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Meta Tightens Grip on Smart Glasses Market as Global Shipments Soar 139%

AI glasses accounted for 88% of smart glasses shipments in the second half of 2025.

AI smart glasses may be getting more attention, but new data from Counterpoint Research suggests the category is still in its early stages. The tech market research firm reported that the smart glasses market grew 139% year-over-year in the second half of 2025, compared with 2024. And Meta’s AI smart glasses portfolio gets credit for the growth. 

Meta AI smart glasses lead market growth

Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Ray-Ban AI Glasses drove seasonal demand. Meta accounted for 82% of smart glasses shipments thanks to its new products, and its smart glasses were the best-selling. Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Ray-Ban AI Glasses drove seasonal demand, followed by the Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard, which accounted for over 30% of the last quarter of 2025. 

CNET editors are big fans of the Meta AI glasses for reasons beyond the AI capabilities. The Ray-Ban Gen 2 glasses are appreciated for their improved battery life and video quality and for maintaining the same shape as earlier generations, so you can use the old lens if you’d like. 

Read more: Meta Ray-Bans, 6 Months Later: The Best AI Companion Happens to Be Camera Glasses

AI glasses are becoming popular, but pricey 

AI smart glasses accounted for 88% of total smart glasses shipments during the second half of 2025, while demand for simple smart audio glasses was far lower. The demand for AI glasses stems from Meta’s AI glasses and from Chinese vendors, including Li Auto, Rokid and Bolon. 

The market growth for smart glasses isn’t expected to stop. Counterpoint says smart glasses shipments are expected to continue strong growth this year, with plans for new brands and for others to expand. But price will become a concern in 2026.

The average price of AI glasses has risen quickly — reaching $347 in the first half of last year. Yet, the average price went up to $360 in the second half. And prices could rise even further if the current memory shortage persists. 

Customers and experts weigh in

Counterpoint also found that Meta customers generally gave positive feedback on video performance for the Gen 2 Meta AI Glasses, and the Oakley Meta Vanguara received positive feedback for its design, as well as its photography and audio features. On the other hand, users say there are still improvements needed in battery performance. 

However, CNET editors are big fans of the Meta AI glasses for reasons beyond the AI capabilities. The Ray-Ban Gen 2 glasses are loved for their improved battery life and video quality, and for keeping the same shape as the older generations, so you can use the old lens if you’d like. 

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My 3 Favorite Bose Headphones Deals on Amazon Aren’t Actually From Bose

Baseus’ Inspire XH1, XP1 and XC1 headphones with Sound by Bose are up to 23% off during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. A bonus item makes the deal even harder to ignore.

I gave CNET Editors’ Choice awards to Baseus’ Bose-infused Baseus Inspire XH1 headphones and Inspire XP1 earbuds because they’re well designed and sound decent consider their prices. I also liked Baseus’ Inspire XC1 clip-on earbuds, which have dual drivers. They even earned a spot on CNET’s best clip-on earbuds list and are probably the best clip-on buds at their price right now.  

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale just kicked off, and it’ll be around through March 31. Right now, all three models are discounted to $100 to $123, bringing them near their all-time low prices. 

That’s a deal I’d highlight on its own, but if you click through to any of those models’ Amazon product pages and look closely, you’ll see that each is eligible for «one free item» with purchase. 

Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds of 2026

You must click the how to claim link first. Then click a button on the left side of the screen (above the stars for average ratings) to switch the view from «qualifying items» to «benefit items» and see the freebie. The items tend to be Baseus’ entry-level headphones or earbuds, but if you don’t like the free item option with a $120 purchase, you can try the options at lower prices.   

You can read my full reviews of the Inspire XH1 headphones here and the Inspire XP1 earbuds here. And here’s my quick take on the Inspire XC1 earbuds:

Like Baseus’ noise-isolating Inspire XP1 earbuds, which I rated highly, the Inspire XC1 have Sound by Bose and a more premium design than earlier Baseus earbuds. The XC1 don’t sound as good as the XP1, they’re decent open earbuds and are equipped with dual drivers (one is a Knowles balanced-armature driver that helps improve treble performance). While they don’t produce as much bass as noise-isolating earbuds like the Inspire XP1, their bass performance is better than I expected. The buds’ sound is pretty full, especially in quieter environments, though they do better with less bass-heavy material. I did notice a bit of distortion at higher volumes with certain tracks that feature harder-driving bass.

While I slightly prefer the design and fit of Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds, as well as the design of their case, and think the Bose buds sound more natural and a tad better overall, the much more affordable Inspire XC1 fit comfortably and offer top-tier sound for clip-on open earbuds, as well as decent voice-calling performance with good background noise reduction. And they play louder than the Bose, too.

You can grab the Inspire XH1 for $123, the XP1 for $100 and the XC1 for $110, saving you up to 23%. Just remember to claim your free item with your purchase.

Read more: Best Headphones We’ve Tested

For other audio deals happening now, our CNET shopping experts have rounded up headphones, speakers and earbuds deals across a variety of brands and budgets.

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