A cute pair of frames can really pull together a look, but sometimes you just don’t want pesky glasses on your face. Unfortunately, contact lenses are expensive, and insurance plans usually only cover glasses or lenses ― not both. Plus, there are limits to that coverage.
Though you won’t score the kind of major discounts you would by buying glasses online, purchasing your contacts from a third-party online retailer instead of your eye care provider is usually a surefire way to save money.
One thing to keep in mind when comparison shopping for contacts is that prices vary pretty widely depending on the type of lens you want. For example, daily disposable lenses that you toss after each use are generally more expensive than the kind you keep for up to 30 days. If you have astigmatism, you’ll need boric lenses, which also tend to cost more. Other specialty lenses, such as multifocal and colored varieties, also tend to be pricier than simple prescriptions.
Also, not all retailers accept insurance or are considered out-of-network by major providers. However, you can often submit the receipt to your insurance provider and get reimbursed if you are covered (it’s always a good idea to check). Plus, if you have a health savings account or flexible spending account, most products will qualify to be paid for with those funds.
Cheapest Places To Buy Contacts Online
With that in mind, we selected a few different types of lenses and compared their prices across 13 popular online stores for buying contacts. While no one retailer had the best prices across the board, there were a few standouts, including 1 800 Contacts, Contact Lens King and Costco.
Though this chart gives you an idea of where you can find the cheapest contacts, don’t write off the ones with higher prices without looking into them. Many discount contact lens retailers offer special deals for new customers, plus promotions throughout the year. Many also offer significant discounts for bulk orders, as well as price-matching guarantees. So it pays to shop around and compare costs from multiple sellers before placing an order.
Here’s a look at the benefits and current promotions currently offered by 13 contact lens retailers. Keep in mind that prices and promotions are subject to change at any time.
1. 1 800 Contacts
You’ll find a wide variety of lenses available at 1 800 Contacts, and at affordable prices. You can text or email in your prescription for fast service, and in many cases, take a simple online test when you need to update your prescription. Plus, if your prescription changes and you still have some older lenses left, you can send them back for a refund and get credit toward the next order.
Shipping: Free on all orders
Discounts available: For a limited time, save 20% on all orders of $150 or more. This discount is available on all brands and is applied automatically.
Other perks: Free returns, free torn lens replacement
2. AC Lens
AC Lens boasts “more stock and faster shipping than your eye doctor.” It also offers a subscription service with added savings.
Shipping: Free on orders over $99
Discounts available: New customers can save 20% with the discount code P52T23R.
Other perks: Free returns, sign up for a lens subscription to save 10% on all future orders.
3. Coastal
In addition to contacts, Coastal is also a good place to pick up discount eyewear. The company offers a generous price match guarantee on the final amount at checkout, including shipping and handling charges. It also offers a subscription program that provides extra savings.
Shipping: $5.95 for standard shipping
Discounts available: New customers can get 15% off their first order, plus free shipping, by signing up for emails. Get $10 off orders of $89 or more with the code 10OFF89. Earn 5% off and free shipping when you sign up for a subscription.
Other perks: Price match guarantee, free returns
4. Contact Lens King
The name is fitting ― Contact Lens King boasts some of the cheapest options available, often offering lenses for much less than its competitors.
Shipping: $7.95 for standard shipping
Discounts available: No site-wide promotions at the moment.
Other perks: FSA / HSA eligible
5. ContactsDirect
In addition to offering an extensive variety of brands at low costs, ContactsDirect also sells a few different types of solutions as well. The company also accepts returns on unopened boxes for up to a year.
Discounts available: Get 15% off your order with the code CONTACTSTIME.
Other perks: Best price guarantee
6. Costco
Costco serves as a one-stop shop where members can have their eyes examined, order contacts and pick up a variety of other eye care items. However, you don’t have to visit a physical location to get cheap contacts ― simply order them online. Orders are shipped once the prescription is verified. Note that prices may vary depending on your zip code.
Discounts available: No site-wide promotions at the moment.
Other perks: Additional rebates on select brands
7. DiscountContactLenses.com
In addition to cheap contact lenses, you can also pick up various contact care products such as solution and lens cases through DiscountContactLenses.com. You can also purchase eyewear such as reading glasses and sunglasses.
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $99
Discounts available: New customers can save 20% on their orders with the code X84Y95B.
Other perks: 365-day return window on qualifying purchases
8. Eyeconic
One of the perks of purchasing contacts through Eyeconic is that it offers major discounts for ordering a year’s worth of contacts at a time. You can also connect your vision insurance to see the actual cost and savings as you shop. Eyeconic also offers automatic refills.
Discounts available: Save $50 on contact orders of $250 or more with the code SCARY50.
Other perks: Price matching
9. Glasses USA
Don’t let the name fool you: Glasses USA has a solid variety of contact lenses at competitive prices. However, you can score deep discounts by purchasing glasses and contacts together.
Discounts available: Get 25% off contacts with the code CONTACTS25. Get 75% off glasses when you also buy contacts using the code CONTACTS70.
Other perks: Free returns
10. Lens.com
Despite the higher shipping cost, Lens.com tends to offer some of the lowest prices on lenses compared to competitors. It also has an impressive number of brands in stock.
Shipping: $7.95 for standard shipping
Discounts available: No site-wide promotions available at the moment.
Other perks: Free returns, money-back guarantee
11. Lenscrafters
You probably think of Lenscrafters as that place in the mall where you can go get your glasses adjusted. However, this retailer also offers a great selection of contacts (as well as eyewear) at low prices. If you need your eyes examined, too, you can visit one of their many locations that also also accept most major types of insurance.
Discounts available: No site-wide promotions available at the moment.
Other perks: Free returns, 30-day happiness guarantee
12. Walgreens
Another major retailer with physical locations, Walgreens stands out as a great place to get cheap contacts. In order to order from Walgreens, you need to provide a valid prescription from the last 12 months, along with your doctor’s information.
Discounts available: Get 20% off your order with the code DEAL20
Other perks: Save up to an additional $150 with rebates on select contact lens purchases.
13. Walmart
Walmart offers a large selection of lenses through it’s online store at competitive prices. However, you can also order by phone or in-store. Walmart has vision centers in more than 2,500 retail locations, so you can visit a store if you’re in need of an eye exam, too.
Accepts insurance?: In-store only
Discounts available: No site-wide promotions available at the moment.
Other perks: Free returns, price match guarantee