The best contact lenses for 2025: Where to buy quality contacts online

Contact lenses revolutionized vision correction, offering a convenient alternative to glasses without sacrificing comfort or clarity. The best contact lenses can be life-changing. However, visiting the eye doctor, getting a vision test and placing your contact lens order isn't always convenient. And that's especially true if you work full time, have kids or live far from your nearest optometrist.

For many, the process of getting new contacts is a chore, so it's no surprise that online shopping for contacts has become increasingly popular. According to the Vision Council, nearly 40% of contact lenses were purchased online in 2024. But as with all online purchases, caution is warranted.

Buying contacts online might seem as safe as visiting a vision clinic, but the reality is that not all online retailers are the same. While many are trustworthy, some lack critical safety standards and expertise, which could place your eye health at risk.

"[Many] online buyers assume every retailer is authorized, but determining if a retailer is properly licensed can be difficult," says optometrist Randy McLaughlin of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. So what should you be on the lookout for? Be sure that the retailer requires a valid current prescription, only sells FDA-approved lenses and offers reputable brands like Acuvue, CooperVision and Bausch + Lomb. Furthermore, the site should have clear policies on returns and exchanges, provide reliable customer support and comply with the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act, which protects consumers’ rights when purchasing contact lenses.

To help you find the best places to buy contacts online, our team tested 10 retailers, evaluating each on pricing, customer support, brand selection, shipping speed, return policies and more. We also spoke with three eye care experts to gather insights on the best practices for ordering contact lenses online. Put on your eyeglasses and continue reading to find the best contact lenses for 2025.

Table of contents

Best overall contact lens platform

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More contact lens platforms we like for 2025

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Types of contact lenses

Contact lenses come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs, preferences and eye conditions. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

Soft contact lenses

These lenses are popular because of their comfort and ease of use. They're made from flexible, water-containing plastics that allow oxygen to flow through to the cornea and help keep your eyes healthy. Soft lenses are ideal for those with active lifestyles. They're also great for first-time users because they conform to the shape of your eye, reducing the risk of discomfort.

Subtypes of soft lenses include:

• Daily disposable lenses: These lenses are worn for one day and then discarded. They're a convenient option if you don’t want to worry about cleaning and storing lenses. Since you're using a fresh pair every day, daily disposables are hygienic, which can reduce the risk of eye infections. Plus, they may be more comfortable for people prone to dry eyes.

• Monthly and bi-weekly lenses: These lenses are designed to be worn for a longer period before needing to be replaced. They are more cost-effective than daily disposables. However, they require regular cleaning and proper storage to maintain eye health and prevent infections.

• Extended wear lenses: Made from more breathable materials, these lenses can be worn for extended periods, even overnight, for up to a week or more, depending on the brand. While convenient for people who forget to take out their lenses at night, they still require regular cleaning to avoid eye irritation and other complications.

• Toric lenses: These are soft lenses designed specifically for astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped irregularly, causing blurred vision. Toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens, allowing them to correct the asymmetry of the cornea and improve vision.

• Multifocal and bifocal lenses: These lenses are designed to correct presbyopia — a condition that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects, typically due to aging. Multifocal lenses provide a smooth transition between multiple prescription powers, while bifocal lenses have two distinct viewing areas—one for distance vision and one for near vision.I've

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses

RGP lenses are made from durable, oxygen-permeable materials that allow more oxygen to pass through to the cornea than traditional soft lenses. Though they require more time to adjust to and can take a while to get used to, they are often recommended for individuals who need more precise vision correction.

RGP lenses are highly durable and resistant to deposits, so they tend to last longer than soft lenses. They're especially useful for people with astigmatism, keratoconus or other irregular corneal shapes. Because they maintain their shape on the eye, RGP lenses provide sharper vision than soft lenses, particularly for people with high prescriptions.

Scleral lenses

Scleral lenses are a specialized type of RGP lens designed for individuals with more severe vision problems or irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus or corneal scarring.

These lenses are larger than standard RGP lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera) rather than directly on the cornea. Scleral lenses create a tear-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing comfort and helping to stabilize the corneal shape.

Due to their large size and specialized nature, scleral lenses are typically prescribed after careful fitting by an eye care professional. They are often a solution for people who cannot use standard contact lenses.

Hybrid contact lenses

Hybrid lenses combine the best of both soft and RGP lenses. The center of the lens is made from rigid gas permeable material, providing the sharp vision of RGP lenses, while the surrounding area is made from soft lens material, offering added comfort. Hybrid lenses are an excellent option for individuals with astigmatism or other vision conditions who want the clarity of RGP lenses but the comfort of soft lenses.

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Factors to consider when purchasing contact lenses online

When buying contact lenses online, choosing a reputable platform that offers quality products and a secure, straightforward shopping experience is essential. Here are factors to consider when evaluating an online retailer for your contact lenses:

• Prescription verification: A trustworthy online retailer should always require prescription verification before selling contact lenses to you. Reputable platforms either ask for a copy of your prescription or contact your eye doctor directly for verification. This process ensures you get the right lens type, power and fit and is an essential safety step. Be cautious if a site doesn't ask for this information, as they might not follow the necessary regulations.

• Licensed and FDA-approved products: Always look for an online store that sells FDA-approved contact lenses. FDA regulation ensures the lenses meet the necessary safety and quality standards, which is critical for maintaining eye health. A reputable retailer will offer well-known and trusted brands, such as Acuvue, Bausch & Lomb, Alcon or CooperVision, which have proven track records for quality. Online retailers may also offer FDA-approved store-brand lenses. Avoid platforms that offer off-brand or nonregulated lenses, as these could put your eyes at risk of infection, discomfort or long-term damage.

• Clear return and exchange policies: Even though you might be buying contact lenses online, you should still be able to return or exchange them if something goes wrong. Look for a retailer that has clear, customer-friendly return and exchange policies. At a minimum, the platform should offer a 30-day return policy for unopened boxes and a process for returning or exchanging damaged lenses. Some retailers may even allow you to return lenses that don’t meet your expectations as long as they are still in the original packaging. A solid return policy means you won’t be stuck with a product that isn’t right for you.

• Secure and convenient payment options: Security is paramount when shopping online. Make sure the retailer’s website has secure payment systems (look for "https" in the URL and a lock icon in the address bar) to protect your sensitive personal and financial information. Reputable platforms offer various payment options, including credit and debit cards, PayPal and sometimes flexible payment plans or financing options. This flexibility ensures a smooth, worry-free checkout experience.

• Competitive pricing with transparency: A trustworthy online retailer should offer competitive pricing on contact lenses without hidden fees. Look for retailers that are transparent about their costs, including shipping fees and subscription discounts. Many online retailers offer automatic reordering options for convenience but check if there are discounts for buying in bulk or if they accept vision insurance for an added saving. Avoid platforms with significantly lower prices than average, as they may sell unauthorized or lower-quality lenses.

• Customer support and communication: Good customer service is necessary for a positive online shopping experience. Ensure the retailer provides multiple communication channels, such as phone support, email and live chat. Reputable platforms will be responsive to any questions regarding prescriptions, shipping or order issues. Check customer reviews or ratings to see how well the company handles customer service, as a lack of support can be a significant drawback when purchasing products that affect your eye health.

• Shipping and delivery options: It goes without saying that you want your order to arrive quickly and safely. Choose a platform that offers reliable and timely shipping options. Many retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount or expedited shipping for faster delivery. If you’re running low on lenses and need them quickly, check whether the site offers next-day delivery or 2-day shipping. Additionally, look for retailers that can ship your order directly to your eye doctor’s office if needed.

• Product availability and variety: A reputable online retailer should have a wide selection of contact lenses to meet different needs. This includes various types of lenses, such as daily disposables, monthly lenses, colored lenses and toric lenses for astigmatism. It’s also important to check that the site offers multiple brands to cater to different preferences and budgets. A broad inventory allows you to choose the lenses that best suit your prescription and lifestyle needs.

• User reviews and reputation: Always check a retailer's reputation through customer reviews and ratings. Look for feedback on both the retailer's website and third-party review sites such as Trustpilot or Google Reviews. Reputable platforms will have consistent positive feedback, particularly regarding the quality of their products, customer service and overall shopping experience. Avoid stores with excessive negative reviews, especially those related to product issues.

• Loyalty programs and discounts: Look for online platforms that offer loyalty programs, subscription discounts or special promotions for repeat customers. Some retailers offer programs where you can save money on future purchases, receive free shipping or even get discounts on accessories like lens cases or cleaning solutions. If you plan to reorder your contact lenses regularly, a subscription could be convenient and cost-effective.

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How we chose the best online platforms for contact lenses

To help you find the best place to buy contact lenses online, our team rigorously tested 10 different online retailers. We focused on several key factors to ensure that the platforms we recommend offer an overall top-notch user experience. These factors included pricing, insurance coverage, brand selection, shipping speed, return policies and ease of website navigation.

We also consulted three experienced eye care specialists to gain valuable insights into the do's and don'ts of ordering contact lenses online. Their expertise helped us understand the importance of a valid prescription, the potential risks of buying from unverified sources and signs of a reputable online retailer. By combining expert advice with real-world testing, we identified seven platforms that provide both safety and value, ensuring you can shop confidently for the best contact lenses.

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Other platforms we tested

In our search for the best contact lenses, three platforms missed the mark. Here's a quick look at the ones that we felt didn't stack up:

• Contact Lens King: Pricewise, Contact Lens King simply couldn't compete. Not only were the contact lens prescription costs higher than average, but the $12.95 shipping fee bumped the total up even more. The lack of live chat support and long phone wait times for customer service made the experience even less appealing.

• Discount Contacts: While Discount Contacts has a large selection of lenses — 125 options across 14 brands — the complicated ordering process for more complex prescriptions and limited online support were disappointing. In fact, it took over 24 hours to hear back from a customer support rep after submitting a request form.

• Hubble: Hubble's monthly subscription model is appealing — and often cost-effective. For example, its Classic Brand costs $49.97 monthly, plus $3.99 shipping. However, the selection is limited. Hubble's store brand is not available for multifocal contact lens wearers, and its nonstore brand offerings are limited to Acuvue, Biotrue and Bausch + Lomb ULTRA.

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FAQs

Who should avoid buying contacts online?

While buying contacts online is convenient for many people, there are certain situations where it may not be the best option. Consider visiting an eye doctor instead if you're at a high risk for eye infections, are interested in costume lenses or wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses. Here's a closer look at why:

• Hard lenses: If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses, these must be custom-made to specific prescription parameters. McLaughlin advises against buying these lenses online due to the precision required in their fitting.

• Costume lenses: If you're considering costume or novelty lenses, particularly for events like Halloween, it's vital to exercise caution. "The chances are high that specialty or costume contact lenses are not properly regulated by the FDA and may increase the risk of infection or discomfort," explains Catherine Heyman, founding dean of High Point University School of Optometry in North Carolina.

• High-risk users: If you have a history of eye infections, tend to sleep in your contacts or don’t stick to the recommended schedule for discarding lenses, it's safer to see an eye doctor in person. McLaughlin advises that in these cases, getting professional advice and fitting is crucial to avoid potential complications.

Are there red flags to watch for when buying contact lenses online?

When buying contact lenses online, it's crucial to stay vigilant and recognize warning signs that could indicate a potentially unsafe retailer. "Several red flags can help you identify potentially unsafe contact lens retailers," says Heyman. She cautions against the following:

• Selling lenses without requiring a prescription: It's illegal in the U.S. to sell contact lenses without a valid prescription, she says. If a retailer doesn't ask for or verify your prescription, it's a major red flag.

• Offering non-FDA-approved or unfamiliar brands: Lenses from unregulated or lesser-known brands can pose serious risks to your eye health, as they may not meet the necessary safety and quality standards.

• Too-good-to-be-true prices: While it’s tempting to grab a bargain, drastically discounted prices often signal that the lenses may be counterfeit, expired or of inferior quality.

• Lack of security: Never give your personal or financial information to a website that doesn't use a secure payment system.

Heyman also stresses the importance of checking the expiration date on your lenses once they arrive. "Once your lenses arrive, immediately check their expiration date," she says. If expired, do not use! Contact the company and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Which contact lenses are best for first-time users?

"For first-time contact lens wearers, most eye doctors recommend one-day disposable lenses," says Lernik Torossian, an ophthalmologist at the USC Roski Eye Institute. "Daily disposables eliminate the need for disinfecting and overnight storage, which helps ensure a higher level of compliance and safety." Plus, if you inadvertently drop one on your bathroom floor, you can simply throw it away without worrying too much about cost. "It's harder to do that with a contact that's meant to last an entire 30 days," says Torossian.

What is the highest grade of contact lenses?

The highest grade of contact lenses typically refers to the prescription strength, which is measured in diopters (D). The further the diopter is from zero, the greater the level of correction required for your vision. Positive diopters (+) are used to correct hyperopia (farsightedness), while negative diopters (-) correct myopia (nearsightedness). The higher the number — whether positive or negative — the stronger the prescription needed to correct your vision. Most prescriptions fall within the range of -5 to +3 diopters, with -12 diopters being the highest for standard soft lenses.

For those with more severe myopia, some specialized lenses can correct prescriptions as strong as -20 diopters or even higher. In fact, some brands offer lenses for extreme prescriptions ranging from -30 to +30 diopters.

With very high prescriptions, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses often perform better than soft lenses. RGP lenses can accommodate stronger prescriptions more effectively, providing clearer, more stable vision for individuals with extreme myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.

Which brand of contact lenses is the most popular?

Some of the most popular contact lens brands are Johnson & Johnson, Bausch & Lomb, Alcon and CooperVision. These companies are known for their wide range of high-quality lenses that cater to varying vision needs.

Among their offerings, daily disposables are the most popular due to their convenience and hygiene benefits, followed by monthly lenses, which are favored for their balance of cost-effectiveness and comfort. Weekly and bi-weekly lenses offer flexibility for those who want more durability, while annual lenses are less common and typically used for specialty prescriptions.

Can I get a contact lens prescription online?

Yes, you can renew your existing contact lens prescription online with an online vision exam offered by some retailers. These exams allow you to update your prescription and reorder lenses, but they are typically only available to those with valid prescriptions. It's also important to note that online eye exams have several downsides and are not a replacement for a thorough, in-person exam by an eye care professional.

If you're looking for a brand-new contact lens prescription, you must visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. "You need a comprehensive eye examination within 1 to 2 years — and your vision, eye health and prescription — needs to be stable to order your contacts online," says Heyman. It's imperative to have your eyes checked regularly to ensure that any changes in your vision or health are addressed before renewing or ordering new lenses.

Can I switch contact brands?

Switching contact lens brands isn’t something you should do on a whim, no matter how tempting a good deal might seem, warns Torossian. "Not all contact lenses are suitable for every individual, especially those with astigmatism, and switching brands without proper discussion, guidance and evaluation can lead to discomfort, dryness, blurred vision or even increase the risk of eye infections."

If you're considering a switch, make an appointment with your eye doctor first. "This ensures you get the proper fit and vision correction. It's essential to prevent complications," says Torossian.

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Meet our experts

• Catherine Heyman, OD, FAAO, optometrist, founding dean of High Point University School of Optometry

• Randy McLaughlin, OD, MS, optometrist with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.