Lovers of glasses can admit that it can a bit challenging to find a decent place to get a set of new frames. If you want to get from your doctor’s office, you might need to cough out lots of cash, and you might not have a large array of styles to choose from.
Before you go out to buy a new pair of glasses online, you need your most recent glasses prescription. You also need to learn how to measure your Pupillary Distance. This is the distance between the center of one pupil to the other in millimeters. This makes sure you are looking at the right spot in your lenses. On a final note, you want to crosscheck with your insurance provider to make sure you know what your plan covers.
We’ve created a list of reliable online stores where you can get high-quality glasses at pocket-friendly prices.
1.Warby Parker
You can get quality designer eyewear at pocket-friendly prices. Everything is done in house so that you can expect timely delivery of your new glasses right from the factory. Warby Parker are user-friendly, and customer oriented. You can choose five frames online, and they will send them over to you for free, check them out for five days, and select the one you like, and return the others. You can get your glasses made to your specifications and liking.
What we like: Stylish, modern frames at mid-range prices / Free at-home try-on with five frames / In-store fitting available across the U.S. / Great quality lenses with scratch and glare protection
What we don’t like: Some popular styles sell out fast / Progressive lenses are pricier than expected
2.
You are in line to get quality glasses at an affordable price with EyeBuyDirect. Everything is done in house so that you can expect timely delivery of your new glasses right from the factory. You can get prescription glasses, sunglasses, and lenses for kids. You can make payment via your FSA or HSA card.
What we like: Affordable pricing with frequent sitewide sales / Huge selection of trendy and classic frames / Option to add blue-light or photochromic lenses / Fast delivery and decent packaging
What we don’t like: Returns are only accepted within 14 days / Virtual try-on isn’t always perfectly accurate / Packaging feels basic compared to premium brands
3.Glasses.com
Get designer sunglasses and glasses from Glasses.com. You are in line to receive lenses, along with free frame adjustments and shipping when you purchase a new pair of glasses. If you are working with a tight budget, you can search for glasses that are priced below $100
Remember to check if these websites are in-network of your insurance provider. If they are not, you can place a request for reimbursement with your insurance company.
What we like: 3D virtual try-on is one of the best online / Solid customer support and fast delivery / Works with insurance plans
What we don’t like: Prices are on the higher end / Discounts are limited / Fewer budget-friendly options
4.GlassesUSA
If you need a versatile and reliable store for hassle-free online shopping, GlassesUSA is definitely the place for you. They have a huge selection (from Ray-Ban and Oakley to their own affordable brands), frequent discounts, and free shipping on orders over $45. You can upload your photo and “try on” glasses directly online from your phone. Their advantage is that they offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t like something. On the downside, delivery can take 1–2 weeks, especially with prescription lenses.
What we like: Huge selection of brands and styles / Frequent discounts and promo codes / Accurate virtual try-on feature / Easy returns and solid customer service
What we don’t like: The site feels a bit cluttered and overwhelming / Prescription orders can take 1–2 weeks to arrive
5.SmartBuyGlasses
SmartBuyGlasses is more of an online outlet for designer glasses. Here you can often find Gucci, Tom Ford, or Persol frames with discounts of up to 60%. They offer free shipping on orders over $80. They also have their own blue light protection lenses (Arise HD) that are great if you work at a computer. Suitable for those who want cheaper designer glasses, but it is important to carefully check the frame parameters as they often differ from US standards.
What we like: Big discounts on designer brands like Gucci and Prada / Free worldwide shipping / AR try-on feature works well / Rare frames available online
What we don’t like: International delivery can take longer / Returns are slightly complicated due to global logistics
6.FramesDirect
FramesDirect is not a discounter but rather a reliable official retailer with good service. They sell exclusively original brands (Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada, Versace, etc.) and offer high-quality lenses, including progressive and transition lenses. Plus, you can order contact lenses. The downside is that prices are above average, but you can be sure of their high quality.
What we like: 100% authentic designer eyewear / Excellent lens quality and craftsmanship / Also sells contact lenses / Knowledgeable and responsive support
What we don’t like: Prices are higher than average / Few discounts or promotions
7.Zenni Optical
Zenni is an excellent option if you want to save a lot of money. It is a private label brand where frames start at $6.95. Despite the price, the quality is decent, especially if you choose metal or acetate frames. You can customize almost everything: lens coating, tint, blue light filter. The downside is that shipping sometimes takes 2–3 weeks, and returns are not as easy as with major retailers. But if you like to change your style often and do it inexpensively, Zenni is ideal.
What we like: Extremely low prices starting at $6.95 / Full customization options for lenses and coatings / Fun virtual try-on / Great value for money
What we don’t like: Shipping may take up to 3 weeks / Returns are not the easiest / Fit can vary between frames
8.LensCrafters
LensCrafters is considered the largest eyewear brand in the US. You can buy online or visit a store. It is a great option if you want to order glasses online but pick them up and get them fitted in person. They work with EyeMed Insurance and other insurers, so part of the cost is often covered. The downside is that prices are higher than at purely online stores, but the service and prescription accuracy are worth it.
What we like: Order online and adjust in-store / High-quality lenses and precise prescriptions / Accepts major insurance plans / Excellent customer service
What we don’t like: Prices are higher than most online competitors / Fewer sales and promo offers
9.Pair Eyewear
Pair Eyewear came up with a cool idea: interchangeable magnetic front panels. You buy the basic frame, and then you can change the “face” of your glasses, today it is classic black, tomorrow it is bright prints. Suitable for teenagers and creative adults who like to play with style. The frames are good quality, with anti-glare lenses and a blue light filter. Prices are reasonable: from $60–70 for the base frame.
What we like: Magnetic toppers let you instantly change your look / Solid base frames with blue-light protection / Fast U.S. shipping / Creative and fun brand concept
What we don’t like: Not ideal for minimalists / Each topper costs extra / Limited international shipping
10.The Framery
The Framery is one of the most underrated online eyewear brands in the US. It is often compared to major brands, but it is slightly more affordable and offers free home try-on of up to five frames at once. They have minimalist, neat designs, good lenses with anti-glare and blue light protection, and easy online prescription setup.
The main advantage is free shipping and returns, even if you simply do not like the glasses. The downside is that the selection is not as large as GlassesUSA or SmartBuyGlasses, but the quality and service are on par with premium brands.
What we like: Free at-home try-on for up to five frames / Free shipping and returns / Easy prescription setup / Clean and user-friendly website
What we don’t like: Smaller selection / No luxury brands / Focused mainly on the U.S. market
I’ve used both EyeBuyDirect and GlassesUSA. Personally, I liked EyeBuyDirect more
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.
FramesDirect is pricey, but the prescription was spot-on
Thanks for the wonderful guide
Warby Parker’s home try-on was a lifesaver. I’m super indecisive, so being able to test five pairs at home before buying made things so much easier. Ended up keeping two!
I tried SmartBuyGlasses after seeing all the great discounts, but the delivery took almost three weeks11!!!! horrible
I’ve ordered from Zenni twice, and I think you get what you pay for. The first pair was fine, but the second one came with lenses that didn’t match my prescription – everything looked slightly blurry, especially when driving at night. I also noticed the frame color looked a bit different in person (more dull gray than the nice silver on the site). Their customer service was polite but told me I had to ship everything back at my own expense. It’s cheap, yes, but next time I’ll probably spend a bit more for peace of mind.
I actually ordered my new pair from Zenni last month — can confirm the quality is way better than I expected for $30. Shipping did take about two weeks though, so the wait part is true