Buying glasses used to mean a trip to the local optometrist, limited selections, and hefty price tags. Thanks to the internet, those days are over. Now, you can browse thousands of frames, customize lenses, and even virtually “try-on” glasses from the comfort of your home. The online eyewear market is booming, offering convenience and competitive prices, but with so many options, finding the Best Online Glasses Store for your needs can be overwhelming.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve curated a guide to the top online retailers for prescription glasses. Whether you prioritize selection, affordability, style, or specific features like virtual try-on or prescription renewal, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to tedious in-person shopping and hello to finding your perfect pair online.
Top Picks for Online Glasses Retailers
We evaluated numerous online eyewear companies, focusing on key factors like frame selection, lens options, pricing, return policies, website usability, and customer service. Our testers, experienced glasses wearers, put these retailers to the test, ordering frames and assessing the entire process from website navigation to daily wear. Here are our top recommendations for the best online glasses stores, catering to different priorities:
Best Overall Online Glasses Store
GlassesUSA: Unmatched Variety and Seamless Ordering
Key Features:
- Turnaround time: 10 to 16 business days (expedited shipping available)
- Return policy: 14 days, no questions asked (on first pair)
- Insurance accepted: Yes, HSA/FSA accepted
- Virtual try-on: Yes
- Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
- Shipping: U.S., Canada, U.K.
Pros:
- Extensive selection of designer and house brands.
- User-friendly website and ordering process.
- Virtual try-on and prescription renewal services.
- Positive tester feedback on ease of use and delivery speed.
Cons:
- 14-day return policy limited to the first pair of glasses.
GlassesUSA stands out as a leading online glasses store due to its vast inventory. They offer a wide array of frames from renowned designers like Ray-Ban and Gucci, alongside affordable in-house brands, ensuring options for every style and budget. Our testers consistently praised GlassesUSA for its intuitive website and straightforward ordering experience. The virtual try-on feature is particularly helpful, allowing you to visualize frames on your face before purchasing. Furthermore, their virtual vision test provides a convenient way to renew expired prescriptions. With lenses crafted in-house and rigorous quality checks, GlassesUSA delivers a premium online eyewear experience.
Best Affordable Online Glasses Store
Zenni Optical: Budget-Friendly Eyewear Without Compromising Style
Key Features:
- 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, HSA/FSA accepted
- Virtual try-on: Yes
- Virtual Rx renewal: No
- Shipping: Worldwide (200+ countries)
Pros:
- Extremely affordable frames, starting at just $7.
- Large selection of styles, including designer options.
- Advanced virtual try-on feature.
- Options for kids’ glasses and safety glasses.
Cons:
- Standard shipping fee not refundable on returns.
- No virtual prescription renewal.
For those seeking the most budget-friendly eyewear, Zenni Optical is the go-to online glasses store. Known for incredibly low prices, with frames starting as low as $7 (including standard prescription lenses), Zenni makes stylish eyewear accessible to everyone. Despite the low cost, Zenni doesn’t skimp on features. Their virtual try-on is highly rated for its accuracy and ease of use. The ability to filter frames by pupillary distance and browse low-bridge options further enhances the user experience. Zenni is an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money on prescription glasses without sacrificing style or essential features.
Best Stylish Online Glasses Store
Warby Parker: Trendsetting Designs and Home Try-On Convenience
Key Features:
- Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days
- Return policy: 30 days for return or exchange
- Insurance accepted: Yes, HSA/FSA accepted
- Virtual try-on: Yes, and in-home try-on
- Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
- Shipping: U.S. and Canada
Pros:
- Fashion-forward, in-house designed frames.
- Home try-on program for risk-free frame selection.
- Stylish and durable frames at reasonable prices.
- Virtual try-on and prescription renewal options.
Cons:
- Kids’ glasses primarily available in-store or via phone.
Warby Parker has carved a niche as the best online glasses store for style-conscious shoppers. Their in-house design team creates chic and modern frames that are both fashionable and functional. Warby Parker’s standout feature is its home try-on program, allowing you to select five frames to try on at home for free before making a decision. This eliminates the guesswork of online frame selection. Starting at $95 including basic prescription lenses, Warby Parker offers designer-quality style without the premium price tag. Their commitment to both fashion and customer convenience makes them a top choice for stylish eyewear.
Best Designer Online Glasses Store
Frames Direct: Authentic Designer Eyewear at Discounted Prices
Key Features:
- Turnaround time: 11 to 14 business days
- Return policy: 30 days for return or exchange
- Insurance accepted: No, HSA/FSA accepted
- Virtual try-on: Yes
- Virtual Rx renewal: No
- Shipping: Worldwide (140+ countries)
Pros:
- Largest online selection of designer eyewear.
- Significant discounts on designer brands (20% to 80% off retail).
- Certificate of authenticity for designer frames.
- Optician review of prescriptions before order processing.
Cons:
- Shipping fees for refunded returns.
- Limited product photos on the website.
For those seeking luxury eyewear brands without the full retail price, Frames Direct is the premier online glasses store. They boast an impressive inventory of nearly 5,000 frames from high-end designers like Gucci, Versace, and Ray-Ban, all offered at substantial discounts. Frames Direct guarantees authenticity, providing a certificate with Armani Exchange glasses, for example. Despite the discounted prices, quality is not compromised. Testers praised the lens accuracy and wide field of vision. While the website could benefit from more product photos, the vast selection and discounted designer eyewear make Frames Direct a top destination for luxury glasses online.
Best Online Prescription Sunglasses Store
Eyebuydirect: Versatile Sunglasses for Every Style and Budget
Key Features:
- Turnaround time: 7 to 14 business days
- Return policy: 14 days for one-time replacement or refund
- Insurance accepted: No, HSA/FSA accepted
- Virtual try-on: Yes
- Virtual Rx renewal: No
- Shipping: U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and more
Pros:
- Extensive selection of prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses.
- Affordable prices on both frames and prescription lenses.
- In-house brand for cost-effective sunglasses options.
- User-friendly website with virtual try-on.
Cons:
- Limited return policy (one-time replacement or refund).
- No virtual prescription renewal.
When it comes to prescription sunglasses, Eyebuydirect is the best online glasses store for variety and value. They offer a massive selection of frames that can be fitted with tinted prescription lenses, giving you thousands of style combinations. Eyebuydirect also has its own line of prescription sunglasses, designed and manufactured in-house to maintain affordability. Starting at just $39 for prescription sunglasses, Eyebuydirect provides high-quality eyewear at reasonable prices. Their virtual try-on feature and user-friendly website make it easy to find the perfect pair of shades for your vision needs.
Best Online Glasses Store for Kids
Zenni Optical: Affordable and Durable Eyewear for Children
Key Features:
- 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, HSA/FSA accepted
- Virtual try-on: Yes
- Virtual Rx renewal: No
- Shipping: Worldwide (200+ countries)
Pros:
- Wide selection of affordable kids’ frames.
- Categorized by age for easy browsing.
- Durable and flexible frame options for toddlers.
- Virtual try-on for kids’ glasses.
Cons:
- Color selection could be wider for some basic styles.
- No virtual prescription renewal.
Zenni Optical again earns a top spot as the best online glasses store for kids’ eyewear. Children can be tough on glasses, and Zenni’s affordable prices are a lifesaver for parents. Frames for kids start at incredibly low prices, making replacements less stressful. Zenni’s website conveniently categorizes kids’ glasses by age, simplifying the shopping process. They offer durable and flexible frames suitable for active children, as well as stylish options for older kids and teens. The virtual try-on feature is also available for kids’ glasses, allowing children to participate in the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Glasses Online
Can I use my prescription to buy glasses online?
Yes, absolutely! You can easily use your valid prescription to order glasses from any of these best online glasses stores. Many retailers even offer options to renew your prescription online for added convenience.
Is it cheaper to buy glasses online?
Generally, yes. Online glasses stores typically have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar оптиicians, allowing them to offer more competitive prices. Retailers like Zenni Optical and Eyebuydirect are particularly known for their affordability.
What do I need to buy glasses online?
You’ll need a valid prescription from an eye doctor, including your pupillary distance (PD). Some online glasses stores offer tools to measure your PD at home or online, and some also provide virtual prescription renewal services.
Is it worth buying prescription glasses online?
For most people, yes. Buying glasses online offers convenience, a wider selection, and often lower prices. However, if you require complex adjustments or prefer in-person assistance, a traditional оптиician might be a better fit. The best online glasses stores offer virtual try-on and detailed product information to help you make informed decisions.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Glasses are Just a Click Away
Shopping for glasses online has never been easier or more rewarding. The best online glasses stores offer an unparalleled selection, competitive prices, and convenient features like virtual try-on and prescription renewal. Whether you prioritize affordability, style, designer brands, or specific needs like sunglasses or kids’ eyewear, you can find your perfect pair online. Explore our top recommendations and discover the convenience and value of buying your next glasses from the comfort of your home.
