Xreal 1S AR Glasses Review: The Best Budget XR Experience Just Got Even Better

When Xreal announced their new 1S AR glasses with a lower price tag than the previous generation, I was skeptical. How could they possibly improve the experience while making it more affordable? After a month of daily use, I can confidently say: there’s no catch. The Xreal 1S delivers more than ever before at just $449.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Major Upgrades at a Lower Price

The spec sheet alone tells a compelling story. Xreal managed to increase the field of view from 50° to 52°, boost resolution from 1080p to 1200p, enhance the aspect ratio from 16:9 to 16:10, and increase brightness from 500 nits to 700 nits—all while dropping the price below its predecessor. In an industry where every new generation typically costs more, this is revolutionary.

The glasses are powered by Xreal’s X1 spatial computing chip, which brings some genuinely impressive capabilities to this price point. The most notable is Real 3D support, allowing 2D-to-3D conversion of any content without special software or accessories. Just press a button and watch your content transform in real-time.

Real-World Performance: From Commutes to Gaming Sessions

I’ve tested these glasses extensively—during daily train commutes, working with both Surface and MacBook Pro laptops, and gaming with my Nintendo Switch. The experience has been consistently impressive.

The glasses weigh just 82 grams and feature three levels of frame adjustment plus multiple nose pieces, making them comfortable for extended use. The 6DoF tracking is particularly useful, letting you watch content while maintaining awareness of your surroundings by simply turning your head.

However, there are some limitations. The volume from the downward-facing speakers is insufficient for noisy environments like trains, requiring external earbuds for optimal audio. Additionally, there are no diopter adjustments, so prescription users will need to purchase separate inserts.

The Game-Changing Neo Accessory

Xreal’s new Neo accessory is a compact 10,000 mAh battery bank that doubles as a DisplayPort video hub. This is particularly important for Nintendo Switch users, as the Switch’s USB-C port has hardware limitations that prevent direct connection to XR glasses.

The Neo measures just 121.3 x 73 x 21.7 mm and weighs 244 grams, making it highly portable. It features a powerful magnet for secure attachment to smartphones and includes magnetic stickers for devices like the Switch 2 (which even supports the console’s kickstand).

Beyond just providing power, the Neo upgrades the Nintendo Switch from 720p to 1200p in TV mode—a significant enhancement that makes gaming with XR glasses genuinely transformative. Steam Deck users also benefit from faster refresh rates when using the Neo.

Productivity and Entertainment Redefined

The ability to enable ultra-wide screen mode on laptops has been a game-changer for my productivity. I simply won’t travel without XR glasses anymore. The 2D-to-3D conversion works surprisingly well, making movies and home videos more immersive with just a button press.

For mobile gamers, the combination of Xreal 1S and Neo creates an unparalleled experience. Unless you specifically need Switch 2 exclusive games, using these glasses with your existing Switch 1 provides a superior mobile gaming experience.

The Bottom Line

Xreal continues to push boundaries in the AR space, and the 1S represents their best value proposition yet. At $449, these glasses deliver a premium XR experience that was previously only available at much higher price points. The onboard 3D conversion, comfortable design, and versatile compatibility make them ideal for commuters, digital nomads, and entertainment enthusiasts alike.

The only significant drawbacks are the audio volume in noisy environments and the lack of built-in diopter adjustment for prescription users. However, these are relatively minor issues that don’t detract from what is otherwise an exceptional product.

If you’re looking for an affordable entry into quality AR/VR experiences, want to enhance your mobile gaming, or need a portable multi-screen solution for work, the Xreal 1S deserves serious consideration.

Tags: Xreal 1S, AR glasses, XR technology, spatial computing, 3D conversion, Nintendo Switch, mobile gaming, productivity tools, budget AR, next-gen displays

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