Why we like it: GlassesUSA offers 60 pairs of reading glasses in a variety of styles, colors and strengths. Regarding the latter, GlassesUSA offers the broadest range of strengths besides Eyebuydirect (more on that below). With prices ranging from $43 to $124, there is something for every budget. The company also offers free standard shipping, next-day shipping, a one-year warranty and virtual try-ons. A 45-day return policy is also offered. Physical stores can also be found in New York, Orlando and Boston. 

Who is it best for: GlassesUSA is best for people looking for reading glasses with a strength between +0.25 and +4.00 and those looking to spend less than $130. For select items, next-day shipping is offered at $20. GlassesUSA also accepts insurance and is HSA/FSA eligible.

Who should not get it: If you want to spend less than $43, check out one of our budget picks instead. This isn’t the brand for you if you want a more expensive pair over $130. If you want virtual prescription renewal, see Warby Parker instead (depending on your state).

Pros

• Over 200 styles
• Has powers from +0.25 to +4.00
• Offers free 2-day shipping
• Provides a 1-year warranty
• Affordable prices from $6 to $93

Why we like it: Compared to our other budget reading glasses pick, Zenni, Eyebuydirect offers more powers (from +0.25 to +4.00), free two-day shipping, a refund that includes shipping, a one-year warranty for craftsmanship defects and a wider price range of $6 to $93. That is why we chose it as the best budget pick, and there are often deals that get you 50% off a second pair to be had as well.

Who is it best for: Eyebuydirect is best for people looking for budget reading glasses with fast, free, two-day shipping and those who want shipping included in a potential refund. Eyebuydirect also offers a one-year warranty for craftsmanship defects, while Zenni only provides 30 days.

Who should not get it: If you’re looking for more glasses styles to choose from while on a budget and don’t care about shipping or return price, then Zenni would be your better bet. Zenni offers more than 800 styles of reading glasses, while Eyebuydirect provides more than 200 styles.

Why we like it: Warby Parker offers 312 frames for reading glasses. Powers range from +0.25 to +2.75, prices range from $95 to $195, and a virtual try-on service is available. You can even use the brand’s virtual prescription renewal if you live in certain states. However, prescriptions are not usually required for readers. The brand also has almost 300 brick-and-mortar stores in the US where you can try on glasses and get customer support.

“I enjoyed the ease of finding the right glasses for me while not having to be in a store,” says Dillon Payne, CNET’s video director. “The site was able to scan my face, and I was offered a variety of glasses that I preferred.”

Who is it best for: Warby Parker is best for people who want to try on their reading glasses in a store and those who need a +0.25 to +2.75 strength. The company has a six-month, no-scratch guarantee and offers virtual prescription renewal, but only for certain states. You can also visit a store in person to try on the glasses or for customer support. 

Who should not get it: Warby Parker is not your service if you want to spend less than $95 or have a strength over +2.75. The brand also doesn’t offer shipping faster than two to six business days, which is $25 for expedited shipping.

Why we like it: Readers.com offers 269 styles for women and 199 products for men. Both can also choose multipacks. This is a wide range, which makes sense considering that Readers.com is dedicated only to reading glasses. It also offers strengths from +1.00 to +3.75, a price range of $7 to $65, various shipping options (including express and priority) and 90 days for returns, exchanges and its warranty. You can also save more buy buying a multipack or as part of a regular sale.

Who is it best for: Readers.com is best for people who want a range of styles under $65 for their reading glasses. It is also suitable for shoppers who want a longer return and exchange window of 90 days. If you prefer to buy your reading glasses in multipacks, you can also purchase those. 

Who should not get it: Readers.com is not for anyone who needs a power lower than +1.00 or higher than +3.75. It doesn’t offer virtual try-ons or online prescription renewal.

Why we like it: One of Oprah’s Favorite Things, this brand is known for its bold shapes and fun colors. They even offer reading glasses with wavy temples. Despite these unique styles, Peepers is also affordable at $23 to $30. 

Who is it best for: Peepers is best for people looking for affordable but fun reading glasses that fit their personal style and budget. It offers powers from +1.00 to +4.00, virtual try-ons, 90-day returns and exchanges and even same-day shipping if you order before 1 p.m. CST. 

Who should not get it: If you’re looking for reading glasses with a warranty, Peepers is not the brand for you. The same goes for those looking for a strength below +1.00. If you don’t care about the color of your glasses or want a bold shape, another brand might be better.

Why we like it: Pair Eyewear offers base frames with separate top frames that can be switched up to match your everyday style and mood. Prices start at $60, and strengths depend on style, but we generally see +0.25 to +2.75. You can also use its virtual try-on feature. 

Who is it best for: Pair Eyewear is best for people looking to spend at least $60 and want to regularly change the appearance of their reading glasses. They also offer next-day shipping (though it’s $60) and 30 days for returns, exchanges and its warranty. 

Who should not get it: Anyone looking for a reading glass strength above +2.75 should look elsewhere. Pair Eyewear is also not for you if you want a warranty longer than 30 days.

Why we like it: Zenni has 880 pairs of reading glasses at budget prices from $7 to $60 and powers from +0.25 to +2.75. It also offers virtual try-ons and shipping options that range from one to 14 business days. 

Who is it best for: Zenni is best for people on a budget who might want to purchase multiple pairs of glasses at an affordable price.

Who should not get it: If your reading glasses strength is above +2.75, Zenni is not for you. Zenni also offers only two weeks for returns and exchanges, and refunds are minus shipping. You have 30 days if you choose store credit. The warranty is only 30 days.

Why we like it: While Amazon is not one of our top picks for reading glasses, if you’re a Prime member and need affordable reading glasses ASAP, the brand offers fast, free shipping. Katie Collins, CNET’s director of content, used Prime for reading glasses before and enjoyed the service’s many options (the search “reading glasses” brings up 40,000 results), price range and speedy delivery.

Who is it best for: Amazon’s reading glasses are best for Prime members in a pinch who need affordable reading glasses within a day or two. If you don’t like the glasses, you must be ready to return them within 30 days (or whatever the particular brand says) because there is no warranty. Popular brands on Amazon include Eyebobs, Firmoo, Look Optic, SCOJO New York and ThinOptics.

Who should not get it: What Collins did not like about Amazon is its unpredictable quality and the fact that you can’t try them on (not even virtually). Everything comes down to what brand you order from: the power, lens types, coatings, shipping and HSA/FSA acceptance. Returns/exchanges also depend on the brand, but most offer free returns within 30 days. We did not see any that offer a warranty through Amazon. 

Why we like it: You can find plenty of reading glasses that cost very little, so it won’t be as painful if you end up losing them. But at the opposite end of the reading glasses spectrum is Benny’s, a nod to Benjamin Franklin, who invented bifocals back in 1784 because he wanted to use just one pair of glasses for distance and reading.

Handcrafted in Italy, most of Benney’s models are made of high-end acetate and feature optical-grade CR39 lenses that are anti-reflective, scratch-resistant and filter blue light. While many of the styles are geared toward women, including a new line developed in collaboration with actress Selma Blair, several are considered unisex and work just fine for men (the site has both men’s and women’s sections with a lot of overlap). We tried a few of the models, including “James” (pictured) and “Arthur,” and they all fit well (most models are medium-sized frames).

Who is it best for: Benny’s readers are definitely more stylish-looking and feel more premium than your typical reading glasses. The site caters toward folks who are looking for durable, premium readers with high-quality lenses. Although the majority of the styles cost $169, certain models go on sale for less, with some discounted to as low as $79, lens included; though sale items are final sale and can’t be returned. Benny’s accepts HSA/FSA cards.

Who should not get it: If you don’t want to spend too much on reading glasses, these will probably be out of your price range.

— David Carnoy, principal writer

“Adults in their early to mid-forties often start noticing difficulty seeing things up close, like when reading or using digital devices,” says Reed. “This normal, age-related change in the eye’s focusing ability is called presbyopia and tends to progress over time. To manage it, many people turn to reading glasses or other forms of near vision correction.”

Goel adds, “Most people begin to notice changes to their vision around the age of 40. That’s the age when the clear natural lens of your eye becomes less flexible, which leads to difficulty focusing well on near objects.”

According to Reed, some signs of presbyopia include:

• Squinting more frequently
• Trouble seeing smaller print in dim light
• Needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length
• Blurred vision at a normal reading distance 
• Eye fatigue or headaches when doing close work

“A doctor of optometry can help determine the best reading glasses for patients’ specific visual needs,” says Reed. “If they mainly wear them while using a computer, they will likely need a lower power, since screens are typically viewed from a greater distance than a book or magazine. The farther away the object, the less magnification you need for clear, comfortable vision.”

For those who need reading glasses for viewing details up close, Reed states that the patient will want a stronger power. “ In most cases, when deciding between two similar strengths, it’s best to choose the lower one — glasses that are too strong are more likely to cause discomfort than those that are slightly too weak.”

While seeing an eye care professional for an accurate prescription and to check for signs of eye disease (especially starting at age 40) is the right idea, Goel adds, “People can try on a few different types of reading glasses at the drugstore and see if they find something that feels right.”

“The optical quality of OTC reading glasses can vary quite a bit,” Reed explains. “As I mentioned, one of the main drawbacks is that these ready-made readers are essentially one-size-fits-all. They’re designed for short-term use and work best for people without astigmatism and with the same prescription in both eyes.”

Reed adds that OTC reading glasses typically range from $1 to $50 or more. Prescription reading glasses, on the other hand, can vary in price based on the lens type, provider and insurance coverage. He says, “I always recommend that patients talk with their eye doctor about the best options for their needs — and ask about programs or benefits that might help with the cost of care.”

“Reading glasses provide a simple and effective way to improve near vision to make everyday tasks easier and more comfortable,” says Reed. “They can improve clarity when reading books, menus or phone screens and assist with daily activities like using a computer or crafting. Furthermore, they can minimize eye fatigue and headaches caused by prolonged screen time to improve overall productivity and comfort.”