6 BEST Augmented Reality Glasses (Mar 2023)
21 AR Glasses Tested
270+ Hours of Research
1.8k+ Reviews Examined
Unbiased Reviews
Augmented Reality glasses have become massively trendy, and various fields have adopted them. Statistics show that 598 million AR devices were in use at the end of 2020. Artillery Intelligence predicted that the number would go up to 1.73 billion by 2024. This is quite a huge number in such a short period of 4 years.
These transparent lenses would allow you to use your PCs and smartphones on the road. Augmented reality headsets have a lot of potential. It projects real-life environment holograms in front of eyes with Augmented digital devices. One can enjoy trees swaying in the park, kids playing soccer, taking phone calls, and much more.
Many Augmented Reality glasses are available, and choosing one is difficult. Following is a handpicked list of Top Augmented reality glasses with their popular features, pros, cons, key statistics, and website links.
| Smart Glasses | Resolution (pixels) | Field of View (Degree) | Refresh Rate (Hz) | Tracking and control | Battery life (hrs) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oculus Quest 2 | 1832x1920px per eye | 100 | 90 Hz | Hand tracking | 2-3 hours | Learn More |
| Microsoft HoloLens 2 | 2048×1080 per eye | 52 | 120 Hz | Eye and hand tracking | 6 hours | Learn More |
| Magic Leap 2 | 1536×1856 per-eye Render resolution: 1440×1760 |
70 | 120 Hz | single 6DoF controller | 3.5 hrs | Learn More |
| Lenovo ThinkReality A3 | 1080p per eye | – | – | single 6DoF controller | 4 hours | Learn More |
| Snap Spectacles 3 | 1728 x 1728 px | 105 (2D) 86 (3D) |
– | -GPS -GLONASS -Depth Sensing |
Capture and sync up to 70 videos per full charge | Learn More |
| EverySight Raptor Smart Glass | 800×600 | 43 | 144 | -GPS | 8 hours | Learn More |
1) Oculus Quest 2
Best for Games, Fitness, and Entertainment.
Oculus Quest 2 is a full package that provides experiences like games, fitness entertainment, and much more. One can easily sit at a live concert and enjoy it to the fullest with the help of these AR glasses.
You can also have fun with friends around the world, complete pending office work, play a game, and binge-watch your favorite show. Moreover, these transparent lenses don’t tangle you with wires, which means you can simply take these smart glasses on the road.
It comes with an advanced processor and a maximum resolution display. The setup for mobile is seamless and easy. The sound quality is unmatchable as it provides sound from all directions with built-in speakers.
Features:
- This AR headset gives 50% more pixels than the original.
- It’s PC and VR compatible.
- The headset is very light in weight.
- Amazing sound Quality
- Easy setup
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Oculus smart glasses have a faster and better processor. | Oculus smart glasses have a very little battery life of 2-3 hours. |
| It provides a very high display. | It needs a Facebook login to use it. |
| It gives the opportunity to explore new titles and old favorites with backward compatibility from the expansive library. | |
| It provides immersive entertainment while getting the users the best seat in ground-breaking films. |
Key Specifications:
Brand: Meta Quest
Connectivity: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR USB-C Bluetooth WiFi
Compatible device: Android 10
Tracking /control: 6DOF inside-out tracking, 2 controllers with accelerometers and gyroscopes Optional
Dimensions/Weight: 10.24 x 7.36 x 4.96 inches/ 506g
Speaker type:3D Cinematic Sound
Lens Type: Virgular
Memory capacity: 6GB
Battery support: 2-3 hours
Camera: 4 built-in cameras
Image resolution: 1832 x 1920 per eye
Price: $299
Warranty: 2 Years
Link: https://www.oculus.com/quest-2/
2) Microsoft HoloLens 2
Best for Productivity and accuracy and provides real time collaboration.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 provides enterprise solutions for numerous businesses. It’s a hand-free headset to enhance workforce efficiency. These smart glasses render productivity, accuracy, and real-time collaboration even in the loudest noise. It comes with breakthrough hardware, cutting-edge MR technology, and AI to give AR layers to your real environment. Its waveguides are based on see-through holographic lenses.
It has four visible lights for head tracking and has eye-tracking quality. It gives seamless communication. HoloLens 2 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a second-generation custom-built holographic processing unit (HPU). These AR Smart glasses let colleagues connect in real-time, allowing them to work concurrently on a holographic canvas.
Features:
- HoloLens 2 is optimized for 3D positions.
- It displays amazing images due to its mind-blowing lenses.
- The headset comes with two IR cameras.
- It has a built-in speech command and audio.
- These AR glasses come with hand tracking and voice command.
- Its iris recognition supports enterprise-grade security.
- Offers features like spatial mapping, 6DoF tracking, and MR.
- You can connect it via Bluetooth, USB Type C, and Wi-Fi.
- Microsoft Intune enables remote device movement.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Microsoft HoloLens 2 responds to hand movements allowing users to move holograms naturally. | It’s quite expensive. |
| The eye-tracking movement feature helps in understanding the intent of the user and moves holograms to the eyes in real-time. | It struggles with occlusion due to its limited FoV. |
| It provides 200 enterprise-ready MR solutions from the Microsoft ecosystem. | |
| It runs easily in regulated environments. |
Key Specifications:
Brand: Microsoft
Connectivity: Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Compute Platform
Compatible device: Holographic Processing Unit (HPU)
Tracking /control: Two-handed fully articulated model, direct manipulation, on Real-time tracking
Weight: 566g
No of Mic: 5 channels
Lens Type: See-through holographic lenses 2K 3:2, 1440×936
Memory capacity: 4-GB LPDDR4x system DRAM
Battery support: 2–3 hours of active use
Camera: 8-MP stills, 1080p30 video
Image resolution: 2048×1080 (per eye)
Price: $3,500
Warranty: 2 years
3) Magic Leap 2
Best for Enterprises and small business owners.
Magic leap 2 is a unique optimal technology, and it comes in a fully upgraded form. This device seems very much promising as it blurs the lines between VR and AR. This AR device is known to be the first to claim to have a real dimming environment.
The amazing pair of this headset makes the whole room darker to focus on the AR effects way better. The headset is focused on enterprises and not on entertainment. This fantastic pair of smart glasses are light in weight. They are ergonomically designed to support modern Health, defence, manufacturing, and much more.
Features:
- The headset comes with sliders that help in adjusting the dimming intensity.
- It has two eye-tracking cameras per eye.
- It does not need external base stations.
- It connects to a processor box.
- It can dim the outside world.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s very compact and small in size. | The see-through headset can’t display the color black due to its dimming light feature. |
| Magic leap 2 offers high resolution. | |
| The field of view is larger. | |
| It’s more powerful than ML1. |
Key Specifications:
Brand: Magic Leap
Connectivity: AMD based processor
Tracking /control: single 6DoF controller
Battery: 3.5 hrs
Lens Type Dimming lens
Camera: 2 tracking cameras
Image resolution: 1536×1856 per-eye
Render resolution: 1440×1760
Price: $2.295 starting price
Warranty: 1 year/ limited
Link: https://www.magicleap.com/en-us/
4) Lenovo ThinkReality A3
Best for increasing efficiency by reducing errors.
Lenovo ThinkReality A3 increases the efficiency of your workers while reducing errors. The diverse Smart glass gives a safe workplace anywhere around the world. This helps your team to work together on projects in real-time. Moreover, it safeguards your data from prying eyes, as only you can view the information on your virtual monitors.
This best smart glass is so comfortable that you can adjust it and customize it according to your head size. These devices are quite fast and super powerful in their performance.
Features:
- It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 CPU.
- The smart glass is IP54-rated to resist water spray and dust.
- It comes with many ears, horns, and nosepiece extensions that let users customize it to their head size.
- It also supports gaze and haze tracking capabilities.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| The device comes with attachable prescription lenses. | It’s not compatible with all PCs. |
| Offers standards-compliant safety lenses that render maximum eye protection. | It needs external computing devices to connect. |
| It lets users work confidently as it protects your data from prying eyes. | |
| Lenovo ThinkReality can help users to collaborate in real-time. |
Key Specifications:
Brand: Lenovo
Connectivity: USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, Displayport 1.4
Compatible devices Android and PC
Tracking /control: 6DoF tracking, Voice, object, image tracking
No of Mic: 3 Microphones
Speaker type: Integrated Speakers
Lens Type: ANSI Z87.1
Memory capacity: 8GB, dual channel
Camera: Two fisheye cameras, 8 MP RGB camera, 1080p video
Image resolution: 1080p per eye
Price: $1,499
Warranty: 1 year/ limited
Link: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/tablets/vr-smartdevices/virtual-reality/thinkreality-a3/wmd00000500
5) Snap Spectacles 3
Best for: Reliving your memories with 3D effect on Snapchat.
Snap Spectacles 3 is updated with the latest AR features and adds more creativity compared to other AR glasses. These smart glasses enable users to experience their World in 3D. It’s a thought-provoking and expressive device.
You can relive your experiences with 3D effects on Snapchat. The AR headsets can easily be re-charged on the go. It easily shares photos and videos to your phone enabling users to easily transform and edit Snapchat’s new suite of 3D effects.
Features:
- Its flash storage can hold up to 1,200 3D photos and 100 3D videos.
- It gets charged in 70 minutes.
- These smart glasses come with a cleaning cloth, 3D Viewer, and Cable.
- Users can also relive the moments while inviting their friends on YouTube VR.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Snap Spectacles wirelessly syncs videos and photos. | Wearing these smart glasses for too long might make users feel uncomfortable. |
| It allows users to share their memorable moments on Snapchat anywhere, prints them out, and relieves them as a 3D Viewer. | Its depth-sensing filters need improvements. |
| With Snap Spectacles, users don’t need Bluetooth audio due to its built-in four microphones. |
Key Specifications:
Brand: Snap
Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi
Compatible device: iOS and Android 6 or above
Tracking /control: GPS, GLONASS, Depth Sensing
Dimensions/Weight: 7.2 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches/56.5 g
No of Mic: Four-microphone audio array
Lens Type: ANSI Z80.3 rated lenses, Tinted for 100% UVA and UVB protection, Lens Category 3 (high sun glare reduction)
Memory capacity: 4GB flash storage.
Water resistance: Spectacles 3 and its accessories are not water-resistant.
Camera: 2 HD cameras
Price: £330
Warranty: 1 year/ Limited
Link: https://www.spectacles.com/uk/shop/spectacles-3/
6) EverySight Raptor Smart Glass
Best for Cyclists who want to enjoy the ride without getting distracted
EverySight Raptor smart glass is designed for cycling. It projects a hidden AR layer of information while riding on a cycle. This enables them to enjoy the ride without getting distracted.
These smart glasses provide maximum safety as they show real-time information in front of the riders, letting them keep an eye on the road. It’s a niche-specific product that is suitable only for cyclists. It helps track the riders’ workout to let them know if they have hit the target during their chosen intervals.
Features:
- EverySight’s patented BEAM technology gives users an AR experience.
- The device has a micro-USB port that supports quick data transfer and charging.
- It has an extended battery, so one can enjoy it for a longer time once fully charged.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| EverySight enables riders’ real-time information while keeping an eye on the road. | Raptor smart glasses are expensive. |
| This AR glass front camera captures all the experiences, enabling users to relive the moment with real-time metrics. | These transparent lenses wouldn’t allow the users to wear their favorite helmet due to the limited helmet compatibility. |
| The display is visible even in the brightest daylight. | |
| For prescription lenses, users can get RX frames. |
Key Specifications:
Brand: Every sight
Connectivity: ANT +, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Compatible device: iOS version 10 and above or Android version 4.4 and above
Tracking /control: GPS and GLONASS
No. of Mic: 2 Microphones
Speaker type: Internal speakers
Lens Type Prescription lens
Memory capacity: 32 GB and 16 GB
Battery support: 8 hours
Water resistance: Yes
Camera: POV HD camera
Price: $599
Warranty: Limited
Link: https://everysight.com
FAQ
❓ What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) helps experience the real world through digital visual elements and sound through enhanced technology. Augmented Reality has been used in a myriad of ways, like Snapchat lenses, and there are multiple Apps for finding cars in a busy parking lot.
Moreover, some apps let you try on clothes before buying. One of the most popular examples of AR is Pokémon Go, which became the inevitable sensation after its release.
✔️ What are the Best Augmented Reality Glasses?
Although there are a variety of AR glasses available in the market. However, some of the best Augmented Reality Glasses in current times are:
- Oculus Quest 2
- HoloLens 2
- Magic Leap 2
- Lenovo ThinkReality A3
- Snap Spectacles 3
- EverySight Raptor smart glass
🚀 What are the types of Augmented Reality Smart Glasses?
Augmented Reality glasses have transformed over the period. AR headsets project images and content in front of the user. It comes in various sizes, shapes, designs, and purposes.
The following are types of AR headsets:
- Smart Glasses: Smart Glasses put the content of the phone in front of the user’s eyes. This augments the wearers’ vision and renders a completely new way of accessing information. It also provides remote collaboration and hands-free workflow.
- Holographic displays: Holographic displays form three-dimensional images while using light diffraction in real-time space.
- Handheld Devices: Handheld devices help in reimagining the user’s experience. Its hardware is ideal for AR systems to enjoy the AR experience on smartphones.
- Heads-Up Display (HUDs): Heads-Up display shows the content on the transparent screen. Users don’t lose focus on the surroundings due to the transparent screen.
- Developers Kit supported: Developers Kit Supported helps developers to create custom solutions for glasses. It supports AR software kits like ARKit, Vuforia, and ARcore.
- Developers Kit Unsupported: Developers Kit Unsupported can’t create custom solutions as it doesn’t support AR SDKs.
🏅 What is the working mechanism of AR Glasses?
AR smart glasses are like normal glasses. Unlike normal glasses, they have the potential to show 3D images, graphics, videos, and animations in front of the wearer’s eyes.
VR completely replaces the user’s environment with a virtual one while AR adds 3D images in front of the real-world environment.
⚡ What are the Applications of Smart Glasses?
AR smart glasses have been used in multiple fields like:
Gaming: AR technology has been gaining popularity in the gaming industry. It has enhanced the experience for gamers hugely. Some of the famous gaming apps are as follows: Froggipedia, BBC Civilisations AR, Mondly, SketchAR, Pokémon Go, Ink Hunter, WallaMe, etc.
Advertising: The usage of AR in advertising makes it a lot more interactive for customers. It helps advertisers and marketers to reach out to as many customers as possible. AR saves a lot of money, boosts sales, enhances hyperlocal advertising, and much more.
Education: AR smart glasses are improving the educational sector day by day. It helps students to interact more and focus on practicals rather than theory. As AR puts visual objects insight, this boosts the training skills of the students.
Smart Shopping: AR provides customers to engage with multiple products and brands with the help of digital technology. Customers can perform easy trails.