Just like that, Black Friday is here, and holiday deals are in full swing. This year, the sales include an emerging product category: AI-powered smart glasses.
Also: The absolute best Black Friday deals we’ve found
Smart glasses are a great vehicle for AI assistance, as they can provide AI models with the audio you are listening to and the visuals you are seeing for more helpful assistance that has context of the world around you. I have had the opportunity to try most of the latest AI smart glasses, and even bought a pair with my own money (the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 1, on sale now) because I am that big a fan.
Yet the smart glasses category goes beyond AI, with XR/AR glasses becoming increasingly capable, offering a fun way to bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, as well as boost productivity. For Black Friday, you can score a deal on some of the most popular pairs, which you can take advantage of to try the tech out for yourself or get someone a holiday gift that stands out.
Also: I tested the Oakley Meta Vanguard on a 5-mile walk – here’s how it beat my Ray-Bans
Best Black Friday smart glasses deals
- Current price: $239 (20% off)
- Original price: $300
The Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1) were the first smart glasses to become mainstream, and that’s because they combined really useful features in a compact form factor that is visually indistinguishable from regular glasses. The glasses include five microphones and two custom-built open-ear speakers for impressive audio listening and recording, dual cameras for POV filming and photography, and the Meta AI assistant.
The biggest downfall is the battery life, which lasts only four hours, half that of the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2. However, if you don’t need them for constantly capturing content, you can save $140 compared to the new generation’s price tag, and that’s a pretty good deal.
Review: I’ve worn the Meta Ray-Bans for half a year, and these 5 features still amaze me
- Current price: $212 (21% off)
- Original price: $269
If you are looking for XR glasses that can give you portable screens anywhere you go, the RayNeo Air 3s glasses are a solid option at one of the fairest price points on the market.
ZDNET reviewer Matthew Miller has made them a travel must-have, taking the virtual 201-inch display with him on planes, trains, and more to watch movies and play the Nintendo Switch on the go. Beyond the vibrant display, he found the audio to be “flawless” through improved speakers and comfortable to wear for extended periods. For Black Friday, you can get them for another 20% off, making the price even more competitive for XR glasses.
Review: These XR glasses gave me a 200-inch OLED screen to work with – and are priced well
- Current price: $599 (8% off)
- Original price: $649
If you are in the market for XR glasses and willing to invest a good amount of money in exchange for the added convenience and productivity that comes with effectively having portable monitors on your glasses everywhere you go, the Xreal One Pro AR glasses may be the best fit for you. Beyond entertainment activities such as watching movies and playing Nintendo Switch games, ZDNET’s Matthew Miller said he enjoyed being able to get work done on his Surface Pro and MacBook Pro computers in ultra-wide mode.
He was also a fan of the intuitive nature of getting started, with simple gestures allowing users to adjust and interact with the displays. Typically, these retail for $769, so if you were willing to make the splurge, you may as well take advantage of the sale.
Review: These XR glasses gave me a 200-inch screen to work with – and effectively replaced my monitors
- Current price: $115 (67% off)
- Original price: $350
A good Black Friday deal generally sits in the 20% off range, and at 67% off, this deal is entirely out of the norm.
The Amazon Echo Frames have built-in speakers, helping you access experiences you would typically need devices like your headphones, Bluetooth speaker, or Alexa devices for. For the $115, you also get an Echo Spot, which is an excellent offer, since the Echo Frames alone typically retail for $270. While you won’t be getting all of the smart features of the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, including the camera, this is a good entry point into the world of AI glasses.
Review: I replaced my Ray-Ban Meta with these Amazon smart glasses, and was impressed
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which this year is Friday, Nov. 28. Then, Cyber Monday happens the Monday after, and this year that falls on Dec. 1.
Are smart glasses really cheaper during Black Friday?
Yes! Like any other product category, smart glasses are often discounted during the holiday season, as retailers try to attract people to consider gifting them. This is especially true on Black Friday, which is the biggest sale event of the holiday season.
How did we choose these Black Friday deals?
ZDNET only writes about products we would purchase ourselves — devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts searched for deals that were at least 20% off (or were hardly ever on sale), utilizing established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal was actually on sale and how frequently it was discounted.
We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.