The Top 3 Cutting-Edge Smart Glasses That Captivated Us at CES

With AI and wearable technology leading recent tech innovations, it's no wonder smart glasses took center stage at CES 2026. This year's models surpass earlier designs with advancements in battery efficiency, enhanced functions, increased comfort, and more.

Smart glasses range in utility—from providing navigational aid to embedding cameras and voice command functionality in sleek, lightweight designs. Even though the event hadn’t officially begun, ZDNET's specialists in smart glasses have thoroughly evaluated many of these innovations.

To guide you in selecting the most noteworthy options, we're assembling a list of the leading smart glasses. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to cover the latest from CES.

RayNeo Air 4 Pro

In anticipation of CES, I explored the RayNeo Air 4 Pro, which claims the title of the planet's first smart glasses with HDR10 capability. Equipped with a specialized image processor and achieving 1,200 nits at peak brightness, they deliver visuals more vivid and vibrant than any previous models I've tried.

Weighing just 76 grams, they combine lightweight design with dynamic performance, thanks to a refresh rate of 120Hz and immersive sound tuned by Bang & Olufsen. This is a significant advancement for tech enthusiasts eager for cinematic-quality visuals while on the move, ideally at a price point that won't break the bank.

Rokid AI Style Glasses

The Rokid AI Style Glasses appeal to me due to their featherlight build and the inclusion of comfortable nose pads. Functionally akin to the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, they incorporate a camera, open-ear speakers, and microphones within the form of sunglasses. Although they boast a 12-hour battery life, remember there's no charging case, requiring a carrying cable for recharges.

While I'm not fond of the pogo-pin charging system, their affordable price softens the blow. At $299, they undercut Meta's offerings while ensuring comfort, even for extended wear.

XGIMI Memomind Glasses

The XGIMI Memomind AI Glasses are reminiscent of the Even Realities G1, featuring a separate display on each lens that allows for dashboard viewing, navigation, and AI interactions. I particularly appreciated their user-friendly and comfortable design, resembling a standard pair of glasses.

The responsive interface, paired with MicroLED-enhanced brightness, impressed me. Priced at $599, they are a more affordable option than their Even Realities competitors, adding a variety of styles to choose from.