More individuals are likely to favor the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2s for everyday casual wear, but the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses boast impressive enhancements.
The best analogy for the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses is an “Ultra” smartwatch: they are heftier and more expensive than the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), yet they feature significant advantages that make the Vanguards highly appealing for athletic users. I am already certain I will use these more frequently than my Ray-Bans.
You may find that you don’t require the Vanguard’s IP67 water resistance for intense workouts, speakers that are 6db louder to combat wind, or an additional hour of battery life for extended activities. They are not ideal for indoor use, lacking Transitions or clear lenses; nor does the Oakley Spheara style blend in as seamlessly as the Ray-Ban Wayfarers do.
I don’t rely on smart glasses for every situation, as Meta would prefer; they come in handy only during workouts or hikes when my phone would be a distracting presence, making Meta’s AI, hands-free videos, and workout playlists truly enticing.
Although I was impressed while testing the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, they remain more suitable for casual use. It’s apparent that the Oakley Meta Vanguard is a superior choice for runners, hikers, cyclists, or adventure sports enthusiasts — despite a few drawbacks I’ll elaborate on below.
I actually favor the design of the Oakley Meta Vanguard.
Smart glasses are distinctly thicker than ordinary glasses to accommodate cameras, speakers, and batteries, as well as to bear the weight. The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)s perform decently in this regard, but every non-techie I’ve had try them on mentions they like the features but dislike the bulky appearance on their face.
In contrast, most Oakley sunglasses are large and striking, featuring a substantial nose guard and top bar; this allows the Meta Vanguards to be sizable without appearing out of place. They are twice as heavy as the Spheara design that inspired them, yet I feel athletic wearing them instead of awkward.
You will need to accept that these glasses are relatively heavy, which applies pressure on your nose. However, unlike Ray-Bans that must fit snugly on your face to prevent slipping, the Vanguard’s integrated nose pads stop them from sliding, even amidst sweat and the up-and-down motions of running.
That said, it’s a pressure point where 66g of weight bears down, particularly during downhill running or hiking. It won’t impact you much after a single workout, and cyclists should manage just fine unless they are bouncing on mountain trails for hours. However, after a long hike on Saturday followed by a two-hour run on Sunday, my nose feels tender and requires a break.
Some individuals may not mind the extra weight for the optimal smart glasses experience, while others could find them unwieldy. Ultimately, it will depend on whether you use them for daily workouts or for special events like races or exploring new trails where documentation is desired.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2s with Transitions provide a clear benefit for evening runs, as sunglasses can hinder visibility. However, given that their night photography and videography aren’t exceptional, I’ve come to prefer wearing workout earbuds instead.
A subtle enhancement in photography and notable improvements in video quality.
The photography capabilities of Meta AI glasses haven’t significantly evolved since the original Ray-Ban Metas; during our camera test of the Oakley HSTN vs. Ray-Ban, no substantial difference in quality was evident.
The Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses retain the same 12MP camera along with 1080p or 3K video resolution, but there is one key distinction: a centered 122-degree lens.
The images in the gallery below were captured from the same location using the Oakley Meta Vanguard and the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2. The centrally positioned lens of the Vanguard more accurately reflects my actual perspective compared to the Ray-Bans’ side cutouts. You can also notice a subtle expansion of the shots, capturing more details surrounding your subject.
However, the wider angle can be a double-edged sword, as unless your subject is quite large or you are standing close, it may get lost amid the surrounding details. You might find yourself wanting to crop your images.
On the whole, I am pleased with the photo quality of the Oakley Meta Vanguard; I captured some truly stunning nature shots during my hike — although I didn’t realize that my hat brim intruded into most of my photos until afterward.
To be honest: it would have been fantastic if Meta had included landscape photography and video capabilities in the Vanguard. I recognize that portrait mode is trendy for Meta’s applications or TikTok, but the GoPro athletic community desires as wide and immersive a view as possible. Even if portrait mode is standard, Meta should allow us to shift perspectives using a voice command or button press.
Additionally, I recorded videos at 1080p in both 30 and 60 FPS, as well as 3K at 30 FPS at various intervals during a 13-mile run.