The Ultimate Running Duo. An Apple Watch and Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
- Ben Barwick
- Oct 10
- 5 min read
I adore smart tech, and I'm always on the lookout for something shiny and new!
Runners are using a lot of smart technology to capture data — so much data! I believe we're approaching the point of data overload. However, the combination of an Apple Watch and smart glasses can genuinely enhance your overall running experience.
If you're a runner curious about smart tech or looking to upgrade your setup, this post is for you. Many runners take a phone or watch out on a run. While I'm focusing on the Apple Watch in this blog post (as I'm deeply rooted in the Apple ecosystem), there are other combinations you can use. Pairing your watch with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses creates an amazing running experience.
In this post, we'll explore how this combo improves the flow, feeling, and enjoyment of your runs.
Quick Specs at a Glance
The Investment:
Apple Watch: From £219
Ray-Ban Meta: From £329
Total: £548+
Key Features:
Battery life: 4-6 hours active use (glasses) but I haven’t needed to use them for that long.
Water resistance: IPX4 (splash and sweat resistant)
Weight: 48-51g (glasses) — barely noticeable when running
Audio: Open-ear speakers with surprisingly good quality
Why This Combo Works
The Apple Watch handles the metrics and tracking of your run, while the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses enhance your presence and awareness by allowing you to keep your head up and engaged with everything going on around you. Together, they create a seamless, screen-free running experience that keeps you connected without being distracted.
Real-World Running Use Cases
🗣️ Real-time Feedback
Your watch is going to deliver feedback on splits, laps, or even direct your workouts if you're using the Workout app. All this plays through the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, allowing you to hear both your surroundings and your watch without being distracted.
🎶 Music & Podcasts
My favourite use case is using the Ray-Ban Meta to pipe music to you while on a run. No fussing with headphones or getting your AirPods sweaty. Especially good for social runs when you want a bit of music but also want to talk to someone.
🙂 Voice Control on the Move
If you're like me, then you'll get some of your best ideas when out on a run! You can use voice commands to take notes, ask for the time, or message someone mid-run. It feels like a hands-free assistant, allowing you to stay focused on the road.
📸 Photo Time
My second favourite use case — hands-free photos and videos. By pressing (photo) or holding (video) the button on the frame of the glasses, you can take a photo or video while on the move. I've adored going on runs in new places and capturing loads of photos and videos. The quality is sharp enough for social media in good light, though it can be grainy in low light conditions.
🏃♂️ Staying in Flow
Combining the two means the Apple Watch does the tracking silently, and your Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses keep you connected without ever looking at a screen.
This setup is ideal for runners who want to keep their head up, eyes forward, and mind present.
The Setup
I'm not going to labour the point of how to set up or use your Apple Watch — the app you use to track your runs is entirely up to you. Where the Ray-Ban Meta glasses shine is in their Bluetooth connection to your watch.
Unboxing the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
The Ray-Ban Meta come in a very sleek box, and the unboxing experience is a delight. You pull the tab to release the cardboard, and the box opens itself to reveal the glasses case, which also acts as the charger. Open the case to reveal your new glasses.
The Ray-Ban Meta need to be paired with your phone via the Meta View app. This is a fairly seamless experience, and you can set it up to let Meta steal as little of your data as you want! Once paired, the glasses appear as a set of headphones, so you can route audio — either calls or music — to them.
Connecting to Your Apple Watch
Once paired with your phone, the Ray-Ban Meta appear as a Bluetooth headset option on the watch. The connection can occasionally be temperamental, requiring a few attempts to pair — placing them back in the case and taking them out again usually does the trick. Once connected though, the experience has been reliable during runs. A small quirk to be aware of, but nothing that's been a dealbreaker for me.
Pros & Limitations of the Combo
What works brilliantly:
The audio integration is natural and distraction-free
No wires or earphones to manage
Take photos and videos while still on your run
Your sunglasses are sorted too — keeping your eyes and face relaxed
Battery lasts through most runs (4-6 hours)
Sweat and splash resistant for all-weather running
What could be better:
The price — this is an expensive setup at £548+ (though you may already own an Apple Watch)
There's an awkwardness with the Meta voice commands when running fast
The fit is face-dependent — I used the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer and they fit well, but slightly small for my face shape
Can feel very 'odd' wearing sunglasses in the rain
Battery life on glasses means they need charging after every couple of runs
A Natural Pairing for Connected-but-Free Running
The Apple Watch handles the metrics and tracking of your run, while the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses enhance your presence and awareness by allowing you to keep your head up and engaged with everything going on around you.
This is absolutely not an essential piece of kit. But if you enjoy running and listening to music, or hearing from your watch without having to look down all the time — then this is for you. If you're a running tourist who likes to explore but doesn't want to carry a bulky phone or camera around, this is an amazing setup.
I've been so surprised by how enjoyable this combination has made my runs — especially when exploring somewhere new. I can go out, take loads of photos, and listen to music, all while never stopping the run. It's really made my runs a delight. If that sounds like you, then this might be a setup you want to try.
I will be testing out the Oakley Meta HTSN and also Oakley Meta Vanguard, so stay tuned.
Have questions about integrating tech into your training? Whether you're curious about smart gear or looking for a personalized running plan that works with your lifestyle, I'd love to help. Get in touch to learn more about coaching services.
Check our a gallery of some photos taken on the Ray Ban Meta Glasses
