Close-up of the trendy sunglasses and eyeglasses

9 Ways to Buy Cheap Online Glasses That Will Transform Your Look and Budget

Glasses can be expensive, but they don’t have to break the bank. As someone who’s struggled to find affordable eyewear, I know how frustrating it can be.

I used to dread the cost of new frames and lenses every year or two. But that all changed when I discovered the world of cheap online glasses.

A computer screen displaying various online glasses options with price tags and discount offers

You can save hundreds of dollars by buying glasses online instead of at traditional optical shops. I was amazed when I got my first prescription glasses for under $30, shipped right to my door.

The quality was great, and I’ve never looked back. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about finding stylish, budget-friendly eyewear online. You can keep your vision clear and your wallet happy with a few simple tips.

1. Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical website landing page
Zenni Optical / Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical is a game-changer for budget-conscious glasses wearers. You can snag a pair of stylish frames with prescription lenses for as little as $6.95. That’s not a typo – complete glasses for under $10!

The online store offers thousands of frame options. You’ll find everything from basic styles to trendy designs. They even have kid-sized frames and sports glasses.

Zenni keeps costs low by cutting out the middleman. They make their frames and lenses in-house. This direct-to-consumer model means big savings for you.

Worried about buying glasses online? Zenni has a virtual try-on tool. You can see how frames look on your face before you buy. They also offer a 30-day return policy for peace of mind.

Don’t forget to check for promo codes before you order. Zenni often runs sales that can save you even more. You might score free shipping or an extra discount on your frames.

2. EyeBuyDirect

EyeBuyDirect website landing page
EyeBuyDirect / EyeBuyDirect

EyeBuyDirect offers incredibly cheap glasses starting at just $6. You can snag stylish frames and customize them with various lens options.

Their prices for prescription sunglasses range from $23.96 to $84.95. You can also add sunwear coatings to regular glasses for only $4.95.

EyeBuyDirect lets you try frames virtually before buying. This helps you find the perfect fit without leaving home.

They have a 14-day, no-questions-asked full refund policy. This gives you peace of mind when ordering online.

With their frequent sales and promotions, you can save even more. Sign up for their email list to be notified about discounts.

EyeBuyDirect offers high-index lenses for stronger prescriptions. These are thinner and lighter than standard lenses, improving comfort.

3. Coastal

Coastal Eyewear website landing page
Coastal Eyewear / Coastal Eyewear

Coastal offers stylish glasses at wallet-friendly prices. Frames start at just $9, with free basic lenses included. Their virtual try-on feature lets you see how frames look before buying.

Coastal frequently runs sales and promotions. You might score 50% off lenses or buy-one-get-one-free deals on frames. Sign up for their email list to catch the best discounts.

The site’s selection is huge, with over 1,000 frame options. You’ll find trendy styles as well as classic looks to suit any taste. Coastal also carries top brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.

Coastal’s 14-day guarantee makes returns easy. If you’re not happy, send the glasses back for free, and they’ll even cover return shipping.

For extra savings, check out Coastal’s house brands. Their Kam Dhillon and Derek Cardigan lines offer quality frames at lower prices than designer options.

4. Warby Parker

Warby Parker website landing page
Warby Parker / Warby Parker

Warby Parker offers stylish glasses at budget-friendly prices. Prescription eyewear costs $95, and lenses with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings are available.

Their online shopping process is simple. You pick your frames, enter your prescription, and choose lens options. They even offer a free home try-on program, where you can test five frames for five days.

Warby Parker’s prices are often half what you’d pay at traditional optical shops. Plus, for every pair sold, they donate a pair to someone in need.

They have both men’s and women’s styles in a variety of trendy designs. You can also get sunglasses and contact lenses through their website.

Warby Parker has physical stores if you’re unsure about buying glasses online. You can visit for help with fitting or browse frames in person before ordering.

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5. GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA website landing page
GlassesUSA / GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA offers a huge selection of affordable eyewear online. You can browse over 9,000 frames to find styles that fit your face and budget.

Prices start as low as $19 for basic frames and lenses. For bigger savings, watch for their frequent sales and promo codes. These deals can slash prices even further on already discounted glasses.

Free shipping is included with every order, saving you extra money. GlassesUSA also provides a 365-day warranty on all purchases, giving you peace of mind if anything happens to your new specs.

To get the best deal, use their virtual try-on tool before buying. This helps ensure you pick frames that suit you, avoiding costly returns. You can also upload your prescription directly or have GlassesUSA call your eye doctor to verify it.

For contact lens wearers, GlassesUSA sells those, too. Bundling contacts with a pair of backup glasses can lead to additional discounts on your order.

6. FramesDirect

FramesDirect website landing page
FramesDirect / FramesDirect

FramesDirect offers a huge selection of designer eyewear at discounted prices. Their website features over 100,000 products from 300 brands.

Looking for high-end frames? FramesDirect carries popular names like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch. But don’t worry – you can still snag these luxury brands without breaking the bank.

The site frequently runs sales and promotions to help you save even more. Look for seasonal discounts that can slash prices by up to 50%.

One unique perk of FramesDirect is their Price Match Guarantee. If you find the same frames cheaper elsewhere, they’ll match that price. This ensures you’re always getting the best deal possible.

Are you worried about buying glasses online? FramesDirect offers free shipping and easy returns to give you peace of mind. You can also try on your new specs risk-free in the comfort of your own home.

Remember to check their sale section for the biggest bargains. You might just score a pair of designer frames at a fraction of the retail cost.

7. Firmoo

Firmoo website landing page
Firmoo / Firmoo

Firmoo is your go-to spot for budget-friendly eyewear online. You’ll find stylish glasses starting at just $19.99, making it easy to refresh your look without breaking the bank.

Don’t worry about quality – Firmoo ensures their cheap glasses are well-made. You get durable frames and lenses without the hefty price tag of designer brands.

Browsing is a breeze on Firmoo’s website. You can quickly filter by frame style, color, and price to find your perfect pair. They even offer virtual try-ons so you can see how the glasses look on your face before buying.

Did you get a complex prescription? No problem. Firmoo handles prescriptions over -5 with ease, unlike some other budget retailers. You’ll get the right lenses for your needs.

Customer service is top-notch, too. Firmoo offers free remakes or full refunds if you’re unhappy with your glasses. You can shop with confidence, knowing they’ve got your back.

Keep an eye out for Firmoo’s frequent sales and promotions. You might snag a buy-one-get-one-free deal or deep discounts on frames and lenses. It’s a great way to stock up on spare pairs.

8. SmartBuyGlasses

SmartBuyGlasses website landing page
SmartBuyGlasses / SmartBuyGlasses

SmartBuyGlasses offers a huge selection of over 80,000 designer frames at competitive prices. With their exclusive budget-friendly labels, you can snag stylish specs for as little as $10.

Free basic lenses come standard with all prescription glasses. If needed, you can upgrade lens features during checkout. Their best price guarantee means you’re getting a great deal.

With their online tools, trying on frames virtually is a breeze. You can upload a photo to see how different styles look on your face before buying.

Are you not sure about your purchase? SmartBuyGlasses gives you 100 days to return or exchange your glasses. That’s plenty of time to make sure you love your new glasses.

Shipping is free, saving you even more. With name brands, budget options, and hassle-free policies, SmartBuyGlasses makes buying affordable eyewear online simple and low-risk.

9. Liingo Eyewear

Liingo Eyewear website landing page
Liingo Eyewear / Liingo Eyewear

Liingo Eyewear offers affordable glasses starting at $79, including free prescription lenses. You can try frames at home before buying, which helps you find the perfect fit.

Their selection is smaller than other online retailers, with about 100 styles. But this can make deciding easier if you get overwhelmed by too many options.

Liingo provides free shipping and returns within 60 days. They’ll even reimburse you up to $25 for any adjustments you need at a local optician.

One cool perk is their virtual try-on tool. You can see how frames look on your face using your phone or computer camera. It’s not perfect, but it gives you a good idea before ordering.

Remember to check for promo codes before buying. Liingo often runs sales that can save you an extra 10-20% off your purchase.

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Understanding Prescription Requirements

A computer screen displaying various online glasses options with prescription requirements listed, surrounded by price comparison charts and discount offers

Getting the right prescription is key to buying glasses online. You need to know what numbers mean and how to measure properly.

Decoding Your Prescription

Close-up of the optometry trial lens set for vision testing
bondvit / Adobe Stock

Your prescription has some important numbers. The sphere (SPH) shows if you’re nearsighted or farsighted.

A minus sign means nearsighted, while a plus is farsighted. The cylinder (CYL) and axis fix astigmatism.

PD stands for pupillary distance. It’s how far apart your pupils are. This matters for centering your lenses.

You can measure PD at home with a ruler and mirror. Stand 8 inches away and line up the ruler with your eyes.

Some prescriptions have an “ADD” number for reading glasses. Higher ADD numbers mean stronger magnification for close-up tasks.

The Importance of Accurate Measurements

Close-up of a reading glasses on top of a mobile phone
Jose Prieto / Adobe Stock

Getting the right measurements is crucial. Even small errors can cause headaches or blurry vision.

Your eye doctor should give you a full, accurate prescription. Ask for a printed copy to use when ordering online. Make sure it includes your PD.

If you’re unsure about measuring at home, many optical shops will measure your PD for free or for a small fee. It’s worth the trip to get it right.

Some online stores let you upload a photo to check your PD. Others offer virtual try-on tools to see how frames look on your face. These can help, but nothing beats an in-person fitting for tricky prescriptions.

Evaluating Lens Materials

A variety of lens materials displayed on shelves with price tags, surrounded by online glasses options

Choosing the right lens material for your glasses impacts comfort, durability, and cost. Let’s explore the key factors when selecting lenses for your new budget-friendly frames.

Comparing Features and Costs

Close-up of the trendy eyeglasses in three different designs
Dina Photo Stories / Adobe Stock

Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice for their durability and affordability. They’re lightweight and impact-resistant, making them great for active lifestyles or kids’ glasses. These lenses typically cost less than high-index options but more than basic plastic.

Glass lenses offer excellent clarity but come with drawbacks. They’re heavier and can shatter, which might not be ideal if you’re rough on your glasses. Glass is usually pricier than plastic options.

For the most budget-friendly choice, standard plastic lenses work well for mild prescriptions. They’re lightweight but scratch easily, so you might need to replace them more often.

High-index lenses are thin and light, perfect for strong prescriptions. They’ll cost more upfront but can be worth it if you hate thick, heavy glasses.

Durability and Long-Term Value

Close-up of an eyeglass with a beautiful pattern
Dina Photo Stories / Adobe Stock

When you’re looking to save money on glasses, think beyond the initial price tag. Durable lenses might cost more initially but save you cash in the long run.

Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses resist breaking and scratching better than other materials. You won’t need to replace them as often, which means more money in your pocket over time.

Consider adding scratch-resistant coatings to your lenses. For about $20-$40 extra, you’ll significantly extend the life of your glasses—it’s like buying insurance for your lenses!

If you spend much time outdoors, UV-protective coatings are a smart investment. They protect your eyes and prevent lens yellowing, keeping your glasses in good shape longer.

Spotting Discounts and Promotions

Finding great deals on glasses takes a bit of savvy and timing. You can save big bucks by staying alert and taking advantage of special offers when they pop up.

Subscribing to Newsletters

Man using and typing on a laptop
alexbush / Adobe Stock

Sign up for email newsletters from online glasses retailers. They often send exclusive discount codes to subscribers.

You might get 20% off your first purchase or a $10 coupon for your birthday. Some companies offer free shipping deals, too.

Keep an eye out for flash sales announced in these emails. They may last only 24-48 hours, so act fast! Create a separate email folder for these newsletters to stay organized. This way, you won’t miss out on limited-time offers buried in your inbox.

Making the Most of Seasonal Sales

Close-up of modern eyeglass and a sunglass with different designs
Lustre Art Group / Adobe Stock

Mark your calendar for major shopping holidays. Black Friday and Cyber Monday often bring steep discounts on glasses. Look for deals around Back-to-School season, too.

Many retailers periodically offer BOGO (buy-one-get-one) promotions. This is perfect if you need backup pairs or want to try a new style. Some places also run end-of-season clearance sales to make room for new inventory.

Check the social media accounts of your favorite glasses brands. They sometimes post exclusive deals or give their followers early access to sales. Before you checkout, don’t forget to browse coupon websites for additional savings codes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A computer screen displaying 9 different styles of glasses with price tags, surrounded by question marks and a search bar

Buying affordable eyeglasses online can be a great way to save money without sacrificing quality or style. Many people have questions about how to find the best deals and ensure they’re getting good value.

How can I find affordable prescription glasses online without compromising on quality?

Look for sites like Zenni Optical or EyeBuyDirect that offer a wide range of frames at low prices. These companies often have sales and promotions to make glasses even cheaper. Check customer reviews to make sure the quality is good.
You can save by choosing basic lenses and coatings instead of fancy add-ons. Many sites let you upload a photo to try on frames before buying.

What are some tips for identifying genuine deals on eyewear through online stores?

Compare prices across multiple sites to spot real bargains. Sign up for email lists to get notified of sales.
Look for coupon codes before checking out. Some sites offer discounts for first-time customers or bulk purchases.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Make sure the total price includes lenses. Check the return policy in case you’re not happy with your glasses.

Where can I get free shipping when ordering inexpensive eyeglasses on the internet?

Many online eyeglass retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Warby Parker provides free shipping and returns on all orders. Coastal often runs free shipping promotions.
If you can’t find free shipping, look for flat-rate options. Some sites let you combine orders to reach free shipping thresholds.

Which online retailers offer the best combination of price and style for eyewear?

GlassesUSA has a huge selection of trendy frames at good prices. Warby Parker is known for its stylish designs at fair prices. EyeBuyDirect offers fashion-forward frames starting at just $6.
Don’t forget to check out the sale sections on these sites for even better deals on stylish glasses.

Is it possible to buy high-quality eyeglasses online at prices comparable to Zenni Optical?

Yes, several companies offer glasses at prices similar to Zenni’s. EyeBuyDirect has frames starting at $6, and Coastal’s prices are often in the same range.
Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Look for a balance of price, quality, and style that fits your needs.

What should I know when looking for budget-friendly eyeglasses to ensure I get a good value?

Check the frame materials. Plastic frames are usually cheaper but may not last as long as metal ones. Make sure the lenses are made of durable materials like polycarbonate.
Read the fine print on warranties and return policies. Some cheap glasses might not be covered if they break.
Look for sites offering free returns or exchanges in case you’re unsatisfied. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of eye exams and prescription updates when budgeting for new glasses.

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