Oakley Meta Vanguard review: Meta’s AI glasses built for athletes

The short version: The Oakley Meta Vanguard is Meta’s sport-focused AI smart glasses: a 12MP ultrawide camera, IP67 water resistance, and nine hours of battery wrapped in Oakley’s athletic styling, priced at $499. If the Ray-Ban Meta is for everyday wear, the Vanguard is for runs, rides, and anything sweaty.

What the Oakley Meta Vanguard is

The Oakley Meta Vanguard takes the Ray-Ban Meta formula — camera, open-ear audio, microphones, and Meta AI — and rebuilds it for sport. It was announced alongside the Meta Ray-Ban Display at Meta Connect, and it’s aimed squarely at runners, cyclists, skiers, and golfers: people who already wear Oakleys and would love to ditch the chest strap or handlebar camera.

The core pitch is simple: film your run or ride from your face, ask Meta AI for directions or your pace, take a call mid-workout, and never slow down. The ultrawide camera captures more of the action than the Ray-Ban’s standard lens, and the sport-first design is meant to stay put when you sweat.

Key specs and price

• Price: $499 (announced at Meta Connect 2025; on preorder)
• Camera: 12MP ultrawide
• Battery: up to 9 hours
• Water resistance: IP67
• Audio: open-ear speakers, calls, music, live translation
• AI: Meta AI assistant for voice commands, navigation, and visual questions

The IP67 rating is the standout spec here — genuinely rare on smart glasses, and exactly what an outdoor athlete needs. Nine hours of battery covers a full day of long rides or a marathon plus the drive home.

Who it’s for

Endurance athletes, cyclists, skiers, and content-creating runners. If you currently mount a GoPro to your chest or helmet and then never watch the footage because it’s a hassle, glasses that record at a tap are a meaningful upgrade. Oakley’s Prizm lens heritage also means these double as genuinely good sport sunglasses, not a gadget wearing a costume.

What to watch out for

Bulkier by design. Sport frames carry more camera hardware and battery than the slimmer Ray-Bans. These look like Oakleys — which is the point — but they’re conspicuously techy compared to a normal pair of sunglasses.

Niche appeal. If you don’t train outdoors, there’s no reason to pick the Vanguard over the cheaper, slimmer Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 ($449). The ultrawide camera is the only real hardware differentiator, and it’s only useful if you’re filming action.

Still rolling out. Availability has been limited since announcement, with the glasses sold on preorder — check current stock before assuming you can buy today.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Ultrawide 12MP camera built for POV action footage
• IP67 water resistance — genuinely sweat- and rain-proof
• 9-hour battery covers long training days
• Authentic Oakley sport styling and Prizm lenses
• Full Meta AI: navigation, translation, calls, music

Cons:

• $499 — $50 more than the slimmer Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3
• Bulkier frames; conspicuously a tech product
• Limited rollout; check availability

FAQ

How much is the Oakley Meta Vanguard?
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is priced at $499.

Is the Oakley Meta Vanguard waterproof?
It carries an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes — plenty for rain, sweat, and splashes, though not a swim device.

Oakley Meta Vanguard vs Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 — which should I buy?
Athletes who film outdoor activity should get the Vanguard (ultrawide camera, IP67, sport fit). Everyone else should get the Gen 3 — slimmer, cheaper at $449, with the same core AI features.

Can it replace my GoPro?
For casual POV clips, yes — it’s always on your face. For serious action footage with stabilization and 4K+, a dedicated camera still wins.

Price and availability

Prices shift often, so check the current listing before buying.