Xreal xbx a01+ vs RayNeo Air 4 Pro: Which Budget Smart Glasses Are Better?

Explore how Xreal's new xbx a01+ smart glasses compare with the RayNeo Air 4 Pro in brightness, comfort, design, and price to help you choose the best budget wearable display.

Xreal xbx a01+ vs RayNeo Air 4 Pro: Which Budget Smart Glasses Are Better?
Sarah Collins

Sarah Collins

Computing Editor

Specializes in PCs, laptops, components, and productivity-focused computing tech.

What improvements do the Xreal xbx a01+ glasses offer over RayNeo Air 4 Pro?

The Xreal xbx a01+ smart glasses introduce several enhancements that make them a compelling choice in the budget category. Their peak brightness reaches 1,600 nits, which surpasses the RayNeo Air 4 Pro’s 1,200 nits. This higher brightness particularly benefits HDR10 video playback by delivering more vivid highlights and deeper contrast, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.

Additionally, Xreal includes swappable lens covers with the xbx a01+. Besides stylish colored options, an opaque black cover is available to create darker viewing conditions, improving image clarity since the glasses project virtual displays that benefit from reduced ambient light. The xbx a01+ is also lighter at 62 grams compared to RayNeo’s 76 grams, which may translate into better long-term comfort during extended use.

How do Xreal’s and RayNeo’s audio and optics compare?

Amazon.com: XREAL xbx a01+ AR Glasses, 147'' Big-Screen Display for Movies  & Gaming | 62g Ultralight, Bright 1600-nit HDR10, USB-C DP for iPhone,  iPad, Android, Steam Deck, ROG & PC : Health
Amazon.com: XREAL xbx a01+ AR Glasses, 147'' Big-Screen Display for Movies & Gaming | 62g Ultralight, Bright 1600-nit HDR10, USB-C DP for iPhone, iPad, Android, Steam Deck, ROG & PC : Health

One notable difference lies in their audio systems. The RayNeo Air 4 Pro boasts Bose-tuned audio that tends to deliver more impactful sound, while the Xreal xbx a01+ uses a standard audio setup that might feel less immersive. However, many users prefer to use earbuds or headphones with smart glasses, mitigating this difference.

On the optics front, the Xreal xbx a01+ employs a standard prism-based optical engine, which can cause some external reflections and a slightly narrower field of view. This may result in smaller picture size and some blur at the edges. In contrast, Xreal’s premium One Pro glasses use a more advanced optic engine that reduces these limitations, but this technology is not present in the budget xbx line. The RayNeo Air 4 Pro shares similar optical constraints typical of affordable smart glasses.

How should budget shoppers choose between the two models?

Price is a significant deciding factor. Though Xreal’s official price for the xbx a01+ is higher ($359 / £349), discounts often bring it close to or below RayNeo’s typical retail pricing of around $299 / £289 or less. If saving money is paramount and slight compromises in brightness and design are acceptable, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro remains a solid buy.

However, the Xreal xbx a01+ edges ahead with its brighter display, lighter build, and more versatile lens options, making it attractive if you prioritize image quality and style. Audio quality is slightly better on the RayNeo, but this is often overridden by personal preferences for external headphones.

What’s the bottom line for budget smart glasses users?

XREAL xbx a01+
XREAL xbx a01+

Both the Xreal xbx a01+ and RayNeo Air 4 Pro offer strong value for budget-conscious buyers seeking wearable display glasses. The choice comes down to specific preferences: Xreal provides better brightness, lighter weight, and fashion-forward designs, while RayNeo can offer slightly better audio and potentially lower price points. Neither is perfect—the optics have limitations and audio may fall short of headphones—but both deliver a satisfying entry point into the smart glasses experience without the premium cost of high-end models.

Ultimately, users should weigh priorities like brightness, comfort, style, and cost, possibly taking advantage of discounts to get the most fitting device for their needs.

React to this story

Related Posts