Looking for the perfect pair of eyeglasses online can be quick and easy if you know where to look. With a wide selection of popular brands, many online eyeglasses providers can help you find the ideal pair of glasses to suit your needs.
We have also assessed the customer service credentials of these online retailers so that you can confidently purchase with peace of mind. If you have more specific needs, such as custom frames or glasses to fit your face shape, we have taken this into account so that you can find the right pair of glasses for you in this guide.
If you already know your prescription and preferred style, you can skip the hassle of getting your glasses fitted and order them online from one of the retailers we recommend. For those who prefer contact lenses, plenty of options are available to suit your needs, and we have rounded up the best contact lens services.
It's worth noting that if you have signed up for one of the best vision insurance plans, your policy may cover this process. However, it's important to check the specifics of your plan to ensure you can choose the brands and types of glasses you prefer.
And Black Friday is just around the corner, so it's the perfect time to grab some amazing deals on the best eyeglasses available online. We are constantly on the lookout for the top bargains, so make sure to visit our Black Friday deals page to stay updated with everything you need to know.
For now, though, start browsing the best online glasses retailers out there, with all the choices you could need to pick your next pair of eyeglasses for reading or everyday use.
The best eyeglasses online we recommend in 2023
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The best eyeglasses online service overall
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 your search for the best eyeglasses online. To make it easier to find your perfect glasses, you can search by brand, sales, and trends like lightweight glasses, tortoiseshell frames, or clip-on sunglasses.
GlassesUSA has many 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 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 few users complaining that some frames were too expensive - in these cases, GlassesUSA's customer service team is often quick to provide help.
The range includes prescription glasses and 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 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, an easy-to-use website, and great shipping and return options, GlassesUSA is hands-down one of the best online glasses retailers in America, so your prescription order will be in good hands.
- Read our GlassesUSA.com review
The best eyeglasses online for value
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-day delivery service. The price and the process are outstanding, and I tried 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 and a decent amount of sunglasses on offer. Simply use the filters to narrow 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 ensure you have backups, yet you don’t have a big budget to cover them all.
- Read our EyeBuyDirect review
The best eyeglasses online with a virtual try-on feature
With 20 years of 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 many customers praising the wide range of affordable and designer eyeglasses, with free US and international shipping.
SiteJabber has more than 16,000 reviews for Eyeglasses.com, with the majority 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 doctor 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 most 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 many 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 most 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
The best eyeglasses online sorted by face shape
Zenni’s fun and bright website clearly indicates 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, commenting, "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 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 on the middleman. The downsides 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, eyewear tips for video calls, and how to match frames to your zodiac sign (quirky but fun).
- Read our Zenni Optical review
The best online glasses for trying at home
Warby Parker is a trusted brand for 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 many 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 they must 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 are right for you, return them 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. 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. The company has donated more than five million pairs of glasses to date.
While the range is quite small compared to the bigger online glasses retailers, we found more than enough choice. You filter your search results according to frame width, shape, color, material, and nose bridge fit. Prices start from $95; for $50 extra, you can add blue-light filtering lenses to any pair of eyeglasses without needing a prescription.
- Read our Warby Parker review
The best eyeglasses online for lenses only
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 good. Will know for sure in a few months. I will definitely recommend Lensabl."
Trust Pilot 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 they completed had bi-focal lenses that looked like they had magnifying glasses on the bottom (Unusable). If you order bifocal lenses, carefully 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 a 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). Lensabl will either send you a box with a prepaid shipping label or email you the label so you can use your packaging to get your glasses to the Lensabl lab.
While getting some new lenses might not be as exciting as a new pair of frames, your new purchases will arrive in a nice, smart package, so it still feels like a treat. This is a great way to buy eyeglasses online and an easy way to hang on to beloved frames that truly suit your face without the hassle of finding a worthy replacement. New prescription lenses at Lensabl start from $77.
- Read our Lensabl review
The best eyeglasses online for custom frames
Regarding choice, Frames Direct claims to have the largest online selection of the best eyeglasses, no matter what style you’re looking for or prescription glasses; you’ll find sunglasses (including prescription lenses) and 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 on Trust Pilot. User comments include, "As a lifetime eyeglass wearer, I’ve found that it pays to shop around 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 five 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 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 in returning or trying on glasses with the huge discounts it offers. 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
A good option for cheap eyeglasses
If you don't have the budget for designer eyeglasses or are just looking for a cheap pair of glasses to use as a backup, 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 most reports being on DiscountGlasses.com.
Due to the lack of reviews on websites such as TrustPilot and the majority of positive reviews being on DiscountGlass's 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 could still find some stylish eyeglasses for less, which shows that expensive doesn’t always equal the best. That said, if you want designer glasses without the luxury price tag, there isn’t a big selection at DiscountGlasses, so check out some 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 and 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 urgently need new eyeglasses. However, this is a minor complaint compared to the low prices, wide selection of frames, and the virtual try-on feature on offer.
- Read our full DiscountGlasses review
The best eyeglasses online for buying advice
It’s easy to get information overload 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 very clearly and concisely – ideal if this is your first time buying online glasses.
Coastal Eyewear has some decent reviews on Consumer Affairs, with comments like "Coastal made the ordering process easy from beginning to end. The frames I initially wanted were not available. The rep I worked with helped me find a comparable pair at the same price. I was very happy with the service, and my glasses arrived sooner than promised."
With an average rating of 3.5/5 stars on Consumer Affairs, some unsatisfied customers 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 and designer brands. 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 and an evergreen clearance sale. Plus, there’s free shipping over $50, free returns, and a 60-day return policy.
- Read our Coastal review
The best eyeglasses online for eye health
At night, our phones and tablets stimulate our brains and keep 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 various strengths and flavors, including sunglasses and transitions.
Much like DiscountGlasses, Ambr Eyewear has few 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 five 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 lot of fun. It’s an option worth considering if you spend much time with your 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 disadvantages if you’ve set your heart on some window shopping, it makes the checkout process much easier and reduces your screen time (winner on all fronts).
- Read our Ambr Eyewear review
How to choose the best 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 ensure your eye health.
Many people have an in-store eye test and seek out the best eyeglasses online that can accommodate their new prescription simply because prices are cheaper.
To buy glasses online, you must know your pupillary distance, also known as your PD number, which isn’t 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 ordering.
Best eyeglasses online FAQ
What should you look for in an eye glasses retailer?
If you want to get the most out of service and quality, it is important to consider several 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 like Trust Pilot and SiteJabber are great places to look for what users say 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 or "junk" fees, you might want to check out a different retailer. Many of the best eyeglasses online can also be bought as part of an insurance policy, which is 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 cheap and designer glasses, it allows you to browse to satisfy your tastes and stock up on cheaper every day glasses and sometimes even sunglasses.
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 others see phone calls as necessary. Regardless, retailers with varied customer service options are always the most helpful and are good to look out for.
Do you need a valid prescription to buy glasses online?
You can buy fashionable eyeglasses and regular sunglasses without a prescription. But yes, you’ll need a 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 time 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 be returned unused.
If you’re having trouble seeing 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.
How we chose the best eyeglasses for this guide
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 and 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 include pricing – are the glasses, lenses, and accessories well-priced, and are there regular discounts on offer? – as well as the range. The best eyeglasses online brands offer both budget and premium frames, making them accessible to people on lower incomes and those with a budget for designer eyeglasses.
We also highlight the companies that accept vision coverage and can liaise 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 you can only reach the team to resolve order issues by email.
