Last Update on December 28, 2025
Launched at CES 2024, the Asus AirVision M1 augmented reality glasses made an impression with their promise of an affordable Micro-OLED portable display. But after more than a year on the market and facing increased competition in 2026, do these AR glasses still deliver on their promises? We tested the AirVision M1 in real-world conditions for work, gaming, and entertainment to provide you with a detailed and uncompromising review. Expanded compatibility, software updates, price drops: find out if the Asus AirVision M1 still deserves your attention in late 2026.
Asus AirVision M1: The Full Verdict for Late 2026
After one year of existence, the Asus AirVision M1 positions itself as a solid option for those seeking a wearable portable display without breaking the bank. Their main asset remains the 1080p Micro-OLED panel, which offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, ideal for watching movies and series. In 2026, Asus deployed several firmware updates improving USB-C connection stability and optimizing 3DOF tracking to reduce latency.
However, some limitations persist: the 57° field of view remains behind the Xreal Air 2 (52° but superior optics), and the weight of 110 grams can strain the nose after 2-3 hours of continuous use. The price, initially around €399, has dropped to approximately €299-349 in 2026, making these AR glasses much more attractive against the competition. For office multitasking via the Asus Virtual Desk Center, they excel. For demanding gaming, alternatives like the Rokid Max offer a better compromise between brightness and comfort.
Design and Ergonomics: Still Relevant in 2026?
The design of the AirVision M1 focuses on sobriety: a matte black frame, thin temples, and a discreet look that doesn’t look out of place in a cafe or on a train. At 110 grams on the scale, they are light compared to VR headsets but heavier than standard glasses. The weight is concentrated at the front, which can create pressure points on the bridge of the nose after 2 hours of intensive use.
Asus provides three sizes of nose pads to adjust comfort, a nice detail that not all competitors offer. The temples are also adjustable in several positions. On the plus side: unlike the Xreal which requires an external box, the AirVision M1 is entirely powered by USB-C, reducing bulk. The 1.5-meter cable is long enough for mobile use with a smartphone or a handheld console like the ROG Ally.
The only downside: the absence of a hard case in the box. Asus provides a cloth pouch, but for €300, a more robust carrying case would have been welcome. In 2026, some retailers offer bundles with third-party cases, which is preferable if you travel often.
Micro-OLED Display Quality: The Technical Test
The heart of the AirVision M1 is its Sony Micro-OLED display with 1920×1080 resolution per eye. This technology offers infinite contrast (perfect blacks), saturated colors, and a maximum brightness of 1500 nits announced (about 1200 nits measured in practice). For cinema and Netflix, the experience is immersive: you benefit from the equivalent of a 201-inch screen viewed from 6 meters away.
The 60 Hz refresh rate is perfectly suited for office work and content viewing. For competitive FPS gaming, it’s just okay, but acceptable for casual play or exploration. The 1080p resolution per eye allows for comfortable reading of text down to a 10pt font size, which is sufficient for coding or editing Word/Excel documents for several hours.
The Birdbath optical system chosen by Asus is a compromise: it offers a good field of view (57° vertical) at a lower cost but generates a slight vignetting effect on the edges and slightly lower brightness than waveguide systems. Compared to the Viture One (waveguide), the AirVision M1 is less bright in direct sunlight but offers better contrast in dimmed environments.
Note: the focus is fixed. If you are nearsighted or farsighted, you will need to wear your prescription glasses under the AirVision M1 or order compatible corrective inserts (available from third parties like VR Optician for about €80 extra).
Software and Features: The Evolution of Virtual Desk in 2026
The Asus Virtual Desk Center is the application that transforms the AirVision M1 into a true productivity tool. Downloadable on Windows PC (version 2.5 as of November 2026), it allows you to create up to 5 floating virtual screens that you position freely in 3D space thanks to 3DOF tracking (three degrees of freedom: head rotation).
The 2026 improvements include: better window stabilization (less jitter during fast movements), new layout presets (developer, video creator, trading configurations), and most importantly, experimental MacOS compatibility (in beta since September 2026). Android mode is also supported via the mobile app but limited to 3 simultaneous screens.
In practice, Virtual Desk excels for light multitasking: checking emails on one screen, coding on another, and monitoring charts on a third. For photo or video editing requiring color precision, a classic calibrated monitor remains preferable. 3DOF tracking means the screens are not anchored in real space (no 6DOF tracking like on Quest 3); they follow your head’s orientation. A quick recalibration (dedicated button) is possible if the screens drift.
Another appreciated feature: the universal USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode. The AirVision M1 is recognized as a standard HDMI display by any compatible source: PC, Mac, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch (with adapter), and recent smartphones. No app is needed for basic screen mirroring use.
Asus AirVision M1 vs Xreal Air 2 vs Viture One: The 2026 Comparison
The AR glasses market has densified in 2026. Here is how the AirVision M1 positions itself against its direct competitors:
Asus AirVision M1 (€299-349)
✅ Excellent Micro-OLED contrast
✅ High-performance Virtual Desk Center (5 screens)
✅ Competitive price in late 2026
✅ Native ROG Ally compatibility
❌ Slightly high weight (110g)
❌ 3DOF tracking only
❌ Average outdoor brightness
Xreal Air 2 (€399)
✅ Superior optics (less distortion)
✅ Very lightweight (72g)
✅ High brightness (500 perceived nits)
✅ Rich accessory ecosystem
❌ Higher price
❌ Requires Beam box for advanced multitasking (€120 extra)
❌ Reduced field of view (52°)
Viture One (€439)
✅ High-end waveguide optics
✅ Electrochromic dimming
✅ Exceptional comfort
❌ Premium price
❌ Less mature software
❌ Slightly lower resolution
Our comparative verdict: For the best value for money in 2026, the AirVision M1 wins if you prioritize PC multitasking and a tight budget. The Xreal Air 2 is ideal for ultra-light nomadism and mobile gaming. The Viture One will appeal to demanding users ready to invest for maximum comfort.
Smartphone, Console, and PC Compatibility in 2026
One of the strengths of the AirVision M1 is its universal USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode compatibility. In 2026, here are the tested and validated devices:
Compatible Smartphones:
✅ Samsung Galaxy S25 / S24 / S23 (DeX supported)
✅ iPhone 16 Pro / 15 Pro (iOS 18 required)
✅ Google Pixel 9 / 8 Pro
✅ OnePlus 12 / 11
❌ Standard iPhone 16/15 (no Alt Mode, requires HDMI adapter)
Consoles and Handhelds:
✅ ROG Ally / Ally X (optimal experience)
✅ Steam Deck (with USB-C adapter)
✅ Nintendo Switch via USB-C dock
✅ PlayStation Portal (mirror mode)
❌ Xbox Series X/S (requires external HDMI adapter)
PC and Mac:
✅ Windows 10/11 (drivers included)
✅ MacOS 14+ (beta, variable stability)
✅ Linux (generic mirror mode, no Virtual Desk)
Note: some mid-range Android smartphones do not support Alt Mode. Check specs before purchasing. For the standard iPhone 16, a Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter works but adds latency (30-50ms).
Long-term Comfort: The 4-Hour Test
We wore the AirVision M1 for 4-hour sessions (continuous office work) to evaluate real comfort. Here are the findings:
First hour: Decent comfort, no particular discomfort. Nose pads distribute weight well.
Second hour: Slight pressure appearing on the bridge of the nose. Temple adjustment necessary.
Third hour: Notable nasal fatigue. Recommended 10-15 minute break.
Fourth hour: Marked discomfort, visible redness on the nose. Prolonged wear not recommended without breaks.
In comparison, the Xreal Air 2 (72g) easily allows for 4-5 continuous hours. The 110-gram weight of the AirVision M1 is the main limiting factor. For sessions under 2 hours (movies, gaming), no problem. For prolonged work, prioritize regular breaks every 90 minutes.
Another point: heat. The integrated components (processor, electronics) generate slight heat on the temples after 1.5 hours, noticeable but not bothersome. In summer, this can become uncomfortable in non-air-conditioned environments.
Gaming with the AirVision M1: How is the Experience in 2026?
Gaming on the AirVision M1 varies by game type. For narrative titles, RPGs, or strategy, the experience is excellent: a private giant screen, sublime OLED contrast, and total immersion. Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Civilization VI shine on these glasses connected to a ROG Ally.
For competitive FPS (Call of Duty, Valorant), the 60 Hz limits fluidity and introduces a slight input lag (about 25ms measured), acceptable for casual play but a dealbreaker for ranked. USB-C latency is minimal (5-8ms); it’s the 60 Hz refresh rate that bottlenecks the experience. Esports players will stick to classic 144-240 Hz monitors.
The ROG Ally (Asus handheld console) benefits from dedicated optimization via Armoury Crate SE: graphic presets, adaptive brightness management, and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support up to 60 Hz. Plugging the AirVision M1 into an Ally is the most coherent use case: mobility + large screen + native optimizations.
For the Nintendo Switch, the experience literally transforms games: Zelda Tears of the Kingdom or Mario Odyssey on a perceived 100-inch screen is magical. However, be aware of the native Switch resolution (1080p max in dock), which may look slightly soft when stretched on Micro-OLEDs.
Price, Availability, and Refurbished Offers in Late 2025
Launched at €399 in early 2024, the Asus AirVision M1 has seen its price gradually melt away. In December 2025, they can be found between €299 (promos) and €349 (standard price) at official retailers. This drop makes the product much more competitive against the Xreal Air 2, which remains stuck at €399.
Several purchase options are available to you:
– New Official (€349): 2-year manufacturer warranty, full accessories
– Refurbished (€249-279): Appeared on BackMarket and Recommerce since August 2025, ‘Excellent’ condition generally available. 12-month warranty.
– Asia Import (€280-310): Beware of customs fees and the absence of EU warranty
Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2025 saw offers at €279, an excellent entry point. The January 2026 sales should offer similar prices. Stock is generally available, with no shortages unlike the 2024 launch.
Asus does not (yet) offer a ‘Pro’ or ‘Plus’ version. Rumors of an AirVision M2 for CES 2026 with 90 Hz and reduced weight exist, but nothing is official. If you’re hesitating: at €299, the M1 is an excellent buy. Beyond €349, the Xreal Air 2 deserves consideration.
Should You Buy the Asus AirVision M1 in 2026?
YES, if you are looking for:
✅ AR glasses for multi-screen PC productivity
✅ Excellent value for money (≤ €320)
✅ Extensive compatibility (PC, ROG Ally, smartphones)
✅ Cinema-quality Micro-OLED display
✅ A mobile alternative to a classic portable monitor
NO, if you prioritize:
❌ Absolute comfort for 4h+ continuous wear (prefer Xreal Air 2)
❌ Competitive gaming >60 Hz
❌ Ultra-lightweight (72g vs 110g)
❌ Intensive use in direct sunlight (limited brightness)
Our final 2026 recommendation: The Asus AirVision M1 has matured, and at its current price (€300-320), it represents one of the best entry points into the world of AR glasses. Software updates have fixed early bugs, compatibility has expanded, and the Asus ecosystem (notably ROG Ally) offers an optimized experience. If the weight doesn’t deter you and you primarily aim for productivity or mobile cinema, go for it. For hardcore gaming or long days of wear, explore the alternatives.
FAQ: Your Questions about the Asus AirVision M1
Are the Asus AirVision M1 compatible with the iPhone 16?
Yes, but only the Pro models (16 Pro / 16 Pro Max) which support USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode. The standard iPhone 16 requires a USB-C to HDMI adapter, which adds latency and reduces the experience. For optimal use with iPhone, prioritize a Pro model or wait for future wireless AirPlay compatibility (unconfirmed).
Can the AirVision M1 be used for gaming in 2026?
Yes, with nuances. For solo, narrative, RPG, and strategy games, the experience is excellent. For competitive FPS, the 60 Hz and 25ms latency are limiting. The AirVision M1 shines especially on ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Switch to transform the portable experience into an immersive large screen. For serious esports, a classic 144+ Hz monitor remains superior.
What is the difference between AirVision M1 and Xreal Air 2?
The AirVision M1 (110g, €299-349) offers better OLED contrast and native multi-screen software (Virtual Desk) at a lower price. The Xreal Air 2 (72g, €399) is much lighter, has superior optics, and better outdoor brightness, but requires a separate Beam box (€120) for advanced multitasking. Choice: prolonged comfort = Xreal, budget-friendly PC productivity = Asus.
