Chamelo Aura glasses review: expert insights from Cybernews
Smart glasses are an expanding sector in consumer technology. In 2023, products like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses introduced hands-free movement like voice commands and quick photo capture. In the next phases of smart glasses technology – unfolding now – we’re seeing AI integration, augmented reality (AR) overlays, color-changing lens technology, and more.
The projected sales figures point to the popularity of smart glasses – Grand View Research says this market will expand to $8.26 billion by 2030, with North America taking up one-third of worldwide revenue.
In my Chamelo Aura glasses review, I take a look at a unique set of fashionable smart glasses. Unlike most AI-powered glasses, the Chamelo Aura has color-changing lenses while remaining ultra-light.
I, as a Cybernews expert, together with the Cybernews research team, have researched and investigated these Chamelo Aura glasses to help you understand whether they’re worth buying. To do that, I’ve assessed this product’s design, pricing, features, user experience, and how it fares against competitors.
Quick overview of Chamelo Aura glasses
Here’s a quick overview of the Chamelo Aura glasses including core specs and pricing:
| Cybernews rating | 4.6 |
| Pricing | $385 |
| Brief description | Ultra-light, rimless smart sunglasses with color-changing lenses that switch between four tints at the touch of a button |
| Key specs | 47 hours color-changing battery life, 0.1 second tint switching, IPX4 water-resistant, stainless steel, TR-90 and titanium build, USB-C to pogo-pin charging |
Our methodology
When reviewing the best smart glasses at Cybernews with the research team, I use a structured evaluation framework. In each of my reviews, I want you – the buyer – to get a realistic review that’s much more valuable than the manufacturer’s marketing promises. To do so, I use a weighted grading system for this review – using only official product specifications and verified user experiences as the backbone of my analysis.
Design & build quality (25%). How durable, comfortable, and stylish the glasses are. This includes build quality, materials used such as steel and titanium, and overall weight.
Features & technology (25%). The depth and practicality of features, such as the amount of color changes, water resistance, add-on options like prescription lenses, and battery life.
Pricing & value (20%). With the current price of $385 for these glasses, I weighed how this matches against competitors and whether the feature set justifies the price.
Ease of use (15%). I evaluated the setup simplicity, charging process, and one-tap tint switching to nail down usability in real life, and accessibility for both casual and tech-savvy customers.
User feedback (15%). To gauge real-world performance honestly, I read dozens of pages of legitimate customer reviews and third-party experiences.
What are Chamelo Aura glasses and why do they stand out?
The Chamelo Aura glasses are a unisex, tech-forward set of lifestyle glasses which align with today’s urban fashion trends. They are ideal for events, commuting, and general everyday wear due to their sturdy build and an overall weight of 35g – lighter than some classic Ray-Bans.
At the core of these glasses is Prismatic™ color-changing technology – which Chamelo says is patented. With one tap, you can almost instantly switch between the four “vibrant” tints – Crystal, Violet, Indigo, and Ruby – in 0.1 seconds.
The value proposition is not overburdening the user with tech, and keeping things practical – a low-effort style refresh, or a certain “Aura” – also the name of the model. According to Chamelo, their rimless square design has already earned recognition from Time’s Best Inventions of 2024.
Chamelo Aura glasses: design and build
Chamelo’s Aura glasses are built from new age material including stainless steel, TR-90 thermoplastic, and titanium. Chamelo says the glasses are made using a “state-of-the-art Japanese manufacturing process”.
The frame doesn’t feel flimsy, but still lighter than many traditional glasses at just 35g. These glasses are also rimless, so they complement various face shapes, while the metal nose pads add a premium touch.
The details are certainly there: the glossy black temples have gold moon-phase accents, while the bridge and hinges use a gold-color finish for that fashion aesthetic. You can purchase the Chamelo Aura glasses in either Glossy Black or Clear frames – both of which complement the four lens tint choices.
Durability-wise, these glasses have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning that they’re built for rain and water splashes, but won’t survive full submersion in water. Each pair comes with a protective pouch and microfiber cloth to keep the electrochromic lenses scratch-free.
I was surprised to find spring hinges were missing, which may create a tight fit for the largest heads, but otherwise the glasses are a good mix of comfort, materials, and trendy design.
Chamelo Aura glasses pricing
The base price for the Chamelo Aura glasses is $385 on the US market. If you want audio features, the Aura Audio edition is $485 with premium audio.
The frame and lens colorway possibilities are Glossy Black or Clear paired with the Prismatic™ “Calm” lenses – made with “soft, cool colors”. However, a new “Energy” lens colorway with “bright, warm” colors is coming soon according to Chamelo.
Typically, you can also add prescription lenses for $199 extra with the Aura Rx model – with about 30 days extra for delivery. However, that prescription smart glasses model now seems unavailable on the official website.
As for general accessories, your options are: the twin-tip charging cable ($19), sunglasses cleaning kit ($19), and ChameloCare protection plan ($49).
Value-wise, $385 is firmly in the premium tech-enabled eyewear segment. True smart glasses competitors like those from Ray-Ban and Oakley – with AI, AR, and heads-up displays – cost up to three times as much. But then again, Chamelo isn’t competing with tech-heavy glasses, plus it’s the only smart glasses brand offering tint-switching technology right now.
Chamelo provides free U.S. and international shipping on orders above $69. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard.
Chamelo Aura glasses features
Here are the Chamelo Aura glasses' features. This list includes changing colors, water resistance, and prescription options.
Changing colors
Chamelo’s Auras feature “patented” Prismatic™ electrochromic lens technology. Tapping the right temple’s touch control cycles through four preset tints – Crystal, Violet, Indigo, and Ruby in 0.1 seconds. There’s a liquid-crystal electrochromic film layered between optical-grade plastics. Tapping sends a small electrical charge reorienting the liquid crystals, altering how light passes through. The tints vary between 20-65% light transmission.
Prescription lenses
Chamelo offers an Aura “Rx” prescription upgrade for an extra $199, bringing the price up to almost $600. The single-vision format optics are combined with the existing color-changing film on the base unit. Chamelo says producing these takes about 30 days.
Some users noted many months in delays due to “quality assurance”, while others complained that it lacks a blue-light or progressive lens option. Still, some that did receive the RX units described them as “perfect”.
Note: it seems this model has been temporarily removed from the website.
Water resistant
The Chamelo Aura’s are IPX4 water-resistant, so they’ll handle water splashes and regular rain without malfunctioning. You can wear them during rainy days, sweaty workouts, and in humid conditions.
Lightweight
These glasses weigh 35 grams – lighter than many traditional, non-”smart” frames. You shouldn’t feel any pressure on your temples. The balance across the bridge and temples is meant to reduce pressure points on the nose and ears.
Long lasting battery
The Chamelo Aura’s 220mAh battery handles up to 47 hours of color-switching battery life on a single charge – while 80% capacity can be restored in just 30 minutes via USB-C to pogo-pin charging – included in the box. In real life, this means several days between charges.
Connectivity and controls
There’s just one button on this device, and no other connectivity. The button’s function is simple: a tap on the right temple cycles through your four tint options.
Chamelo Aura glasses: user reviews
I’ve meticulously combed through dozens of user reviews from verified buyers on reputable forums to evaluate common praise and complaints. The reviews are mixed overall.
Positive reviews praise the Chamelo Auras’ unique design, comfort, and instant color-switching. One user describes them as “super comfortable” and fashionable. Another user praises the customer support, saying it was responsive and accommodating, and that that shipment was expedited before travel dates.
On the other hand, there are complaints regarding order delays stretching beyond a month, with insufficient communication about shipping status or refunds. Many users say that support is polite but didn’t follow-through as they’d hoped.
Another negative takeaway from was build quality. Some feel that the frame arms are flimsy. Others note that lenses failed only after a few months.
Final verdict: are Chamelo Aura glasses worth it?
The Chamelo Aura glasses are light, well-built with premium materials, and aren’t overloaded with tech. If you’re looking for connected smart glasses with tons of features, these aren’t for you.
Chamelo is the only smart glasses brand out there that does instant color-changing lenses, so they’ve definitely captured that niche, and I think they’ve captured younger, style-focused crowds like influencers and musicians – especially with high-profile moments like Bad Bunny’s Tonight Show appearance with the glasses.
On the other hand, Chamelo needs to work on their shipment delays and bring a consistent prescription model to the market at a reasonable price.
FAQ
How do the color-changing frames actually work?
When you tap on the right temple of the Chamelo Aura glasses, they switch colors using electrochromic liquid-crystal film. Specifically, this action reorients the liquid crystals, cycling between Crystal, Violet, Indigo, and Ruby in 0.1 seconds.
Can I get Chamelo Aura with prescription lenses, and what does it cost extra?
Yes, Chamelo sells the Aura Rx prescription model for an additional $199 on top of the non-prescription model’s $385 price. However, it’s not currently listed on the official website.
How long does the Chamelo Aura glasses battery last and how is it charged?
The battery lasts up to 47 hours. It also charges to 80% in just 30 minutes using the included USB-C to pogo-pin cable. In reality, you can go several days without charging at all.
Are the Chamelo Aura glasses water resistant enough for workouts or rain?
Yes, they are IPX4 rated – meaning they’ll keep working in rain, handle sweat, and handle splashes. Don’t submerge them in water or go swimming with them.
How do Chamelo Aura glasses compare to other smart eyewear options?
Compared to other smart eyewear options, the Chamelo Aura glasses are minimalist: they only have color-switching technology. Unlike glasses from Meta or Xreal, they don’t have cameras, AR, or AI features. However, they’re much more lightweight, and style-focused.
