Solos AirGo 3 Review: Affordable AI Smart Glasses with Modular Design

Bottom line: The Solos AirGo 3 are the most affordable entry into AI-powered smart glasses, starting at $199 and offering something unique in the category: modular interchangeable frames. The ChatGPT integration works, the real-time translation is genuinely useful, and the modular design lets you change frames without buying new electronics. Audio quality is adequate rather than impressive, but for the price, these punch above their weight.

Quick Specs

| Spec | Details | |------|---------| | Price | From $199 (Xeon/Helium) — $249-$299 (Argon sports version) | | Weight | ~31g (frame only) | | Audio | Open-ear directional speakers | | Microphones | 4-mic array | | Battery | Up to 8 hours of mixed use | | Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | | AI | ChatGPT (OpenAI), real-time translation | | Modular Design | Yes — interchangeable frames | | Companion App | Solos (iOS/Android) | | Water Resistance | IPX4 |

The Modular Advantage

Solos' defining feature is modularity. The electronics are in the temples (arms), which can be detached from the frame. Buy additional frames separately, and you can switch between styles — sports/cycling frames for workouts, prescription-compatible frames for daily wear, sunglasses for outdoor use — all using the same AirGo 3 electronics.

This is a genuinely smart approach. The electronics are what cost money; frames are comparatively cheap. It also means if you scratch a lens or want a style change, you're buying a $50-80 frame kit, not $199+ of hardware.

The modular connection point is satisfying in practice — connect/disconnect with a click, and the temples hold securely. It doesn't wobble or create loose joints in normal use.

AI Features

The AirGo 3's AI integration centers on ChatGPT, accessed via voice through the glasses:

Conversational AI: Say "Hey Solos" and speak your query. ChatGPT processes and responds through the speakers. This works for information queries, writing assistance, language learning, and creative tasks — anything ChatGPT handles. The key advantage over using ChatGPT on your phone is hands-free access while doing other things.

Real-time translation: A standout feature. The AirGo 3 can translate conversations in real time — you speak, the AI translates and speaks the response in the target language. The supported languages include major European and Asian languages. This is more than just translating text; it's attempting to bridge live conversation. It's not perfect, but it works for practical translation needs.

Proactive context: With the companion app's permissions, the AI can proactively offer relevant information — weather, calendar events, and similar context-aware responses.

The AI response latency is similar to the competition: 2-3 seconds for standard queries, which feels natural for conversational use but frustrating for rapid questions. The connection depends on your phone's data connection.

Audio Quality

The open-ear speakers are comparable to similar products in this category — adequate for voice calls and podcasts, limited for music. The 4-mic array works well for voice capture; Solos users and people they call report clear audio quality.

Volume reaches reasonable outdoor levels. Sound leakage is present but not excessive compared to competitors.

The Argon sports version adds eartip options that improve audio privacy and isolation for outdoor athletic use — if audio quality matters, the Argon style is worth the price premium.

Design and Frame Styles

Three base styles target different use cases:

Xeon ($199): Classic everyday frame, rectangular, available in clear or tinted lenses
Helium ($199): Lighter sports frame, wraparound-adjacent design
Argon ($249-$299): True sports/cycling frame with adjustable nose bridge and interchangeable lens colors

The modular system means additional frames can be purchased later. The frame quality is solid for the price — not Ray-Ban premium, but durable and functional.

Battery Life

The claimed 8 hours of mixed use is competitive — the longest battery claim in this category. Testing by reviewers confirms 6-8 hours depending on AI usage intensity. Heavy ChatGPT use depletes faster than passive music/call use. Charging via USB-C (standard, not proprietary) is a practical advantage.

Who the AirGo 3 Is For

The AirGo 3 appeals most to:

Budget-conscious buyers: At $199, these are the most affordable capable AI smart glasses. For someone who wants to try smart glasses without $299+ commitment, this is the entry point.

Cyclists and athletes: The Argon sports frame is purpose-built for cycling, with features like cadence/speed display integration (when paired with a Solos cycling computer) and secure fit for active use.

Frequent travelers and multilingual users: The real-time translation feature is genuinely more polished than average. For people who regularly navigate language barriers, this is a differentiating feature.

ChatGPT power users: If you already use ChatGPT extensively, having it available via voice without phone handling is a quality-of-life improvement.

Frame collectors: If you'll actually use the modular system to switch between frame styles, you get more value than a fixed-frame product.

Compared to Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

The most direct comparison for many buyers:

| Feature | Solos AirGo 3 | Ray-Ban Meta | |---------|--------------|---| | Price | $199 | $299 | | AI | ChatGPT | Meta AI | | Camera | ❌ None | ✅ 12MP | | Modular Frames | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Battery | Up to 8h | Up to 8h | | Design Premium | Moderate | High (Ray-Ban brand) |

The AirGo 3 costs $100 less and has modular frames. The Ray-Ban Meta has the camera (significant difference), Meta AI (more visual AI capability), and Ray-Ban brand design cachet. If you don't need the camera, the AirGo 3's price and modularity are compelling.

Pros

Most affordable AI smart glasses at $199 entry price
Modular interchangeable frames — unique in the category
ChatGPT integration works well for voice queries
Real-time translation is more capable than competitors
Up to 8-hour battery — competitive in the category
USB-C charging — standard cable, not proprietary
Sports version (Argon) genuinely suited for cycling/athletics

Cons

No camera — visual AI features absent
Audio quality adequate but not impressive
Solos app is less polished than Meta View or Alexa app
ChatGPT requires internet connection — no offline capability
AI response latency typical of category (2-3 seconds)
Less brand recognition than Ray-Ban or Amazon (matters for social acceptability)
Modular frames require purchasing from Solos — not standard eyewear sizing

Who Should Buy These

Buy them if you:

Want AI smart glasses at the lowest current price ($199)
Plan to cycle or do outdoor sports regularly (Argon frame)
Use ChatGPT frequently and want hands-free access
Travel internationally and would use real-time translation
Like the idea of switching frames without buying new hardware
Are a student or early-career professional who wants tech without premium pricing

Skip them if you:

Want a camera for first-person video/photos
Prioritize design premium (the Ray-Ban Meta looks more premium)
Already have a strong preference for Alexa or Meta AI
Want the best audio quality (Argon helps but earbuds still win)

Pricing and Where to Buy

Starting at $199 for Xeon and Helium styles, $249-$299 for Argon sports models. Available at solosglasses.com and Amazon. Additional frames available separately from Solos' website.

Final Verdict

3.6 / 5

The Solos AirGo 3 delivers strong value at its price point. The modular design is genuinely useful, ChatGPT integration works, and real-time translation is better than the competition. Audio quality and app polish are the weak points, and the lack of a camera limits AI capabilities compared to Ray-Ban Meta.

For budget-conscious buyers and athletes, these are the smart glasses to consider first. For everyone else, the $100 extra for the Ray-Ban Meta's camera and Meta AI integration may be worth it.

Prices current as of June 2025. Check solosglasses.com for current frame options and bundle pricing.