Smart Glasses Outshine Meta Ray-Bans in Key Areas, Now $90 Off

The Echo Frames from Amazon are impressively light, with the weight cleverly distributed along the sides where the speakers, buttons, and tiny components reside. The rubberized tips at the ends of the frames enhance the fit, although folding them after adjustments can be a bit tricky.

Storing the glasses in the provided case is straightforward, but if they're not folded correctly, you might run into trouble when it's time to charge them. Unlike the Meta Ray-Ban's USB-C case, the Echo Frames come with a separate charging dock. Getting the wireless charging coils to line up with those on the glasses can be a real challenge. More often than not, I end up forcing the glasses into place, which feels risky, or I meticulously slot them in until they fit just right.

Functionally, the Echo Frames don't feature the multimodal AI cameras found in Meta Ray-Bans, nor do they project visual overlays like XR glasses. Instead, they offer Bluetooth audio streaming, call handling, text messaging, notification reading, and interaction with Alexa-enabled smart home devices, much like a smartphone or smart hub would. These are entry-level smart glasses, but that's not a downside.

While my home isn't as tech-savvy as my colleague Maria Diaz's, I've found the Echo Frames quite handy for controlling various smart switches, sparing me the need to fetch my phone from the kitchen or nightstand. The extensive range of Alexa-compatible devices allowed me to easily command my three-year-old August entry lock, adding a layer of security to my home.

I've also relished listening to podcasts and making calls on my evening strolls. It's likely a combination of being able to enjoy my audio content while staying alert to my surroundings, and the speakers on the Echo Frames prioritizing mid and high frequencies over bassy, immersive lows. They're excellent for vocal-centric audio and decent for multi-layered tracks.

The button navigation could be simpler, but since I mainly use voice commands, the need to press the front or back button to accept or decline actions (or mute the microphone) didn't bother me much. If you're upgrading from an older Echo Frames model, prepare to retrain your muscle memory, as the touch strip and swipe gestures are no longer available.

ZDNET's Buying Advice

Priced at $269, though currently on sale for $179 at Amazon, the Echo Frames (3rd Gen) aren't the cheapest option on the market. They're only $30 less than the more feature-rich Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.

However, the Echo Frames have two major advantages: seamless Alexa integration and a sleek design. For smart home enthusiasts, these glasses serve as a constant controller with all-day battery life. For first-time smart glasses buyers, they're less intimidating than models with built-in projectors and cameras. Plus, they're less likely to cause issues at airport security.