These Are AMAZING! But... - Xreal Air 2 / Air 2 Pro Review 

I worked at the XREAL booth at CES this year and was really impressed with the Air 2 Pro & Ultra. Unfortunately, the agency they hired did not pay us. XREAL told us to kick rocks.

The way everything is starting to come together with XR/VR and all of the big companies jumping in, feels like we are at the flip phone stage.

Got the Air since last year. I'm glad that XREAL had updated those to support 120Hz but at the same time it makes the Air 2 not really an upgrade. These are just for new users if we're being honest. I won't be upgrading my glasses until there is a better FOV or the screen gets a lot better like making it 1440p 144Hz or so. I know 4K is out of the question anytime soon so I'll take those two upgrades for the time being. I wish they would make 3D support a lot better as well.

What I would use this for is a paperless work environment. As a general contractor sharing a set of building plans and constantly carrying them around is a hassle. Would be cool to work while able to glance up and see details of what is being built

Thank you for being the only RU-vidr I’ve found so far to clearly call out HDMI compatibility aside from the thing’s main selling points, clearly shows your passion for this and being transparent with your viewers, subscribed.

Very hard to find honest reviews of the product thank you 🔥

I travel for work, and these are a must for me at this point. Not only because of its use case on a plane but also in my hotel room due to being better than any flat screen for viewing content.

I can’t wait to use this for traveling. Also the 4 corner thing is nice for watching and listening to sports yet still going about your day. I also like it for my HUD for maps while walking or bicycling. Its off in a corner while I can see what’s going on around me.

Thank you for your great XReal review. I could not find a review that answered the should I upgrade question. Based on your comments, I will stay with my XReal Air.

Thank you for your informative and helpful video. I have placed an order for the Air 2 as I don’t mind keeping the blind cover on all the time. I was previously unaware of this information. LOL! Thanks!

This is a very good review because you included your opinions with great justifications.

Good video. How do they work as a second computer screen for work. That is the only reason I am curious about them as I don't game

clarity, detail, and well paced. bravo.

Wish you went deeper from a windows handheld pov, still so many questions! How does it handle Windows HDR? What is the adjustable min fps range? Can you cover more in depth about body anchor mode (resolution loss, smoothness, is the compute handled by the dock)? I swore off all AR glasses because desktop moving with your head causes nausea and body anchor is supposedly the fix for that. Huge for AR glasses if true.

Thank you for the great review, curious to know which one would you prefer/recommend, these or the Rokid Max?

Problems that the quest has that these do not 1. Cannot wear in public without looking crazy. 2. Passthrough is simulated with cameras, not naturally. 3. For me, it's very uncomfortable on face for more than 5 minutes. 4. Cannot play consoles through it. 5. Cannot lay comfortably in bed

Good insight. You totally talked me out of these. Thank you

I have the OG Air and pre-ordered the Air 2 Pro. I wouldn't dream of going with a Quest instead - it's a totally different product. The main reason I upgraded was comfort. I have worn my Airs for way longer than your two hours playing Baldur's Gate III on my Ayaneo 2S. I find that the right arm starts to put pressure on my head behind my ear - the 2 has a flexible ear hook which you didn't mention. I work through that by moving the arm so it sits outside my ear - it works OK for a while. Next discomfort I get is the sheer weight on my nose. The 2 is 10% lighter and with the flexible ear hooks should be way more comfortable. My use case is primarily my Ayaneo, and as it has two USB-C ports I can power the Air from it as long as I want to when plugged in (my normal for the device). I may on occasion use it for Nebula on my Mac, and I more regularly use it for watching videos in bed if my wife is asleep. I went Pro as the mid setting for light blocking might be useful, but also I don't need to carry the blind with me. I didn't know the Pro still came with one and I am really pleased you told me it does, and especially that it has wings at the bottom to shoo reflections of my shirt. Overall not a bad video, but your tone was being pretty down on the Air in comparison to what I think is an entirely different product that most people wouldn't be cross shopping with.

Best review I have seen to date. It does look like things are getting closer to the holy grail I'm looking for - being able to travel lite and work anywhere (mainly using excel and office suite)

Quest 3 with Virtual Desktop is fantastic, but AR glasses are better from a portability standpoint. And you simply can’t use the Quest 3 with any current handheld device.

Will you also be taking a look at the Lenovo legion glasses, that will release alongside the Legion Go? I'm really interested in both of them. Never used AR glasses before and they are actually cheaper than expected and the concept Is really cool. But I need them to work with prescription glasses.

I just got the Rokid Max glasses. I was under the impression that you can’t see any pixels but that’s definitely not the case. It’s so bad it’s distracting. Not as noticeable when watching video but any menus and especially text looks blocky. They also don’t sit very well on my nose no matter how I adjust it. You need an adapter to use them on a PS5. iPhone 15’s you can just plug them in.

You rock mate, your reviews are amazing

I got the Air 1 for $200USD for the purpose of viewing movies and games on a "big" OLED screen on my 1 hour train rides to and from work. And let me tell you, it's a really good viewing experience. Albeit, there is A LOT of light leaking into the glasses... I had to get a 3D printed thing from etsy, and it made it a 7/10 viewing experience to a 9/10.

Having used both Viture XR one and Xreal Air 2, which of the two would you recommend? I recently purchased Viture one XR and main decision factor was the diopter so I can adjust the vision without having to use any additional lenses. Specs on Xreal air 2 seems better in every way, so I was wondering if I maybe made the wrong decision purchasing the Viture one XR and the neckband. Would love your insight comparing the two. Thanks ! Love your reviews !

Thank you. I think I'll stick with my v1 glasses. As always tempted by newer versions but there just doesn't seem to be enough to justify the cost difference even if I consider what I could get for the v1s. The biggest draw is the better comfort, but the originals aren't too bad for a couple of hours.

My biggest use case would be working on them, like literally have 20 terminals open and typing stuff. The second use case would be a UI for my DJ controller. That third mode or second mode might do. The essence is that if you have a prescription the laptop might be just at the right distance or not... This might defeat that problem that you can or can not read the selector for the next track.

Specifically with the steam deck there is supposed to be a decky plugin introducing the body anchor mode without needing the beam.

Subscribing for the honesty

Are they able to connect to a device wirelessly? For example, Have them plugged into a power bank for power, but bluetooth connection to a phone for video?

subbed just for this honest review!

Ok, that anchor mode is a game changer. That's literally why i stopped using the nreal air after a month. It was too disorienting having the screen tied to your head and having to use your eyes to look. Plus, the "jiggle." I sit on a lot of airplanes and if there was ANY turbulence, the glasses would be unusable. Does anyone know if i can firmware update the nreal air to do the same thing?

Hi! I have pre ordered the Air 2 and the X Beam. I thought that i use a HDMI cable to USB C with a extra usb power at the same Cable. There are some to buy at A…. I want to use the Glasses with my Desktop PC as well. Do you know if this could be possible? THX

This was a really useful video and swayed me to lean towards the pro for travel. Not sure I need a beam yet. Considering that for my drone

I already have the original Air. I love them. I also have the Beam. I wish they would have standalone apps specifically on the Beam. I’d love to have RU-vid and some educational and productivity apps available on the Beam. Still waiting for their Windows Nebula app. Now that the iPhone 15 has the USB-C I hope they make their Nebula app for the iPhone as the new iPhone supports advanced graphics triple A gaming experience with Ray-tracing.

What must I buy between the Quest 3 and Xreal Air 2? I basically want something that can give me 3 extra screens when working (and added games, movies is a nice), but main function is displays when working. Currently I can get both for same price due to November deals.

Are you able to compare them to the RayNeo Air 2 AR Glasses ? Going to be using them for steam deck and streaming media. Got them for 300 and want to know if it's worth it to keep this one or exchange for Xreal.

Which would you recommend for working at home? I have my own 3 screen (including laptop) set up at home but working on my couch seems appealing. Also, when i travel i am interested in taking multiple screens on the go with minimal hardware.

I'm told that some people use this while cycling and that's where side-mode comes in handy for GPS maps.

The Beam seems to claim a bigger display, is that really the case? Again was tempted, but I think I'll stick with it on my iPad, Steam deck and Mac rather than the faff related to the Switch and iPhone (the latter I'll solve with an iPhone 16)

Hey Phawx I have the air 2 & have been somewhat disappointed with them for media use. I wanted to ask as you have had hands on with. Specifically for movie / tv / media use, is the quest 3 better? As I am tempted to return these and get the quest 3 (upgrading too from my valve index) thanks! & Excellent review, I agree on all points after using the air 2 for a week or two now.

Excellent review. Very detailed and honest. You literally helped me make a more sensible choice rather than getting too hyped and buying it without thinking of its functionality. Much appreciatedà

Brutally honest. You just earned my respect.

Great honest review!

I really liked mixed reality with the Quest 3, but I didn't like the brick-strapped-to-my-face feeling. Are there any glasses out there that can do mixed reality similar to Quest?

Thank you for this review!

Quick question: I can't connect this directly from my PC to the Xreal Air 2 with just the HDMI to USB-C? I'm not sure USB-C to C supports 120hz@1080p as smoothly tho.

Can you use a powered USB-C hub instead of the beam? Also, does your phone screen have to be active when streaming to the xreal glasses? Can you turn the screen off if it's in your pocket to save on battery life?

So literally Xreal air 2 Pro just become Viture but still with less compatibility compared to Viture. Switch playing on Viture is just epic!

Phawx can you explain why the PIP mode is not a valid use case for yourself? This is prolly the use case that i would think make it justifiable for me. If its not feasable due to hardware and actual limitations of the device itself it would be good to know versus if you just dont like small screens. I got 2 kids so having a screen handy when doing chores would be handy - folding laundry, washing bottles, walking the dog etc. Feel like it would be convenient to have a vid and audio all in one quick grab device

Wrong glasses. The VITURE glasses are the ones to beat

Thanks for the informative review. I wish you elaborated on the corrective lenses and how the glasses work for near/far sighed users. "A lens add-on that can accommodate your prescription." What does that mean? Do I need to give them Xreal my prescription and they make a custom lens for me? Since it appears you wear corrective lenses, I'm surprised you didn't talk about this more.

Hi! On side view, one of my most desired use cases would be as a walking map, with Google maps in a corner when walking an unfamiliar city. Do you think the Beam or any of the competition (e.g. the Viture Neckband) would be able to do this, now or in the future? I think this would expand the usability of XR glasses from media consumption/gaming to general productivity, which would also expand the user base. Thanks again for the videos, you're obviously focused more on functionality rather than marketing

Very good review!

Main reason for me is to use them with my MacBook. I also have an iPhone 15 pro max to which I could directly connect them via usb c. Did someone try to work with them on a MacBook? Is it easy to read text and see stuff?

I am wondering if you can put this on top of your glasses.

As a simple techie, I just want 1440p, 60-75hz, @450$. No frills, no built in speakers, just a screen for my pc / steamdeck / phone / whatever device with one single cable. Too many companies trying to 'dress up' their products when what we really want and actually use is super simple.

Would you recommend these for remote work from a vehicle? I often need to work parked in my car on a laptop and normally work with multiple screens. Is the resolution high enough where I would not be straining my eyes to work on order entry/ Xcel spreadsheets?

hi, which devices can be connected directly to it like pc/iphone 14 pro(lightning port) etc ? there are many more devices like this which one is good. as i love watching movies a lot. so can i enjoy 100+ inch screen in front of me ? PLEASE REPLY

My main use case for these would be doing some basic video editing on a long car ride. Squishing the laptop monitor up against the seat/dash and looking down gets uncomfortable pretty quickly. I'm also wondering if the beam with the body anchor function genuinely makes for a more comfortable viewing experience that's worth the cash. It seems like the viture one(at least on paper) has the best display and tech for the price, but none of the viewing features that the xreal offers.

I find the XREAL Air 2s really interesting. I haven't dabbled in AR/VR much, but have been very interested and kind of waiting to see a use case that would fit my wants/needs while not destroying my bank account. These seem to do that, to an extent. It seems these are primarily just for cellphone and deck use. That's not bad, considering most of the apps and games you would want/need are already on your phone, and the Air 2s would just give you a massive screen to play on. However, I agree that trying to use these with a console (XBOX, Playstation, etc) is kind of a fail and, sadly, that would be my primary use case. I sit about 8-10 feet from my XBOX while playing, so having to tether everything and practically have the console in your lap while playing makes it essentially unworkable for me. It would be much better if the Beam were able to connect via bluetooth/wifi to those consoles and essentially "beam" or "cast" to the Air 2s like a secondary monitor. Then I could sit where I normally do and play on a 120" screen with the Air 2s, which would be fantastic!! The novelty and affordability of the Air 2s is really exciting. It's tempting to get them just to try them. I just hope they're able to iterate a bit and solve that console tethering issue, even if it means making the Beam bigger. It would be worth it.

Thank for the honest review… so I have an iPhone then I MUST buy the bean ?

Amazing review. To the point. Can you compare it with rokid max. And the chromatic blackout can work without battery to the glass?

is 1080p enough are not? the actual screen is very small but it's so close to your eyes...

Hey Phawx, can you review the Legion Go Glasses?

Can the glasses be plugged directly into a powerbank whilst an iphone via airdrop?

Hey brother so you were trying them out while wearing normal glasses on? Or did you get prescription Xreals? Was it really uncomfortable?

Can you help me understand if I have a non usbc iPhone, will this work with the adaptor, or do I need both the adaptor and the beam thingy?

How about using it as extended screen on linux? Would it work? Or does it require a special software?

These really aren’t much of an upgrade from the first version. The first version are plenty bright to the point I have to turn it down in low light conditions. If they went from 1080p per eye to 2.5k or 4k it would be a definite buy for me.

I wanna watch movies like avatar and mcu movies. Is the screen nice enough for that or is it small?

please answer - can you use them with handheld retro like anberlics or retroid r3+? thank you in advance!

I was really confused. Can I Charge my steam deck, while docked in the beam device?

As someone who’s interested in AR for productivity purposes (specifically traveling and being able to have multi monitor experience with my computer), It seems like the market isn’t quite there. On one hand you have devices like this, that are small enough, but not quite good enough. On the other you have stuff like the quest, that is good enough but still too bulky. I’m hoping the gap get’s bridged this year.

are this worth as a second monitor? that's mostly my only use case, portable second monitor. i had the quest 2 and i know how much you can do with them but, if i am at work i dont want to use something so big, and also after sometime it will leave marks on your face.

Will they properly display 3d bluray movies from a standard 3d bluray?

will this work on apple usb c devices? ipad pro and iphone 15 pro?

The main reason I use my Rokid glasses is to watch movies and play games during transatlantic flights. My only complaint is that I cannot lock the display in place. I know the Beam would let me do this but that feature alone is not enough for me to buy the new generation...

I use the original version as basically an airplane media player with Samsung S10e which has dex and a headphone jack

You are forgetting the ergonomics case. I would definitely pay double that price to relief my neck from having to stretch towards a physical monitor, when doing regular computer work, given that it works ok in terms av resolution, clarity, etc. For instance, I would like to be able to zoom easily, to check some detail on screen. Yes, that could be a function in whatever software I'm using, but it would be even better if it was a "hardware" thing, corresponding to leaning closer to a physical monitor. Thanks for a great review, though.

I want these to replace a honkin 4k monitor for productivity. Can they accomplish this?

What about the iphone 15 with USB-C? Its suppose to provide power over that connection to charge other devices.

Does using the light shield with the pros diming feature together make it darker than using either by itself?

I got some recently, but I'm having an issue where the view feels obstructed unless I take off the nosepiece. any ideas? Also i have to move them around on my face because i cant see the entire screen, or one corner is always blurry.

i have the xreal air 1 and the only thing i dont like about it is the hoops you have to jump through to use them while charging your steamdeck or whatever device you have that only has one C port. i would have jumped at a proper xreal charging/DPalt dongle over a new product.

I appreciate your consideration for use case

How would you rate these for someone who basically just wants a small-footprint “second monitor” for thinks like software work on a laptop?

Thanks and I bought these as I want to watch when others want to watch something else.

THAT TRANSITION

The sideview mode could be interesting for a cooking video

Can these be used to work in the office to help see a computer screen better?

Would this work w Gpd win max 2?

If you can only buy one, which is better to buy , Xreal Air 2 or Meta Quest 3?

Best review

Wish you mentioned something about windows or laptop usage

I still have the old Rokid Air, both Rokid Max and Xreal 2 don't seem to be a worth upgrade, they need to use 4k displays and increase the fov much more to be worth it. They are good but mostly for movies, cause they project a big virtual display in front of you, but the display looks big only if you trick your mind projecting it to a distant wall, when i sit in front of my 32 inch monitor the glasses display looks actually slightly smaller than my 32 inch, and since i'm used to sit very close to the monitor when playing games i don't like the glasses experience that much, while for whatching movies it's good to have the feeling of a huge display watched from far away

Would anyone recommend this for a first time buyer over the Viture one? Using mine specifically for gaming and RU-vid

Very nice review, the Beam part always confused me until this video. Personally requiring ANOTHER device to be able to connect to my console is a deal breaker. This kind of thing should be native to the glasses themselves, the whole point of these glasses is convenience and having another device + wire in addition to the wire from the glasses and potentially a headset/ or console charger makes this incredibly messy. Only use I can see for these is connecting it directly to a supported phone (not older iphones) and using them as a large monitor in public transport especially planes. Still, I'd rather just buy a handheld console like the Legion Go than pay for these glasses.

These type of devices are woefully underrated. Lets be real, devices like the Meta Quest 3 and upcoming Apple Vision Pro will be limited to indoor use, as their outdoor functionality won't be worth the ridicule you will receive wearing them in public, not to mention the safety concerns someone should have wearing a $3500 device on their face in public.

1.2 watts an hour would be a large reduction, in my testing the original xreal air consumes around 10 watts an hour or more