We Tried the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses — And Yes, They’re That Impressive

Smart tech, iconic design, and a camera so smooth we tested it on horseback (yes, really).

We love innovation — especially when it meets real-life practicality. So when the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses arrived at the practice, we knew we had to put them through their paces.

Not just in-store, but in our daily lives — walking through Beverley, answering phone calls, listening to podcasts, and yes… even on horseback.

And the verdict? These aren’t just smart glasses. They’re stylish, surprisingly powerful, and genuinely useful.

First Impressions: Classic Ray-Ban, Subtly Smart

The first thing you'll notice is… nothing out of the ordinary. And that’s what makes them special.

We wore the Transitions Wayfarer, but Meta glasses come in several classic Ray-Ban shapes, including Headliner and sun styles. At a glance, they look like regular designer frames — lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear.

But built into the frame is a discreet tech setup that gives you:

A 12MP camera
Voice-controlled Meta AI
Open-ear audio
Call and music streaming
Livestreaming to Instagram/Facebook
Photo/video capture, hands-free

And none of it compromises the look or feel.

The Camera: Surprisingly Sharp — and Impressively Stable

We expected “decent.” What we got was seriously sharp.

The 12-megapixel camera captures vivid photos and smooth, steady videos. Even more impressive? We tested them on a horse — and the footage came out shockingly smooth. No blur, no bounce, just clean, eye-level content with natural lighting.

It’s perfect for documenting daily life, creative content, or capturing those blink-and-you-miss-it moments — all without reaching for your phone.

“Hey Meta…” Voice Control That Feels Effortless

We were sceptical at first — but it’s actually brilliant. Just say “Hey Meta…” and the glasses respond.

You can:

Take photos or videos
Ask questions
Get the weather
Send messages
Control playback

Hands-free has never been this simple — especially if your hands are busy (or you're holding reins).

As a bonus, you can even choose to have Judi Dench as the voice of Meta.

Built-In Audio Without the Earbuds

The open-ear speakers are small but mighty. You can take phone calls, listen to music or podcasts, and hear Meta AI responses — all while staying aware of your surroundings.

No wires. No earbuds. Just clear, balanced audio that blends perfectly into your day.

Prescription, Transitions, and Custom Lenses

Here’s the part our patients love most:
Ray-Ban Meta glasses can be made with your own prescription.

Lens options include:

Single vision or multifocal lenses
Transitions® lenses – clear indoors, dark outdoors
Sun lenses – polarised, tinted, or mirrored
Blue light filters & anti-reflective coatings – included for comfort

So whether you wear glasses daily or just want them as smart sunnies, we can customise them to your needs — right here in practice.

The Verdict: Style Meets Substance

After testing them in the real world, we can honestly say: Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are more than a gimmick. They’re stylish, functional, and fun — with genuinely useful features that fit into everyday life. From smooth video capture to effortless hands-free control, they do what your phone can’t… while looking like a classic Ray-Ban.