Best Sunglasses [2023 Update]

A good pair of sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. They should also fit your unique lifestyle and fashion taste. 

With so many sunglasses styles available, finding the perfect pair can feel overwhelming. However, some styles and brands stand out for superior quality, durability, and design.

We put together a list of the best sunglasses for men and women — though you’ll find many unisex options on each list. Whether you’re looking for sun protection during outdoor sports, designer shades, or cheap sunglasses you can easily replace, this list has something for you.

What to Look for in Sunglasses

Here are the main things to consider when comparing different pairs of sunglasses:

UV Protection

First and foremost, a good pair of sunglasses needs to block UV (ultraviolet) rays from reaching your eyes. UVA and UVB rays are the radiation energy produced by the sun. 

UV exposure can seriously damage the surface tissues of your eyes. Over time, this can lead to vision-threatening conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

It’s essential to choose a pair of sunglasses that provides 100 percent UV protection from all UV light. Some sunglasses brands use the label UV absorption up to 400nm, or UV400. This means the same thing as 100 percent UV protection.

Tint

It’s a common belief that darker-tinted sunglasses block more UV light than lighter ones. This isn’t necessarily true. Without the essential UV filters, dark lenses won’t prevent UV light from entering your eyes.

Dark lens colors that lack UV filters may actually increase eye damage. This is because the dark lens causes your pupil to dilate, which exposes your eye to more UV radiation.

Polarized vs. Non-polarized

Another common misbelief is that all polarized lenses block UV rays. This is only true if the lenses also filter UVA and UVB light.

Polarized lenses reduce glare, the bright light that bounces off reflective surfaces like water and pavement. Opt for a polarized pair to reduce eye strain while driving in daylight, fishing, or running on the road.

However, there are some circumstances where non-polarized lenses would be safer, such as reading LCD screens or skiing in icy conditions.

Learn more about polarized vs. non-polarized sunglasses.

Other Features

Other things to look for in a pair of sunglasses include:

• Larger sunglasses. Wraparound or oversized styles offer more protection from sun damage
• Impact protection. Polycarbonate lenses are the gold standard in durability, but they scratch easily
• Scratch-resistant coating. Lens scratches can cause eye strain and allow UV light to pass through

It’s also important to choose a pair of frames that are comfortable and fit your face well. If you feel good in your sunglasses, you’ll be more likely to wear them.

Click here to learn about the types of sunglasses for different face shapes.

10 Best Sunglasses for Men

Everything we recommend

Best Overall: Smith Lowdown 2

Best on a Budget: J+S Classic Aviator

Best Designer Brand: Ray-Ban Wayfarer Liteforce

Best for Driving: Maui Jim Peahi

Best for Running: Goodr OG

Best for Action Sports: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

Best for Fishing: Costa Del Mar Tuna Alley

Best for Golf: Callaway Izzo Golf Sungear

Best Prescription: Warby Parker Downing

Best Smart Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Stories

Best Overall: Smith Lowdown 2

Overall, these are the best sunglasses for the classic style and superior lens quality Smith is known for. They’re great for everyday wear, and the rubber nose pads mean they won’t slip if you break a sweat.

Smith Lowdown 2s come in various lens and frame colors, including polarized and non-polarized options.

Features include:

• 100% UV protection
• Choice of impact-resistant carbonic lenses or Smith’s ChromaPop™ colored lenses
• Large coverage

Best on a Budget: J+S Classic Aviator

These polarized sunglasses come in the classic aviator shape that looks good on everyone. We selected them as the best cheap sunglasses, but they don’t skimp on high-quality materials.

You can choose between black, gray, brown, or mirror lenses.

Features include:

• Block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB rays
• Comes with a hard case and microfiber cleaning cloth
• Lightweight metal alloy frames
• Adjustable nose pads

Best Designer Brand: Ray-Ban Wayfarer Liteforce

Ray-Bans appear many times on these lists. So, it’s likely unsurprising that we also have to name them the best designer sunglasses. The brand is well-known for making some of the best sunglasses available today.

The Wayfarer Liteforce is a lightweight version of the iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarer style. This classic design complements nearly any face shape.

Features include:

• Filters 100% UV rays
• Lightweight and durable plastic frames
• Option to add prescription lenses

Best for Driving: Maui Jim Peahi

We chose Maui Jim polarized sunglasses as the best pair for driving. Polarized lenses reduce glare from flat road surfaces, and the wrap frames provide full protection.

Features include:

• Blocks glare and harmful ultraviolet rays
• Lightweight, durable frames
• Bronze lens color reduces eye fatigue
• Scratch-resistant glass lenses

Best for Running: goodr® OG

Wearing sunglasses on a run shouldn’t entail constantly pushing them back on your nose. Goodr’s are the best sunglasses for running because they never slip or bounce.

Goodr is a relatively new, yet popular, brand in the eyewear industry. They make sports sunglasses for running, biking, golf, and more. 

Features include:

• 100% UV protection
• Polarized lenses
• Scratch resistant
• Affordable price

Best for Action Sports: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

Oakley is another one of the best sunglasses brands around. We recommend the Flak 2.0 XL action sports sunglasses for the durable plastic frame and interchangeable lenses.

Features include:

• Available in a variety of frame and lens colors
• Large, high-quality lenses offer more coverage than the standard Flak 2.0
• Non-polarized or polarized lenses
• 100% UV protection

Best for Fishing: Costa Del Mar Tuna Alley

Polarized sunglasses are a must for fishing because they reduce glare from smooth water surfaces. But that’s not the only reason we chose the Tuna Alley as the best pair of sunglasses for fishing.

Features include:

• Available in copper green lenses to see clearly on cloudy days
• Patented, scratch-proof polarized lenses
• Durable nylon frames are comfortable in heat and cold
• Blocks 100% of UV rays

Best for Golf: Callaway Izzo Golf Sungear

Like many sports sunglasses, Callaways feature wraparound frames for maximum coverage. However, this pair of sunglasses was specifically designed for golf.

Features include:

• Blocks 100% of UV rays
• Ultra-light frames with adjustable nose pads
• Includes a carry pouch, lens cloth, and hard case with a hanging clip

Best Prescription: Warby Parker Downing

Warby Parker is a popular brand that makes a variety of regular glasses and sunglasses. We chose them as the best prescription sunglasses, but you can order these with non-prescription lenses, too.

Features include:

• Round frames are flattering on a square or diamond face shape
• Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide sizes
• Durable polycarbonate lenses are scratch resistant
• Blocks 100% of UV rays
• Save 15% if you buy two pairs of glasses 

Best Smart Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarer

Ray-Ban Stories are the best sunglasses with smart technology integration. We love the timeless Wayfarer style, but Stories are also available as square or round sunglasses.

Features of Ray-Ban Stories include:

• Compatible with IOS and Android
• Rechargeable battery
• Take hands-free photos and video
• Lens options include polarized, green lenses, gradient, and transitions
• Blue light lenses available in the Wayfarer style

10 Best Sunglasses for Women

Everything we recommend

Best Overall: Knockaround Pacific Palisades

Best on a Budget: Sungait Vintage Round

Best Designer Brand: Ray-Ban Erika

Best for Driving: Ray-Ban New Aviator Pilot

Best for Running: Goodr OG

Best for Action Sports: Julbo Aerolite Performance

Best for Skiing: Oakley Line Miner

Best Oversize: Warby Parker Nancy

Best Prescription: Warby Parker Tilley

Best Smart Sunglasses: Bose Frames

Best Overall: Knockaround Pacific Palisades

A chic, retro design and an affordable price tag nabbed these Knockarounds the top spot for the best everyday sunglasses. They’re also great travel sunglasses.

The oversized polycarbonate lenses and colorful plastic frames make these square sunglasses practical and stylish.

Features include:

• Full UV400 protection
• Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses make them great sports sunglasses
• Polarized sunglasses to reduce glare
• Protective pouch included

Best on a Budget: Sungait Vintage Round

Sungaits win the best cheap sunglasses for women because they deliver all the essentials for less than $20. Plus, they’re cute. These vintage round sunglasses offer timeless style and come in many frame and lens options.

Features:

• UV400 coating
• Lightweight, durable frame
• Lifetime breakage warranty
• Comes with a soft bag, microfiber cloth, and exquisite packaging

Best Designer Brand: Ray-Ban Erika

This is a metal-frame version of the bestselling Ray-Ban Erika round sunglasses. The lightweight frames ensure comfort and resiliency with an elegant, slim design.

Features:

• Photochromic blue lenses turn violet in changing light conditions
• Other photochromic colors available
• Plastic lenses with 100% UV protection
• Case and cleaning cloth included

Best for Driving: Ray-Ban New Aviator Pilot

The Ray-Ban New Aviator Pilots are the classic aviator shape with a feminine twist. Gold frames make these polarized sunglasses even more stylish, and the large lenses offer max coverage.

Features:

• 100% UV coating
• Aviator style looks good on any face shape
• Polarized sunglasses reduce glare while driving
• Case and cleaning cloth included

Best for Running: Goodr OG Running Sunglasses

Goodr makes another appearance here because the bounce-proof, anti-slip plastic frame makes them the best sunglasses for runners. These polarized sunglasses come in various frame and lens color combinations.

Features:

• Anti-slip sports sunglasses
• Lightweight plastic frames
• Scratch-resistant lenses with UV400 protection

Best for Action Sports: Julbo Aerolite Performance

We love the Julbo Aerolite Performance sports sunglasses for their customizable options. The extra-large lenses offer full protection from the sun and wind.

You can choose polarized or non-polarized sunglasses based on your sport. The nose pads have adjustable wings for a customized fit that won’t slip when charging down a mountain.

Features:

• Durable, lightweight plastic frame
• 100% UV protection
• Widest range of photochromic lenses on the market
• Anti-fog coating

Best for Skiing: Oakley Line Miner

The best way to lose sunglasses is to wear them while skiing. This is why the best sunglasses for skiing are Oakley snow goggles.

The polycarbonate lens will protect you from sun, snow, and ice, while the silicone-lined adjustable strap will keep them in place.

Features:

• Available with prescription
• Prizm color lenses enhance contrast
• Blocks 100% UVA and UVB
• Blue light blocking
• Anti-fog coating

Best Oversize: Warby Parker Nancy

Like all the sunglasses by Warby Parker, Nancys are available as regular or prescription sunglasses. We love these oversized frames in all three color options.

Features include:

• Save 15% when you buy two pairs of prescription sunglasses
• Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses
• Anti-scratch coating
• 100% UV protection
• Lens options include blue, brown, green, gray, and violet gradient 

Best Prescription: Warby Parker Tilley

Whether or not you order them with a prescription, these cat-eye sunglasses are glamorous. The Tilley is a fun frame design that comes in various sizes and colors to suit every face shape and style.

All Warby Parker glasses include a free home try-on. This allows you to choose the width and color that suits you best.

Features:

• Save 15% when you buy two prescription pairs
• Polycarbonate prescription lenses
• Scratch-resistant and 100% UV-blocking

Best Smart Sunglasses: Bose Frames

If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that acts like a Bluetooth headset, Bose Frames are for you. The open-ear audio technology keeps you aware of what’s happening around you while you listen to music.

Features:

• Plastic lens
• Non-polarized
• Blocks 99% UVA and UVB rays
• Compatible with iOS and Android
• 3.5-hour battery life

Summary

Sunglasses should protect your eyes from sunlight and make you feel good while wearing them. All the sunglasses on this list block 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB rays because that’s essential.

Polarized sunglasses can help reduce eye strain from glare, but they’re not always the best option. Sunglasses don’t need to be expensive to be good. The best sunglasses for you are the ones you feel comfortable and confident wearing.

Best Places to Buy Glasses

Best Overall

Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.

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Also Great

Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.

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Best on a Budget

EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.

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Best Places to Buy Contacts

Best Overall

1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.

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Also Great

GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.

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