The first time I tried a pair of Bluetooth-enabled glasses, it felt a little like stepping into the kind of future technology that movies promised years ago. Being able to put on a normal-looking pair of glasses and suddenly have music or a podcast playing right next to your ears—without headphones—still feels just a bit novel. After testing a number of different models over the years, it’s safe to say the category has grown quite a bit, with options now ranging from premium tech-heavy designs to simple, budget-friendly entries like the ones from WearIQ.
In the simplest terms, WearIQ Bluetooth glasses are glasses that play music and take calls. The small speakers built into the arms of the frames connect to your phone via Bluetooth, delivering audio right next to your ears while still allowing you to hear the world around you.
For runners, walkers, and cyclists, that open-ear design is a big part of the appeal. You can listen to music, podcasts, or take calls without completely shutting yourself off from traffic, other trail users, or the general sounds of your surroundings.
Two Versions, Two Different Use Cases
One nice thing about the WearIQ lineup is that it comes in two practical versions:
- Sunglasses for outdoor use
- Blue-light blocking glasses for screen-heavy environments
For runners, the sunglasses version is probably the obvious pick for sunny miles on the road or trail. But as someone who spends a large portion of the day in front of a computer working on Run Oregon content, the blue-light blocking version might actually be the sleeper hit.
Being able to listen to podcasts or music while working—without wearing earbuds all day—has been a surprisingly comfortable option. And the blue-light lenses offer a little extra eye relief during long stretches at the keyboard.
Budget-Friendly Tech
The biggest differentiator with WearIQ is simple: price.
At about $20, these glasses come in at a fraction of the cost of most Bluetooth eyewear on the market. Many competing models cost well over $100, sometimes pushing closer to $200.
That lower price does mean you’re making a few trade-offs. The styling and audio quality does not reach the level of some premium options. But honestly, the sound quality is still fine, especially for casual listening like podcasts or background music on a run or walk.
And the technology package still includes some nice perks, including Bluetooth connectivity and water resistance, which is always welcome for workouts and unpredictable Pacific Northwest weather.
A Surprisingly Solid Option
WearIQ Bluetooth glasses probably won’t replace high-end audio gear or premium smart glasses. But that’s not really the point.
What they offer instead is a simple, affordable way to experiment with the category—and for about twenty bucks, it’s a pretty easy entry point. The sound is better than expected, the features cover the basics, and the option of both sunglasses and blue-light lenses adds some versatility.
Not bad for a piece of “future tech” that costs about the same as a couple post-run coffees.
