The future of sunglasses is here…and it’s Bluetooth. Bluetooth sunglasses aren’t your father’s shades. With new high-tech functionality built right into them, they’re a fun, modern take on a traditional staple of summer gear.
What are Bluetooth sunglasses?
Bluetooth sunglasses are traditional sunglasses that have a speaker and microphone embedded in them, along with Bluetooth capability to synch up with your phone.
So you can use them to make or receive phone calls, listen to music or talk to a voice assistant like Siri or Alexa while you’re on the go. All while being hands-free!
Plus, like your typical sunglasses, most Bluetooth sunglasses will block up to 99% of UVA/UVB rays.
What are some of the best Bluetooth sunglasses?
Google Glasses was one of the earliest movers in this wearable technology space, but failed to gain traction in the marketplace.
Only more marginally successful has been Snapchat’s Spectacles, a pair that’s heavy on augmented reality capability in addition to traditional Bluetooth sunglasses features as described above. The latest version of Spectacles has an eye-popping $380 price tag. (Older versions are more affordable, starting at $150).
Moving a bit more into the mainstream, you have options like Bose Alto, the latest version of which has a lower price point ($199.95) than the Snapchat offering. But the key difference here is that the Bose Alto strictly delivers an audio experience; there’s no augmented reality functionality like there is with the Snapchat option.
Where can I find a deal on Bluetooth sunglasses?
In addition to checking directly at manufacturer websites, eBay is one great place to find a deal on Bluetooth sunglasses. At last check, Bose was selling refurbished Alto frames direct on eBay for $129.95. That’s $70 off the list price!
You might also check traditional electronics retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo & Video and even Amazon. For example, Amazon prices a pair of Inventiv Bluetooth sunglasses at just $79. With 3.8 out of 5 stars from reviewers, Inventiv could be a low-cost way for you to try out the world of Bluetooth sunglasses.
But back to the Bose Altos for a moment. We did a price analysis of this popular pair of Bluetooth sunglasses using Camel Camel Camel. The data shows this particular product has an average list price of $186.50 on Amazon.
However, during Black Friday weekend 2020, the price went as low as $169. Conversely, buyers paid the most for Bose Alto frames on Amazon in the early spring — $199 on March 28, 2020. Of course, that’s not a huge difference in price compared to what Bose lists them for on its own website.
But in general, if you’re able to, it pays to try to buy your Bluetooth sunglasses around the time that electronics traditionally go on sale!