The 13 Best Sunglasses for UV Protection, Tested and Reviewed

Best Men’s Overall

Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses

View On Amazon $160 View On Glassesusa.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  4.7/5

Why We Recommend It

We loved the Raen Aren Sunglasses for men’s sunglasses that are secure enough to stay in place but comfortable enough to wear all day long. With a noticeable but sophisticated style and a mid-range price for high-quality sunglasses, the Aren was an easy pick for the best overall sunglasses in our testing.

We wore them hiking, on vacation, and while biking to work, and they never once slipped out of place or pinched above the nose or ears, no matter how long we wore them. They’re clearly constructed well, too—we noticed that the hinges were strong and durable. While the greenish-gray polarized lenses give them extra fashion points, they also protect our eyes from the sun outdoors. We recommend them to anyone who wants high-performing sunglasses that also look stylish.

Keep in Mind

They're a bit pricier than other picks and don't unfold easily.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 18 mm}

Best Women’s Overall

Indy Nolita Sunglasses

View On Indysunglasses.com View On Tillys.com View On Freepeople.com $79

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Why We Recommend It

We were surprised how often we reached for the Indy Nolita sunglasses in our testing—over and over, this was the pair we grabbed when heading out for a walk or drive. They were some of the most comfortable sunglasses we’ve ever worn, with wide arms that never pinched, a snug fit that never slid out of place, and warm-tinted lenses that are not only polarized but did a great job blocking sunlight and reducing glare. They have a feminine, slight cat-eye shape and were so stylish we were surprised at the price point, especially considering they're stylish and durable. These comfortable and on-trend sunglasses are a true steal.

Keep in Mind

They're only available in one size and have limited frame colors.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm}

Best Men’s Budget

Knockaround Premiums Sport Sunglasses

View On Amazon $38 View On Knockaround.com View On REI $35

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  4.5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Why We Recommend It

We won’t judge you if you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of sunglasses, especially if you’re wearing the Knockaround Premiums Sport sunglasses. This pair surprised us in testing with its durability and overall value.

We wore these when driving and going on long walks and had no issues with slipping, pinching, or general fit. They were lightweight but secure, and while they don’t necessarily scream “trendy” with their basic black frames and black lenses, they’re a good choice for anyone who doesn't want to draw attention to themselves with their eyewear. With their neutral style, polarized lenses, and low price point, we recommend them to anyone looking for a workhorse pair of sunglasses they can stock up on. 

Keep in Mind

The logo is printed on the lenses, which some may not stylistically prefer.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Polycarbonate | Lens Width: 54 mm | Bridge Width: 19 mm}

Best Women's Budget

I-Sea All Aboard Polarized Sunglasses

View On I-sea.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  4.5/5
• Quality
  4.5/5
• Appearance
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.8/5

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for sunglasses that will help you stand out in a crowd, we thought the I-SEA All Aboard Sunglasses were one of the more flashy options we tested. Their low cost makes them a great budget pick for those times when you need a truly stylish pair of lenses to go with an outfit. We liked that these sunglasses were comfortable and mostly stayed in place. These glasses had a distinct style that we found retro and funky, so if that’s the look you’re going for, this pair is a budget-friendly way to get it.

Keep in Mind

One of our editors thought they were a little big for their face and had to adjust the arms. We also noticed they were flimsier than some of the other pairs we tested and that some of the finishings (like the pearlized lenses and fake gold nose bridge) were clearly made of lower-quality materials, making the glasses look cheap overall.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Metal | Lens Width: 55 mm | Bridge Width: 22 mm}

Best Unisex

Persol PO3292S Sunglasses

View On Persol.com View On Sunglasshut.com View On Glassesusa.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Why We Recommend It

With a unique square shape that could suit men’s or women’s faces, the Persol PO3292S sunglasses are an investment that might be totally worth it. In testing, we found these sunglasses perform well—reducing glare, staying in place, and going everywhere with us easily—and have a luxurious, high-quality look and feel everyone could fall in love with.

Though there were many things about these sunglasses we loved, their overall design truly stood out: the functional, polarized lenses are paired with timeless acetate frames in multiple colors and stylish silver hinges for a look that’s clearly luxury but not ostentatious. While pricey, these sunglasses could last you a lifetime (assuming you can keep them all to yourself, which is debatable, given how good they look on anyone). 

Keep in Mind

They had a more narrow fit that may not be suitable for wider faces.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 50 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm}

Best Polarized

Féroce Heather Sunglasses

View On Feroceeyewear.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue $145

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Performance
  4.3/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  4.3/5

Why We Recommend It

The trendy frame shape, gradient, and polarized lenses of the Féroce Heather sunglasses make this pair the perfect blend of style and function. Although these lenses are darker at the top than the bottom, they still block a ton of light and reduce glare.

We also thought these were a pretty weighty pair of glasses. They were clearly durable and made a statement on our faces. The detailing really stood out—they looked like much more expensive sunglasses and gave us edgy vibes. When you combine that with the fact that you can snag these sunglasses in a bunch of different colored frames and matching lenses, you’re getting a serious dose of style with your eye protection here.

Keep in Mind

Sometimes, we thought they were maybe even a bit too dark, but the light tinting at the bottom helped keep your vision clear. One of our editors thought they felt heavy after a few hours of wear.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 51 mm | Bridge Width: 18 mm}

Best Prescription

Warby Parker Barkley Sunglasses

View On Warbyparker.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  4.7/5
• Quality
  4.5/5
• Appearance
  4.7/5
• Value
  5/5

Why We Recommend It

People who wear prescription eyeglasses need sun protection, too, and we loved the way the Warby Parker Barkley glasses fused style, comfort, and function. With a lightweight, durable construction and roomy but secure fit, we forgot we were even wearing these sunglasses; we also had no trouble adjusting them as needed. The classic design makes them unisex and wearable in nearly any environment.

We were impressed at the eco-friendliness of these glasses since the frames are made from biodegradable acetate. These are a great middle-of-the-road option for prescription sunglasses.

Keep in Mind

We had some overall concerns about the longevity of these sunglasses, as they sometimes felt a bit cheap.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 54 mm | Bridge Width: 17 mm}

Best for Running

Oakley RadarLock Path Sunglasses

View On Amazon $232 View On Walmart $143 View On Oakley.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

Why We Recommend It

Oakley sunglasses are synonymous with outdoor activities, and the Oakley RadarLock Path didn’t disappoint us on that front: their wraparound design blocked out the wind while we were biking and walking in sun, wind, and rain, plus they did a great job of reducing glare while maintaining clear visibility. 

Dr. Wachler noted that the wraparound frame here is a selling point, providing extra protection against the elements that outdoor athletes should look for in sunglasses. We also had zero complaints about their durability or functionality—they felt sturdy and flexible and stayed in place throughout all our movements—and thought everything from the soft, grippy nose pads to the wide iridescent lenses made these an endlessly comfortable and functional pair of sunglasses for outdoor activity. 

Keep in Mind

They're a very masculine-looking pair, which may not be for everyone. Also, they're costly, and at times, it felt like it was due to the name brand itself versus the glasses.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Nylon | Lens Width: 38 mm | Bridge Width: 131 mm}

Best for Driving

Randolph USA Aviator Matte Chrome Sunglasses

View On Amazon $259 View On Randolphusa.com View On Smartbuyglasses.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.3/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Why We Recommend It

If you spend a lot of time driving, you need a pair of sunglasses that reduces glare but maintains a crisp, clear image for maximum visibility—and the Randolph USA Aviator Matte Chrome did exactly that in our testing, making them our best for driving pick. In both the green and blue tints we tested, these polarized lenses preserved the color of our environment well while still managing to block sunlight, which is optimal for safe driving. These sunglasses are even appropriate for pilots, and military-grade materials are used for the lenses.

In addition, they were comfortable and extremely durable, with the classic aviator appearance. The metal frame was lightweight but sturdy and could be adjusted without feeling flimsy. We also appreciated the bayonet-style arms, which don’t curve behind the ears but maintain a straight line for easy placement and removal.

Keep in Mind

They are pretty expensive, so they might be best reserved for people who spend a lot of their day driving versus a more casual user.

^{Key Specs:} 
_{Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Chrome | Lens Width: 55 mm | Bridge Width: 20 mm}

Best UV Protection

Covry Merak Sunglasses

View On Shopcovry.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Performance
  4.3/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5

Why We Recommend It

The Covry Merak sunglasses feature super dark lenses with superior light blocking. They are a fashion-forward way to get 100% UV protection. Our testers found they did an excellent job blocking sunlight and glare while driving and walking outside. They liked the frames' translucent plastic, clean design, and angular style. These would be a worthwhile pair for people with low bridges that blend style, affordability, and function.

Keep in Mind

These are designed for people with low bridges, so ensure they fit your face correctly. Neither of the editors who wore these sunglasses had low bridges, so they had issues with the glasses fitting too tightly and awkwardly.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: No | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 51 mm | Bridge Width: 19 mm}

Best for Sports

Ombraz Classics Polarized Sunglasses

View On Ombraz.com $160 View On Lensandframe.co View On Huckberry $140

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Why We Recommend It

We wore the armless Ombraz Classics Polarized sunglasses while doing pretty much every major outdoor activity—hiking, backpacking, running, paddleboarding, swimming—and they didn’t disappoint us once, so we can’t think of a single pair of sunglasses we would recommend more highly than these for sports enthusiasts. That armless design (the glasses tighten with a durable cord around the back of your head) means they can be tightened as needed, depending on your activity level, and there’s one less breakable piece to worry about no matter how extreme your sports.

In addition to flexibility, we loved the comfort and fit of these glasses; they didn’t cause any long-term fatigue with wear, and even though they felt mostly weightless when fitted correctly, they never slid out of place. They’re definitely different in appearance and style. Still, the polarized, UV-protecting lenses do a great job blocking sunlight and reducing glare in all types of weather, further cementing them as a top choice for anyone who spends their downtime being active outdoors.

Keep in Mind

The lenses got dirty rather quickly, and the distinct style may not be for everyone.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm}

Best for Hiking

Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop

View On Smithoptics.com View On Backcountry.com $114 View On Publiclands.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Appearance
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Why We Recommend It

Even though the Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop aren’t specifically made for hiking, we wore them on the trail during testing, the river for kayaking and the road while driving! We found them to hold up extremely well to the elements, including sun, snow, and sweat. No matter what type of activity we were doing, these sunglasses stayed put and were comfortable on the nose and ears.

Moreover, the Caper sunglasses were subjected to a fair amount of abuse in their travels and never showed any signs of damage (yes, you can throw them in your pack without a second thought). They reduced the glare from snow and cut down eye strain. Finally, the Chromapop feature of the lenses, which is designed to enhance natural colors, truly does work—our editor said the world looks more vivid and beautiful behind the lenses, which should make any hiking aficionado happy about hitting the trail with them on their face. 

Keep in Mind

They're somewhat narrow-fitting which won't be best for wider faces.

^{Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Polymer | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 19 mm}