Headphones, earphones, and earbuds have long been the standard for personal listening and communication. They come packed with batteries, speakers, microphones, touch controls, and connect seamlessly over Bluetooth. But bringing that same functionality into a pair of smart sunglasses – while keeping them sleek and wearable – has been a challenge for years. Unlike headphones, which can be bold or subtle without raising eyebrows, sunglasses with oversized arms wrapping around the ears instantly give away their techy design. That is, until now. With SoundCore Frames, the bulky look has finally been replaced by something discreet, proving that stylish eyewear and smart features can actually go hand in hand.
A Brief History of Wearable Tech
Few realize that headphones trace their roots all the way back to the 1880s. The very first version weighed over 10 pounds and was worn by telephone switchboard operators. Fast forward to the early 1960s, and wireless radio headphones made their debut, paving the way for decades of innovation that gradually shrank the design into the compact earbuds we know today.
Eyewear has an even longer history. The first wearable glasses appeared in 13th-century Italy, offering vision correction centuries before electronics ever entered the picture. After hundreds of years of refinement – and countless leaps in technology – we’ve arrived at the present moment, where fashion and function finally merge in truly wearable tech.
The Anker SoundCore Frames bridge the gap between wireless headphones and everyday eyewear without the bulky look that often gives away wearable tech. Where other models stand out as gadgets, these frames lean toward subtlety. Their all-black arms create a clean, understated impression, while the interchangeable front frames allow you to match different needs and styles.
In my experience, I’ve enjoyed using the Promenade style while working at my desk, then swapping to the Harbor style sunglasses whenever I head outdoors. The Promenade frames feature fully transparent, blue-light filtering lenses in thin, lightweight stainless steel. The filter is barely visible, yet designed to help reduce eye strain from long hours in front of screens. The Harbor frames, by contrast, have a more rectangular design with stainless steel construction and dark, polarized blue lenses that block up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Both options feel sturdy yet lightweight, offering all-day comfort without pressure or bulk – something that’s rare in this category of tech.
Smart Glasses That Live Up to the Name
What’s most impressive about these glasses is that they actually feel smart in more ways than one. From the moment I tried them, the technology built into each arm grabbed my attention. The integrated speakers create a sense of three-dimensional, ambient sound that shines during podcasts and phone calls alike. Voices over the phone come through with such clarity that it feels as though the person is right there in the room. It’s a unique, almost surreal experience – immersive audio without anything sitting in or over your ears. The closest comparison would be having a face-to-face conversation with someone nearby.
Equally clever is the modular design. Swapping frames takes less than 30 seconds thanks to sturdy metal latches on both sides that click securely into the arms. Once locked in, everything feels solid and aligned – the SoundCore logo on each arm should sit outward and upright. Because all of the technology lives inside the arms, switching frames never compromises sound quality or touch controls.
Battery Life That Lasts
SoundCore’s battery claims hold up in real-world use. The Frames deliver about 5 to 5.5 hours of continuous play on a single charge. In my own testing – streaming YouTube, taking calls, and checking notifications throughout the day—I still had roughly 50% battery remaining by evening.
What makes the difference is efficiency. Because these glasses aren’t meant to stay on nonstop like earbuds, the charge stretches across multiple days of casual use. After the initial “new toy” phase wears off, you’ll likely slip them on for specific routines – like a bike ride, a walk, or a quick call, and barely make a dent in the battery. Adding to that longevity, the Frames automatically power down after two minutes of not being worn, helping conserve every bit of charge.
The SoundCore Frames use a magnetic charging cable with pins that connect to both arms simultaneously. It’s important to check that both arms display a green light when plugged in – if only one light appears, that means only one side is charging. The included cable is fairly thin, and with wear and tear over time, one side could stop working. Fortunately, SoundCore designed it so that even if this happens, you can still charge each arm individually using the working side. It takes longer, but it saves you from having to immediately replace the cable.
First-Gen Stark Style Smart Glasses
When it comes to wearable tech, many people inevitably think of the Marvel Universe—specifically Iron Man. The idea of casually conversing with an AI like J.A.R.V.I.S. or F.R.I.D.A.Y. has long been a vision of the future. In Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark’s glasses, later passed down to Peter Parker as E.D.I.T.H., looked deceptively simple while being highly advanced.
The SoundCore Frames don’t offer a heads-up display, at least not yet – but wearing them creates a surprisingly similar feeling. SoundCore describes it as “A New Dimension of Immersive Sound.” The audio surrounds you, moving with you, while your ears remain completely open to the world around you. Unlike earbuds that mimic ambient awareness by filtering outside noise through microphones, the Frames let you naturally hear your surroundings. Of course, this open-speaker design has trade-offs. In noisy environments, the volume can be comfortably adjusted so only you can enjoy the sound. But in quieter settings, people nearby may overhear. The solution: enable Privacy Mode in the SoundCore app and set the volume to around half. This keeps the experience personal, without tipping off curious ears around you.
Final Thoughts
SoundCore has done an impressive job offering frame styles that blend seamlessly into just about anyone’s aesthetic. The retail package includes one set of frames for $199, with additional styles available for only $50 each. That pricing makes them stand out—most smart glasses don’t give you the option to completely change the look without spending a premium.
The SoundCore Frames feel like a fresh step forward in smart audio eyewear. They’re stylish, versatile, and surprisingly discreet, all while delivering strong performance. For anyone looking to add a unique piece of wearable tech to their lineup, these glasses are an excellent choice heading into 2022. You can find them on Amazon or directly from SoundCore.
