In this Ray-Ban Meta Audio review, we examine a pair of smart glasses that ditches the cameras entirely in favor of an audio-focused design. While Meta's parent platform Facebook has long been driven by visual media and user-generated photos, these new frames shift focus entirely away from capturing content. When a wearer prompts the assistant by saying, “Hey Meta,” the music dims, and the AI agent barks turn-by-turn directions directly into the ears. While the navigation is not always flawless, it successfully guides the user to their destination.
Removing the cameras changes the privacy dynamic completely. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses do not record video, nor do they record audio except during direct interactions with the AI chatbot. Those specific requests are saved inside the Meta AI app. Live language translation is also available, though it requires opening the Meta AI app first. Despite missing what many consider a core feature, eliminating the cameras ultimately makes these glasses much better for everyday casual wear.
Wearing the Burbank style offers a specific look, though some users might personally prefer the rounder Clubmaster frame, which onlookers might jokingly describe as a bit thick. Despite the thicker frames, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio effectively doubles as the ideal running glasses. They feature transition lenses that adjust quickly to changing sunlight. The built-in speakers deliver solid sound quality, allowing you to blast music while still piping in crucial ambient sounds, such as an oncoming vehicle.
Call quality is another strong point, as individuals on the other end of the line often cannot even tell you are speaking through your glasses. That said, the audio does leak outward, and the speakers lack the deepest bass response. Even with minor sound leakage, the combination of great transitional lenses, clear call handling, and open-ear awareness makes them a compelling audio wearable.
