Are smart glasses worth it? As someone who’s spent 7 years in the wearable tech industry, I’ve seen plenty of products come and go, and smart glasses remain one of the most debated gadgets.
Let’s cut through the hype and get real about what these futuristic specs can (and can’t) do for you.
What Smart Glasses Actually Do Today
First, let’s get clear about what we’re talking about. Smart glasses aren’t just one thing – they range from simple audio frames to full AR displays.
Most consumer smart glasses today fall into these categories:
- Audio frames – Essentially headphones disguised as glasses (think Bose, Amazon Echo Frames)
- Camera glasses – Frames with built-in cameras (like Snapchat Spectacles)
- Heads-up display glasses – Show basic information in your field of view
- AR glasses – Project digital content that interacts with your environment
The most popular models like Ray-Ban Meta glasses focus on the audio and camera functions – not the sci-fi AR experience many people expect.
The Good: Why Smart Glasses Might Be Worth It
After trying dozens of models over the years, here’s where smart glasses actually deliver value:
Hands-Free Convenience
The best thing about smart glasses is how they free your hands. Taking calls while cooking, listening to directions while cycling, or snapping photos without pulling out your phone feels genuinely useful.
I once captured my nephew’s first steps because I had camera glasses on – something I’d have missed fumbling for my phone.
Subtle Tech Integration
Unlike smartwatches that scream “tech,” quality smart glasses blend in. Ray-Ban Meta glasses look nearly identical to regular sunglasses, letting you use tech without advertising it.
Unique Perspective Photography
POV photos and videos from smart glasses capture moments from your exact perspective. This creates more authentic memories than the usual “stop and pose” smartphone photos.
The Bad: Where Smart Glasses Fall Short
Let’s be honest about the drawbacks:
Battery Life Limitations
Most smart glasses offer just 3-6 hours of active use. This means you’ll likely need to charge them midday, which isn’t ideal for all-day wearables.
Price vs. Function Ratio
Basic audio frames start around £150, while camera-enabled glasses typically cost £300+. For what they do, that’s steep compared to earbuds or action cameras with better specs.
The Privacy Factor
Camera-equipped glasses raise obvious privacy concerns. Some venues ban them outright, and using them can make people uncomfortable, even with indicator lights.
Limited AR Capabilities
If you’re expecting Iron Man-style AR overlays, you’ll be disappointed. True AR glasses exist (like Microsoft HoloLens), but they’re bulky, expensive, and meant for enterprise use, not daily wear.
Who Actually Benefits from Smart Glasses?
After years of watching this product category evolve, I’ve noticed patterns in who gets real value from these devices:
- Active people who need hands-free tech during sports or outdoor activities
- Content creators looking for unique POV footage
- Early adopters who enjoy novel tech experiences
- Professionals who take frequent calls on the move
If you don’t fit these categories, smart glasses might not be worth the investment yet.
Smart Rings: A More Practical Wearable Alternative?
While smart glasses get all the attention, smart rings have quietly become one of the most useful wearables for everyday life.
Unlike glasses, rings are:
- Truly all-day wearable (5-7 day battery life)
- Completely discreet
- Comfortable for 24/7 use
- More affordable entry points
For health tracking, notifications, and contactless payments, smart rings often make more practical sense than glasses for most users.
At BANNA, we’ve seen tremendous growth in smart ring adoption precisely because they solve real problems without the drawbacks of larger wearables.
Contact us to get a FREE sample here if you’re interested in exploring smart rings as an alternative or complement to smart glasses.
The Future of Smart Glasses: Worth Waiting?
The smart glasses market is evolving rapidly. Apple’s rumoured entry could change everything, just as they did with smartwatches.
Future generations will likely feature:
- Better battery life (aiming for full-day use)
- More discrete designs
- Improved AR capabilities
- Lower price points as manufacturing scales
If you’re on the fence, waiting 12-18 months might get you significantly better tech for the same investment.
Making the Smart Choice About Smart Glasses
So, are smart glasses worth it? The honest answer: it depends on your needs and expectations.
If you want:
- Hands-free audio and calls with a stylish look
- POV photo/video capabilities
- Early access to evolving tech
Then yes, current models can deliver value.
But if you’re expecting true AR experiences or all-day functionality at a reasonable price, the technology isn’t quite there yet.
For most people, smart rings or watches currently offer better value in the wearable space, with more mature technology and clearer use cases.
Are smart glasses worth it? For specific users with the right expectations, absolutely. For the average consumer, they remain an interesting but non-essential gadget that’s still finding its place in our tech ecosystem.