Smart Glasses

Learn more about Smart glasses and AI glasses

Smart glasses and AI glasses bring hands-free technology into a familiar eyewear form, letting you capture photos and video, take calls, listen to music and get real-time AI assistance without reaching for your phone. EE's wearables eyewear range includes the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 and Gen 2 AI Glasses in Wayfarer and Skyler styles, plus the sport-focused Oakley Meta HSTN, each pairing a 12MP ultra-wide camera, open-ear audio and a built-in voice assistant with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. They're built for everyday life, from commuting and travel, where live translation and hands-free navigation come into their own, to fitness and professional use, with integrations like Strava and Garmin for active lifestyles. As the UK's number one mobile network, named best in 3 independent studies by RootMetrics, Umlaut and Opensignal, EE brings its 5G+ coverage to 73% of the population, so your smart glasses stay connected and responsive wherever you go.

Things to consider

Before choosing a pair of smart glasses or AI glasses, it's worth weighing a few key factors to make sure you get the right fit for your lifestyle and needs.

Fit and frame style

Smart glasses need to feel comfortable for all-day wear, just like any pair of sunglasses or prescription frames. EE's range includes several distinct styles, so consider which suits your face shape and daily routine. The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer offers a classic, versatile look that works in most settings, while the Skyler's cat-eye design leans more fashion-forward. The Oakley Meta HSTN features straight temples and an angular nose bridge for a secure, snug fit that stays put during movement. If you wear prescription lenses, check the supported Rx range for your chosen frame, as it varies by style, for example the Wayfarer supports -12.00 to +2.25 while the Oakley Meta HSTN covers -6.00 to +4.00.

Battery life and charging

Battery life differs significantly between generations. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 delivers up to 4 hours of use per charge with a case that holds up to 32 additional hours, while the Gen 2 doubles that to 8 hours with a 48-hour case. The Oakley Meta HSTN also offers up to 8 hours of typical use. If you're out for a full day, commuting or travelling, the longer battery life of the Gen 2 or Oakley models may be worth the investment. All models support fast charging, delivering around 50% capacity in roughly 20 minutes.

Camera and video quality

All models in EE's range feature a 12MP ultra-wide camera, but video capabilities vary. The Gen 1 captures video at 1440 x 1920 px at 30 fps, while the Gen 2 and Oakley Meta HSTN upgrade to 3K Ultra HD at 30 fps, with the Gen 2 also adding slow motion and hyperlapse modes. If capturing high-quality point-of-view content is a priority, the Gen 2 or Oakley models offer the sharper footage.

Connectivity and compatibility

Smart glasses pair with your phone rather than replacing it, so compatibility matters. The Gen 1 uses Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6, while the Gen 2 and Oakley Meta HSTN upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3. All models work with both iOS and Android, though check the minimum version requirements, for example iOS 14.4 or Android 10 and above. EE's 5G+ network, covering 73% of the UK population, helps keep your paired phone connected so your glasses stay responsive on the go.

Water resistance and durability

The entire range carries an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning the glasses can withstand splashes, sweat and light rain from any direction. This makes them suitable for commuting, walking and light fitness use, but they are not designed for swimming or submersion. If your activities involve more intense workouts or unpredictable weather, the Oakley Meta HSTN's sport-focused build is the more rugged option.

AI features and voice assistant

All models include the Meta AI voice assistant, activated with "Hey Meta." You can ask questions, control music, take photos or videos, and use live translation across 6 languages. Some advanced AI features roll out to the UK later than the US, so check which features are currently available in your region. If translation and hands-free assistance are key reasons for buying, the Gen 2 and Oakley models offer the most up-to-date AI experience.

Price and value

The Gen 1 offers the same essential smart glasses experience as the Gen 2 at a lower price point, making it a strong choice if you want core features without paying for the latest upgrades. The Gen 2 justifies its higher price with doubled battery life, sharper video and improved connectivity. The Oakley Meta HSTN sits at the premium end, targeting athletes and active users who need a secure, durable frame. EE also offers bundles and flexible payment options, including 24-month bundles with perks like Apple Music, to help spread the cost.

Frequently asked questions

EE Smart Glasses

What are EE Smart Glasses and what can they do?

EE Smart Glasses are AI-powered wearable devices that look like regular sunglasses but pack camera, audio and voice assistant technology into the frames. The range includes Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 and Gen 2 AI Glasses in Wayfarer and Skyler styles, plus the Oakley Meta HSTN AI Glasses built for sport. Key features across the range include a 12MP camera for hands-free photos and video, open-ear speakers for music and calls, the Meta AI voice assistant, live translation, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 6 and 32GB of onboard storage. You can capture point-of-view content, listen to music or podcasts, take phone calls and ask Meta AI questions, all without reaching for your phone.

How long does the battery last and how do I charge the glasses?

Battery life depends on the model. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses last up to 8 hours of typical use on a single charge, almost double the Gen 1, which offers up to 4 hours. The Oakley Meta HSTN also delivers up to 8 hours of typical use and up to 19 hours on standby. Every pair comes with a portable charging case that holds multiple extra charges, giving up to 48 hours of total use on the go. Fast charging tops the glasses up to 50% in around 20 minutes, so a short break is enough to keep you going through the day.

Can I get prescription lenses and are the glasses water resistant?

Yes, EE Smart Glasses support prescription lenses, so you can have your correct vision built into the frames through an eligible optician. Many styles also offer polarised and Transitions lens options that adapt to changing light. On durability, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 and Oakley Meta HSTN carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can handle splashes, sweat and light rain. They are not designed for swimming or submersion, so avoid heavy downpours and water sports where the glasses could be fully immersed.

What is Meta AI and how does live translation work?

Meta AI is the built-in voice assistant, activated with the wake words "Hey Meta." You can ask it to take a photo, play or pause music, answer general questions or describe what you are seeing, which is useful for accessibility and hands-free help. Live translation lets you hold a back-and-forth conversation across multiple languages, with support expanding to 6 languages and counting. You can even use translation in airplane mode, provided you have downloaded the relevant language pack in advance, making the glasses a practical travel companion when you are abroad without a data connection.

How do EE Smart Glasses compare to each other and to older models?

The range suits different needs. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses are the everyday choice, pairing iconic Ray-Ban style with up to 8 hours battery, a 12MP camera and 3K video. The Gen 2 nearly doubles the battery life of Gen 1 and adds sharper video capture, so it is the better option for all-day wear. The Oakley Meta HSTN shares the same core technology but is engineered for sport, with a more rugged frame, repositioned open-ear speakers for less audio leakage and PRIZM lens technology for enhanced contrast. If you want lifestyle style, choose Ray-Ban Meta, and if you want performance eyewear for training and outdoor activity, choose Oakley Meta.

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 AI Glasses

What are the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 AI Glasses and what can they do?

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 AI Glasses are smart glasses that look like regular Ray-Ban sunglasses but pack a 12MP ultra-wide camera, open-ear speakers, a 5-microphone array and Meta AI voice control. You can capture photos at 3024 x 4032 pixels and record video at 3K Ultra HD at 30 frames per second, or 1080p at up to 60 frames per second, all hands-free with a tap on the temple or a voice command. They stream music and take calls through discreet open-ear speakers, store up to 500 photos or 100 30-second videos on 32GB of built-in storage, and connect to your phone over Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6. Available in Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner styles, they weigh just 52g and work with both iOS and Android.

How does the battery life of the Gen 2 compare to the Gen 1?

The Gen 2 doubles the battery life of the original. A fully charged pair lasts up to 8 hours of typical use, compared with up to 4 hours on the Gen 1, making them suitable for a full day out without needing a top-up. The included charging case holds enough power for up to 48 additional hours of use, up from 32 hours on the Gen 1 case, and fast charging delivers a 50% charge, around 4 hours of use, in just 20 minutes. With continuous audio playback or voice calling, expect around 5 hours on a single charge. The improved endurance is one of the biggest reasons to choose the Gen 2 over the earlier model.

Can I get prescription lenses with the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2?

Yes. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 can be fitted with prescription lenses just like standard Ray-Ban frames, with single vision or progressive options available. Lens choices include clear, sun, polarised and Transitions light-reactive lenses, so you can tailor them to your vision and lifestyle. The prescription range varies by frame style, for example the Wayfarer supports a range of -12.00 to +2.25. New Optics styles such as Scriber and Blayzer are designed specifically for prescription wearers, with a slimmer fit, flexible nose pads and adjustable temple tips for all-day comfort. Lenses from the Gen 1 also fit the Gen 2 frames, so existing owners can swap them over.

How does the Meta AI voice assistant and live translation work?

Meta AI is built into the glasses and activated by saying "Hey Meta" followed by your command, with no phone screen required. You can ask it questions, control music and volume, take a photo or video, send a message or use the camera to identify and describe what is in front of you. Live translation is one of the standout features, supporting two-way conversation across 6 languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese. The 5-microphone array uses beamforming to tell your voice apart from your conversation partner, then Meta AI translates the speech in near real time and plays it back through the open-ear speakers. A full transcript is saved in the Meta AI app, and you can even use translation offline in airplane mode if you download the language pack in advance.

Are the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 suitable for outdoor use and exercise?

Yes, they are built for everyday outdoor activity. The glasses carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they withstand splashes and light rain from any direction, so they hold up well for commuting, walking and fitness use. The open-ear audio design keeps you aware of your surroundings while you listen to music or podcasts or take calls, which is ideal for running and cycling. The up to 8 hour battery life supports a full day of activity, and the durable Ray-Ban frames come in a range of sun, polarised and Transitions lens options to suit different light conditions. For more rugged sport or water-based activity, the Oakley Meta HSTN offers a higher durability rating, but the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 covers most lifestyle and fitness scenarios comfortably.

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 AI Glasses

What are the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 AI Glasses and what can they do?

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 AI Glasses are smart glasses that look like classic Ray-Ban sunglasses but contain a 12MP ultra-wide camera, 2 custom open-ear speakers and 5 built-in microphones. You can capture photos at 3024 x 4032 px and video at 1440 x 1920 px at 30 fps, take hands-free calls, listen to music and use the Meta AI voice assistant by saying "Hey Meta" to get answers, reminders and real-time information. They connect to your phone via WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, store up to 500 photos or 100 videos on 32GB of built-in storage, and are controlled with simple touch and voice commands. The Meta View app lets you import, view, share and manage everything you capture.

How long does the battery last and how does charging work?

A fully charged pair of Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses lasts up to 4 hours of moderate use on a single charge. The included charging case holds enough power for up to 32 additional hours, giving a total of around 36 hours of use on the go. When the glasses run low, you simply place them back in the case to recharge, so you can top up throughout the day without needing a wall socket. The case itself is recharged via a USB cable, and the glasses are ready to use again once the LED indicator shows a full charge.

Can I wear the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses with prescription lenses?

Yes, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 AI Glasses support prescription lenses, so you can enjoy the smart features without sacrificing clear vision. Ray-Ban offers prescription lens options across the Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner frame styles, and you can also choose from colour, Transitions and polarised lens options. Transitions lenses, for example, adapt from clear indoors to dark in sunlight, making them versatile for all-day wear. You can order prescription lenses through Ray-Ban or an authorised optician, and the smart technology in the frames works the same way regardless of which lens type you choose.

Are the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses water resistant and suitable for fitness and outdoor use?

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means they can handle splashes of water and light rain from any direction. This makes them suitable for outdoor activities like commuting, walking, hiking and light fitness use, though they are not designed for swimming or submersion. At just 48.6g, the lightweight frame stays comfortable during extended wear, and the open-ear speakers let you stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music or taking calls. For heavy sweating during intense workouts, it is best to wipe the glasses dry afterwards to protect the electronics over time.

How do the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses compare to the Gen 2 model?

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 and Gen 2 share the same 12MP camera, 32GB storage, IPX4 water resistance and core Meta AI features, but the Gen 2 model brings several upgrades. Gen 2 doubles the battery life to up to 8 hours of use per charge, with a charging case that holds up to 48 additional hours, compared to 4 hours and 32 hours on the Gen 1. Gen 2 also captures higher resolution 3K video at 30 fps, supports slow motion and hyperlapse modes, and upgrades connectivity to Bluetooth 5.3. The Gen 1 model offers the same essential smart glasses experience at a lower price point, making it a strong choice if you want the core features without paying for the latest upgrades.

Oakley Meta HSTN AI Glasses

What are the Oakley Meta HSTN AI Glasses and who are they designed for?

The Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced HOW-stuhn) AI Glasses are performance-focused smart glasses created through a partnership between Oakley and Meta. They are designed for athletes, sports fans and active users who want a secure fit and hands-free technology during workouts, outdoor activities and on-the-go lifestyles. The glasses combine a built-in 12MP camera, open-ear speakers, the Meta AI voice assistant and Oakley PRIZM lens technology in a bold, sporty frame. Unlike the lifestyle-oriented Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the HSTN features straight temples and an angular nose bridge for a snug, secure fit that stays in place during movement.

How do the Oakley Meta HSTN compare to the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses?

Both glasses share the same core internal hardware, including the 12MP ultra-wide camera, 32GB of storage, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 6 and the Meta AI assistant. The key differences are in design, battery and video. The Oakley Meta HSTN offers up to 8 hours of typical use on a single charge, roughly double the endurance of the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, and can record video in up to 3K resolution at 30 frames per second. The open-ear speakers have also been repositioned to direct audio toward your ears with less leakage. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 offers more frame styles and colour options, while the Oakley Meta HSTN focuses on a single sporty frame with PRIZM lens options. If your day includes workouts or outdoor activities, the Oakley Meta HSTN is the stronger choice, while the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 suits everyday, versatile wear.

Can I use the Oakley Meta HSTN AI Glasses with my prescription?

The Oakley Meta HSTN supports Oakley Authentic Prescription lenses with an eligible prescription range of -6.00 to +4.00. You can choose from a range of personalised prescription lens options to match your vision needs. The glasses also offer a variety of high-performance lens technologies, including PRIZM lenses that fine-tune vision and optimise contrast across light and weather conditions, and Transitions lenses that automatically darken outdoors and return to clear indoors. This makes the HSTN suitable for both everyday vision correction and sport-specific visual enhancement.

What can the Meta AI assistant do on the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses?

The built-in Meta AI voice assistant lets you control the glasses hands-free using voice commands. You can ask Meta AI questions about your surroundings, request information, set reminders and use live translation to interpret conversations in real time. The assistant can describe what you are looking at, answer questions about landmarks or objects nearby, and help with everyday tasks without needing to reach for your phone. The glasses pair directly to your phone via Bluetooth and connect to the cloud through WiFi, so the AI features rely on a paired smartphone and an internet connection to deliver the most up-to-date responses.

How long does the battery last and are the glasses water resistant?

A fully charged pair of Oakley Meta HSTN glasses can last up to 8 hours of typical use and up to 19 hours on standby. You can charge them to 50% in just 20 minutes, and the included charging case delivers up to 48 hours of charging on the go. The glasses carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means they can withstand splashing water from any direction, making them suitable for sweaty workouts and light rain. This combination of all-day battery stamina and water resistance makes the HSTN well suited for outdoor training, commuting, and active use in unpredictable weather.