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When you need a pair of sunglasses, you don’t want to drain your bank account to get it. We understand, and that’s why we developed this guide to highlight 10 of the best budget-friendly sunglasses out there today.
There are reviews for each product, as well as a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will walk you through everything that you need to know to get the best pair for you!
Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall | Wiley X Saber Advanced |
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Best Value | Bobster Sunglasses Shield II Series |
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Premium Choice | Tifosi Optics Tyrant 2.0 |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Best for Kids | Ray-Ban Junior Wayfarer |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Bobster Shield III Military Tactical Sunglasses |
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CHECK PRICE |
Temple length | Adjustable |
Lens diameter | 136 mm |
Bridge width | 25 mm |
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t get outstanding sunglasses. The Wiley X Saber Advanced glasses provide an exceptional mix of price and performance, earning our nod as the best overall budget-friendly sunglasses.
While they’re stylish enough to wear every day, they can double as safety glasses and provide you with the necessary 100% UVA and UVB protection. They’re comfortable, and with an adjustable temple length, it’s easy to get the perfect fit.
The drawback is that there is only one style option available, but it’s something that you can wear day after day and year after year.
Temple length | 122 mm |
Lens diameter | 75 mm |
Bridge width | 15 mm |
The Bobster Sunglasses Shield II Series sunglasses are the best budget-friendly sunglasses that you can get. They also double as safety glasses, with an impact-resistant polycarbonate lens, and are extremely durable. Of course, you want to be comfortable while wearing your sunglasses, and the Bobster doesn’t disappoint there.
These sunglasses are available in nine different color combinations, but they’re all the same style. Moreover, they look like safety glasses. So, while you’re getting a great deal on these sunglasses, they’re not exactly the most stylish option.
Temple length | 128 mm |
Lens diameter | 74 mm |
Bridge width | 12 mm |
The Tifosi Optics Tyrant 2.0 comes in a few different styles and color options, some of which are pricier than others.
They have a slim and sleek design and are probably the most comfortable sunglasses on this list. The customization of the frames and lens attracts you to these sunglasses in the first place, but the comfort keeps you coming back.
These sunglasses are a little more expensive than some others on this list, and they have a thin frame that makes them prone to damage. If you are on a strict budget, you might want to shop elsewhere, but if there’s a little wiggle room, this is what you want.
Temple length | 125 mm |
Lens diameter | 44 mm |
Bridge width | 17 mm |
It makes sense when you’re shopping for kids that you want a budget-friendly option. That’s where the Ray-Ban Junior Wayfarer sunglasses thrive. They’re more expensive than you might want to spend for a pair of kids’ sunglasses, but the cost is worth the quality that you get. These hold up far better than many other options for kids, and they fit perfectly. These things reduce the chances of the sunglasses breaking, helping to justify the slightly high upfront cost.
These have 100% UV protection, and if your kids wear prescription sunglasses, these Ray-Ban Junior Wayfarer sunglasses have an option for that. If you get your kids these sunglasses, they’re going to love them.
Temple length | 118 mm |
Lens diameter | 75 mm |
Bridge width | 15 mm |
The Bobster Shield III Military Tactical Sunglasses are affordably priced sunglasses that do everything that you need them to. This includes doubling as safety glasses, having an anti-fog coating, and providing 100% UVA and UVB protection.
However, they are on the lower end of the price spectrum for a reason. First, there’s only one style option available, though that isn’t a big deal if you like the style.
Second, they’re not the most comfortable. They’re fine for short outings, but not if you plan on wearing these glasses all day.
Temple length | Adjustable |
Lens diameter | N/A — single-piece lens |
Bridge width | N/A |
ESS is well-known for its safety glasses, and with its Crossbow Suppressor ONE, you’re getting great safety glasses that also work as outstanding sunglasses. They work great for either application and will last year after year.
They have durable construction, and the scratch-resistant lens helps ensure that nothing takes them off your face. They also have anti-fog coating and distortion-free optical clarity for some of the best optics that sunglasses can provide.
They are expensive compared to some other options, but at this price point, they’re still extremely budget friendly, especially since you likely won’t have to replace these sunglasses for years.
Temple length | 126 mm |
Lens diameter | 64 mm |
Bridge width | 20 mm |
You’re not going to look the most stylish in the Bobster Foamerz 2, but your budget is going to love you. These sunglasses are affordable, double as safety glasses, and are extremely comfortable.
Add in the 100% UVA and UVB coating, the anti-fog coating, and the polycarbonate lens, and there’s a good chance that you won’t care that they look a bit like goggles.
These sunglasses are great for casual appearances, riding, or a day out at the range, making them extremely versatile. We wish that there were a few more style options, but at this price point, it is hard to complain about such a quality product.
Temple length | 160 mm |
Lens diameter | 66.7 mm |
Bridge width | 12.6 mm |
With the Venture Gear Overwatch sunglasses, you’re getting a budget-friendly pair of sunglasses that are still quite stylish. They double as safety glasses but don’t look like it, and there are several different style options that you can choose from.
While they don’t provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, the 99.9% rating is close enough. That’s the level of protection that you get in both the forest-gray and bronze lens colors, giving you more style options without sacrificing UV protection.
That said, these are not the most durable sunglasses. They won’t fall apart on you if you take perfect care of them, but they’re simply not as forgiving as some other models.
Furthermore, they’re not that comfortable. So, while they might be stylish, if you don’t want to wear them for long periods, how much does that matter?
Temple length | 120 mm |
Lens diameter | 70 mm |
Bridge width | 15 mm |
If you’re looking for a pair of affordable sunglasses with different lenses, the Bobster Charger sunglasses are worth considering. There are four different lens options, although only three offer UV protection benefits.
These sunglasses double as safety glasses, but the smoke- and rose-colored lens options don’t look that way. This makes them a more stylish choice, especially considering the price point.
They have an anti-fog coating and rubberized pieces around the eyes for added comfort and to keep debris out. They’re not the most comfortable sunglasses, though, especially if you plan on wearing them for long periods.
Finally, while they’re durable enough, they’re not quite as forgiving as some other options. So, they’re more likely to break if you accidentally sit on them or if your kids get their hands on them.
Temple length | 124 mm |
Lens diameter | 61 mm |
Bridge width | 18 mm |
The Wiley X Airrage Sunglasses are budget friendly but only just. Still, they’re not as expensive as some other name-brand sunglasses, and they’re worth considering spending a bit more to get them. Both polarized and non-polarized options are available, and they’re quite comfortable.
Moreover, they double as safety glasses, though you would never know that by looking at them. They also have great optical clarity, which is a huge deal if you need sunglasses while cycling, riding a motorcycle, or doing similar outdoor activities.
Still, while these sunglasses do a great job in many areas, you have to be able to afford the slightly high upfront cost. If you can, these are the way to go.
This buyer’s guide will walk you through everything that you need to know to get the perfect pair of sunglasses.
One of the best things that you can do is to get a pair of sunglasses that meets multiple needs. This saves you from having to purchase multiple different products, and it’s also a great way to save money.
Many of the options on this list double as safety glasses and have anti-fog designs and other useful features. Even if you don’t need any of those things now, there’s a good chance that you will at some point.
Buying sunglasses that ultimately don’t fit is a real concern and not one that you want to deal with. Our list includes the three most important sizing specifications for each pair of sunglasses.
The first number is the temple length. This refers to the length of the arms of the sunglasses. To get a secure fitment, they should be long enough to fit behind your ears.
The second measurement is the lens diameter. This tells you how wide the sunglasses are, which will ensure that they fit from eye to eye. Be sure to consider if the sunglasses use a single-piece or dual-piece design.
The last measurement is the bridge width, which is the width between the two lenses. If the sunglasses use a single-piece lens, it’s the area in between where your nose goes. If you have a two-piece lens, you add this to the lens diameter to get the total width, though you should ensure that it’s large enough to fit your nose either way. That said, you don’t want it too large because this can lead to your sunglasses slipping down your face or sliding from side to side.
A low-cost option won’t be worth it if it ends up breaking in just a few days or weeks. All the options on this list have decent durability, and while you might be spending a bit more up front, you’re saving much more in the long run. Avoid future frustration, and pick a quality option the first time instead of bargain-bin shopping somewhere else.
Staying on budget is important, but don’t go with the lowest-priced sunglasses if it means they’ll never leave your counter because you don’t like them.
If you’re not wearing the sunglasses, you’re wasting more money than if you spend a bit more to get a pair that you like and will actually wear. Keep that in mind when you’re shopping.
If you’re still debating about which budget-friendly sunglasses to get after reading through the reviews and buyer’s guide, there’s a reason that the Wiley X Saber Advanced is our top choice. It’s a stylish, long-lasting pair of sunglasses that you’ll love. If your budget is a bit tighter than that, go with the Bobster Sunglasses Shield II Series. What’s important is that you order them sooner than later, so you have a good pair of sunglasses when you need them!
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.
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