Buying prescription eyeglasses online has become increasingly popular in recent years. Two of the biggest players in the online eyewear space are Zenni Optical and GlassesUSA.
But which one offers the best value, selection, and overall customer experience? In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll analyze the pros and cons of Zenni and GlassesUSA to help you determine which is the best option for purchasing affordable prescription glasses online.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factors | Zenni Optical | GlassesUSA |
| Frame Selection | 6,000+ frame styles | 5,000 frame styles |
| Brand Name Frames | No brand name frames | Options from Ray-Ban, Oakley, etc. |
| Vision Insurance | Not accepted | Accepted |
| Prescription Accuracy | Lower for high prescriptions | Higher accuracy |
| Pricing | $6.95+ for single vision glasses | $38+ for single vision glasses |
| Lens Options | More lens coatings and add-ons | Fewer lens coating upgrades |
| Order & Delivery | 7-10 days standard shipping | 10-14 days standard shipping |
| Virtual Try-on | No virtual try-on | No virtual try-on |
| Customer Service | Email only | Phone, email, live chat |
Overview Of Zenni Optical
Founded in 2003, Zenni Optical pioneered the concept of buying prescription glasses online. They offer over 6,000 men’s, women’s and kids’ frame styles, with single vision glasses starting at just $6.95. Lenses come with standard anti-reflective and UV protection coatings.
Pros of Zenni
- Extremely affordable prices: With such low starting prices, Zenni is one of the cheapest places to buy glasses online. Even high index lenses with premium coatings can cost under $50.
- Huge selection of frame styles: With thousands of frames to choose from, Zenni has a great selection for men, women, and kids. Frames come in various materials like metal, plastic, and titanium.
- Quick turnaround time: You can expect your glasses to arrive within 7-10 calendar days from the time your order is placed. Zenni offers expedited shipping for an additional fee.
- Simple buying process: Ordering prescription glasses on Zenni’s website is quick and easy. Just enter your prescription details and choose your lenses and frames.
- Good for simple prescriptions: The glasses work well for single vision prescriptions and low cylinder and sphere values.
Cons of Zenni
- Cheaper quality: Although cheap, some of the frames and lenses may seem flimsy and delicate. Durability is a common complaint.
- Less accurate for strong prescriptions: Higher prescriptions may result in slightly distorted vision. The lenses and measurements may not be as precise.
- Limited customer service: Customer service is primarily via email and online form only, with no phone support. Responses can be slow.
- No insurance benefits: You cannot use vision insurance benefits to purchase glasses from Zenni. It is an out-of-pocket expense.
- No try-on or fit assistance: Since everything is online, you cannot try frames on or get help with fit from an optician prior to purchasing.
Also Read: Comparison Between Zeelool and Zenni
Overview Of GlassesUSA
GlassesUSA offers over 5,000 designer frames for men, women, and kids. Lenses come with premium coatings and features. Prescription glasses start at around $38 with single vision lenses.
Pros of GlassesUSA
- Name brand frames: GlassesUSA carries designer brand frames like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Gucci. This gives wider frame style options.
- Lens coating upgrades: You can upgrade to premium lens coatings and treatments like transitional lenses, anti-reflective coating, UV protection, scratch resistance, and more.
- Vision insurance benefits: GlassesUSA accepts vision insurance, so you can use your benefits dollars towards your eyeglass purchase.
- Fitting assistance: There is access to live video chat with opticians for frame fitting recommendations and adjustment tips after you receive your glasses.
- Accurate prescriptions: Reviews note that prescriptions tend to be more accurate even for stronger lens powers. Equipment is technologically advanced.
- Good for complicated prescriptions: Better equipped to handle multifocal, progressive, and high power prescriptions. More precise measurements.
Cons of GlassesUSA
- Higher prices: Frames and lenses tend to cost more than Zenni, even without insurance benefits. The starting price is over 5x higher.
- Smaller frame selection: With around 5,000 frames, GlassesUSA has fewer style options compared to Zenni’s 6,000+ frame catalogue.
- Slower turnaround: Glasses can take 10-14 days to arrive after order placement. No expedited shipping offered.
- No try-on options: Like Zenni, you cannot try on frames in person before ordering since it is an online retailer.
- Fewer lens coating options: Zenni offers more customization of lenses with add-on coatings and tinting. GlassesUSA has fewer available upgrades.
Also Read: Comparison Between GlassesUSA And Warby Parker.
Watch the video to know more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For the low prices, Zenni provides decent quality in their frames and lenses. While materials and durability are not as high grade as more expensive brands, customer satisfaction and value is quite high. They are a good entry level option for trying online prescription eyeglasses.
Zenni is able to offer eyeglasses starting at $6.95 because they cut out the overhead costs and middlemen associated with brick and mortar optometry shops. As an online-only retailer, they pass those savings directly to the customer. They also manufacture most frames directly in their own factories.
Yes, GlassesUSA is one of the better online prescription eyewear retailers. They are known for accurate prescriptions, high quality lenses, premium coatings, and name brand frames. Customer satisfaction is also quite high. Their prices are very competitive relative to typical optometry shops.
Zenni’s biggest competitors in the online prescription eyeglasses space are:
GlassesUSA, EyeBuyDirect, Warby Parker, Lensabl, GlassesLit, 39DollarGlasses, Eyeconic.
While these retailers have different strengths, Zenni stands out as the price leader, offering the cheapest starting prices by far. They continue to disrupt the entire optical industry.
Also Read: Differences Between Warby Parker And LensCrafters.
The Bottom Line
For those looking to purchase prescription glasses completely online, Zenni Optical takes the edge over GlassesUSA. The extremely affordable starting prices, vast catalog of frame styles, quick delivery, and simple ordering process make Zenni hard to beat strictly on an online basis.
However, GlassesUSA pulls ahead for those with vision insurance benefits or who prefer name brand, higher end frames. GlassesUSA also outpaces Zenni when it comes to handling strong, complex prescriptions that require precise measurements and high quality lenses.
Their customer service offers more ways to get assistance as well.
Ultimately, it depends on your budget, prescription strength, and preferred frame brands. For most simple eyeglass needs, Zenni delivers great value and convenience.
But for complicated lens needs or designer frames, GlassesUSA is worth the extra investment.
When comparing Zenni and GlassesUSA, Zenni is the choice for budget-friendly prescription eyeglasses with a huge selection and quick delivery time. GlassesUSA offers higher end, brand name frames along with better support for complicated lens prescriptions.
Carefully consider your vision needs and budget. For most basic eyeglass purchases, Zenni delivers a very affordable and convenient online ordering experience.