What are the best cheap eyeglasses in 2024?

If you’re shopping for new eyeglasses, it’s easy to quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. The dilemma: You’re on a tight budget and need new prescription glasses, but you don’t want to compromise style for the sake of eyesight. 

Is it possible to find attractive frames you can actually afford? Or, will you be forced to choose between within-your-means-but-not-very-chic and a big-ticket, fashion-forward pair that eats up every last dime in your health savings account?

You’re in luck — when it comes to glasses, cheap and stylish are not mutually exclusive. Online eyewear retailers allow customers to find on-trend styles at prices that won’t send the average shopper into sticker shock. 

Even when you narrow it down to the budget-friendly specs, the options seem endless. Bold and trendy? Classic simplicity? Geek chic? 

No matter where you fall (or want to fall) on the style-o-meter, there are countless pairs of eyeglasses vying for your attention (pick me; buy me!).

Ready to see for yourself? Great, because we’ve compiled a list of 16 of the year’s best bets when it comes to prescription and non-prescription cheap eyeglasses. (For prescription glasses, lens prices depend on your prescription and preferred features.)

What do we mean by “best?” We’re talking top-selling glasses with rave reviews and unbelievable prices. Some for women. Some for men. And some that look fantastic on everyone.

READY TO SHOP FOR NEW EYEGLASSES? Find an eyewear store near you.

Best budget eyeglasses for women

On the hunt for some great glasses but shopping on a budget? Check out these eye-catching specs, all under $100:

Jane Birkin, Cat Eye Berry Red Eyeglasses, $35

Who doesn’t love a good cat eye? Named for the iconic British model and actress, the Jane Birkin is simultaneously vintage and contemporary, thanks to its bold color and wood finish. 

Not a fan of berry red? No worries; this frame also comes in classic tortoise.

Hepburn. Cat Eye Clear Eyeglasses, $42

Audrey Hepburn was spot-on when she said “Life is a party. Dress for it.” Naturally, your eyeglasses play an important role in pulling off the perfect look. 

With more than 1,600 reviews — most of them five-star — these durable horned-rimmed frames are as stylish as the beloved actress herself. They are available in clear, floral-on-gray and various shades of tortoise.

Aura, Round Champagne Eyeglasses, $70

Check out the Aura specs in “Round Champagne.” A simple, elegant pair of eyewear that turns heads without costing a fortune? We’ll toast to that. 

Five-star reviews can’t be wrong. And in case you’re not a fan of bubbly, this frame also comes in seven other colors, including black.

Concept Round Macchiato Tortoise Eyeglasses, $70

When it comes to glasses, tortoiseshell never goes out of style (and let’s face it — neither does a macchiato). And when you add in other Concept features, like the keyhole nose bridge and elegant diamond stud accents, you’ve got what could be considered the quintessential frame. 

In other words, the Concept is a classic. The frame also comes in fire stone, which is as hot as the tortoise is cool.

Tory Burch Transparent Peach Eyeglasses, $91

If you’re looking for transparent frames in shades of pink — one of this year’s hottest trends in eyewear — look no further than Tory Burch. Made of propionate, a nylon-based plastic, these frames feel as light as a feather. 

And despite their trendy features, the rectangular shape means they’ll still be “in” years down the road.

Amelia E. Yvonne, Clear/Wine Eyeglasses, $74 ($29.60 with coupon code)

Are they cat eye? Are they round? You be the judge, but in either case, the pinot-colored temples and the clear eyepieces on this Amelia E. frame are the perfect pairing.

Best affordable glasses for men

Just because you’re frugal, doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable. Check out these affordable glasses for men:

Pearl, Rectangle Black Eyeglasses, $35

If this frame reminds you of a super-expensive pair you saw at a specialty eyewear boutique, you’re not alone. The Pearl frame, however, is only $35 — and it looks just as sleek as any spendier versions out there. 

Sophisticated and sturdy, the Pearl is everything you’ve been hoping for in a frame (and then some).

Intense, Square Matte Black & Golden Eyeglasses, $49

The 1980s called and said you could keep these glasses because they look totally rad on you. 

Maybe it’s the full rim, or maybe it’s the yellow gold on the bottom edge of the rim? In either case, these Intense square frames rock a totally ’80s vibe (Revenge of the Nerds, anyone?) and you are going to want to snatch them up ASAP because — according to the customer reviews — they are awesome to the max. 

If black isn’t your thing, try them in one of the other five colors.

Best cheap unisex glasses

“Cheap” doesn’t have to mean tacky or low-quality. For all you bargain hunters out there, check out these trendy, low-cost unisex frames:

Drums, Oval Matte Black Eyeglasses, $6

The Drums frame in matte black is quite possibly the most versatile frame of the bunch. Minimalist? Check. Sophisticated? Check? Cheap? A very enthusiastic check! 

The frame is also available in several other colors — red, blue, navy and frosted white. At this price, you might want to order a few pairs.  

Instant Crush, Round Orange Eyeglasses, $15

You’re sure to fall in love with these sweet orange frames faster than you can say “hold my crush.” 

The bright, cheery color combined with the timeless shape make this frame an absolute must for, well, just about anyone. Also available in red, yellow, clear/black, leopard and matte navy. 

Altus Round Rose Gold Eyeglasses, $32

This versatile frame will give you a fresh perspective on what it means to flaunt a vintage vibe without the posh price tag. 

And besides, does a rimless frame ever go out of style? We think not. Also available in silver.

Ottoto, Weston Tortoise Eyeglasses, $94

It is no surprise that the bespectacled love these rounded frames. They are round but not too round, simple but not too simple and cheap without looking, well, cheap. Plus, they flatter masculine faces as well as feminine ones. 

The tortoise pattern is always in vogue, but you can also get the Weston frame in several other colors too, like blue, green/silver, brown/beige, green, brown and clear.  

Vint & York, Belle Oversized Square Glasses Frame in Black, $129

If you aspire to emulate fashion icon Iris Apfel’s style with your next pair of glasses, look no further than this distinctive frame from Vint & York. 

You will surely make a big impression in these specs. The bold black are clearly classic, but they’re also available in Charcoal, Nori (a translucent green) and Sparkling Rosé. Bonus: The $129 price tag includes single-vision prescription lenses. 

Coffeehouse, Oversized Rectangular Frame in Jet Black $129

Geek chic glasses are here to stay — even Brad Pitt has been known to throw them on from time to time. 

Are you ready to embrace your inner Leonard Hofstadter? The Coffeehouse frame in jet black from Vint & York will do the trick. It also comes in honeystripe, grey ink and cognac tortoise, which are not quite as geek but equally chic. 

Amazing reviews all around, too!

Spirit, Aviator Blue Striped Eyeglasses $32

Consider this fresh take on the classic Aviator-style frame – it’s a little bit smaller and a little bit rounder but just as cool. Why stop with the blue frame? For a more retro look, you can get these affordable glasses in tortoise, too!

Whether you’re bold, minimalist, geeky or glam, step up your eyewear game in 2024 without breaking the bank.

Page published on Tuesday, September 24, 2019