Getting a new pair of glasses can be an expensive endeavor. eyewear retailers LensCrafters and Warby Parker both aim to provide quality prescription glasses and sunglasses at more affordable prices.
This comprehensive guide compares the key differences between these two popular options to help you find the best value for your budget and vision needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factors | LensCrafters | Warby Parker |
| Overview | Large optical retail chain with luxury designer brands | Digital-first eyewear brand selling own styles online |
| Pricing | Overall higher pricing but frequent discounts offered | Consistently lower prices for frames and lenses |
| Frame Selection | Wide range of designer brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley | Proprietary brand options from classic to modern styles |
| Lens Options | Branded lenses, speedy in-house manufacturing | Partners for comparable lens quality, 1-2 week turnaround |
| Eye Exams | Exams available at most locations, some discounted pricing | Select stores have exams, also offer online prescription renewal |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews, but satisfaction guarantee | Outstanding service quality and digital conveniences like at-home try-on |
| Convenience | Nearly 1,000 stores for try-ons but mall crowds | 150+ stores plus online virtual try-ons reduce crowds |
Overview Of Lenscrafters And Warby Parker
Founded in 1983, LensCrafters is one of the largest optical retail chains in North America with over 900 store locations. LensCrafters offers prescription glasses, lenses and sunglasses from luxury designer brands along with more budget-friendly private label options.
Warby Parker, launched in 2010, is a digital-first eyewear brand that sells prescription glasses, sunglasses and contacts online and through over 150 retail stores.
Their products are high quality but sold directly-to-consumer to avoid middlemen markups.
While both have brick-and-mortar stores for try ons and vision exams, LensCrafters has a much larger retail footprint. Warby Parker focuses more on online ordering and has a hip, millennial-approved style.
Also Read: Comparison Between Zeelool And Voogueme.
Comparison Between LensCrafters and Warby Parker
Cost and Affordability
LensCrafters prices are higher overall but they run frequent promotions to make designer brands more affordable. Basic single vision prescription lenses start around $100 and frames range from $70 up to $300+ for premium designer styles. Additional lens add-ons also tack on costs.
Warby Parker casts a wider pricing net with single vision glasses starting at just $95 including basic prescription lenses and frames.
Designer-inspired frames run $95-$175. Adding extras like progressive lenses, blue-light filtering or high-index material increases costs similarly to LensCrafters.
For bargain hunters, Warby Parker offers more consistently low pricing. But LensCrafters will price match and they have greater sales throughout the year to offset the higher retail prices.
Frame Selection and Styles
With a wider range of designer brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley and Coach, LensCrafters offers more frame variety including higher-end luxury options. More modestly priced Arise Collective house brand frames start at $60-$190.
The Warby Parker brand itself encompasses a wide range of men’s, women’s and unisex prescription glasses and sunglasses styles at accessible price points. Choices range from classic tortoiseshell to modern masculine to chic feminine shapes.
For exclusive designer names, LensCrafters dominates selection. Those with simpler style needs get attractive Warby Parker options without the brand markup.
Lens Options and Lens Quality
LensCrafters uses branded lenses from trusted industry leaders like Varilux progressive lenses and Crizal anti-glare treatments. Because they manufacture lenses on-site, turnaround can be under an hour with some exceptions.
Warby Parker offers comparable lens index materials, treatments and progressives sourced from partners. Standard prescription turnaround is 1-2 weeks, though expedited options are available. Their online interface makes it easy to understand each add-on’s price impact.
Both provide quality lens materials and finishing options needed for most prescriptions. LensCrafters pulls ahead with speedy in-house manufacturing, but Warby Parker still delivers with convenience and transparency.
Also Read: Comparison Between GlassesUSA And Zenni.
Eye Exams and vision Services
An in-house Doctor of Optometry provides comprehensive eye exams at nearly all LensCrafters locations. Exams are often covered by vision insurance and discounted exam pricing as low as $50 is offered periodically.
Select Warby Parker stores have on-site optometrists for eye exams covered by insurance starting at $75 out-of-pocket. The rest facilitate scheduling with local partner eye doctors. Prescription renewal is also available online.
LensCrafters edges out with more locations for one-stop eye care and glasses shopping. But Warby Parker provides sufficient optical services both in-store and online.
Customer Service Reputation
LensCrafters gets mixed reviews for customer service. Store associates can be hit or miss for expertise. However, they have a strong customer satisfaction guarantee if issues arise with glasses after purchase.
Warby Parker earns outstanding marks for customer service. Their at-home try on program allows customers to get a feel for frames in advance. Online and in-store support teams are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
For a smooth purchase experience with lower risk, Warby Parker’s exceptional customer service gives them an advantage. But LensCrafters does make dissatisfied customers whole.
Convenience and Accessibility
With nearly 1,000 locations, including many in malls and popular shopping centers, LensCrafters offers unparalleled convenience for trying frames in person. Yet this also means dealing with mall crowds.
Warby Parker has over 150 stores in major metros which facilitate try ons with fewer crowds. But online virtual try ons and at-home sampling are their real strengths for convenience unmatched by LensCrafters.
LensCrafters physical reach is superior if you prefer browsing in stores. For modern customers, Warby Parker delivers next level convenience through digital innovation.
Also watch the review video to know more about Warby Parker
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
LensCrafters top competitors are 1-800 Contacts, Warby Parker, Costco Optical, and Target Optical. These other optical retailers compete with LensCrafters primarily on price, selection, and convenience. 1-800 Contacts and Warby Parker attract customers through discounted contact lenses and stylish eyewear respectively. Costco and Target Optical lure budget-conscious shoppers.
Warby Parker’s biggest competitors are LensCrafters, Zenni Optical, and Eyebuydirect. LensCrafters is the largest optical retailer which competes with Warby Parker’s fashionable prescription eyewear and brick-and-mortar stores.
Lower cost online retailers Zenni Optical and Eyebuydirect compete with Warby Parker on digital convenience and price value for prescription glasses.
LensCrafters can be worth the money if you take advantage of frequent discounts, sales and insurance benefits to offset higher base pricing on designer frames and brand name lens options. The convenience of in-store exams and speedy manufacturing is also a plus.
But competitors can offer similar eyewear quality for less, making LensCrafters premium pricing harder to justify at times.
Some of the highest quality eyeglass lens manufacturers include Zeiss, Hoya Vision, Essilor, Nikon, and Rodenstock.
These major optical companies are renown for their premium lens materials, durability, coatings, and technology innovations that enhance vision and eyeglass performance. They supply lenses to many eyewear retailers.
Also Read: Differences Between Warby Parker And GlassesUSA.
Verdict
Here’s a quick recap on key differences:
- LensCrafters offers luxury designer brand name frames while Warby Parker sells attractively priced proprietary designs online.
- Warby Parker has more consistent pricing affordability whereas LensCrafters runs periodic discounts and sales.
- LensCrafters has speedy in-house manufacturing while Warby Parker partners to deliver quality lenses conveniently.
- Warby Parker excels at customer service and digital convenience like at-home try-on.
For the largest selection of luxury designer eyewear brands at the best prices when they’re on promotion, LensCrafters is the better choice. If you value consistent low pricing, exceptional service and digital conveniences, Warby Parker is likely the best option on your eyes and wallet.