The Best Places to Buy Glasses Online

To find the best online glasses stores, in 2022 we shopped for, ordered, and returned prescription lens-and-frame pairings from each of the retailers we chose to test. We evaluated each retailer’s frame selection and lens options, virtual try-on experience, the overall ordering experience, standard shipping times (which ranged from two days to four weeks), and—crucially—return policies and processing.

In 2019, two test panelists—one who has a relatively weak single-vision prescription (-3.75, -1.25 with moderate astigmatism) and prefers minimalist, wire-framed glasses, and another (me), who has a strong single-vision prescription (-6, -7 with mild astigmatism) and gravitates toward plastic-heavy statement styles—ordered from all seven retailers we tested. A third panelist—who wears moderate progressive prescription lenses (with moderate astigmatism), and most often chooses statement specs made primarily of plastic—ordered glasses from the four best-performing retailers based on the first two testers’ evaluations.

Even though frames cost a pretty penny, it’s usually the lenses that most affect the final cost of prescription glasses, with thinner, lighter ones potentially doubling or even tripling the total cost. The higher the lens number, the higher the lens index, and the thinner and lighter the plastic of the lenses. The “free” lenses in the frames of most online retailers have a standard index (1.50). Zenni offers 1.50 or 1.57. (Lenscrafters and Target Optical have a base lens called “enhanced slim” that doesn’t have an index attached.) All of the retailers that we tested offered lens upgrades, with some offering lenses all the way up to an ultra-thin index of 1.84; these higher-index options generally cost much more, but they can be worth the upgrade, particularly in certain frame styles.

To make the strongest possible direct comparisons across brands, we had each tester choose near-identical frames and lenses from each retailer. Of course, there were some slight differences in styles based on the options each retailer offered at the time of our testing. For example, some of the wire-framed glasses that Tester 1 ordered were a slightly different shape than others. The anti-glare and hydrophobic coatings we ordered differed slightly from pair to pair, depending upon retailer offerings and costs.

Whereas I (Tester 2) was aware of the prices of each pair I was evaluating, Testers 1 and 3 had no idea whether they were trying on, for example, a $19 pair of glasses or a $145 pair.

When we ordered my glasses (metal-and-plastic frames filled with comparatively stronger Rx lenses), we found that two retailers, Eyebuydirect and GlassesUSA, required that we order more-expensive lenses based on the prescription (costing an extra $79 and $70, respectively). Firmoo and Zenni allowed us to order basic lenses, with the option to upgrade.

Finally, to test how the four most-promising retailers handled progressive prescriptions, we ordered near-identical plastic frame-and-lens combinations from each. In all of the acetate frames, the difference between the cheapest and best-available lenses was almost imperceptible. That’s largely because the all-plastic frames typically do a better job of “hiding” thicker lenses. We also found that the weight difference between these thicker basic lenses and thinner, more expensive ones was negligible, ranging from 0 to 2 grams.

In wire frames, however, the difference between thick and thinner lenses is generally much more visible. Even though many of the online glasses retailers we tested insist that upgrading to thinner lenses is about more than appearances, and that they can improve, as Felix + Iris put it, “visual clarity,” the reality is not so clear-cut. “High-index lenses bend light faster, which causes a difference in perception that is not always ‘better’ or ‘worse,’” explained Pence of Indiana University. In fact, sometimes pricier, lighter lenses can distort vision more than thicker, basic ones. “When light goes through lenses faster, it’s like going faster in a car,” he continued. “More things can go wrong.” So if you’re wearing thick plastic frames anyway and are not concerned about an extra gram or two of weight, you may do well to skip paying more for thinner lenses.

Finally, we had an independent eye-care professional evaluate each pair of glasses, to be sure all of the prescriptions were accurate. All were within an acceptable margin of error.

Although we didn’t test them, both of our picks sell prescription sunglasses.

On coupons and insurance coverage

Online glasses retailers know that shoppers love a “deal.” So most will gladly throw coupons and discount codes your way, essentially as soon as you start browsing their sites. In our testing, we used coupons and codes whenever possible (designer frames tend to be excluded). We did end up saving quite a bit of money this way, versus paying the full, published price—though whether we got any true deals is up for debate. Some tips:

• Sign up for retailers’ newsletters as soon as you know you’re going to be looking for new glasses. Sometimes it takes a few days for the coupons to hit your inbox, and you want to be aware of “flash sales” and other money-saving opportunities.
• When you find the frames and lenses you like, if you aren’t satisfied with the current coupon offerings, keep the pair (or pairs) in your virtual shopping cart for a while if you can wait to order. You may receive a retention discount: an extra markdown that some companies share with customers they perceive as being on the fence about their potential purchase. When we left glasses in our cart for a few days, Eyebuydirect, Firmoo, and GlassesUSA all sent emails with retention discounts that ranged from 15% to BOGO (buy one, get one free). During our test period, Warby Parker, Liingo, and Zenni all sent reminder emails with no retention discount offers.
• If you can’t find a coupon, consider chatting with the retailers’ customer service. I was able to snag 10% off our first Zenni order this way.
• Consider choosing frames (through virtual try-ons or in-home trials) before your eye exam. That way, as soon as you have your prescription in hand, you’ll be ready to order using the best-available discount codes.

If you have vision insurance, retailers that participate in your insurer’s network may be able to bill the insurance provider directly, lowering your upfront cost. Otherwise, you may be able to submit an out-of-network claim for prescription eyeglasses you buy online. Check with your insurance provider to see how this applies to your benefits. Even though neither of our picks directly take insurance, customers with vision insurance can submit their receipts for out-of-network provider reimbursement. (For people who want to easily use vision insurance, even if it means paying a bit more overall, we recommend considering Eyeconic, Lenscrafters, or Target Optical, three retailers that are in network for a variety of insurers.)

Prescription eyeglasses are generally considered health savings account (HSA)/flexible spending account (FSA)-eligible expenses. Consult your HSA or FSA administrator for details.

Returning online glasses

If the glasses you buy online don’t work for you, for whatever reason, return them! Really.

Ten of the 11 retailers we ordered glasses from offered no-questions-asked return policies. And indeed, though we did follow each company’s instructions perfectly, all accepted and processed our returns on time. The eleventh retailer, Zenni Optical, offers refunds, less any initial shipping costs for returns. We had no problems with our previous refund transactions at Zenni, nor did we have problems using the store credit we were issued.

Wondering what happens to returned spectacles? At the time of our testing, we asked each of the retailers we tested what they did with unwanted prescription glasses. Liingo Eyewear by 1-800 Contacts said it reuses returned frames for its in-home try-on services, as well as donates glasses to various organizations. Eyebuydirect, Firmoo, GlassesUSA, and Warby Parker all said they partner with charities to distribute glasses to those in need. Zenni donates them to Lions Clubs International.