Quick Comparison
To try and keep things organized, I've moved this from the main page. Note that it is only updated periodically, so between that and any mistakes I may have made, it might not be 100% accurate!
Note: It is important to keep in mind that the table below is not a good apples-to-apples comparison. It's been added due to requests, but here are a few reasons why you should not rely on it:
- The total price is a little "ballpark". It uses a price point where a healthy number of frames exist. But you might find frames for less money, or might have to spend more to find something you like.
- Retailers all carry multiple lens "indexes" (thicknesses) at various price points. I have only listed the "bottom end" (thickest, and cheapest) indexes that each offers.
- Shipping is based on the US-shipping. Some retailers charge the same for international shipping, and some charge more.
- These do not take into account the ease-of-use of the site, retailer's reputation, the quality of the lenses/coatings, etc. You'll have to read reviews for those, though I have provided links to the reviews on the site on the right-hand columns to make it a little easier.
- The table doesn’t list varifocal/progressives. Or total frame offerings. Or a number of other lens options. I didn't want the table to get too massive just yet, and just wanted to provide ballpark at-a-glance figures.
Again, I urge you not to rely solely on the chart to make your purchase decisions! Read up on the retailers, check a few out, and make a well-informed decision!
If people are finding the chart helpful, I may eventually expand on it. If not, it might disappear at some point in the future, as some retailers change their offerings/prices frequently and it's really tough for me to keep on top of things. Send me a message if you have strong feelings one way or the other.
| retailer | BBB rating | Total (incl shipping) for cheapest single-vision glasses | Total (incl shipping) for cheapest bi-focal glasses | UV & AR coatings | Notes: | Information Page | Reviews |
| 39 Dollar Glasses | A+ | $44 (1.59 index) | $94 (1.59 index) | free / $25 | Base lenses are polycarbonate (virtually shatterproof). Most new-user friendly eyeglass retailer on the web. | info page | reviews |
| Zenni Optical | A+ | $12 (1.57 index) | $29 (1.50 index) | free / $5 | Most popular discount eyeglass retailer on the web. | info page | reviews |
| Goggles4u | A+ | $17 (1.57 index) | $35 (1.56 index) | free / $5 | Carries over 3000 frames. A few designer brands available. Historically known for interesting "cloth bag" envelopes which were always a conversation starter. | info page | reviews |
| Frames Direct | A- | approx $195 | approx $225 | $15 / $45 | Only carries high end name brand designer frames (largest selection of any retailer). Most popular name-brand retailer on the web. Since all designer frames vary in price, the listed total is based upon $150 frames. | info page | |
| EyeBuyDirect | F | $13 (1.50 index) | $32 (1.50 index) | $5 / $7 | Runs frequent 2-for-1 sales (appears to have pioneered the concept). | info page | reviews |
| GlassesShop | unavailable | $20 (1.50 index) | $40 (1.50 index) | $5 / $5 | Runs frequent 2-for-1 sales. | info page | reviews |
| Coastal | B+ | $62 (1.59 index) | $113 (1.58 index) | free / free | Price includes 7% handling fee. Carries a selection of name-brand designer wear as well. Has ongoing "first pair free" promotion (appears to have pionnered the concept). | info page | reviews |
| GlassesUSA | F | $48 (1.50 index) | $137 (1.50 index) | $29 (UV + AR) | Carries medium selection of designer brands | info page | |
| Global Eyeglasses | F | $25 (1.50 index) | $44 (1.50 index) | $5 / $10 | Growing somewhat in popularity over time. | info page | reviews |
| Great Eyeglasses | A | $18 (1.56 index) | $39 (1.56 index) | free / $10 | Site has a retro "60's" theme (bit of a must-see in my opinion). | info page | |
| Eyeglass Direct | B+ | $33 (1.50 index) | $74 (1.50 index) | free / $28 | Has local storefront in Brooklyn NY and offers "pickup" as shipping option. | info page | reviews |
| Optical4less | unavailable | $37 (1.56 index) | $100 (1.56 index) | free / free | Carries indexes up to 1.9. Was previously known for excellent lens craftsmanship especially with complex prescriptions, though there are rumours that may have changed. | info page | reviews |
| SelectSpecs | F | $24 (1.56 index) | $51 (1.50 index) | free / free | Based in UK, has US/Can/Germany offices. Quite popular. | info page | reviews |
| Eyeglass Factory Outlet | F | $40 (1.50 index) | $55 (1.50 index) | free / $40 | Used to run an eBay storefront as well. | info page | |
| Choice Eyewear | F | $20 (1.56 index) | $40 (1.56 index) | free / $5 | Formerly known as LBW Eyewear. | info page | |
| MyGlasses | unavailable | $34 (1.50 index) | $46 (1.50 index) | free / $22 | info page | ||
| SpecsOnTheNet | unavailable | $41 (1.50 index) | $79 (1.50 index) | free / $16 | Based in UK, only 17 frames available. | info page |
If you notice errors, please send me a quick email via the "Contacting Me" page.