Xreal's New Budget Display Glasses Can Change Their Look on the Fly
X by Xreal is arriving in July for $299, and they look to compete with TCL's budget glasses.
Scott Stein
CNET
3 min read
5/10
Key Takeaways
Xreal's X glasses launch in July 2025 at $299, making them one of the cheapest AR display glasses on the market.
The glasses feature magnetic interchangeable front frames, allowing users to change the look from classic black to patterns or woodgrain.
They compete directly with TCL's RayNeo Air 2 budget glasses, which also retail around $299 but lack customizable faceplates.
Xreal (formerly Nreal) has been in the AR space since 2017; the X glasses are their most consumer-focused product yet.
The glasses weigh 79g and offer a 46-degree field of view, compatible with USB-C smartphones for instant screen casting.
For just $299, Xreal's latest smart glasses can swap their appearance like a fashion accessory—a move that could finally bring augmented reality to the style-conscious consumer. Xreal, the Chinese augmented reality company formerly known as Nreal, has unveiled its newest product: the X by Xreal display glasses, set to launch in July 2025. Priced at a competitive $299, these lightweight glasses are designed to turn any smartphone into a virtual screen, but their standout feature is the ability to change their look on the fly with interchangeable front frames. The X by Xreal glasses position themselves as a direct rival to TCL's budget AR offerings, which have been vying for a piece of the still-nascent consumer AR market. TCL, through its RayNeo brand, has released its own sub-$300 smart glasses, but Xreal's focus on aesthetics sets it apart in a category mostly dominated by utilitarian designs. Xreal has been a pioneer in consumer AR since its Nreal Light days, but the company rebranded last year to emphasize a broader vision. The X by Xreal glasses continue that trajectory by targeting early adopters who want a taste of spatial computing without breaking the bank. Key details include a July launch, the $299 price point, and compatibility with most USB-C smartphones for screen mirroring. The glasses themselves weigh under 80 grams and promise a 46-degree field of view—comparable to competitors. The interchangeable front plates, which snap on magnetically, allow users to go from a sleek black to a tortoiseshell or patterned look in seconds. Xreal CEO Chi Xu emphasized in a company statement that "style should not be sacrificed for technology." Analysts see this as a calculated play: while the Xreal X glasses $299 price undercuts premium headsets like the Apple Vision Pro by thousands, the real battle is against other budget AR glasses. The Xreal X glasses $299 launch comes at a time when the AR market is still seeking a killer app; most consumers remain unaware of the technology's utility. By making the glasses fashion-friendly, Xreal hopes to lower the mental barrier for wearing a gadget on one's face in public. The broader implication is that AR devices are gradually evolving from niche developer kits to mainstream lifestyle products, and pricing alongside customization could accelerate adoption. Looking ahead, Xreal plans to ship the first batch of X glasses in July, with preorders opening shortly. Milestones to watch include third-party frame designs and mobile app updates that expand functionality. If the Xreal X glasses $299 find an audience, expect both Xreal and TCL to double down on style-driven AR, potentially forcing Apple and Meta to rethink their own high-end strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
X by Xreal are budget augmented reality display glasses that project a virtual screen from your smartphone. They feature interchangeable front frames to change the look and are priced at $299, launching in July 2025.
Xreal X glasses are scheduled for release in July 2025. Preorders are expected to open shortly before the launch date.
The Xreal X glasses have a retail price of $299, making them one of the most affordable AR glasses on the market.
Xreal glasses use magnetic interchangeable front frames that snap on and off, allowing users to switch between different colors and patterns in seconds.
Both Xreal and TCL offer budget AR glasses around $300. Xreal's X glasses focus on customizable aesthetics with interchangeable frames, while TCL's RayNeo Air 2 emphasizes lighter weight and a more traditional design without frame swapping.
