The best, made better
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 one-up the initial model by doubling the battery life and adding high-quality 3K video recording. It's better suited for causal wear than Oakley Meta glasses, with the iconic Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler styles. You also get prescription lens support, which isn't available on Oakley Meta Vanguard.
Pros
- Lighter design and more casual style
- Supports prescription lenses
- Long battery life with eight hours on a single charge
- Cheaper than Vanguard, starting at $379
- 3K camera for high-res photos and videos
Cons
- Comfort and overall designed is unchanged compared to Gen 1
- Only IPX4 water-resistance
- Lacks sporty design and fitness features
Athletes only
Runners, cyclists, and general athletes will need more from smart glasses eventually, and that's where Oakley Meta Vanguard comes in. It's based on an iconic Oakley style (Sphaera) designed for athletes and adds a central 3K camera for photos and videos, speakers and microphones, and long battery life. Everything about Vanguard is made with workouts in mind, from the sweatproof design to the Garmin integration.
Pros
- 12MP camera that can record 3K videos
- IP67 rating against dust and water ingress
- Longer battery life with up to nine hours on a single charge
- Louder open-ear speakers compared to Ray-Ban Meta
- Meta AI, Strava, and Garmin Connect support
Cons
- Not as stylish or compact as Ray-Ban Meta
- You can only use Garmin integration with certain workout types and watches
- No option for Transitions or prescription lenses
- Pricey
