Meta Announces $349 Ray-Ban Audio Glasses

Meta announced Ray-Ban Meta Audio at Connect on September 23, introducing camera-free smart glasses starting at $349. Preorders are open, with shipping scheduled for October 13.

The glasses focus on listening and talking rather than taking photos. They play music and podcasts, handle phone calls, and provide hands-free access to Meta AI. The open-ear design leaves your ears uncovered. Meta and eyewear partner EssilorLuxottica say audio has consistently been the most popular feature across their Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Removing the camera also changes the fit. According to EssilorLuxottica's announcement, the new models weigh as little as 43 grams. The frames include optician-adjusted temple tips, adjustable or replaceable nose pads, and hinges designed to open beyond their normal range.

Buyers can choose between two frame styles: the browline Clubmaster and rectangular Burbank. Meta lists 23 frame-color and lens combinations, with both styles supporting a range of prescription lenses.

Meta claims up to 12 hours of use on one charge, plus up to 48 additional hours from the included charging case. Those figures are manufacturer estimates, rather than independent test results.

The Audio model starts $100 below the new camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, announced at the same event for $449. Gen 3 retains a 12-megapixel camera and 3K video recording, with a stated battery life of up to nine hours.

Audio-only does not mean AI-free. Alongside the hardware, Meta and EssilorLuxottica announced plans to bring the Muse personal assistant to their AI glasses. The companies list Muse availability as US-only.