After spending a week with the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses, I can confidently say that Meta has made significant improvements compared to the original Ray-Ban Metas, which I wore on and off for two years. While some core experiences and previous complaints remain unchanged, the enhancements are noteworthy. At the Connect 2025 event, Meta distributed the Gen 2 models liberally, and I ended up with the striking Shiny Cosmic Blue Wayfarer Gen 2 frames featuring Transitions lenses. Switching from my previous Matte Black Gen 1 sunglasses has allowed me to enjoy these glasses not just outdoors, but also around the house and during evening runs, which I find very convenient.
The battery life of the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 is undeniably one of its star attributes. Initially, my Gen 1 glasses lasted about three hours with music streaming, frequent photo capturing, and occasional phone calls. However, by early 2025, the battery struggled to last even two hours during a half-marathon. With the Gen 2 glasses, I've observed a much more reliable performance. Currently, they consume around 20% of their capacity per hour, even with activities such as recording a 3K video, issuing Meta AI commands, and streaming high-volume music to drown out outdoor noise. For instance, a two-hour run left me with 60% battery, and a one-hour run the following day resulted in 79% remaining capacity.
Using the glasses indoors at a lower volume while turning off Meta AI commands, I was able to maintain 69% after two hours, demonstrating impressive efficiency. However, a brief two-minute phone call and filming my cat in 3K for just one minute drained an additional 8% power. Thus, while the battery life is an improvement, it may not support all-day audio streaming without needing to recharge during the day. Fortunately, the 50% recharge in just 20 minutes is a significant advantage. Overall, the enhanced battery life makes these glasses much more practical for outings or work events, alleviating concerns about them becoming cumbersome after just a couple of hours.
Looking ahead, several exciting updates are set to roll out alongside the Oakley Meta Vanguard launch in late October, including features like slow-motion and hyperlapse video capabilities, Garmin and Strava integration for real-time workout statistics, and a conversation focus mode to enhance vocal clarity during conversations. Additionally, new voice command shortcuts will allow users to take photos without invoking the Meta AI wake word. Meta has also announced plans for the Gen 2s to shoot in 1200p resolution at 60 FPS, although this option is not yet available.
Moreover, Meta has opened its Wearable Device Access Toolkit to developers, enabling third-party app integration with Meta AI glasses. However, we likely won't see the benefits of this until 2026 or later. While the Gen 2s don't feel drastically different at present, these upcoming features instill optimism that they will soon feel more advanced. It's worth noting that the Gen 2 glasses offer over twice the pixel density for video recording compared to their predecessors, though the difference may not be immediately apparent. Side-by-side comparisons reveal clearer details and reduced compression, particularly when viewed closely.
Despite the advancements, I wish to see improvements in photo quality. The unchanged resolution of 3024 X 4032 is still impressive under optimal conditions, yet enhancements in low-light performance, better color balancing, and potentially optical zoom would be welcome additions for the anticipated Gen 3 models. Regarding comfort, I opted for the Standard size with this pair, which stays securely in place during my ten-mile runs, even in sweaty conditions. However, the better fit comes at the cost of increased pressure on my nose bridge and ears, which may not be comfortable for extended wear.
While the design is more aesthetically pleasing than the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, personal preferences vary. My fiancée, for instance, is not a fan of their look. The Meta AI feature provides useful functionalities for on-the-go inquiries, live translations, and more, but it has limitations, such as not being able to indicate which video resolution is currently active or which apps are connected. The integration with music and messaging apps is satisfactory, albeit somewhat slow.
In terms of audio, the Gen 2s deliver rich sound, although the quality does not show significant improvement over the previous generation. The tendency for audio bleed is a notable downside; my fiancée can hear melodies at around 50% volume and even lyrics at higher volumes, making these glasses less suitable for open office environments. In contrast, I have enjoyed the more targeted sound from my Shokz OpenFit 2 earbuds, which minimize audio bleed and offer customizable sound modes.
Ultimately, the millions of users who appreciated the first Ray-Ban Meta will likely find the Gen 2s equally appealing. However, those deterred by the thick frames and visible camera cutouts may not find compelling reasons to make the switch. Personally, I lean towards the sporty Vanguard design, which boasts IP67 water resistance and comfortable nose pads, but my Transitions Ray-Bans are versatile enough for various environments and times of day, making them a more affordable option. Overall, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses are a strong starting point for both newcomers and veterans in the smart glasses market.
