Thanks to the internet, getting new prescription glasses has never been easier. You can browse countless styles, customize your lenses, and even virtually try them on, all from the comfort of your home, skipping the traditional trip to the eye doctor’s office. We’ve rigorously evaluated numerous online eyewear retailers to bring you the best options available. After extensive testing, we confidently recommend GlassesUSA as the premier destination to buy prescription glasses online, thanks to their vast selection and convenient virtual prescription renewal. For budget-conscious shoppers, Zenni Optical stands out with incredibly affordable frames starting at just $7. And if style is your priority, Warby Parker is our top pick for the most fashionable prescription eyewear, boasting chic, in-house designed frames.
We’ve identified the best places to purchase prescription glasses online, catering to every style and budget preference.
To determine the best online prescription glasses retailers, Forbes Vetted conducted thorough research on nearly a dozen highly-rated brands. Four panel testers participated in the evaluation, ordering multiple frames from each website and providing detailed feedback on their experiences, from website navigation to prescription verification and everyday wear.
Our final selections were reviewed by Kari Molvar, Forbes Vetted’s deputy editor and fashion expert, who oversees our eyewear coverage and is herself a glasses wearer. We compared each retailer’s range of products, return policies, website features like virtual try-on and online prescription renewal, and our testers’ experiences to identify the top five prescription glasses retailers you can shop online. Notably, one company impressed us so much it earned a double mention.
Top Pick for Best Prescription Glasses Online Overall
Unmatched Selection and Streamlined Ordering
GlassesUSA
GlassesUSA Muse Zenith Eyeglasses
Turnaround time: 10 to 16 business days (expedited shipping available) | Return policy: 14 days, hassle-free | Insurance accepted: Yes, including HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes | Ships to: U.S., Canada, and U.K.
What sets them apart:
- Extensive collection of designer and in-house brands, including blue light and sunglasses options.
- User-friendly app for easy prescription scanning.
- Fast delivery times.
Things to consider:
- The 14-day return policy applies only to your first pair of glasses.
GlassesUSA stands out as a leading online prescription glasses retailer, offering a massive inventory of designer frames from renowned brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Oakley, alongside more budget-friendly house brands in a vast array of styles and colors. It emerged as the top choice for three of our testers, who praised the seamless and intuitive ordering process. Prices vary from $39 to $700, depending on your brand selection. Their virtual try-on feature allows you to upload a photo and see how different frames look on your face before you buy. GlassesUSA also offers a convenient app that scans your current lenses to determine your prescription, and for those with expired prescriptions, they provide virtual vision tests for renewal.
All lenses are custom-made in-house and undergo rigorous quality checks for clarity and accurate alignment. You can also opt for lens upgrades like progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings, and transition lenses for an additional cost, up to $169. One tester described the selection and checkout as “sleek and intuitive” and was impressed with the swift delivery. Another tester received her glasses just nine days after ordering, including Thanksgiving weekend. GlassesUSA offers a 14-day, no-questions-asked return policy for your first pair if you’re not completely satisfied.
Best Value Prescription Glasses Online
Diverse Range of Affordable Eyewear
Zenni Optical
Zenni Bravo Browline Glasses
Turnaround time: 8 to 18 business days (expedited shipping available) | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No | Ships to: Over 200 countries globally
What sets them apart:
- Wide variety of glasses at exceptionally low prices.
- Intuitive site filters for easy frame selection.
- Advanced virtual try-on capability.
Things to consider:
- Standard U.S. shipping is $6.95 regardless of order value.
- Shipping fees are non-refundable on returns.
- Limited designer brand selection.
Zenni Optical’s mission is to make prescription glasses accessible to everyone, with in-house designed frames starting at an astonishing $7 and topping out at $50—this price includes standard prescription lenses. “With my complex prescription, costs can escalate quickly, so a more affordable frame is a welcome benefit,” noted one tester. While Zenni now offers designer brands, sticking with their in-house line provides the best value, as the designer selection remains limited.
Another tester praised Zenni’s try-on feature: “It’s very advanced, providing a comprehensive view of how the glasses will look. The entire experience, from start to finish, was seamless.” The site also allows filtering frames by pupillary distance, simplifying the search process. Zenni also offers low-bridge fit options and ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses with both single vision and progressive prescription lenses. Lens upgrades, such as polarization, start at just $33.
Most Stylish Online Prescription Glasses
Trend-Setting Designs with Free Home Try-On
Warby Parker
Warby Parker Esme Eyeglasses
Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 30 days for returns or exchanges | Insurance accepted: Yes, including HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes, and in-home try-on | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes | Ships to: U.S. and Canada
What sets them apart:
- Extensive range of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, blue light glasses, and sunglasses.
- Good selection of contact lenses, including in-house and reputable third-party brands like Acuvue and Biofinity.
Things to consider:
- Kids’ glasses are only available in-store or via phone order.
Warby Parker delivers designer-inspired eyewear at reasonable prices. One of our testers has been a loyal customer for over a decade, purchasing both prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses from them. All frames start at $95, an impressive price point that includes basic prescription lenses. Beyond virtual try-on, Warby Parker is renowned for its free at-home try-on program. You can select up to five frames to have shipped to your home, allowing you to physically try them on before making a decision. “The size accuracy, feel, and fit are consistently excellent in my experience,” says our tester. “My everyday frames have blue light-blocking lenses, which seem effective in reducing eye fatigue.”
Once you’ve chosen your frames, you can add basic prescription lenses, which another tester found “perfectly accurate” and “not too thick,” even with a strong prescription. Upgrade options like progressive lenses, blue light filtering, or light-responsive lenses are available, adding up to $200 to the total cost. If you are not satisfied with your glasses, you can return them for a full refund or exchange within 30 days. Plus, if your lenses get scratched within the first year, Warby Parker will replace them for free.
Best Selection of Designer Prescription Glasses
Premium Brands at Discounted Prices
Frames Direct
Frames Direct Ray-Ban RB7047 Eyeglasses
Turnaround time: 11 to 14 business days | Return policy: 30 days for returns or exchanges | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No | Ships to: Over 140 countries worldwide
What sets them apart:
- Impressive collection of high-end designer styles, including Gucci and Versace.
- Many designer options are priced below retail.
- Each order is reviewed by a qualified optician.
Things to consider:
- Customers are responsible for return shipping costs on refunded items.
- Limited product photos are available on the website.
Frames Direct boasts the largest online selection of designer eyewear, featuring nearly 5,000 frames from luxury brands such as Gucci and Versace, as well as popular brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban, in a wide spectrum of colors. Our tester received her Armani Exchange glasses with a “certificate of authenticity,” guaranteeing their genuineness. Most designer brands are offered at 20% to 80% off retail prices, and prescription lenses are frequently discounted. “The value for these name-brand eyeglasses, including all the lens add-ons, is truly impressive,” said our tester. Another tester, who wears progressive lenses, added, “The lenses match my prescription perfectly and provide one of the widest fields of vision compared to other glasses I’ve tried.” Frames Direct also provides a virtual try-on feature to preview frames on your face.
Lens options include single vision, no-line progressives, and non-prescription readers. You can also select from various lens materials, from lightweight polycarbonate to standard plastic, and add optional upgrades like digital light protection or scratch-resistant coatings. Before your order is processed, an optician reviews it to ensure optimal selections for your prescription.
Best Prescription Sunglasses Online
Budget-Friendly and Premium Sunglass Options
Eyebuydirect
Eyebuydirect Good Vibrations Sunglasses
Turnaround time: 7 to 14 business days | Return policy: 14 days for a one-time replacement or refund | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No | Ships to: U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and more
What sets them apart:
- Extensive range of prescription sunglasses for all budgets.
- 365-Day Product Guarantee covers defects for a year.
Things to consider:
- Refunds or replacements are limited to one per order.
- No online prescription renewal service.
Eyebuydirect offers a vast selection of frames that can be fitted with tinted prescription lenses, giving you thousands of choices. If you need guidance, their in-house line of prescription sunglasses offers quality and affordability, with in-house design and manufacturing keeping prices low. A tester who prefers large, rectangular frames found the filtering options exceptionally helpful. Prescription sunglasses start at $39 and go up to under $100, offering excellent quality for the price.
The “try on” feature allows you to upload a photo and instantly see how frames look on you, and your photo remains visible as you browse the site. Testers noted that their glasses arrived promptly and securely packaged in a compact cardboard box. Eyebuydirect’s 14-day “no questions asked” return policy allows for a one-time replacement or refund, and their 365-Day Product Guarantee covers defects for a full year.
Best Prescription Glasses for Children
Kid-Approved Styles at Parent-Friendly Prices
Zenni Optical
Zenni Kids’ Rectangle Glasses
Turnaround time: 8 to 18 business days (expedited shipping available) | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No | Ships to: Over 200 countries worldwide
What sets them apart:
- Children’s frames are priced from just $6.95.
- Kid-friendly features include flexible frames and straps.
- Options categorized by age group for easier browsing.
Things to consider:
- Standard U.S. shipping is $6.95 regardless of order value.
- Shipping fees are non-refundable on returns.
- Limited color choices for some styles.
Kids and teens can be very particular about their eyewear. Zenni Optical offers a wide array of children’s frames at very affordable prices, making them our top pick for best kids’ glasses. Frames start at just $6.95 with basic prescription lenses, with most frames ranging from $16 to $30. This is great for parents, as replacements are inexpensive if glasses are lost or damaged.
They offer flexible frames for toddlers, options with straps for younger children, and stylish designs to appeal to older kids. The virtual try-on feature lets kids see how the glasses will look on their face, ensuring they are happy with the style before purchase. Like their adult glasses, Zenni’s kids’ glasses can be customized with coatings, accessories, or engraving.
Current Deals on Online Prescription Glasses
Many online retailers offer promotions throughout the year to help you save on your next pair of eyeglasses. Here are some of the best current deals on prescription glasses online. [Link to deals page/section if applicable]
Why Forbes Vetted is a Trusted Source
Our content library includes numerous eyewear guides, from polarized sunglasses to men’s glasses. We leverage our expertise to highlight the best online prescription glasses retailers.
- Our evaluation process involved four glasses-wearing testers with diverse needs, including progressive lenses, nearsightedness, strong prescriptions, and heavy computer use.
- Claire Epting, Forbes Vetted’s fashion updates writer and author of this article, has extensive experience researching online prescription eyewear.
- Lindsay Boyers, executive strategy editor at Forbes Vetted, with 15 years of product testing and reviewing experience, compiled the findings of our testers.
- Kari Molvar, deputy fashion editor at Forbes Vetted, oversaw the article’s publication and brings over 20 years of style and apparel coverage experience, and is a glasses wearer herself.
- We consulted resources like the Cleveland Clinic and Eye Institute of South Jersey websites for expert insights on purchasing prescription glasses.
- This article is regularly updated for accuracy and to reflect current product availability and popularity.
How We Selected the Best Online Prescription Glasses
We dedicated hours to researching popular eyewear companies, examining their selection, value, insurance acceptance, return policies, and turnaround times. Additionally:
- Our testers navigated the online ordering process, evaluating user-friendliness and special features like virtual/home try-ons and prescription renewals. They wore each pair to assess comfort and performance.
- We analyzed feedback from our four testers to select the top five online retailers, categorized by strengths like affordability or designer options.
- We noted turnaround times, return policies, virtual try-on and vision renewal availability, and insurance/HSA/FSA acceptance to help you find the best retailer for your needs.
At Forbes Vetted, we have reviewed numerous glasses, subjecting them to rigorous quality, style, and comfort assessments.
Guide to Buying Prescription Glasses Online
Buying prescription glasses online is generally straightforward, but understanding the process is helpful, especially for first-time buyers. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Ensure You Have a Current Prescription
If you don’t have a recent prescription, schedule an in-person eye exam. If your prescription is expired, renewal is necessary. Some sites, like GlassesUSA and Warby Parker, offer online prescription renewal via virtual vision tests for a fee.
2. Measure Your Pupillary Distance (PD)
Your pupillary distance, the space between your pupils, is crucial for correct lens alignment. Accurate PD measurement is best done by an eye doctor, but online tools like Zenni’s digital PD ruler or Warby Parker’s PD measuring tool can be used at home.
3. Choose Your Lens Type
The main lens types are single vision and multifocal. Single vision lenses correct one vision issue (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). Multifocal lenses, like bifocals and progressive lenses, correct multiple vision distances. Progressive lenses offer a seamless transition between near, intermediate, and distance vision correction.
4. Select Lens Coatings
Most retailers offer lens coatings to enhance glasses performance. Upgrades include anti-scratch, anti-fog, and blue light-blocking coatings. Anti-scratch is good for durability, anti-fog for mask wearers, and blue light-blocking for screen users.
Our tester loved these stylish prescription aviator sunglasses from Zenni.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Best Online Retailer for Prescription Glasses?
GlassesUSA was favored by three of our testers as the top choice. They offer a wide variety of eyeglasses for all tastes and budgets, and their streamlined ordering makes getting your perfect frames easy and timely.
Where Can I Find the Most Affordable Prescription Glasses Online?
Online prescription glasses are often more affordable than those from traditional optometrists. Zenni Optical is among the most affordable, with frames starting at $7. Retailers like GlassesUSA and Eyebuydirect also offer competitive prices. Watch for on-site promotions for even greater savings.
Is Ordering Prescription Glasses Online Worth It?
Yes, buying prescription glasses online can be worthwhile, offering convenience, a broader selection, and often lower prices. It’s ideal for those who have their prescription and measurements. However, assessing frame fit and quality can be harder without a home try-on, and online support may be limited. Adjustments might be needed after online purchase.
