The 5 Best Prescription Glasses Under $50
BY WMP PUBLISHED September 12, 2023
IN THIS ARTICLE
Shopping for prescription glasses doesn’t have to empty your bank account. With so many online glasses retailers, there are endless options for finding a good deal. We’ve curated the top retailers and best prescription glasses for under $50, so you can find your perfect match.
Guide for Buying Prescription Eyewear
To buy prescription eyewear online, first see an optometrist to get a prescription. You don’t have to buy glasses from them but you need to know your O.D., O.S., SPH, CYL, P.D., Axis, and Add measurements.
Once you have that, grab a current pair of glasses frames or sunglasses that fit you well. Measure the front of the frame from screw to screw, and try to stay within 2-3 mm of that distance when shopping online.
Then, check out one of the five retailers below for affordable prescription eyeglasses.
Good Prescription Glasses Retailers Online
WMP Eyewear
WMP Eyewear is a family-owned small business out of Scottsdale, Arizona, and a portion of all its sales go to the Arizona Humane Society. They have fashionable designer dupes and unique modern eyewear, without the high mark-up of big brands.
Shipping
Free over $50 (for 4-6) business days. Otherwise, it’s $3.99 for 4-6 business days and $9.99 for 2-3.
Return Policy
Accepted within 30-days as long as items are in their original condition and packaging. A $5 shipping fee to refund the original payment method, free for store credit.
Insurance
Do not work directly with insurance providers, but some providers may provide reimbursement if you have the receipt.
Zenni Optical
One of the first affordable online retailers for prescription glasses, Zenni Optical is the best option if you are looking for the cheapest styles. They have frame options as low as $6.95, making the company accessible to everyone.
Shipping
For the United States, it’s $4.95 for 7-14 business days, $15.00 for 5-10, or $19.00 (+$4.95 per additional frame) for 3-5.
Return Policy
Within 14 days for refund, within 30 days for store credit. Does not cover shipping. Must be in the original, unmodified condition.
Insurance
Zenni Optical does not accept insurance, but can send you an invoice from customer service so you can reimburse through your provider (if that option is available to you).
EyeBuyDirect
Eyebuydirect takes out the middleman between you and the glasses manufacturer so that you can save big on styles. Plus, the site has an impressive 4.7-star rating on Sitejabber, basically the “Yelp” for businesses online.
Shipping
For the United States, it’s free on orders over $119 through USPS and free for two-day shipping from UPS.
Return Policy
14-day free returns, single replacement within 365 days.
Insurance
Don’t work directly with insurance providers, but you can download a claim form to send that and the invoice to your insurance company.
Firmoo
Firmoo has been in business for 15 years, and they’re known for their prescription lenses and eccentric, funky eyeglasses frames that add a splash of color to every outfit. With affordable styles and an excellent rating on Trustpilot, this reputable online retailer is the ideal place to find your next frames.
Shipping
In the US and Puerto Rico, shipping costs $5.95 for 9-21 days and $12.95 for 8-14 days.
Return Policy
Free returns (plus shipping) within 60 days, 1-year warranty for defects in workmanship.
Insurance
No insurance accepted, but can send you an invoice to secure reimbursement (if that’s available to you).
CA Glasses
For excellent prescription glasses for any sport, CA Glasses is your best bet. With everything from regular glasses to FDA-approved safety goggles, you can get glasses for every activity in one place.
Shipping
Shipping prices vary, but expect the turnaround time for the order to fall within 7-14 business days.
Return Policy
30-day returns or exchanges (does not include if you mistyped your prescription).
Insurance
Covered under FSA and HSA, can give you an invoice to submit to your insurance provider directly (if that’s available to you).
Our Top Pick for RX Eyeglasses
Blue Light Lenses
The Browline Glasses from Zenni Optical are our go-to choice for blue light glasses. The frames offer a cool, studious look that’s perfect for the office. Plus, the adjustable nose pads can help you secure your perfect fit. 92% of the people who purchased these frames would recommend them to a friend.
Zenni Optical offers multiple blue light lens options, so you can choose the one that’s ideal for your situation. Chose from:
Blokz
Clear lenses that protect your eyes from blue light and UV rays.
Blokz Plus
Yellow-tinted lenses that block more blue light. Ideal for people who read on a computer all day for work.
Blokz Plus Anti-Fatigue
The same as Blokz Plus but with an added magnification to reduce eye strain from excessive screen use.
Blokz Sunglasses
Blue light and UV protection with darker lenses.
Blokz Photochromatic
Automatically darkens when exposed to sunlight.
Athletic Eyewear
For a wraparound style that stays in place, we recommend Matrix Bayshore Prescription Fashion Safety Sports Sunglasses. Available in clear or sunglasses, these Rx glasses feature a hydrophobic material around the adjustable nose pad and temple arms for a tight, sweat-free fit.
With UV400 protection, reviewers have said these five-star frames offer excellent protection from dust and wind, and work great out on the water.
Prescription Sunglasses
One of the most popular prescription sunglasses from WMP Eyewear, Emerson offers a modern spin on the popular aviator. Great on both men and women, the frames feature a single nose bridge and oversized square lenses for maximum eye coverage. They’re made of sturdy acetate with shatter-resistant 100% UV-blocking lenses.
100% of the people who have purchased these frames would recommend the product, and there are three different lens colors to choose from, including grey, amber, or green G15.
Fashion Frames
For dupes of the popular Tory Burch geometric styles, try out Octave Glasses from EyeBuyDirect. These offer similar accentuated octagonal lenses at a fraction of the price. And at a solid five stars and 273 reviews, these popular sunglasses are as durable as they are fashionable.
Online Glasses
To buy glasses online, Firmoo’s Unisex circular frames are a smash hit. With a slight horn rim, oversized circular lens, and eight unique frame colors, there’s an option for every face. Plus, these glasses have 1200 reviews and still maintain their 4.7 rating, making them the ideal choice for anyone looking for online glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Advantages of Purchasing Prescription Glasses Online Compared to Traditional In-Store Options?
The advantages of purchasing prescription glasses online are that they typically cost less, there are more options to choose from, and you have more time to shop around on different websites until you find the perfect pair.
What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Frame Style for Your Prescription Glasses Online?
The key factors to selecting the right frame style are matching the frames to your face shape, purchasing a pair that is a similar measurement to previous frames you’ve worn, and choosing a pair of glasses frames that best fit with your wardrobe.
How Can You Virtually Try On Different Frames to See How They Will Look Before Making a Purchase Online?
To virtually try on frames before making a purchase, shop at brands such as Zenni Optical, EyeBuyDirect, or Firmoo, which all have virtual-try-on tools.
