The 25 Best Affordable Sunglasses Brands

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A nyone looking for style, quality and value understands why identifying the most affordable sunglasses brands is so important. 

Shades are among the coolest and most iconic accessories a person can own: 

There are few better ways to instantly add a touch of attitude and mystery to your look than a good pair of sunglasses.

A man and woman wearing stylish sunglasses
[image: Shutterstock / conrado]

But even though high-quality sunglasses are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, big-name designer brands charge some pretty obscene prices for so-called luxury frames.

Brands like Persol, Tom Ford, Gucci and many others charge almost as much for designer sunglasses as other, more affordable brands charge for a full suit, which is nuts. 

(Especially since the raw materials that go into metal or plastic frames really don’t cost that much…)

Fortunately for those of us who are both style- and price-conscious, the eyewear industry has recently swelled with low-cost brands that offer stylish and well made shades at much more affordable price points. 

In this post we’ve rounded up dozens of the most stylish and affordable sunglasses brands that offer great shades at a reasonable price, and grouped them into price categories so you know which ones are the cheapest.


In a Hurry? Here’s the Gist ↓

These are the top three brands that we think offer the best value-for-money in each price range.

Or, you can use the table of contents below to jump to (a lot) more info about each brand/retailer.

  • Best Overall Affordable Sunglasses Brand: Warby Parker
  • Best Sunglasses Under $30: Sungait
  • Most Affordable Designer Sunglasses Brand: Ray Ban

Who Wrote This Article

Irreverent Gent Founder and Editor-in-Chief Dave Bowden has been a style-obsessed service journalist for more than a decade. 

A lifelong clotheshorse with a passion for style, he’s been covering men’s fashion since founding Irreverent Gent in 2016, and his style advice and shopping recommendations have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, and Men’s Health, among many others.

How We Created This List

Materials & Construction

User
Reviews

Price Range &
Overall Value

For this post Dave focused exclusively on sunglass retailers and brands that offer plenty of stylish options under $200, many of which he’s tried firsthand. 

Next he took a close look at the materials and overall frame quality each brand offers, and the user reviews they’ve received online to determine whether or not they punch above their weight in terms of style, construction and value-for-money. 

Finally, he organized the list into three price tiers to make it easy to find the best pair of shades for your budget:

  • $ – Average sunglasses price of $49 or less
  • $$ – Average sunglasses price of $50 to $99
  • $$$ – Average sunglasses price of $100 to $200

To learn more about how we rate and review products, check out our product review and round up policy here

OK, preamble over! Let’s (finally!) get to the sunglasses… 

The Best Cheap Sunglasses Brands

Breaking Down the Most Affordable Brands for Stylish Shades

Best (Super) Cheap Sunglasses Brands

Best Sunglasses Under $30 ↓

Sungait

Sungait
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $15 to $25
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $12.76
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on most styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

If you’re on a really strict budget but don’t want to sacrifice anything when it comes to style, Sungait is a great place to turn.

They offer a number of timeless styles that look a lot like more expensive designer options, but come at a fraction of the price.

Case in point: these Sungait Vintage Round sunglasses look like something Leonardo DiCaprio’s Great Gatsby might have worn, but cost just $16 bucks.

Check Out Sungait ➤


Prive Revaux

Prive Reaux
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $39.95
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $29.95
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on most styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

If you’re looking for sharp shades that will enhance your look without draining your bank account, look no further.

Another brand co-owned by celebrities, this one counts Jamie Foxx, Ashley Benson and Hailee Steinfeld among its owners, and offers styles fit for the red carpet.

Fortunately, while the styles look right at home on celebrity millionaires, the prices are more in line with what you’d find on the sunglass rack at your local pharmacy.

Check Out Prive Revaux ➤


Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $15 to $30
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $6.95
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Zenni is another brand that specializes in eyeglasses but also offers a pretty wide selection of sunglasses at some very attractive prices. 

What’s cool about Zenni’s offering (beside the price, of course) is the diversity of styles they carry: 

They go beyond the usual black or brown color schemes to offer a wide range of different frame and lense options, including everything from gradient lenses to purple, blue, yellow, green and gray lenses.

Check Out Zenni Optical ➤


Jeepers Peepers

Jeepers Peepers
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $44
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $44
  • Polarized Lenses? No
  • UV Protection? Yes, on some styles
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Another fashionable UK-based brand, Jeepers Peepers has been making stylish, affordable shades since 2005.

They draw their inspiration from vintage designs (and even have a separate website dedicated to hard-to-find vintage models from luxury brands), which gives their styles a timeless sense of old-school cool.

Check Out Jeepers ➤


Best Mid-Range Sunglass Brands

Best Overall Affordable Sunglasses Brand ↓

Warby Parker

Warby Parker sunglasses
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $95
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $95
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, available on prescription sunglasses only
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

With a huge selection of well made, affordable and stylish sunglasses, Warby Parker has been my favorite eyewear brand for a long time now. 

In addition to offering affordable sunglasses and prescription lenses, they have a virtual try on feature that makes buying online easy, because you can get a sense of how well the frames will work with your face shape and style. 

Check Out Warby Parker ➤


Le Specs

Le Specs
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $60 to $100
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $53.69
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

While the name sounds French, Le Specs is actually one of many Australian brands offering affordable, stylish shades.

It started back in 1979 on the shores of Bondi Beach, and has since become a favorite among a wide range of celebs, including everyone from Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner to Justin Bieber and Zayn Malik.

Check Out Le Specs ➤


Quay Australia

Quay Australia
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $75 to $95
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $75
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on most styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

The Australian brands just keep coming.

Quay is yet another stylish Aussie brand that offers fashion-forward, celeb-favored styles at prices the rest of us can afford.

They’re probably best known for a collaboration they did with Kylie Jenner a few years back.

But they’ve continued to distinguish themselves with a wide variety of both men’s and women’s sunnies, blue light and prescription glasses that use high-index lenses, which are thinner and lighterweight than traditional polycarbonate lenses.

Check Out Quay Australia ➤


Blenders Eyewear

Blenders Eyewear
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $59 to $90
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $49
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on most styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

A funky brand with a cool story, Blenders was founded by Chase Fisher, a San Diego-based surf instructor who went from selling shades out of his backpack to running one of America’s fastest growing eyewear companies.

And there’s good reason for its massive growth:

True to its roots, Blenders’ aesthetic is inspired by surfers and snowboarders, and all their styles are embued with a casual and athletic sense of California coolness.

Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, the majority of their shades offer UV400 protection: the highest level of protection possible.

Check Out Blenders ➤


LookOptic

Look Optic
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $82 to $96
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $82
  • Polarized Lenses? No
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

LookOptic is admittedly better known for their prescription frames, but it’s one of the best sunglasses brands if you want a classic style, without the classically high price tag. 

While they don’t offer nearly as many styles as some of the other brands on this list, each of their designs evokes the sort of timeless style that never goes of fashion, like the wayfarer shape for men and the classic cat eye for women. 

Plus, while their styles may be a bit limited, each pair is available in multiple different colors, so you can choose the one that works best for your personal style and tastes.

Check Out Look Optic ➤


Tomahawk Shades 

Tomahawk Shades
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $63 to $97
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $49
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on most styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Tomahawk specializes in low-cost, high-style shades that work in a wide range of situations. 

They have everything from durable and sporty frames designed for outdoor activities to modern, high-fashion styles that look great with formalwear. 

What’s nice about Tomahawk is that, while the price is quite low, both the style and quality is fairly high, making them an excellent option for sunglass shoppers on a budget. 

Check Out Tomahawk ➤


Classic Specs

Classics Specs
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $89
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $89
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Another brand whose essence is implied by its name, Classic Specs offers some vintage and timeless frame designs that will likely look just as good 10 years from now as they do today.

But the best part about Classic Frames might be the price tag:

Many of their models cost less than $100, making it a great place to turn for styles that look expensive, but won’t break the bank.

Check Out Classic Specs ➤


Felix Gray

Felix Gray
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $98
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $95
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Felix Gray is an online eyecare company that offers a pretty good selection of sunglasses and blue light glasses. 

What’s interesting about them is that they categorize their shades based on the bridge of the nose (low bridge fit, high bridge fit, etc.), which helps you find a pair that will work well for your face.

Check Out Felix Gray ➤


MVMT

MVMT sunglasses
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $78 to $98
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $78
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

MVMT is better known as an affordable watch brand, but has expanded to offer a line of good-looking shades. 

Most of their models put a modern spin on classic shapes, so it’s a perfect place to turn if you’re looking for a unique pair that has metal accents or quirky new silhouettes you won’t find anywhere else.

Check Out MVMT ➤


Best Brands & Retailers for Designer Shades

Most Affordable Designer Sunglasses Brand ↓

Ray Ban 

Ray Ban
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $140 to $200+
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $132
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Italian brand Ray-Ban has long been known as one of the world’s best sunglasses brands thanks to their timeless and classic style. 

They pioneered a lot of the most iconic types of women’s and men’s sunglasses, which are often imitated to this day by other brands: 

Think classic Wayfarers, sophisticated Clubmasters and iconic Aviators with gold frames, which have been staples of summer ever since Top Gun premiered in the mid-1980s. 

While their models are slightly more expensive than some of the newer, more affordable eyewear brands on this list, they’re significantly cheaper than other luxury brands like Persol (which is actually owned by the same parent company), while still offering excellent quality.  

And not only do they often have some killer sales, you can also find a lot of their most iconic frames on Amazon for around $160, where you can also get free shipping if you have Prime.   

Check Out Ray-Ban ➤


Diff Eyewear 

Diff Eyewear
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $89 to $109
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $79
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

In addition to a wide range of good sunglasses that are well made, modern and stylish, Diff is a great place to shop for shades because they also have a philanthropic mission: 

For every new pair you buy from Diff, they donate a pair of reading glasses to someone in need, making them a good choice if you want shades that will make you feel as good as you look.

Most of their styles are priced around $100, but don’t let that fool you:

Diff offers BOGO (such as Buy One Get One Free or 40% off) on almost all of their sunglasses, so you can stock up on a couple of pairs for a fair price.

Check Out Diff Eyewear ➤


Vincero Collective

Vincero Collective
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $125 to $175
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $125
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Vincero offers a wide selection of frames that put a modern twist on a classic look, making it a great option for those who favor a more timeless or vintage frame shape.  

Though they started with watches – I did a full Vincero watch review last year and was pretty impressed by their flagship Chrono S model – the company has since expanded to offer some pretty impressive eyewear.

Check Out Vincero Collective ➤


Glasses USA

Glasses USA
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $100 to $200+
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $94
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on most styles
  • UV Protection? Yes, on most styles
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Glasses USA is admittedly not a brand in and of itself.

It’s an online outlet where you can find a huge selection of affordable shades, both from popular brands like Ray Ban or Oakley Sunglasses, and dozens of other brands you might not have heard of. 

In addition to some good prices, one of the big advantages of going through Glasses USA is the sheer variety they offer. 

Their large inventory means you can find a wide selection of frame colors and styles for both sunglasses and eyeglasses, and at a wide range of prices.

Check Out Glasses USA ➤


Vint and York

Vint & York
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $120 to $200+
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $109
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

If you’re looking for a great pair of sunglasses that’s modern and unique, Vint and York is an affordable and stylish option. 

They offer a variety of styles that span the design spectrum, from a classic round shape to funkier and less common designs, all available in a wide range of different colorways.

Check Out Vint and York ➤


Raen

Raen
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $175 to $200
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $149
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Raen combines handmade frames – inspired by their home base in Oceanside, California – with high quality lenses, giving their shades both a stylish look and a good deal of protection. 

Their frames are inspired by classic designs like Wayfarers or cat-eye sunglasses, but have a modern spin that makes them feel fresh and unique.

Check Out Raen ➤


Target Optical

Target Optical
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $80 to $200+
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $70
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Target Optical isn’t really a sunglasses brand in and of itself, but it’s the next best thing:

A good place to find a perfect pair of sunglasses for an equally excellent price. 

They carry shades from a variety of major designer brands, almost all of which can support prescription lenses.

And as with everything else at Target, they offer them at reasonable prices that are often lower than you’ll see at other stores. 

Check Out Target Optical ➤


Frames Direct

Frames Direct
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $100 to $200+
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $46
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Frames Direct is another example of an online store that’s not a brand in and of itself, but carries a pretty wide selection of popular eyewear brands. 

They carry one of the largest selection of brands and eyewear manufacturers online, and offer some pretty great discounts:

Their deals range from 20 to 50 percent off more than 80 top brands, so they’re a good place to score a deal on some designer shades.

Check Out Frames Direct ➤


Costco Optical

Costco Optical
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $100 to $200
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $30
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

As with all things Costco, Costco Optical isn’t available to the general public: 

You’ll need to have a Costco membership to shop here. 

But if you do, you can find some killer prices (again, as with all things Costco) on some big-name brands. 

Their selection isn’t huge, but the prices are excellent, and they even have their own affordable line of shades that offers some unique styles and designs.

Check Out Costco Optical ➤


Christopher Cloos

Christopher Cloos
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $116 to $190
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $105
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on most styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Co-owned by the controversial but undeniably stylish Tom Brady (whose name appears inside of the arm on most pairs), Christopher Cloos is a Danish eyewear brand that offers luxury sunglass styles at affordable prices.

The brand was founded in the South of France, and its designs have a sophisticated and refined aesthetic that look like they’d be right at home on the Mediterranean.

Check Out Christopher Cloos ➤


Covry

Corvy
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $125 to $145
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $105
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, on some styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Covry specializes in making what they call “inclusive eyewear,” which means frames that are designed to fit all face shapes and sizes. 

As a result, they offer a wide range of frame shapes, including round, oblong and square frames that are designed to look good on all faces.

Check Out Covry ➤


Ace & Tate

Act & Tate
Details:
  • Average Price Per Pair: $125
  • Lowest Priced Pair: $125
  • Polarized Lenses? Yes, can be added to all styles
  • UV Protection? Yes
Why They’re Worth Trying:

Ace & Tate is another brand that’s based in the UK, but they sell and ship their frames worldwide. 

They offer a pretty eclectic mix of styles, frame designs and color options, so it’s a good place to turn for shades that are distinct from (and cheaper than) major designer brands like Prada or Oliver Peoples.

Check Out Ace and Tate ➤


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Banner Photo: Unsplash / Sebastian Coman Travel

About Dave Bowden

Dave Bowden

Founder, Irreverent Gent
Author, Man in Command and Stop Doubting, Start Dating
Writer, Really Wordy Author Bios

Dave Bowden is a style blogger, menswear expert and best-selling author (in Canada—but still!) whose advice on how to look good and live well has been featured in New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Men's Health and more.

When not obsessing over style and self-improvement, he can usually be found spending time with his wonderful wife and two amazing sons, indulging in a hoppy craft beer, or sobbing over the woeful state of Toronto's sports teams.

Check out Dave's Style Story to find out how a chance encounter with his friend's step-dad taught him the value of looking good and living well (don't worry—it's less creepy than it sounds!), or email him at [email protected] if you want to get in touch.