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Smart Wearables

Best Value Smart Glasses

Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1)

by Meta4.3 / 5

The original Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, with a lower MSRP than Gen 2. Same iconic Wayfarer style, 12MP camera, open-ear audio, and Meta AI, just without the Gen 2 battery and 3K upgrades.

MSRP
Unverified
$299

Manufacturer list (catalog) · date not recorded

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  • 12MP ultra-wide camera with 1080p video
  • Open-ear audio with custom speakers
  • Meta AI (hands-free voice assistant)
  • Live streaming to Facebook/Instagram
  • Touch and voice controls
  • Wayfarer and Headliner frame options

The short version

Who it's for

Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) is best for shoppers focused on best value smart glasses who want everyday and camera before buying.

Who should skip it

Shoppers who need a lower entry price, a different ecosystem fit, or a different mix of features should compare Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) with close alternatives before buying.

Where to buy

Price comparison

Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban

Official store

—Buy at the official store

Each listing shows when its offer data last changed: our weekly run (last on Sep 27) checks a batch of Amazon and eBay listings, oldest first, and records a date only when something changes; other stores are not re-checked automatically. A price older than 30 days may be out of date, so check the current price at the store.

Full price details

What we like

  • Lower MSRP than Gen 2 — great entry point
  • Same iconic Ray-Ban look as Gen 2
  • Camera and audio quality still excellent
  • Meta AI continues to get software updates
  • Compatible with most Ray-Ban prescription lenses

What could be better

  • Roughly half the battery life of Gen 2 (~4 hrs)
  • 1080p video instead of Gen 2's 3K HD
  • Less internal storage for photos/videos
  • No new Transitions Gen-2 coatings

Full review

Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) is the original 2023 generation of Meta's collaboration with Ray-Ban. It kicked off the smart-glasses category with a 12MP ultra-wide camera capable of 1080p video, open-ear audio, hands-free Meta AI, and live streaming to Facebook/Instagram — all in a classic Wayfarer shape. With Gen 2 now shipping, Gen 1 has become the value pick: the same everyday experience at a lower MSRP.

Questions about Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1)

Is Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) worth buying in 2026?

Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) is worth considering if its strengths match your needs, but the best call depends on your budget, ecosystem, and whether you value the specific features highlighted in this review.

What is the current price for Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1)?

There is no current offer for Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) to show right now. Its MSRP is $299.

Where can I compare Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) with similar smart glasses?

Use the linked price page, related products, and the compare hub on Smart Wearables to compare Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) against similar options before you buy.

Alternatives worth a look

  • Smart Glasses
    Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 2) Smart Glasses
    MSRP
    Unverified
    $379

    Manufacturer list (catalog) · date not recorded

    No current offer to show right now

    Buying options

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    Amazon

    Amazon price not published here

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    Ray-Ban

    Ray-Ban

    Official store

    —Buy at the official store

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    Get the latest price from stores we can check live.

    Full product details
  • Smart Glasses
    Solos AirGo 3
    MSRP
    Unverified
    $249

    Manufacturer list (catalog) · date not recorded

    No current offer to show right now

    Buying options

    We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this site. It never changes our rankings or verdicts.

    Solos

    Solos

    Official store

    —Buy at the official store

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    Full product details
  • Smart Glasses
    Even Realities G1
    4.0
    Even Realities

    Even Realities G1

    MSRP
    Unverified
    $399

    Manufacturer list (catalog) · date not recorded

    No current offer to show right now

    Buying options

    We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this site. It never changes our rankings or verdicts.

    Even Realities

    Even Realities

    Official store

    —Buy at the official store

    Live check (optional)

    Get the latest price from stores we can check live.

    Full product details

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this site. It never changes our rankings or verdicts.