Hunting for cheap smart glasses feels a bit like searching for a unicorn in the tech world.
Most people think cutting-edge wearable tech means emptying your wallet. After 7 years in the smart wearable industry, I can tell you that’s no longer true.
Smart glasses technology has finally reached that sweet spot where affordability meets genuine usefulness.
Why Consider Budget Smart Glasses?
The market has changed dramatically in recent years.
Early adopters paid £500+ for basic functionality, but now you can get feature-packed options for under £150.
This price drop hasn’t happened by accident.
Component costs have fallen while manufacturing has become more streamlined.
The result? Smart glasses that normal people can actually afford.
What You Can Expect from Low-Cost Smart Glasses
Budget doesn’t mean rubbish anymore. Today’s cheap smart glasses often include:
- Audio capabilities – Most have built-in speakers for music and calls
- Basic voice controls – Many connect to your phone’s voice assistant
- Bluetooth connectivity – For seamless pairing with smartphones
- Decent battery life – Typically 3-6 hours of active use
- Acceptable build quality – Not premium, but surprisingly sturdy
You’ll miss out on advanced AR features and premium materials, but for everyday use, these compromises make sense.
Best Cheap Smart Glasses Under £100
The sub-£100 category has exploded with options. My top picks include:
Echo Frames (2nd Gen) – Amazon’s offering brings Alexa to your face for around £80 when on sale. They look nearly like normal glasses and handle music and calls well.
Fauna Audio Glasses – Often discounted to £99, these fashion-forward frames include decent audio without screaming “I’m wearing tech!”
GoVision Pro – These £89 sunglasses include a hidden camera for POV recording and decent speakers.
Each brings something unique to the table while keeping costs down.
Mid-Range Options (£100-£200)
Stepping up slightly in price reveals substantially better quality:
Razer Anzu – Gaming brand Razer’s smart glasses hover around £150 and offer low-latency audio perfect for mobile gaming.
Soundcore Frames – At £150, these feature interchangeable front frames and surprisingly good sound quality.
Bose Frames Tempo – Sport-focused smart glasses with premium audio for around £180 when on sale.
This middle tier hits the value sweet spot for most users.
Features Worth Paying Extra For
Not all smart glass features are created equal. The ones worth spending extra on:
- Audio quality – Cheap speakers placed near your ears can sound tinny
- Battery capacity – Nothing worse than dead glasses mid-day
- Water resistance – Essential if you’ll use them outdoors
- Prescription compatibility – Some budget models can’t accommodate prescriptions
Skip paying extra for camera functionality or display features unless you have specific use cases in mind.
Shopping Smart: Where to Find Deals
Smart shopping tactics make cheap smart glasses even cheaper:
Watch for seasonal sales – Black Friday regularly sees 30-40% discounts on wearable tech.
Consider previous generation models – When new versions launch, older models drop in price dramatically.
Check open-box and refurbished options – Often these come with warranties but cost 20-30% less.
The tech world’s rapid pace works in your favor if you’re patient.
Common Issues with Budget Smart Glasses
Being realistic about limitations helps set proper expectations:
- Battery life typically falls short of advertised times
- Connectivity can be flaky with certain phone models
- App support sometimes ends earlier than with premium brands
- Build quality issues become apparent after several months
None are deal-breakers, but worth knowing before purchasing.
Smart Wearables: Beyond Glasses
Smart glasses are just one category in the wearable revolution.
Smart rings represent the next evolution – discreet, practical, and increasingly affordable.
As a wholesaler of smart rings, BANNA offers competitive pricing and innovative features that complement smart eyewear perfectly.
Get a FREE sample here to experience how smart rings work alongside glasses for a complete wearable ecosystem.
The Future of Affordable Smart Eyewear
The budget smart glasses market is heading in exciting directions:
- Display technologies becoming cheaper and more power-efficient
- Battery improvements extending usable life
- More stylish designs that look like regular glasses
- Expanded voice control capabilities
Each generation brings features that were premium just months before.
Making Your Final Decision
When choosing cheap smart glasses, consider these factors:
- Prioritize the features that matter most to your daily use
- Check battery specifications carefully – this impacts usability
- Read user reviews focusing on long-term reliability
- Consider compatibility with your existing devices
- Try them on if possible – comfort varies widely between models
The right pair balances cost against the features you’ll actually use.
Conclusion
Cheap smart glasses have matured beyond novelty items into practical tech accessories.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the convenience of hands-free audio, notifications, and basic smart features.
Start with clear expectations, shop smart, and you’ll find budget-friendly smart glasses that enhance your digital life without the premium price tag.
The wearable revolution is finally becoming accessible to everyone – smart glasses included.