Meta, in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, has expanded its smart glasses lineup with the introduction of Oakley Meta HSTN glasses, positioning them as a sportier, more robust alternative to the style-focused Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
Both models integrate Meta AI, cameras, and audio capabilities, but they cater to different audiences with distinct features, price points, and performance metrics.
Design and Build Quality
Oakley Meta Glasses
The Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced "HOW-stuhn") glasses are designed for athletes and active users, featuring a rugged and flexible build. They utilize Oakley’s proprietary O-Matter frame material, which is 25% lighter and twice as strong as traditional acetate, ensuring durability during intense activities like running, biking, or skiing.
The glasses are IPX4 water-resistant, capable of handling sweat and light rain, making them ideal for outdoor sports. Available in six frame and lens color combinations, including PRIZM, Transition, and clear lenses, they also support prescription lenses for added versatility. The limited-edition model with gold accents and 24K PRIZM polarized lenses adds a premium aesthetic for $499.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Ray-Ban Meta glasses focus on style, offering iconic designs like Wayfarer and Headliner that blend seamlessly into casual and social settings. While also durable, they lack the ruggedized O-Matter material and have a slightly less robust IPX4 rating compared to the Oakley variant.
The frames are slightly chunkier due to embedded tech but remain lightweight and comfortable for daily wear. They are available in multiple styles, including matte black and Transitions lenses, with prescription support. The design prioritizes fashion over performance, making them less suited for extreme sports but ideal for urban and everyday use.
Battery Life
Oakley Meta Glasses
One of the standout upgrades in the Oakley Meta glasses is their battery performance. They offer up to 8 hours of typical use and 19 hours on standby, doubling the battery life of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. The included charging case provides up to 48 hours of total usage, with fast charging capabilities delivering 50% charge in 20 minutes and 80% in 45 minutes. This makes them suitable for extended outdoor activities without frequent recharging.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses provide up to 4 hours of battery life for standard use, with the charging case extending total usage to 36 hours. While sufficient for casual use, the battery drains quickly with heavy camera or audio usage, requiring a midday top-up for active users. Fast charging is supported, with a 50% charge in 20 minutes, but the overall capacity is less robust compared to the Oakley model.
Video and Camera Quality
Oakley Meta Glasses
The Oakley Meta glasses feature a 12-megapixel standard-field camera capable of recording 3K video, a significant upgrade over the Ray-Ban Meta’s 1080p capabilities. This higher resolution is ideal for capturing fast-action sports footage, providing sharper and more detailed POV videos.
The camera placement remains on the temple, contrary to earlier rumors of a centered camera. The glasses also support hands-free photo and video capture via Meta AI voice commands, enhancing usability for athletes.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Equipped with a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses record full-HD (1080p) video at 30fps, suitable for casual photography and social media sharing. However, the video quality lacks the sharpness of 3K, and low-light performance is subpar, making it less ideal for dynamic or poorly lit environments.
The glasses excel in well-lit conditions and support livestreaming to Facebook and Instagram, a feature shared with the Oakley model.
Price and Availability
Oakley Meta Glasses
The Oakley Meta glasses start at $399, with the limited-edition HSTN model priced at $499, available for pre-order from July 11, 2025. They will be sold in multiple countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, through Meta and Oakley’s official websites. The higher price reflects the enhanced battery, video quality, and durable build tailored for performance users.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Starting at $299, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses are more affordable, with some models available for as low as $240 depending on the configuration. They are widely available and have been a commercial success, with over 2 million units sold since 2023. The lower price makes them accessible to a broader audience, particularly those prioritizing style over performance.
Meta AI and Functionality
Both glasses feature Meta AI, enabling voice-activated commands for calls, messaging, music playback, and real-time information retrieval. The Oakley Meta glasses enhance this with sports-specific AI capabilities, such as providing wind speed for golfers or surf conditions for surfers, making them more tailored for athletic use. Both models support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, requiring a phone running iOS 15.2 or Android 10 for full functionality. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses offer similar AI features but lack the sports-focused enhancements, focusing instead on general lifestyle applications like landmark identification and recipe suggestions.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Oakley Meta Glasses if you’re an athlete or outdoor enthusiast needing durable, water-resistant glasses with superior battery life and 3K video recording for capturing high-quality action footage. The $399-$499 price range is justified for those prioritizing performance and advanced lens technology like PRIZM.
Choose Ray-Ban Meta Glasses if you want stylish, affordable smart glasses for everyday use, social media sharing, and casual photography. At $299, they’re a cost-effective option for urban users who value aesthetics and basic smart features.
The Oakley Meta HSTN and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses cater to distinct audiences. The Oakley model excels in durability, battery life, and video quality, making it ideal for athletes, while the Ray-Ban Meta glasses prioritize style and affordability for casual users. Both integrate Meta AI seamlessly, but the Oakley’s sports-oriented features and robust build set it apart. For the latest updates and purchasing options, visit Meta or Oakley’s official websites.
