Meta’s Oakley Vanguard Smart Glasses Deliver Loud Style and Audio for Action Sports, But Can They Justify $499?

Meta’s new Oakley Vanguard smart glasses are impossible to ignore—both in appearance and in sound. At Meta Connect 2025, the company unveiled these action-focused smart glasses, designed for outdoor enthusiasts and high-energy activities. I got my hands on a demo version and, well, I couldn’t help but yell “yee-haw” out loud—partly in jest, partly in awe. First impressions? These glasses are built for adventure. With their rugged, wraparound design, they look like they belong on a ski slope, a jet ski, or strapped to the face of someone riding a dirt bike through the desert. The aesthetic is bold, almost theatrical, and that’s the point. They’re not trying to blend in—they’re meant to stand out. One of the standout features is the audio. Meta claims the Vanguard are 6 decibels louder than the previous Oakley HSTN model. After testing them with some high-energy music, I can confirm they deliver. The sound is crisp and powerful, capable of cutting through wind and ambient noise—exactly what you’d need when skiing at high speeds or riding a motorcycle. While I didn’t test them in real outdoor conditions, the audio performance during the demo felt strong enough to handle extreme environments. The fit is another key factor. The glasses come with flexible temple tips that help them stay secure during movement. That said, they’re noticeably heavier than the HSTN—weighing in at 66 grams versus 53 grams. That extra weight might be noticeable over long sessions, though Oakley’s reputation for comfortable, waterproof nose pads could help offset that. I also got a glimpse of the new fitness integrations, particularly with Garmin. By pairing a Garmin Forerunner smartwatch to the glasses, I was able to ask Meta AI for real-time health data, like heart rate. The system pulled the information from the watch and responded accurately. It’s a neat feature—especially if you’re in the middle of a high-intensity activity and don’t want to glance down at your wrist. But as someone who’s used Meta’s first-gen Ray-Bans, I’m cautious. Voice commands and AI features have been inconsistent in the past, often glitchy or slow to respond. While the demo worked smoothly, I’ll need more real-world testing to trust it fully. At $499, the Oakley Vanguard are a premium product. Whether they’re worth it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re into extreme sports, outdoor adventures, or just love tech that makes a statement, they might be right up your alley. But for casual users or those looking for subtle smart glasses, they’re overkill. One thing’s certain: the Meta Oakley Vanguard are loud—both in sound and style. If you’re ready to embrace the drama, the yee-haw is officially on.