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Best Places to Buy Contact Lenses Online for 2025

Need to refill your contact lens prescription? We found the best place to buy contacts online.

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Written by  Nasha Addarich Martínez
Written by  Sarah Mitroff
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
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Nasha Addarich Martínez Managing Editor
Nasha is a Managing Editor for CNET, overseeing our sleep and wellness verticals. She is a nutrition, mental health, fitness and sleep science enthusiast. Her passion for mindful and holistic practices transcends her personal life and profoundly influences her editorial approach, as she weaves evidence-based insights with practical advice to inspire readers to lead healthier, more balanced lives. Throughout her career, she's covered various topics including financial services, technology, travel and wellness.
Expertise Sleep | Mental health | Personal Care | Fitness | Nutrition | Medical | Wellness | Vitamins and Supplements | Vision Health | Longevity Credentials
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Sarah Mitroff Freelance Editor
Sarah Mitroff has worn many hats at CNET, including Senior Mobile Editor and Managing Editor of Health and Wellness. Currently, she is a freelance editor. Throughout her career, she's written about mobile tech, consumer tech, business and startups for Wired, MacWorld, PCWorld, and VentureBeat.
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With more than four years covering health- and eye-care products, we consider availability, shipping and return policy to determine our roundup of the best places to buy contact lenses.

What to Consider

Lens prescription

To order any type of contact lenses, you'll first need a prescription from your doctor.

Insurance policy

If your insurance policy covers vision care, check to see if the retailer you're considering accepts your insurance.

Contacts brand

If your doctor prescribed a particular brand of contacts, it's best to stick with a retailer that offers that brand.

Return policy

Be sure to double-check the retailer's return policy in case you need to make a return.

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Buying your contacts from online contact lens retailers is one of the easiest ways to stay stocked up. You can skip the visit to the local store and set up your prescription for auto-delivery. I've been ordering mine online for years.

If you're new to buying contacts online, the first thing you need is a valid prescription from your eye doctor. Most prescriptions are good for about a year, but if you're holding an expired prescription, don't worry -- some online retailers offer virtual eye exams. However with time I've also learned that not all retailers are created equal.

To help you find the best places, I dug into customer reviews, product variety, pricing, insurance benefits and overall convenience. I also looked at shipping policies and discount options -- a huge perk of online shopping. With that said, here are the best places to purchase contacts online.

Our Picks

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What's the best place to buy contact lenses online?

Topping our list is Warby Parker, which we think is the best place to order contacts online. As one of the most popular eyewear brands, Warby Parker offers a seamless and hassle-free buying experience for filling your prescription. Additionally, the company carries most major contact brands, so you can shop around for a lower price. If you choose to buy your contact lenses at Warby Parker, you can get an annual supply to save money.

Best places to buy contact lenses online for 2025

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Best overall online contacts retailer

Pros

  • Competitive pricing
  • Wide variety of brands
  • Accepts most vision insurance providers

Cons

  • Many customers complain about poor customer service

Warby Parker doesn't just sell affordable and stylish eyeglasses, the company sells contact lenses too. You can pick from Scout, Warby Parker's own contact lens brand, or get contacts from Acuvue, Biotrue, Air Optix, Dailies and other major brands. A three-month supply of Scout daily contacts (a total of 90 lenses) starts at $65, which is a good deal for daily contact lenses. Depending on where you shop and the brand you use, prices online can vary from $60 to $200. You can get a six-day trial pack of Scout contact lenses to see if you like them before committing to a full supply.

Depending on your vision insurance, you may be able to use your benefits to pay for your Warby Parker contacts purchase. If your insurance company doesn't directly work with Warby Parker, you can instead file a claim with your insurance to be reimbursed for any qualified orders.

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Save 20% off on your first order of contacts

Cheapest Place to Buy Contact Lenses Online

Pros

  • Wide range of contacts brands
  • User-friendly checkout process

Cons

  • Is an out-of-network provider

Lens.com's prices are often lower than other shops for prescription contact lenses. It has an impressive selection of brands -- including Acuvue, Air Optix, Dailies and Biofinity Toric for astigmatism -- plus it takes returns and covers the cost of shipping for unopened boxes. 

Lens.com is an out-of-network provider of vision insurance, so you can't use your benefits to directly pay for your order. But, you can submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. (Always check with your insurance company to see what it covers.)

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Best online contacts for specialized lenses

Pros

  • Bifocal, progressive and multifocal lens selections are available
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Offers sales and discounts

Cons

  • Accepts only select insurance providers

GlassesUSA.com sells both contact lenses and glasses and will price-match other sellers. Like every other retailer on this list, GlassesUSA.com has all of the popular lens brands, including Acuvue, Biofinity and more, and offers free returns and free shipping on prescription lenses.

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30% Off Contact Lenses with code:

Best online contacts customer service

Pros

  • Ships internationally
  • Accepts vision insurance with a valid prescription

Cons

  • Accepts only select insurance providers

As one of the best-known contacts stores, 1-800 Contacts stocks all of the most popular brands, and you can even get hard contacts through its call center. One CNET editor praised the company for providing customer service that went above and beyond.

1-800 Contacts will price-match any competitor, so if you find a better price, you can let the company know and it will do its best to match it (with some restrictions).

Like Lens.com, you can text or email your contact lens prescription, which speeds up the ordering process. 1-800 Contacts also offers free shipping on all orders and allows you to update your prescription through an online test (only available for adults between 18 and 55 years old). You can also buy colored contact lenses from 1-800 Contacts. If you need to exchange your unopened lenses for any reason, 1-800 Contacts will cover the shipping cost. 

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Best online contacts retailer for discounts

Pros

  • Accepts vision insurance
  • Offers coupons and discounts

Cons

  • Cannot combine insurance and coupons

A popular source for cheap contact lenses among my fellow CNET editors is ContactsDirect, because it often sends out coupon codes to customers. It has a wide selection of lens options, including multifocal lenses, colored contacts, soft contact lenses for dry eyes and toric lenses for astigmatism. 

ContactsDirect offers returns on products that were purchased within one year if your vision changes and you need a correction from your doctor. ContactsDirect also sells contact lens solution, as does 1-800 Contacts. 

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Best online contacts with insurance

Pros

  • Accepts VSP, MetLife and Cigna Vision insurance
  • Consumers report having an easy checkout process
  • Wide range of selections available

Cons

  • Several consumers report many shipping delays

Eyeconic has a wide array of contact lens brands to choose from, including Acuvue, Air Optix, Biotrue by Bausch + Lomb and Extreme H2O. Like others on this list, it offers free shipping and free returns.

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How our experts choose the best place to buy contacts online

To determine the best online retailers for contact lenses, I evaluated a range of criteria to ensure quality, affordability and convenience. Our selection process included the following key factors:

Variety of products: I assessed each retailer's selection to ensure they offer a wide range of contact lens brands, types and prescriptions -- including daily, bi-weekly and monthly lenses, as well astoric, multifocal and colored contacts.

Pricing, price matching and discounts: Price transparency is crucial when shopping for contacts online. I compared base prices across multiple retailers and factored in available discounts, bulks savings, price matching, subscription plans and rebates.

Shipping costs and speed: I examined shipping policies, considering standard and expedited shipping costs, processing times and order fulfillment speed,

Return and exchange policies: I get it, mistakes happen -- so customers need the flexibility to return or exchange unopened or incorrect contact lens orders.I prioritized retailers with seamless return policies, clear refund procedures and responsive customer service to handle issues efficiently.

Virtual prescription renewal: Since many contact lens wearers need an updated prescription before purchasing new contacts, I also considered a few retailers that offer online vision tests or telehealth services for prescription renewals.

Insurance payment options: Many consumers rely on vision insurance or pre-tax benefits like HSAs and FSAs to offset costs. I reviewed which retailers accept insurance directly, provide reimbursement assistance or allow easy HSA or FSA payments at checkout.

Website navigation and customer support: A seamless shopping experience is essential for me. I considered how easy it is to browse products, upload prescriptions and check out. I also prioritized online contact retailers with easy and clear customer support options.

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What to consider when buying contacts online

Shopping for contact lenses online can be convenient and cost-effective, but it's important to do some research before you order contacts online. Unlike buying in a store, you won't have immediate access to an optometrist for guidance, so taking a few key factors into account can help ensure you get the right lenses for your needs.

Prescription and brand compatibility: Before you purchase your contacts online, be sure to have a valid contact lens prescription from your eye doctor. Additionally, it's best to stick to the brand and specification suggested by your doctor, as different materials, water content and oxygen permeability levels can affect comfort and eye health.

Pricing and discounts: While online retailers often lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores, it's worth comparing costs across multiple sites. Look for discounts on bulk orders, subscription savings or rebates from manufacturers. However, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as some unauthorized sellers may offer counterfeit or expired lenses.

Shipping and return policies: If you wear contacts daily, factor in shipping times to avoid running out unexpectedly. Some retailers offer expedited shipping or auto-replenishment services for added convenience. Also, be sure to check the return policy in case you receive the wrong prescription, a damaged box or uncomfortable contacts. You'll want a hassle-free way to change or return your order.

Customer reviews: Not all contact lens retailers are reputable. Choose sites that require a prescription verification process, have clear customer service policies and are approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA. Reading customer reviews can also give insight into the retailer's reliability, shipping times and overall service quality.

Insurance and HSA/FSA eligibility: If you have vision insurance or a health savings account or flexible spending account, check whether the retailer you choose accepts them. Some sites allow you to apply your benefits directly at checkout, while others may require reimbursement. Taking advantage of these options can help you ave on out-of-pockets costs.

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How to order contacts online

Buying contact lenses online is just as safe as buying them from your eye doctor, as you get the same lenses you'd find at the optical shop. The process requires a little extra effort than getting them from your eye doctor, but you'll be rewarded with savings.

To get started, you just need to follow a few easy steps.

  • Have your contact lens prescription
  • Search for the brand and model of contacts from your prescription at any of the stores above to find your specific lenses. Disposable contacts are sold in boxes, and most online shops give you a deal if you buy a six- or 12-month supply, rather than one box at a time. 
  • During the checkout process, you'll enter your prescription information to select the correct lenses and then submit verification of your prescription. Most stores allow you to upload an image or PDF of your prescription or you can opt for the company to contact your doctor to verify it. This process can take as little as a few minutes or up to a few days if the store contacts your doctor. 
  • Once that process is complete, your order will be finalized and cleared to ship directly to you.
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How to save money on contact lenses

Pro tip: Right after your contact lens exam, it's almost always worth it to get a year's supply of your current prescription. Regardless of whether you're buying daily disposable contacts, monthly lenses or even multifocal contacts, buying in bulk will help you save money.

If your prescription changes sometime during that year, many of the retailers above will allow you to exchange unopened boxes with a new prescription. You don't have much to lose by buying a full-year supply. Although it can be a higher up-front cost, you'll save money compared to buying one box at a time. 

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Tips to buy contacts online

If you are considering buying contacts online, keep these things in mind to ensure you make a safe purchase.

  • Be sure to have a valid prescription from your eye doctor. Whether you buy in a store or online, a prescription is required to ensure you get the correct prescription strength.
  • Shop around at different online contact retailers to find the best deals and look at customer reviews.
  • Double- and triple-check the details on your order before placing.
  • Make sure you have (or also purchase) all of the care supplies you need to ensure the safety and longevity of your contacts.
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Best online contacts FAQ

Is it cheaper to buy contacts online or from an eye doctor?

Buying contacts online is usually cheaper than purchasing from an eye doctor due to lower overhead costs and frequent discounts. Comparing discounts can help you find the best deal.

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Is 1-800 Contacts legit?

Yes, 1-800 Contacts is a real online retailer. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and all lenses are FDA-approved.

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Are contacts safe to buy online?

Most online retailers that sell contacts are safe. Just be sure that they fill your exact prescription.

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Can I order contacts online with an expired prescription?

No. It is illegal to sell contact lenses to anyone without a valid prescription.

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Do you need a prescription to buy contacts online?

Yes. Contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription for you to purchase them -- either online or in person. Before you start shopping, you'll first need to get an eye exam and contact lens prescription from your optician or optometrist. An eye doctor can help you determine the best prescription lenses for your specific needs, whether that's daily contacts, soft lenses, hard lenses, lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses.

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Can you order contacts online with insurance?

Yes, many of the top online contact lens retailers take insurance. Warby Parker, 1-800 Contacts, ContactsDirect and several other online contact websites accept insurance. Check with your vision insurance provider to see which online retailers they work with.

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What's the best place to buy contacts online?

With so many stores to choose from, how do you pick where to buy your contacts online? Here are some things to consider: 

  • Price: Do some comparison shopping to figure out which store has the best price for your specific lenses. Prices can change often due to sales, promotions and manufacturer rebates, so the store that had the best deal last year might not have the lowest price now.
  • Return policy: Many of the stores above allow you to return unopened boxes of contacts if your prescription changes. Check the terms of the store you're thinking of buying from to understand your options.
  • Insurance coverage: Some online contact lens stores allow you to pay through your vision insurance, but some do not. If that's important to you, look for shops that accept your benefits.
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Is it expensive to buy contacts online?

Contact lenses can be expensive, but you can save money by shopping for contacts online.  

Disposable contacts will cost you more money in the long run than a pair of glasses. For example, Acuvue Oasys, one of the most popular brands of soft lenses, averages around $25 to $40 for a box of 12 lenses at the stores above. That box of 12 is enough for three months (one lens per eye, thrown away every two weeks). That adds up to around $160 per year for contacts. 

The full retail price for a 12-pack of Acuvue Oasys is listed as $103 on Lenscrafters.com, so you stand to save quite a lot of money by shopping around online.

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Can you order specialty contact lenses online?

Yes, some online contact retailers offer specialty lenses. Specialty lenses are designed to address specific vision care needs, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses to correct vision at multiple distances. They may require a more specialized fit tailored to your eye measurements. These sometimes require a contact lens fitting at your doctor's office to get the perfect fit. However, if you have a valid prescription, many online contact lens sites can provide various types of specialty lenses.

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Is it safe to buy cheap contact lenses?

Cheap contacts aren't necessarily worse than their expensive counterparts. So it is okay to pick up a price-conscious pair. However, keep an "eye" out for how they feel during daily wear. If your eyes feel drier than normal or itch more, it might be worth considering an expensive pair.

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