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Bluetooth sunglasses may seem like a novelty item, but they serve a purpose — the ability to free up your ears while listening to music or making calls.
Unlike buds, these don’t get stuffed into your ear. Instead, you wear them just like regular glasses, while a small and discreet speaker plays privately like a concert just for you. At max volume, and in a crowded space, others right next to you may be able to hear it a little, but it’s not like, say, carrying a Bluetooth speaker around with you.
And since they’re not obstructing your hearing like buds or headphones would, these are excellent for activities like jogging, cycling, talking on the phone while driving and being outside or on the beach, allowing you to hear traffic and dangers while still listening to your favorite playlist hands-free – and having a practical pair of sunglasses, too. Here’s what to look for when searching for a pair that best fits your face and your needs.
Bluetooth Sunglasses Buying Guide
Frames:No matter the pair, these are most likely going to be thicker than average frames, since they have audio technology built into them. That being said, they’re still impressively slim and comfortable for what’s inside. On some models, you can even swap in your prescription lenses, making it customized just for you.
Connection: A solid, unbroken connection to your device is crucial for uninterrupted audio, and these all use at least Bluetooth 4.0 and higher. Fire up your favorite music or navigation app, and these also have built-in mics for phone calls and your AI assistant of choice. A few pairs come with their own accompanying app too, which not only lets you control features now, but are constantly being updated by the companies with new capabilities.
Audio: They’re not meant to replace the quality of your best buds or over-the-ears headphones, but for speakers that aren’t actually in your ear, these still sound pretty nice. The disconnect of hearing music not directly being pumped into your head may take a bit to get used to, and the bass can’t match real buds, but they get loud enough where it’s clear and audible, and doesn’t disturb those around you. Some of these offer bone-conduction audio too, which transmits sound along your cheekbones rather than sending it out through the air.
Case: Regular sunglasses get lost frequently, sat on accidentally, and left at places like friends’ houses. But since these are more of an investment, a case is a huge help in keeping them protected and always in your pack. Not all of them include one, but it’s a really nice bonus for the ones that do (also often doubling as a charging base), and we recommend getting a separate one if your favorite pair doesn’t already include it.
Battery: Playtime is relatively short compared with other devices, about three or five hours before needing an hour recharge depending on how hard you’re cranking up the volume. Standby mode, however, can last longer.
Durability:Sunglasses can get rough treatment, from falling off your head onto the pavement or getting wedged between car seats. And with an investment in a pair like these, it needs to be durable. An IPX-rated pair is a good idea in case of exposure to rain, sweat or accidental falls into the sink (or worse).
Lens: UV protection and polarization, just like regular sunglasses, are important to protect your eyes from the sun. These can also come in different colors too, or even swap them out to match your outfit every day.
What Are the Best Bluetooth Sunglasses?
Keep in mind that this is still relatively new tech, and glasses’ efficiency and abilities will keep on evolving. We’ve selected our four current favorites here to keep your eyes protected and your ears free and happy.
