Apple Vision Pro and Its Alternatives: The Best AR Glasses of 2025

So we’ve all seen the hype around the Apple Vision Pro. It’s sleek, it’s powerful, and honestly… it’s crazy expensive. Like, unless you’ve got a few thousand bucks just chillin’ in your savings, it’s a hard pass for most of us. But don’t worry, Apple isn’t the only player in the AR game. 2025 has actually been wild for AR tech, and there are some seriously impressive alternatives out there that won’t have you selling a kidney.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of augmented reality—whether it’s for gaming, productivity, or just flexing some cool futuristic eyewear—here’s a list of some of the best AR glasses you can check out this year that are and aren’t the Apple Vision Pro.

1. Meta Quest 3

Okay, technically this one’s a mixed reality headset, not pure AR glasses—but hear me out. The Meta Quest 3 is surprisingly solid for both VR and AR stuff. It’s more compact than the older models, and the passthrough mode is way better now. You can actually see your surroundings with decent clarity, which makes using AR apps feel more natural.

Also, it’s way more affordable than the Vision Pro. You’re looking at a few hundred bucks instead of a few thousand, which makes a huge difference. Plus, Meta’s been dropping a ton of updates lately, and the app ecosystem keeps getting better.

The 128GB version is priced at $499.99 USD

2. XREAL Air 2 (formerly Nreal)

These things are super lightweight and honestly kinda look like regular sunglasses. The XREAL Air 2 glasses are made more for media consumption, but there’s some decent AR functionality too. Think of it like having a huge floating screen in front of you—you can watch Netflix, browse the web, or even do light work if you connect it to your phone or PC.

They’re not gonna replace your laptop or anything, but they’re perfect for travel or just zoning out on the couch. Also, the price? Way more wallet-friendly than Apple’s offering.

Currently, they’re on sale for $249.00 USD

3. Magic Leap 2

Magic Leap kinda fell off the radar for a while, but they’ve made a solid comeback with the Magic Leap 2. This one’s definitely more for professionals—think doctors, engineers, and folks in enterprise fields. It’s got killer optics and depth sensing, and it’s made to work in super bright environments (like actual surgeries).

So yeah, probably not something you’d wear at home while making a sandwich, but if you’re into high-end AR and want something powerful without going the Apple route, it’s worth a look.

The Developer Pro edition starts at $4,099 USD, while the Enterprise edition is priced at $4,999 USD

4. Rokid Max

This one caught me off guard. Rokid Max isn’t super flashy, but it does a pretty solid job at delivering immersive AR experiences. It’s another glasses-style device, pretty comfy to wear, and it supports a floating screen that can go up to 215 inches (virtually, of course).

Great for watching stuff, gaming, or even working remotely. What I like is that it’s simple to set up—just plug it into your phone or a compatible device and you’re good to go. The price is also way more reasonable than you’d expect.

The current sale price is $339.00 USD, down from the regular price of $379.00 USD.

5. Lenovo ThinkReality A3

If you’re into productivity and want AR that actually helps you get work done, the Lenovo ThinkReality A3 is a solid pick. It’s designed to extend your desktop into the AR world, so you can have multiple virtual monitors while still seeing your real-life desk.

They work with Lenovo laptops and Motorola phones (Lenovo owns Motorola now, in case you missed that news). The catch? These are mostly targeted at enterprise users, so the average consumer might find the setup a bit clunky. But still, they’re a great Apple Vision Pro alternative if you’re not just here to watch movies.

The PC Edition is available for $1,506.99 USD.

6. TCL RayNeo X2

TCL is known for TVs and phones, but now they’ve jumped into AR—and honestly? Not bad at all. The RayNeo X2 looks like regular glasses but packs a decent AR punch. You get real-time translation, GPS navigation, and a built-in camera for hands-free pics or videos.

It’s still early days for this one, but TCL is aiming for a more mainstream audience, which is awesome. They’re not charging a ridiculous amount either, so if you’re just curious about AR and wanna try it out without the big commitment, these might be the way to go.

They’re currently priced at $799.00 USD.

7. Apple Vision Pro and Its price – Worth it or Nah?

Alright, so Apple Vision Pro is a big deal. It’s basically a mixed reality headset that blends AR and VR into one super sleek package. You can watch movies, scroll through your apps, work on stuff, and even FaceTime—all in this crazy 3D-like environment. It honestly feels like something out of a sci-fi movie.

But here’s the catch—it costs $3,499. Yep, you read that right. That’s like the price of a decent used car or a whole gaming setup. For most of us, it’s a hard pill to swallow, especially when there are other headsets out there for a fraction of the price.

Now, to be fair, it’s packed with wild tech—eye tracking, hand gestures, spatial audio, and that ultra-clear display Apple’s bragging about. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and love early adopter stuff, maybe it’s worth it for you. But for the rest of us? Probably gonna wait a few years till there’s a cheaper version… or, you know, rent one just to see what all the hype’s about.

Honestly, it looks cool as hell—but dang, that price tag stings.

Final Thoughts

Look, the Apple Vision Pro is cool. No denying that. But it’s also super expensive and, let’s be honest, a bit overkill for most casual users. The good news? 2025 has been awesome for AR innovation. Whether you’re into gaming, working remotely, or just wanna watch Netflix on a virtual 100-inch screen in bed—there’s something out there for you that won’t destroy your budget.

If I had to pick a favorite? Probably the XREAL Air 2 for chill use and the Meta Quest 3 for all-around value. But hey, everyone’s needs are different. Just do a little research, figure out what features matter most to you, and don’t fall into the trap of thinking Apple’s the only option.

The AR world is only getting better, and honestly, it’s kind of exciting to see where it’s all heading.

Also read: https://thephoneyguy.com/best-gaming-phones-in-2025-whats-worth-your-money/