Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)

Overview

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) are display-free AI camera and audio glasses built by Meta and eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica. Starting at $299 (up to $379 with polarized or Transitions photochromic lenses), the series became the best-selling smart eyewear line worldwide across 2025 and 2026, shipping millions of units and establishing the category before Meta introduced the higher-end Meta VR Glasses and Meta Ray-Ban Display.

Design and styles

The glasses use classic Ray-Ban silhouettes—including Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner—with electronics hidden inside slightly thicker temples and the bridge. Depending on the frame, they weigh roughly 48 to 50 g and carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating against splashes and light rain. Buyers can order clear, sun, polarized, Transitions or custom prescription lenses.

Camera, audio and hardware

A 12MP ultra-wide camera sits in the upper left corner of the frame, opposite a white privacy LED that pulses whenever a photo or video is recorded. It captures 3024 × 4032 stills and vertical 1080p video, and can livestream directly to Instagram and Facebook. Inside sits a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor with 32 GB of flash storage. Five microphones (including a contact mic in the nose bridge) and custom open-ear directional speakers handle calls, music and voice commands. Battery life is rated at about 4 hours of mixed use, with the leather charging case providing up to 36 hours of total runtime.

Software and Meta AI

Saying "Hey Meta" or pressing the temple touchpad invokes Meta's multimodal AI assistant. Using the camera and microphones, Meta AI can translate spoken conversations or printed signs in real time, remember where you parked, suggest recipes from ingredients on a counter, or answer questions about landmarks in view. Regular firmware updates have added live translation offline packs, Shazam music lookup and reminders.

Who it is for

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) suit people who want everyday sunglasses or prescription frames that double as open-ear headphones, a first-person camera and a hands-free voice assistant starting at $299. Buyers who want a heads-up display inside the lens for text notifications, maps and visual previews should step up to the $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display.