Meta has rolled out a sleek new option for its smart glasses lineup: the Oakley HSTN Meta. If you’ve been eyeing a pair of smart glasses, you’re likely wondering how these fresh Oakley shades stack up against the popular Ray-Ban Meta variants that have been around for a couple of years. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide which pair of AI-powered glasses is right for you.
Contents
- Specs Showdown: Oakley HSTN Meta vs. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta
- Price Tag: A Significant Difference
- Design & Style: Square vs. Round, Sport vs. Everyday
- Camera Capabilities: A Small Edge for Oakley
- Performance & AI: A Shared Smart Experience
- Battery Life & Charging: Oakley Takes the Lead
- Which Meta Smart Glasses Are Right for You?
Specs Showdown: Oakley HSTN Meta vs. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta
When you compare the core specifications, both the Oakley HSTN Meta and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta glasses share a lot of high-tech DNA. However, some crucial distinctions emerge that could sway your decision.
| Feature | Oakley HSTN Meta | Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Style | Round | Square |
| Camera | 12MP ultra-wide, 720p @ 120fps video | 12MP ultra-wide, 1440×1920 @30fps video |
| Battery | 8 hours (single charge) | 4 hours (single charge) |
| Charging Case | 48 hours extra | 36 hours extra |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Memory | 32GB flash storage | 32GB flash storage |
| Weight | 49g | 49g (standard) / 51g (large) |
Both models feature a 12MP ultra-wide camera for capturing photos and videos, discreet open-ear speakers for audio, and a 5-mic array for crystal-clear voice commands and calls. They both offer 32GB of internal storage, ample space for your memories, and connect via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer. However, the Oakley HSTN Meta steps up slightly with Bluetooth 5.3 compared to the Ray-Ban’s 5.2, offering a marginally more stable and efficient connection.
Price Tag: A Significant Difference
Perhaps the most noticeable difference between these two smart glasses options is the price. The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers are generally available for around $299. In contrast, the Oakley HSTN Meta glasses are priced at $499, representing a substantial $200 jump. Even the transition lens variants of the Ray-Bans, which cost around $379, are still $120 less than the new Oakleys.
This price gap is significant, especially if you’re just exploring the world of AI smart glasses. While the Oakleys do offer some enhanced features, as we’ll discuss, the Ray-Bans remain the more budget-friendly entry point into Meta’s wearable tech. It’s worth noting that the Oakley design is listed as a limited edition, so availability might not last forever.
Design & Style: Square vs. Round, Sport vs. Everyday
Sleek Oakley HSTN Meta smart glasses in gray with polarized lenses, showcasing their modern, rounded frame design.
When it comes to looks, it’s a matter of personal preference. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta glasses are iconic for their timeless, square-lens design, offering a classic look that blends seamlessly into most daily settings. They also come in two sizes (standard and large) and a wider variety of frame and lens colors, including eye-catching options like an N64-style transparent set.
The Oakley HSTN Meta glasses, on the other hand, sport a more rounded lens shape and a distinct nose pad design. They are currently available in one size, which falls between the two Ray-Ban sizes, and come with Oakley’s signature Prizm 24K polarized lenses. These Prizm lenses are engineered for specific sports and environments, providing enhanced contrast and clarity. The Oakley HSTN design successfully bridges the gap between sports performance and everyday wear, offering a slightly more athletic yet stylish aesthetic.
Ultimately, your choice here will come down to which aesthetic aligns better with your personal style and intended use. Do you prefer the classic, versatile look of the Wayfarers, or the modern, performance-inspired vibe of the HSTN?
Camera Capabilities: A Small Edge for Oakley
Both smart glasses come equipped with a 12MP ultra-wide camera discreetly located in the corner of the frames, capable of capturing high-resolution 3024 x 4032 images and 1440 x 1920 video at 30 frames per second (FPS). This means you can snap photos and record short clips hands-free, capturing moments as they happen from your perspective.
However, the Oakley HSTN Meta does offer a slight upgrade in video capture. While both record at 30 FPS for standard video, the Oakleys can also capture 720p video at a super smooth 120 FPS. This higher frame rate is fantastic for slow-motion effects, making your action shots look even more dynamic. Additionally, the HSTN boasts a 100-degree field of view, which isn’t specified for the Ray-Ban Wayfarer.
Performance & AI: A Shared Smart Experience
A close-up of the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, highlighting the camera lens and sleek design on the frame.
When it comes to the core smart features and AI capabilities, both the Oakley HSTN Meta and Ray-Ban Meta glasses offer largely the same experience. Both give you access to Meta AI, allowing you to use voice commands for queries, live translations, and more. You can also make and receive phone calls, send text messages directly from your glasses, and listen to music or podcasts through their open-ear speakers.
Both models integrate seamlessly with the Meta View app, where you can manage your captured content, customize settings, and interact with the AI assistant. Essentially, the intelligent brain powering these glasses is identical, ensuring a consistent user experience regardless of the frame you choose. The only technical difference here is the Oakley’s slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3 versus the Ray-Ban’s 5.2.
Battery Life & Charging: Oakley Takes the Lead
A pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses in black, with the charging case open, showcasing the sleek design and charging port.
This is where the Oakley HSTN Meta truly shines and justifies some of its higher price point. The Oakley glasses boast an impressive 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is double the claimed 4 hours for the Ray-Ban Meta. In our Ray-Ban Meta glasses review, we found the Ray-Bans generally lasted around 6 hours of active use, exceeding their claim. We anticipate the Oakleys will also meet or exceed their stated battery life.
The charging case for the Oakley model also offers a significant upgrade, providing an additional 48 hours of use, compared to the Ray-Ban case’s 36 hours. This means more time using your smart glasses and less time worrying about finding a power outlet. While the Ray-Bans come with a stylish leather case, the Oakleys feature a more rugged case, designed for active lifestyles and outdoor pursuits.
Which Meta Smart Glasses Are Right for You?
A woman wearing the stylish Oakley Meta HSTN glasses, showcasing their modern aesthetic and how they look on a wearer.
Choosing between the Oakley HSTN Meta and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Meta smart glasses ultimately comes down to your budget, preferred style, and how much you value extended battery life and slightly enhanced video capabilities.
If you’re new to smart glasses, want a more classic look, and prefer to keep costs down, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers are an excellent choice. They offer a solid entry into the world of AI-powered wearables with all the core smart features.
However, if money isn’t a primary concern and you desire longer battery life, a sportier yet stylish design, and the ability to capture smoother slow-motion video, the Oakley HSTN Meta glasses are a compelling option. Their “limited edition” status also adds a touch of exclusivity.
Both pairs deliver the innovative Meta AI experience, allowing you to stay connected and capture moments hands-free. Consider which features matter most to you and which aesthetic best suits your daily adventures.
Which smart glasses would you choose? Explore more of our best smart glasses recommendations to discover the perfect pair for your needs.
