Nuance Audio GlassesPrice, Battery Life, Hearing Aid Features & Plus vs Original
Last updated
Nuance Audio Glasses are EssilorLuxottica's FDA-cleared, over-the-counter hearing aid in the form of a pair of glasses. Directional microphones focus on the voice in front of you and two hidden open-ear speakers in the frame play it back, so nothing sits in your ears. They take prescription lenses and are set up through an app, with no audiologist visit.
Best for
Work.
Directional microphones help with speech in busy meetings and offices.Confirmed: prnewswire.com
Meetings.
Beamforming focuses on the voice in front of you in restaurants and gatherings.Confirmed: prnewswire.com
How the Nuance Audio Glasses compares
On what buyers decide on, from the makers' own figures, against 15 other smart glasses you can buy now, and what at least two outlets' reviews agree on.
Where it leads
- Nothing iDevice can compare puts it ahead of its rivals yet.
Where a rival leads
- Water resistance: the Oakley Meta Vanguard leads with IP67ConfirmedSource
Compared only where both makers state one figure in the same unit and under the same conditions, and only when the gap is at least 20% (battery, brightness) or a whole class (water rating, noise cancelling, subscription). Criteria with no such figure are left out, never guessed.
Comparison
Compare smart glassesHow it compares
Cost over 3 years
$699
Device price plus up to three years of optional subscription.
Weight
Not published
Grams on your face. Lower is lighter.
Battery life
~8 hrs
How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.
Cost over 3 years
Rokid AI Glasses Style$299
Solos AirGo V2AirGo Elite costs $12.99 a month. It is optional. Over 3 years that is $468.
Unlimited AI and live translation as someone is speaking. The cheaper Premium plan is $4.99 a month and covers ChatGPT only.
RayNeo Air 4 Pro$299
Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2$379
Samsung Galaxy Glasses$379 · soonWeight
Battery life
DeviceOptional subscription
Weights are for the frame as sold, without a case or a charger.
Battery life can vary based on usage, settings and firmware version.
If not this one
Nuance Audio Glasses is our pick for work and meetings. Where it does not lead, here is what does, and why you would switch.
- If the assistant is the reason you are buyingMeta Glasses (2026)
You ask Meta AI through the glasses and it answers there.
- If you want to play games on itRayNeo Air 4 Pro
It runs a 120Hz display, and there is a Switch bundle.
- If the camera decides itSolos AirGo V2
The frames take photos and record video.
Quick answers
All FAQsQuick answers
How much do Nuance Audio Glasses cost?
$699.00 at Nuance Audio's US store, in the Square or the Panthos frame. The newer Nuance Audio Plus starts at $829.00.
What are Nuance Audio Glasses?
Glasses with a hearing aid built into the frame. They are an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Directional microphones pick up sound and open-ear speakers in the frame play it back, with no earbuds.
Are Nuance Audio Glasses FDA cleared?
Yes. EssilorLuxottica announced on February 3, 2025 that the FDA had cleared its OTC Nuance Audio Glasses. As an over-the-counter hearing aid, you can buy them without a prescription or an audiologist visit.
Feb 3, 2025 · Announced
FDA clears Nuance Audio Glasses
Apr 8, 2025 · Went on sale
Nuance Audio Glasses launch in the US
At a glance
THIS PRODUCTNuance Audio Glasses
COMPARE WITHMeta Ray-Ban Gen 2Works with
Nuance Audio app on iOS 16 or later and Android 12 or laterConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026
iOS & Android
Price
The starting list price, not a temporary sale price. It is usually the first thing that rules a product in or out.
From $699
From $379
Frame choice
Frame shape and size decide whether they suit your face, and it is the hardest thing to change after buying.
Square and Panthos, in Shiny Black or Shiny BurgundyConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026
Wayfarer, Skyler, Headliner, Blayzer Optics, Scriber OpticsReported: Meta · Jul 11, 2026150+ combinations
Show 14 more specifications⌄
Video
Camera hardware changes what you can capture and which visual features are possible.
Unknown
3K at 30fpsReported: Ray-Ban (official) · Jul 11, 2026
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other connections determine what the device can work with.
Bluetooth Low Energy to the Nuance Audio appConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026no phone calls
Bluetooth 5.3Confirmed: Meta (official) · Jul 11, 2026Wi-Fi 6
Frame partner
The eyewear partner decides the styles, the shops and where you get them fitted.
Unknown
EssilorLuxottica / Ray-BanReported: Wikipedia · Jul 11, 2026
Hands-free capture
Unknown
Capture button + voice ('Hey Meta')Confirmed: Meta (official) · Jul 11, 2026
Microphones
More microphones is usually how a device picks your voice out of a noisy room.
6 microphones, directional with beamformingConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026
5-mic (standard) / 6-mic (Optics frames)Confirmed: UploadVR · Jul 13, 2026
Walking directions
Unknown
Audio turn-by-turn walking directions (driving pushed to phone)Confirmed: Meta Help (official) · Jul 11, 2026
Open-ear speakers
YesConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026two hidden open-ear speakers in the frame
YesConfirmed: Meta Newsroom (about.fb.com) · Jul 13, 20262x open-ear speakers
Prescription lenses
For glasses, prescription support can decide whether the product is usable at all.
Takes prescription lenses, including TransitionsConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026
Via LensCrafters & Sunglass HutReported: LensCrafters · Jul 11, 2026
Ongoing cost
Some products need a membership after you buy the hardware.
Unknown
OptionalConfirmed: The Verge · Jul 12, 2026$19.99/mo
Visual AI
AI features vary from simple voice help to camera-based assistants.
Unknown
Look and ask Meta AI about what you seeConfirmed: Meta (official) · Jul 11, 2026
Water resistance
Water resistance matters for workouts, showers, swimming and everyday accidents.
IP54: dust and splashesConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026not for showering or swimming
IPX4Confirmed: Meta (official) · Sep 23, 2026
More specs⌄
Processor
The processor affects speed, efficiency and which features the device can support.
Unknown
Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1Confirmed: Qualcomm · Jul 11, 2026
AI platform
AI features vary from simple voice help to camera-based assistants.
Unknown
Meta AIConfirmed: Meta Newsroom · Jul 11, 2026
Ar capable
Display size and type affect what you can see and how the product feels to use.
Unknown
No
Controls
One button for power and volumeConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026double tap switches Frontal and 360 degree audio modes
NoConfirmed: PCMag · Jul 11, 2026touchpad + voice
Sport
Unknown
No
Software
Software affects apps, updates and how well the device fits your other products.
Unknown
MetaConfirmed: Meta Newsroom · Jul 11, 2026
Phone needed
Some products work on their own while others depend on a companion phone.
The app is required for calibration and firmware updates
NoConfirmed: PCMag · Jul 11, 2026phone required
Battery
More time between charges usually makes a wearable easier to live with.
Up to 8 hrs of continuous useConfirmed: Nuance Audio · Oct 10, 2026about 3 hrs for a full charge
8 hrsReported: Meta Newsroom · Jul 11, 2026
Where to buy
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links.
Similar products to consider
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Nuance Audio Glasses
Top questions
How much do Nuance Audio Glasses cost?
$699.00 at Nuance Audio's US store, in the Square or the Panthos frame. The newer Nuance Audio Plus starts at $829.00.
What are Nuance Audio Glasses?
Glasses with a hearing aid built into the frame. They are an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Directional microphones pick up sound and open-ear speakers in the frame play it back, with no earbuds.
Are Nuance Audio Glasses FDA cleared?
Yes. EssilorLuxottica announced on February 3, 2025 that the FDA had cleared its OTC Nuance Audio Glasses. As an over-the-counter hearing aid, you can buy them without a prescription or an audiologist visit.
How do I know if Nuance Audio Glasses are right for my hearing?
The instructions list the signs of perceived mild to moderate hearing loss: trouble hearing speech in noisy places or on the phone, finding it hard to follow speech in groups, listening making you tired, and turning the TV or radio up louder than others like. If you cannot hear speech even in a quiet room, or do not hear loud sounds well, the instructions point you to a hearing healthcare professional.
Who should not use Nuance Audio Glasses?
Anyone under 18: OTC hearing aids are only for adults. The instructions say to see a doctor, preferably an ear, nose and throat doctor, first if you have ear pain, blood, pus or fluid from your ear in the past 6 months, a sudden change in hearing in the past 6 months, worse hearing or ringing in only one ear, or dizziness. They may not be right for you if they whistle at a volume that is comfortable, or do not amplify enough at the highest volume.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 8 hours of continuous use when new and fully charged, in quiet places at low volume. Expect 7 to 8 hours in moderate background noise, and 5.5 to 7 hours in loud places at high volume. A full charge takes about 3 hours.
Does the battery wear out, and can it be replaced?
After about 500 full charges, roughly 16 months at one charge a day, the battery is expected to hold at least 85% of its original capacity, or at least 6 hours and 48 minutes of use. The lithium-ion battery is not user-replaceable.
How do Nuance Audio Glasses charge?
On the Nuance Audio Charging Pad, which comes in the box with a USB-C cable. They will not charge on a generic wireless charging pad.
Can I take phone calls with Nuance Audio Glasses?
No. Bluetooth calls are not available on Nuance Audio Glasses. The Nuance Audio Plus adds calls with an iPhone on iOS 16 or later.
What settings can I change?
Four presets, A to D, for different hearing needs; two audio modes, Frontal for the person in front of you and All-Around for everything around you; three levels of background noise reduction; and volume on a scale from 1 to 5.
Can I get Nuance Audio Glasses with my prescription?
Yes. They take your own prescription lenses, including Transitions lenses. Lenses must be fitted by Luxottica or an authorized dealer: damage from fitting them anywhere else is not covered by the warranty.
Are Nuance Audio Glasses waterproof?
No. They are rated IP54, which protects against dust and splashes of water. Do not wear them in the shower or while swimming.
What is the return policy and warranty?
Nuance Audio gives you 30 days to return them, and buyers in California get 45 days from delivery. Returns must include all parts, accessories and packaging. The limited warranty covers defects for one year from purchase in the US.
What comes in the box?
The glasses, a folding case, a cleaning cloth, the Nuance Audio Charging Pad and a USB-C charging cable. The remote control is sold separately.
How are Nuance Audio Glasses different from Nuance Audio Plus?
The Plus launched on September 29, 2026 from $829 and is rated up to 10 hours against 8. It adds calls with an iPhone, a power slider and volume buttons, stronger amplification and three frame styles. The original Nuance Audio Glasses stay on sale at $699.00.
Using it
Can I get prescription lenses?
Yes, you can. The frames can be glazed to your prescription.
What does it cost?
It costs $699. That is the list price.
Does it work with my phone?
Yes, it works with an iPhone or an Android phone.
How many microphones?
It has 6 microphones. They handle calls, voice control and recording.
Battery and charging
How fast does it charge?
It charges in 180 minutes, to 100%. That is wired, with a fast charger.
Water
Can it get wet (shower, pool, swimming)?
Yes for sweat and rain, but not for the shower. Its rating is IP54. It is rated for splashes, not immersion.
Price and models
When did the Nuance Audio Glasses come out?
It went on sale April 8, 2025.
Is there a newer one?
No. The Nuance Audio Glasses is the current model.