I've been trying to figure out why these AR glasses cost $700, but I'm frankly stumped

Opting for augmented reality (AR) glasses could prove unexpectedly beneficial for enhancing your gaming experience and increasing productivity, with more and more high-quality choices becoming available.

It’s a shame I can’t share with you that ASUS has entered the fray with its new AirVision M1 augmented reality glasses, as impressive as they may be. Yet, when it comes to comparison with industry leaders such as XREAL and VITURE, this device unfortunately doesn’t quite measure up.

At half the price, the ASUS AirVision M1 would certainly be a strong contender. However, at $700, these glasses don’t offer any more capability or premium features compared to their more budget-friendly rivals, which is quite puzzling.

I’ll clearly outline the pros and cons of these glasses, but let me be straightforward about my suggestion: The AirVision M1 doesn’t quite meet the mark in my opinion. If ASUS were to significantly reduce the price by 50% or more, it could become a compelling choice; however, there are other superior options currently available on the market.

AirVision M1 review: Cheat sheet

What is it? A pair of AR glasses that can provide you with a large, private display when connected to almost any device.
Who is it for? Those who are constantly working or gaming on the go, or see the value in a large, portable, and private display that you can take anywhere.
How much does it cost? The ASUS AirVision M1 costs $699 at ASUS. You can also get the glasses for $699 at B&H Photo or $699.99 at Newegg.
What did I like? The excellent transparency when used as glasses, the solid base experience, and the AirVision software.
What did I not like? The ridiculously high cost, the lack of features, and the annoying touchpad.

AirVision M1 review: Pricing and specifications

Compared to the widely used augmented reality glasses from brands such as XREAL, the ASUS AirVision M1 appears quite pricey, with a tag of $699 at ASUS.

Additionally, you have the option to purchase the ASUS AirVision M1 from various merchants. However, it’s priced at $699 on B&H Photo and only $669.99 at Newegg.

To provide a contrast, the significantly superior XREAL One is available for purchase at Amazon for only $549. It offers enhanced displays, improved audio quality, advanced tracking capabilities, and an array of additional features. Therefore, I would suggest opting for this model over others.

Inside the box, you’ll discover:

1. ASUS AirVision M1 augmented reality glasses
2. A removable light shield
3. Two interchangeable nose pad sets
4. Your detachable prescription lens (if separately purchased)
5. A USB Type-C cable
6. A microfiber cleaning cloth
7. A sturdy hard carrying case for protection

All these items are included to ensure your AR glasses are well-equipped and safely transported.

AirVision M1 review: What I like

From a design perspective, the AirVision M1 might be considered fundamental, yet it outshines many other AR glasses in terms of aesthetics. Despite being heavier than some competing models, it effectively conceals its mass and girth, giving an overall impression that is quite similar to regular eyewear.

These glasses offer interchangeable nose pads, removable prescription lenses, adjustable Interpupillary Distance (IPD) through software control, and flexible stems that can be customized to fit your head shape and vision needs.

1) A slanted USB-C connector ensures effortless device compatibility, while the strategically placed stereo speakers deliver sound straight to your auditory canals. ASUS has certainly met the basics, but they’ve outshone expectations in certain aspects.

An issue with AR (Augmented Reality) glasses lies in their tendency to obscure your view of the actual world due to their specialized lenses, but the AirVision M1 stands out as being markedly clearer than most other options on the market. ASUS claims that these glasses offer a 60% optical clarity compared to only 12% in some competing models, and it is indeed apparent when using them.

With the AirVision M1, I was able to effortlessly read tiny text without having to glance sideways or adjust my view. Instead, it was as if I were wearing a regular pair of glasses, with the clarity being provided by the lenses themselves.

The device is genuinely beneficial for avoiding feelings of detachment, and its displays, utilizing standard Full High Definition (FHD) micro-OLED panels, are both vibrant and precise, offering a decent level of clarity.

Using these spectacles, activities like reading, researching, playing games, watching videos, and browsing the web seemed fantastic. Additionally, the optional AirVision app offers various ways to tailor the size and distance of the screen, adjust the color settings on the displays, and establish custom multi-window arrangements.

The AirVision app offers 3-dimensional tracking capabilities and gesture control for the On-Screen Display (OSD), transforming the experience from a nice-to-have to a must-have. Fortunately, it’s also a lightweight, user-friendly, and reliable application.

The sensors in these devices aren’t extensively manageable by you, but they’re designed to enhance your user experience. They automatically adjust the screen brightness based on ambient light and detect whether you’re wearing or not wearing the glasses. Additionally, these displays can get pretty bright, reaching up to 1,100 nits, although this isn’t the highest in the industry.

The speakers on this stereo seem somewhat lacking in depth and richness, yet they maintain clarity and detail, even at their maximum volume level, which is surprisingly high. Overall, the ASUS AirVision M1 doesn’t fall short in any essential areas, and wearing these glasses feels quite comfortable.

AirVision M1 review: What I don’t like

From the very start, I’ve been cautious about suggesting the purchase of ASUS AirVision M1. Whether you’re considering it against other AR glasses in the market or judging it solely as a standalone wearable, my advice remains consistent.

Essentially, the AirVision M1 glasses lag behind other options in terms of technology. Compared to the AR glasses I suggest, it has a significantly more limited field-of-view at 38 degrees, while they range from 46 to 57 degrees. Additionally, its refresh rate of 72Hz is noticeably less smooth than the 120Hz standard found in top-tier wearable displays.

Beyond this, it’s surprising that electrochromic lens dimming isn’t included given the price, as the AirVision M1 doesn’t have this feature at all. This means you’re constantly dealing with a 60% light transparency, which can be problematic in bright conditions.

To fully utilize a multitude of features in the AirVision software, you require it, which includes advanced 3 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) head tracking that’s becoming common in AR glasses. However, the tracking is currently unstable and susceptible to drifting. Unfortunately, the AirVision application is compatible only with Windows systems, meaning you’ll be limited in functionality when using other devices.

The Open Source Device (OSD) responds to certain gestures with the AirVision app. However, when not using the app, the side touchpad on the AirVision M1 is essentially inoperable. Unfortunately, this touchpad serves as an inferior substitute for tactile controls, often failing to recognize or misinterpreting inputs.

The striking issue, however, lies in the fact that the AirVision M1 retails at a steep price of $700, for reasons yet unclear (and any explanation would be unsatisfactory). On the other hand, the XREAL One boasts a 50-degrees field of view, a 120Hz refresh rate, 5,000 nits peak brightness, onboard 3DoF tracking, expanded device compatibility, and electrochromic lens, all for just $549.

AirVision M1 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

You very specifically want ASUS AR glasses, for some reason.
You find the AirVision M1 massively discounted, like 40% or more.

❌You should not buy this if …

You want AR glasses that are actually worth what you pay.
You want 3DoF spatial tracking with more than just your Windows devices.
You want features like electrochromic lens or a high refresh rate.

The field of wearable tech continues to advance, as numerous firms strive to invent innovative solutions beyond just additional apps for our mobile devices, aiming to simplify daily life in unique ways.

Augmented Reality (AR) glasses play a significant role in this technological shift, with companies such as XREAL, VITURE, Meta, and others each adopting unique strategies. Despite the established nature of the category, it’s puzzling that ASUS seems to have missed the target entirely in this instance.

These ASUS AirVision M1 glasses appear to be satisfactory. While they don’t stand out in terms of exceptional qualities, they deliver on the basics as one would anticipate. However, a significant drawback lies in their performance compared to other models in the market, making them feel somewhat outdated.

If you’re on a budget and value functionality over high-end features, another option might be more suitable for you. However, the AirVision M1, priced at $699 from ASUS, stands out as an exceptionally costly choice in the AR glasses market. Typically, top-tier AR glasses range between $300 and $500, with even the most advanced models not exceeding $600. Given this pricing structure, the AirVision M1 seems financially impractical for many users.

If Asus doesn’t drastically reduce the price of these glasses, I would advise against purchasing them. Instead, consider buying the XREAL One, priced at just $549 on Amazon, and I promise you won’t regret it.

2025-04-26 18:10

I’ve been trying to figure out why these AR glasses cost $700, but I’m frankly stumped

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