Shopping for prescription eyeglasses online has become extremely popular over the past decade. The convenience and affordable prices are hard to beat compared to buying at your local optometrist’s office. Two of the top online retailers for eyeglasses are GlassesUSA and FramesDirect.
But which one should you choose for your next pair of glasses? Here is an in-depth comparison of GlassesUSA and FramesDirect to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | GlassesUSA | FramesDirect |
| Frame Selection | Over 10,000 styles | Over 11,000 styles |
| Lens Options | Extensive selection of materials, coatings, tints | Similar extensive options |
| Virtual Try-On | Excellent virtual try-on tool | Excellent virtual try-on tool |
| Pricing | 30-80% off retail, frequent sales/deals | Similar discounted pricing, occasional deals |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Returns | Free returns within 14 days | Free returns within 30 days |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer defects | 1 year manufacturer defects |
| Customer Service | Helpful by phone, email, chat | Helpful by phone, email, chat |
Overview Of GlassesUSA
GlassesUSA is one of the most well-known online retailers for buying prescription glasses and sunglasses at affordable prices.
They offer a huge selection of designer frames and lens options at up to 80% off retail prices. Some key features of GlassesUSA include:
- Huge selection of over 10,000 frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, Coach and more.
- Prescription lenses available, including progressives, bifocals, transition lenses and more.
- Price-match guarantee if you find the same prescription glasses cheaper elsewhere.
- Virtual try-on tool to see frames on your face before ordering.
- Free shipping and returns.
- Excellent customer service and satisfaction guarantee.
Overview Of FramesDirect
FramesDirect is another popular online retailer for prescription glasses and sunglasses. They also offer discounted prices on designer brands and a wide selection of frames and lenses.
Here are some key features of FramesDirect:
- Over 11,000 frames to choose from major designers like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada and more.
- Prescription lenses available with coatings and tints.
- Virtual try-on tool to preview frames.
- Price match guarantee.
- Free shipping and returns.
- Guaranteed fit and happiness promise.
Comparing The Key Features: GlassesUSA Vs. FramesDirect
Now let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the key features between GlassesUSA and FramesDirect.
Frame Selection
Both GlassesUSA and FramesDirect have a stellar selection of designer frames to choose from. GlassesUSA claims over 10,000 frames while FramesDirect states over 11,000.
The selection includes all the major brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada, Gucci, Calvin Klein and many more. Both sites make it easy to shop by brand, shape, size, color and more. Overall, they are pretty evenly matched when it comes to their frame selection.
Lens Options
For prescription lenses, both retailers offer a wide variety of lens materials, coatings and tints. Standard lens options include single vision, bifocal, trifocal, progressive and readers. You can also add coatings like anti-scratch, anti-reflective, transition lenses and more. Again, the lens options are very similar between the two retailers.
Virtual Try-On
The virtual try-on tools allow you to upload a photo and see the frames on your face shape prior to ordering. This is an essential feature when buying glasses online. Both GlassesUSA and FramesDirect have excellent virtual try-on tools that work seamlessly.
Price
The prices at both online retailers are significantly cheaper than buying at your local optometrist. Expect to save anywhere from 30% to 80% off typical retail pricing. GlassesUSA and FramesDirect both offer special deals and discounts fairly often. For the same prescriptions, the pricing is generally very similar between the two.
Shipping & Returns
GlassesUSA and FramesDirect both offer free shipping on all orders. Return policies are also very similar – free and easy returns within a certain time period after delivery (14 days for GlassesUSA, 30 days for FramesDirect). The free shipping and returns make ordering risk-free.
Warranties
Both retailers provide warranties against manufacturer defects, usually 1 year from date of purchase. This protects you if any issues arise with the frames or lenses.
Customer Service
Knowledgeable and responsive customer service is crucial when buying glasses online. Both GlassesUSA and FramesDirect receive positive reviews for their customer service. You can reach them via phone, email or live online chat for any questions or issues before or after purchase.
Also Read: Comparison Between Warby Parker And America’s Best.
Pros And Cons Of GlassesUSA And FramesDirect
GlassesUSA Pros
- Huge selection of designer frames
- Affordable pricing with frequent discounts/deals
- Excellent virtual try-on tool
- Free shipping and returns
- Responsive customer service
GlassesUSA Cons
- No physical locations for service
- Lower brand recognition than FramesDirect
FramesDirect Pros
- Brand recognition from 20+ years in business
- Wide selection of designer brands
- Guaranteed fit and happiness promise
- Quick shipping and delivery
- Accepts insurance and FSA/HSA for some purchases
FramesDirect Cons
- Pricing very similar to competitor sites
- No physical locations for service
- Slightly more limited lens options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, FramesDirect is an excellent option for buying prescription glasses and sunglasses online. They have over 11,000 styles to choose from, a price match guarantee, and a satisfaction promise. Their customers generally have positive experiences ordering from FramesDirect.
Yes, all the eyeglasses and sunglasses sold by FramesDirect are 100% authentic. They work directly with manufacturers and major brands like Ray-Ban to carry genuine products.
GlassesUSA is a very reliable place to order prescription eyeglasses online. They’ve been in business since 2008 and have earned a reputation for great prices, quality frames and lenses, and good customer service. Their satisfaction guarantee also helps reduce the risks of buying glasses online.
Yes, FramesDirect is a real online company that has been in business since 1996. They are an established source for buying affordable prescription glasses with authentic designer frames. FramesDirect is based in Texas and sells internationally.
Also Read: Comparison Between Firmoo And Zenni.
The Verdict
Overall, GlassesUSA and FramesDirect both offer a stellar experience for shopping for prescription glasses online. With similar prices, selections, and features like virtual try-on and free shipping, you really can’t go wrong with either retailer.
GlassesUSA may appeal slightly more to shoppers looking for the lowest prices, while FramesDirect has a longer track record in business. But for an easy and affordable way to buy glasses online, both GlassesUSA and FramesDirect are excellent choices.