps a lot.

If you want a stylish entry into smart eyewear, this model still delivers great value. You can explore them on Amazon and check out other smart wearables that might fit your routine too.