If you’re looking for an alternative to Warby Parker, you’re in the right place. They’re still a great choice, but expanding your style and budget options is always a good idea.
I can understand why many people are looking for Warby Parker alternatives. They’re so ubiquitous in the high-value sunglasses world. After all, it seems like 99% of the shades brands, including icons like Ray-Ban and Persol, are owned by Luxottica.
When Warby came along, they made a huge impact on the way glasses were bought and sold. Cutting out middlemen, utilizing the internet, offering a wide selection of classic and trendy models? In a way, they’re the originals. Or, at least, they’ve paved the way significantly.
Now, other companies have learned to put their spin on the model. And while WB is a perfectly effective option, they don’t have everything. Moreover, they aren’t the cheapest option anymore. If you’re ready for an alternative, check out one of our favorites here. Before that, let’s talk about the concept of companies like Warby Parker. What makes the company like them? How’d they create a good business model, and who else is doing it just as well?
Companies Like Warby Parker
Warby Parker was founded in 2010. By designing frames in-house, cutting middlemen, and selling directly to consumers, they could affordably sell a good pair of glasses. They sold classic textbook designs, and eventually, they created their own brand-specific models. You can also use your webcam or phone camera to see if designs suit your face.
This direct-to-consumer, in-house model can be found in brands like BonLook, Bailey Nelson, and Eyebuydirect. You can even buy contact lenses with your specific prescription.
Glasses Like Warby Parker
If you’re looking for glasses like Warby Parker, consider brands like Tomahawk, Liingo, and Archibald. What I mean by this is that they offer classics and models you can’t find anywhere else. They may offer limited editions, partnerships, and so on.
Warby Parker, after all, has every shape available. On top of that, they’re known for their classic seven silhouette editions.
Alternatives to Warby Parker: The Brands
Basically, the two key things here are that these brands have both range and distinct brand-specific models. Some may have more of one than the other, but they all have both. Even more, they represent a wide range of price points. So you don’t have to worry — there’s definitely something for everyone here.
Tomahawk Shades
Tomahawk Shades is hands-down my favorite sunglasses company. Thanks to their small-batch business model, they boast some of the highest price-to-quality ratios in the industry — possibly the highest. I’m talking about affordable prices and excellent construction.
You can choose models that are polarized, non-polarized, UV400 equipped, and FDA-approved for impact resistance. Personally, I use their blue light-filtering glasses every time I sit at a computer (including now, as I write this).
My favorite part about Tomahawk is the style offerings. Their standards aren’t boring. I’d call them classic but distinct. And, of course, they offer experimental models and limited editions. I wear my now sold-out Chris Hogan Reserve sunglasses every day.
Zenni Optical
Looking for affordable prescription sunglasses? Check out Zenni Optical. Founded in 2003, it’s one of the first online retailers to focus on prescriptions. Of course, they are a budget brand. They’re a really good budget brand, but their reading glasses differ from a pair of $1000 name-brand reading glasses.
I also love how, right on their website’s landing page, you can shop by frame shape. That’s always my initial priority when I’m choosing glasses frames.
Fetch
Are you an animal lover like me? Then check out Fetch Eyewear. They donate their profits to animal welfare organizations, which is likely why an adorable dog is on their website’s landing page. Consider my heartstrings pulled.
Even more, they offer some truly unique frames in terms of style and color. Looking for icy blues, transparent and trendy constructions, or just something no one else has? Fetch is for you.
Liingo Eyewear
Brought to you by 1-800-Contacts, Liingo Eyewear brought the offsite market into the 21st century. In addition to their range of styles, Liingo also offers an excellent free in-home try-on program.
Out of all the shipping boxes these online brands use, Liingo’s are the best. And by that, I mean they’re super easy to send back. In fact, they’ve already attached the return label.
If you want to try on several models at once, Liingo has mastered this service.
Archibald London Eyewear
Okay, so Archibald London is definitely a luxury pick. But, if you want to invest in eyewear, you get what you pay for with their glasses. And let’s be real. That isn’t always the case with brand-name accessories.
My favorite part? Archibald details how much each item costs to produce and what markup they’re taking. You can compare this to how the competitors are up-charging. I absolutely love this candidness. I always say there’s nothing wrong with investing in finery — just know what you’re getting. Archibald makes this easy.
They even have some luxurious glasses cases.
BonLook
BonLook will satisfy your inner fashionist if you’re looking for what’s on trend. It’s not that they don’t offer more straightforward, tried-and-true models. It’s that they have their finger on the pulse, even having a dedicated “trends” tab.
That said, their sunglasses are practical, too. You can find function-forward models with features like photochromic and blue-light-tinted lenses.
Bailey Nelson
With their chic styles, you’d think that Bailey Nelson is owned by one of those huge luxury groups. Not so. They’re a privately held company that focuses on sourcing the highest-quality materials. They believe function comes before style, though every single model is beautiful. They use materials like lightweight titanium (now that’s a forever piece) and custom cellulose acetate.
You can search for one of their optometrist partners on the Bailey Nelson website. It’s straightforward to use, and you can find the one that’s closest to you. So, if you love a brand’s design but want it with a prescription, they make it exceedingly simple to do that.
And while their price points aren’t as low as Warby Parker’s, you can find some great deals. For example, you can buy two pairs of $230 glasses for $290 in total. I say take such offers. You can get one as a prescription and one as a pair of protective sunglasses.
Eyebuydirect
Eyebuydirect isn’t just one of the cheapest online retailers for sunglasses; they always have sales. That already below-market $40 pair of frames just may go on sale for $20. It’s almost too good to be true.
If your main priority is cheapness, you really can’t get any better than Eyebuydirect. Even more, they flaunt a wide selection of frames and lenses and even have an eco-conscious collection. You also have to love their 24/7 customer service.
Roshambo
There are few things as delightful as a little kid in stylish eyewear. Roshambo focuses on children’s eyewear but also makes adult eyewear. I highly recommend this brand for two types of shoppers.
First, do you love a youthful style? Do bright colors and primaries speak to you? I know I love primaries. Sometimes, designers reserve funner compositions for kids’ glasses. Well, Roshambo will have a pair for you.
The second type of shopper? You parents who want to match with your little ones. Come on. They’ll eventually reach an age where they’ll find this mortifying. Take advantage of it while you can. Once they reach adulthood, they’ll appreciate the photographic evidence of when you guys matched sartorially.
Also, Roshambo offers bendable, Italian-made constructions. It’s child-friendly and klutz-friendly.
FAQs
If you’re looking for alternative Warby Parker glasses and still have questions, no problem! Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries.
Who Is a Competitor of Warby Parker?
Some of Warby Parker’s competitors include Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect. They all offer online services directly to the consumer and variations of virtual and physical try-on options.
Where Can I Get Glasses Like Warby Parker?
You can try Zenni, Tomahawk, EyeBuyDirect, BobLook, and even Archibald London. Like Warby, they offer a range of classics and brand-specific models.
What if I Don’t Like My Glasses From Warby Parker?
Warby Parker has a 30-day free returns and exchanges policy for most of its items, including prescription and non-prescription models. Fortunately, you can even facilitate these returns and exchanges via online chat.
Conclusion: The Right Warby Parker Alternative for You
It’s all about considering your priorities when looking for Warby Parker alternatives. So, here are some to consider:
- Do you want to try on several items at once?
- Do you want to invest in a forever pair of sunglasses (and the risks that may come with that?)
- Relatedly, what is your budget?
- Do you want something fast and cheap?
- Do you prefer classic or trendy styles?
As mentioned, my favorite is Tomahawk because of its below-market prices, excellent construction, and cool designs. I also like that they partner with pro athletes for top-notch limited editions. Still, BonLook boasts some trendy, eye-catching aesthetics.
Meanwhile, Bailey Nelson offers luxe designs and upscale constructions. Along with Archibald London, I recommend this brand when looking for investments. Plus, Archibald has those lush leather sunglasses cases. Of course, Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical have bargain basement prices. Every option on this list has something unique to offer.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below.
As an FYI, Felix + Iris is shutting down operations, though it doesn’t say so anywhere on their site. I was trying to order a home try-on kit and couldn’t figure out how. Got in touch with a customer service rep who told me they’re winding down operations and aren’t offering home try-ons anymore. Too bad, because they had some purple frames I really liked, but I’m not confident enough to order them blind.
I have good frames for my bifocals and bifocal sunglasses, however the lenses need replaced on both pairs. Do you replace lenses only and use the customers frames? When my husband recently passed away I lost my vision coverage so I’m trying to save money.