Choosing AR Smart Glasses: Finding the Best Augmented Reality Glasses for Your Field Team

Choosing AR smart glasses to empower your field service teams isn’t easy. That’s particularly true now that the market is evolving, with countless vendors introducing more sophisticated augmented reality specs, from the transformative XReal One Series to Meta’s Orion prototypes.

But missing out on the benefits AR glasses offer field service teams isn’t really an option either. Based on our research, XR wearables, like AR glasses, are revolutionizing training strategies, enhancing collaboration, upgrading productivity, and even boosting staff engagement.

• Once you’ve selected the best AR glasses for your field team, use our step-by-step AR implementation guide to learn how you can integrate your new technology into workflows, and optimize your return on investment.

So, how do you make a choice that will deliver the best possible return on investment? This guide will help you identify key decision-making factors, compare some of the current leading models, and even overcome the challenges of AR adoption. Let’s dive in.

Choosing AR Smart Glasses: Factors to Consider

Let’s start with the main things you should be considering when choosing AR smart glasses for field service teams. First, you’ll need to identify the AR features that matter most to distributed employees – but there are other points to consider too. Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:

• Crucial Features: Depending on your intended use cases and goals, crucial features might include everything from incredible visuals to unique features for hands-free operation (like EMG wristbands, eye tracking, and hand tracking sensors). We also recommend considering things like battery life, connectivity options, and even AI-powered support.
• Software Integrations: The best-augmented reality glasses should integrate seamlessly with the software teams already use. Look for simple connections with ERP, CRM, and field service management apps, as well as collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and remote viewing or remote assist software.
• Hardware Durability: Make sure you’re choosing AR smart glasses that can withstand versatile environments. Look for resistance to elements like extreme temperatures, dust, water, and impacts. Prioritize high-quality materials, and designs optimized for industrial usage (like the RealWear Navigator 500).
• Ease of Use: Do you want field service employees to actually use your AR glasses? Make sure they’re easy to use, comfortable, and convenient. Choose lightweight, intuitive models that can easily be worn with helmets and protective equipment. Ensure your wearables are easy to set up and connect with critical apps.
• Vendor Support: Prioritize vendors in the XR field service industry that offer support with onboarding, customization, training, and technical maintenance. Ensure vendors regularly update software solutions and firmware and deliver documentation to teams.

Choosing AR Smart Glasses: Top Options to Explore

Once you’ve identified the decision-making factors that will guide you through choosing AR smart glasses for your field team, you can start comparing available options.

Again, the number of solutions on the market is rapidly increasing – so keep your eye out for the latest releases. Not including some potentially “upcoming” options like Meta’s Orion glasses, and the impending Samsung smart specs, here’s a look at some of the top options we recommend for field service teams, based on our own reviews:

1.      Viture Pro XR Glasses: Best for Multitasking

Technically, the Viture Pro XR glasses are more tuned to the needs of consumers than enterprise users – but they’re still an excellent option for those in search of high-quality visuals, spatial audio, and intuitive built-in software. They can connect to almost any device, and offer apps that make it simple to multitask across multiple “virtual screens”.

The downside with these glasses is that you do need to connect them physically to external devices with a cable – which can detract from the user experience somewhat.

Key Features:

• Display: 1080p Sony Micro-OLED screens with 120hz refresh rates
• Design: Lightweight, flexible design with full IPD control and electrochromic film
• Software: Integrated software for multi-tasking capabilities
• Audio: Harman-tuned spatial audio speakers
• Connectivity: Support for virtually any external device

2.      Rokid Max 2: Effective Collaboration

The Rokid Max 2 glasses are a (slightly) upgraded version of Rokid’s original Max specs, with the same 64-bit quad-core processor, and a phenomenal 1920 x 1080 pixel display. Though a little bulkier than competitors, the Rokid Max 2 glasses are still lightweight and comfortable. They’re also very good for collaboration, with noise-cancelling microphones built-in.

Another great thing about these glasses is that they can be connected with the Rokid Station accessory, which gives users an intuitive way to interact with content and extend the battery life of their wearable computer.

Key Features:

• Display: 1920 x 1080 pixel virtual screen with 120hz refresh rates
• Design: Somewhat bulky, but relatively lightweight design with myopia adjustment
• Software: Compatible with a range of apps and tools
• Audio: Integrated speakers and noise-cancelling microphones
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 and wired connections

3.      XReal One Glasses: Powerful Visuals

The XReal One glasses are some of the most powerful augmented reality specs on the market today. If you’re choosing AR smart glasses for teams that need help staying connected on the go – XReal’s specs are an excellent choice. They feature fantastic visual fidelity, a powerful integrated X1 chip for independent spatial computing, and 3DoF tracking.

One particularly impressive thing about these glasses is that they can be upgraded with a modular camera, making it easy for field employees to share what they’re seeing with their colleagues. They even come with built-in AI capabilities too.

Key Features:

• Display: Sony Micro O-LED displays with 120Hz refresh rates
• Design: Streamlined, lightweight design with a modular camera
• Software: Built-in chip for app support and spatial computing capabilities
• Audio: Integrated spatial audio and microphones
• Connectivity: Wired and wireless connectivity

4.      RealWear Navigator 520: Best for Industrial Applications

The modular RealWear Navigator is specially designed for industrial applications and frontline workers. With a rugged and durable design, it’s a particularly good choice for companies choosing AR smart glasses for specialists working in construction and manufacturing.

The headset comes with an extended battery life, easy access to a range of applications and even the option to connect with IoT devices. Plus, the solution works well with helmets and protective gear.

Key Features:

• Display: 720p HD display and 48mp camera sensor
• Design: Flexible, modular design with ruggedized components
• Software: Works seamlessly with a range of applications
• Audio: Integrated microphones and speakers (with noise canceling)
• Connectivity: Wired and wireless connectivity

5.      Rayneo X2 AR Glasses: Best Integrated AI

The TCL RayNeo X2 AR and AI glasses deliver ultra-smart, immersive experiences to field workers on the move. Powered by an integrated Snapdragon XR2 chip, these glasses reduce reliance on smartphones, and provide every employee with intuitive tools for productivity and collaboration.

There’s built-in support for Microsoft Azure, and the multimodal AI assistant built into the glasses can track faces, translate languages in real-time, and surface data from a range of apps. These glasses are also surprisingly lightweight, considering the number of features they offer.

Key Features:

• Display: Full-color Micro-LED waveguide displays
• Design: Flexible, lightweight design with adjustable elements
• Software: Integrated software, Microsoft Azure support, and smart navigation
• Audio: Noise canceling speakers, and 3 microphones with privacy protection
• Connectivity: Wired and wireless connectivity

Choosing AR Smart Glasses: Challenges to Address

One of the things that makes choosing AR smart glasses for field workers so complicated, is that there are always issues to overcome with implementation. As you compare AR glasses and vendors, here are a few key challenges you might need to overcome:

• Budget management: When you’re comparing augmented reality glasses, you’ll notice some options are more expensive than others (like the RealWear Navigator 520). Just remember – focusing entirely on upfront costs can be a little short-sighted. Instead, think about the total cost of ownership for your specs, and the potential ROI you can achieve due to improved productivity, accuracy, and employee performance.
• Employee training and adoption: Even the most advanced AR glasses are useless if employees can’t, or won’t use them. Invest in a training program with hands-on tutorials and clear documentation. Find out in advance whether your vendor can offer access to training modules and onboarding guides to help you streamline adoption.
• Ensuring long-term scalability: Consider beyond your current needs when choosing AR smart glasses. Ask yourself whether your investment solutions can adapt to changing workflows and demands. Can they support a wide range of applications, and are they durable enough to withstand long-term use in various environments?

Choosing AR Smart Glasses: Make the Right Choice

Choosing AR smart glasses can be complicated, but the right decision has the potential to revolutionize how your team works – particularly on the field. Identify your use cases early on and know which features you need to prioritize. Consider your options with a focus on flexibility, integration, vendor support, durability, and ease of use.