RealWear Navigator 520 vs Vuzix Z100
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and pricing
Specs updated
Which should you buy?
Bottom line: the Vuzix Z100 is the better buy for most people at $2650.01 less, unless you need a built-in camera.
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Buy the RealWear Navigator 520 if…
- You want a built-in camera
Buy the Vuzix Z100 if…
- You want to spend $2650.01 less ($499.99 vs $3150)
- You want the wider 30° field of view (vs 24°)
- You want the lighter 38g fit (vs 270g)
- You need longer battery life (48 hours vs 8)
Verdict generated from the recorded spec differences shown in the table below — when a spec is missing for either product, it is left out rather than guessed.
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Specs Comparison
Specs last verified
| Specification |  RealWear Navigator 520 $3,150 |  Vuzix Z100 $500 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Price | $3,150 | $500 |
| Optics | ||
| Optics type | — | waveguide |
| Dimming control | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Transparency level | — | see-through monochrome HUD |
| Prescription support | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Diopter range | Worn with prescription glasses, safety glasses, or hard hats | Prescription inserts available ($149.99) |
| Physical | ||
| Weight (g) | 270 | 38 |
| Frame style | — | rectangular |
| Color options | — | Black |
| Foldable | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
| Battery & power | ||
| Battery life (hours) | 8 | 48 |
| Charging method | — | USB-C |
| Connectivity | ||
| Connectivity | USB-C | Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Tethered | — | ✕ No |
| Compatible devices | Standalone | iOS, Android |
| Computing | ||
| Processing type | — | phone |
| Operating system | Android 11 (RealWear voice-first UI, WearHF) | Vuzix Connect app (iOS/Android); Android + iOS SDKs |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (8-core 2.0GHz, Adreno 610), 4GB RAM, 64GB storage | None onboard — smartphone companion device |
| Sensors & input | ||
| Camera | 48MP | ✕ No |
| Microphones | — | 1 |
| Speakers | open-ear | open-ear |
| Tracking | 3DoF | — |
Buy the RealWear Navigator 520
Buy the Vuzix Z100
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RealWear Navigator 520 vs Vuzix Z100: FAQs
Which is newer: the RealWear Navigator 520 or the Vuzix Z100?
The Vuzix Z100 is newer, released November 2024, versus January 2023 for the RealWear Navigator 520.
Which is cheaper: the RealWear Navigator 520 or the Vuzix Z100?
The RealWear Navigator 520 costs $3150 and the Vuzix Z100 costs $499.99, making the Vuzix Z100 $2650.01 cheaper.
Which has the larger field of view: the RealWear Navigator 520 or the Vuzix Z100?
The Vuzix Z100 has the larger field of view: RealWear Navigator 520 measures 24 degrees vs 30 degrees for the Vuzix Z100.
Which is lighter: the RealWear Navigator 520 or the Vuzix Z100?
The Vuzix Z100 is lighter at 38g. The RealWear Navigator 520 weighs 270g and the Vuzix Z100 weighs 38g.
What is the main difference between the RealWear Navigator 520 and the Vuzix Z100?
Based on recorded specs, the RealWear Navigator 520 leads on camera (Has built-in camera) while the Vuzix Z100 leads on price ($2650.01 cheaper).