Shopping for the best eyeglasses online can be a quick and easy process if you know which retailers to look out for. With a large selection of popular brands available, these online eyeglasses providers can help you to acquire the perfect eyeglasses for your needs.
We have also taken a look at customer service credentials with these online retailers so that you can confidently make a purchase with peace of mind. If you have more niche needs, such as custom frames or glasses to suit your face shape, we've also factored this in so that all of your needs can be catered for in this guide.
If you simply want to order your usual prescription pair, the best eyeglasses online are there to streamline the process and cut out any time-wasting or travel requirements. If you already know what you need, you can skip getting your glasses fitted and order them in your preferred style from one of the retailers below. If you prefer to use the best contact lenses services, you'll find similar types of options available for you.
it's important to know that if you've signed up for one of the best vision insurance plans, then this process could potentially be covered under your policy. The specifics may mean you can only choose certain brands or types of glasses, and it is worth consulting your plan before setting your heart on a specific kind.
For now though, start browsing the best online glasses retailers out there, with all of the choices you could need for picking out your next pair of eyeglasses for reading or everyday use.
The best eyeglasses online brands and retailers
GlassesUSA stocks more than 7,000 frames from nearly 100 eyeglasses designers, and it’s super-easy to browse by brand, frame or lens to help narrow down your search for the best eyeglasses online. To make it easier to find your perfect glasses, you can even search by brand, sales and even trends like lightweight glasses, tortoise shell frames or clip-on sunglasses.
GlassesUSA has a large number of satisfied customers with 71% of the 50,000 reviews on Trust Pilot rated as 5 out of 5 stars. One happy user says "I was really pleased with my first purchase -- the first time I had ordered glasses online. Loved my glasses and the ability to work through all the options."
Some critical reviews mentioned some confusion with the ordering process and a delay in delivery, with a small number of users complaining that some frames were too expensive - in these cases GlassesUSA's customer service team are often quick to provide help.
The range includes prescription glasses, as well as sunglasses available in a huge range of colors and styles. GlassesUSA frequently offers discount codes and deals, so there’s plenty of opportunity to grab a juicy saving on a stylish pair of eyeglasses. Every pair you buy is backed with a 365-day warranty, and you get free shipping and returns in the United States.
With so much on offer, you’ll want to try your potential new eyeglasses on for size, right? Luckily, GlassesUSA has a virtual try-on feature that can help you choose the right eyeglasses for you, using a photo of a model or you can upload an image of yourself. If you go ahead with your purchase but later decide the frames aren’t right for you when you receive them, you can take advantage of the brand’s risk-free 14-day refund or exchange.
With excellent customer service and an easy-to-use website, great shipping and return options, GlassesUSA is hands-down one of the best online glasses retailers in America right now, so your prescription order will be in good hands.
- Read our GlassesUSA.com review
EyeBuyDirect is the place to go if you want a great pair of cheap eyeglasses online and not much else. While there’s not a lot of designer choice on offer, everything you need for a good pair of affordable glasses is right here.
EyeBuyDirect has very positive reviews on Trust Pilot, with 72% of the 20,000 reviews rating the company 5/5 stars. Happy reviews include "I got my glasses today and am so pleased with the quality of my glasses and the two days delivery service. The price and the process are outstanding, I was able to try it virtually before buying it."
Negative reviews mention the site not loading properly, and some complaints about the delivery times and returns process.
There’s a virtual try-on to help you select the best eyeglasses for your face, plus there are a decent amount of sunglasses on offer too. Simply use the filters to narrow down the search by glasses type, brand, rim and color for example, to find the style you want.
Ordering is easy and there are always further discounts on offer of up to 50%, making EyeBuyDirect one of the best eyeglasses online retailers if you need to buy a few pairs of eyeglasses to always ensure you have backups, yet you don’t have a big budget to cover them all.
- Read our EyeBuyDirect review
With 20 years’ experience selling the best eyeglasses online, Eyeglasses.com is a safe pair of hands for designer frames, reading glasses and bespoke prescription glasses. The company has attracted high user reviews, with plenty of existing customers praising the expanded range of affordable and designer eyeglasses, and free US and international shipping. We also love its Give Back Vision charity scheme.
Eyeglasses.com has garnered high user reviews with a large number of customers praising the wide range of both affordable and designer eyeglasses, with free US and international shipping.
SiteJabber has more than 16,000 reviews for Eyeglasses.com, with the majority of them rating the site 5/5 stars. On Trust Pilot, the site has a rating of 3.5/5 stars on average, with comments such as "My local eye doc wanted to charge me over $1500 for 3 pairs of glasses with a new prescription. I found eyeglasses.com and they made them for half of that. It also turned out the eye doc put a plus sign where there should have been a minus sign on my prescription, so eyeglasses.com made a new set of lenses without additional charge."
Not every user is happy, with some customers being upset at the lack of free returns, but in the majority of cases, Eyeglasses.com will resolve the issue through their customer support team.
There’s a large selection of online glasses to choose from here, and you won’t be disappointed by the stock on offer, and the prices are generally very reasonable too. The site also has lots of discounts with plenty of bargains to be snapped up. The virtual try-on feature is fun and can give you an idea of how a particular frame shape or color would suit your face.
This online glasses retailer takes around one to two days (on average) to process non-prescription lenses, while prescription eyeglasses can take three to five days on average. We’d recommend reading the Eyeglasses.com returns policy before purchasing anything, as the brand states that frames must be returned in perfect condition within 30 days for a full refund.
However, you have to cover the cost of return postage on the majority of frames (there are some partial exceptions). Other companies in our roundup of the best eyeglasses online offer free returns.
- Read our full Eyeglasses.com review
Zenni’s fun, bright website is a clear indication of how this company rolls, offering an enormous range of stylish customizable frames and lenses in plenty of colors and materials. While the designer options are limited, Zenni does collaborate with noted creative brands and celebrities, producing some of the best eyeglasses online with a unique feel and style.
Zenni has overwhelmingly positive reviews on trust pilot, with 83% of the 141,000 reviews rating the site 5/5 stars.
It's the same story on Consumer Affairs, with Zenni getting an average rating of 4.4/5 stars. Users praise the whole process, with comments such as "I've made six to eight purchases from Zenni and their products are above average. I've never had an issue with the quality of their glasses and I've recommended them to family and friends."
The small number of negative reviews almost always complain about the size of the glasses that they receive, as Zenni can only provide suggestions - this sometimes leads to users getting glasses that are too big or too small.
The costs of Zenni frames are kept low by manufacturing and shipping from China, missing out the middleman. The downsides therefore include a longer shipping time and zero free shipping options. Also, if you make a mistake during your order, you’ll get online store credit instead of a full refund. Plus, there’s no “try before you buy” with which you can receive frames at home, although you can use the digital try-on feature.
Zenni is also one of the best online glasses retailers for buying advice, with a wealth of written guides and videos walking you through how to order glasses online. There’s also plenty of information to help you get the right fit, plus eyewear tips for video calls and how to match frames to your zodiac sign (quirky but fun).
- Read our Zenni Optical review
Warby Parker is a trusted brand when it comes to the best eyeglasses online, with a stylish selection of frames that are easy to try on at home. When buying glasses online at Warby Parker, you can select up to five frames to try at home for five days.
Warby Parker has a lot of happy customers leaving positive feedback on their website, with one user saying "First-time shopper and couldn't be more pleased with the selection, quality, speed of delivery and level of customer care! Really, what more could anyone expect?"
Trust Pilot is slightly more mixed, with some users complaining that they have to pay extra for expedited shipping. One unhappy user said "Make you pay for expedited shipping for contacts then send only one set of the contacts".
If none of them are right for you, simply send them back free of charge and try another batch until you find the frames you love. There is also the option to use the virtual try-on service too. That alone is a huge confidence booster, as you can rest assured that you’re choosing frames that actually suit your face shape and skin tone.
With free shipping, free returns, and frames (with prescription lenses) starting from only $95, Warby Parker is a good choice if you want a no-fuss, straightforward way to buy eyeglasses online. Even better, for every pair of eyeglasses you buy, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need. To date, the company has donated more than five million pairs of glasses.
While the range is quite small compared to the bigger online glasses retailers, we found more than enough choice on offer. You filter your search results according to frame width, shape, color, material, and nose bridge fit. Prices start from $95, and for $50 extra you can add blue-light filtering lenses to any pair of eyeglasses without needing a prescription.
- Read our Warby Parker review
Lensabl takes your trusty old frames and fits new lenses into them, even sending you a box to ship your old frames to them.
Lensabl has mixed reviews across reputable sites, with an average Trust Pilot score of 2.8/5 stars, and an average SiteJabber rating of 4.4/5 stars.
Positive reviews on SiteJabber praise the service, with comments such as "I used Lensabl to replace lenses in my existing frame with new ones from a newer prescription. Great experience overall. Information is clearly laid out on the website, shipping (both ways) was easy, my glasses arrived in a reasonable amount of time, and the quality seems to be good so far. Will know for sure in a few months. I will definitely recommend Lensabl."
On Trust Pilot, it is a different story with many critical comments, usually unhappy with customer service. One user stated "They BROKE my Versace frames and didn't notify me until I called to check on my order. They did eventually reimburse me. However, it took over (10) phone calls and emails to resolve. The other pair that they did complete had bi-focal lenses that looked like they had magnifying glasses on the bottom (Unusable). If you order bifocal lenses, be very careful to specify Progressive Lenses".
The whole process takes as little as two weeks. If you really want to buy some eyeglasses you can, but the range is quite limited so it’s just as easy to buy some budget frames of your choice and get some lenses popped in.
In nutshell, you send your existing eyeglasses to Lensabl and let them know your prescription, the lens type you need, and any extras you’re looking for (special coatings and so on). Lensabl will either send you a box with a prepaid shipping label, or it will email you to label so that you can use your own packaging to get your glasses to the Lensabl lab.
While getting some new lenses might not be as exciting as a whole new pair of frames, your new purchases will arrive in a nice, smart package so it still feels like a bit of a treat. This is a great to buy eyeglasses online, and an easy way to hang on to beloved frames that truly suit your face without going to the hassle of finding a worthy replacement. New prescription lenses at Lensabl start from $77.
- Read our Lensabl review
When it comes to choice, Frames Direct claims to have the largest online selection of the best eyeglasses online no matter what style you’re looking for. As well as prescription glasses, you’ll find sunglasses (including with prescription lenses), as well as contacts here. You can search by categories such as 'hipster' or 'unique', or by frame shape, bridge size, color and frame materials.
FramesDirect has good reviews online, with most of the positive reviews found on Trust Pilot. User comments include "As a lifetime eyeglass wearer I’ve found that it pays to shop around, both for selection and value. I’ve been wearing well known frames that are sometimes hard to find for a while now. Frames Direct hits the mark on great selections with great pricing…" FramesDirect's Trust Pilot rating is 4.7/5 with over 27,000 reviews - 81% of which are 5 stars.
The small number of complaints are usually regarding slow delivery times and the refund policy.
Top eyeglasses brands stocked by FramesDirect include Ray-Ban, Prada and Michael Kors, and the choice on offer can be filtered down by size, shape, frame material and color. At the moment, FramesDirect is still working on its virtual try-on service, but if your frames aren’t suitable, there is a one-time free exchange per frame, although only 50% of the lens price will be credited if the prescription needs to be altered.
Where FramesDirect makes up for the lack of flexibility returning or trying on glasses, is with the huge discounts it offers. There’s up to 60% off to be snapped up regularly, with frequent offers and sales on designer brands, making it worth the gamble. You can even use funds from your insurance’s flexible spending or health savings account.
- Read our FramesDirect review
If you don't have the budget for designer eyeglasses or are just looking for a cheap pair of glasses to use as a back-up, then DiscountGlasses could be your go-to site. The online glasses brand focuses mainly on cheap frames, so you won’t have any surprises at checkout, knowing from the start that you’re shopping within your budget.
Reviews for DiscountGlasses are unfortunately few and far between online, with the majority of reports being on DiscountGlasses.com.
Due to the lack of reviews on websites such as TrustPilot, and the majority of positive reviews being on DiscountGlasses own website, it is hard to judge whether users are truly pleased with this service.
Even though we’re mainly looking at cheap frames here, during our review process we were still able to find some very stylish eyeglasses for less, which goes to show that expensive doesn’t always equal the best. That said, if you do want designer glasses without the luxury price tag, there isn’t a big selection at DiscountGlasses, so check out some of the others on our list such as GlassesUSA and FramesDirect.
Like many others in our guide to the best eyeglasses online, DiscountGlasses has a virtual try-on service, as well as a fantastic 365-day trial period, which is plenty of time to try out your new glasses. Yep, you have an entire year within which you can return your eyeglasses if you aren’t happy with them - again, read the terms and conditions to understand exactly what will and won’t fly here.
There is also the option to see the frames on a model’s face so you get a good idea of what they look like when worn – you can even choose a model who has the closest match to your face shape or skin tone.
We’d prefer it if DiscountGlasses had an instant online chat function, as email and phone can put a roadblock in the way of placing an order when you have an urgent need for some new eyeglasses. However, compared to the cheap prices, wide selection of frames and the virtual try-on feature on offer here, this is a minor complaint.
- Read our full DiscountGlasses review
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with information when buying eyeglasses online, which can put many people off if they think they might buy the wrong type. But Coastal has plenty of information laid out in a very clear and concise way – ideal if this is your first time buying online glasses.
Coastal Eyewear has some decent reviews on Consumer Affairs, with comments such as "Coastal made the ordering process easy from beginning to end. The frames I initially wanted were not available. The rep I was working with helped me find a comparable pair at the same price. I was very happy with the service, my glasses arrived sooner than promised."
With an average rating of 3.5/5 stars on Consumer affairs, there are some unsatisfied customers that mainly highlight problems with the delivery process and shipping time.
And on the Coastal blog there’s even more great info including how frame shape affects prescription, and how to protect your eyes while working at a screen. There are also dozens of posts on the latest eyeglasses trends and styles.
As well as all this essential information, there are plenty of bargains to be snapped up on everyday styles as well as on designer brands. Plus, Coastal Eyewear also sells contacts, making this a one-stop shop if you like to mix and match your vision wear.
Frame prices start from as little as $9 (Zenni is cheaper), and there are always big discounts, as well as an evergreen clearance sale. Plus there’s free shipping over $50, free returns, and a 60-day return policy.
- Read our Coastal review
At night our phones and tablets are stimulating our brains and keeping us awake and Ambr sells blue light filtering glasses, albeit in a restricted range. The lenses are glare and UV resistant as standard, and their blue light filter comes in a variety of strengths and flavours, including sunglasses and transitions.
Much like DiscountGlasses, Ambr Eyewear does not have many reviews online, making it hard to judge user experience. Reviews are available on their website from verified customers, but the noticeable lack of reviews below 5 stars doesn't give us the feeling of transparency.
The company can fulfill your prescription needs, as long as they’re on the modest side and its webcam ‘try on’ is a lots of fun. It’s an option worth considering if you’re someone who spends a lot of time with their nose pressed against a screen (guilty as charged).
Ambr’s range of frames is about the smallest we’ve tested and the range of lens options is very similar. While this has its disadvantages if you’ve set your heart on some window shopping, it does make the checkout process much easier and reduces your screen time (winner on all fronts).
- Read our Ambr Eyewear review
Best eyeglasses online FAQ
How we picked the best eyeglasses online for this guide
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
As mentioned earlier in our online glasses guide, we have focused on companies that have a good reputation among existing customers, first and foremost. We have gleaned this information from verified user reviews, as well as from ratings on websites such as the Better Business Bureau and Trust Pilot.
Interpreting user reviews can be tricky, as some disgruntled customers can dish out harsh ratings for minor issues, so we have included them in our guide as a flavor of what you might expect as a customer. They are not to be read as gospel.
Other criteria includes pricing – are the glasses, lenses and accessories well-priced, and are there regular discounts on offer? – as well as the range. For us, the best eyeglasses online brands offer both budget and premium frames, making them accessible to people on lower incomes as well as those who have the budget for designer eyeglasses.
We also highlight the companies that accept vision coverage and that are capable of liaising directly with your insurer, saving you the hassle. Beyond that, we considered factors such as shipping costs – most online glasses brands now offer free shipping, but some charge for returns, which isn’t ideal – and the quality and accessibility of customer service. After all, there’s no point in buying cheap prescription glasses online if the only way you can reach the team to resolve order issues is by email.
What you need to buy eyeglasses online
According to advice published by the American Optometric Association, all adults aged 65 and under should have an in-person eye exam at least every two years. It also points out that eye examinations aren’t just about figuring out whether you need vision correction, such as prescription glasses, but to look at all aspects of your eye health.
The Association also argues that online vision tests can be misleading or inaccurate, and that a proper eye exam with a qualified optometrist is the only way to be sure of your current eye health.
Many people have an in-store eye test, then seek out the best eyeglasses online that can accommodate their new prescription, simply because prices are cheaper.
In order to buy glasses online, you will need to know your pupillary distance, also known as your PD number, and this isn’t also stated on your prescription. Pupillary distance is the length in millimeters between your pupils (a single PD number) or from your pupils to the center of the bridge of your nose (dual PD).
The stronger your eyeglasses prescription, the more vital it is that the lenses are lined up accurately in front of your eye. Online glasses retailers should always ask for your PD when you place an order.
What to look for in an online eyeglasses retailer
If you want to get the most out of service and quality, it is important to consider a number of factors when choosing a retailer for your new eyeglasses. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of things to look for in an online eyeglass retailer:
Verified customer reviews
User reviews are a great way to find a reputable eyeglass retailer, with a lot of these companies the proof is in the pudding. Websites such as Trust Pilot and SiteJabber are great places to look for what users are saying about their experience with retailers.
Clear and concise pricing
Keeping the costs of your eyeglasses affordable and manageable is essential. If you can't see pricing or reviews warn of hidden fees or "junk" fees, then it might be in your interest to check out a different retailer. A lot of the best eyeglasses online can also be bought as part of an insurance policy too, which is definitely worth looking into before committing to a purchase.
Order tracking function
With delivery times or delivery delays being one of the most common complaints across different retailers, it can help greatly to find a site that provides an order-tracking function so that you know when your glasses are being made and when they are being dispatched.
A range of cheap and designer eyeglasses
If a site offers both cheap and designer glasses it gives you the freedom to browse to satisfy your own tastes as well as giving you the opportunity to stock up on cheaper everyday glasses, and sometimes even sunglasses too.
Various easy ways to contact customer service
When things go wrong, it is important to have multiple ways to contact a customer service team. Some people aren't comfortable with phone calls, and prefer emails or live chat, while some people see phone calls as a must. Regardless, retailers with varied customer service options are almost always the most helpful, and are good to look out for.
Do you need a valid prescription to buy glasses online?
You can buy fashion eyeglasses and regular sunglasses without a prescription. But yes, you’ll need a current prescription to buy eyeglasses that correct your vision. If you don’t have a copy or are confused about which numbers mean what, many of the best eyeglasses online companies can contact your eye doctor’s office (with your permission) to get that information.
Reputable online glasses stores strongly encourage customers to get regular eye exams. Some will even help you find a local eye doctor.
If you have excellent vision or wear contacts but like glasses for their stylish flair, you can buy non-prescription glasses online too. You’ll typically still have to pay for the lenses, but non-prescription lenses cost much less than the corrective kind.
Some online glasses stores include basic non-prescription lenses for free when you purchase frames. Almost all eyeglasses retailers will let you upgrade non-prescription lenses with anti-reflective coating, anti-scratch coating or even UV protection. Obviously these cost more.
Can you return prescription glasses bought online?
If your online prescription eyeglasses don’t work for you, reputable retailers should exchange them, provide a full or partial refund, or give you store credit. Not every company offers the same length of time for you to decide, so check before you buy.
For example, Zenni Optical gives you 30 days to call for a “return authorization” and offers a 30-day warranty. Some firms give you a full year, but they often require that the prescription glasses must be returned in unused condition.
If you’re having trouble seeing with the eyeglasses you ordered online, take them to the optometrist who initially examined your eyes. Ask them to inspect the glasses for accuracy. In rare cases, you’ll discover that your prescription needs adjusting or your lenses were made incorrectly.
