The idea of using your sunglasses like a smartphone can still feel futuristic and far-out. But with better cameras, longer battery life and immersive user experience, AI glasses are becoming a must-have accessory for just about anyone, not just a sci-fi curiosity. Soon, sporting a pair to take photos, look up information and make calls when you’re on the go could be as natural as pulling out your phone.
Key Takeaways
- CNET called Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Gen 1) the best budget smart glasses of 2026
- Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Gen 1) are an excellent option for AI glasses at an affordable price
- Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Gen 1) are on sale for $224 through May 25, 2026
In fact, Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Gen 1) -- CNET’s best budget smart glasses for 2026 -- are ideal for doing the things you already use your phone for, like taking videos, sending messages, getting recipe ideas and setting reminders. And right now, you can try them for yourself at an even better price of just $224 when you pick up a pair by May 25.
Immersive, hands-free connection
It might sound counterintuitive, but AI glasses were created to help you stay present in the moment while also keeping you connected. With voice-activated commands, hands-free calls and messaging, real-time language translation and AI features, there’s no need to look down at your phone and take yourself out of the action when you’re hanging out with your kids or watching the game with friends.
Meta Wayfarers are so immersive that you might forget you’re wearing them. The experts agree: CNET called them "the best AI companion," especially for vacations, when they can capture photos and video clips of your favorite moments hands-free. But they’re ideal for making memories just about anywhere you are, whether that be celebrating holidays with family, hitting a hiking trail with your dog or setting a new PR at the gym.
With built-in Ask Meta AI, first-gen Meta Wayfarers do more than capture your world; they enhance your interactions with it. When you say, "Hey, Meta," you can do things like:
- Check real-time traffic data as you commute to work
- Learn about can’t-miss experiences while traveling
- Get recipe ideas while grocery shopping
Better camera, speakers and battery life
For AI glasses to compete with your smartphone in terms of everyday convenience, they have to offer next-level features and outstanding performance. Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Gen 1) represent a big leap forward in both video and audio quality and battery life.
Features include:
- An upgraded, ultrawide 12MP camera captures photos and video the way you see them
- 32GB flash storage that holds up to 1,000 photos or 100 30-second videos
- An integrated five-mic system that picks up crisp, high-quality audio for videos and phone calls
- Bluetooth speakers built into each arm play crystal-clear audio that only you can hear
They're easy to charge, too. With 36 hours of battery life in their convenient and stylish carrying case, first-gen Meta Wayfarers can spend all day with you while you’re at work, running errands or enjoying the outdoors, keeping you connected and capturing what’s important. When you’re ready to charge them up, just pop your AI glasses into their case and they’ll be good to go in less than an hour.
Great AI glasses, great value
All these incredible features don’t mean anything if you don’t like the way you look in your AI glasses. That’s no problem: Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers combine the luxury sunglass brand’s iconic, timeless style with serious tech and the immersive AI experience you want.
First-gen Meta Wayfarers are available in a few different frame finishes, lens types and sizes so you can find the perfect pair for your personal style, whether you’re looking for prescription lenses, sun protection or a specific tint.