If you’re among the 45 million contact lens wearers in the U.S., you’re probably familiar with ordering contact lenses online.2 Most online retailers will ship you the specific brand and size of contact lenses indicated on your vision prescription.
Hubble is a relatively new contact lens company with a radically different business model. According to their website, Hubble aims to make it easy and hassle-free to achieve crystal-clear vision. With a trial box that only costs $1, their lenses come at an affordable price.1
However, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has criticized Hubble over the company’s lax prescription verification process.7
Before you consider wearing Hubble contacts, know that The U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered Hubble’s parent company to pay $3.5 million in January 2022. This payment is for violating the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act and the FTC’s Contact Lens Rule.3 More than $1.9 million was returned to customers who had ordered Hubble contacts.4
Before trying Hubble contact lenses, read further to learn what you need to know.
The Verdict on Hubble Contacts
Hubble sells contacts at a great price with the added convenience of a subscription delivery service. However, their older lens material may not be the best for your eyes.
We recommend contacting your eye doctor first if you want to try Hubble contacts. Your doctor will ensure the Hubble contacts’ measurements are a good fit for you. They may recommend a different brand of lenses if you have particularly dry or sensitive eyes.
Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts
Best Overall: Warby Parker
Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect
Also Great: Liingo
Best Place to Buy Contacts: Discount Contacts
What are Hubble Contacts?
Hubble sells their own brand of FDA-approved daily disposable contact lenses directly to customers. They’re an American-based business, but their contact lenses are manufactured in Taiwan.
The personalized monthly subscription service automatically ships the number of contacts you need to your address. This means you don’t have to worry about reordering or running out of contact lenses.
Currently, they offer two types of Hubble lenses:
- Classic. The most affordable option, starting at $1 for your first box
- Hydro. Premium contacts that start at $14.99 and feature slimmer, more hygienic packaging and hydrating lenses with a thin edge for enhanced comfort
Both types are daily contacts, with Classic having 55% water content and Hydro having 57%. Classic has UV protection, while Hydro doesn’t. Each arrives in packaging made from recyclable material.
Hubble Contacts’ Comfort and Quality
One of the major arguments against Hubble’s contacts is their use of outdated lens material. Hubble makes their contact lenses from Methafilcon A hydrogel, an old material with low oxygen permeability.6
Many eye doctors consider Methafilcon A a poor-quality lens material because it limits oxygen reaching your cornea.5 If your eye doesn’t get enough oxygen, it can lead to corneal swelling (corneal edema) and endothelial damage.6
Newer lenses allow more oxygen to reach your cornea. More oxygen is better for your eye health and reduces the risk of long-term vision problems.
Hubble Contacts Lawsuit
A New Mexico woman is suing Hubble after having her right eye removed. The suit claims she developed a severe eye infection, decreased vision, and a corneal ulcer after wearing Hubble contacts.5
Hubble Contacts Pricing and Subscription Service
The cost of Hubble contact lenses varies depending on the type. The company offers a discounted rate and free shipping for your first order.
How Much Do Hubble Contacts Cost?
After your first order, the price for Hubble lenses is:
- Classic. $19.99 per eye
- Hydro. $24.99 per eye
You’ll also have to pay $3 for shipping, handling, and applicable sales tax on each delivery. Hubble charges your credit card on file with every new shipment.
How Does Hubble’s Subscription Service Work?
Hubble offers a personalized subscription plan. They can deliver contact lenses every 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Simply choose the shipping frequency that works best for your needs at checkout.
Hubble makes it easy to change or cancel your subscription. You can cancel online through the member portal on their website. You can also contact their customer service department through the following channels:
- Phone. 1-844-334-1640
- Email. help@hubblecontacts.com
Customer Service and Shipping Time
Customers report mixed reviews regarding their experiences with Hubble’s customer service.
Many reviews describe poor customer service, citing issues such as:
- Lack of responsiveness to emails
- Difficulty reaching a representative
- Unauthorized credit card charges
- Trouble canceling subscriptions and getting refunds
Other reviews mention great customer service experiences with responsive and helpful representatives.
How Long Does it Take to Get Contacts from Hubble?
Hubble uses USPS standard economy shipping, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days. However, shipments outside the continental U.S. may take longer.
They don’t offer an expedited shipping option or tracking information for orders. Several customer reviews report shipping delays and receiving their contact lenses late or not at all.
Does Hubble Verify the Prescription with Your Eye Doctor?
Hubble’s website states that starter packs may take longer to arrive while their team verifies your prescription with your eye doctor. However, there are inconsistencies regarding this.
Hubble’s failure to verify customers’ prescription information is the reason for most of its legal troubles. It’s also why the AOA warns against using Hubble.7
Prescription verification is a crucial step in obtaining contact lenses online. Not all contacts are the same. You should only wear the size, shape, and brand your eye doctor prescribes based on your eye exam.
Hubble Contacts vs. Other Brands
Hubble isn’t the only company that ships contact lenses at a great price to your doorstep. Many online retailers provide high-quality lenses made by trusted contact lens brands.
We recommend the following:
Read our guide to the best websites to order contacts online here. Discount stores like Walmart and Costco also offer contact lens delivery. You’ll need a valid vision prescription for all these options.
You can also purchase contact lenses directly from your eye doctor’s office. They may even be able to ship them to your house.
Pros and Cons of Hubble Contacts
Here are the advantages and drawbacks of Hubble:
Pros | Cons |
Affordable price | Outdated lens material with poor oxygen permeability |
Convenient, personalized subscription plan | Hubble’s own brand of lenses comes in one size only |
Daily lenses have a lower risk of complications than reusable lenses6 | The company faces legal issues for deceptive marketing and prescription verification practices5 |
What are Customers Saying About Hubble Contacts?
Customer reviews about Hubble contact lenses are mixed. They have 3.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and are not accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Some customers love Hubble and claim to have had an amazing experience with them. Others report complaints.
What Do Customers Love About Hubble?
Positive feedback includes the following:
- Prompt delivery
- Comfortable lenses
- Great customer service
- Reasonable prices
- Convenient subscription service
What About Customer Complaints?
The most common negative reviews about Hubble include:
- Poor customer service
- Low-quality contacts
- Shipping and delivery issues
- Unreliable subscription management
- Difficulty canceling subscriptions
- Trouble logging into their account
Summary
- Hubble is a relatively new business that sells its own brand of contact lenses directly to customers
- Hubble’s convenient subscription model delivers new contact lenses to your doorstep every 4, 6, or 8 weeks
- The American Optometric Association (AOA) has criticized Hubble’s lax approach to prescription verification, leading to a multi-million dollar settlement from the FTC
- Hubble contacts are made from Methafilcon A, an older material with poor oxygen permeability
- Customer reviews of Hubble contacts are mixed
In this article
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Best Overall
Discount Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.
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GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.
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Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.
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Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.
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EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.