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The future of wearable tech with smartglasses 2026 


By Jess Wassung

Updated February 2026

A guy wearing specs

Smartwatches were the pioneers of wearable tech. Now it's time for the next evolution in this space: smart glasses that don't look like you raided a sci-fi film prop department.

These aren't the clunky, attention-seeking gadgets of the past. Today's smart glasses blend seamlessly into your everyday style, while delivering genuinely useful features like hands-free photos, calls, music and AI assistance so Battery life: Expect 4 to 6 hours
If you're ready to step into the future without sacrificing style, here's what you need to know.

What exactly are smart glasses? 

Think of them as the lovechild of sunglasses and earbuds, with a dash of camera phone thrown in. Smart glasses let you:

• Take photos and videos hands-free 
• Listen to music and podcasts through built-in speakers
• Take calls without touching your phone
• Get AI assistance via voice commands
• Share experiences in real-time with live-streaming

All while looking like you're just wearing regular glasses or sunglasses.

The ‘future is now’ glasses (smart glasses edition) 

For early adopters, tech enthusiasts, and people who want their eyewear to do more than just help them see. 

What you need: Hands-free tech that seamlessly blends into your daily life. Smart glasses that capture moments, take calls, play music, and connect you to AI assistance, all without looking like you're wearing a science experiment on your face. 

Look for: 
• High-quality audio without blocking your ears
• Built-in camera for photos and videos
• Voice assistant integration
• Stylish design that doesn't scream "tech"
• All-day battery life
• Touch controls and voice commands

Real talk: Smart glasses aren't quite a smartwatch replacement, they're a complement. But if you want cutting-edge wearable tech that captures moments hands-free and keeps you connected without staring at a screen, these are genuinely brilliant. 

We recommend:

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Polarised AI Glasses

For everyone who wants the best of both worlds: proper style and serious tech. The next evolution in smart eyewear. RayBan's iconic Headliner shape meets Meta's upgraded Gen 2 technology for a genuinely impressive package. The 12MP ultra-wide camera now records in stunning 3K Ultra HD resolution. Battery life has doubled to up to 8 hours of active use. Meta AI integration includes live translation across 6 languages without needing WiFi. The open-ear speakers deliver rich audio while keeping you aware of your surroundings, and the slim, lightweight black-green frames won't make you look like a walking tech demo.

£329.00£329.00

Who are smart glasses actually for? 

  1. Content creators - Capture POV footage without holding your phone. Perfect for vloggers, influencers and anyone who wants to share their perspective literally.
  2. Active lifestylers - Runners, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts who want music, calls and photos without breaking stride.
  3. Parents - Capture genuine moments with your kids while keeping your hands free (because toddlers wait for no one).
  4. Tech enthusiasts - Early adopters who want to experience the future of wearable technology today.
  5. Multitaskers - Anyone who's tired of juggling phone, earbuds and camera when one device could do it all.
A girl sitting on sofa wearing glasses
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2

We recommend:

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2

The smart glasses that actually look good. Classic RayBan style meets Meta's tech prowess with built-in cameras for photos and videos, open-ear speakers for music and calls, and Meta AI integration for hands-free assistance.

£409.00£409.00
Oakley Meta

We recommend:

Oakley Meta

For the active lifestyle enthusiast. Oakley's legendary sports eyewear meets Meta's smart technology. Features the same Meta AI integration as the RayBan version but with Oakley's renowned optical quality and sport-focused design. Ideal for running, cycling, and outdoor activities where you want to stay connected without breaking your flow. 

£499.00£499.00
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Skyler AI Glasses

We recommend:

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Skyler AI Glasses

Control music, take hands-free calls and ask Meta AI questions on the go. The discreet open-ear speakers deliver rich, quality audio without blocking out conversations or ambient noises around you, ensuring you stay connected and aware.

£459.00£459.00

What you should know before buying 

  1. Privacy considerations: Recording indicator lights let people know when you're capturing content. Be mindful of social settings. 
  2. Battery life: Expect 4-6 hours of active use. The charging case extends this significantly, providing multiple full charges. 
  3. Prescription lenses: Both RayBan and Oakley Meta glasses can be fitted with prescription lenses, so you don't have to choose between smart tech and seeing clearly. 
  4. Learning curve: There's a brief adjustment period learning the touch controls and voice commands, but most people get the hang of it within a day. 
  5. Complementary, not replacement: Smart glasses work alongside your smartwatch and phone, not instead of them. Think of them as adding a new capability to your tech ecosystem. 

Final thoughts
Smart glasses represent a genuine leap forward in wearable technology. Unlike early attempts that felt gimmicky or invasive, today's options are polished, practical and surprisingly stylish. 

They won't replace your smartphone, but they might change how often you reach for it. When you can capture a moment, answer a call or skip a song with a simple tap or voice command, you start to appreciate just how liberating hands-free tech can be. 

The RayBan Meta Gen2 and Oakley Meta prove that you don't have to sacrifice style for innovation. These are glasses you'd actually want to wear—the smart features are just a brilliant bonus. 

Ready to see the future? 
Explore smart glasses on EE  and step into the next generation of wearable tech. 

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