Why You Should Consider Buying Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2)

• Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2) blends smart features without screaming wearable tech
• Hands-free camera that captures exactly what you choose, from your natural viewpoint
• Works as a practical dashcam or riding camera without mounts or extra gear
• Open-ear audio that keeps you connected without cutting you off from surroundings
• Meta AI that adds contextual help when you actively ask for it
• Battery life and charging case that comfortably support all-day, real-world use

Smart glasses have existed on the fringes of consumer tech for years. As a gadget reviewer, I have seen plenty of attempts that either tried to look futuristic or pushed technology without thinking about how they can fit into the everyday life seamlessly. Most of them failed not because the tech was bad, but because the execution felt forced.

The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2), priced at ₹39,900, approaches the category with far more restraint. It does not try to replace your phone, your camera, or your earbuds. Instead, it quietly adds a few meaningful capabilities into something we already understand and wear daily.

What works out well in this experience is intent. It is your call when when to record, when to ask, and when to listen. Nothing feels accidental or intrusive. As the time passes, that control changes how you relate to the product. It stops feeling like an experiment and starts behaving like a dependable gadget.

So the real question is simple. Do these smart glasses offer enough everyday value to justify the price, or do they remain a niche accessory? Let’s look at the details.

Design: Familiarity Is the Feature

Ray-Ban has clearly prioritised familiarity over reinvention. The Wayfarer design as a classic remains instantly recognisable, and that is a deliberate choice. The matte finish feels premium, the lenses look standard, and nothing about the frame signals that you are wearing smart eyewear, which, in my view, is a good thing.

Yes, the arms are slightly thicker, but the weight distribution is well balanced. I wore them for extended periods without discomfort, which matters because a wearable only succeeds when it fades into the background.

The polarised lenses perform well outdoors, especially while driving. Glare reduction is effective, and UV protection remains intact. Even before considering the technology, these work well as sunglasses.

Setup and Controls: Clear, Intentional, and Predictable

Setting up the glasses through the Meta AI app is straightforward. Pairing takes only a few minutes, and the app explains controls without overwhelming the user.

What I appreciated most was how predictable the interaction model feels. Recording happens only when you tap the frame. AI activates only when you speak to it. Audio plays only when you ask for it. This consistency builds confidence over time.

You never feel unsure about what the glasses are doing, which is critical for a product worn on your face.

Camera Experience: Perspective Over Perfection

The camera here is not chasing smartphone-level photography, and that is perfectly fine. Its strength lies in perspective, not pixel count.

Photos and videos capture exactly what you were looking at in that moment. That alone changes how often you use it. Moments that would never justify pulling out a phone suddenly become easy to record.

I personally used the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2) while driving and recording live footage. Once activated, the glasses recorded consistently in clear HD quality. There were no mounts, no cables, and no need to shift attention away from the road.

For drivers, this can realistically replace a dashcam. For riders, it removes the hassle of mounting a GoPro. You record when required and stay focused, which is the real advantage here.

Driving and Riding: Where the Price Starts Making Sense

While driving, the value becomes obvious over time. You are not trying to frame a shot or adjust angles. You simply record and continue driving.

In real traffic conditions, that simplicity matters. It reduces distraction and friction. The footage reflects exactly what you saw, which can be useful for documentation, safety, or peace of mind.

This is not about content creation. It is about practicality, and that is where these glasses quietly justify their cost.

Audio and Calls: Awareness Comes First

The open-ear speakers deliver clear sound for calls and navigation, and the microphone array performs reliably outdoors. People on the other end heard me clearly during calls.

That said, this is not private listening. In noisy environments, sound competes with surroundings, and nearby people can faintly hear audio. This design prioritises awareness, which works well while driving or walking.

In crowded public transport, the experience feels less ideal. It is important to understand that trade-off.

Meta AI: Useful Today, Better Tomorrow

Meta AI works best when used briefly and contextually. It identifies objects, landmarks, and visible information accurately most of the time, especially for general queries.

However, the knowledge base currently stops at August 2024. In 2026, that limitation is noticeable, particularly when asking about recent developments.

The hardware feels ready for more. The software needs quicker updates to fully match the ambition of the product.

Battery Life and Charging: Designed for Real Life

Battery life comfortably lasts a full day of mixed use. I consistently ended the day without anxiety about charging.

The charging case extends usage across multiple days and supports fast charging. It also looks like a regular Ray-Ban case, which keeps the entire experience discreet and travel-friendly.

This is one of the quieter strengths of the product.

Who These Glasses Actually Make Sense For

If you are looking for regular Ray-Ban Wayfarers, this is not the right purchase. You would be paying for technology you may never use.

However, if you want tech-enabled glasses that look smart, behave predictably, and enhance safety while keeping you lightly entertained, these make a strong case.

The value depends entirely on how intentionally you use them.

Final Verdict: Worth the Price, If You Understand the Intent

At ₹39,900, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 2) earns its place for users who value perspective, convenience, and safety. It does not replace your phone. It complements it in situations where phones fall short.

Please use this technology responsibly. Do not misuse it. Do not invade privacy. Do not be a creep.

Used with intent, these glasses stop feeling like a gadget and start feeling like a practical extension of daily life.