Best Places to Buy Contact Lenses Online for 2026 | The Cheapest Places to Find Contact Lenses

Why I chose Warby Parker: I first tried Warby Parker for glasses, but quickly realized its contact lens service was just as impressive. The interface is clear, ordering is simple, and virtual prescription refills saved me from busy weeks where I couldn’t get to the eye doctor. This is one of the most convenient ways to buy contacts online, especially if you want everything in one place. Warby Parker also offers Scout, its own line of daily lenses.

“I’ve ordered several pairs of glasses from Warby Parker before, so they already had all my information. All I had to do was upload my new prescription (you can also refill online), place my order and then send the receipt to my vision insurance for a partial reimbursement (they are considered out-of-network with my insurance). I will definitely order from them again,” said Anna Gragert, senior wellness editor who has used contact lenses for 17 years.

Who is it for: Warby Parker is ideal for shoppers who value convenience, style, and a seamless online and offline experience. If you want to buy prescription glasses, contact lenses and get an eye exam all under one roof, Warby Parker is the place for you. It’s also a great online store for new contact wearers looking for simplicity.

Why I chose Lens.com: While searching for the lowest possible prices for contact lenses, I came across Lens.com. The site consistently has the lowest prices I’ve seen online (even after factoring in the $9.95 shipping fee). Keep in mind that advertised prices reflect discounts, so it’s best to read the fine print. This site is for you if you are ready to submit a rebate form in exchange for significant savings.

Lens.com also offers an online vision test. It’s more expensive than some competitors at $30 (currently on sale for $16), but the process is simple and you’ll receive the updated prescription within 24 hours. The site isn’t as up-to-date as other online contact retailers, but its value certainly makes up for it.

Nick Hide, editor-in-chief of CNET, says: “I’m incredibly nearsighted and have severe astigmatism, so daily lenses can’t completely correct my vision. I like to have some on hand, though, in case my kids want to go swimming. I found the Lens.com online eye test easy to use and the correct lenses arrived quickly and without issue. I would definitely use it again.”

Who is it for: Lens.com is aimed at budget-conscious buyers who are willing to work a little for the lowest final price. If you’re buying a year’s supply of lenses and don’t mind sorting through mail-in rebates, you’ll get the most savings with Lens.com. It’s a solid choice for experienced contact lens wearers, students, or anyone with time to compare prices.

Why I chose 1-800 Contacts: 1-800 Contacts has saved some of my friends when they were down to the last pair and needed new contact lenses quickly. Virtual prescription refills are easy to use and customer service has always been top-notch.

While it might not be the cheapest, it’s probably the most reliable on this list. Its best price guarantee is also quite transparent. If you find the same lenses cheaper on another site, you can contact customer service to honor the lower price, after a quick verification process via their 24/7 live chat.

I also found the ExpressExam tool useful for refilling your prescription without seeing an eye doctor in person. It takes about 10 minutes on your phone or computer and costs $20. If you also wear glasses, you can get them on its sister site, The Framery, with the same prescription.

“I purchased my first pack of lenses through 1-800 Contacts in 2018, and never looked back. The price was significantly lower and I received a significant discount for my first order. For two boxes of the Acuvue Contacts six-pack, I paid just $90. Compared to the price I would pay to order my lenses from my eye doctor, I saved over $160 for my first order with 1-800 Contacts What I like best is that the service is fast and delivers directly to my home, usually it works for me. “It took less than a week to receive my contacts,” said Broadband Editor Trisha Jandoc.

Who is it for: 1 to 800 contacts are best suited for people who want unbeatable customer service and price protection. If you want to get the lowest price guaranteed, need help navigating contact lens options, or need to view your prescription online in minutes, 1-800 Contacts is the perfect place for you.

Why I chose ContactsDirect: What I like most about ContactsDirect is the ease of using your vision insurance at checkout. It’s one of the few online retailers where you can buy your insurance directly on the site without filling out reimbursement forms. I also appreciate the wide choice of brands and the affordable prices.

ContactsD Direct often sends discount codes to customers. It offers a wide selection of lens options, including multifocal lenses, colored contact lenses, soft contact lenses for dry eyes, and toric lenses for astigmatism. It also offers a virtual vision test for $29, which you can use to refill your prescription.

ContactsDirect, like 1-800 Contacts, offers price matching. It must be the exact brand and product, and in stock. You can provide a link to customer service and after a quick check they will match the price.

ContactsDirect offers returns on purchased products within one year if your vision changes and you need medical correction.

My colleague, Josh Goldman, senior editor at CNET, told me: “I buy daily contact lenses for my teenage son. ContactsDirect’s website and purchasing process are simple and straightforward. Its prices are competitive and they frequently offer discounts. My insurance is accepted and shipping is free. It also partners with my credit card to offer cash back.”

Who is it for: ContactsDirect is a top choice for those who value seamless payment with direct vision plan integration. If you are covered by VSP or EyeMed, you can apply for your benefits online without submitting documents. It is also suitable for buyers who value convenience, flexibility and branded lenses.

Why I chose Eyeconic: I came across Eyeconic while researching retailers that let you use VSP insurance without having to worry about reimbursement forms. Eyeconic, which is actually owned by VSP, makes the process quite transparent. You log in, check your benefits and the discount is automatically applied at checkout. This makes it the most insurance-friendly platform I’ve seen so far.

Eyeconic carries all the most popular contact lens brands and often offers discounts that you can combine with your insurance, resulting in significant discounts.

Joe Supan, senior editor for CNET, who has been using contact lenses for 22 years, says: “I’ve been ordering contact lenses online for more than 10 years, and the main thing I look for is ease. Eyeconic has always made things simple. It connects to my insurance at checkout, automatically applies my benefits, and sends them to me within a week. What more could I ask for?”

Who is it for: Eyeconic is a smart choice for people with VSP and MetLife vision insurance who don’t want to deal with reimbursement processes. If you are covered by VSP or MetLife, you can apply your benefits online when paying with Eyeconic. It’s also ideal for people who like the security of working with an eye care provider who can connect them directly to a network of eye doctors.

Why I chose GlassesUSA: I first researched GlassesUSA for glasses, but was surprised to see its solid selection of contact lenses. You will find most of the major contact lens brands here, such as Dailies, Air Optix, Biofinity and Acuvue. The site also often offers hard sales or site-wide discounts, saving you money on your total cost if you do it right.

I really like its virtual prescription renewal. You have to download the app, but it’s extremely easy to use and you’ll receive your refill prescription within 24 hours. The site is pretty up to date and I found the customer service responsive when I asked how to apply a promo code.

GlassesUSA does not take insurance directly, but provides itemized receipts for FSA or HSA reimbursement. They don’t have a very generous return window of just 14 days, so it’s best to double-check your prescriptions before placing an order, especially if it’s in bulk.

Who is it for: GlassesUSA is the best choice for those already shopping for glasses here and wanting one-stop shopping. I think GlassesUSA will be particularly appealing to bargain hunters who like coupon stacking, rotating promotions, and bundle deals. If you dread going into an office for vision tests, you can also do them online with GlassesUSA and refill your prescription.

Why I chose Contact Lens King: When price is the top priority, Contact Lens King comes out on top. I discovered it during a comparison and was surprised by the affordable price of some options. This site is at your disposal if you have your prescription ready and want to get a good deal. You will need to manually upload your prescription, so this service is ideal for repeat orders. Note that for returns, you will need to request a return authorization before returning the unused and unopened box, which is not as transparent as with other retailers.

Kellie Ernst, editor-in-chief of CNET and a contact lens user for 25 years, said: “I’ve compared several online contact lens sites over the years, and this one consistently has the best prices on the lenses I get. I’ve also found their customer service to be very responsive. I once got a few torn lenses in a box I ordered, and Contact Lens King sent me two contact lenses. replacement. Just two individual lenses. I don’t know if other sites would experience this problem.

Who is it for: Contact Lens King is perfect for budget shoppers looking for low-cost deals on major lens brands. It is better for regular customers who do not need additional services. students or frequent shoppers who want to stock up for the year. Overall, I recommend this site to people who want a simple, savings-focused service, especially those who don’t need insurance.

Why I chose Costco Optical: I’m a Costco fan through and through. It’s often my favorite in terms of value for money, and its contact lens prices can’t be beat. The site isn’t flashy, but I was sold once I logged in and saw the discounts. As long as you’re a member, it’s one of the cheapest places to buy contacts online. I’ve also found that Costco consistently has the lowest prices for major brands like Acuvue, Air Optix, and Biofinity. Plus, you can save even more if you order in bulk, especially on quarterly or annual supplies. For even deeper discounts, Costco offers contact lenses from its exclusive brand, Kirkland. While Costco doesn’t offer virtual eye exams or the most high-tech on-site experience, the value can’t be beat.

Katie Collins, editorial director of CNET, said: “Because I’m prone to dry eye, my eye doctor recommends a high-end brand of daily disposable lenses. I’ve found only this brand (Acuvue Oasys Hydraluxe) to solve my dry eye problem. My eye insurance doesn’t cover daily lenses, so I pay out of pocket. And I’ve found the cheapest place to buy lenses out of pocket is Costco (if you are already a subscriber).” She added that buying contacts here becomes affordable if you already have a subscription and plan to use it for other purchases. She also mentioned that shipping is not the fastest, sometimes taking up to two weeks to arrive. She warns: “I would not rely on this service for fast shipping. »

Who is it for: Costco Optical is ideal for existing Costco members who want affordable wholesale prices on brand-name lenses and don’t mind skipping details like virtual eye exams or online returns. I think this is a great online contact lens retailer for budget-conscious families or anyone who buys in bulk (or likes to buy annual supplies).

Why I chose Target Optical: If you’re already a Target regular, ordering contacts through Target Optical will make sense for you. There Navigating the site is intuitive: you can find the brand you are looking for, download your prescription and pay in just a few minutes. Please remember that Target Optical does not offer virtual eye exams. You must therefore have a valid prescription to purchase contact lenses.

I like that it’s affordable and convenient. The prices may not be the cheapest, but with regular promotions they can be competitive. Plus, let’s be honest — it’s Target — most of us feel more comfortable shopping somewhere reputable and easy to navigate.

CNET fitness editor Giselle Castro-Sloboda says, “It’s easy to submit my prescription, and it also accepts many eye insurance plans. »

Who is it for: Target Optical is ideal for busy shoppers who want affordable contacts and the added convenience of in-store pickup. This is especially great for RedCard holders looking to build savings, families shopping for multiple people, and anyone wanting a one-stop shop for vision care, daily essentials, and pharmacy needs.

Why I chose Moody: If you’re looking for natural-looking colored lenses, Moodylenses is for you. The site offers cosmetic lenses, with dozens of unique shades inspired by K-beauty and global trends.

Unlike other colored contact lens brands, Moody shares information about the base curve, diameter, and material of the lenses, helping you have more confidence in their wearability. All contact lenses on this site are FDA and CE certified. Colored lenses are available on Moodylenses with and without a prescription. The site has a prescription verification system to ensure compliance with regulations. You can either send a copy of your valid prescription to Moody’s customer service or verify it directly with your eye doctor.

Faith Chihil, social producer at CNET, told me, “I’ve found it’s more cost-effective to buy cosmetic contact lenses online based on my prescription because they come in smaller quantities and it gives me a chance to change my style. I’d rather pay $20 for five pairs of cutely designed lenses than $80 for a giant box that might get too big.”

Who is it for: Moodylenses is ideal for those interested in colored lenses (with or without a prescription). Moody is for buyers who want to experiment with eye color. It is the must-have brand for beauty enthusiasts and K-beauty fans. I would recommend Moody to trend-conscious users, influencers, makeup enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys changing their look or self-expression.

Buying contact lenses online is generally less expensive than buying from an eye doctor due to lower overhead costs and frequent discounts. Comparing discounts can help you find the best deal.

Yes, 1-800 Contacts is a true online retailer. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and all lenses are FDA approved.

Most online retailers that sell contacts are safe. Just make sure they fill your prescription exactly.

Yes. Contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription for you to purchase them, either online or in person. Before you start shopping, you will first need to have an eye exam and contact lens prescription from your optician or optometrist. An ophthalmologist can help you determine which prescription lenses are best suited to your specific needs, whether daily contact lenses, soft lenses, hard lenses, astigmatism lenses, or multifocal lenses.

Yes, most major online contact lens retailers carry insurance. Warby Parker, 1-800 Contacts, ContactsDirect and several other online contact websites accept insurance. Check with your vision insurance provider to see which online retailers they work with.

With so many stores to choose from, how do you choose where to buy your contact lenses online? Here are some things to consider:

• Price: Do some comparison shopping to determine which store has the best price for your specific goals. Prices can change often due to manufacturer sales, promotions and discounts, so the store that had the best deal last year may not have the lowest price now.
• Return policy: Most of the stores above allow you to return unopened boxes of lenses if your prescription changes. Check the terms of the store you plan to purchase from to understand your options.
• Insurance coverage: Some online contact lens stores allow you to pay through your vision insurance, but others do not. If this is important to you, look for stores that accept your benefits.

Contact lenses can be expensive, but you can save money by purchasing lenses online.

Disposable contact lenses will cost you more in the long run than a pair of glasses. For example, Acuvue Oasys, one of the most popular soft lens brands, costs on average between $25 and $40 for a box of 12 lenses at the above stores. This box of 12 is enough for three months (one lens per eye, thrown away every two weeks). That’s about $160 per year for contacts.

The full retail price for a 12-pack of Acuvue Oasys is listed at $103 on Lenscrafters.com, so you can save a lot of money by shopping online.

Yes, some online contact lens retailers offer specialty lenses. Specialty lenses are designed to meet specific vision care needs, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses to correct vision at multiple distances. They may require a more specialized adjustment tailored to your eye measurements. These sometimes require a contact lens adjustment at your doctor’s office to achieve the perfect fit. However, if you have a valid prescription, many online contact lens sites may offer different types of specialty lenses.

Cheap contacts are not necessarily worse than their expensive counterparts. It is therefore normal to buy a pair conscious of the price. However, keep an eye on how they feel on a daily basis. If your eyes are drier than usual or your itchiness is worse, it might be worth considering an expensive pair.