Meta Oakley HSTN Smart Glasses: A Game-Changer for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Meta is pushing the boundaries of wearable technology once again with the launch of its Oakley HSTN Limited Edition smart glasses. Designed specifically for athletes and outdoor adventurers, these glasses bring significant upgrades over the already-popular Meta Ray-Bans, offering enhanced durability, better battery life, and improved camera capabilities.

ZDNET’s Key Takeaways

• Price & Availability: The Meta Oakley HSTN glasses are priced at $339, with the Transitions lens version costing $407 at Best Buy.
• Enhanced Design: Optimized for outdoor use with rugged styling and IPX4 water resistance.
• Upgraded Specs: Features 3K video recording (up from 1080p), eight-hour battery life (up from four), and 48 hours with the charging case.
• Potential Drawback: The sporty design may not appeal to all users, and the price point is fairly high.

After months of testing the Meta Ray-Bans, I was impressed but frustrated by their four-hour battery life. When Meta announced the Oakley version would double that to eight hours, I was immediately intrigued. After spending a weekend with the Meta Oakley HSTN Limited Edition glasses, I can confidently say they exceeded my expectations.

Power That Keeps Up With Your Adventures

For athletes, smart glasses need to be comfortable, durable, and have battery life that lasts through your entire activity. Meta delivers on all fronts with the Oakley HSTN glasses.

The eight-hour battery life from a single charge is a game-changer, especially compared to the Ray-Bans’ four hours. With the fully charged carrying case, you get up to 48 hours of use, according to Meta. This means you can go on long hikes, bike rides, or runs without worrying about your glasses dying mid-adventure.

The glasses also feature IPX4 water resistance, making them more durable than the Ray-Bans for outdoor activities in various weather conditions. The video quality has been significantly improved, capturing 3K video compared to the 1080p on the Meta Ray-Bans. This upgrade is particularly important for documenting your adventures in high quality.

Comfort and Usability Redefined

Despite the more rugged design and better components, I found the Oakley glasses to be more comfortable than the Meta Ray-Bans. Both pairs weigh the same at 49 grams, but the Oakley pair sits more comfortably on the bridge of my nose, making them feel lighter.

Using the smart glasses hands-free is intuitive with either voice or touchpad commands. I synced the glasses to Apple Music and my messages before heading out, allowing me to completely disconnect from my phone. I received voice notifications for texts and controlled music with simple touchpad gestures like swiping forward to adjust volume or tapping to pause.

The Meta AI assistant is easily accessible with a simple “Hey Meta” command, offering multimodal capabilities that can see what you see, provide audio assistance, and even perform advanced tasks like AI language translation.

Superior Audio and Camera Performance

During my test walk, I listened to Justin Bieber’s new album and was extremely satisfied with the audio quality. The two open-ear Bluetooth speakers deliver impressive sound, making me content with my decision to forgo my usual open-ear headphones, the Shockz OpenFit.

I was also able to send audio messages without any issues. When I apologized in advance for any potential audio quality problems, I received feedback saying, “your audio sounds great, actually.”

The photo and video capabilities are equally impressive. The glasses feature a 12 MP ultrawide camera with sensors embedded along the sides, perfect for recording POV shots during activities. The improved video quality was evident immediately when I reviewed the footage at home. You can distinctly hear the sound of my feet hitting the pavement during my light jog, and the quality and POV make it feel like you were taken along the path of my jog.

Practical Design Choices

The Oakley pair’s case is slightly bulkier and less sleek than the Ray-Bans’, but this was likely a purposeful design choice. When you’re on a run, bike ride, or hike, you want something more heavy-duty to protect your investment. The Meta Oakley charging case holds 48 hours of charge versus the 32 hours on the Ray-Bans.

The glasses also feature Prizm 24K Polarized lenses, which not only protect against bright sun rays outdoors but also enhance your vision, allowing you to see elements you might have otherwise missed. This is particularly valuable for athletes who need optimal visibility in various conditions.

ZDNET’s Buying Advice

The audiences for the Meta Ray-Bans and Meta Oakleys are different. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to document your adventures while having easy access to your phone, music, and an AI assistant, the added specs and design make the $499 investment (regular price) in the Meta Oakley HSTN Limited Edition glasses worth it.

If you’re just looking for smart glasses for occasional use without a particular need for extended battery life or high-quality video recording, you might want to stick with the Meta Ray-Bans, which start at $240, or wait for more models to become available later this summer at the lower price point of $399.

The latest smart glasses by Meta feature key improvements that address the shortcomings of the popular Ray-Bans, from the higher resolution video recording to the longer-lasting battery life. While the Oakley brand design will leave customers divided, it also fills a gap in the smart glasses space for users who seek a wearable for more intense recreational activities.

This story was first published on July 19, 2025, and updated on February 13, 2026 to include the updated sale promotion at Best Buy.

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