Are Amazon's Echo Frames 3 smart glasses worth $270? A Review

Amazon Echo 3 review: Amazon Echo Frames’ latest eyewear is making strides in the industry with compelling reasons to check them out. However, despite continuing its legacy of having painful charging experiences, are they worth your time? Amazon's Echo Frames 3 focuses more on style and is designed primarily around voice-assistant functionality and audio experience, rather than more intriguing video-centric devices. Priced at $270 (though currently available at a promotional price of $194), these frames offer hands-free Alexa access in a form factor that resembles standard glasses.Image credit: AmazonAvailable in five different styles, ranging from a black square to a grey rectangle, the Echo Frames blends into daily wear but tech experts have strong doubts about it when compared to the aesthetic appeal of premium eyewear brands like Ray-Ban. With Echo Frames 3 customers will also have the option to customise them with prescription lenses, blue light filtering, or sunglasses. Audio experienceThe Frames 3 focuses on audio rather than visual content capture, contrasting with products like Ray-Ban's Meta, which focuses more on video and live streaming capabilities. The built-in speakers in the new Amazon smart wear are positioned strategically in the temples, to deliver the directional sound for a sense of situational awareness. Image credit: AmazonHowever, the audio quality may not meet high audiophile standards, serving more as a functional tool than a primary audio device, according to some media reviews. FunctionalityThe standout feature of the Echo Frames is their integration with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. Users can perform a range of tasks, from playing music and making calls to setting reminders, all without reaching for their phones or the nearby Echo device. This hands-free convenience makes them particularly appealing to those already invested in the Amazon ecosystem and want seamless and well-built glasses which can blend in well in that ecosystem.Image credit: AmazonEcho Frames 3 also comes with multi-pair support which enables the user to switch from one device to the other without going through the hassle of connecting and disconnecting devices via Bluetooth. According to some tech reviewers, the Echo Frames 3 is less bulky than its older generations and brings in a design that resembles traditional glasses. Kate Kozuch, Managing Editor of Tom’s Guide says, “ I found the previous Echo Frames looked unmistakably like smart glasses, but this new style seems far more natural. Wearing them felt natural as well. It felt as though the weight balanced on my head, offering a comfortable fit throughout the day.”Battery life and chargingFor Echo Frames 3, Amazon claims a battery life of 6 hours under moderate usage, which seems adequate for a day's activities. However, the charging mechanism appears less intuitive compared to competitors like Ray-Ban Meta. Image credit: AmazonWhen compared with the last generation of Echo Freames, the latest model has an extra 2 hours of battery life to offer. But, the charging dock, though functional, lacks the elegance of a more seamless charging experience.While they offer convenience and hands-free functionality at a competitive price point, the audio quality and charging mechanism may leave some users wanting more. If you prioritise Alexa integration and can overlook these compromises, the Echo Frames present a compelling option in the burgeoning smart eyewear market.

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Are Amazon's Echo Frames 3 smart glasses worth $270? A Review

Available in five different styles, the Echo Frames blends into daily wear but some have doubts when compared to the aesthetic appeal of premium eyewear brands.

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