Intro
If you’re on the hunt for affordable and high-quality eyewear, look no further than Warby Parker. In this Warby Parker review, we’ll explore what set them apart and why they have become a top choice among eyeglass enthusiasts. So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of glasses, sit back, relax, and discover why Warby Parker might just be the perfect fit for you.
Overall
Summary
After a detailed Warby Parker review, we’ve come to the conclusion that they stand out with their collection of stylish and well-crafted eyeglasses and sunglasses, all offered at an excellent price point. Their commitment to providing a delightful eyewear selection process is evident through their Home Try-On program and exceptional customer service. Additionally, their strong focus on social responsibility further solidifies their position as our top recommendation for online glasses.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Benefit from a FREE 6-month Lens Replacement Warranty.
- Enjoy the convenience of a FREE Home Try-On of up to 5 frames.
- Acceptance of select vision plans for added flexibility.
Cons
- Shipping is limited to the US, its territories, and Canada.
- Limited availability of lens options.
About Warby Parker
Warby Parker, founded in 2010, has revolutionized the eyewear industry with its innovative Free Home Try-On program, catering to those who are hesitant about buying glasses online. The company was born out of a personal need when one of the founders couldn’t afford to replace their broken prescription glasses at exorbitant prices.
Recognizing the monopoly-like nature of the eyeglass market, Warby Parker took matters into their own hands. They designed their own frames and established direct engagement with customers, offering high-quality, stylish prescription glasses at a fraction of the cost.
Today, Warby Parker provides multiple avenues for customers to try and purchase glasses, including brick-and-mortar retail stores and their online platform.
Home Try-On Program
One of the main concerns people have when considering buying glasses online is the inability to physically try them on, unlike in a traditional optical store. Warby Parker addresses this challenge with their Home Try-On program. Customers can select up to five different frames from the website, which are then shipped to their doorstep for a five-day trial period.
The best part? This service is completely free!
After trying on the frames, customers can choose the pair(s) they wish to order and return the try-on frames using the provided prepaid return label. For those unsure about which styles suit them best, Warby Parker offers a helpful quiz to assist in selecting the five try-on frames. Additionally, their excellent iOS app allows users to virtually try on any or all of the frames before making their selection.
Warby Parker Eyewear
Warby Parker offers a wide range of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses for both men and women, along with contact lenses. Their operations span both online and in-store, with over 150 stores nationwide, including three locations in Canada.
The company designs and manufactures its own frames and lenses in-house, providing customers with high-quality options. Each pair of glasses costs $95 or $145, which includes single-vision prescription lenses. Recently, they have introduced a few premium pairs priced at $195.
For non-prescription sunglasses, the prices range from $95 to $145. It is also possible to purchase select pairs with prescription sunglass lenses, starting at $195. In certain stores, customers can avail themselves of eye exams, prescriptions, and even order children’s glasses.
Buy One, Give One
A noteworthy aspect of Warby Parker is its commitment to social responsibility. Through their Buy One, Give One program, the company donates a pair of glasses to a nonprofit organization for every pair sold. These glasses are distributed to individuals in developing countries, where men and women are trained to provide basic eye exams and sell glasses to their communities at affordable prices.
Our Warby Parker Review
In our quest to provide you with the most comprehensive Warby Parker review, we subjected five pairs of eyeglasses and five pairs of sunglasses from Warby Parker to rigorous testing. Additionally, we scoured the internet to gather insights from both Warby Parker owners and industry experts.
Lens Options and Quality – 5/5
When it comes to glasses, lenses should be durable, easy to care for, and crafted from materials that offer optimal vision correction and comfort. Warby Parker excels in all these aspects.
During our testing, we found that their lenses exhibit excellent clarity and visual sharpness. Prescription lenses are made from polycarbonate, which is thinner and more impact-resistant than the standard CR-39 (1.50-index) lens. Notably, polycarbonate lenses typically come at an extra cost in most optical stores.
Warby Parker offers the following lens options:
- Single-vision (for near or distance vision, which is suitable for most individuals)
- Progressive (no-line bifocals for reading and distance correction)
- Non-prescription or reading magnification
If you have a stronger prescription (usually + or -4.0 or more), you can opt for even thinner lenses at an additional cost.
All prescription lenses from Warby Parker provide 100% UV-blocking and come with water-resistant, anti-glare, and anti-scratch coatings.
Tip: If Warby Parker is unable to fill your prescription, you can purchase frames with demo lenses at a 10% discount. Contact them at 888.492.7297, available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST to avail of this offer.
During our assessment of lens quality in the Warby Parker review, we ordered both prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses to ensure accurate testing. We were impressed with the quality of both. Although we haven’t encountered any issues personally, some users have reported that polycarbonate lenses are more prone to scratches compared to CR-39 lenses.
In case of any scratches or lens-related problems, Warby Parker offers a 365-day lens warranty, allowing free lens replacements within that time frame. Additionally, if you reside near one of their retail locations, you can visit and have scratches buffed out of your lenses on the spot.
The sunglasses provided excellent clarity and ample protection against bright sunlight. The eyeglasses also met our high-quality standards, and the prescription was accurate across all pairs.
Warby Parker offers a range of lens options, including single-vision, progressive, light-responsive (transitional), and blue-light filtering lenses.
Frame Quality – 4.5/5
Warby Parker frames are available in three categories: acetate (plastic), metal, mixed, or nylon materials.
Acetate frames are the most affordable, priced at $95, including prescription single-vision lenses. Metal, mixed, and nylon material frames are generally priced higher at $145.
The frames from Warby Parker exhibit sturdiness and excellent craftsmanship.
The plastic frames have a beautiful polish and sturdy, flexible hinges. However, it’s worth noting that they can be relatively rigid, which may be a consideration based on personal preference.
If you prefer frames with more flexibility, a metal or mixed material frame might be a better choice. Warby Parker’s metal frames are often constructed from stainless steel or a combination of stainless steel and acetate. They also offer a few premium pairs made from titanium, which is lighter and more durable.
Metal glasses from Warby Parker are lightweight and typically offer a better fit due to the inclusion of adjustable nose pads.
When ordering the Home Try-On program, it’s important to remember that the sample frames may not be perfect. They serve as samples, so if you find a specific pair you like but it appears slightly crooked or doesn’t sit perfectly on your face, don’t worry. When you place an order, you will receive a brand-new frame.
Style and Selection – 4.5/5
Warby Parker initially gained popularity with their retro hipster glasses when they launched more than 10 years ago. However, they have since expanded their range and now offer a variety of frame styles, including aviators, wayfarers, and the timeless cat-eye. At any given time, they have around 200 different styles available.
While other eyewear companies may offer thousands of styles, we found Warby Parker’s selection to be plentiful and manageable, especially if you’re uncertain about what will suit you. They also collaborate with celebrities and designers to create new looks and limited-time or seasonal collections.
It’s worth noting that Warby Parker does not carry designer frames. If you’re specifically looking for brand name or designer eyeglasses, we recommend checking out GlassesUSA.com.
When we were making the Warby Parker review, we found out that one limitation of its glasses is the lack of customization options. For instance, most of their sunglasses come with pre-set lens colors and coatings. While they offer a few different tints and gradients, you cannot choose the specific shade color or treatment for sunglasses.
Customer Service & Experience – 5/5
Warbyparker.com provides a clean and user-friendly browsing experience on various devices, including laptops, tablets, and phones. By clicking or tapping on the “Eyeglasses” or “Sunglasses” option in the navigation bar, you can select either men’s or women’s frames.
Most frames are available for both men and women. You can further filter the available glasses by color, fit, shape, and material. If you’re interested in the Home Try-On option, you can toggle the “Available for Home Try-On” filter to see frames that are eligible for that program.
If you’re unsure about the type of glasses you want, Warby Parker offers a short quiz to help you find frames that will suit you. Additionally, if you have an iPhone X or later, you can use their iOS app for virtual try-on, which is an impressive feature. Unfortunately, Android users do not currently have access to this option, as the app utilizes Apple’s AR technology.
The ordering process is straightforward, whether you’ve already completed the Home Try-On or not. To provide your prescription, the easiest method is to take a picture of it and upload it during checkout, especially if you’re using a smartphone. Many online eyewear companies require manual entry of prescription data, which can be confusing.
Alternatively, you can provide your eye care professional’s phone number, and Warby Parker will call to request your prescription on your behalf.
Warby Parker’s customer service is highly regarded. Our interactions with their associates via live chat (available from 9 AM to 10 PM EST every day) and in-store were always pleasant, with friendly, helpful, and efficient service. If you have any questions about their frames, lenses, or your prescription, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
In researching other customers’ experiences, we came across some remarkable stories that showcased Warby Parker’s exceptional customer service. This is the most heartwarming story in this Warby Parker review.
From going above and beyond to help a customer to send handwritten notes after a theft, their commitment to service stands out.
One of the best aspects of their customer service is their return policy. If within the first 30 days, you decide that their glasses aren’t for you, they offer a simple and free return process. Furthermore, if your lenses get scratched within the first year of purchase, they will replace them at no cost.
Overall, Warby Parker’s customer service is exceptional, making it easy to place an order, make adjustments, or receive a refund if needed.
Cost – 4.5/5
While Warby Parker may not offer the cheapest prescription glasses available, we believe they provide excellent value considering the quality and service you receive. You can find well-made and stylish prescription glasses for under $100, and the price already includes taxes, fees, and shipping. Additionally, each pair of glasses comes with a lens cloth and a beautiful hard case for storage.
The frames are priced at $95 or $145, and they include single-vision prescription lenses. The most expensive pairs, made from premium materials, can reach up to $195. Sunglasses are slightly more expensive, with non-prescription lenses starting at $95, prescription lenses at $195, and progressive lenses at $395.
In terms of insurance coverage, Warby Parker is in-network under UnitedHealthcare insurance, as well as some Spectera, BlueCrossBlueShield, and Davis Vision plans. For other insurance providers, you can submit a receipt for out-of-network reimbursement.
It’s worth noting that you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for all prescription eyewear purchases, including prescription sunglasses and exams, as long as it is affiliated with a major credit card.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for affordable prescription glasses and don’t necessarily need designer or brand name frames, Warby Parker is an excellent choice, especially if you’re new to buying glasses online. Their Home Try-On Program makes it convenient to try on multiple pairs without committing to a purchase.
Warby Parker offers the best of both worlds by being an online retailer with several physical store locations. This means you can not only purchase glasses online but also visit their stores for eye exams, free glasses adjustments, and even contact lenses.
Furthermore, Warby Parker is a socially conscious company that works to provide affordable vision care to those in need. By making a purchase, you’re not only benefiting yourself but also contributing to their mission of helping others.
Overall, this Warby Parker review highlights why this eyewear retailer is an excellent choice for first-time online glasses buyers. It offers quality, affordability, convenience, and a positive social impact, making them a great choice for eyewear. If you have more doubts, you can check out this detailed Warby Parker FAQs.
