Every time I've written about Meta’s AI-enabled glasses, I inevitably get asked the same questions: why do you even want these?
As a lifelong Ray-Ban Wayfarer wearer and WIRED's resident Meta wearer, I grab a pair of Meta glasses every time I leave the house. They allow me to use one device instead of two or three on a walk, which is handy.
Meta sold more than 7 million pairs in 2025, with people using them at outdoor and sporting events to record snippets for social media. But even as they become more accessible through partnerships like EssilorLuxottica's, there are concerns about privacy, particularly regarding face recognition and the potential for misuse.
Despite these issues, Oakley and Ray-Ban already make great sunglasses, and even if you don't use Meta AI, they're stellar at shading your eyes from the sun. If you decide to try them, here’s what you should get:
Best Overall: The upgraded Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers with clear, prescription, or transition lenses and up to eight hours of battery life.Best Sunglasses: Oakley HSTN glasses for outdoor activities. They have polarized Prizm Ruby lenses, Unobtanium nose pads, and are integrated with Strava and Apple Music.Best for Runners, Bikers, and Influencers: The Oakley Meta Vanguard, designed for outdoor influencers. They are high-end sports sunglasses, workout headphones, and a little action camera for your face.
