Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Review: Smart Glasses That Raise More Questions Than Answers
The second generation of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses feels eerily familiar — like a refined version of its predecessor, but with one major upgrade: a battery life that’s twice as long. This makes them a more reliable choice for all-day adventures, whether you’re using them as discreet speakers or a camera mounted right at eye level. But while the tech has improved, the same nagging questions linger.
Verge Score: 7/10 | Price: $379
The Pros
- A sleek, unobtrusive camera positioned at eye level
- Battery life that lasts eight hours straight (or longer with the charging case)
- A variety of stylish frame options to suit different tastes
The Cons
- Still feels oddly intrusive when worn for extended periods
- The camera’s 3K video quality is impressive but not revolutionary
- Privacy concerns about constant connectivity and data sharing
Meta recently launched the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, promising eight hours of battery life — double what the first-gen offered. I tested them during a full workday at Meta’s campus, from morning meetings to late-night walks, and they held up remarkably well. Starting fully charged at 9 AM PT, I had just 9% left by 9 PM — a testament to their endurance. Even on days when I used the camera heavily, like filming a zoo trip or listening to The Vergecast while grocery shopping, the battery held strong. The charging case adds another 48 hours of power, which is a significant improvement over the first-gen’s 32 extra hours. Charging takes just 20 minutes to reach 50% — a convenient feature for busy days.
The camera on the Gen 2 can capture 3K video (up to 2203 x 2938 pixels) at 30fps, up from 1440 x 1920 on the previous model. While the footage is sharper, it still feels a bit shaky, as it’s recorded from a moving head. This is a common issue with wearable cameras, but it’s worth noting that the 12MP sensor is the same as before.
Beyond hardware, the Gen 2 shares most of the same software features as its predecessor, including voice commands and basic AI integration. However, some advanced features like slow-motion video and hyperlapse are still in development. These are also coming to the first-gen models, so the Gen 2 isn’t a radical leap forward — just a slightly better version.
Pricing is higher than the first-gen, starting at $379 — $80 more than the original. If you already own a pair, the Gen 2 is a solid upgrade for those pushing battery limits, but not essential for casual users.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Will you feel comfortable wearing glasses that have a camera right on your face? I didn’t feel too self-conscious at Meta’s Connect event — after all, the glasses were everywhere at the company’s own event. But back home, I felt uneasy. When I tapped the glasses to take a photo, people seemed to notice, even if it was subtle. It’s a strange paradox: the glasses are designed to be discreet, yet they draw attention.
This may be a personal preference, but the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have sold over 2 million units already. My colleague Victoria Song was even approached by strangers on the street asking about the Oakley Meta HSTN sunglasses. And as Victoria recently wrote, smart glasses could be transformative for disabled communities, offering accessibility features that improve daily life. People are buying them, loving them — but even with better battery life and improved video, I’m leaning toward sticking with my regular glasses and smartphone for now.
Agree to Continue?
Every smart device today requires you to agree to terms and conditions before use — contracts that most people never read. We’ve started counting how many times you have to click “agree” during our reviews, because these agreements are rarely read and almost never negotiated.
To use the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, you’ll need a Meta account and the Meta AI app on your phone. This account syncs across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Quest, and comes with its own Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Early access to AI features also requires separate agreements, and integrating with services like WhatsApp or Spotify means agreeing to additional terms. You may also be asked to share data about Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, location, voice recordings, and usage patterns. If you opt for prescription lenses, you might need to share that information with compatible optometrists.
Supplemental Terms & Policies
- Meta Platforms Technologies Terms of Service
- Meta Platforms Technologies Privacy Policy
- AI Glasses Early Access Program Terms
- U.S. Regional Privacy Notice
- Health & Safety Information
- Voice Controls Privacy Notice
You can view all associated legal and privacy documents here: Meta AI Glasses Help Center.
Final Count: 2 mandatory agreements, 6 supplemental ones.
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Jay Peters
