XREAL One Pro Review … The Matrix meets Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is not just the future but it is also the here and now and this technology has come a long way since 1968 (*) to the much more consumer friendly Google Glass (Explorer Edition) in 2013 which was still a pale comparison of AR today. However, since 2013, we’ve seen this technology grow exponentially and today, we’re testing out XREAL’s One Pro. At its core, the XREAL One Pro are tethered AR glasses powered by the X1 spatial chip that deliver a high-quality wearable monitor for cinema, productivity and of course gaming thanks to its bright 700-nit micro-OLED screens.

Best of all, this is done without the bulk of a full headset or clunky glasses.

(*) Fun Fact: The ancestor of both VR and AR headsets was created by computer scientist Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull in 1968. Their headset named “The Sword of Damocles” was a head-mounted display that used see-through optics to overlay simple computer-generated wireframe rooms and objects onto the user’s real-world view.

1968 Head-mounted VR display called ‘The Sword of Damocles’

Deep diving into the features, the One Pro is a display-first device built around XREAL’s X1 spatial chip and a 0.55‑inch micro‑OLED projector that produces an effective 1080p image across a 57‑degree field of view and a peak brightness of 700 nits. To achieve this expansive field of view without adding extra bulk, XREAL ditched the clunky “birdbath” optical design seen in older AR glasses for a new “flat-prism” lens structure that is roughly 40% smaller. It also has an impressive 120Hz refresh rate which delivers bright, colourful and fast visuals and having used them fanatically for the past month, the quality is impressive.

I also like how the glasses are wired via a USB‑C port that is located behind the left ear that supports any host that can output DisplayPort over USB‑C, including smartphones, laptops and handhelds like the Steam Deck (which mirrors immediately upon plugging in). For devices like the Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll need a dedicated accessory for power delivery and video output, and yes, next-gen consoles will require an HDMI to USB-C Cable with integrated USB-A power.

Another highlight of the XREAL One Pro are the built‑in Bose‑tuned speakers that provide directional audio which really makes the glasses the only (almost) additional piece of tech you need for external visuals and audio. However, it is worth noting that there is some audio leakage at higher volumes, so if you are in a quiet room with others, they might hear your game or movie. For that reason, if you are using it on a plane, I would highly recommend noise-cancelling earbuds. Speaking of Bose, they have some excellent options such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) that we reviewed last year.

Unboxing

From a design perspective, the XREAL One Pro moves away from geek chic and offers a product that looks like sunglasses with slightly thicker temples and spring hinges that conceal most of the hardware while keeping the relatively stylish design. The frames include removable silicone nose pads on adjustable metal arms and mounting points for prescription lens which XREAL also supplies.

While the XREAL One Pro does not come with a built-in dioptre dial which is handy for some people with mild vision problems, their ability to provide prescription lenses is a far better option. I provided XREAL with my prescription lenses and these were sent in advance. To install the prescription lenses, you need to remove two spacers with a small screwdriver that allows you to pop them out. Once these two spacers are out, your prescription lenses clip in – it is an easy process but the instructions did confuse me so I needed to check out a YouTube installation video.

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At 87 grams (or 3.1 ounces) the XREAL One Pro is very lightweight that makes it quite comfortable to wear for long periods. The design reminds me of Oakley or one of the crew from the Nebuchadnezzar (The Matrix trilogy) which is ubercool, although they are not as snug to your face like regular sunglasses but nonetheless very comfortable. On the frames, it includes physical controls for brightness, menu navigation and quick shortcuts while electrochromic dimming on the outer lenses helps with contrast and privacy. The included hard‑shell case is a brilliant addition because it is very strong and will protect the One Pro while not in use. It also comes with spare nose-pads and an included USB-C cable so you can connect the device to a variety of devices.

… and speaking of the Nebuchadnezzar Crew!

Setup includes a brief tutorial that explains how to navigate the glasses, including the display options and once viewed, it’s basically plug and play. Once connected into my Google Pixel 9 or Steam Deck, it instantly mirrored the screen, as did my Windows 11 notebook. Speaking of productivity, connecting to a PC or Mac via XREAL’s Nebula software unlocks a specific “Ultrawide Mode” that simulates a massive 310-inch curved monitor which is a killer feature for having multiple floating windows open at once.

As briefly mentioned, the XREAL One Pro produces exceptionally clear images and text with vibrant colours but more importantly is the image size. Spreading a 1080p image across a wider 57‑degree field of view gives you a truly immersive virtual screen and its extra brightness makes the display far more usable in well‑lit environments than its competitors.

The X1 chip delivers near‑instantaneous head tracking with low latency so the virtual screen feels anchored rather than drifting and the device exposes two primary viewing modes – Anchor, which pins the display in the room using 3DOF tracking and Follow, which keeps the screen in front of your face. A unique Side View mode shrinks the picture into a corner of your vision so you can stay aware of your surroundings while still monitoring content.

Watching movies and playing games is where the XREAL One Pro stood out for me, especially with the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck and even my Google Pixel 9. Playing games on the Steam Deck like 007 First Light and Doom: The Dark Ages was like having your own personal portable IMAX theatre built for gaming. For on-the-go play, just grab your Switch 2 and hub (or your Steam Deck) and you’re ready to play Cyberpunk 2077 or Donkey Kong Bananza with the later not available for the deck.

On a smartphone, grab a Bluetooth controller, hook up the One Pro and you almost have that next-gen gaming experience. I finished watching the excellent Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling with these glasses and you see so much more with this system opposed to the traditional TV experience. Further, text and UI elements are very crisp and I had no issues whatsoever, whether that was Android 16 or Windows 11 so all in all, the XREAL One Pro are perfect for both entertainment and productivity.

Pricing & Availability

• RRP: $1,099 AUD | $649 USD | £579 GBP

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Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts

The XREAL One Pro has turned AR glasses from gimmick to everyday tech. By pairing a very wide field of view with vibrant micro-OLED displays, the binary world truly comes to life. The only physical drawback I could find with these glasses is that the included cable is a little on the shorter side and it would be great if XREAL included two different sizes, one for work (e.g. short) and one for play (e.g. long) so you could lounge around on your couch or bed and enjoy this virtual giant screen.

It is also worth noting that while the native 3DoF tracking is excellent for anchoring your virtual screens and XREAL offers an optional $99 USD plug-in camera accessory called the XREAL Eye. Weighing just 1.5 grams, this tiny module clips onto the front of the frames to upgrade the glasses to full 6DoF (6 Degrees of Freedom) tracking and first-person photo/video capture—a great future-proofing option for buyers who want total spatial freedom.

I also like how the connected devices power the XREAL One Pro because you don’t want to carry bulky additional power sources for short sessions. However, if you are heading on a long trip, you might need to purchase a power-and-play adapter (like the XREAL Hub) as the glasses will drain your host device’s battery during extended use. Ultimately, this headset is perfect for those on the go or who want to minimise their tech luggage.

So if the future is the here and now, I can’t wait to see where XREAL takes this technology next.

Recommended!