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Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 vs Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006

Both are the same Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses, so the camera, open-ear speakers, microphones and touch controls are effectively identical. The Gen 2 RW4012 adds photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight, while the RW4006 ships with polarized lenses that cut glare. Owners rate both 3.8 out of 5, and the recurring complaints are battery life and the chunky plastic frame rather than the optics. Buy the Gen 2 if you want one pair for indoors and outdoors; buy the RW4006 if you mostly wear them outside and want polarized glare control.

  • Choose the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 RW4012 if you want photochromic lenses that shift from clear to tinted so one pair covers indoor and outdoor wear.
  • Choose the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006 601/SB if you want polarized lenses for driving and bright days and prefer the classic black frame.

Prices

  • Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2: $379.00 at Meta (last seen Nov 9)
  • Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006: $185.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006 is $194.00 cheaper than the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 RW4012

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 RW4012

3.8(1,179 ratings)
$379.00at MetaChecked 22 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Meta

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • One pair works indoors and outdoors
  • Photochromic lenses adapt to changing light
  • Full Meta smart features: camera, speakers, mics
  • Classic Wayfarer shape in a distinctive blue
Cons
  • Photochromic lenses do not polarize
  • Tint change is slower than swapping glasses
  • Battery life draws complaints from owners
  • Plastic frame feels less premium than metal
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006 601/SB

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006 601/SB

3.8(2,096 ratings)
$185.00at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Polarized lenses cut glare on roads and water
  • Black frame suits almost any outfit
  • Same Meta smart features as the Gen 2
  • Larger pool of owner ratings to judge by
Cons
  • Fixed tint is awkward indoors and at night
  • No photochromic adaptation
  • Battery life draws complaints from owners
  • Plastic frame feels less premium than metal

What separates them

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006
Lens typePhotochromic: clear indoors, darkens in UV lightPolarized: fixed tint that reduces glare
Frame colorShiny Cosmic BlueBlack
Glare controlTints in sun but does not polarizePolarized lenses cut glare off water and roads
Indoor useStays clear enough to wear insideTinted, so less suited to low light
Smart featuresCamera, speakers, microphones, Bluetooth, touch controlsCamera, speakers, microphones, Bluetooth, touch controls
BuildPlastic Wayfarer frame, whole framePlastic Wayfarer frame, whole frame
Owner rating3.8 out of 5 from 1,179 ratings3.8 out of 5 from 2,096 ratings
UV protectionYesYes

Price history

$379.00$190.99
Nov 9Nov 10
  • Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2: lowest $379.00 on Nov 9 at Meta; $379.00 on Nov 10.
  • Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006: lowest $190.99 on Nov 9 at Best Buy; $190.99 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2

  • MetaNew

    In stock

    $379.00Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Meta
  • LenscraftersNew

    In stock

    $459.00Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Lenscrafters
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $459.00Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • GlassesNew

    In stock

    $459.00Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Glasses

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 10 stores and price history →

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006

  • Ray-BanNew

    In stock

    $284.00Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Ray-Ban
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by madison-buy-sell-trade (99.3% positive, 1,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $69.99+ $7.50 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • eBayRefurbished

    Availability unknownSold by metaofficial (99.7% positive, 30,400 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $179.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by kigyu-0 (96.6% positive, 27 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $185.00+ $6.99 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRay-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006
Frame ColorBlueBlack
Frame ShapeWayfarerWayfarer
Frame TypeWhole FrameWhole Frame
Manufacturer ColorShiny Cosmic BlueBlack
Frame MaterialPlasticPlastic
Lens ColorBlue, TransparentTransparent
GenderUnisexUnisex

What reviewers say

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2

  • 3.8 / 51,179 ratings

Owners like the look and the convenience of quick photos and calls, and many say the open-ear audio is good enough for podcasts and walking. Complaints center on battery life, thin sound, app problems and a camera that struggles in low light.

What people mention
  • BatteryCriticisedOwners say a few hours of music or video use drains the glasses quickly and the charging case is needed often.
  • SoundMixedSpeakers are clear for podcasts and calls but thin on bass and audible to people nearby at higher volumes.
  • CameraMixedPhotos and short clips are handy for social sharing, but low-light shots are noisy and detail is limited.
  • ComfortPraisedThe plastic Wayfarer frame is light and most owners wear it for hours without pressure.

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer RW4006

  • 3.8 / 52,096 ratings

Owners enjoy the hands-free camera and the convenience of audio in a familiar frame. Many find the battery life limiting and the photo quality mixed, especially indoors, and some feel the smart features do not justify the premium over plain Wayfarers.

What people mention
  • BatteryCriticisedOwners say the battery runs down fast when shooting video or listening for long stretches.
  • CameraMixedPhotos and clips are handy outdoors but look soft and noisy in dim light.
  • SoundPraisedSpeakers are clear enough for podcasts and calls, with little leakage at moderate volume.
  • FitMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for driving?
The RW4006. Its polarized lenses cut glare from roads, dashboards and water, which photochromic lenses do not do. The Gen 2 darkens in sun but does not polarize.
Which is better if I want one pair for everything?
The Gen 2 RW4012. Photochromic lenses stay clear indoors and darken outside, so you can wear the same pair at a desk and on a walk. The RW4006 is tinted all the time.
Do they have the same smart features?
Yes. Both are Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarers with a camera, open-ear speakers, microphones, Bluetooth and touch controls. The difference is the lens and frame color, not the electronics.
Which lasts longer?
Build is the same plastic Wayfarer frame on both, so wear should be similar. Battery life is the shared weak point, and owners of both report it as the main gripe.
Is the Gen 2 worth stepping up to?
Only if photochromic lenses matter to you. If you mostly wear sunglasses outdoors, the RW4006's polarized lenses are the more useful choice and cost less hassle.
Can I wear either at night?
The Gen 2 is the better pick for evening use because its lenses clear up indoors and in low light. The RW4006 stays tinted, which limits night wear.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Bluetooth audio sunglasses
The frame is comfortable but noticeably heavier than standard Wayfarers.