If you’re in the market for a new pair of eyeglasses, you may be considering brands like Warby Parker and America’s Best. Both offer eyeglasses and eye exams at affordable prices, but there are some key differences between these two retailers.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, costs, selection, and more to help you decide which one is the best choice for your eyewear needs.
A Brief Comparison Table Of Warby Parker And America’s Best
| Factor | Warby Parker | America’s Best |
| Frame Selection | Large, trendy selection with over 100 styles | Smaller selection focused on basic, budget frames |
| Lens Options | Extensive including progressives and premium coatings | Standard lens types and coatings |
| Prices | Frames start at $95; lens upgrades cost more | Complete pairs from $50; designer frames cost more |
| Store Locations | ~100 retail stores in select cities | Over 1,000 locations nationwide |
| Eye Exams | $50-60 exams at some retail stores | $50 exams at most locations |
| Brand Reputation | Highly rated, trendy, charitable | Decent ratings as a discount chain |
| Purchase Experience | Seamless omnichannel; excellent service | Dated online experience; rushed in-store |
Overview Of Warby Parker
Founded in 2010, Warby Parker aims to disrupt the traditional eyewear industry by offering designer prescription glasses for under $100. Here are some quick facts about this digital-first brand:
- Business model – Warby Parker skips the middleman and sells directly to consumers online and through retail stores. This cuts out markup costs.
- Frame styles – Offers classic, trendy, and daring designs. Lots of variety with new collections released monthly. Over 100 different frames to choose from.
- Prescription lenses – Single vision and progressive lenses available. Also offers blue light filtering and photochromic (transition) lenses.
- Lens enhancements – Standard anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and UV protection coatings included on lenses. Can pay extra for premium coatings.
- Try at home program – Order up to 5 frames to test out for free at home for 5 days before you buy.
- Virtual try-on – Upload a photo to “try on” frames virtually before you order.
- Prices – Frames start at $95 with lenses. Lens upgrades and coatings cost extra.
- Eye exams – Provides eye exams at select retail locations for $50-60.
Also Read: Comparison Between Vooglam And Zeelool.
Overview Of America’s Best
Founded in 1990, America’s Best seeks to make prescription eyewear and eye exams affordable to all. Here are the key facts about this discount optical retailer:
- Business model – America’s Best operates over 1,000 brick-and-mortar stores. High-volume and low overhead helps keep prices low.
- Frame styles – Focus is more on functional over fashionable frames. Has around 100 budget and name brand frames to choose from.
- Prescription lenses – Single vision and progressive lenses available. Also offers transition lenses and a “Kids Package” with polycarbonate and scratch-resistant lenses.
- Lens enhancements – Anti-reflective and UV protection coatings provided at no extra cost. Premium add-ons can be purchased.
- Try at home – Can take up to 3 pairs home to try on for a few days.
- Prices – Complete pairs with basic plastic lenses start at around $50. Designer frames and lens upgrades cost extra.
- Eye exams – Provides eye exams on-site for $50 with discounts for multiple exams.
Warby Parker Vs. America’s Best: Key Factor Comparison
Frame Selection
- Warby Parker – With over 100 frames to choose from, Warby Parker wins when it comes to style selection. They offer on-trend styles across a wide variety of colors, shapes, and materials. Fashion-forward customers will likely find more options they love.
- America’s Best – Options are more limited at America’s Best with a focus on basic and budget frames. The selection is better suited for customers wanting a simple, functional pair of glasses over making a style statement.
Lens Options & Coatings
- Warby Parker – Offers a wide array of lens types and coatings from standard to premium. Blue light filtering and progressive lenses available. Premium anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings can be added for an upcharge.
- America’s Best – Provides plastic and polycarbonate lenses in single vision and progressive options. Includes basic anti-reflective and UV protection coatings for free but does not have advanced coating options.
Affordability
- Warby Parker – Prices are affordable compared to independent optometrists and high-end retailers. However, frames with upgrades can surpass the $100 starting price point.
- America’s Best – Lives up to its name in terms of bargain prices. Complete pairs start at around $50 which is tough to beat. This makes them the winner if you’re on a tight budget.
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Convenience
- Warby Parker – With an online store, retail locations, and at-home try on program, Warby Parker offers solid convenience. The retail stores also provide eye exams. Downside is there are not as many physical locations.
- America’s Best – Boasts over 1,000 store locations, many with on-site optometrists for eye exams. This makes it extremely convenient to shop in person, especially if needing an eye exam too.
Brand Reputation
- Warby Parker – As a digital trailblazer, Warby Parker revolutionized the eyewear industry. They have a strong brand identity matched with positive customer satisfaction ratings. Known for charitable work too.
- America’s Best – Has a solid reputation as a discount optical retailer but does not have the “cool” brand appeal. Ranks decently in customer service reviews but not quite as highly rated as Warby Parker.
Purchase Experience
- Warby Parker – From online quiz to at-home try on to highly rated customer service, the ordering process with Warby Parker is smooth and enjoyable. Lots of helpful resources on finding the perfect frames.
- America’s Best – More dated and limited online experience. Store associates tend to be hit or miss according to reviews. Rushed eye exams due to volume of patients, so not the most personalized service.
Pros And Cons Of Each Retailer
Warby Parker Pros
- Large selection of designer, on-trend frames
- Virtual try-on tool helpful for narrowing choices
- Seamless online and in-store shopping experience
- Excellent brand reputation and customer satisfaction
- Giving back through their Pupils Project
Warby Parker Cons
- Higher price point than extreme budget brands
- Limited physical retail locations
- Some complaints of quality issues with lenses and coatings
Watch the video to learn more!
America’s Best Pros
- Rock bottom prices for frames and lenses
- Tons of locations across the country
- Fast service and eye exams on-site
- Fun kids frames and decorated glasses
America’s Best Cons
- Frame selection is pretty basic
- Eye exams can feel rushed
- Sales associates not always knowledgeable
- Some complaints about pushy upselling tactics
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
America’s Best is one of Warby Parker’s top competitors in the affordable eyewear space. Other big competitors are online retailers like Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical.
Some downsides of Warby Parker include frames being more expensive than extreme budget brands, limited physical locations, and some quality complaints around lenses and anti-reflective coatings. Their frame selection skews trendy, so not ideal for very basic styles.
America’s Best glasses are decent for the ultra-low prices. While frame selection is limited, they can be a good option for kids glasses and basic plastic lenses. Lenses come with standard UV and anti-reflective coatings. Just don’t expect designer quality frames.
Some of the most recommended eyeglass lens manufacturers known for high quality are Zeiss, Nikon, Hoya, and Essilor. These brands offer advanced lens materials and coatings that provide superior optics, clarity, durability, and glare reduction.
Read More: Comparison Among Essilor And Zeiss And Hoya
The Bottom Line
Warby Parker and America’s Best both offer affordable prescription eyeglasses, but Warby Parker shines when it comes to stylish frames, premium lens options, and a polished buying experience. America’s Best competes on price and convenience, making it ideal for straightforward glasses on a tight budget.
When choosing between these two retailers, consider your priorities in terms of price, style, and service. Analyze the pros and cons to decide which brand best fits your individual eyewear needs and preferences.
With quality glasses available direct to consumers, there’s no need to overpay – you can find eyeglasses that are both affordable and amazing.
