Top 8 Websites to Order Contacts Online

Convenience and cost are the main benefits of purchasing contact lenses online. It's a great option for anyone who wears contact lenses and knows how to care for them.

Fortunately, the 45 million contact-wearers in the U.S. have many online retailers. You can choose from various websites if you’re looking for a specific contact lens brand.

Receiving a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting from an eye doctor is important. They will help you find what types of contact lenses are right for you.

Once you have a prescription and are familiar with proper contact lens handling and care, you can order them online. Trusted contact lens retailers will always require a prescription from their customers.

NOTE: Contact and glasses prescriptions are different. You cannot use your eyeglass prescription to order contacts.

Why Trust Our Recommendations

As a trusted website for vision health, The Vision Center team strives to provide honest and unbiased reviews. For this article, we did the following:

• Spent hours reviewing contact lens retailers, testing websites, and ordering products
• Read through hundreds of customer reviews to know more about the customers’ experience with the brand and the company’s reputation
• Explored each brand’s website to evaluate the website’s user 
• Studied and read contemporary scholarly articles to know more about contacts and ordering contacts online

Our recommendations are then reviewed by a team of editors and our resident medical reviewer, Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.

Each article undergoes rigorous editing to ensure we provide factual information. Our team also updates our articles regularly to ensure our reviews are comprehensive and up-to-date.

Best Websites to Order Contact Lenses

Here are the top five places to buy contacts online:

Best Overall: 1800 Contacts

Vision Center recommends 1-800 Contacts over all other online contact lens retailers. They have the simplest ordering process, a price match guarantee, and 24/7 live customer service.

1-800 Contacts has been mailing contacts to its customers since 1995. It is the oldest contact delivery company in the business. Their customers used to call and place their orders via telephone (hence the company name).

Why We Recommend It 

Now, they’ve made it simple to order contacts online and have every part of the business figured out. Here’s why we recommend 1-800 Contacts:

• They have a huge selection of all major contact lens brands
• Their price match guarantee ensures you get the best standard price on the internet
• The checkout process is simple
• A subscription service is available
• They have a generous return policy that covers defective, torn, and unopen contact lenses
• Excellent customer service (real people answer phone calls and online chat messages)
• 25+ years of experience
• 20% off your first order

What Customers Are Saying

Here’s what customers are saying about this website:

• Representatives from 1-800 Contacts are attentive and helpful, making the ordering process easier
• Customers appreciate the smooth ordering process from 1-800 Contacts since they can easily search for their desired products
• Some customers experience prescription mix-ups when ordering contacts from 1-800 Contacts 
• A few clients experienced shipping problems and had to deal with delayed or missing orders

Runner Up: ContactsDirect

ContactsDirect is another online retailer with 20+ years of experience in the industry. They sell contact lenses, glasses, and sunglasses (with or without a prescription).

ContactsDirect gets some of the highest ratings from customers online. Their prices are low, but you do have to pay their shipping fee on orders under $99.

Why We Recommend It

Here are some reasons why we recommend ContactsDirect as an online retailer for contact lenses:

• ContactsDirect works directly with vision insurance plans which helps you buy more affordable contacts
• They offer various contact lenses that suit different people’s contact lens needs
• ContactsDirect also has a vision assessment tool that you can use to renew  your prescription
• They offer different payment options when you place an order

What Customers Are Saying

Here’s what customers say about buying contact lenses from ContactsDirect:

• ContactsDirect offers competitive prices so you can receive the best deal when you buy contact lenses online
• Many customers appreciate ContactsDirect’s fast and efficient delivery, which is great for those who are running low on their contacts supply
• Some customers have encountered issues with product packaging, stating that the  packages were difficult to separate
• Customer services from ContactsDirect may be inconsistent, with some representatives taking a lot of time before responding

Best One-Stop Shop: GlassesUSA.com 

GlassesUSA has a nice selection of designer contact lenses, eyeglasses, and sunglasses. Their site isn’t the prettiest, but it’s easy to navigate, and the ordering process is simple.

Their contact selection is smaller than 1800 Contacts and ContactsDirect. However, their glasses and sunglasses catalog is the best on the internet. 

If you’re looking for a site to order contacts with glasses or sunglasses, GlassesUSA has the most options.

Why We Recommend It

Here are some top reasons why we recommend getting your contact lens prescription from GlassesUSA:

• GlassesUSA has a huge selection of frames and contact lenses
• They offer a 14-day money-back guarantee and a 365-day warranty for their products
• Sales and discounts are often available, making affordable contact lenses accessible
• Many vision insurance plans list GlassesUSA as an out-of-network provider

What Customers Are Saying

Here’s what customers are saying about buying contact lenses from GlassesUSA:

• Although they only offer a handful of contact lens brands, they’re still 
• The website’s intuitive interface makes it easy to order and purchase contact lenses
• There can be a lack of direct support from GlassesUSA’s customer service representatives
• While the website offers an intuitive interface, some customers encountered technical issues with payment and order

Best Deals: AC Lens

AC Lens has made a name for itself as a discount eyewear retailer. They have some of the lowest prices on contacts, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and readers.

In addition to their already low prices, they constantly offer promos and discounts. 1800-Contacts will match AC Lens’ original prices, but they don’t match special deals.

If one of their deals covers your contacts, AC Lens could be your cheapest lens option.

However, unlike other contact lens online retailers, AC Lens doesn’t offer 24/7 customer support or online eye exams. This can be a setback for those who want to conveniently order their contacts.

Why We Recommend It

Here’s why we recommend AC Lens:

• Their online retailer offers low prices, so you can receive the best deal when you buy contact lenses
• New customers can receive 20% off their first order from AC Lens 
• AC Lens offers free shipping on orders over $99
• Free returns are also available in case you’re unhappy with your order

What Customers Are Saying

Customers say the following about buying contact lenses from AC Lens:

• Customers mention that their orders were shipped promptly and that they were able to receive their orders right away
• The retailer offers competitive pricing on their products compared to other websites or vendors
• Some clients encounter unresponsive communication and long wait times from AC Lens’s customer service representatives
• The quality of contacts from AC Lens varies, which shows problems with the company's quality control processes

Best Independent Retailer: Warby Parker 

Warby Parker is our number one choice for eyeglasses, but they’re also an excellent retailer for contacts. Their in-house design and manufacturing process produces some of the highest quality and most stylish frames.

They also have a good selection of contacts, including their brand Scout. Their contact lens prices are generally higher than other sites. However, their glasses prices are low for high-quality frames.

Warby Parker is for you if you’re looking for unique, stylish frames and contacts in the same place.

Why We Recommend It

Here are some reasons why we recommend Warby Parker if you want to buy contact lenses online:

• Warby Parker offers an online prescription check. This option allows you to get a valid prescription from the comfort of your own home
• They offer expedited shipping, which is helpful for those who want to receive their contacts more quickly
• In-person eye exams are also available if you prefer to do your exams that way
• They have a wide range of contacts available, including colored contact lenses, daily disposable lenses, multifocal lenses, and more

What Customers Are Saying

Here’s what customers are saying about their Warby Parker experience:

• Warby Parker’s customer service is generally good, both online and in-store
• You can choose from a wide range of products from Warby Parker
• While some customers have successfully ordered their desired products, they recommend getting your contacts from other online retailers because of their subpar experience

Best for Next Day Delivery: NextDayContacts

NextDayContacts is the best place to buy contacts online if you're in a rush. Their next-day delivery feature is available from Mondays to Fridays between 10 AM and 5 PM CT. Customers don't have to worry about delivery fees too.

If you order during the weekend or holidays, your order will be processed the following business day. It will be shipped out the day after processing.

Why We Recommend It

Here’s why we recommend NextDayContacts:

• NextDayContacts are a great option if you need your contacts right away
• They offer online visual screening so you can get valid and up-to-date prescription
• Next Day Contacts is an out-of-network provider for EyeMed, VSP, SuperiorVision, and most other insurance carriers

What Customers Are Saying

What customers are saying about their experience with NextDayContacts:

• The retailers offer excellent deals on contacts, with some clients finding coupons or discounts that help reduce contacts cost
• NextDayContacts’s website has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to order contacts online
• While the brand promises next-day deliveries for their products, some customers have experienced delayed orders
• Some customers say that NextDayContacts offers mediocre customer service

Best Student and Military Discounts: Discount Contacts

Discount Contacts offers 20 percent off orders for students and people in the military. The latter includes military spouses, immediate family members of a military officer, and surviving spouses.

You can check if you qualify for this service on their military eligibility page and student eligibility page.

Why Recommend It

We recommend Discount Contacts for the following reasons:

• Discount Contacts is great if you’re a student or military member looking for cheap contact lenses
• They offer various coupons that can help you get cheaper contacts
• You can choose from a wide variety of contact lens brands and types
• They offer different shipping options, which can help you receive your contact lenses faster

What Customers Are Saying

Here’s what customers are saying about Discount Contacts:

• Customers received their orders from Discount Contacts quickly 
• The retailer offers excellent customer support, which is crucial for customers who want a reliable shopping experience
• Product information on the website is limited, so it’s difficult for some people to make an informed decision
• In some cases, Discount Contacts have made errors in customer orders

Best Subscription Service: Hubble Contacts

Hubble Contacts is the best place to get a subscription for daily contacts. Your first order consists of 30 free Hubble contacts, which are good for fifteen days. All you need to do is pay $1 for shipping and any applicable sales tax.

Your next box will consist of 60 pieces of contacts, which you will receive every 28 days. You can also receive them less frequently or cancel the subscription completely.

Hubble Contacts only offers FDA-approved daily contact lenses. People can wear these without astigmatism or with mild astigmatism. They do not offer toric, multifocal, or bifocal contact lenses.

Why We Recommend It

Here’s why we recommend Hubble Contacts:

• Hubble Contacts offers its own brand of contact lenses
• Their contact lenses have thin, low-friction edges that help your eyelids move more comfortably
• In addition to contact lenses, Hubble Contacts also offers eyeglasses and sunglasses
• You can decide how often to refill your prescription

What Customers Are Saying

• Customers mention that Hubble’s contacts are comfortable, providing softness and security throughout the day
• Their subscription service is very convenient, as they don’t need to worry about ordering contacts every month
• Some customers encounter billing issues, especially if they try to cancel their subscription
• In addition, a few customers have difficulty canceling their subscriptions altogether

Pros and Cons of Buying Contacts Online

You must consider different advantages and disadvantages when you buy contacts online. Here are some of their pros and cons:

Pros

• Convenience – Buying your contact lenses from online retailers is more convenient than buying them from the store. You don’t have to go out of your way to get your prescription. Instead, it’s possible to receive them from your own home.
• Wider selection – You can choose from several different contacts online. A wider range of brands, prescriptions, and lenses are available to suit your needs.
• Competitive prices – Online stores have lower overhead costs. This means they can offer more competitive prices than brick-and-mortar stores. It’s also easier to compare the prices of different products, allowing you to receive the best value for your money.

Cons

• Prescription verification – You need a valid prescription to get your contacts online. While some contact lens sellers offer online eye exams, getting an accurate prescription can still be difficult. 
• Delayed delivery – Ordering your contacts online means waiting a while to get them. Delays may happen, a hassle for those needing their contacts immediately.
• Limited personal assistance – Shopping online means limited personal assistance. There are no people to immediately help you with concerns about your order.  

Tips for Buying Contacts Online

When you're buying contacts online, it can be overwhelming to have so many options to choose from.

Here are some tips to make the process easier:

Get an Eye Exam

Getting an eye exam is essential. Not only will this give you your contact lens prescription, but it will give you an overall view of your eye health.

During an eye exam, your doctor can show you how to wear and care for your contacts. This helps you prevent the risk of irritation and infection while wearing them.

Get a Doctor's Recommendation

Once a doctor has examined your eyes, you can ask for recommendations for the best brand and type of contact lens. This will ensure you get a pair that perfectly fits your eyes' needs.

Check Online Reviews

Before you purchase a pair of contact lenses from an online retailer, check the reviews of previous customers. This gives you a good look at the quality of their products and services. It also gives you an idea of what to expect from your order.

Be Wary of Online Eye Exams

Doctors don't recommend relying solely on online eye exams for a prescription. These risk being inaccurate, which can risk your eye health. If you don't have a contact lens prescription, it's best to visit your doctor for an in-person exam.

Use Insurance

Insurance can help you save money on your contact lenses. Most providers offer discounts on contacts if you have vision insurance. Check with your provider to see what discounts are available.

Summary

Ordering contact lenses is a convenient way to get your prescription. Different retailers can help deliver your contact lenses right to your doorstep. 

We’ve also provided some tips to keep in mind when ordering your contacts. This helps make the process easier.

Common Questions About Ordering Contacts Online