At CES 2026, smart glasses stole the spotlight. I’ve tested various models, from sport glasses with customizable tints to AR gaming glasses boasting a stunning 240 Hz refresh rate. As I write this mid-flight from Vegas to New York, I’m using the Xreal One Pro, which features a wide spatial computing display.
Let’s Talk Smart Glasses
I have to say, I’m not a fan of smart glasses with cameras. The idea of tech companies watching my every move feels intrusive. Plus, ditching the camera addresses the annoying “Glasshole” issue from years past.
Xreal caught my attention the most at CES. Though they face competition from established brands like Even Realities and newcomers like MemoMind, they’ve set themselves apart.
Top Picks from CES 2026
1. Best in Show: ROG Xreal R1 AR Gaming Glasses
These glasses are jaw-dropping. They project images on a screen up to 171 inches and are the world’s first AR glasses with a whopping 240 Hz refresh rate. During my brief playtime with Elden Ring and Forza Horizon 5, the graphics were top-notch. Even the much-talked-about Apple Vision Pro caps at 120 Hz. However, these glasses cater to a niche market, so they may not appeal to everyone.
Xreal introduced the Xreal 1S AR Glasses this year, combining upgrades with a price drop. The unreleased ROG Xreal R1 stands out, but it won’t hit the market until later this year, potentially at a high price.
2. Best Sports Glasses: Povec Optics C1
These unique sunglasses offer electrochromic capabilities, allowing you to change the tint by swiping your finger along the side. They manage to feel fresh and innovative without cluttering themselves with too many features.
3. Best for Entertainment: TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro
TCL’s RayNeo Air 4 Pro glasses feature a vibrant HDR display and floating virtual displays. Priced at $299, they offer great value and performance in the smart glasses realm.
4. Best Audio Glasses: Lucyd Smart Glasses
Lucyd has created budget-friendly smart glasses that don’t skimp on features. With prices starting around $99, they look and feel like regular glasses but come equipped with built-in speakers for hands-free communication and music.
5. Best Heads-Up Display: Even Realities G2
These glasses offer the best display I’ve encountered. They feature real-time translation capabilities that allow dialogues in different languages, providing instant translations during conversations. The thin frames also make them stylish and less clunky.
6. Best Newcomer: XGIMI MemoMind AI Glasses
XGIMI has introduced a line of display smart glasses, including Memo One, which boasts advanced features like navigation and live translations through a dual-eye display. They aim to hit the market soon, priced at $599.
7. Best Meta Ray-Ban Alternative: Rokid AI Glasses
Rokid’s upcoming AI glasses provide features similar to Meta Ray-Ban displays but at a more affordable price. They can offer detailed descriptions of your surroundings, although their translation capabilities lag behind Even Realities.
Expert Insight
As smart glasses grow in popularity, experts suggest they could redefine how we interact with technology. According to a recent survey, 60% of users are excited about AR capabilities, highlighting a shift towards integrating digital experiences into daily life.
In conclusion, CES 2026 showcased some groundbreaking advancements in smart glasses technology, reflecting a blend of innovation, functionality, and user preference. Whether you’re into gaming or simply want a stylish pair of tech-enabled eyewear, there’s something new to look forward to this year. For more on these cutting-edge products, check out sources like TechCrunch for in-depth coverage.
