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Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2): two-minute overview
Between the growth in generative AI know-how and the power of producers to supply smaller-than-ever {hardware} parts, equipment as mild as glasses frames can home spectacular computing energy nowadays, and main that individual cost has been Meta, with its trendy and succesful Ray-Ban Meta good glasses.
That being mentioned, the competitors might effectively catch up earlier than lengthy — the adjustments between the first- and second-gen glasses are solely iterative, and Meta’s focus is greater than seemingly on the Meta Ray-Ban Shows somewhat than on these comparatively ‘dumb’ good glasses.
So, what higher technique to take a look at them than by taking them on the highway? I took my pair of second-gen Ray-Ban Metas on trip to Rome, Italy and used them as each my predominant digicam and my tour information to learn the way helpful they’re in real-life environments.
- Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2) (Blue) at Amazon for $379
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) overview: nonetheless the good glasses to beat, however there’s room to develop – YouTube
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Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) overview: value and availability
- Begins at $379 / £379 / AU$689
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) begin at $379 / £379 / AU$599 in all their numerous types — that’s $80 / £80 / AU$150 greater than the first-generation glasses. That’s a comparatively small value enhance (particularly given present market circumstances) for an honest improve to battery life and digicam specs — and you may simply swap out your present lenses into the Gen 2 in case you already personal the primary era and really need these advantages.
You will additionally pay $30 / £30 / AU$40 or $80 / £80 / AU$90 further for Polarized or Transitions lenses, respectively. I went for traditional shaded lenses, and I wanted for transitions numerous occasions throughout my testing; they’re vital in case you plan to make use of these indoors at any level with out wanting such as you’re nursing a hangover.
Swipe to scroll horizontallyRay-Ban Meta 1st gen vs. 2nd gen specs
Specs
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1)
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)
Digicam
12MP ultra-wide
12MP ultra-wide
Picture Decision
3024 x 4032 pixels
3024 x 4032 pixels
Video Decision
1080p at 30fps
1200p at 60fps
1440p at 30fps
3K at 30fps
Microphones
5-microphone array
5-microphone array
Storage
32GB
32GB
Audio
Two open-ear audio system
Two open-ear audio system
Weight
49.2g
52g
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1
Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1
Compatibility
iOS; Android
iOS; Android
Battery (Glasses)
As much as 4 hours of average use
As much as 8 hours of average use
Battery (Charging case)
As much as 32 extra hours of cost
As much as 48 extra hours of cost
Water Resistance
IPX4 (splash resistant)
IPX4 (splash resistant)
Designs
Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner
Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner
Lenses
Prescription (-6.0 to +4.0), Transition and Polarized
Prescription (-6.0 to +4.0), Transition and Polarized
Whereas these are nonetheless surprisingly inexpensive, the worth is starting to creep up in the direction of “wait, do I actually want these?” territory; in a world the place we will now buy a $599 / £599 / AU$899 MacBook Neo, the ‘cool’ issue can solely go to this point to encourage new clients to put money into an in any other case area of interest class.
All body designs are priced the identical, and you may select from six colour choices throughout the Wayfarer and Headliner frames, or seven in Skyler. Plus, two new designs have additionally not too long ago been launched for prescription wearers: Blayzer and Scriber. There are two mannequin sizes too, though solely for the Wayfarer fashion; one for bigger and one for smaller heads. Sure frames additionally supply the choice of a low nose-bridge mannequin.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) overview: design
- Broadly the identical as first-gen glasses
- Barely heavier
- Nonetheless IPX4 splash-resistant
Little has modified outwardlythat the attention can see between the primary and second-generation Ray-Ban Meta good glasses. The case is identical, they’re out there in the identical types with the identical lenses (Prescription (-6.0 to +4.0), Transition and Polarized) – actually, all that’s noticeably modified right here is the load, which fits up 2.8g, from the 49.2g of the first-generation to 52g, seemingly on account of the bigger battery and improved digicam {hardware}.
There’s some disappointment on this sameness. For instance, these nonetheless solely have an IPX4 ranking, so that they’re splash-resistant however not splash-proof — and one thing that’s worn in your head, which is the primary place to get moist in a sudden downpour, ought to have the very best safety right here.
I don’t love how the Wayfarers look on me, which did form of break my vacation photographs. I went for the Wayfarers as they’re a extra unisex design, and I might share them round with my colleagues, however the boxy form and thick frames make me appear like Carl Fredricksen from Up. Broadly talking, I feel no less than one of many three types will swimsuit most individuals (I’m extra of a Skylar lady, myself), however even Meta can’t totally escape the truth that these glasses have to be decently boxy in an effort to squeeze in all that tech.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The match remains to be super-comfortable, although, and that 2.8g weight enhance hasn’t made the glasses unwearable — although first-timers might discover them a little bit heavy on the nostril bridge. On the upper-left nook if you’re sporting the glasses / wanting on the glasses from the entrance, as on the first-gen, is the 12MP digicam lens, and on the upper-right is the indicator mild that lets passers-by know you’re filming or taking a photograph. The location right here bothers me — most good glasses clearly weren’t made with ladies in thoughts, as a result of in case you have bangs as I do, you’ll discover an excellent many photographs get interrupted by your hair.
Additionally as on the first-gen specs, the shutter button is on the highest of the fitting arm, and the invisible touchpad is on the outer facet of the arm, which helps you to management issues like music and Meta AI. On the left arm is the facility swap.
From afar, these options are discreet sufficient to be virtually invisible, and that continues proper the way in which by way of to the embedded mics and audio system. In reality, the one method you may inform these are good glasses in any respect is from the digicam lens and the sunshine — I’ll allow you to resolve whether or not that’s a very good factor, or a menace to society.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) overview: Efficiency
- AI is broadly dependable
- 12MP digicam remains to be limiting, however respectable
- Battery increase is way appreciated
I took the Ray-Ban Meta (2nd era) good glasses on trip with me to Rome, Italy, hoping the gorgeous and historic metropolis would supply a lot of alternatives for that neat little 12MP digicam to seize some nice first-person views as I explored the landmarks.
I didn’t essentially need to love the method — I’m deeply involved by the privateness implications of guerrilla video and picture seize — however I can’t consider a greater technique to actually seize a second than to report just about the precise perspective you had if you skilled it. Plus, with information in late 2025 about new focused advertisements utilizing Meta AI conversations and alarming experiences about footage captured on the glasses, together with intimate moments, being seen by contractors, the privacy-conscious might effectively wish to preserve all Meta merchandise at arm’s size.
That apart, the standard of photographs and movies captured by the Ray-Ban Meta (2nd era) will naturally pale compared to the primary digicam on any flagship smartphone from the previous few years. It’s solely a 12MP digicam, in any case. Nonetheless, I feel there’s one thing fairly rustic and charming concerning the photographs and movies taken by the Ray-Ban Meta, particularly in case you work round its limitations.
Picture 1 of two
As you may see, framing a shot was more durable than anticipated(Picture credit score: Future)(Picture credit score: Future)
You’re restricted to vertical photographs, and framing your photographs is hard, given there’s no show or preview. Capturing at evening will garner middling outcomes, and colours may also usually be a little bit diluted, however broadly talking the outcomes are nice for capturing the second.
You’ll must put some thought into what video settings swimsuit the motion, too: 1080p at 30fps is a little bit higher stabilized, however naturally much less detailed and well-balanced, than 3K HDR movies. You possibly can see examples of this in our Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2) video overview.
Essentially the most noteworthy improve for me is to the battery. With double the on-device battery and a strong 16-hour increase to the case cost in comparison with the first-gen, these can comfortably final you thru an entire weekend away, or you would get by with just a few fast expenses in case you’re travelling for per week or two. That’s an enormous win whereas solely including just a few grams to the load.
Contained in the glasses’ arms are two open-ear audio system, by way of which you’ll be able to hear Meta AI’s responses and music; these are louder, bassier, and have much less sound leakage in comparison with the primary mannequin, in line with Meta. I’d say that each one tracks — the standard right here is fairly nice, although there’s nonetheless a very good quantity of leakage. I nonetheless wouldn’t personally put on these whereas sitting subsequent to a stranger and listening to tunes full blast, however in case you’re mendacity on a seashore or on a stroll, they’ll work a deal with.
Picture 1 of two
Shot taken on the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2(Picture credit score: Future)Identical shot on iPhone 15 Professional(Picture credit score: Future)
Talking of Meta AI, the assistant is fairly useful to have round, and has seen some enhancements since we reviewed these authentic specs again in 2024. Broadly, the AI suite works as anticipated, together with newer options; I attempted utilizing Dwell Translation to shortly unpack what somebody was saying, and whereas it’s not super-accurate or snappy, it will get you by if you’re overseas and also you’ve been neglecting your Duolingo periods.
After I visited the Colosseum, Meta AI served as my stand-in tour information, telling me concerning the completely different landmarks I used to be taking a look at, and chatting up a storm about Historical Rome. Nonetheless, I did expertise some hallucination; I requested if the huge construction had ever been used for something past leisure, and Meta AI advised me all about its previous as a housing advanced.
I pressed for extra info – together with when this occurred, and swiftly it mentioned that had by no means been the case. Such points have been rare, however it does present why it’s best to usually take AI-generated info with a pinch of salt.
The worst a part of the AI suite is, sadly, the app it’s a must to use to pair your Ray-Ban Meta. The Meta AI app is brimming with AI slop, and I hate that there’s no one-touch button to get straight to your media in case you’re a Ray-Ban consumer. Each time I by chance open the Vibes feed, I shudder.
Ought to I purchase the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Attribute
Remark
Rating
Design
Comfy and trendy because of Ray-Ban’s ocular know-how, although digicam placement can nonetheless be bothersome.
5/5
Efficiency
A lift to audio and battery makes for a well-rounded set of good specs, although there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
4/5
Worth
Nonetheless sit comfortably throughout the worth vary for good glasses at this calibre, however a $/£80 value enhance would possibly spell bother for future lenses.
4/5
Purchase them if…
Don’t purchase them if…
(Picture credit score: Future)
How I examined the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) overview
I used the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) for a month, together with throughout a visit to Rome, Italy, sporting them on any day the place it was brilliant sufficient to make use of sun shades. I filmed and shot photographs indoors and outside, day and evening to see how effectively the 12MP digicam might seize the motion.
I made certain to attempt all of their AI options, testing their battery and efficiency over longer durations to evaluate consolation, usability and battery life.
I ran the Meta AI app from my iPhone 15 Professional.
- First reviewed: April 2026
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2): Worth Comparability
