AR Glasses and headsets have evolved over the years. Manufacturers assemble an eyewear device with exciting power and not-so-ordinary specs each year. In fact, the augmented reality (AR) market is expected to grow to USD 1,109.71 billion by the year 2023.
This blog will look closer at the top 6 AR glasses and headsets on the market, breaking down their vital features and capabilities. Check out what specific eyewear device can satisfy your needs and wants.
Whether you are an enthusiast, tech-savvy, professional, or just curious, this tech blog is the perfect treat!
Types of AR Glasses
Smart glasses are wearable techs that perfectly blend the digital and physical worlds — they’re making a massive impact across numerous industries, including education, healthcare, entertainment, and many more.
Here are some of the available types of smart glasses you can choose from:
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AR Glasses for Education
Smart glasses are not limited to gaming and playing music only. In fact, you can buy AR Glasses in a classroom setting. AR smart glasses help teachers with several advantages.
For starters, it can personalize a student’s learning experience. On top of that, educators can instantly know if a pupil is cheating, distracted, or working on a task. Also, it would be easier to check attendance — no more writing on a clipboard.
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AR Glasses for Healthcare
Smart glasses technology is also an excellent device used in the medical field to treat psychological concerns like phobias. It’s a beneficial tech for rehabilitation, therapy, and making diagnoses.
Experts use AR glasses with display features that can aid patients’ recovery process. For example, by gradually exposing patients to their phobias, the AR glasses will simulate the scenario the patient fears.
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AR Glasses for Entertainment
With the projection of 3-dimensional images and superior audio, smart glasses give users the best entertainment experience. Instead of going to the cinema, you can enjoy your movie sitting or lying on your sofa.
You can also use AR glasses for your daily meditation and aerobic exercise. Unlike on a phone screen or TV, your sessions are right before your eyes as you move — motivating you to stand up and finish your routine.
How To Know Which AR Glass Fits Your Needs
Choosing AR glasses is the same as picking your ultimate out of the day. What you wear should suit you best. With that in mind, you must purchase an AR Glass in accordance with your preferred screen size, display technology, weight, and connectivity.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
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Size or Fit
Of course, you should ensure the fit of the AR glasses fit you comfortably — enough for extended use. In that case, seek smart glasses with display features like abundant adjustability before purchasing.
A properly fit AR glasses guarantee there is minimal to no blur display. More than that, the ideal size and appropriate size must ensure you will keep all corners of what you see.
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Display Technology
Like mobile phones, the best AR glasses must have top-quality display technology. We’re talking about smart glasses offering vivid, sharp, clear images. This way, the AR content would look more exciting and more uncomplicated to interact with.
Aside from that, check color accuracy and optical quality. The AR glass you should be eyeing must have an accurate color illustration. Also, it must not have blurriness and distortions.
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Weight
The weight of the AR glasses must be light. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way from nerdy and bulky prototypes like Google Glass. The newly innovated AR glasses are perfect on the go, given their portability.
Apart from it’s heavy, it can sabotage your sense of fashion. Heavy AR glasses can draw unwanted attention. If you’re aiming to look more stylish and aesthetic, check the web for more lightweight options.
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Connectivity
After checking the weight, size, and display technology, let’s examine your connectivity needs. Connectivity should be fine if you plan to use your AR glasses indoors, with mobile data or good WiFi coverage.
In case you intend to wear your AR glasses in limited connectivity areas, look for one that can still serve your needs without a constant internet connection.
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Price
While the most updated and innovative AR glasses on the web can be costly, alternatives can always match your current financial capacity. For most patrons, assessing AR glasses price equates to a good return on investment.
Keep in mind that while price can play a crucial factor in buying a product, always strive to strike a balance between the product’s specific features and your budget. Again, do research and check for options.
Best AR Glasses 2023
Augmented reality (AR) glasses have emerged as one of our generation’s most intriguing and transformative creations. It offers a merged reality where the physical world meets digital information.
As the demand for smart glasses increases, more manufacturers are pressured to assemble the ultimate functional eyewear for everyone. That said, check out the top 7 AR glasses for gaming, work, and anything in between:
1. WGP Smart Audio Glasses
Gone are the days of chunky and nerdy AR glass designs. These freshly made Wearable Gear & Pop (WGP) Smart Audio Glasses may interest you if you’re into minimalist yet advanced eyewear.
While many intelligent audio glasses are on the market, only WGP offers one with a fashion-forward design. This WGP product has anti-blue light lenses, true wireless technology, and an open-ear audio design — you can make phone calls hands-free while on the go.
Buy the WGP Smart Audio Glasses if you’re always outside and want your eyewear not to sabotage your whole outfit. On top of that, you should get this if your daily activity includes sweat and a splash of water — it’s sweat-proof and water-proof.
Pros
- Can last up to a week with only two hours of charging time
- Lightweight, perfect for traveling, gaming, and driving
- Water-proof and sweat-proof
- The design doesn’t attract unwanted attention
Cons
- The frames are not durable enough
2. Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban smart glasses are this year’s most innovative and straightforward gadget. It’s a premium eyepiece that isn’t only stylish and sleek but can do almost everything in one. You can take photographs and videos and play podcasts and music when connected to your smartphone.
It’s a pair of AR glasses with the classic Ray-ban style — a timeless aesthetic. With a 32 GB raw flash storage, you can take a hundred 30-second videos and around 500 photos with a 3-frame burst. More than that, it has two times more bass and 50 percent louder than other smart glasses.
This Ray-Ban intelligent wearable is for people who want their glasses to look non-techy. Further, a pair of Ray-Ban smart glasses is perfect if you’re looking for savvy eyewear that can capture a bunch of shots and videotapes.
Pros
- Has 100 percent UVB and UVA protection
- Has long-lasting battery life
- Has a five-mic system for clearer audio
- Operates with a Meta AI voice control
Cons
- Can sometimes overexpose shots
3. Rokid
The Rokid AR Glasses is one of the globe’s first streaming and gaming augmented reality glasses that offers games and shows you can bring wherever you wander. You can plug in and enjoy unlimited entertainment with extensive connectivity.
The newest Rokid smart eyeglasses have one lithium-ion battery — you can carry it anywhere without fearing your phone battery drained. It is TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort-certified and has a 0.00 D to -6.00 D diopter adjustment, with no corrective lenses required.
Rokid AR Glasses are ideal for those who want easy enjoyment during extended hours of travel. More than that, it is perfect for individuals with different myopia degrees — all thanks to its real-time adjustment feature.
Pros
- Has long-lasting battery life
- Comes with a minimalist design and a compact size
- With wireless casting and direct connection options
- Can handle abundant cloud gaming applications
Cons
- Costs a hundred bucks
4. Thafikzi
Next on the list is none other than Thafizki VR Headset. This one is compatible with smartphones — Sony, Samsung, iPhone, etc. Further, this particular virtual reality headset is compatible with 4.7 to 6.2-inch mobile phones.
Aside from that, it’s lightweight with an adjustable headband. Unlike other AR headsets on the market, Thafikzi manufactured one that’s foldable. You also don’t have to worry about fogging because it has a high-grade soft leather pad.
It has a minimalist design, perfect for Gen Zs or younger generations. On top of that, you can adjust your Thafikzi’s VR headset based on your eyesight from 400 degrees nearsightedness to 200 degrees farsightedness.
Pros
- Compatible with almost all smartphone brands
- Has an automatic brightness adjustment option
- Lightweight with 110 degrees field of view
Cons
- Only available in one color
5. XREAL
XREAL Air and Beam bundle are among the pioneer AR gadgets to hit mainstream appeal. It has excellent AR glasses for iPhone, Android, and other smartphones that can easily be your virtual movie theater.
The most promising XREAL Air AR glasses features include its virtual multi-monitor setup. You can project multiple screens at once. Yes, you can watch your newest favorite Netflix series on one screen and watch a live blog on another — you can even add a third one to check your group chat.
It’s also the perfect purchase if you want a cinematic experience while not drawing unwanted attention. In addition, you should get this if you’re commuting only for at least 30 minutes, as it doesn’t have an internal battery and can drain quickly.
Pros
- Can offer a cinematic experience
- Looks like a standard pair of eyeglasses
- Can handle multiple screens at once
- Lightweight
Cons
- Has limited compatibility and features without Beam
- Does not have an internal battery
6. VISION HMD
The VISION HMD Bigeyes H3 are not virtual reality eyewear. Instead, it’s a 2-dimensional display monitor, HMD, and personal cinema that cannot play independently — you must plug in the HDMI port first to watch videos and movies and get more apps.
It has two independent displays compatible with HDCP and can support 1080p, 1080i, and 720p video inputs. In addition, you can easily connect to a DVD player, Blu-ray player, Apple TV, and Roku.
This could be an excellent choice for those who only want entertainment, like watching movies and videos. Aside from that, VISION HMD Bigeyes H3 has a reasonable price within its boundaries — it’s a steal if you’re not into gaming or drawing.
Pros
- Has a built-in battery that can last up to two hours
- Has an adjustable pupil distance options
- Has numerous power sources
Cons
- Has a slight amount of blurring on the edge of the lens
- Not ideal for office work or CAD drawing
How AR Glasses Enhance Productivity
Smart glasses technology merges the digital and physical worlds. It provides users with real-time information, visualizations, and instructions in front of their eyes. Let’s enumerate the key benefits of how smart glasses can enhance your productivity:
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Hands-free operation
With AR glasses, you can access data while keeping your hands available to accomplish other tasks. You can constantly eliminate the need to look at computers, tablets, or manuals.
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Real-time collaboration
This innovative product enables remote cooperation. This allows experts and mentors from across the world to support you instantly. This fosters efficient and easier collaboration, problem-solving, and knowledge-sharing.
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Minimizes error
Your smart glasses can give instant access to relevant information, cutting the time spent searching data and minimizing mistakes. This way, you can do tasks more efficiently, increasing productivity.
FAQs
1. Are there any privacy concerns about AR glasses?
Yes, augmented reality glasses pose privacy concerns. Like most devices, smart glasses collect sensitive user information like biometrics and face images. Loss of privacy and data can happen if hackers gain access to them.
2. What are the safety concerns with smart glasses?
Some users can experience severe dizziness, eye or muscle twitching, seizures, and blackouts activated by light flashes and patterns. Anyone who previously lost awareness and seizures should see a physician before buying and using AR glasses.
3. Who’s the primary target market for smart glasses?
Depending on the type and utilization, augmented reality (AR) glasses can be used by various industries. For instance, the prominent users are those working in the military and defense, gaming, education, healthcare, etc.
4. Are there any available smart glasses for blind individuals?
Absolutely! Smart glasses are also available for people who are blind. It has advanced algorithms that enable the device to recognize and identify texts, people, and objects. In addition, it comes with cutting-edge navigational assistance that offers sensory cues and verbal information.
5. Is it possible to use smart glasses as a monitor?
Yes, possibly. You can use specific AR glasses on the market as secondary monitors. Just plug your eyewear into a USB-C port. The computer will detect them as your secondary screen.
In Summary
Overall, we can vouch for the effectiveness of AR glasses — how they transform people effectively across various industries. Whether you are using AR glasses for gaming, manufacturing, designing, or doing therapy, there’s one that can fit your needs.
That said, the editor’s choice for the best AR Glasses is the WGP Smart Audio Glasses. Aside from its minimalist and aesthetic design, the battery life and cinematic features are top-notch!