Forget Cameras: Xreal's Virtual Display Glasses Take a Different Approach

Virtual display glasses occupy a niche corner of the smart glasses market, distinct from camera- and AI-equipped devices like Meta's Ray-Ban glasses. Makers such as Xreal, Viture, and Rokid produce glasses that connect via USB-C to a laptop, phone, tablet, or handheld console, mirroring the device's screen as a large holographic projection floating in the wearer's field of view.

Unlike a normal monitor, only the wearer can see this display, offering a degree of privacy — useful, for instance, when viewing sensitive material on a plane. However, built-in speakers in the frames do leak audio to people nearby.

Two models tested

A Wired reviewer tried two Xreal models: the pricier ROG Xreal R1 at $849, offering a 57-degree field of view and a virtual screen equivalent to 171 inches, and the cheaper, lighter Xreal xbx A01+ at $299, with a narrower 50-degree field of view. The R1 allows the screen to be anchored in a fixed spot in space, while the cheaper model's screen moves with head movement, which can feel disorienting.

The glasses draw power from the connected device rather than an internal battery. They work well with gaming consoles and laptops, but extended use causes the glasses to overheat and can strain the eyes, since the projected image remains noticeably blurrier than a standard screen.

Growing category

Industry analysts note that virtual monitor glasses represent the fastest-growing segment of the smart glasses market. Research firm IDC projects around 3 million units sold in 2026, out of nearly 14 million smart glasses overall. Xreal also plans to expand into camera-equipped glasses through Project Aura, a partnership with Google expected to launch later this year.