Smart Glasses Daily

News · Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (Gen 1) Hits Record-Low Price

Enthusiasts can snag the original AI-powered eyewear for a significant discount. This unexpected price drop could signal inventory clearance or strategic market repositioning.

S. WHITMAN· American correspondent·April 21, 2026·2 min read
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses

Ray-Ban / Meta

Rights & takedowns

As of April 20, 2026, the first-generation Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are available for $224.25 on Amazon. This represents a 25% markdown from their original $299 price, making it the lowest recorded price for the device to date, according to Tom's Guide.

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses integrate smart features into a classic frame design. They boast a 12MP camera for hands-free photo and video capture, alongside open-ear audio for calls and media playback. The device also features a built-in Meta AI assistant, capable of real-time answers and language translation.

Mashable’s former East Coast Tech Editor, Kimberly Gedeon, described the open-ear audio as "crisp, full, and rich - total ear candy" after testing the glasses during her commute, as reported by Tom's Guide. Despite the tech enhancements, the glasses maintain the aesthetic of traditional Ray-Ban eyewear.

Our take: A price cut on the Gen 1 Ray-Ban Meta glasses is hardly surprising. With the Gen 2 already on the market, Meta and retailers are likely clearing stock. This presents a compelling entry point for consumers curious about smart glasses but unwilling to commit to the Gen 2's higher price. The Gen 1 still offers a robust feature set for casual use and content creation, making this deal particularly attractive for those prioritizing value over the absolute latest tech.

Share this story

The Friday Brief

Smart glasses, in your inbox..

One sharp email every Friday morning. No fluff. Unsubscribe in one click.

We never share your email.

Related

Mark Zuckerberg wearing Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses at a Meta event.

News · Meta

Meta Smart Glasses Embed Covert Facial Recognition Code

On June 5, 2026, reports revealed Meta has embedded dormant facial recognition technology, internally known as 'NameTag,' into its smart glasses companion app, sparking renewed privacy concerns.

S. WHITMAN·2 min read

Jun 7, 2026

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses on a flat surface

News · Ray-Ban Meta

Ray-Ban Meta Hacks Reveal Critical Privacy Loophole

NBC News' Joanna Stern exposed a thriving black market for modifying Ray-Ban Meta glasses by disabling their recording indicator light, finding such services advertised on Facebook Marketplace in 30 states.

W. CHEN·2 min read

Jun 6, 2026

In the conversation

Most discussed

The pieces driving the loudest debates in spatial computing this week.

Picked for you

Just for you

A curated mix across reviews, news and analysis you might have missed.