Ray-Ban smart glasses are the tech-infused sunglasses developed by Ray-Ban in partnership with Facebook. These smart glasses aim to merge fashion and technology by incorporating cameras and microphones into Ray-Ban’s iconic frames. But with the added features comes an added cost. So how much do Ray-Ban’s new smart glasses set you back? Let’s take a closer look at Ray-Ban smart glasses pricing.
Introducing Ray-Ban Stories
In September 2021, Ray-Ban launched its first generation of smart glasses called Ray-Ban Stories. This high-tech offering looks nearly identical to traditional Ray-Ban Wayfarers but have a couple key additions:
- Dual integrated 5MP cameras for capturing photo and video
- Dual integrated speakers for listening to music and calls
- 3 built-in microphones for voice commands and calls
- Touch controls on the temples
These features allow you to capture life’s moments, listen to music and take calls hands-free, and summon your phone’s voice assistant without pulling out your phone. The smart glasses connect to Facebook’s mobile app on iOS or Android to view, save, and share your content.
Ray-Ban Stories Pricing
Ray-Ban offers its Stories smart glasses in 20 style variants based on some of its most iconic frames like the Wayfarer, Hexagonal, Round, Meteor, and Aviator. Prices vary slightly depending on the style:
- Wayfarer Stories: $299
- Round Stories: $299
- Meteor Stories: $299
- Aviator Stories: $339
- Hexagonal Stories: $339
So in general, you’re looking at a price point of $299-$339. The different styles come in a variety of frame colors and lens options (like polarized or Transitions) to choose from.
How Ray-Ban Stories Compare to Other Smart Glasses
Here’s how Ray-Ban Stories measure up to other smart glasses options on the market:
| Smart Glasses | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban Stories | $299-$339 | Cameras, speakers, microphone, audio streaming |
| Snap Spectacles 3 | $380 | Dual HD cameras, microphone, audio streaming |
| Amazon Echo Frames | $249 | Alexa voice assistant, speakers |
| Bose Frames | $199 | Speakers for audio streaming |
| Google Glass | $999 | Display, camera, voice control |
As you can see, Ray-Ban Stories are competitively priced compared to other players in the smart eyewear space. The glasses offer robust features like photos, videos, calling, and streaming while maintaining a stylish look – all at a relatively affordable price point compared to past smart glasses attempts like Google Glass.
Factors Impacting Cost
So why are Ray-Ban Stories less expensive than expected? A few key reasons:
Mainstream Appeal
Ray-Ban designed Stories to appeal to the everyday consumer rather than tech early adopters. By using a familiar, fashionable form factor and pricing it below $300, they lower barriers to entry and make smart glasses more approachable to the masses.
Partnership Efficiencies
Ray-Ban was able to keep costs down by partnering with Facebook and leveraging their technology investments rather than building smart glasses from scratch.
Reduced Features
Ray-Ban Stories is focused on just a few key user scenarios like capturing photos/video and making calls. By not cramming in more complex tech features, they reduce manufacturing expenses.
Established Supply Chains
Ray-Ban has established manufacturing and distribution channels that enable cost efficiencies to produce Stories at scale.
Are Ray-Ban Stories Worth the Money?
At $299-$339, Ray-Ban Stories offer compelling capabilities considering their price point and stylish form factor. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Pros
- Seamless hands-free photo, video, call features
- Audio streaming via open-ear speakers
- Voice assistant integration
- Stylish, lightweight, and customizable frames
- Good value relative to capabilities
Cons
- Limited use cases compared to true smart glasses
- Mediocre battery life
- Minimal AR features
- Connectivity issues
While the Stories don’t match the capabilities of products like Google Glass, they offer a solid range of features given their reasonable price point and everyday design. For many users, they will offer enough smart features without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Ray-Ban Stories retail between $299-$339 depending on the frame style. This positions them as one of the more affordable smart glasses options on the market today. Key factors enabling their accessible pricing include mainstream appeal, established partnerships, focused feature set, and leveraging existing supply infrastructure. The glasses offer handy hands-free features for capturing photos, video, making calls, and streaming audio in a customizable, fashion-forward package. While they lack some of the sophisticated tech capabilities and extended battery life of pricier products, their blend of style and smartphone connectivity make Ray-Ban Stories a compelling option as an everyday smart device.