Augmented reality is changing the way we experience the world. AR allows us to see the world differently by layering digital elements over our physical environment. Its applications stretch far and wide, but it’s a new evolution for gamers.
Many AR glasses are on the market, but not all are designed for the serious gamer. In this article, we explore the best AR glasses for gaming and look at their key features, their costs, how you can use them for gaming, and whether there are any potential risks to viewing the world in AR.
At a glance:
Best AR Glasses for Gaming
Top Pick — MyW
If you’re searching for the best AR gaming glasses, check out our MyW devices. MyW augmented reality glasses project a large virtual screen before your eyes, allowing you to enjoy an immersive gaming experience anywhere and anytime.
MyW glasses deliver crisp picture quality and get great reviews for their display feature alone. One Amazon reviewer writes,
“...the display technology of these AR glasses is absolutely remarkable. The high resolution and wide field of view make the augmented reality content come to life with stunning clarity and detail. Whether I'm exploring virtual worlds, interacting with 3D objects, or watching captivating AR videos, the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking.”
Along with a 90” high-resolution display, MyW glasses feature a double microphone, built-in speakers that deliver high-quality sound, and a 1300W/13MP camera. Unlike some brands’ headsets, they are very lightweight, so you can enjoy a comfortable gaming experience on a plane, on the beach, or at home.
MyW devices run a modified Android operating system with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
You can play any cloud-based or app-based game from the Google Play store and games from popular consoles like PS5 and Xbox. Removable polarized lenses offer added light-blocking outdoors in full sun or indoors in bright lighting.
The capabilities of MyW glasses extend far beyond gaming. They are ideal for streaming movies and shows, browsing the internet, diving into social media, and taking vibrant photos and videos with an immersive first-person point of view.
With a built-in translation app, subtitles will even appear when someone speaks to you in a foreign language.
If you wear regular glasses, don’t worry. Our moddable frames let your optician fit them with custom lenses that match your prescription exactly.
Dream Glass Flow
The Dream Glass Flow is one of the best gaming AR glasses sets available today. With these, you can play AR games from your Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, via your Playstation or Xbox, and from all cloud-based gaming platforms. With a 120” virtual screen, you’ll never want to play games on your handheld, phone, or computer monitor again.
These glasses offer 3D rendering capability, a micro-OLED screen, dual speakers, and the option to pair with wired or Bluetooth speakers when you want complete privacy.
Unlike the bulky VR headsets of the past, these headsets look just like sunglasses. They can be configured with HDMI connections to consoles, Type-C hub connections, or iPhone hub connections for use with iOS devices.
If you wear prescription or corrective lenses, you won’t have to wear them with this AR headset. With knobs at the top of the frame, you can adjust the lenses to match prescriptions in the 0 to -5.00D myopia range.
XREAL
XREAL makes several great models of AR glasses for spatial computing, including the XREAL Air, the XREAL Air 2, and the XREAL Air 2 Pro.
All models resemble regular sunglasses, but the XREAL Air 2 Pro is the most feature-packed. It’s also the lightest and thinnest option, with dimming levels that allow you to make bright screens dimmer or dim screens brighter as you move indoors, outdoors, and through different lighting conditions.
The XREAL Air 2 Pro features a Sony micro-OLED screen, directional audio, two microphones, and flicker-free, low-blue-light displays that make using this headset easy on the eyes.
XREAL glasses are directly compatible with any device offering USB-C video output, but you’ll need to add the XREAL Beam to play games via your Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox X series, or Xbox S series.
If you’re a Steam Deck fan, these are an excellent choice, as XREAL glasses are widely regarded as some of the best AR glasses for Steam Deck handhelds.
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro isn’t like other AR glasses, nor is its cost. At a starting price of $3,499 (five to ten times more than you’ll pay for AR glasses from XREAL, MyW, or Rokid), it’s simply out of the budget for most gamers.
Undoubtedly, the Apple Vision Pro is the future of augmented reality, but until its price drops, it won’t be attainable for the masses.
Price aside, let’s talk about features. The Apple Vision Pro pretty much has it all. It offers a blend of VR and AR, allowing for a mixed reality experience that strictly AR and pure VR devices can’t deliver. Some gamers think these are the best AR glasses for playing games. Some do not.
The Apple Vision Pro connects with handheld Bluetooth-enabled devices and iOS app-based games. However, to play PS5 or Xbox games, you must use a third-party app. Neither the Sony nor Xbox streaming apps are directly available on the Vision Pro.
The Apple Vision Pro is not a viable option for most gamers, as the $3,500+ price tag is an unaffordable, serious splurge. Although its technology is best-in-class, plenty of other great options will cost you a fraction of the price and deliver similar-quality experiences with a fraction of the neck strain.
Rokid Air AR Glasses
The Rokid Air is one of the best AR glasses to play video games on if you want to embrace augmented reality on a budget.
You can game with Rokid Air glasses using any HDMI gaming device. An HDMI to USB-C adapter also allows you to connect Rokid AR glasses to Android phones with USB-C display ports.
Other key features include four levels of brightness control, two directional HD speakers, and two noise-canceling headphones.
Rokid is introducing the Rokid AR Lite glasses, which feature integrated spatial computing, a fully immersive multi-screen experience, and a virtual 215” display.
Shop Rokid Air AR Glasses here
Viture
Technically, Viture glasses aren’t AR glasses — they’re XR glasses that offer an excellent gaming option. XR stands for extended reality, a hybrid of VR and AR. XR glasses blur the line (in the best way possible) between the physical and digital worlds, and Viture does it better than most.
Viture glasses are compatible with most USB-C devices, including many iOS, Android, and Steam Deck devices, offering a seamless and pixel-free virtual screen.
Viture One XR glasses are great for watching movies, streaming shows, and accessing entertainment from anywhere at any time. Dimmable electrochromic films, built-in HARMAN AudioEFX speakers, and full support for various gaming consoles make them the preferred choice of many gamers.
FAQs
Can You Play Games on AR Glasses?
AR glasses can be used for various purposes, such as streaming shows, watching movies, using social media, exercising, and learning. But for serious gamers who want to play their favorite games from anywhere, they take the gaming experience to a whole new level.
Unlike VR glasses that place you in a virtual world, AR glasses overlay digital information on top of your analog worldview. The technology creates a unique, immersive experience ideal for gaming and provides you with a large screen on which to play without the need for a TV or large computer screen.
As long as you’re connected to Wifi, you can play your favorite games anywhere, anytime.
AR glasses are compatible with app-based games and cloud-based gaming platforms, but not all brands are compatible with all gaming systems. Whether you’re looking to play games on your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, PlayStation, or Xbox, be sure to choose glasses compatible with your preferred gaming console.
What Are the Best AR Glasses for Gaming?
All of the AR glasses we reviewed above are excellent for gamers. Still, there are so many other applications and ways to use AR technology that we recommend looking at additional features when deciding which glasses to purchase.
The best AR glasses are the ones you’ll use the most. Choose a pair that offers high-quality performance and a top-quality visual display, and there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself wearing them even when you’re not trying to level up or finish a campaign.
How Much Do AR Glasses for Gaming Typically Cost?
AR glasses range from as little as $319 for the Rokid Air to as much as $3,899 for the Apple Vision Pro (or over $5,000 with all the optional add-ons). Prices vary based on a variety of factors, including:
- The quality of the display
- The features included
- The quality of the speakers and camera
- The amount of storage
- The material used in the construction of the glasses and lenses
Remember that the list price might not be your final price.
For example, the XREAL Air 2 Pro lists for $449, but if you want to connect them with your Nintendo Switch, Xbox X/S, or PS5, you’ll also need to purchase the XREAL Beam for an additional $119. The Viture One XR lists for $549, but if you have an iPhone 14 or earlier model, you’ll also need to purchase a separate HDMI adapter for $99.
The Apple Vision Pro's price varies depending on the amount of storage you choose. Prices start at $3,499 for 256GB and increase to $3,699 for 512GB and $3,899 for 1TB. Then there are additional options like AppleCare and even a $200 case to put the glasses in when you’re not using them.
Don’t decide based on the list price alone when purchasing AR glasses. Consider any adapters you’ll need to make them compatible with your favorite games, and compare prices and features from brand to brand.
What Are the Potential Risks of Using AR Glasses for Gaming?
As exciting and immersive as AR glasses can be, they have the potential to impact both your ocular and physical health.
AR Glasses Can Distract You From Your Surroundings
Layering a digital screen over your analog world view can be distracting. If you choose to wear AR glasses when you’re out and about, do so with caution. Do not get so absorbed in augmented reality that you disregard things like traffic signals, passing cars, other pedestrians, or tripping hazards.
AR Glasses Expose You to Blue Light
We’re exposed to blue light almost constantly. Every phone, tablet, TV, computer screen, and AR display emits it — as does the sun. Overexposure to blue light can adversely affect sleep patterns and cause prolonged eye damage.
AR Glasses May Cause Eye Strain
Staring at screens, whether physical or virtual, can cause eye strain. This strain can lead to blurry vision, headaches, fatigue, and dry eyes.
Are AR glasses safe? Generally, yes — if you wear them in moderation and don’t overdo it. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you follow the 20-20-20 rule whenever using a digital device: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and set your sights on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Lowering the brightness of your display and wearing AR glasses in a well-lit room can also reduce strain and eye fatigue. If you have any vision concerns before buying or after wearing AR glasses, consult your ophthalmologist.
Where to Buy AR Glasses
Every brand we reviewed above makes superior AR glasses for gaming, yet each offers some unique features and benefits.
Our top choice for AR glasses is our MyW device. With a remarkable high-resolution digital display and fully immersive features, MyW glasses offer a best-in-class experience for gaming, streaming video content, enjoying social media, and more.