Hands-on: Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) are the new smart glasses to beat

Ever since their launch in October 2023, Meta’s Ray-Ban smartglasses have experienced remarkable success, selling a staggering two million units and making notable appearances at events like the Oscars, Paris Fashion Week, and the Met Gala.

I’ve found my experience with the first-generation Meta Ray-Ban smartglasses to be more enjoyable than any other wearable device I’ve tested recently. This is largely due to their discreet technology, combined with constant access to a camera, audio playback, and an AI assistant to respond to inquiries—a combination that has proven to be exceptionally convenient and practical for my everyday use.

This made me eager to accept Meta’s invitation for an early preview of the brand-new smartglasses set to debut at Meta Connect 2025.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

Alongside the dramatic new Meta Oakley Vanguard sunglasses and the cutting-edge Meta Ray-Ban Display, the company also unveiled the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) smartglasses. Though they are the most mundane of Meta’s new devices, they stand out as the most user-friendly, featuring a plethora of enhancements that I’m eager to explore.

In summary, Meta has successfully leveraged the innovations from the recent Oakley Meta HSTN glasses and adapted them to fit the highly versatile frame styles offered by Ray-Ban.

Extended Battery Life

This includes the introduction of new “steelcan” batteries, which are more compact yet provide double the battery performance (Meta claims up to 5 hours of uninterrupted audio streaming or voice calls, and up to 8 hours of mixed usage), complete with a speedy 50% charge in just 20 minutes.

Utilizing the same case as the previous models, the new Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) collectively deliver up to 56 hours of battery life thanks to efficiency improvements, allowing for 48 hours of charge compared to the previous 32 hours.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

Enhanced Video Recording

While the layout and functionality of the hardware remain unchanged (with physical buttons, swipe-and-tap control on the right arm, plus voice command capability), the 12Mp camera has been upgraded to record 3K video at 30 fps, in addition to the earlier 4:3 Full HD+ at both 30 and 60 fps options. Excitingly, new functionalities such as slow-motion and hyperlapse video capture are being rolled out shortly after the launch, aligned with the introduction of the Oakley Meta Vanguards.

Utilizing the existing Meta AI app that users are familiar with, Meta has confirmed that hyperlapses (essentially stabilized time-lapse videos) can be recorded over periods of up to 30 minutes without audio, but users can add music to the clips afterward.

For slow-motion recording, Full HD at 120 fps can be achieved, with both new modes accessible through a simple “Hey, Meta…” voice command.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

Refined Audio Quality

A noteworthy upgrade in terms of performance lies in the microphone, which now includes a new wind-noise reduction algorithm. This improvement is expected to enhance call clarity and better understand voice commands when interacting with Meta AI, although my experience with the previous generation did not find this to be a weakness.

The Live Translation feature, which was introduced with the current-generation models in May, now includes German and Portuguese support alongside the Gen 2 release.

One intriguing feature I didn’t have the chance to test during my hands-on experience is Conversation Focus. This functionality, similar to what you might find in certain headphones, allows the microphone array to accentuate the voice of the person you’re conversing with, amplifying their speech through the integrated speakers and making it easier to hear in noisy settings. Excitingly, Meta has indicated that this assistive enhancement will also be available for the first-generation Meta Ray-Bans and the Oakley HSTNs through a forthcoming software update.

Customizable Style Options

In terms of style, similar to the previous year’s models, you can select from three main frame designs: the classic Wayfarer, Skylar, or Headliner (with Wayfarer available in both ‘standard’ and ‘large’ sizes). In total, there are 27 new combinations of frames and lenses to choose from, as well as three limited-edition seasonal color options at launch to really make a statement.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

Having handled all three models in person (as shown above), my personal favorite is the shiny Cosmic Blue Wayfarers with Sapphire Transitions lenses, though the shiny Skylar frames in Mystic Violet (with Amethyst Transitions lenses) and Headliners in Asteroid Grey (with Amethyst Transitions lenses) are also striking choices.

Pricing & Launch Details

The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) was launched on 17 September during Meta Connect 2025, starting at £379/$379/€419. Meta has also expanded availability to new regions including Switzerland and the Netherlands, with plans to introduce them in Brazil soon.

Fortunately, for those who may not be as concerned with the enhanced camera functionality and battery life, or the new styling options provided by these next-generation glasses, the previous model will still be available at £299/$299/€329.

Initial Impressions

Overall, while the upgrades may not be revolutionary, I am genuinely excited about living with the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2).

I’m intrigued to see if the extended battery life alters user engagement, and how the new camera functionalities enhance versatility. It seems evident that Meta is committed to developing this platform over time, given the features they already have slated for the future.