The tech world has been buzzing about the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have emerged as one of the hottest gadgets of 2024. With Black Friday just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to snatch up these stylish specs at an unbeatable price.

Right now, Amazon has an enticing deal: the classic black-framed Meta Ray-Bans are available for just $239, a generous 20% off their regular retail price of $299. And it gets even better! Through November 30, you’ll receive a $90 digital credit for future purchases, which essentially cuts the price down to an incredible $149, or 50% off!

These smart glasses have proven elusive, selling out frequently throughout the year, making this sale a rare opportunity. Designed to look just like traditional Ray-Bans, the lenses can also be replaced with your prescription, making them not just a tech accessory but a versatile everyday eyewear option.

Keep in mind, though, that this fantastic price applies specifically to the classic style with green-tinted lenses. Other styles, depending on features and designs, may cost an extra $30 to $80. For example, if you prefer transition lenses that adapt to indoor and outdoor light, you can grab them at a 20% discount for $303, and bringing the total down to about $213 when utilizing the $90 credit. That's still a phenomenal value!

I had the pleasure of testing out the Meta Ray-Bans and was genuinely impressed. While they fall under the category of augmented reality glasses, they focus on audio experiences rather than visual overlays. The sound quality is surprisingly crisp for making calls or listening to podcasts, rivaling the likes of AirPods. However, they lag behind high-end headphones in terms of immersive bass and noise cancellation. It’s worth noting that their audio experience is akin to the transparency mode found in AirPods Pro.

What sets the Meta Ray-Bans apart is their unique audio-visual capabilities. Equipped with a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, these glasses let you snap pictures and record videos with ease—similar in quality to an iPhone 12. The camera’s convenience can’t be overstated; it’s far simpler to get a quick shot by tapping a button than fumbling for your phone.

Additionally, the glasses feature a handy AI assistant activated by the phrase "Hey Meta." This tool provides smooth information searches—ideal for those moments when you want to keep your phone tucked away.

Battery life can comfortably extend through half a day with moderate use, and the charging case, compatible with USB-C, enables a quick recharge to 50% in just 20 minutes. For longer use, disabling the voice activation can give you an extended battery life, which I found helpful in my testing.

Meta has been rolling out software updates throughout 2024 that enhance the Ray-Bans’ features, including real-time translation from Spanish to English and the ability to perform visual searches for landmarks or signs. Looking ahead, there are promises for even more functionalities, such as remembering locations.

If privacy is a concern for you, there’s good news. The Meta Ray-Bans don’t require a Facebook account—just a Meta account, which can feasibly be kept separately from your social media data. This aspect makes them a more recommendable choice for those wary of data privacy issues.

With all these features and savings, the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are a must-have tech accessory this Black Friday. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gadget game!