As we age, our eyes naturally change. According to Dr. Steven Reed, president of the American Optometric Association, adults in their 40s typically start having trouble seeing things up close, also known as presbyopia. To cope, many turn to reading glasses, which, like prescription glasses, can be bought online from popular brands like GlassesUSA, Zenni, Warby Parker and more. However, these don’t replace the need for regular eye exams. To help you find the best reading glasses to buy online, we looked at each brand’s customer reviews, selection, price range, shipping, return policy, warranty, HSA/FSA acceptance and if the company offers virtual try-ons or virtual prescription renewal.
Our Picks
What are the best reading glasses overall?
The best reading glasses overall are those from GlassesUSA, which has a wide range of strengths and styles, free standard shipping, a one-year warranty and virtual try-ons. Regarding the best places to buy new glasses, GlassesUSA is CNET’s pick for the best style selection.
Recent updates
April 28, 2025: Changed the “best budget reading glasses” pick from Zenni to Eyebuydirect. Added Amazon as “best reading glasses for Prime members.”
Best reading glasses of 2025
Pros
- Has one of the widest ranges of strengths from +0.25 to +4
- Offers free standard shipping
- Next-day shipping is available for certain items
- There is a one-year warranty
- Variety of styles
- Virtual try-on available
Cons
- The return and exchange period is only 14 days
- Virtual prescription renewal is not available
Why we like it: GlassesUSA offers 60 pairs of reading glasses in a wide variety of styles, colors and strengths. Regarding the latter, GlassesUSA offers the broadest range of strengths besides Eyebuydirect (more on that below). With prices ranging from $43 to $124, there is something for every budget. The company also offers free standard shipping, next-day shipping, a one-year warranty and virtual try-ons.
Who is it best for: GlassesUSA is best for people looking for reading glasses with a strength between +0.25 and +4 and those looking to spend under $130. For select items, next-day shipping is offered at $20. GlassesUSA also accepts insurance and is HSA/FSA eligible.
Who should not get it: If you want to spend under $43, check out one of our budget picks instead. This isn't the brand for you if you want a more expensive pair over $130. If you want virtual prescription renewal, see Warby Parker instead (depending on your state).
Pros
- Over 200 styles
- Has powers from +0.25 to +4
- Offers free 2-day shipping
- Provides a 1-year warranty
- Affordable prices from $6 to $93
Cons
- Returns are 14 days
Why we like it: Compared to our other budget reading glasses pick, Zenni, Eyebuydirect offers more powers (from +0.25 to +4), free two-day shipping, a refund that includes shipping, a one-year warranty for craftsmanship defects and a wider price range of $6 to $93. That is why we chose it as the best budget pick.
Who is it best for: Eyebuydirect is best for people looking for budget reading glasses with fast, free, two-day shipping and those who want shipping included in a potential refund. Eyebuydirect also offers a one-year warranty for craftsmanship defects, while Zenni only provides 30 days.
Who should not get it: If you’re looking for more glasses styles to choose from while on a budget and don’t care about shipping or return price, then Zenni would be your better bet. Zenni offers over 800 styles of reading glasses, while Eyebuydirect provides over 200 styles.
Pros
- Has over 300 reading glass styles
- Has both a virtual and at-home try-on service
- Offers virtual prescription renewal for certain states
- Has about 300 brick-and-mortar stores
Cons
- Cost starts at $95
- Doesn’t offer strengths above +2.75
Why we like it: Warby Parker offers 312 frames for reading glasses. Powers range from +0.25 to +2.75, prices range from $95 to $195 and there is both a virtual and home try-on service. You can even use the brand’s virtual prescription renewal if you live in certain states. However, prescriptions are not usually required for readers. The brand also has almost 300 brick-and-mortar stores in the US where you can try on glasses and get customer support.
“I enjoyed the ease of finding the right glasses for me while not having to be in a store,” says Dillon Payne, CNET’s video director. “The site was able to scan my face and I was offered a variety of glasses that I preferred. Warby shipped the glasses out and I picked a couple that I liked after wearing and testing them. The others that didn't suit me were shipped back.”
Who is it best for: Warby Parker is best for people who want to try on their reading glasses at home and those who need a +0.25 to +2.75 strength. The company has a six-month, no-scratch guarantee and offers virtual prescription renewal, but only for certain states. You can also visit a store in person to try on the glasses or for customer support.
Who should not get it: Warby Parker is not your service if you want to spend under $95 or have a strength over +2.75. The brand also doesn’t offer shipping faster than two to six business days, which is $25 for expedited shipping.
Pros
- Over 450 different reading glasses styles
- Offers multipacks
- It is affordable, with prices from $7 to $65
- Has shipping options from 1-5 business days
Cons
- The warranty is only 90 days
- Powers below +1 and above +3.75 are not available
- No virtual try-on or prescription renewal is available
Why we like it: Readers.com offers 269 styles for women and 199 different products for men. Both can also choose multipacks. This is a wide range, which makes sense considering that Readers.com is dedicated only to reading glasses. It also offers strengths from +1 to +3.75, a price range of $7 to $65, various shipping options (including express and priority) and 90 days for returns, exchanges and its warranty.
Who is it best for: Readers.com is best for people who want a wide range of styles under $65 for their reading glasses. It is also suitable for shoppers who want a longer return and exchange window of 90 days. If you prefer to buy your reading glasses in multipacks, you can also get those here.
Who should not get it: Readers.com is not for anyone who needs a power lower than +1 or higher than +3.75. It doesn't offer virtual try-ons or online prescription renewal.
Pros
- Great for people looking for fun colors and bold shapes
- Has powers from +1 to +4
- Offers same-day shipping if ordered before 1 p.m. CST
- The return and exchange policy is 90 days
Cons
- No strengths under +1
- No warranty
Why we like it: One of Oprah’s Favorite Things, this brand is known for its bold shapes and fun colors. They even offer reading glasses with wavy temples. Despite these unique styles, Peepers is also affordable at $23 to $30.
Who is it best for: Peepers is best for people looking for affordable but fun reading glasses that fit their personal style and budget. It offers powers from +1 to +4, virtual try-ons, 90-day returns and exchanges and even same-day shipping if you order before 1 p.m. CST.
Who should not get it: If you’re looking for reading glasses with a warranty, Peepers is not the brand for you. The same goes for those looking for a strength under +1. If you don’t care about the color of your glasses or want a bold shape, another brand might be better.
Pros
- Top frames that can be changed daily
- Has virtual try-ons
Cons
- Only has strengths from +0.25 to +2.75
- No reading glasses under $60
- Offers next-day shipping, but it’s $60
Why we like it: Pair Eyewear offers base frames with separate top frames that can be switched up to match your everyday style and mood. Prices start at $60, and strengths depend on style, but we generally see +0.25 to +2.75. You can also use its virtual try-on feature.
Who is it best for: Pair Eyewear is best for people looking to spend at least $60 and want to regularly change the appearance of their reading glasses. They also offer next-day shipping (though it’s $60) and 30 days for returns, exchanges and its warranty.
Who should not get it: Anyone looking for a reading glass strength above +2.75 should look elsewhere. Pair Eyewear is also not for you if you want a warranty longer than 30 days.
Pros
- Affordable prices under $60
- Over 800 different styles
- Free standard shipping for $65+ orders
- Offers virtual try-on
Cons
- Powers above +2.75 are not available
- The refund window is 2 weeks minus shipping
- The warranty is only 30 days
Why we like it: Zenni has 880 pairs of reading glasses at budget prices from $7 to $60 and powers from +0.25 to +2.75. It also offers virtual try-ons and shipping options that range from one to 14 business days.
Who is it best for: Zenni is best for people on a budget who might want to purchase multiple pairs of glasses at an affordable price.
Who should not get it: If your reading glasses strength is above +2.75, Zenni is not for you. Zenni also offers only two weeks for returns and exchanges, and refunds are minus shipping. You have 30 days if you opt for store credit. The warranty is only 30 days.
Pros
- Fast, free shipping for Prime members
- Thousands of options in terms of reading glass styles
- The affordable price range of $3 to $259
- Free returns within 30 days, generally
Cons
- Quality is unpredictable and depends on the brand
- No warranty in most cases
- No virtual try-on
Why we like it: While Amazon is not one of our top picks for reading glasses, if you're a Prime member and need affordable reading glasses ASAP, the brand offers fast, free shipping. Katie Collins, CNET’s director of content, used Prime for reading glasses before and enjoyed the service's many options (the search “reading glasses” brings up 40,000 results), price range and speedy delivery.
Who is it best for: Amazon’s reading glasses are best for Prime members in a pinch who need affordable reading glasses within a day or two. If you don’t like the glasses, you must be ready to return them within 30 days (or whatever the particular brand says) because there is no warranty. Popular brands on Amazon include Eyebobs, Firmoo, Look Optic, SCOJO New York and ThinOptics.
Who should not get it: What Collins did not like about Amazon is its unpredictable quality and the fact that you can't try them on (not even virtually). Everything comes down to what brand you order from: the power, lens types, coatings, shipping and HSA/FSA acceptance. Returns/exchanges also depend on the brand, but most offer free returns within 30 days. We did not see any that offer a warranty through Amazon.
Best reading glasses comparison chart
| Brand | Superlative | Powers | Shipping | Returns/exhanges | Warranty | Price | HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on | Virtual prescription renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlassesUSA | Best reading glasses overall | +0.25 to +4 | Next-Day Shipping: $20 (only for select items) Express: $13 (3-5 business days) Expedited: $10 (5-7 business days) Standard: Free (7-10 business days) | 14 days | 1 year | $43 to over $124 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eyebuydirect | Best budget reading glasses | +0.25 to +4 | UPS Express: free (2-day delivery) UPS Express: $19+ (7-10 business days) USPS: $5.95 or free over $119 (7-14 business days) | 14 days | Craftsmanship defects: 1 year | $6 to $93 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warby Parker | Best reading glasses with at-home try-on | +0.25 to +2.75 | Expedited: $25 (4-6 business days) Standard: Free (10 business days) | 30 days | Six-month, no-scratch guarantee | $95 to $195 | Yes | Yes | Yes, but only in certain states |
| Readers.com | Best reading glasses style variety | +1.0 to +3.75 | Priority Mail Express: $13+ (1-2 business days) USPS Priority Mail: $10 (2-3 business days) USPS Ground Advantage: $7 (3-5 business days) or free over $40 UPS Mail: Based on location Free USPS first-class US shipping over $45 (1-5 business days) | 90 days | 90 days | $7 to over $44 | Yes | No | No |
| Peepers | Best colorful reading glasses | +1 to +4 | FedEx One Rate: $10 (ships same day if ordered before 1 p.m. CST) UPS Next Day Air: Based on location (ships same day if ordered before 1 p.m. CST) UPS Ground: Based on location (1-5 business days) Standard: $5.00 or free over $55 (3-6 business days | 90 days | None | $23 to $30 | Yes, but only for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express | Yes | No |
| Pair Eyewear | Best reading glasses with swappable frames | +0.25 to +2.75 | Rush Shipping (Next Day): $60 3-Day Guarantee: $30 Priority Shipping: $15 (3-5 business days) Free standard shipping on all US orders (5-7 business days) | 30 days | 30 days | $60+ | Yes | Yes | No |
| Zenni | Another great budget reading glasses option | +0.25 to +2.75 | Rush 1-4 Days: $29+ (Estimated delivery in 1-4 business days) Rush 2-5 Days: $19+ (2-5 business days) Express: $15 (5-10 business days) Standard: $5 or free for $65+ orders (7-14 business days) | 2 weeks for refund (minus shipping), 30 days for store credit | Manufacturing error: 30 days Anti-reflective (AR) coating and photochromic films: 1 year | $7 to $60 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Amazon | Best for Prime members in a pinch | Depends on brand | Depends, but some do free same-day or one-day for Prime members | Can depend on brand, but generally free within 30 days | Depends on brand, but seeing most don't have this | For Prime, $3 to $259 | Depends on brand | No | No |
Factors to consider when choosing reading glasses
Strength
Reading glasses typically range from +0.25 to +2.50 diopters (the unit of measurement for eye prescriptions), though the average starting strength is usually around +0.75. In rare cases, reading glass strength can go up to +4.00.
“Tips for buying reading glasses online are similar to buying ready-made reading glasses at the drugstore: it’s a convenient option, but it’s not a good idea for everyone,” says Ravi Goel, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If you have different prescription needs in each eye, astigmatism, high-power or more complex prescription needs, you should see an eye care professional for updated prescription eyewear.”
Dr. Steven Reed, president of the American Optometric Association, seconds this, adding, “The wrong prescription can lead to headaches, eye strain or even nausea. If you do choose to buy online, we recommend selecting a lower power when deciding between two strengths, as this is generally a safer choice, and overly strong lenses tend to cause more discomfort than those that are slightly weaker.”
Goel notes that everyone over age 40 should see an ophthalmologist for a medical eye exam since that is the age when both presbyopia and potentially blinding eye diseases usually begin developing. Plus, not all eye diseases begin with noticeable symptoms.
Type of reading glasses
“There are four main types of reading glasses: single vision, bifocal, trifocal and progressive,” says Goel, defining them as:
- Single-vision reading lenses are typically designed to correct just for near vision.
- Bifocal lenses have a correction for reading on the bottom half of the lens and another for distance on the top.
- Trifocal lenses have three sections: distance, intermediate and near vision. Reed says these can be particularly helpful for people over 50 experiencing reduced depth of focus.
- Progressive lenses have a smooth transition between distance and near focal areas without visible dividing lines. “They deliver a more natural look and a smoother transition between different viewing distances,” adds Reed.
“When generic OTC readers are no longer enough, prescription reading glasses -- also called single-vision readers -- are a great next step. These are custom-made by an eye doctor to correct for astigmatism, unequal prescriptions or other specific vision needs,” says Reed. “For those who need multiple levels of vision correction, there are multifocal lenses.”
Lens material
“This depends on lifestyle,” Goel says. “For example, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might prefer polycarbonate, which is lightweight and doesn’t break easily. There are also various lens coatings available for convenience (i.e., anti-reflective coatings) but are not required.”
Goel notes that the American Academy of Ophthalmology doesn't recommend blue light-blocking coatings or lenses because “there is no scientific evidence to suggest blue light-blocking glasses help reduce eye strain.” Instead, take breaks from near-work activity and use eye drops if necessary. If you continue to experience symptoms, see an ophthalmologist.
According to Reed, most people choose between the following three lens materials for reading glasses:
- CR-39 plastic lenses: Affordable, lightweight and provide good optical clarity, making them a popular choice for basic reading glasses.
- Polycarbonate lenses: Lighter and significantly more impact-resistant than CR-39 plastic, making them a safer option for people who tend to drop their glasses or want something more durable.
- High-index plastic lenses: Thinner and lighter than other materials and are a good choice for people who need a stronger prescription but want to avoid thick, heavy lenses.
“For most reading glasses, especially for occasional or indoor use, CR-39 plastic works well,” says Reed. “If you need extra durability or prefer thinner, lighter lenses, polycarbonate or high-index materials may be a better fit. Your doctor of optometry can help recommend the best lens material based on your specific needs.”
Reed adds that not all lens materials and coatings are created equal. That’s why it’s important to check with your eye doctor to ensure the reading glasses you choose are the right fit for you.
Style
One of the most fun parts of buying glasses is finding a frame that speaks to your personal style and fits with your face shape. When shopping for glasses online, pay attention to the material, color and width.
Price
Reading glasses can range from affordable to expensive. For instance, if you want a designer pair of reading glasses, be prepared to spend over $100. If you tend to lose your reading glasses, you may want to buy more inexpensive pairs to keep multiple on hand.
“Price of eyeglasses is not necessarily reflective of quality; the real question is if someone finds the ready-made reading glasses helpful or if they need custom reading glasses to meet their vision needs,” explains Goel.
“In general, spending more on frames doesn’t mean you’ll end up with better-quality eyeglasses. You don’t need designer frames to have a good set of glasses. For prescription lenses, such as bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses, an optician will help you select good lenses that best meet your vision needs. A personalized evaluation of vision needs is a value-add that is often missed by online sellers.”
Additional coatings
You can get reading glasses with lenses treated with blue light, anti-glare and polarization coatings. But note that you'll likely have to pay extra for these.
Shipping and returns
If you buy your reading glasses online, you likely won’t get to try them on before you buy. As a result, ensure the company has a return and exchange policy you can work with. As for shipping, if you need your reading glasses ASAP, you’re better off going with a company that offers express or overnight shipping.
How we test the best reading glasses
While these reading glasses were not hands-on tested, we did read customer reviews and pool insights from CNET writers and editors. We also considered different strengths, style selection, shipping, returns and exchanges, warranties, price, virtual and at-home try-ons, HSA/FSA acceptance and whether there's virtual prescription renewal available for each brand.
How we chose the best reading glasses
Customer reviews: We pooled thoughts from fellow CNET writers and editors and reviewed customer reviews and ratings.
Strengths: For each company, we checked to see which strengths are offered for reading glasses.
Style selection: We examined each brand's number of reading glasses styles, as well as the colors, shapes, materials and other unique features. We also examined the different lens types and coatings offered.
Shipping: In addition to shipping time, we also considered shipping prices and which brands offer free, fast shipping.
Returns, exchanges and warranties: We checked the return and exchange time frame (and whether shipping is included) and the length of the brand’s warranty and what it encompasses.
Price: We looked at each company’s price range to see if people with different budgets could shop for reading glasses there.
Virtual try-on and prescription renewal: Does the brand offer virtual or even at-home try-ons? We considered this question and checked whether each company offers online prescription renewal.
Reading glasses FAQs
How do you know when you need reading glasses?
“Adults in their early to mid-forties often start noticing difficulty seeing things up close, like when reading or using digital devices,” says Reed. “This normal, age-related change in the eye’s focusing ability is called presbyopia and tends to progress over time. To manage it, many people turn to reading glasses or other forms of near vision correction.”
Goel adds, “Most people begin to notice changes to their vision around the age of 40. That’s the age when the clear natural lens of your eye becomes less flexible, which leads to difficulty focusing well on near objects.”
According to Reed, some signs of presbyopia include:
- Squinting more frequently
- Trouble seeing smaller print in dim light
- Needing to hold reading materials at arm's length
- Blurred vision at a normal reading distance
- Eye fatigue or headaches when doing close work
How do I know what strength of reading glasses to get?
“A doctor of optometry can help determine the best reading glasses for patients’ specific visual needs,” says Reed. “If they mainly wear them while using a computer, they will likely need a lower power, since screens are typically viewed from a greater distance than a book or magazine. The farther away the object, the less magnification you need for clear, comfortable vision.”
For those who need reading glasses for viewing details up close, Reed states that the patient will want a stronger power. “ In most cases, when deciding between two similar strengths, it’s best to choose the lower one -- glasses that are too strong are more likely to cause discomfort than those that are slightly too weak.”
While seeing an eye care professional for an accurate prescription and to check for signs of eye disease (especially starting at age 40) is the right idea, Goel adds, “People can try on a few different types of reading glasses at the drugstore and see if they find something that feels right.”
Are cheap reading glasses OK? Is there a difference in quality?
“The optical quality of OTC reading glasses can vary quite a bit,” Reed explains. “As I mentioned, one of the main drawbacks is that these ready-made readers are essentially one-size-fits-all. They’re designed for short-term use and work best for people without astigmatism and with the same prescription in both eyes.”
Reed adds that OTC reading glasses typically range from $1 to $50 or more. Prescription reading glasses, on the other hand, can vary in price based on the lens type, provider and insurance coverage. He says, “I always recommend that patients talk with their eye doctor about the best options for their needs -- and ask about programs or benefits that might help with the cost of care.”
What can I use reading glasses for?
“Reading glasses provide a simple and effective way to improve near vision to make everyday tasks easier and more comfortable,” says Reed. “They can improve clarity when reading books, menus or phone screens and assist with daily activities like using a computer or crafting. Furthermore, they can minimize eye fatigue and headaches caused by prolonged screen time to improve overall productivity and comfort.”
