The market for smart glasses looks confusing, but it boils down to three categories: display/AI glasses, camera/audio glasses and AR/media glasses. Anyone who understands the categories finds the right device faster than by wading through endless feature lists.
One thing up front: we are a partner of Even Realities. This comparison nonetheless stays at the level of device types — for specific model prices and up-to-date technical data from other manufacturers, please check directly with the respective provider, as these change frequently.
The three categories at a glance
| Criterion | Display / AI glasses e.g. Even G2 | Camera / audio glasses | AR / media glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | None | Yes (core feature) | Sometimes present |
| Display in field of view | Yes, discreet & monochrome | Usually none | Yes, large/colour |
| Appearance | Like ordinary glasses | Like ordinary glasses | Larger, more conspicuous |
| Wearable all day | Yes | Yes | More for sessions |
| Main use | Navigation, translation, notes, AI | Photo/video, social media | Films, virtual monitors, gaming |
| Privacy for those around you | High (no camera) | Recording not always noticeable | Depends on the camera |
| Prescription integration | Yes (UltraFit lenses) | Model-dependent | Model-dependent |
The details describe typical properties of the category, not individual products. Individual models may differ.
1. Display and AI glasses — for discreet everyday use
These glasses show information for you alone and rely on an AI assistant. They look like ordinary glasses and have no camera. Strengths: discretion, privacy, everyday usability, and often the option of prescription lenses. Limits: the display is deliberately plain — they are not intended for films or colour 3D graphics. Typical example: the Even G2. Ideal for frequent talkers, travellers, international teams and anyone who doesn’t want to wear a camera in conversation.
2. Camera and audio glasses — for recording
Their core is the first-person camera plus an audio assistant. Strengths: photos and videos hands-free, good for content creators. Limits: in meetings, schools, hospitals or on public transport, a worn camera is a delicate matter — the person opposite often can’t tell whether a recording is being made. If you mainly want to document, this is the right choice; if you want discreet information, less so.
3. AR and media glasses — as a screen replacement
AR glasses project large, sometimes colour image areas — as a virtual monitor, a cinema on the go or for gaming. Strengths: an impressive image area. Limits: more weight, shorter wearing time, a more conspicuous design and, as a rule, not an everyday pair of glasses. Ideal at your desk, on a plane or on the sofa — less so on the way to work.
How to choose well
Rule of thumb: Do you want to record → camera glasses. Do you want a large screen → AR glasses. Do you want discreet everyday help (navigation, translation, notes, AI) without a camera → display/AI glasses such as the Even G2.
After that, fit is what counts: weight, how they sit and — if needed — prescription lenses. That’s why trying them on matters more than any spec sheet. To learn which other criteria count when buying, read the buying guide; the fundamentals are explained in the article What are AI glasses?.
In Switzerland you can put on the Even G2 at the Zürich showroom and test all its features live — including translation and navigation. That way, in ten minutes you’ll know whether the display category fits your everyday life.