Meta has introduced a new pair of smart glasses that deliberately leave one feature behind: the camera. Announced at the company’s annual Connect event, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio is the first audio-only model in Meta’s lineup, developed in collaboration with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping scheduled to begin on October 13.
A different kind of smart glasses
Where previous Meta glasses paired cameras with AI, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio strips the imaging hardware entirely. The device is aimed at people who want the connected, hands-free benefits of smart eyewear without a lens pointed at the world around them. Instead of capturing photos or video, these glasses focus on sound: listening, talking and interacting with Meta AI.
The result is a product that sits somewhere between a pair of headphones and a regular pair of glasses. It is designed to be worn all day, according to Meta, and the company says it is suitable for that kind of continuous use.
Design and customization
Ray-Ban Meta Audio comes in two main frame designs: Clubmaster and Burbank. Buyers can choose from 23 color and lens combinations, giving the glasses a wide range of looks beyond the standard black frame. Crucially for everyday wearers, the frames are compatible with optical prescriptions, so they can double as a person’s regular glasses rather than a separate accessory.
The glasses weigh 43 grams. That figure matters because it keeps the device in the same weight class as conventional eyewear, supporting Meta’s claim that the glasses are built for all-day wear.
Audio features and microphone array
The core of the Ray-Ban Meta Audio is its sound system. Open-ear speakers direct audio to the wearer without blocking the ears, while a six-microphone array handles voice pickup. That combination allows the glasses to connect to audio apps for hands-free listening and to make and receive calls.
Because the speakers are open-ear, the wearer stays aware of their surroundings while listening. The microphone array is positioned to capture the wearer’s voice clearly during calls and when issuing commands to Meta AI.
Meta AI: present but not always listening
Meta AI is built into the glasses. It can answer questions and set reminders, among other tasks. But Meta is explicit that the glasses are not always-listening. The AI activates either through the wake phrase “Hey Meta” or by pressing the action button located on the right temple.
That design choice gives users a clear, physical way to control when the AI is engaged. It also distinguishes the product from devices that continuously monitor for commands.
Battery life and charging case
Battery life is rated at up to 12 hours of use. A bundled charging case extends that to as much as 48 hours in total. The combination is intended to cover a full day of listening, calls and AI interactions without needing a wall outlet.
At 43 grams, the glasses remain light enough to wear for extended periods, which aligns with the all-day use case Meta is promoting.
Pricing and availability
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is priced at $349 in the United States, £319 in the United Kingdom and €349 in Europe. That makes it more expensive than the existing Meta Glasses, which are priced at $299.
Pre-orders are available now. Shipping starts October 13. The launch marks Meta’s first entry into audio-only smart glasses and a notable expansion of its partnership with EssilorLuxottica.
