AI smart glasses may be getting more attention, but new data from Counterpoint Research suggests the category is still in its infancy. The technology market research firm reported that the smart glasses market grew 139% year-over-year in the second half of 2025, compared to 2024. And Meta’s AI smart glasses portfolio is credited with this growth.
Meta AI smart glasses lead market growth
Generation 1 and Ray-Ban AI Gen 2 Glasses boosted seasonal demand. Meta accounted for 82% of smart glasses shipments thanks to its new products, and its smart glasses were the best sellers. Ray-Ban AI Gen 1 and Gen 2 glasses drove seasonal demand, followed by Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard, which accounted for more than 30% of the final quarter of 2025.
CNET editors are big fans of the Meta AI glasses for reasons beyond AI capabilities. Ray-Ban Gen 2 glasses are praised for their improved battery life and video quality and for maintaining the same shape as previous generations, so you can use the old glass if you want.
Learn more: Meta Ray-Bans, 6 months later: AI’s best companion happens to be camera glasses
AI glasses are becoming popular, but expensive
AI smart glasses accounted for 88% of total smart glasses shipments in the second half of 2025, while demand for simple audio smart glasses was much lower. Demand for AI glasses comes from Meta’s AI glasses and Chinese suppliers including Li Auto, Rokid and Bolon.
The growth of the smart glasses market is not expected to stop. Counterpoint says smart glasses shipments are expected to continue strong growth this year, with plans for new brands and others to expand. But price will become a concern in 2026.
The average price of AI glasses increased rapidly, reaching $347 in the first half of last year. Still, the average price rose to $360 in the second half. And prices could rise further if the current memory shortage persists.
Customers and experts speak out
Counterpoint also found that Meta customers generally gave positive feedback on the video performance of the Meta AI Gen 2 glasses, and that the Oakley Meta Vanguara received positive feedback for its design, as well as its photography and audio features. On the other hand, users claim that improvements are still needed in terms of battery performance.
However, CNET editors are big fans of the Meta AI glasses for reasons beyond the AI’s capabilities. Ray-Ban Gen 2 glasses are popular for their improved battery life and video quality, and for maintaining the same shape as older generations, so you can use the old glass if you want.
Watch this: My life with Meta Ray-Ban screens: a strange and wild future
