Getting eyeglasses no longer means choosing between affordability and style. Online retailers like Warby Parker and GlassesUSA make it easy to find budget-friendly prescription glasses and sunglasses that are also fashionable.
This comprehensive guide compares the key strengths of both brands to help you make the best choice for your needs and personal style.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Warby Parker | GlassesUSA |
| Overview | Own designed frames sold online and in stores | Discount online retailer for designer prescription eyewear |
| Pricing | Frames start at $95 with lens packages | Extreme discounts, frames + basic lenses from $38+ |
| Frame Selection | Trendy proprietary styles in classic to bold shapes | 10,000+ name brand options from Ray-Ban, Oakley, etc |
| Lens Options | 1-2 week turnaround from manufacturing partners | 7-10 day turnaround from major labs like Zeiss |
| Vision Insurance | Accepted online and in stores | Accepted online, online exam partnerships |
| Virtual Try-Ons | Website and app with facial recognition | Upload photo to try frames online |
| Physical Stores | 150+ stores for eye exams and shopping | Online only, no brick-and-mortar locations |
| Return Policy | 30 days free returns, 1 year scratch warranty | 30 days returns, enhanced damage options 2+ years |
Overview Of Warby Parker And Glassesusa
Founded in 2010, New York-based Warby Parker sells prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contacts directly to consumers online and through over 150 retail stores. They offer their own classic-to-trendy designed frames and quality lenses at attractive pricing.
GlassesUSA is an online-only optical retailer launched in 2009 that sells prescription glasses and sunglasses at massive discounts. They carry a wide selection of designer and name brand frames, including bestsellers like Ray-Ban.
Both companies provide an affordable alternative to traditional optical chains using an online-first e-commerce model. Warby Parker has the benefit of some physical locations, while GlassesUSA focuses on selection and low pricing.
Comparison Between Warby Parker And Glassesusa
Pricing and Affordability Comparison
Warby Parker eyewear starts at $95 for single vision glasses including basic prescription lenses. Designer-inspired frames run from $95 up to $175. Additional lens options, treatments and progressives increase costs moderately.
GlassesUSA tends to have lower base prices across the board. Prescription eyeglasses start at $38 which includes basic plastic 1.5 index lenses. Most of their frames with upgraded 1.67 index lenses average $60-$100. Some premium designer frames reach $200.
For the lowest prices, especially on name brands, GlassesUSA delivers. But Warby Parker has greater pricing transparency upfront.
Frame Selection and Style Range
Warby Parker designs flattering frames in men’s, women’s, and unisex styles. The selection covers everyday classics like tortoiseshell to fun colors and shapes. Frames come in standard or wide sizes.
With over 10,000 options from Ray-Ban, Gucci, Oakley and other name brands, GlassesUSA far surpasses Warby Parker for variety. Frame sizes also encompass petite, standard and oversized to fit more face shapes.
For the widest range of designer frame choices, GlassesUSA is hard to beat. Warby Parker wins on offering trendy styles and sizes directly from their own brand.
Lens Options, Quality and Ordering
Warby Parker lets you choose lens index, tinting, transitions and upgraded treatments during online checkout. Lenses are sourced from partners and take 1-2 weeks to manufacture. Expedited orders available.
GlassesUSA offers similar prescription lens materials, coatings and tints from major labs like Carl Zeiss and Essilor during checkout. Orders take 7-10 business days standard. Expedited delivery guarantees glasses in 3 days.
Both feature online tools to make lens selection seamless. Speed goes to Warby Parker, but lab quality is comparable overall.
Vision Insurance and Eye Exam Partners
Warby Parker accepts most vision insurance plans which can be applied during online checkout or in stores. Those without insurance can get exams at select store locations or through local optometrist partners.
GlassesUSA also accepts major vision insurance. Instead of in-house exams, they partner with Opternative online eye exams for glasses prescription renewal. You can book comprehensive exams with nearby eye doctors through their site.
Insurance claiming and eye care partnerships are extensive with both companies. Warby Parker has the perk of physical exams at some locations.
Virtual Try-Ons and At-Home Sampling
The Warby Parker website and app allow you to virtually try on any frames using facial recognition. You can test different styles and get a feel for fit before ordering. Home try-on kits let you sample up to 5 pairs for free to find the perfect pair.
GlassesUSA offers similar easy online Virtual Try-On capability. You first upload a photo then can see any frames on your face. Home try-on is available on select bestselling styles only for a $4.99 fee. Reduced cost return exchanges help with fit.
Both minimize the need for in-store visits through technology. Warby Parker stands out with comprehensive try at home sampling across all products.
Also Read: Comparison Between GlassesUSA And Zenni
Store Locations for In-Person Shopping
Warby Parker has over 150 stores across the U.S. and Canada providing retail locations to browse frames, get adjustments and eye exams in major metros. This balances online convenience with real world accessibility.
As an online-only retailer, GlassesUSA does not have any physical store locations. To try frames in person, you would need to visit a local eyewear shop that may carry some of the same designer brands.
With their expanding store network, Warby Parker creates a seamless omnichannel experience beyond what strictly online GlassesUSA can match.
Return Policies and Warranties
Both companies back their products with strong return policies and warranties. Warby Parker offers 30 day free returns and exchanges plus a 1 year scratch-resistant lens warranty. Damaged frames can be replaced for a $25 fee for 2 years.
GlassesUSA offers 30 days free returns and exchanges. Frames have a 1 year manufacturer warranty against defects. Enhanced plans available include 2 years free damage replacement along with lost and stolen coverage for frames and lenses.
The warranty protection for both brands is comparable, but GlassesUSA edges out Warby Parker with their low cost 2+ year all-damage replacement options.
Also Read: Comparison Between LensCrafters And Warby Parker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Warby Parker’s biggest competitor?
Warby Parker’s biggest competitors are LensCrafters, GlassesUSA, and Zenni Optical. LensCrafters is the largest optical retailer competing for market share. Discount online retailers like GlassesUSA and Zenni Optical compete with Warby Parker on digital experience and price savings on prescription eyewear.
Are glasses from GlassesUSA authentic?
Yes, the prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses sold by GlassesUSA are 100% authentic brands. As an authorized retailer, they sell actual name brand frames from designers like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Gucci. All lenses are custom manufactured for each order. Their low prices derive from discounted wholesale pricing.
Who is the best eyeglass company?
Some of the best eyeglass companies based on selection, affordability, and service include Warby Parker, Zenni Optical, and Eyebuydirect. As top online optical retailers, they provide quality prescription eyewear and sunglasses starting at budget prices backed by solid warranties and convenience.
Who is Warby Parker rival?
Warby Parker’s biggest rivals in optical e-commerce include Zenni Optical, EyeBuyDirect, and GlassesUSA. These competitors all sell prescription eyeglasses online with wide selections, affordable pricing, and features like virtual try-on. As a pioneer in online eyewear, Warby Parker competes heavily with these brands for market dominance.
Watch the video to know more about Warby Parker!
Verdict
Here’s a recap of the key differences:
- Warby Parker features own branded styles, while GlassesUSA has a wider designer brand selection.
- GlassesUSA generally has lower pricing, though Warby Parker is more transparent upfront.
- Warby Parker lets you try frames at home; GlassesUSA offers low cost exchanges.
- Warby Parker has brick-and-mortar stores; GlassesUSA is online-only.
For the widest variety of designer and name brand frames, GlassesUSA delivers style and savings. If you value balanced online and in-store experiences alongside a trendy proprietary brand, Warby Parker is a go-to choice worth the price.
