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Virtual display glasses turn a connected device’s video output into a screen visible to the wearer. They can be a practical private display for travel, gaming, and some laptop tasks—but they are not camera-and-AI glasses, and their cables, bulky frames, blurry small text, and long-session comfort issues limit where they fit.
What virtual display glasses do—and what they do not
Display glasses place a connected device’s screen in your field of view. In the setup WIRED’s Boone Ashworth described, Xreal glasses connect to a laptop over USB-C and mirror its screen. The same category, which also includes products from Viture and Rokid, can connect to compatible phones, tablets, laptops, and handheld gaming consoles.
The projected screen is private to the wearer, but the experience is not necessarily private to everyone nearby: the frame speakers can leak sound. These glasses also do not provide the camera features associated with Meta Ray-Ban-style smart glasses. The two categories address different needs: one gives you a personal display; the other is designed to capture and interact with the world.
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Travel and video
A screen in your field of view can make video easier to watch when you do not want to hold a phone or use a laptop display. It may suit seated travel, but it is still a wired setup, and nearby people may hear audio from the glasses’ speakers.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Handheld gaming
WIRED’s reviewer used Xreal glasses with a Steam Deck to play Diablo IV. That example shows the appeal of pairing a handheld with a larger-seeming view without carrying a conventional monitor. It does not establish that every handheld, game, or connection will work equally well.
Laptop tasks
A mirrored laptop screen can be handy for browsing or occasional work when a physical monitor is inconvenient. It is less convincing for text-heavy work: WIRED’s reviewer found small text blurry and difficult to read, and reported eye discomfort after extended viewing. Treat this as a supplemental screen rather than assuming it can replace a monitor for a full workday.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How the two Xreal models in WIRED’s report differ
The figures below are those reported by WIRED on August 24, 2026, not verified current prices or availability.
| Model | Reported price and timing | Display and fit | Reported trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xreal xbx A01+ | $299; WIRED said it launched in May 2026 and began shipping in July 2026. | Lighter, with a 50-degree field of view and a smaller screen. | WIRED’s reviewer found its screen quality lower than the R1’s. It has no screen anchoring, so the display moves with head movement. |
| ROG Xreal R1 | $849; available for preorder when WIRED published its report, with shipment expected in September 2026. | A reported 171-inch virtual screen and a 57-degree field of view; the screen can be anchored or kept centered in the wearer’s vision. | WIRED’s report described a larger view and anchoring options, but does not establish current availability or how those features perform for every user. |
The comparison does not establish a shared device-compatibility list, cable requirements for each model, or a recommended maximum viewing duration. Check the exact glasses, source device, and connection before buying; a wider field of view or anchoring option does not answer those questions by itself.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check your device and cable before relying on them
These glasses depend on a video signal from a connected device, and the glasses described by WIRED draw power from that device rather than using their own batteries. A USB-C plug alone is not a guarantee that a device can send video to the glasses.
- Confirm that your specific phone, tablet, laptop, or handheld supports video output through the connection you plan to use.
- Check whether the intended setup needs an adapter or a longer cable. The WIRED reviewer needed a longer cord to connect a PlayStation 5.
- Do not assume that a console connection will deliver a satisfying image just because it can be connected. WIRED’s reviewer was disappointed with the PS5 display experience.
- Consider where the cable will run and whether the connected device can supply the power during your session.
Comfort, visibility, and image limits to weigh
Virtual display glasses trade a conventional screen for a wearable display, and the limitations matter most during long sessions. WIRED’s reviewer reported that the glasses overheated during a session lasting several hours and described eye discomfort after extended viewing. Those are that reviewer’s observations, not a guarantee that every wearer will have the same experience.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The frames were described as thick and conspicuous, even with the projection lenses removed. The private image therefore does not make the device itself discreet. Combined with the reported blur in small text, that makes these a poor default choice for anyone who needs an unobtrusive pair of glasses or sharp, sustained reading.
How large is the category?
WIRED cited International Data Corporation forecasts of around 3 million virtual monitor glasses units and nearly 14 million smart glasses units for 2026. These are forecasts, not completed sales, and WIRED is the source consulted for the figures.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Who should consider virtual display glasses?
- Consider them if you want a personal screen for compatible-device video or handheld gaming, and a tethered setup and visible frames are acceptable.
- Try them cautiously for work if your tasks involve small text or long sessions; the WIRED reviewer’s reported blur, heat, and discomfort are relevant cautions.
- Look elsewhere if you want camera-based smart-glasses features, a discreet frame, a cable-free setup, or a dependable replacement for a conventional monitor.
As Moor Insights and Strategies principal analyst Anshel Sag put it to WIRED: “The fundamental thing these glasses do well is that they just work,” meaning that connecting a compatible device can put its video on the glasses. His more specific description was: “You plug them in, and you have faith that you’re going to get a video signal on those glasses that mostly matches what’s on the screen of the device they’re plugged into.” The key qualifier is compatibility: the intended device still has to provide a usable video signal.
Quick Recap
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