The XReal Air 2 AR Glasses are some of the most popular augmented reality specs in XReal’s evolving lineup. Not only are they extremely comfortable and feature-rich (particularly with the addition of the XReal Beam), but they’re also pretty affordable.
Though the XReal Air 2 Ultra glasses might be earning more attention in the new age of spatial computing, I still think there’s a lot to like about these simpler glasses in the Air collection. If you’re looking for augmented reality specs available at a fraction of the price of most alternatives, It’s worth giving these lightweight glasses a try.
Here’s everything you need to know about the XReal Air 2 AR glasses.
Quick Verdict
The XReal Air 2 AR glasses build on the impressive foundations of the original Air specs with a handful of impressive upgrades. Compared to the Air 2 Ultra glasses, they lack some of the spatial computing capabilities but still offer most of the features of the more expensive Air 2 Pro glasses.
Pros:
- Excellent Mini-OLED panels with a fantastic pixel density
- Improved control with the XReal Beam
- Ergonomic, lightweight, and comfortable design
- Some customization options are available
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Audio quality is lacking
- XR experiences are limited
- Lacking advanced spatial computing options
XReal Air 2 Review: Introduction and Specs
The XReal Air 2 AR Glasses are the next step up from XReal’s popular “Air” glasses. They function as comfortable, head-mounted displays, giving users access to augmented reality experiences that they can customize to suit their needs.
For a price of $399, these glasses are around $50 cheaper than the Air 2 Pro glasses, which share most of the same features. The only addition to the Pro alternative is the ability to “control your immersion” with 3 electrochromic dimming levels. Personally, while I think this feature is useful, it’s not really “crucial” for most users. Let’s take a quick look at the specs:
| Ergonomics | Zero-pressure nose pad, 1:1 weight ratio, and ultra-soft temples. |
| Weight | 72g |
| Audio | 2nd generation sound system, directional audio, and 2 microphones |
| Display | 0.55 Micro-OLED panels |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 per eye |
| Brightness | Up to 500 nits |
| Field of view | 46 degrees |
| Refresh rate | Up to 120 Hz |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
XReal Air 2 AR Glasses: Pricing and Availability
Despite boasting a better design, enhanced displays, and stronger audio, the XReal Air 2 AR glasses are only slightly more expensive than the original Air specs. They’re available for $399, just $20 more than the previous price of the Air glasses, which have now been reduced to $299.
In comparison, the Air 2 Pro glasses, with the electrochromic dimming features, cost $449. While $400 for a set of AR glasses might seem pricey, XReal’s glasses are only slightly more expensive than Meta’s Ray Bans, and they’re half the price of the Air 2 Ultras.
Notably, there may be other costs to consider, too. For instance, if you want to purchase a custom skin for your glasses, that will cost you another $10. Buying the XReal Beam, which I definitely recommend if you want to unlock the full functionality of these specs, will cost you around $119.
XReal Air 2 Review: Design and Comfort
Both the XReal Air 2 AR Glasses and their Pro version look very similar, building on the design of the previous Air model. As with most of the modern AR glasses I’ve reviewed, these specs are designed to look a lot like a regular pair of spectacles. The only real indicator that these are actually “smart glasses” is the USB-C port at the end of the left arm.
From an aesthetic perspective, these glasses are pretty plain unless you decide to add a splash of color with the Kaleido kit. However, a simple appearance isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I certainly prefer the overall appearance to that of the Rokid Max AR glasses, which gave me a slightly bug-eyed appearance.
More importantly, the XReal Air 2 glasses are surprisingly comfortable. They’re mostly made with plastic, which means they only weigh around 72 grams. They even come with swappable nose clips and ultra-soft arms to help maximize your comfort. There’s also a free optional frame attachment, which allows you to equip your glasses with prescription lenses.
Unlike some other high-powered specs, these glasses also don’t seem to exude a lot of heat over time. If you’ve ever used AR glasses before, you might notice that the bridge can get pretty warm after a while of use. That doesn’t seem to be the case with the XReal Air 2 AR glasses, which I had no problem using for hours.
Probably the biggest issue with the overall design is the lack of controls on the arms. You can adjust the brightness with a button on one arm, but you can’t change volume levels without using the “Nebula” app, which, as I noted in by Air 2 Pro review, can be a little temperamental.
XReal Air 2 AR Glasses: Display and Visuals
The XReal Air 2 glasses feature the exact same Sony Micro-LED displays as the “Pro” specs. The only difference is you don’t get the electrochromic dimming option with the standard glasses. You’ll still have a far greater experience than you would with the standard Air glasses, however.
Not only are the displays slightly smaller (and lighter), but they have a massive pixel density boost compared to their predecessors. Instead of 3320 PPI, you’ll get 4032 PPI. Plus, the smaller displays actually help you to see more of the world around you while you’re using these specs.
The Air 2’s 1080p resolution is pretty impressive. You get crisp, bright, and colorful images with minimal blurring. Even if you’re viewing content on a virtual 130-inch screen, you’ll have no problem seeing details and contrast. I would have appreciated a 4K option from XReal, but you do at least get an impressive refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a decent field of view (46 degrees).
One point to keep in mind is you will need to purchase prescription lenses separately if you need corrective lenses. There are no focus dials like you’d get from the Virture One specs. Although XReal does partner with “Frame of Choice” to give customers access to corrective lenses, they can cost you up to half the cost of the headset itself ($150 to $200).
I also like that you can choose between multiple “display modes,” such as body anchoring, air casting, smooth follow, and side view, depending on what you’re doing with your glasses. In some modes, you can even upgrade your virtual screen size to up to 330 inches.
XReal Air 2 Review: Performance and Functionality
Ultimately, XReal’s Air 2 glasses aren’t designed to be a cutting-edge spatial computing device like the Ultra specs. So, if you’re expecting next-level immersion, you may be a little disappointed. There are no integrated cameras to blend virtual and real-world experiences, and you can’t interact with content using your hands and eyes, like you would with the Apple Vision Pro.
However, you can bring a huge virtual screen into your environment, which is great for everything from video conferencing to collaboration and working on common tasks. The excellent visuals, high contrast ratio, and 500 nits of brightness give you a smooth, colorful experience, regardless of whether you’re watching videos or multi-tasking with a side view.
I do recommend making sure you’re in a dark space for the best results or using a cover to block out external distractions if you want deeper immersion, however. With the Nebula app from XReal and the Beam, you can stream content to your glasses seamlessly, although the app does have a few technical glitches from time to time.
The biggest performance issue I noted was with the audio. Although the audio quality for the XReal Air 2 AR glasses is better than what you can get with the original Air specs, it’s pretty limited. You do get high-range tones with great clarity, but bass tones can struggle. There’s also no real “spatial audio” experience.
Additionally, the volume is pretty low. Still, low volume may be a good thing for some tasks. Since the specs have “open-ear” speakers, there’s a risk of audio leakage, which might be a problem if you want a more private experience. Since there’s no option to plug in a pair of headphones, the only way to regain your privacy is with a set of Bluetooth earbuds.
XReal Air 2 AR Glasses: Accessories and Connectivity
From a connectivity perspective, the XReal Air 2 AR glasses and their “Pro” siblings share the same features as the original Air glasses. Using the included USB-C cable, you can connect your specs to tablets, laptops, consoles, and phones that support video output.
On their own, the glasses will show you a standard fixed display in the center of your line of sight. However, if you pair them with the XReal Beam accessory, you’ll have a lot more control. You can anchor a virtual screen in front of you relative to your position. Plus, you’ll be able to wirelessly stream video and audio from other compatible devices to your headset.
The Beam also serves as a power source for the XReal Air 2 glasses, giving you up to 3 hours of usage, provided you keep the device charged. Notably, the Air 2 specs don’t have a battery of their own. They simply draw power from whatever device you’re using, so you can’t access these specs for a truly “wireless” AR experience.
The Final Verdict
They might not be the cheapest or most advanced AR glasses on the market, but the XReal Air 2 glasses are still an affordable and convenient set of specs. They’re great if you’re looking for fun, easy-to-use, and ergonomic AR technology and don’t need extensive spatial computing features.
Notably, though, you might want to look elsewhere if you want exceptional audio, built-in tracking, or any other advanced features. If you wear prescription lenses already, I would also recommend a different pair of AR specs. The XReal Air 2 glasses might be affordable on their own, but they get a lot more pricey with the addition of corrective lenses.
