Where to Buy Cheap Glasses Online: Frames as Low as $5.95

Cheap glasses are a must if you, like me, were not blessed with naturally good eyesight. I mean seriously, it’s so unfair that some people can see for free. Especially when you consider that some eyewear can cost upwards of $300. And don’t even get me started on how expensive other goods like eye drops, contacts, and contact solution can be.

We have a few hacks for saving money on eye care, but this time we set out to find the best online retailers for affordable glasses — whether you’re looking for frames, lenses, or both. And trust me, the deals never looked so good.

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Best Cheap Glasses You Can Find Online

1. Zenni Optical

Take a look at Zenni Optical, the online glasses brand that has been taking the Internet by storm. Zenni’s goal is to make glasses that are both fashionable and affordable. While the former is subjective, we were pleasantly surprised by the prices. They’re able to offer cheap glasses because they don’t have to pay for a physical storefront and they make each pair custom.

Zenni Optical currently offers men’s, women’s, and children’s glasses and sunglasses, both prescription and nonprescription blue-light blocking. All lenses come with Anti-Scratch Coating and UV Protection Coating, plus options for extra add-ons.

Here’s how to get the best deals:

• On top of prices that are significantly below market values, Zenni offers a 10% discount for teachers, first responders and healthcare workers, military, and students.
• You can also join the loyalty rewards program for perks like 10% off, free shipping, and a 15% – 20% birthday discount. Though the benefits vary based on how much you spend, it’s totally worth it if you’re ordering multiple frames or glasses for the whole family.

 

Square Glasses 126016

For a contemporary frame at an old-school price, consider these glasses (Zenni, $6.95+). The initial price includes the frames, basic prescription lenses (i.e. not bifocals), and anti-scratch and UV protective coatings. There are add-on options for different coatings that can bring the price up too.

 

Kids’ Rectangle Glasses 297116

These cheap glasses (Zenni, $9.95) are a solid choice for little ones. Just like with adult pairs, the pricing includes frames, basic prescription lenses (i.e. not bifocals), and anti-scratch and UV protective coatings.

 

Related: 9 Sneaky Ways Your Optometrist Is Overcharging You for Glasses

 

2. EyeBuyDirect

This online eyewear retailer aims to make glasses more accessible to everyone. The business model is similar to Zenni’s in that they’re able to offer lower prices by taking out the middleman and not paying for a brick-and-mortar location. As a result, you can find frames for as little as $6.

We also love that EyeBuyDirect donates a pair for every pair purchased. Charities receiving these donations include the Trevor Project and Feed the Children. If you’re looking forward to a greener planet, consider their eco-friendly collections: 5 TO SEE and Nature Harmony. These are made from recycled plastic and plastic alternatives, respectively.

Here’s how to get even lower prices:

• You can use their official coupons on their site for deals like 20% off orders of $75 or more and $30 off purchases. These don’t stack with other discounts and have order minimums, so they aren’t the best option in my opinion.
• Use their military discount for 20% off purchases of $15+. They also have first responder and medical professional discounts of 20%. Just use ID.me at checkout.
• Look into their loyalty program. There are three tiers based on how much you spend. Tier 1 perks include 15% discounts annually, a birthday BOGO discount, and 30% off sitewide quarterly. If you anticipate spending over $75, it’s worth signing up for the loyalty program.
• There’s a student discount through Student Beans. You can save 20% – 30% depending on how much you spend. While 30% off purchases of $60 or more is nice, the veterans’ discount seems to be the best option.

 

Saint Lou Glasses

If you’re looking for something trendy, check out these glasses (EyeBuyDirect, $6). The price just includes the frames, but a pair of standard lenses without extra coatings brings the total up to $12.95. Not bad. Multifocal and transition lenses cost more, as will the variety of different coats you can get.

 

Bound Glasses

This pair of glasses (EyeBuyDirect, $9) is flexible and tough — perfect for active kids. It also has a lightweight design for added comfort. If you add standard lenses, the price goes up to $18.95. Note that multifocal lenses aren’t available for this frame.

 

3. GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA‘s vision is to provide a wide range of frame styles and lenses at an affordable price, making them more accessible to the visually impaired. They sell contacts, sunglasses, eyeglasses, and designer frames. But what if you don’t have a current prescription? You can get your glasses prescription updated without seeing an optometrist through their free app.

They also offer eco-conscious glasses. The frames are made with materials like natural wood, coffee, cork, and bio-acetate. These are perfect for folks who are trying to reduce their plastic waste.

Here’s how to save more:

• Check out their official coupons and sales page. Current coupon codes at the time of publishing include 50% off with BIG50, 50% off lens upgrades with LENSES50, and 40% off designer frames with DESIGNER40.
• They accept a number of vision plans. Use your insurance if you have it.
• Get a 50% off coupon and free shipping when you sign up for emails. This doesn’t include premium or sale items.
• Military, students, healthcare workers, and first responders who verify their identity through ID.me can receive a $10 off coupon that stacks with other discounts and promotions.
• Check for deals during seasonal shopping events. For Memorial Day 2023, they’re running a BOGO sale on glasses with the code BOGOFREE.

 

Muse Raleigh Kids’ Glasses

These frames (GlassesUSA, $64) are clear but come in four accent colors: green, pink, purple, and blue. There are options suited for kids ages 2 – 10. Basic prescription lenses without coatings are included in the price of the frames. Add-ons are available.

 

Zambia Glasses

These nature-inspired glasses (GlassesUSA, $78) have a brown and clear pattern that looks similar to wood in my opinion. Basic lenses are free, as is shipping and handling. There are options for progressive and bifocal lenses.

 

4. Payne Glasses

Payne Glasses aims to help folks who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford eyewear. Cheap glasses start at $5.95, the least expensive frames we’ve seen. It’s important to note that prices shown on their site are for the frames, with costs climbing as you add prescription lenses, coatings, and more. If you already have lenses, we recommend just buying the frames and having your optometrist swap the lenses in.

They offer sunglasses, prescription glasses, nonprescription glasses, blue light glasses, and accessories. These are available for men, women, and children.

Get the best deals by:

• Paying attention to their rotating deals in their promotions tab. Currently, they’re offering buy 5, get one free on glasses accessories, as well as discounts on oleophobic lens coatings. You can take advantage of these promotions without a coupon code.
• Apply for the People Helping People program. Select applicants can get free prescription glasses.

 

Vinita Oval Prescription Glasses

These glasses (Payne Glasses, $5.95) show that being inexpensive doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing aesthetics. As such, the frames are available in purple, rose gold, and black. The price includes single-vision lenses and anti-scratch and UV protection coatings. Progressives, bifocals, reading lenses, and others are available for extra.

 

Harmony Oval Prescription Glasses

These children’s glasses (Payne Glasses, $5.95) come in three color combos: red and pink, solid rose gold, and a purple and brown tortoise shell pattern. They feature adjustable temple arms for growing kids and are available in multifocal/bifocal lenses.

 

5. Warby Parker

While the frames at Warby Parker are a bit more expensive, starting at $95, they’re still cheaper than a lot of traditional eyewear retailers. They have a wide variety of men’s and women’s frames, though none for children.

What really sets Warby Parker apart from other online stores is that they allow you to try on up to five frames at home for free. Sure, they also have virtual try-ons like many others, but you never truly know how a pair will look until you put them on. It’s also better to try on frames IRL if you have sensory processing difficulties. Because is there anything worse than spending money on a pair of glasses online only to find that the material or weight distribution is triggering? Nope.

Here’s how to get a better deal:

• Use your vision insurance if you have it.
• They offer 15% off discounts if you order two pairs. No promo or coupon codes are required.
• Get a $50 off code for glasses after you purchase a year’s worth of contacts on their site.

 

Daisy Eyeglasses

If you’re looking for a subtle cat-eye shape, these glasses (Warby Parker, $95) are worth considering. They come in two different widths as well as seven colors (though the violet quartz is about $50 more). The price includes prescription lenses that are anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and UV-protectant coated.

 

Hartman Eyeglasses

For a strong silhouette, take a peek at these frames (Warby Parker, $95). They come in two colors: a brown tortoise and a green tortoise. The frames are rather wide, so they’re a good option for folks with a larger face shape. As with the previous pair, the price includes basic lenses with a few protective coatings.