Oakley Meta · From $499
Release date Oct 21, 2025
Recommended
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
9 with a published score, 2 scored from text · How it works
Latest review May 8, 2026
Critics see the Vanguard as the best sport-focused smart glasses so far, with a centered 12MP camera, loud open-ear speakers and useful Garmin and Strava integration. Reviewers are split on whether it is worth $499, since battery life falls short of the nine-hour claim, the camera does not replace an action cam and the frame is heavy for everyday use. Privacy concerns around Meta's data terms and covert filming drew the harshest scores.
“In fact, I can heartily recommend the Oakley Meta Vanguards to anyone who enjoys strenuous outdoor activities like running or cycling, skiing or snowboarding.”
“Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses have the same tech as Ray-Ban Meta glasses, but tailored to different people and lifestyles.”
“Oakley Meta Vanguard delivers where it matters.”
“And while these won't replace my go-to sunglasses, there's more than enough to make them part of my fitness routine.”
“The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses have some neat features, like Garmin and Strava integration, capture good-quality video, and are comfortable to wear while running or doing other outdoor activities.”
“If you have a compatible Garmin smartwatch then these glasses are superb.”
“Technically, I think they’re an incredibly impressive bit of kit.”
“This is the seemingly rare exception of one that largely works as advertised, and even exceeded my expectations repeatedly.”
“Oakley’s Meta Vanguard sunglasses are bold, beautifully built and full of promise, but the execution isn’t there yet.”
“This feels like a product still in development, with battery life that’s woefully short of advertised.”
“As such, they’re simply difficult to trust and impossible to recommend.”
“This feels like a product still in development, with battery life that’s woefully short of advertised.”
“As such, they’re simply difficult to trust and impossible to recommend.”
“In fact, I can heartily recommend the Oakley Meta Vanguards to anyone who enjoys strenuous outdoor activities like running or cycling, skiing or snowboarding.”
“Oakley Meta Vanguard delivers where it matters.”
“Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses have the same tech as Ray-Ban Meta glasses, but tailored to different people and lifestyles.”
“Technically, I think they’re an incredibly impressive bit of kit.”
“Oakley’s Meta Vanguard sunglasses are bold, beautifully built and full of promise, but the execution isn’t there yet.”
“And while these won't replace my go-to sunglasses, there's more than enough to make them part of my fitness routine.”
“The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses have some neat features, like Garmin and Strava integration, capture good-quality video, and are comfortable to wear while running or doing other outdoor activities.”
“If you have a compatible Garmin smartwatch then these glasses are superb.”
“This is the seemingly rare exception of one that largely works as advertised, and even exceeded my expectations repeatedly.”
