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5 Best Places to Buy Reading Glasses Online in 2024
Sep 10, 2024
Fact Checked
We researched the top online reading glasses retailers to find the best options.
Do you find yourself squinting, straining, or holding objects farther away from you in order to see clearly? Reading glasses from an online glasses retailer could help. Adults in their 40s to 60s can start to experience age-related changes in vision, like presbyopia, a gradual change in the eyes’ ability to focus that makes it difficult to see clearly at close distances.1Caring for aging eyes can involve reading glasses to help you see up close. Unlike online contact lenses or glasses, you don’t need a prescription to order reading glasses. After comparing the top providers, our Reviews Team found the five best options for online reading glasses.
A quick look at the best reading glasses online in 2024
Why you can trust our Reviews Team’s expert review
Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We have performed in-depth, independent research to help inform your online search for reading glasses. To make our selections, we:
Engaged in independent research
Mystery shopped online retailers and many of their models of online reading glasses to evaluate customer features like try-on options, online vision exams, consultations with professionals, and overall customer service
ProsTry five pairs at home for freeAccepts vision insurancePhotochromic readers availableConsShorter warranty periodMore expensive than some other brands
Additional information
Although Warby Parker is one of the more expensive options for ordering readers online, it is the only brand that allows you to try on your frames at home before you purchase them. You can choose five pairs of readers to try, and Warby Parker will deliver them to your home. You have five business days to try them on and compare. After the fifth business day, you use a prepaid shipping label to return any unwanted readers. You’ll only be charged for the readers you keep.
You can also try on your readers virtually before choosing the five you want to try in person. The Warby Parker frame-selection quiz can help you get started.
The Warby Parker frame-selection quiz gave us recommendations based on our answers.
Warby Parker manufactures its own frames and doesn’t sell any brand-name frames. It charges between $95–$195 for traditional readers and reader sunglasses. Blue-light-blocking readers cost an additional $50, and photochromic readers cost an additional $100.
Warby Parker offers a six-month no-scratch guarantee, which is shorter than the other warranties on our list.
If you need prescription readers, Warby Parker also allows patients to book a visit with an eye doctor at one of their stores around the country or use a Virtual Vision Test on an iPhone to renew a prescription (providing it hasn’t changed) from home. And if you already have a non-expired prescription Warby Parker will even contact your eye doctor for you to get the prescription and add to your readers.
Customer service and reviews
You can reach Warby Parker customer service by phone (888-492-7297), text (646-374-2771), or live chat from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET daily, or by email (help@warbyparker.com).
At the time this article was written, Warby Parker had 1.36 out of 5 stars on BBB from 103 reviews. On Trustpilot, it had 2.5 out of 5 stars with 118 customer reviews.
Common complaints mention issues with customer service, delayed shipping, and lenses that easily scratch and fog. Customers who left positive reviews liked the ability to try their glasses on at home before buying them.
Payment options
Warby Parker is the only online glasses retailer on our list that accepts vision insurance for prescription readers. It is in-network with United Healthcare, Davis Vision, Care First, Eye Med, Spectera, BCBS FEP Vision, and Guardian Vision. Although you can’t use insurance for over-the-counter (nonprescription) readers, you can use HSA and FSA dollars.
Payment methods include all major credit cards, FSA and HSA cards, Affirm, and Apple Pay. Warby Parker offers a 15% discount on orders that include two or more pairs of glasses.
Payment options: All major credit cards, health savings account (HSA) cards, flexible spending account (FSA) cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Afterpay
Accepts insurance: No, but has insurance reimbursement forms you can submit
Lens types: Traditional, blue-light-blocking, bifocal, progressive, photochromic, and sunglasses
Try-on option: Virtual video or still photo
Shipping: $19 UPS 2-day for select frames, $19 and up for 7–10 day UPS (depending on location and weight), Free USPS 7–14-day for orders of $119 or more, $5.95 USPS for orders less than $119, $6.95 for 9–14-day green shipping
ProsTwo-day shipping optionPhotochromic readers availableHighly rated by customers on BBB and TrustpilotConsMust spend $119 for free-shippingOnly offers insurance reimbursement
Additional information
Eyebuydirect offers a large selection of readers at affordable prices and a speedy two-day shipping option. It is also the highest rated by customers on BBB and Trustpilot of all the brands on our list.
Although Eyebuydirect offers frames starting at $6, reading lenses cost extra, starting at $6.95 for standard readers with anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings. When you order, you first select your frames, then select the lens magnification you need, and finally the type of lens. You can also upgrade to blue-light-blocking readers, sunglasses readers, and photochromic readers (the lenses darken when exposed to sunlight) for an additional cost. Eyebuydirect offers three photochromic options, including two options from the brand Transitions.
If you’re unhappy with your glasses, you have 14 days to request a full refund or a replacement pair of equal or lesser value. If you notice a defect in craftsmanship within a year of ordering your glasses, you can request a full refund.
Some frames are available for two-day shipping through UPS for $19. Seven to 14-day standard shipping is free if you spend more than $119. Eyebuydirect offers a quiz to help you choose frames for your readers. You can use its live try-on feature, or upload a still photo to the website to see how your glasses will look on you.
Customer service and reviews
You can contact Eyebuydirect customer service by phone (855-393-2891), live chat on the website, or email (support@eyebuydirect.com) 24/7.
At the time this article was written, Eyebuydirect had a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 24,795 reviews. Positive reviews mention the low prices and excellent customer service. Negative reviews mention broken glasses, issues with paying for glasses online, and difficulty getting answers to questions from customer service.
Payment options
Eyebuydirect accepts all major credit cards, FSA and HSA cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Afterpay, which allows you to pay in four installments with no interest over 30 days. Military veterans get 20% off orders of $15 or more. Eyebuydirect also offers a student discount of up to 30% off for students of any age.
ProsUnique designs and stylesFree two-day shippingVirtual personal styling assistantGenerous return policyConsVirtual try-on not available for many framesDoes not accept insurance
Additional information
The founders of Eyebobs created the brand to produce unique eyewear without designer prices. Its frames are ideal for fashion-forward consumers who like unique and whimsical styles. All Eyebobs reading glasses frames cost the same amount, but the type of lens you choose will affect the price:
$95 for traditional reading lenses
$135 for blue-light-blocking readers
$135 for bifocal readers
$135 for sunglass readers
$155 for progressive readers
$135 for bifocal reader sunglasses
$225 for progressive readers
If you are unsure of the lens strength you need, use its online reader strength test to help you choose. If you are happy with your Eyebobs frames but need new lenses for stronger magnification, the company offers lens replacement for $50–$90, depending on the type of lens.
All Eyebobs reading lenses have anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings. The company offers 64 frames to choose from, and 48 of them are large enough to accommodate multifocal lenses. If you don’t know where to start in making your selection, you can use the 10-question style quiz. Some of the frames have a virtual live try-on feature. If you prefer individualized assistance with frame selection, you can schedule a virtual personal styling consultation over Zoom.
Eyebobs has a generous 90-day return policy, and a standard one-year warranty. If you’re unhappy with your glasses, you can return them for free.
Customer service and reviews
Eyebobs customer service is available by phone (866-393-2627) or text (612-255-6954) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Saturday. It is also available by email (omfg@eyebobs.com) 24/7. The Eyebobs website also has a live chat feature.
Eyebobs has limited reviews online. It does not have any reviews on BBB. On Trustpilot, it has 2.4 out of 5 stars from six reviews. Complaints mentioned poor customer service and mistakes in prescription lenses, while a positive review mentioned the fun styles to choose from.
Payment options
Eyebobs accepts all major credit cards, FSA and HSA cards, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. It does not accept insurance but will provide you with a receipt if you want to submit it for reimbursement as an out-of-network provider.
ProsProprietary blue-light-blocking lensesFree shipping over $99Discounts for certain groupsConsSmall selection of framesOnly offers blue-light-blocking glasses
Additional information
Felix Gray manufactures its own blue-light-blocking lens in two finishes: clear or amber. These are not coatings that are added after the lens is made, like most other blue-light-blocking lenses. It is a solution that is infused directly into the acetate lens material.
Felix Gray states that its clear lens blocks more than 15 times the amount of blue light compared with conventional blue-light-blocking lenses from competitors. Its amber lens blocks more than 23 times more blue light. All Felix Gray blue-light-lens readers come with double-sided anti-glare coatings.
The selection is somewhat limited at Felix Gray, and it lacks brand-name frames. Instead, it offers 16 in-house styles of readers ranging in price from $95–$160, including lenses. You can use its virtual try-on feature when selecting frames or send Felix Gray a photo of your face to Style@shopfelixgray.com for a customized recommendation.
Blue-light-blocking glasses have grown in popularity as a way to potentially help reduce digital eye strain, sleep cycle disruption, and eye diseases. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states there isn’t any scientific evidence that blue light damages eye health.
[2]American Academy of Ophthalmology. Are Blue Light-Blocking Glasses Worth It? Found on the internet at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/are-computer-glasses-worth-it
Still, there is no harm in wearing blue-light-blocking glasses if that’s your preference, or if they help you see better when using digital devices.
[3]Cleveland Clinic. Do Blue Light Glasses Work? Found on the internet at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-blue-light-blocking-glasses-actually-work/
We tested the virtual try-on feature to see how a pair of Felix-Gray readers looked on the website.
Felix Gray offers free standard USPS shipping on all orders over $99, but because basic frames are $98, if that’s all you buy, you are auto-opted into an “Extended Shipping Protection Plan” for $2.80, bringing your grand total to $100.80. They also offer three-day shipping for $15, and Next Day Air for $30. Readers take three to five business days to process before being ready to ship. All lenses come with a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects. An extended protection plan is available for one year for $12.99, or two years for $17.99. It provides a one-time replacement for lost or damaged glasses. Returns are free up to 30 days after the receipt of your glasses.
Customer service and reviews
You can reach Felix Gray customer service by phone (646-663-4575) or text (646-760-8580) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You can also email customer service 24/7 at support@felixgray.com, or contact them on Facebook messenger (@felixgrayeyes). The website also features an online chat option that you can use 24/7.
Felix Gray has few online customer reviews. At the time this article was written, it didn’t have any reviews on BBB. It had five reviews and 3.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, where customers report outstanding customer service with quick responses but minor ordering issues.
Payment options
Felix Gray accepts all major credit cards, FSA and HSA cards, Amazon Pay, and Affirm for interest-free installments. It does not accept vision insurance, but provides reimbursement assistance on its insurance help page. First responders, health care professionals, students, teachers, veterans, and active-duty military are eligible for a 10% discount.
Payment options: All major credit cards, FSA and HSA cards, PayPal, and Shop Pay
Accepts insurance: No
Readerlens types: Traditional, blue-light, progressive, and sunglasses
Try-on option: Virtual live
Shipping: $4.99 (4–10 days) or free for orders exceeding $42; $11.75 for expedited shipping (2–4 business days), which is free for orders exceeding $125
Return policy: 90 days
Customer service options:
Phone (219-872-4413) 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
ProsLeast expensive readers on our listPrices include lensesFree shippingConsDoes not accept insuranceDoes not accommodate prescription lenses
Additional information
Peepers is a family-run company that sells over-the-counter reading glasses that don’t require a prescription. We like that Peepers includes the cost of lenses in its prices. All standard readers, blue-light-blocking readers, and readers that double as sunglasses cost $29, including the lenses. Progressive readers, also called multifocal readers, cost $39.
If you’re considering progressive lenses, it’s important to know that Peepers does not accommodate prescriptions, meaning there is no correction at the top for distance viewing. At the bottom of the lens will be your chosen reader strength, and in the middle will be an intermediate zone, which should be about half the strength of your reader strength to help you see while working on the computer.
Peepers offers a little more than 100 frames, including 27 eco-conscious designs made with sustainable materials. Its style finder quiz can help you find frames, and the website also offers a virtual live try-on feature.
Standard shipping takes four to 10 days and costs $4.99. It is free for orders exceeding $42. Expedited shipping costs $11.75 and is free for orders exceeding $125. With FedEx Expedited Shipping, once an order is placed, it ships out within two business days, and it then arrives to you within four business days.
Peepers has a 90-day return policy with a $3.99 return shipping label charge if you choose a monetary refund. The shipping label charge is waived for exchanges or Peepers gift cards.
Customer service and reviews
Peepers is available by phone (219-872-4413) or chat from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. You can also email peeps@peepers.com for a response within 24 hours.
At the time this article was written, Peepers had 21 reviews and 2.1 stars on Trustpilot. It is not rated on the BBB. There are some complaints about glasses arriving broken or breaking shortly after receipt with normal wear and tear. Positive reviews mention great customer service and how easy it was to get replacement glasses.
Payment options
Peepers accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, Shop Pay, and FSA and HSA cards. It is not in-network with any insurance providers.
How to buy reading glasses online
Buying reading glasses online is a straightforward process:
Select a frame. Many online retailers have virtual try-on features or personalized styling assistants to help you find the right style frame.
Select your lens magnification. You may visit an eye doctor or print an online test chart in order to determine your required level of magnification. If it’s been a year since your last visit to an eye doctor, you will want to make an appointment. Aging eyes are at higher risk for such conditions as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease.4 A thorough, in-person eye exam, with dilation, can help with early diagnosis and treatment.
Select lens customizations. Many retailers offer lens customizations like blue-light-blocking, multifocal, photochromic, or sunglass options.
Select shipping. Retailers offer different shipping options, with some offering free shipping that takes as little as two days.
How much do reading glasses cost online?
The reading glasses in our review cost between $13–$335, although this price could be higher if you customize your lenses. You can also find designer frames that are far more expensive, but a quality pair that will meet your needs does not have to exceed $20–$30. Customized lenses with additions like blue-light-blocking, photochromic, progressive (multifocal), or sun-blocking features will generally add to the overall price.
What to consider when buying reading glasses online
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for reading glasses online:
Cost: The cost will vary depending on the retailer, the frames, the lenses, and any special coatings or features.
Selection: Some retailers in our review offer less than 20 frames, while others offer hundreds.
Shipping: If you are in a hurry, you’ll want to select a retailer that offers expedited shipping.
Return policy: Return windows vary between retailers from as little as 14 days to up to 90 days.
Warranty: Warranties are generally one year, but there are some additional replacement offers, like the six-month no-scratch guarantee offered by Warby Parker.
How we chose the best online reading glasses
Our Reviews Team conducted extensive research when exploring where to find the best reading glasses online. We mystery shopped the top brands to research the user experience.
We rated the brands based on the following factors to help you find the best reading glasses online:
Cost and payment options
Shipping and return policies
Features like virtual try-on options and quizzes to help you find frames
Variety and style selection for both lenses and frames
Bottom line
It’s easy to find affordable reading glasses online. Customers love Eyebuydirect for their large selection of affordable readers, lens customization options, speedy shipping, and customer service. If you are looking for affordable prices and free shipping, our Reviews Team recommends Peepers. If you want blue-light-blocking reading for screens, look to Felix Gray, which offers clear and amber lenses with innovative blue-light-blocking technology. If you want unique designs that showcase your personality, Eyebobs is a great choice. Warby Parker is your best bet if you would like to try your glasses on in person before committing to them.
Frequently asked questions
Medicare does not typically cover the cost of glasses, whether they’re prescription readers or over-the-counter readers.5 Medicare Part B helps cover the cost of corrective lenses needed as a result of cataract surgery that results in the implant of an intraocular lens.
If you have insurance, you may be able to use it to pay for reading glasses, if you have a prescription from your eye doctor, depending on the retailer. For example, Warby Parker accepts insurance for prescription readers. If a retailer is not in-network with your insurance, you may be able to submit a receipt to your insurance provider to receive partial reimbursement, depending on the details of your plan. You can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for over-the-counter readers.6
Yes, there are online tests you can print out to help you determine the level of magnification that you need for reading glasses. You will hold the paper 14 inches from your face and select the level of magnification where the print begins to blur.
Visit an eye doctor or use an online test in order to determine the strength of readers that you need.
American Optometric Association. Adult Vision: 41 to 60 Years of Age. Found on the internet at https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/adult-vision-41-to-60-years-of-age
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Are Blue Light-Blocking Glasses Worth It? Found on the internet at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/are-computer-glasses-worth-it
Cleveland Clinic. Do Blue Light Glasses Work? Found on the internet at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-blue-light-blocking-glasses-actually-work/
Joshua Erlich, MD. Vision and Eye Care in Older Adults. National Poll on Healthy Aging. September 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/vision-and-eye-care-older-adults
Medicare.gov. Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/eyeglasses-contact-lenses
Healthcare.gov. Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/
Lauren Sherman, M.S., is a health content writer with a master’s degree in human genetics from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, laboratory experience from National Jewish Health, and clinical experience from Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Susan Stiles, PhD, provides leadership in the design and development of consumer products that inspire, educate, and activate older adults. She’s been instrumental in bringing the Aging Mastery Program® to market and scaling it nationwide via strategic alliances and business partnerships. Stiles has 20+ years of experience in design thinking, multimedia, strategic communications, and management consulting.
