At CES 2026, Rokid has officially entered the competitive smart glasses arena with a direct challenge to Meta's popular Ray-Ban models. The Rokid AI Glasses Style, unveiled just hours ago, promises a combination of lightweight comfort, integrated AI capabilities, and a significantly lower price point. This launch represents a notable shift in the wearable AI market, offering consumers a compelling alternative from a company previously known for AR and display-focused eyewear. The following analysis delves into the specifications, performance claims, and trade-offs of this new entrant, comparing it directly to the established market leader to determine if Rokid's offering is a genuine contender or just another also-ran.
Design and Comfort Prioritize Wearability
The most immediate and emphasized advantage of the Rokid AI Glasses Style is its weight. At 38.5 grams for the standard frame, it undercuts the approximately 50-gram Meta Ray-Ban models, a difference that translates directly to perceived comfort during extended wear. Rokid achieves this through a design that includes air-cushioned liquid-silicone nose pads, a feature specifically noted to aid wearers who experience slippage. The aesthetic is modern and understated, available at launch in a Jet Black colorway with a Translucent Gray variant promised for March. Functionally, the glasses feature touch controls and a button on the right stem, alongside a front-facing 12MP Sony camera with a privacy LED, mirroring the core interaction paradigm of its competitors.
Key Specifications: Rokid AI Glasses Style vs. Meta Ray-Ban
| Feature | Rokid AI Glasses Style | Meta Ray-Ban (Latest Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 38.5 g (frame) / 45.5 g (polarized) | ~50 g (varies) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm AR1 | Custom Meta co-processor |
| Camera | 12MP Sony sensor | 12MP ultra-wide |
| Video | 4K (3:4, 4:3, 9:16) | 1080p video |
| AI Models | ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Qwen | Meta AI (Llama-based) |
| Translation | 89 languages (Microsoft AI) | Real-time translation |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours typical use | Up to 8 hours video recording |
| Charging | Proprietary pogo-pin cable | Magnetic charging case |
| Starting Price | USD 299 | USD 379 |
AI and Smart Features Powered by Multiple Models
Under the hood, the glasses are driven by a Qualcomm AR1 chipset dedicated to AI and imaging tasks. Rokid has opted for a multi-engine AI approach, integrating support for ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Qwen, with the system purportedly selecting the optimal model based on query context. In early testing, however, access was limited to ChatGPT. The AI assistant is activated by the "Hi Rokid" wake word and handles tasks from general queries to real-time translation across 89 languages via Microsoft AI Translation, with 12 languages supported for the wearer's voice. Navigation is provided through Google Maps integration, with audio delivered via open-ear speakers. Initial impressions suggest the speaker quality and AI response latency may not yet match the refinement of Meta's implementation, representing a key area for potential improvement.
Imaging and Battery Life Offer Solid Fundamentals
For content creation, the 12MP camera supports 4K video capture in multiple aspect ratios (3:4, 4:3, 9:16), aimed at providing native formats for social media platforms. Rokid rates the battery life for up to 12 hours of typical daily use, which includes periodic AI interactions, audio playback, and photo capture, with a 24-hour standby time. This claim positions it competitively, though real-world endurance, especially during continuous recording sessions of up to 10 minutes, remains to be thoroughly validated by users after the January 19 sales date.
The Trade-Offs: Charging and Audio Compromises
The primary functional drawback identified in the Rokid AI Glasses Style is its charging system. Unlike the convenient magnetic charging case of the Meta Ray-Bans, Rokid employs a proprietary pogo-pin connector on the right stem. This necessitates carrying a specific cable (pogo-pin to USB-C), which complicates the travel-friendly ethos of smart glasses. While the company bundles a carry case and pouch, the absence of an integrated charging case is a notable lifestyle compromise. Furthermore, early feedback indicates the open-ear audio quality may be less immersive than that of the Meta glasses, potentially affecting music, call, and AI response playback.
Pricing and Value Proposition Undercut the Competition
Rokid's most aggressive play is on price. The Rokid AI Glasses Style starts at USD 299 for the Jet Black sunglasses model, significantly undercutting the latest Meta Ray-Bans at USD 379. An early-bird offer provides a USD 20 discount with a USD 1 deposit. For users requiring prescription lenses, Rokid offers a "Golden Bundle" with 1.60 index photochromic lenses for USD 398, a package that could cost over USD 500 with Meta. This pricing strategy makes advanced smart glasses more accessible, though it comes with the aforementioned trade-offs in charging convenience and possibly audio fidelity.
Pricing Details:
- Rokid AI Glasses Style (Sunglasses): USD 299 (Jet Black), USD 309 (Translucent Grey, March launch)
- Rokid AI Glasses Style (Photochromic): From USD 349
- Golden Bundle (with 1.60 index prescription photochromic lenses): USD 398
- Meta Ray-Ban (Latest Gen): From USD 379
- Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 1, on sale): From USD 224
- Availability: Rokid glasses go on sale January 19, 2026.
Conclusion: A Compelling Budget-Conscious Alternative
The Rokid AI Glasses Style successfully carves out a niche as a value-oriented alternative to the Meta Ray-Ban. Its standout advantages are undeniable: a lighter, more comfortable design and a substantially lower price. For users who prioritize all-day wearability and cost over absolute convenience and polished audio, Rokid presents a very attractive option. However, the clunky proprietary charging mechanism and questions about speaker quality are tangible concessions. As the smart glasses market heats up with anticipated entries from Google and Samsung, Rokid's 2026 offering proves that compelling competition is emerging, giving consumers more choice between premium refinement and practical affordability.