The Reebok Nitrous landed on my desk about two weeks after I finished testing the Lucyd Lyte Moonbeam, and I was curious whether Lucyd's sportier line could match what impressed me on the lifestyle side. Short answer: it does, and in some areas it does it better. The audio quality out of these is noticeably improved over the Moonbeam. The Bluetooth holds rock solid. The polarized lenses cut glare beautifully. And the whole package feels like it was built for people who actually want to wear smart glasses outside, not just around the house.
Best for Runners, cyclists, and active outdoor users who want quality audio sunglasses with strong Bluetooth and all-day battery
Reebok Nitrous Smart Audio Sunglasses (Powered by Lucyd)
Reebok / LucydNitrous (Black Polarized)Best Smart Sport Sunglasses
That said, this isn't a flawless product. The microphone quality at this price point is disappointing. The Lucyd app remains a frustrating experience. And the translation feature still feels like a work in progress. But when you strip away the "smart" gimmicks and evaluate these as a pair of Bluetooth audio sunglasses for active use, the Reebok Nitrous delivers where it counts.
The Reebok Nitrous is a pair of polarized smart audio sunglasses with Bluetooth 5.3, HiFi open-ear speakers, 8+ hours of battery life, UV400 protection, and prescription lens compatibility. They combine Reebok's athletic design sensibility with Lucyd's audio tech in a lightweight, comfortable frame that works for running, cycling, commuting, or just being outside.
Bluetooth 5.3 with fast, stable connectivity and no dropouts
8+ hours battery life on a single charge
Polarized UV400 lenses with anti-fog and anti-scratch coating
Open-ear HiFi speakers with improved audio quality
Noise-canceling dual microphones for hands-free calls
IP56 water and dust resistant
Weighs 51 grams (1.8 oz)
Magnetic USB-C charging cable included
Prescription lens compatible (SPH: -8.00 to +7.00, CYL: -4.00 to +4.00)
Lucyd companion app with ChatGPT integration and 17-language translation
Voice assistant support for Siri and Google Assistant
Pros
Audio quality is a clear step up from the Lucyd Lyte Moonbeam and competes well in its category
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is rock solid with zero dropouts during testing
Polarized lenses cut glare effectively and look great in the shade colorway
Comfortable enough for extended wear even if the build isn't luxury-tier
Battery life easily gets through a full day of mixed use
Setup is dead simple, pairs instantly right out of the box
Magnetic charging cable is convenient and snaps into place cleanly
Prescription compatible, which is a major plus for daily wearers
Cons
Microphone quality is muffled and lacks clarity, especially at this price point
Lucyd app is still confusing, not very customizable, and feels like an afterthought
Voice messaging and real-time translation features don't perform well in practice
Build quality is decent but doesn't feel premium in hand
Who It's For
Runners, cyclists, gym-goers, and anyone who spends time outdoors and wants to listen to music or take calls without plugging their ears. If you already wear sunglasses daily and want audio baked in without the bulk of headphones, the Nitrous makes a strong case. It's also a solid pick for people who wear prescription glasses and want a sporty smart option, since Lucyd supports Rx lenses directly.
Skip if
If clear phone call quality is critical for your workflow, the muffled mic here might frustrate you. And if you want meaningful AI or camera features.
Design and Build
The Reebok branding does some heavy lifting here. The Nitrous has a sporty, wraparound silhouette that sits comfortably on your face without looking techy or awkward. In the black polarized colorway, they look like a straightforward pair of athletic sunglasses. Nobody gave me a second glance wearing these out running or at the store.
The frames are slightly thicker than regular sunglasses to house the speakers and battery, but not dramatically so. Everything is wrapped in a soft rubber material along the arms that gives them a secure, grippy feel on your head. At 51 grams, they're lightweight enough that you forget they're there after a few minutes.
Now, honest take on the build: it's good, not great. The materials don't scream premium when you hold them. There's no luxury heft or finish here. But they feel durable and well-assembled, and the comfort factor is high. The adjustable rubber nose pad helps them sit right on different face shapes, and they stayed put during a jog without any sliding. The red zipper case that comes in the box is a nice touch and feels more premium than the glasses themselves.
Audio Quality
This is the biggest upgrade over the Moonbeam I reviewed earlier, and the main reason I'd recommend the Nitrous for anyone prioritizing sound. The HiFi open-ear speakers pump out noticeably richer, fuller audio. Music sounds balanced with better bass presence than I expected from glasses this light. Podcasts and audiobooks come through clear and natural. Even at higher volumes, the audio stays composed without getting harsh or tinny.
The open-ear design means you're never isolated from your environment, which is exactly the point. I could hear traffic, conversations, and my surroundings while still enjoying my playlist at a comfortable level. For running or cycling, this is a genuine safety advantage over earbuds. The spatial quality of hearing music around your ears rather than inside them takes some getting used to, but once you adjust, it feels more natural.
One trade-off: at higher volumes, people near you can hear what you're playing. Keep it reasonable in quiet public spaces. But for outdoor activities where there's ambient noise, this isn't an issue at all.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
Lucyd upgraded to Bluetooth 5.3 on the Reebok line, and the difference is noticeable. Pairing was instant out of the box. I pressed the power button, it showed up on my phone immediately, and that was it. Reconnecting to a previously paired device is even faster.
The real improvement is connection stability. During my entire testing period, I had zero drops. Not one. With the Moonbeam, I'd occasionally get a brief disconnect that required a quick reconnect. The Nitrous held a solid connection whether my phone was in my pocket, across the room, or in a different part of the house. This alone is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who's been frustrated by spotty Bluetooth on other smart glasses.
Lenses and Sun Protection
The polarized black lenses on the shade model are excellent. UV400 protection blocks nearly 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and the polarization does a great job cutting glare off roads, water, and windshields. I wore these on a bright afternoon walk and the difference compared to non-polarized sunglasses was immediately obvious. Everything looks crisper and your eyes feel less strained.
The lenses also come with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings, which is appreciated for active use. I had no fogging issues during a sweaty run, and after two weeks of daily handling, not a scratch on them. If you go with the Gold Mirror lens option, you get the same UV400 protection with a different aesthetic. Either way, these work as genuinely good sunglasses before you even turn on the audio.
Battery and Charging
Lucyd rates the Nitrous at 8+ hours of audio playback, and that number checks out. I used them for about an hour and a half to two hours a day, a mix of music and calls, and went several days before needing a charge. The battery indicator in the Lucyd app gives you a rough idea of where you stand, though it's not the most precise readout.
The magnetic charging cable is one of my favorite design details. One end clips magnetically to a port on the right arm, the other end is USB-C. It snaps into place without fumbling and provides a secure connection. No proprietary dock, no wireless pad. Just a cable that works. Full charge takes roughly an hour and a half from empty.
Microphone Quality
Here's where the Nitrous loses points. The dual noise-canceling mics are serviceable for quick calls, but the audio quality on the caller's end is muffled and lacks clarity. People I spoke with could understand me, but several mentioned I sounded like I was talking through a towel. For a $199 product, I expected better here.
If taking calls is a secondary use case and you mainly want these for listening, it's not a dealbreaker. But if you're planning to use them as your primary calling device during commutes or walks, you'll probably find the mic disappointing compared to even basic earbuds.
The Lucyd App
I reviewed the Lucyd app when I tested the Moonbeam, and unfortunately not much has changed. It's functional but feels underdeveloped. The interface pushes you toward buying more products, the ChatGPT integration is text-based rather than voice-native (which defeats the purpose of smart glasses), and the customization options are limited.
The 17-language translation feature sounds impressive on paper, but in practice it's clunky. It requires manual button presses through the phone rather than working seamlessly through the glasses, and the translation accuracy isn't reliable enough for real conversations. Google Translate on your phone does a better job with less friction.
The good news is that the glasses work perfectly without the app. Bluetooth audio, calls, and voice assistant access all function independently. The app is optional, and honestly, you're not missing much by skipping it. Hopefully Lucyd invests in improving the software experience, because the hardware deserves better.
This product was provided to Technobezz for review. We independently select what we review. The manufacturer had no input on this article and did not see it before publication. All opinions are our own.
FAQ
How do the Reebok Nitrous compare to the Lucyd Lyte Moonbeam?
The Nitrous has better audio quality and stronger Bluetooth connectivity. The Moonbeam has a more subtle, lifestyle-oriented design and slightly longer battery life (12 hours vs 8+). If you want sport sunglasses with great sound, go Nitrous. If you want everyday smart glasses that blend in at the office, go Moonbeam.
Can I get prescription lenses for the Nitrous?
Yes. Lucyd supports prescription lenses with a range of SPH -8.00 to +7.00 and CYL -4.00 to +4.00. You can order them directly through Lucyd's website.
Are they good for running and cycling?
Absolutely. The lightweight frame, secure fit, and open-ear audio make them well-suited for active use. The IP56 rating means they handle sweat and light splashes without issue. They stayed in place during my runs with no sliding or bouncing.
How does the audio compare to the Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers?
The Meta Ray-Bans still have the edge in overall audio quality, particularly at higher volumes. But the gap is smaller than you'd expect given the $100 price difference. The Nitrous holds its own for casual music, podcasts, and calls.
Is the Lucyd app required?
No. The Nitrous works out of the box as Bluetooth audio sunglasses. The app adds ChatGPT access and translation, but both features need work. You can use the glasses for music, calls, and voice assistant without ever opening the app.
Can people nearby hear my music?
At moderate volumes, the sound is mostly directed toward your ears. At higher volumes, people close by will hear it. This is the nature of open-ear audio and applies to all smart glasses, not just these.
Final Thoughts
The Reebok Nitrous gets the important stuff right. The audio sounds great, the Bluetooth doesn't drop, the lenses protect your eyes, and the battery lasts all day. It's comfortable to wear and it looks like a normal pair of sporty sunglasses. For $199, that's a solid package.
Where it falls short is the stuff that's supposed to make these "smart." The mic is underwhelming, the app needs a serious overhaul, and the translation feature isn't ready for real use. But honestly, most people buying audio sunglasses want to listen to music and take the occasional call. If that's you, the Nitrous delivers. Lucyd has clearly improved the core experience since the Moonbeam, and the Reebok collaboration gives it a sporty credibility that fits naturally into an active lifestyle.
Pick these up if you want quality audio sunglasses that don't pretend to be something they're not. They're a great pair of shades with solid Bluetooth audio baked in, and sometimes that's exactly enough.