How much do smart glasses cost, and how to pick the right ones
Modern smart glasses, or tech glasses, have been around since the early 2010s and the release of Google Glass. They incorporate technology into eyeglasses and overlay digital information into the actual world.
Development was slow at first, but the market expanded over time, with companies like Meta and Microsoft releasing new and improved products, as well as smart glasses with new technologies like augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR).
If you’re interested in getting them, you can’t merely google the best smart glasses to buy. You need to understand the pricing, as it’s influenced by various factors, like technology, features, and brand reputation. You also need to learn about the different types of intelligent glasses.
This is precisely what my Cybernews team and I aim to do with this guide. Read on to learn about the factors influencing the price of smart glasses, the price ranges, the types of products, and how to pick the right ones.
What are smart glasses?
Smart glasses are wearable devices designed to mimic eyeglasses. They incorporate technology such as audio and video capabilities or a miniature display. With the help of AI, they can also overlay helpful information over the real world and offer hands-free interaction with the internet.
Here are some of the most popular types of smart glasses on the market:
- Audio-focused glasses. These unique wearables focus exclusively on improving your audio experience. They can play music and take calls without blocking ambient sound like regular headphones. By integrating high-quality speakers into the glasses’ temples, these types of smart glasses allow for an open-ear listening experience. Popular among athletes and hikers, these devices deliver stellar audio quality while not taking away from hearing your surroundings.
- Fitness glasses. Fitness smart glasses focus on hands-free functions so you can enjoy access to all features without getting distracted from your workout. Some glasses in this category might have additional sports features, like live performance data, customizable dashboards, and metrics analysis. Everything you have in your best fitness watch, but better.
- AR glasses. When you think about smart glasses, AR glasses are usually what comes to mind. These wearables augment your reality and overlay digital information over your surroundings. What kind of data you wish to see in your mixed reality depends on you and the features of your chosen device. For example, a virtual workstation, a complete gaming display, or an entertainment studio.
Factors that influence the cost of smart glasses
Smart glasses in 2025 come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s unsurprising that many factors influence their price. Let’s examine the leading factors so you know what you’re paying for.
Technology and features
The price of smart glasses differs significantly between simple options with basic audio and fitness tracking and robust augmented reality glasses.
If you’re only interested in AR smart glasses, the features will also affect the price, so you’ll find several price ranges within this single type. For instance, high-res displays like OLED cost more.
Build quality and materials
The quality of the build materials affects the price of the glasses. There’s a big difference between budget and premium materials.
Overall, the best AR glasses with sleek but robust designs made from quality materials tend to cost more than bulkier yet cheaper options.
Brand and market positioning
As with every product, especially those in the technology space, the brand value plays a large part in the pricing. More recognizable brands are costlier than niche ones, regardless of the actual quality of the camera glasses.
For instance, despite competing in the same category, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses cost at least $80 more than the most expensive Solos smart sunglasses.
Intended use
The intended use of the glasses also influences the price. More specifically, there’s a big difference in the cost of consumer and enterprise-level glasses. The latter are significantly pricier because they are used in manufacturing, so they require better and stronger builds.
The best AR glasses in 2025 can cost between $100 and $1000, with the most premium models going even higher. However, enterprise-level smart glasses are typically over $2000, like the premium Vuzix M4000, priced at $2499.99.
Price ranges of smart glasses
The high-tech glasses market can be divided into several price ranges based on the abovementioned factors. Let’s review these ranges, their prices, and the best smart sunglasses in each category.
Budget options ($100-300)
Budget options typically range from $100 to $300, and these glasses are often focused only on basic audio or fitness tracking. You’re unlikely to find glasses with a camera in this price range, let alone full AR headsets. This introductory category often focuses on limited use cases and compromises on display quality or processing power.
A good example is XREAL Air, the most budget-friendly option from XREAL, which costs only $197. It is lightweight and features a micro OLED panel and full HD resolution. The Chamelo brand has several options in this price range, including the Chamelo Music Shield, which cost $249 and have built-in audio and phone call capability.
Mid-tier options ($300-700)
The medium tier, often priced between $300 and $700, includes a broad range of smart sunglasses with a camera, better AR functionality, enhanced visuals, improved processing power, and voice assistants.
The segment offers a good balance between affordability and performance, making it suitable for various types of buyers.
One of the best examples is the popular selection of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which are some of the best camera glasses, created thanks to the collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban. Solos is another interesting choice as it features a lot of options, many of which are actually cheaper and fall in the budget category.
Premium options ($700+)
Premium options start at around $700 but can exceed $1000. They include high-end glasses with high-quality AR displays, powerful processors, and advanced optics. You’ll even find products with prescription lens compatibility and enterprise-level features that can cost several thousand dollars.
Good examples are Magic Leap and Microsoft HoloLens, but one of the best is Viture Pro XR. The product has a full-HD display with 120Hz that projects at 4000 nits.
How to pick the right smart glasses for you
With so many different types of augmented reality glasses and price ranges, it can be hard to make the right choice. To make things easier, I’ve prepared a list of the most important factors you should consider when making your decision.
Identify your needs
The most crucial question in choosing smart glasses is simple: Why do I need smart glasses?
Do you need them for fitness, entertainment, or productivity? Or are you simply looking for stylish glasses? Your answer will determine the type of glasses you should focus on.
Compare features
Features should be a significant factor in your choice. As you’ve already seen, smart eyeglasses can have a wide range of them.
If you’re looking for the best AR glasses in 2025, you should check the AR capabilities of the products you’re considering. If comfort is a priority, look at their design and how comfortable they seem.
You should also look at battery life, compatibility with other devices, video quality, display specs, and other features that interest you.
Budget considerations
Check the price ranges I’ve covered to see what each one offers and factor this into your decision. If budget is an important consideration, look for more budget-friendly options. If you want high-quality solutions above all, consider mid-tier and even premium options.
Research reviews and recommendations
Since you can’t fully try all the smart AR glasses you’re interested in, you’ll need to rely on the opinions of others.
Check expert opinions like those of me and my team here at Cybernews and various reviews and feedback from real users.
Trial options
If you have the option to do so, it’s always good to test out smart glasses before buying them.
This is especially important as you’ll want to see if they fit, not just how they work and what functions they have.
Top 3 recommendations based on price and use case
I’ve talked about the price of smart glasses and what influences it, but now is the time for you to get some actual recommendations. With that in mind, I’ve prepared the best smart glasses in 2025 for each price range below.
1. Chamelo Dusk Classic – best budget option
| Best for: | Budget-minded buyers |
| Top features: | Tint-adjustable, controlled by the app, timeless design |
| Starting price: | $199 |
Chamelo Dusk Classic is a pair of tint-adjustable smart sunglasses. They are called Classic for a reason: they are designed with timeless appeal and a matte black frame bound to appeal to everyone. The sunglasses also connect to an app that allows you to adjust the tint of the lenses.
2. Ray-Ban Meta – best mid-range option
| Best for: | People looking for stylish and high-quality smart glasses with AI and voice assistant capabilities. |
| Top features: | Meta AI integration |
| Starting price: | $397 |
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer are smart sunglasses made in collaboration with Meta. They are the best augmented reality glasses in the mid-range price range. The glasses come in seven colors and allow you to choose both the frame and lens color. They have camera and audio features and offer the full capabilities of Meta AI.
3. Viture Pro XR Glasses – best high-end glasses
| Best for: | High-end buyers who want the best features and technology on smart glasses that are still stylish statement pieces |
| Top features: | High-res display, mixed reality with movies and gaming, extra privacy |
| Starting price: | $409 |
Viture Pro XR are stylish smart glasses with a display that’s both full-HD and features 120Hz. It’s called UltraClarity, and it allows you to read even smaller text. They also have myopia adjustments to the Sony micro OLED panel, which almost entirely blocks external light. Most of all, they are 100% private, with no visible content on the outer surface and no sound bleed.
Where to buy smart glasses?
You can buy AR sunglasses both online and offline.
Regarding the former, you can use the official sites of specific products you’re interested in, but you can also buy them from popular online retailers like Amazon.
As for the latter, you can find a wide range of smart glasses in major electronic retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, where you can test the product before buying. You can also look in mobile carrier stores, specialized eyewear stores, and other shops the official websites of these products recommend.
Moreover, you should always check for deals and discounts, as these products are often cheaper in certain locations. If you're on a tight budget, consider pre-owned refurbished smart glasses.
Final word on smart glasses cost
As you’ve seen, it’s not easy to determine how much smart glasses cost because several factors influence the price, which can be as low as $100 and as high as several thousand.
It’s crucial to balance your needs, the features you’re interested in, and your budget when making your determination.
You need to do careful research before investing in the right smart glasses that will fit your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in terms of features. Consider the options I’ve outlined here, especially the top picks for each budget category, which should make the decision easier.
FAQ
How much do smart glasses typically cost?
The price of the best augmented reality glasses varies greatly and can range between $100 and several thousand dollars. Cheaper options are typically below $300, while higher-quality ones are above $400 but usually below $1000.
What are the main features to look for in smart glasses?
You should look for good display quality, comfortable design, AR capabilities, battery life, audio and video capabilities, AI assistant features, and even specific features like prescription lens compatibility if it applies to your case.
Are smart glasses suitable for people who wear prescription lenses?
It depends. Some are compatible with prescription lenses, and some are not. Make sure to check this before deciding whether to buy. Certain brands offer clip-on prescription lens attachments, while others allow you to order custom prescription inserts directly from the manufacturer.
What are the best smart glasses brands?
There are many brands in this industry, but some of the best include Viture, Pimax, Ray-Ban Meta, Sony, HTC, Solos, and XREAL. Each brand offers different strengths depending on the type of smart glasses you're looking for.
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