Warby Parker vs. Zenni Optical vs. LensCrafters vs. EyeBuyDirect: Which is Best for Prescription Glasses?

Need Prescription?

Yes! Before you can buy glasses online, you’ll need a current glasses prescription. Chances are you saved your prescription in a folder or desk drawer. You may even have scanned it on your phone. With your glasses prescription and your pupillary distance (PD) measurement, you're ready to shop for eyeglasses online. If, however, your glasses prescription has expired, you will need to book a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor.

Warby Parker vs. Zenni Optical vs. LensCrafters vs. EyeBuyDirect

1. Warby Parker

Warby Parker is an American online retailer of prescription glasses and sunglasses, based in New York City. Warby Parker primarily sells products through its website, but also features retail locations across the U.S. and Canada. Launched in 2010, the company opened its first standalone store in 2013. 

The retailer offers a large selection of frames for both men and women online. It also has dozens of stores throughout the United States and a few in Canada. At some stores, you can also get an eye exam and update your prescription.

The company is known for its try-at-home, low prices, great customer service and reliable policies including warranties and returns.

Pros & Cons 

Pros

• All of Warby Parker’s eyeglasses are designed and constructed in-house, which helps to keep prices down and to maintain quality;

• They have a home try-on option, which allows you to pick five frames to try for free at home;

• They offer free shipping;

• For every pair they sell, Warby Parker partners with nonprofits to provide a pair of glasses to someone in need.

Cons

• Though Warby Parker does offer a virtual try-on tool, it requires you to download the Warby Parker app and only works on iPhone X and above;

• Their most basic eyeglass setup starts at $95. This price is less expensive than most optometrists, but it’s not the cheapest option found online;

• They don’t offer major brand names;

• Those with strong prescriptions may find that the quality of Warby Parker’s high index lenses isn’t high enough for their needs.

Lens Options

Prices

Overall, Warby Parker is a great place to shop online for affordable prescription glasses and sunglasses. If you're buying regular frames and lenses, you can expect to pay between $95 and $145. Most of their acetate frames are $95, with their metal and mixed material frames priced at $145. You can choose from progressives and other options for an additional cost.

Customer Service

Anyone who has walked into one of their stores or taken a spin around their website can tell that Warby Parker makes customer experience a priority. They are known for being personable and give associates the authorization to make the customer happy with unexpected assistance. The experience in their retail stores is also exemplary – associates are friendly and helpful, but not intrusive if you’re just browsing and trying on different frames.

Return Policy

Warby Parker offers a 30-day return or exchange policy for eyewear and accessories. Returns are only available by mail at this time. Warby Parker will replace scratched lenses within the first year. If your prescription changes, they’ll replace the lenses for a fee. You can also get help with loose or unfit frames, nose pads, or screw replacements at every Warby Parker retail location. 

Where to buy Warby Parker?

You can go Warby Parker official website to buy glasses, and don't forget to sign up at Extrabux (What is Extrabux?) , then you can get 2% super cashback from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus!

Promotions

1. Try 5 frames at home for free;

2. Blue-light-filtering lenses for any pair;

3. Save 15% on your first contacts order;

4. Free shipping sitewide.

2. Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical is an online-only retailer of prescription glasses and sunglasses. It was founded in San Francisco in 2003. The company is able to keep prices lower by selling glasses directly to consumers, without an intermediary and avoiding overhead costs. The website offers a huge range of glasses, and the frames themselves are relatively inexpensive. You can get a pair of glasses, depending on your prescription, for as little as $7.

Zenni Optical does offer a try-on feature you can use with your built-in camera, or a 3D try-on tool that you can use by uploading a video of yourself.

Pros & Cons 

Pros 

• It has a more affordable lineup of eyeglasses, starting at $6.95;

• Zenni boasts a large selection of frames, with different sizes, styles, and colors;

• Customers say that the online platform is easy to use, offering features like a digital ruler to measure the distance between your eyes and try-on tools that help you determine which frames look best on your face.

Cons

• The company doesn’t accept insurance;

• If you have stronger prescriptions that require high-index lenses, you’ll likely find that Zenni’s glasses won’t meet your needs;

• You won’t find major brand names in their lineup;

• It doesn’t include free shipping. Shipping costs $4.95 and arrives in 2-3 weeks.

Lens Options

Prices

With Zenni Optical, the price for glasses can range from $6.95 for the most basic set to $50 for higher-end frames with add-ons such as Blokz for blue light protection.

If you have a strong prescription, greater than + or – 4.25, you may want to consider high-index lenses. Zenni Optical offers three types of high-index lenses:

• 1.61 at an additional cost of $19.95

• 1.67 at an additional cost of $34.95

• 1.74 at $74.95

So, if you need the high-index lenses, you’re looking at upwards of $100 for eyeglasses, depending on the frame.

Though Zenni doesn’t accept insurance, some insurance companies may offer reimbursement. If you have insurance, check your coverage details.

Customer Service

Zenni Optical has a strong reputation for no fuss, no muss affordable online eyeglasses. Their Trustpilot rating is 4.6 stars, with many reviewers pleased with the straightforward and reasonable pricing, and top-notch customer service. Those few displeased Trustpilot reviewers were not happy with the 100-percent store credit return policy and what they described as poor customer service.

Zenni has had somewhat of a spotty record with their customer service in years past, but have since improved. The overall consensus is that they are strict sticklers with their policies and aren’t as easy to work with if you’re trying to correct or return an item.

Return Policy

If you want to return the glasses for any reason, you have thirty (30) days from the date you receive the glasses to contact Zenni Optical for a return authorization (RA).

Zenni Optical offers free returns shipping and you can conveniently initiate most returns through online chat. 

• If you made a mistake during the order, or you just don’t like the glasses, you can return them for a one-time-use 100% store credit (excluding shipping), or for a 50% refund (excluding shipping) to the credit or debit card or PayPal account. Accessories other than eyeglasses, that are unused and returned in their original condition, can be returned for a 100% store credit or a 100% refund (both excluding shipping).

• Orders paid for with Store Credit can only be returned for a 50% refund of the Store Credit amount used to pay for the order. The refund will be issued to the credit card used on the preceding order for which store credit was issued. For orders where both Store Credit and a credit card were used to pay for the order, the Store Credit portion will only be eligible for a 50% refund while the portion paid for by credit card will be eligible for either a 50% refund back to the original payment method whenever possible or issuance of a 100% Store Credit.

• If you feel there is a manufacturing error, please contact Zenni Optical for a return authorization to return the glasses for inspection within the 30-day warranty period. If their inspection shows the glasses were made incorrectly, they will remake them for you at no additional charge.

Defects in the anti-reflective (AR) coating and photochromic films are warrantied for one (1) year from the date of receipt.

• This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear to the frames, lenses, or coatings.

Where to buy Zenni Optical?

You can go Zenni Optical official website to buy glasses, then you can get 1% super cashback.

Promotions

1. Sign up at Zenni Optical for 10% off your purchase;

2. Join Zenni Loyalty Program for special discounts and perks;

3. Introduce a friend to Zenni and you’ll both get $5 off when they order their first pair of glasses. 

3. LensCrafters

LensCrafters is an international eyewear brand offering contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses. People can buy the products online or visit one of the company’s physical stores.Its stores usually host independent optometrists on-site or in an adjacent store. The company has its corporate headquarters in Mason, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. 

Pros & Cons 

Pros

• A wide range of eyeglasses and sunglasses from well known brands;

• Good, courteous customer care and post-sales services;

• LensCrafters accepts most major vision plans, HSA, and FSA cards;

• Any glasses you buy online will be eligible for adjustments at its physical stores;

• Special discounts for AARP members, military, and teachers;

• Free standard shipping;

• Frequent discount opportunities.

Cons

• Higher standard prices when compared to other online retailers;

• No “Virtual Try-On” option while shopping;

• No online vision test option.

Products and Services

LensCrafters sells prescription contact lenses, eyeglasses, and sunglasses.

It stocks 20 different contact lens brands, including its own label and popular brands such as Acuvue, Dailies, and Proclear. It also stocks single vision, toric, multifocal, and colored lenses to suit customers with a wide range of requirements.

Eyeglasses and sunglasses for men, women, and children are all available from the company. LensCrafters sells its own brands, as well as designer brands such as Ray-Ban, Michael Kors, and Oakley.

On the website, a person can filter their eyewear options by gender, face shape, frame shape, material, color, fit, and price.

In its stores, LensCrafters also conducts eye exams. A person can schedule one of these exams via the website, or they can phone their local store.

LensCrafters offers many different types of lenses, including:

• single vision

• progressive

• etched lenses

• blue light treatment

• premium antireflective

• workspace progressive

• expanded view progressive

• clear

• photochromic

• light-responsive transition

• polarized

If a person purchases or picks up their eyewear in-store, LensCrafters offers a personal fitting session and provides aftercare advice. If a customer needs adjustments or cleaning, they can take their eyewear into any LensCrafters store.

Prices

LensCrafters offers a superb variety of eyeglasses models, starting at $99 for frames plus lenses.

Customer Service

Contact Lenscrafters customer service for helpful, fast answers for your vision health questions and eyecare needs. You can:

1. GIVE US A CALL

Customer Service HoursMon-Fri: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm EST

Sat: 9 am - 5:30 pm EST

Sun: Closed

2. EMAIL US

Click here to send email.

3. CHAT WITH US

Chat hours

Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm EST

Sat - Sun: Closed

Return Policy

You can return your eyewear for a full refund or replace them within 30 days of the dispense date, which is the day they arrive at your home or the day you purchase them in store.

• To get the ball rolling, please visit their Return Request page and provide your item(s) and order details. Within 48 hours, LensCrafters will email a prepaid shipping label or an update on your request.

• Once you get the email, print out the prepaid shipping label, pack up the product in the same box, attach the shipping label and send it on off.

• On receiving the returned product, LensCrafters will refund your purchase on the card you used at checkout. This process can take about 7-10 days. You'll receive an email confirming your refund, but if you feel it's been too long, please give their customer service a call.

Where to buy LensCrafters?

You can go LensCrafters official website to buy glasses thruogh Extrabux, then you can get up to 10% super cashback.

Promotions

1. 40% off lenses with frame purchase;

2. Free shipping & free returns;

3. Free Blue Light lenses with kids frame purchase;

4. $40 off additional non-prescription sunglasses.

4. EyeBuyDirect

EyeBuyDirect was founded in 2005 by Roy Hessel. They’re an All-American company, headquartered in Austin, TX, where the frames are also produced. 

EyeBuyDirect is a direct-to-consumer online retailer. They sell prescription and nonprescription eyeglasses, blue light glasses, and sunglasses. EyeBuyDirect offers a wide range of luxury and budget eyeglass frame brands. Ordering from EyeBuyDirect can be a simple way to get new glasses. 

EyeBuyDirect wants their online shopping experience to be as accessible as possible, and for customers to find the perfect glasses and shades. Their motto is “reframing the eyewear game,” which is catchy and gets points for puns. 

Pros & Cons 

Pros

• There are tons of options to choose from, including name brands like Theory, Oakley, and Ray-Ban.

• EyeBuyDirect accepts flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) debit cards, or you can submit a receipt to your insurance for reimbursement.

• If you need an eye exam or a new prescription, the website’s search feature can help you look for local opticians.

• EyeBuyDirect offers free returns within 14 days of getting your order.

• Manufacturing defects are covered by the EyeBuyDirect warranty for a year post-purchase. In these instances, you’ll be given a store credit.

• Buy 1 Give 1 program donates one pair of glasses to a person in need for every pair purchased on their website.

Cons

• While the frames are very affordable, lens options have the potential to raise the price point.

• If you return your glasses because of faulty manufacturing, you get a gift card in your email, and it isn’t tied to your account.

• EyeBuyDirect isn’t affiliated with any insurance companies, so you can’t use a traditional vision insurance policy or voucher to get your glasses from them.

Lens Options

Prices

Frames start at only $6, with average prices around $50 and few pairs reaching $99—if you’re always misplacing your glasses or losing your shades at the beach, this brand provides a low-cost way to flaunt stylish frames that you won’t feel too guilty about losing.

Customer Service

EyeBuyDirect generally has solid customer service as there aren’t as many reported issues with returns or exchanges in most reviews. However, many have commented that their shipping times can be very long, and that contacting customer service for their shipment status involves some back and forth.

Return Policy

EyeBuyDirect wants you to be 100% happy with your eyewear. With their 14-Day Fit & Style Guarantee, you can make a return for a one-time replacement or refund within two weeks of receiving your order, no questions asked.

Their 365-Day Product Guarantee means Customers are eligible for a one-time replacement pair within 12 months. A replacement pair will only be issued if there are clear defects in material and workmanship.

Note: Both warranties do not cover damage and/or return requests caused by accidents, negligence, or improper care. A shipping fee may apply for one-time replacement.

Click here to find more details.

Where to buy EyeBuyDirect?

You can go EyeBuyDirect official website to buy glasses thruogh Extrabux, then you can get 5% super cashback.

Promotions

1. 30% off sitewide with code: WKND30;

2. Up to 50% off these eyewear picks;

3. Use their EyeBuyDirect student discount code at the checkout to enjoy 30% off your order;

4. Join EyeBuyDirect loyalty program for rewards;

5. 20% OFF VETERAN DISCOUNT WITH CODE: VALOR. 

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