Hey guys, I’ve been digging into AR glasses lately and I’m curious: what are the best ones available right now? I’ve done some research but I’m not sure which ones are actually worth it. I’m looking for something casual that doesn’t stand out too much, with decent battery life and good image quality. Price is a big factor for me as a broke student. Any recommendations?
2 Likes
Based on your initial question, it seems you’re looking for a device that isn’t currently readily available. You’ll need to decide what matters most to you: the design or the functionality. Specifically, if you prioritize design (as your question suggests), it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you intend to use the glasses for. Could you provide more details on that?
In the meantime, here are some options to consider:
-
Standalone ultra-lightweight devices:
- Vuzix Ultralite: Compact monocular display with a small field of view (FoV), lacks sensors like camera and microphone.
- Ray-Ban Stories 2: No display, but offers intriguing features like on-device camera and voice interaction with Meta AI (anticipated by Q2 2024). Also includes live-streaming capabilities, designed to be discreet.
-
Tethered “sunglass style” lightweight 3DoF devices:
- XReal Air / Air 2 / Air 2 Pro: Offers a large virtual display, supports connectivity with SteamDeck, PC, Mac via Xreal Beam accessory or compatible mobile phones. Recently released in China, availability elsewhere may vary.
- Rokid Max: Similar to XReal (NReal), competitive in features but possibly with less software support.
-
Functional middleweight 6DoF devices:
- Lenovo ThinkReality A3: Tethered to a Snapdragon-compatible mobile phone, boasts excellent display quality and functionality. Supports Qualcomm Snapdragon Spaces, offering access to a variety of applications.
More devices in this category are expected to debut, possibly at CES 2024 in January. If you’re not in a rush, waiting until then might help you decide if this type of device aligns with your interests.
1 Like
Hey Dolph, here are some AR glasses you might consider:
Nreal Air: These lightweight AR glasses are ideal for daily use and come at a reasonable price point.
Rokid Air: Another lightweight option for everyday use, featuring a resolution of 1920x1080 and also affordable.
Magic Leap 1: Although pricier, it boasts superior image quality and a wider field of view compared to Nreal Air or Rokid Air. However, it’s bulkier and has a shorter battery life.
1 Like
Hi Dolph, I hope you’ll consider getting Ultralite Vuzix. Very light and narrow waveguide system
1 Like
A student with little funds? The comfortable, reasonably priced Nreal Air and Rokid Air AR glasses have good sights. Not very cunning, though. Tell me if you would like information about more expensive choices!
- Xiaomi Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition.
- Oppo Air Glass 2.
- ThinkReality A3 by Lenovo — The Hybrid AR Glasses
Thank you for the clarification. The device you’re looking for doesn’t exist yet. It’s what all of us in the XR industry are working towards. Probably 3 years out.