Camera-enabled smart spectacles
Perfect for content creators or those who love to capture life's moments hands-free and spontaneously.
Tech & Gadgets
Smart glasses
7 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Smart glasses tend to go to the person who already wears sunglasses every day and likes trying new tech. Think of the partner who walks, cycles or commutes, or the parent who always misses the shot because the phone was in a pocket. The pairs that get used are usually simple: open-ear audio for calls and music, or smart glasses with a camera for quick hands-free photos. Augmented reality glasses and display models do more, but they suit people who will set them up and keep them charged. As a gift, treat them first as eyewear. If the frame doesn't fit their face or style, the features won't matter.
Kind 1 of 7
Hands-free photos and video
These frames have a small camera built into the front, so the wearer can take photos or short videos without reaching for a phone. They suit parents who want clips of the kids, travellers and anyone who films walks, hikes or rides. Most also play audio through small speakers near the ears. Before you buy, check that the companion app works with their phone, how the footage transfers, and how long the battery lasts while recording. Look for a clear recording light so the people around them know when the camera is on.
Kind 2 of 7
Everyday frames with built-in smarts
Smart eyewear covers the wide middle of the category: glasses and sunglasses that look fairly ordinary but add open-ear audio, a microphone for calls, or voice assistant access. It's the easiest pick for someone who wants to keep their usual look. Sport versions add wraparound shapes and a snug fit for running or cycling. Check the frame size, the weight and whether the lenses can be swapped for tinted or clear ones. If they need corrective lenses, confirm the frame can take them before you commit.
Everyday audio smart glasses
These innovative frames offer discreet audio and communication for the tech-savvy individual on the go.
Fashion-forward smart eyewear
Combining cutting-edge technology with stylish designs, these glasses are for those who value both aesthetics and smart features.
Sport and fitness smart glasses
Designed for active individuals, these durable glasses provide performance metrics and audio without distraction during workouts.
Kind 3 of 7
Screens and overlays in front of your eyes
Augmented reality glasses place digital images over what the wearer sees, from a large virtual screen for films to floating notes and menus. They suit gamers, frequent flyers and early adopters who like tinkering with new devices. Many models plug into a phone, laptop or handheld console rather than working on their own, so compatibility matters most. Check which devices and ports they support, whether the image is comfortable for the wearer's eyesight, and whether a cable or separate battery pack is needed. These are usually indoor or seated gadgets, not all-day glasses.
Augmented reality smart eyewear
Ideal for early adopters, these glasses overlay digital information onto the real world, enhancing daily interactions.
Kind 4 of 7
Glanceable info without the phone
Display glasses show a small, simple readout in the lens: messages, turn-by-turn directions, captions, notes or a teleprompter. They're lighter and more wearable than full augmented reality models, and they suit busy professionals, presenters and people who navigate on foot or by bike. Check how bright and readable the display is outdoors, which apps and notifications it actually supports, and whether it works with their phone. Battery life and charging method matter too, since a display that dies by lunch won't get worn.
Productivity-focused smart display glasses
An innovative tool for busy individuals, offering quick access to notifications and information without reaching for a phone.
Navigation assistant smart glasses
A thoughtful gift for commuters or travelers, offering turn-by-turn directions directly in their line of sight.
Kind 5 of 7
What's new this year
New releases in this category often bring better cameras, longer battery life, lighter frames and smarter voice assistants. If the person on your list already owns an older pair, a newer model can be a real upgrade. If they've never tried smart glasses, the latest flagship isn't always needed. Before choosing a brand-new model, check that the companion app is available in Canada or the US, that the features work in your region, and that the frame comes in sizes and styles that will suit them.
Kind 6 of 7
Audio glasses that pair with a phone
These are the simplest smart glasses: frames with small speakers and a microphone that connect wirelessly to a phone for music, podcasts and calls. There's no camera, which appeals to people who care about privacy or work in places where cameras aren't welcome. They suit commuters, dog walkers and anyone who dislikes earbuds. Check how easily they pair, how clearly the microphone picks up voices outdoors, the charging method and how much sound carries to people nearby.
Privacy-enhanced audio glasses
These glasses are perfect for professionals or anyone who values discreet communication with directional audio technology.
Kind 7 of 7
Where to start when shopping
When you're browsing smart glasses, narrow things down by what the person will actually do with them: listen, capture, read information or watch content. Then match the frame to their face and style. Buy from a seller that clearly lists which phones the glasses work with, what comes in the box and the warranty terms. Keep the gift receipt handy, since fit and comfort are hard to judge until the glasses are on.
How to choose smart glasses as a gift
- Pick the main use first: audio, camera, display or augmented reality. Each one leads to a very different pair of glasses.
- Match the frame shape and size to glasses they already wear comfortably, since fit decides whether they get worn.
- Confirm the glasses work with their phone and that the companion app supports the features you're paying for.
- If they need corrective lenses, check that the frame accepts them and how that gets arranged.
- Think about battery life for their real day, whether that's a commute, a long ride or a full workday.
Usually safe to skip
- Full augmented reality headsets for casual users often end up in a drawer because the setup, cables and charging feel like too much effort.
- Bold or oversized frames chosen for the tech alone rarely get worn if they don't match the person's everyday style.
- Camera glasses for someone who values privacy, or who works where recording isn't allowed, can make them feel awkward to wear.
Questions people ask about smart glasses
- Can smart glasses be fitted with prescription lenses?
- Many models can take corrective lenses, but not all do, and some only support certain lens ranges. Check the frame's details before buying, and plan for the recipient to arrange their own lenses, since that depends on their eyes.
- Do smart glasses work with any phone?
- Most audio and camera glasses connect to common phones through a companion app, but some features may only work on certain phones or in certain regions. Check the compatibility list against the phone they actually use before you buy.
- What's the difference between smart glasses with a display and augmented reality glasses?
- Display glasses show a small, simple readout, like messages or directions, and are built for everyday wear. Augmented reality glasses show larger images laid over what you see, often a big virtual screen, and usually connect to another device for gaming, films or work.
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All smart glasses picks
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