If you need prescription lenses, you know they can be pricey. The good news is that there are ways to buy cheap contacts online and save money.
When you have your annual eye exam, your doctor or the office staff may try to sell you on buying at their location. Don’t fall for their sales gimmick. Buying from your doctor is often substantially more expensive than if you buy contact lenses online.
If you want to save money, this post shares the best options for saving at least 20 percent.
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What Are the Best Places To Buy Cheap Contacts Online
Buying prescription contacts is often more affordable when you buy them from a website instead of from a physical office. However, every platform is different so it’s important to compare pricing before making a purchase.
As a preview, here are the top choices to manage your eye care needs.
| Retailer | Price | Benefit | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warby Parker | Varies | Discounts | Shop Now |
| ContactsDirect | Free 2-day shipping | Free returns | Shop Now |
| GlassesUSA | Varies | Free Shipping | Shop Now |
| DiscountContactLenses | Free returns | Price match | Shop Now |
| LensCrafters | 30-day returns | Discounts | Shop Now |
| 1-800 Contacts | Free shipping | 30-day returns | Shop Now |
| WebEyeCare | Price match | Free shipping | Shop Now |
| Hubble | HSA/FSA | 30-day returns | Shop Now |
| Costco | Varies | $50 savings | Shop Now |
Here are nine of the best places to buy contacts online.
1. Warby Parker
Warby Parker is one of the leaders in the eye care space. The company offers a variety of contact lenses for a broad range of needs.
They also offer contact lens fittings at many of their locations. In addition, they offer multifocal contacts and contacts for astigmatism.
If you want to buy cheap colored contacts online or are looking for discount options, check out Warby Parker.
Pros:
- Carries many major brands
- Offers contact lens fittings at many of their locations
- Gives a 15 percent discount on your first order
- Free shipping on your first order
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer rebates
2. ContactsDirect
Do you have vision insurance? If so, ContactsDirect could be the perfect site for you since they file claims for you. All you have to do is sign up and enter your info.
Even if you don’t have vision insurance, their prices are affordable.
The one drawback is that taxes are processed after your discount and insurance clear. This can make it confusing to know the final price in advance.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Carries most major brands
- Free two-day shipping
- Free returns
- Annual supply discounts
- Vision insurance is easy to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t carry a ton of brands
3. GlassesUSA.com
You can expect to find a wide variety of contact lens options, similar to the more than 2,000 glasses frames found at GlassesUSA.com.
All eyes are covered as they offer single-vision contacts, multifocal contacts, and contacts for astigmatism.
They offer free shipping with no minimum and regular discounts including 25 percent off your order with code CONTACTS25.
Furthermore, the company offers several promotions to reduce costs. Popular ones include 30 percent off glasses and free shipping, with the code SAVE30.
And, buy one get one free with the code BOGOFREE.
However, they only include a 14-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like what you purchased.
Pros:
- Free shipping, no minimum purchase
- Free returns
- 365 Day Warranty
- A variety of brands, types, and styles of lenses
- Carries most major brands
Cons:
- 14-Day full refund policy for cash, exchange, or store credit
- Full refund applies to first returns only
4. DiscountContactLenses.com
Not only can you find most major brands on DiscountContactLenses.com, but you can also buy contact lens solution, cases, and treatments for red eye.
You have up to 365 days to return any product you buy. The site will match any competitor price and take an additional five percent off.
You must spend at least $99 to receive free shipping.
Pros:
- Free returns up to 365 days
- They sell more than just contacts
- Carries most major brands
Cons:
- Shipping isn’t free unless you spend $99 or more
5. LensCrafters
LensCrafters is one of the most well-known prescription glasses and contacts sellers.
They offer eye exams and you can buy prescription glasses or contacts from them. It’s possible to get your glasses or contacts the same day as your exam if they have your prescription in stock.
Their buildings are huge, so there’s a good chance they will have your prescription available.
If you want a one-stop solution, LensCrafters is worth considering. The one drawback is they only offer a 30-day return policy.
Pros:
- Everything can be done in-house
- Carries all the major brands as well as a few generic brands
- Accepts most vision insurance plans
- Always offers some type of discount
- AAA member benefits
- Can return items online or in-store
Cons:
- 30-Day return policy
- No warranty on their glasses
6. 1-800 Contacts
1-800 Contacts is a great place to buy affordable contacts online. They also offer online eye exams. If you qualify for the online exam, you can skip the doctor’s office.
This is a fantastic option to consider if you want to buy contacts online without a prescription.
Shipping is free on all orders. They offer a 30-day return policy.
Pros:
- Carries all major brands
- Online eye exam
- Live chat options
- Student discounts
- Can return unused lenses if your prescription changes
Cons:
- Shipping can take a while
7. Webeyecare
Another option to buy cheap contacts online is WebEyeCare. They sell brand name contacts and supplies. As a bonus, they provide tips on how to choose the correct contacts and how to take care of them.
WebEyeCare offers a Price Match Guarantee (PMG). If you find cheaper contacts, they’ll beat the price by one percent of the total.
The amount matched must include processing, shipping, taxes, and any other charges from the competition. There are some restrictions.
Shipping is free, although shipping time may vary based on the product ordered.
Returns must be made within 60 days of delivery. Merchandise must be unopened and undamaged.
Use the code FRUG10 to get a discount when finalizing purchase.
Pros:
- Carries many major brands as well as some generic brands
- Offers other products
- Price Match Guarantee
- Free shipping
Cons:
- Must pay for return shipping
- Exclusions on the satisfaction guarantee
- 25 percent restocking fee
- No warranty
8. Hubble
Do you prefer to stick with the same brand when buying contact lenses? If your answer is yes, Hubble offers several of the top lens brands.
Hubble offers bifocal and multifocal lenses. They also have toric, colored, disposable, and other lenses to fit your unique vision needs.
While they don’t work with insurance plans, they will work with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). They also offer sales on their products.
Hubble will ship your contacts for free in 100 percent recyclable packing to help maintain a healthy environment. You can set up automatic shipments and change the frequency to fit your schedule.
They offer a 30-day return policy and apply a minimal restocking fee of $5.00.
Pros:
- Carries many major brands
- Free shipping
- Auto ships lenses
- Works with FSA and HSA accounts
- Offers sales
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept insurance plans
- 30-Day return policy
- Charges a $5 restocking fee
9. Costco
If you live near a Costco, you might be able to take advantage of their on-site optometrists. Once you go in for an exam, you’ll also be able to order contacts and glasses.
Costco offers some of the best deals on contacts and eye exams. While prices vary, you may be able to get an eye exam for as little as $50.
They’re also a terrific option to buy cheap glasses online if contacts don’t work for you.
Can I buy contacts at Costco without a membership?
Yes, it is possible to buy at the store without a membership but it depends on your state and local Costco. In some areas, you’ll be able to get the exam without being a member.
However, you might not be able to get contacts or glasses.
*Related: Do you like Sam’s Club? Read our review of Costco vs. Sam’s Club to see which is best for you.*
Even if you factor in the cost of a membership ($60 for the year), you could still end up paying less for the eye exam alone. The savings for glasses and contacts may also make the cost of membership worth it.
Pros:
- Cheapest eye exam costs
- Contacts available at a massive discount
- May be able to use even if you aren’t a member
Cons:
- Doesn’t carry as many options for contact lens wearers
How Much Do Contacts Cost?
Costs vary based on location, eye health, and more. Typical costs are:
- Eye exam: $100 – $200
- Contacts: $22-$26 per box of six lenses
Annual eye exams are required for contact lens wearers. When you factor in the recommended number of contacts over that time span, you’re looking at at least another $150.
That’s around $250 on the low end to get an eye exam and new contacts. However, there are numerous ways to cut costs on the price of contacts.
Buy Cheap Eye Contacts Online FAQs
If you’re new to buying contact lenses online, you may have questions. Here are a few answers that may be helpful.
Can you order prescription contacts online?
Yes, you can purchase your lenses online.
Once you get a prescription from your doctor or qualify for an online exam, you can order contacts immediately.
How much should contacts cost?
The cost of contacts can vary. If you use one of the above sites, you can likely buy a box of contacts for $15 – $25.
If you have astigmatism, a specialized prescription, or need multifocal lenses, you might pay more. However, when you buy contacts online, you still save money versus buying them directly from your eye doctor.
How can I save money on contacts?
The best ways to save money include:
- Buying cheap contacts online,
- Buying multiple contact boxes since you’ll receive larger discounts
- Using whatever benefits or insurance you have
Be sure to take advantage of student discounts, AAA membership benefits, and other discounts offered to you.
Will vision insurance help me save money on contacts?
Yes, vision insurance can save you money.
VSP Insurance offers individual plans as well as the option to gift someone with insurance. If your employer offers vision insurance, you can also use that.
Summary
It is possible to buy cheap contacts online without breaking the bank. Any of the options listed above can help.
Do your research and find the best site for your needs. You’ll be able to save money, get contacts shipped directly to your door, and feel confident and comfortable in the contacts you’re wearing.
Do you have vision insurance?
Kim Suazo has been a freelance writer and business owner for over four years. When she's not writing for Frugal Rules, you can find her on other publications like Chime, Discovery, and Due. She also owns her own websites The Entrepremomer and Part-Time Profit, where she teaches overworked moms how to streamline their new businesses so they can scale without a team.
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