Looking for the best camera glasses? There aren't a lot on the market right now. Google killed off Google Glass, and most people can't buy Snapchat's latest camera glasses either: they're currently for developers only. Amazon Echo Frames, meanwhile, don't have cameras at all.
So if you're seeking a pair of glasses that do things like shoot images and videos and project content directly into your eyes, we've listed the best ones that are actually available below.
Our top pick is the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. A partnership between the stylish sunglasses brand and the owner of Facebook, they offer both good looks and camera smarts. Also read our guide to the best body cameras.
These are our top pick. With styling choices that aren't too far from the brand's famous sunnies, dual cameras, and a partnership with Meta, these glasses offer excellent quality audio and video, and live streaming. Read more below
Looking for sharper images from your camera glasses? These will shoot in 4K and while they cost significantly more than your basic spy glasses, they're a little less than a top-of-the-line action camera. Read more below
Best smart ski glasses
Want to take photos out on the slopes? With a separate button for video and high-res stills, these smart goggles can save you from the fuss of operating an action camera in snowy conditions. Read more below
Best camera glasses in 2024
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Not only does Ray-Ban styling inspire confidence, but like their predecessor the Ray-Ban Stories, their partnership with Meta offers convenient social sharing to many. The result is, a pair of glasses that look good, are built to a high standard, and perform the functions people use in their everyday life.
There are no AR features here, but you do get the ability to shoot high quality images and video via the two 12MP cameras placed on the front. You can then easily share these via Meta's apps including WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Threads.
You also benefit from excellent quality audio playback, calls and voice assistance, courtesy of five built-in microphones (two more than on the Ray-Ban Stories). You charge them via an included charging case and battery life lasts for up to six hours, although that very much depends on how much you use it.
A 24 megapixel action camera alternative with 4K resolution
Our expert review:
Specifications
Megapixels: 8 MP
Field of view: 70
Video: 4K (or 1080P@60fps, 720P@120)
Interaction: Vibration
Weight: 49g
Comms: USB
Charge: USB
Privacy light: -
Reasons to buy
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Made from TR90 material popular with sports users
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Generous internal storage of 256GB
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4K at 30fps, up to 120fps
Reasons to avoid
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Settings changed via editing init.txt file over USB
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30 min battery
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No microphone, no sound recorded
If you're looking for sunglasses which won't look too different, but can capture about half an hour of video before the battery needs charging. These have a single camera mounted centrally, just above the nose, and capture H.265 video to built-in storage (256GB equates to about 17 hours, but check what is being offered at your retailer – we've seen versions as low as 32GB but given the battery life you might not need masses of storage.
Enough IP resistance for rain is appreciated, but it isn't there for swimming and 4K is limited to 30fps, meaning going down in resolutions is required for the higher 60fps option – you won't want to change settings too frequently as it is done via changing the init.txt file using a USB cable and laptop (no app!).
Video quality is good, if not stellar. You will need to plan both when you’ll shoot (there is about an hour’s recording time on one charge) and to using stabilization in your editing software for high action.
Best ski goggles with a camera
(Image credit: OhO)
3. OhO 4K Ski Goggles
Ski goggles with wi-fi live streaming
Specifications
Megapixels: 24 MP
Field of view: 70
Video: 1080p @ 60fps (default) or 4K @ 24fps
Interaction: Button, wi-fi
Weight: 199g
Comms: USB, wi-fi
Charge: USB
Privacy light: LED flashed then goes out at start of recording
Reasons to buy
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Adjustable camera angle
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High-res stills via separate button
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Wi-fi version makes it easier to angle camera
Reasons to avoid
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Image shows strong compression artefacts
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Micro-USB feels old-fashioned
It’s a pretty specific use case, but ski goggles with a built-in camera involve fewer straps than a separate action camera and get the lens closer to your eyes. OhO have some traction in the camera sunglasses market, and these video ski goggles seem to incorporate the same tech, right down to the 70-degree field of view camera.
That doesn’t feel quite enough but it’s very useful that it can be tilted to suit your natural head position, if you remember to do it, and if you opt for the wi-fi version you can check the video on an app. Though it’s 4K-capable at 24fps (change via a text file and USB link), it defaults to 1080p at 60fps which for most will be better for the slopes.
FAQs
What are camera glasses?
Camera glasses are eyeglasses with a built-in camera that allows you to take photos and videos hands-free. They typically look like regular glasses and come in a variety of styles, including prescription lenses.
How do camera glasses work?
Camera glasses have a small camera mounted on the frame, usually near the bridge of the nose. The camera button is often located on the side of the glasses and can be used to capture photos and videos. Some models also have voice or gesture controls.
Are 'smart glasses' and 'camera glasses' the same?
No, and in this list we've been clear to include glasses which feature cameras. There are plenty of smart glasses out there which don't have built-in cameras – Bose's have a model with built-in speakers, and you can even find Echo glasses with Alexa built-in. In this guide, however, we look for glasses which offer an alternative means of photography – whether as a main function or as just one possibility.
How to choose the best camera glasses
To find the right camera glasses for you, there are a number of factors to consider. First, think about the resolution and frame rate each model offers. We'd advise going for models with at least 1080p resolution and 30fps for optimal video quality. Secondly, consider the field of view: the higher that number is, the more of the scene you'll be able to capture at once. Also look at battery life, additional features such as image stabilization and connectivity options to make sure you pick the right model for your specific needs.
How we test camera glasses
At Digital Camera World we've got a team of expert photographers who are also enthusiasts for anything that uses a camera, from microscopes to document cameras. When assembling a buyer's guide like this, we'll draw on our own experience, refer to our published reviews and those of our sister titles and, where appropriate, to knowledge from trusted customer reviews so we can offer the broadest perspective possible.
With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones.
Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones.
