Warby Parker burst onto the eyewear scene back in 2010 with their revolutionary free in-home try-on program. Their founders, tired of paying exorbitant costs for glasses caused by the monopoly of an industry giant, set out to produce stylish and affordable frames for the masses. Their in-house design team has churned out dozens of trendy acetate and metal frames that you can try on and purchase from the comfort of your home.
Read More
Their black and white approach to eyewear provides a very transparent shopping experience for the end consumer, ultimately simplifying the whole ordeal of purchasing prescription glasses altogether. This is very refreshing, and we wish we could see this more often. All frames start at $95 and that includes free prescription lenses or standard sun lenses along with a case and lens cloth.
Other lenses like high index, progressive, and polarized are available at an increased cost depending on the options chosen. Ultimately, Warby Parker presents designer style and quality eyewear at a price that is significantly more affordable when compared to the national chains or traditional brick and mortar optical stores.
This review features products from partners who compensate us. Therefore, this may influence which products we write about but not our evaluations of them. We take great pride in providing authentic reviews while remaining objective. Our thoughts and opinions are our own.
Our Take
5.0
Custom lightbox HTML
The bottom line:Warby Parker was created to disrupt the eyewear industry, and they did just that. Their in-home try-on program makes it possible to test out premium eyewear in the comfort of your home. Better yet, you’ll receive free shipping each way with absolutely no obligation to make a purchase. A 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, all lens coatings included, a find your frame quiz, online PD ruler, prescription renewal, eye exams, and unparalleled customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Industry-leading in-home try-on program with free shipping both ways.
World-class customer support.
Affordable pricing on all eyewear.
Now offer contact lenses including new house brand Scout.
More than 100+ locations offering eye exams.
Philanthropy: Buy a pair, give a pair in over 50 countries.
Cons
No discounts for students, military members, or healthcare professionals.
Not as many lens options as other online eyewear retailers.
Warby Paker started the disruption of the eyewear industry and nearly all online retailers have been chasing them since. Offering premium acetate frames with prescription lenses for just $95, it’s hard to find a consistently better product for the price.
• Prescription glasses starting at $95 (includes single vision lenses)
• Sunglasses Starting at $95 (Includes non-RX polarized lenses for most frames)
• Reading glasses starting at $95
Available at 100+ of their store locations in the U.S. and Canada
Shipping
5-day shipping for home try-on, non-prescription glasses/sunglasses, and accessories.
7-10 day shipping for prescription eyewear.
Free shipping to:
• United States
• Canada
• Puerto Rico
• Guam
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Military APO/DPO/FPO addresses.
• Contacts ship only to the United States
Returns
Free 30-day no hassle returns.
Submit a return here.
Warranty
1-year, no-scratch guarantee for all lenses.
FSA / HSA Payment
Both flexible spending accounts (FSA) & health savings accounts (HSA) accepted.
Insurance
Claims forms available for many vision insurance providers.
Discounts
No available discounts at this time (student, military, or email signup)
Referral Programs
None at this time
What We Like About Warby Parker
Customer Service: When it comes to purchasing anything, especially an all-important item like prescription eyewear, we can argue that nothing is more important than great customer service. Representatives are available through multiple channels, including online chat, phone, email, or in-store. Their customer service has a great reputation and history in resolving any issues that come their way in a timely matter. This is a great confidence booster knowing you can find the perfect glasses for yourself worry-free.
Warby Parker’s Free 5-day At-Home Try-On: The “original home try-on program,” Warby Parker’s home try-on program is about as good as it gets when choosing eyewear online. You can take their style quiz or simply browse their abundant frame selection on your own to choose 5 frames for a 5-day in-home trial. Best yet, they provide free shipping both ways with no obligation to buy a thing from them!
Should you decide to purchase one or more of the five frames you tested, they’ll send you a fresh pair with standard prescription lenses for $95 a pair. You’ll be hard-pressed to find the equivalent quality frames anywhere near this price at your typical brick and mortar optical store. We also want to note that the home try-on also extends to many of their sunglasses as well!
Lens Options, Coatings, & Quality:Warby Parker offers an abundance of options and add-ons, including progressive, high-index, and polarized lenses, which are a huge plus depending on your prescription and overall vision needs. These upgrades will add to the cost of your eyewear, but if you have a strong prescription, you’ll need high-index lenses, and theirs are very reasonably priced.
All lenses come with anti-reflective, superhydrophobic, and UV protective coatings included in the base cost ($95) of any prescription pair of glasses. Many companies upcharge for these coatings, so it’s nice to see the process simplified with all coating included in the price. Last, all lenses receive a scratch-resistant coating, which is guaranteed by Warby Parker for up to a year.
Returns & Warranty: Warby Parker puts its money where its mouth is, offering a 30-day, no questions asked return policy. With 30 days to make up your mind, there is minimal risk of giving them a solid chance. Additionally, they have a one-year, no-scratch guarantee for their prescription and sunglass lenses. Meaning, they’ll replace your scratched lenses for free should anything happen to them within a year, whether it’s your fault or not. Who could argue against that?
They’ll also work with you if you are having trouble adjusting to your new glasses and put you in touch with a licensed optician to work through any lens or prescription issues.
Industry Leading App & Web Tools: There are many places to shop for eyewear online, but Warby Parker’s app makes it about as easy as possible. Easily browse their large selection of prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. You can create an account where you can save your favorite styles for their home try-on program, store your prescriptions, and access their online pupillary distance (PD) measurement tool. You can even chat with their customer service reps on the app if you need help picking styles or have questions regarding your order, prescription, or contacts.
Their other helpful apps include their prescription check app and the above-mentioned pupillary distance app. However, the prescription app has its limits and is best for anyone who needs glasses to improve their distance vision. If you don’t qualify for a prescription online, they’ll direct you toward one of their many physical locations for an in-person exam. Again, this only helps if you live somewhat near one of their brick-and-mortar locations.
The pupillary distance measuring tool located on their website works great but does require you to create an account. This is done so one of Warby Parker’s eyewear experts can review your picture and provide an accurate measurement.
In-Store Access: Though buying glasses online can be extremely convenient; it’s nice to know that Warby Parker has brick-and-mortar stores where you can browse their entire collection, meet with an optician, or discuss any issues you may be having in person. Many of their locations even perform eye exams, so they can truly be a one-stop shop. With 120+ locations across 31 states, the District of Columbia, and even two locations in Canada, there is likely a location not too far from most people.
Philanthropy: Last, we love Warby Parker’s philanthropic angle, donating a pair of glasses to those in need for every pair sold. They have donated eyewear in over 50 countries, employee two different programs; training men and women worldwide to administer free eye exams and offer ultra-cheap eyewear and directly giving vision care and glasses to school-age children right in their classrooms. Programs like this may appear commonplace amongst retailers these days, but we need more charitable programs like this in the world.
Where Warby Parker Needs Some Work
At Home Try-On Condition: With the home try-on program aging (9 years old now!) and its general overall popularity, some people are starting to experience some quality issues with Warby Parker’s trial frames. Some frames have been shipped out for home trials multiple times, and well-worn examples are simply not being cycled out fast enough at times. Though this appears to be a relatively minor inconvenience to those that have experienced this, it can throw you off a bit when you first open up that fancy Warby Parker box.
We didn’t experience any well-worn frames in our multiple home try-on kits, but some of our frames had to be bent a little to fit our faces. Again, not too uncommon with any acetate eyewear.
The Most Common Issue We Hear: Additionally, the most common complaint comes from the lenses used for their prescription eyewear. This is a tough one to judge because it’s so hard to determine if lens issues arise from quality or abuse. Everyone has different standards of care when it comes to their own glasses, but the issue has come up enough to note. We take solace in their 1-year scratch resistance warranty in regards to this.
The Bottom Line
Now well established as one of the premier online eyewear providers, Warby Parker shows no sign of slowing down. They’ve stayed true to their original model set years ago and continue to grow their product offerings and services. It’s our opinion that you absolutely can’t go wrong when looking to Warby Parker for your next pair of prescription glasses, sunglasses, or even contacts.
WP is not all positive as your review portrays:
– Deceptive in the sense they suggest a broad array of frames to try on at home–actually it is limited-many widths and styles are n0t available, they would have to be purchased at risk
-Even more, for some styles a color may be available in multiple widths, but others may not
-They advertise heavily on TV, suggestion that they manufacture the frames to order (clips of machines cutting frames from plastic sheets)–but they do not, at least not always
– Example- one color may be available in multiple widths, another color not – and thye will NOT make it for you, (I asked) even though clearly there is no technical reason not to do so (except they do not do what they say for their own unknown biz reasons).
– WP may work for some, but it feels more like a bait and switch-they suggest they have colors and styles on offer, but in reality they are not
-They did have a disruptive biz model, but they do not mind trying to draw in customer but not have available as their advertising suggests
I am sorry to hear Warby Parker doesn’t meet your needs. No brand, company, OR product is perfect for everyone, but through my own extensive experience in the eyewear industry, Warby Parker is doing a ton of good. I remember my mom purchasing glasses for me in 1994 and they were right around $600 for the frames and lenses. Yes, I have terrible vision however, think about that for a moment. $600 for a 9-year old is absolutely ridiculous. With inflation and in today’s dollars the price is beyond ridiculous. I know first hand how much each frame and set of lenses costs Warby Parker, but if you add in marketing, returns, warranties, free shipping, home try-on….the price of $99 for most of their eyewear is a bargain. I am afraid that we are all getting a bit spoiled in this our modern world. That said, I do appreciate your opinion and I (and they) would love to hear what they could do better.
Hi Mike, thanks for your response and yes, there are many places to get eyewear these days. We like Zenni here at Eyewear Genius so you can go wrong with either company. That said, we know Warby Parker chooses only the best acetate while others may not. It all appears the same until frames start cracking! But all in all, they are both great companies for their own reasons, cheers!
I ordered a pair of WP and after a few months I went to my eye doctor and he said the lenses were the wrong prescription and I had worn them for several months wondering what was the problem. WB did refund my previous purchse that was wrong but I am willing to give them another try because I like their frame selection!
Hi Egan, Thanks for your input! We are sorry to hear they got your prescription wrong but glad to hear their exceptional customer service held up. It’s a great reminder for all to advocate for themselves and their health. People, even doctors, and opticians make mistakes!
Hi JT, We feel the Warby Parker progressive lenses are a great value for those that need them. As far as a money grab, have you priced progressive lenses at your local eye doctor?…Yikes!
Warby Parker Review December 2024: Pros, Cons, and How They Compare
Warby Parker burst onto the eyewear scene back in 2010 with their revolutionary free in-home try-on program. Their founders, tired of paying exorbitant costs for glasses caused by the monopoly of an industry giant, set out to produce stylish and affordable frames for the masses. Their in-house design team has churned out dozens of trendy acetate and metal frames that you can try on and purchase from the comfort of your home.
Read More
Their black and white approach to eyewear provides a very transparent shopping experience for the end consumer, ultimately simplifying the whole ordeal of purchasing prescription glasses altogether. This is very refreshing, and we wish we could see this more often. All frames start at $95 and that includes free prescription lenses or standard sun lenses along with a case and lens cloth.
Other lenses like high index, progressive, and polarized are available at an increased cost depending on the options chosen. Ultimately, Warby Parker presents designer style and quality eyewear at a price that is significantly more affordable when compared to the national chains or traditional brick and mortar optical stores.
This review features products from partners who compensate us. Therefore, this may influence which products we write about but not our evaluations of them. We take great pride in providing authentic reviews while remaining objective. Our thoughts and opinions are our own.
Our Take
5.0
Custom lightbox HTML
The bottom line: Warby Parker was created to disrupt the eyewear industry, and they did just that. Their in-home try-on program makes it possible to test out premium eyewear in the comfort of your home. Better yet, you’ll receive free shipping each way with absolutely no obligation to make a purchase. A 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, all lens coatings included, a find your frame quiz, online PD ruler, prescription renewal, eye exams, and unparalleled customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
All Warby Parker Offers
IN-HOME TRY-ON
Free For 5-Days
Warby Parker’s Free In-Home Try-On Program.
NEW CUSTOMERS
N/A
STUDENTS
N/A
MILITARY
N/A
Full Review
Warby Paker started the disruption of the eyewear industry and nearly all online retailers have been chasing them since. Offering premium acetate frames with prescription lenses for just $95, it’s hard to find a consistently better product for the price.
Warby Parker is Best For
Those interested in:
MORE > View all the top-rated at-home try-on programs.
Warby Parker at a Glance
Frame Prices
• Sunglasses Starting at $95 (Includes non-RX polarized lenses for most frames)
• Reading glasses starting at $95
Frame Materials
• Titanium
Prescription Lens Options
• Progressive
• Blue-Light Blocking
• Light Responsive
• Readers
Sunglasses Lens Options
• Single vision
• Progressive
• 1.67 high-index
Lens Coatings & Finishes
• Anti-Reflective Coating (Included)
• Superhydrophobic coating (Included)
• 100% UV Protection (Included)
• Polarized (Most Sunglasses)
Lens Materials
• Polycarbonate
• High-index (1.67 & 1.74)
Home Try-On
Virtual Try-On
Frame Ordering Only
Contact Lenses
• Try Warby Parker's Scout daily contacts for just $5.
• Other brands available include Acuvue Oasys, Biofinity, DAILIES, Air Optix, and more.
Eye Exams
Shipping
7-10 day shipping for prescription eyewear.
Free shipping to:
• United States
• Canada
• Puerto Rico
• Guam
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Military APO/DPO/FPO addresses.
• Contacts ship only to the United States
Returns
Submit a return here.
Warranty
FSA / HSA Payment
Insurance
Discounts
Referral Programs
What We Like About Warby Parker
Customer Service: When it comes to purchasing anything, especially an all-important item like prescription eyewear, we can argue that nothing is more important than great customer service. Representatives are available through multiple channels, including online chat, phone, email, or in-store. Their customer service has a great reputation and history in resolving any issues that come their way in a timely matter. This is a great confidence booster knowing you can find the perfect glasses for yourself worry-free.
Warby Parker’s Free 5-day At-Home Try-On: The “original home try-on program,” Warby Parker’s home try-on program is about as good as it gets when choosing eyewear online. You can take their style quiz or simply browse their abundant frame selection on your own to choose 5 frames for a 5-day in-home trial. Best yet, they provide free shipping both ways with no obligation to buy a thing from them!
Should you decide to purchase one or more of the five frames you tested, they’ll send you a fresh pair with standard prescription lenses for $95 a pair. You’ll be hard-pressed to find the equivalent quality frames anywhere near this price at your typical brick and mortar optical store. We also want to note that the home try-on also extends to many of their sunglasses as well!
MORE > View all the top-rated at-home try-on programs.
Lens Options, Coatings, & Quality: Warby Parker offers an abundance of options and add-ons, including progressive, high-index, and polarized lenses, which are a huge plus depending on your prescription and overall vision needs. These upgrades will add to the cost of your eyewear, but if you have a strong prescription, you’ll need high-index lenses, and theirs are very reasonably priced.
All lenses come with anti-reflective, superhydrophobic, and UV protective coatings included in the base cost ($95) of any prescription pair of glasses. Many companies upcharge for these coatings, so it’s nice to see the process simplified with all coating included in the price. Last, all lenses receive a scratch-resistant coating, which is guaranteed by Warby Parker for up to a year.
LEARN > Understand the difference between Polarized vs mirrored lenses.
Returns & Warranty: Warby Parker puts its money where its mouth is, offering a 30-day, no questions asked return policy. With 30 days to make up your mind, there is minimal risk of giving them a solid chance. Additionally, they have a one-year, no-scratch guarantee for their prescription and sunglass lenses. Meaning, they’ll replace your scratched lenses for free should anything happen to them within a year, whether it’s your fault or not. Who could argue against that?
They’ll also work with you if you are having trouble adjusting to your new glasses and put you in touch with a licensed optician to work through any lens or prescription issues.
Industry Leading App & Web Tools: There are many places to shop for eyewear online, but Warby Parker’s app makes it about as easy as possible. Easily browse their large selection of prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. You can create an account where you can save your favorite styles for their home try-on program, store your prescriptions, and access their online pupillary distance (PD) measurement tool. You can even chat with their customer service reps on the app if you need help picking styles or have questions regarding your order, prescription, or contacts.
Their other helpful apps include their prescription check app and the above-mentioned pupillary distance app. However, the prescription app has its limits and is best for anyone who needs glasses to improve their distance vision. If you don’t qualify for a prescription online, they’ll direct you toward one of their many physical locations for an in-person exam. Again, this only helps if you live somewhat near one of their brick-and-mortar locations.
The pupillary distance measuring tool located on their website works great but does require you to create an account. This is done so one of Warby Parker’s eyewear experts can review your picture and provide an accurate measurement.
MORE > Need your PD measurement quickly? Check out our guide to measuring your own pupillary distance.
In-Store Access: Though buying glasses online can be extremely convenient; it’s nice to know that Warby Parker has brick-and-mortar stores where you can browse their entire collection, meet with an optician, or discuss any issues you may be having in person. Many of their locations even perform eye exams, so they can truly be a one-stop shop. With 120+ locations across 31 states, the District of Columbia, and even two locations in Canada, there is likely a location not too far from most people.
Philanthropy: Last, we love Warby Parker’s philanthropic angle, donating a pair of glasses to those in need for every pair sold. They have donated eyewear in over 50 countries, employee two different programs; training men and women worldwide to administer free eye exams and offer ultra-cheap eyewear and directly giving vision care and glasses to school-age children right in their classrooms. Programs like this may appear commonplace amongst retailers these days, but we need more charitable programs like this in the world.
Where Warby Parker Needs Some Work
At Home Try-On Condition: With the home try-on program aging (9 years old now!) and its general overall popularity, some people are starting to experience some quality issues with Warby Parker’s trial frames. Some frames have been shipped out for home trials multiple times, and well-worn examples are simply not being cycled out fast enough at times. Though this appears to be a relatively minor inconvenience to those that have experienced this, it can throw you off a bit when you first open up that fancy Warby Parker box.
We didn’t experience any well-worn frames in our multiple home try-on kits, but some of our frames had to be bent a little to fit our faces. Again, not too uncommon with any acetate eyewear.
The Most Common Issue We Hear: Additionally, the most common complaint comes from the lenses used for their prescription eyewear. This is a tough one to judge because it’s so hard to determine if lens issues arise from quality or abuse. Everyone has different standards of care when it comes to their own glasses, but the issue has come up enough to note. We take solace in their 1-year scratch resistance warranty in regards to this.
The Bottom Line
Now well established as one of the premier online eyewear providers, Warby Parker shows no sign of slowing down. They’ve stayed true to their original model set years ago and continue to grow their product offerings and services. It’s our opinion that you absolutely can’t go wrong when looking to Warby Parker for your next pair of prescription glasses, sunglasses, or even contacts.
8 replies to “Warby Parker Review December 2024: Pros, Cons, and How They Compare”
Carlos
WP is not all positive as your review portrays:
– Deceptive in the sense they suggest a broad array of frames to try on at home–actually it is limited-many widths and styles are n0t available, they would have to be purchased at risk
-Even more, for some styles a color may be available in multiple widths, but others may not
-They advertise heavily on TV, suggestion that they manufacture the frames to order (clips of machines cutting frames from plastic sheets)–but they do not, at least not always
– Example- one color may be available in multiple widths, another color not – and thye will NOT make it for you, (I asked) even though clearly there is no technical reason not to do so (except they do not do what they say for their own unknown biz reasons).
– WP may work for some, but it feels more like a bait and switch-they suggest they have colors and styles on offer, but in reality they are not
-They did have a disruptive biz model, but they do not mind trying to draw in customer but not have available as their advertising suggests
Tony Parrish
Hi Carlos,
I am sorry to hear Warby Parker doesn’t meet your needs. No brand, company, OR product is perfect for everyone, but through my own extensive experience in the eyewear industry, Warby Parker is doing a ton of good. I remember my mom purchasing glasses for me in 1994 and they were right around $600 for the frames and lenses. Yes, I have terrible vision however, think about that for a moment. $600 for a 9-year old is absolutely ridiculous. With inflation and in today’s dollars the price is beyond ridiculous. I know first hand how much each frame and set of lenses costs Warby Parker, but if you add in marketing, returns, warranties, free shipping, home try-on….the price of $99 for most of their eyewear is a bargain. I am afraid that we are all getting a bit spoiled in this our modern world. That said, I do appreciate your opinion and I (and they) would love to hear what they could do better.
Mike
I like their return policy, but they are made in China. So I might as well get Chinese made glasses for half as much via Zenni!
Tony Parrish
Hi Mike, thanks for your response and yes, there are many places to get eyewear these days. We like Zenni here at Eyewear Genius so you can go wrong with either company. That said, we know Warby Parker chooses only the best acetate while others may not. It all appears the same until frames start cracking! But all in all, they are both great companies for their own reasons, cheers!
Egan Hasburgh
I ordered a pair of WP and after a few months I went to my eye doctor and he said the lenses were the wrong prescription and I had worn them for several months wondering what was the problem. WB did refund my previous purchse that was wrong but I am willing to give them another try because I like their frame selection!
Tony Parrish
Hi Egan, Thanks for your input! We are sorry to hear they got your prescription wrong but glad to hear their exceptional customer service held up. It’s a great reminder for all to advocate for themselves and their health. People, even doctors, and opticians make mistakes!
JT
What about their new precision progressive lenses. Worth it or just a money grabbing up sell to improve profits?
Tony Parrish
Hi JT, We feel the Warby Parker progressive lenses are a great value for those that need them. As far as a money grab, have you priced progressive lenses at your local eye doctor?…Yikes!