Best Smart Glasses in 2025

Published: Friday, August 1, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Smart Glasses: A Look at the Current Landscape and Future Prospects

The smart glasses market is currently navigating a period of rapid evolution, with consumers facing a key question: are they ready to wear technology on their faces? The answer depends largely on the type of smart glasses being considered.

Tethered glasses, essentially eye-mounted displays, offer a more limited commitment. Designed for specific activities like gaming or watching movies, they connect to devices via USB-C and are not intended for all-day wear. Their compatibility, however, can be inconsistent, with some devices and apps experiencing issues.

Wireless smart glasses, on the other hand, aim to be everyday companions. They can replace existing glasses or function as an additional pair, potentially offering features like audio and video recording. However, they come with limitations, including battery life and the need for charging. Meta Ray-Bans, for example, require charging in their case after several hours of use.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in smart glasses, particularly in wireless models. Meta Ray-Bans rely on Meta AI, with limited integration with other apps. Google is expected to release its own AI-powered glasses, potentially offering greater flexibility through its Gemini AI and broader app integration. AI-enabled glasses can offer assistive features like live translation and environmental descriptions, making them valuable for users with vision loss or other needs. However, the functionality of AI on glasses is currently less flexible than on phones and computers.

The market is also seeing innovation in display technology. Some manufacturers are developing custom chipsets to enhance display capabilities, while others rely on software for advanced features.

The smart glasses market is still in its early stages. Several new products are expected in the near future. Luma is launching high-end glasses this fall. Google is expected to release its own line of AI glasses next year. Meta is also planning new releases, including a high-end line with a display and a gesture-registering neural input wristband, and updated Ray-Bans.

BNN's Perspective: The smart glasses market presents exciting possibilities, but consumers should approach it with realistic expectations. The technology is still evolving, and early adopters may face compatibility issues and limited functionality. Patience and a willingness to wait for further advancements may be the best strategy for those considering this emerging technology.

Keywords: smart glasses, wireless glasses, tethered glasses, Meta, Ray-Bans, AI, Google, display glasses, assistive technology, wearable tech, future tech, tech review

Full Story