The 15 Best Sunglasses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall for Women

Raen Keera Sunglasses

View On Raen.com

Our Ratings

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

Ladies searching for the perfect sunnies may well find them in Raen’s Keera sunglasses, which scored top marks in all our testing categories. We loved the look of the blocky acetate frame, which falls somewhere between '90s rectangular and retro cat-eye. We felt the oversized, angled shape was hugely flattering and easy to style to suit any season or event. The sunglasses feature ultra-clear CR-39 lenses with a four-base curve (ideal for everyday use) and 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. We particularly liked that they aren’t too dark, because while they block all glare, you can still wear them inside or in the shade. 

The five-barrel hinges feel very stable and secure, while the arms are easy to fold and unfold. We felt that the overall design was sturdy and likely to last many years—making the mid-range price tag even more reasonable. The glasses fit both of our testers securely and were comfortable on the bridge of the nose, around the side of the head, and behind the ears. They come in a range of different frames and color combinations to suit all styles and complexions (from Coral Tortoise with a Dark Smoke lens to Marina with a Teal Gradient Mirror lens). Whichever you choose, your purchase comes with a premium hard case and polishing cloth.

Size: 54 millimeters | UVA/UVB protection: Yes | Polarized: No

Best Overall for Women, Runner-Up

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

The Indy Nolita sunglasses feature an acetate frame with a subtle cat-eye shape that scored major points with our testers for retro uniqueness. We felt that the glasses were easy to dress up or down. With wider-than-average arms that hold their place at any angle, they’re reassuringly sturdy yet also light enough to be incredibly comfortable. Both of our testers found that they fit perfectly with zero pinching behind the ears and a weight so well-balanced it was easy to forget they were there. 

With no nose pads, the glasses won’t get stuck in your hair when propped on your head. They’re polarized and passed our polarization test with flying colors. We tested the Tortoiseshell colorway and loved the increased vibrancy and contrast created by the warm-toned tint. Best of all, the glasses are reasonably priced, especially considering how stylish and well-made they are. Our testers both commented that they expected them to cost more. Our only wish is that there could be more than one size and two colors to choose from. 

Size: 52.6 millimeters | UVA/UVB protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Budget for Women

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

Retailing for an affordable price, you really can’t go wrong with the I-SEA All Aboard sunglasses if you’re looking for a budget pair to throw in your purse just in case. The price tag is particularly impressive given their relatively decent construction and cute aesthetic (we loved the pearl finish on the frame and the retro circular lens shape). Having said that, they’re definitely a fashion accessory intended for casual city strolls or days on the beach rather than for any strenuous sport. 

They are flimsier than other pairs we tried, and the high-shine, faux gold finish on the bridge bar looks a little cheap. However, with some care, we feel they could last a long time, with scratch-resistant lenses, three-barrel stainless steel hinges, and arms that unfold easily and stay in place when open. The sunglasses’ lightness also means they’re comfortable to wear, and you can adjust the nose pads for a customizable fit. The polarization passed our tests, while color options range from Ocean Pearl with a Smoke lens to Moss with a Green lens.

Size: 55 millimeters | UVA/UVB protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Polarized for Women

Randolph Elinor Fusion Polarized Sunglasses

View On Randolphusa.com View On Framesdirect.com

Our Ratings

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

If you have the budget to spare, the Elinor Fusion sunglasses from Randolph offer iconic Jackie O-style frames inlaid with premium Italian acetate and paired with rose gold or gold-plated hardware. It's details like these that set them apart as a truly high-end option, making them look so good on or off that our tester felt like a badass wearing them! Despite their high-quality feel, they are also delicate, so it’s important to protect them using the included hard case whenever you’re not wearing them. 

The hinges are sturdy and help to keep the arms in place at any angle. There are seven colorways to choose from, including several different lens tints and gradients, ranging from natural American Gray to warm Cape Sand. All offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, with Vector Anti-Reflective and Blue Wave lens technology. Some are also polarized, including the pair we tried, which passed our test easily and gave relief to our tester’s sensitive eyes. Finally, the fit was flawless, and there’s an option for personal engraving. 

Size: 57 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Value Polarized for Women

Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses

View On Shopeleventh.com

Our Ratings

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

If you’re looking for polarized sunglasses that won’t break the bank, the Eleventh Hour Essential sunglasses retail for almost a quarter of the cost of the Elinor Fusions. Despite their budget price point, the acetate frame has a great weight to it, the hinges are reliable, and the thicker-than-average arms feel sturdy and hold their angle well. The sunnies offer 100 percent defense against UVA and UVB rays, while the polarization eliminates the need to squint in bright light and is very great at protecting our light-sensitive eyes. 

We found that the glasses fit perfectly and were eminently comfortable, even without nose pads (so much so that one of our testers completely forgot they were wearing them). They stay securely in place, and they look good, too, with a subtle cat-eye shape that’s both classic and fun—an effect enhanced by gold metal accents. They are intentionally oversized, which may be a pro or a con, depending on your style. Choose from six colorways with various lens tints ranging from Gray to Rose Gold Mirror, all with a protective case and cleaning cloth.

Size: 52 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Overall for Men

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

Raen took the top spot for men’s sunglasses, too, this time with the Aren model with its angular acetate frame and slightly narrow fit. A four-base curve makes them ideal for everyday use; however, with a contemporary take on a classic shape, they’re far from ordinary. We loved the style and thought they looked great on or off. We liked that they made a statement without being too flashy and appreciated their overall lightness. They’re also sturdy, with five-barrel hinges and a wire core embedded in each temple for strength. 

We found that there was a slight resistance when unfolding the arms—a pro because it gave us confidence in the hinges and their ability to hold the arms in place at any angle. The polarized CR-39 lenses offer superior clarity and glare elimination, while the level of tinting is just right. As for fit, both our testers found the sunglasses secure and flawlessly comfortable, even after several hours of wear. They come with a premium hard case and polishing cloth in colors ranging from Clear with a Polarized Blue Smoke lens to Honey with a Green Polarized lens.

Size: 53 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Overall for Men, Runner-Up

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

The Ombraz Classics sunglasses are a game changer, swapping traditional arms for a marine-grade cord made from abrasion-resistant Japanese nylon. This means no more pinching or worrying about broken hinges, while the cord’s adjustability allows you to tighten the sunglasses so that they’re almost like ski goggles for sports or loosen them to wear around your neck when not needed. We found that they never slipped and felt weightless when the cord was adjusted to the perfect tension. 

The glasses have just the right level of tint to work as well on overcast days as they do in full sunshine. They’re also incredibly good quality, with aerospace-grade TR-90 frames and German-engineered scratch- and smudge-resistant lenses. Our tester has owned a pair for more than two years and despite near-constant use, has yet to see any signs of wear and tear. The glasses come in regular or narrow fit, with a choice of three frame colors and several lens options (including polarized, non-polarized, blue-light blocking, and prescription).

Size: 55.2 millimeters, 58.4 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Budget for Men

Knockaround Premiums Sport Sunglasses

View On Amazon $38 View On Backcountry.com $27 View On Dick's $35

Our Ratings

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

The Knockaround Premiums Sport sunglasses cost one-fifth of the price of our top pick for men, and with sturdy construction and effective polarization, we think they’re exceptionally good value. We liked that although the matte black frames are not particularly groundbreaking in terms of style, they go well with all occasions and look good on. They’re made of super light polycarbonate, which makes them comfortable on the ears and nose. We enjoyed the fit and found we could easily wear them for extended periods of time. 

Rubberized nose pads help to keep the sunglasses securely in place, even when sweating or bending over. The arms unfold easily and maintain their angles well, and we appreciated the cool tint, which cuts glare effectively without being too dark. The lenses offer UV400 protection and are FDA-approved for impact resistance. The downsides? They’re only available in one color (black), and the included protective case is soft rather than hard, which offers a little less protection if you plan on traveling with them.

Size: 54 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Budget for Men, Runner-Up

Huckberry Weekenders

View On Amazon View On Huckberry $39

Our Ratings

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

The Huckberry Weekenders are advertised as a sporty, lightweight update of the iconic Wayfarer frame; however, we felt that there was nothing particularly special or eye-catching about their look. Rather, they’re perfect as standard, reliable frames to chuck in your bag for everyday use. We were shocked by their incredibly affordable price tag, given the quality of their construction, with heavy-duty plastic frames, scratch-resistant lenses, and arms that stay securely in place. 

The fit is meant to be snug, and we appreciated that the glasses never slipped or fell off. We found them comfortable for long periods of time, with no pinching or pressure for anyone despite our testers’ different head shapes. The sunglasses offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and are polarized for a noticeably crisper, more contrasted view of the world. We loved the level of tinting, which blocked all intense sun and glare without being too dark. There are seven colors, from Tortoise frames with Forest lenses to Matte Orange frames with Amber lenses.

Size: 50.8 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best Value

Tifosi Swank Polarized Sunglasses

View On Tifosioptics.com

We think the Tifosi Swank polarized sunglasses offer amazing value for money, costing just enough that you can rely on the quality of the build but not so much that it’s the end of the world if you lose or break them. They’re intended as a lightweight all-rounder with a typical frame shape that may not win any particular style points; and yet, we actually like the less-is-more approach since it’s subtle enough to go with everything and look good on anyone. The sunnies are sturdy, with strong arms that unfold easily and hold their angle well. 

In particular, we like the non-slip fit, reinforced by hydrophilic nose pads that grip even when you’re sweaty. One of our testers appreciated that this kept the glasses in place while taking his swing on the golf course. The fit is likely to be perfect for those with narrower faces, although wider faces may find that the bridge pinches after a few hours of wear. Finally, the lenses are made of shatterproof, scratch-resistant polycarbonate with an embedded polarized layer, which we found excluded glare well. There are more than 20 colorways to choose from. 

Size: 51 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

Best for Hiking

Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop

View On Backcountry.com $114 View On Dick's $179 View On Nordstrom $189

Our Ratings

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

If you’re a keen hiker, the Smith Caper sunglasses with ChromaPop belong to your favorite hiking gear. They boast a slight butterfly shape that’s universally flattering for men and women, while also offering increased coverage for maximum sun protection. The bio-based material is lightweight (for all-day comfort) but also extremely durable. Our tester has owned a pair for six months and has yet to see any signs of wear and tear despite treating them quite roughly. Our tester loves that the non-slip nose pads are flush with the frame, so they don’t leave marks or tangle in your hair. 

Other features include AutoLock hinges for one-handed on-and-off and arms that give enough to accommodate different face shapes while remaining so secure you never have to worry about the sunglasses falling off. The polarization guarantees comfort even on super bright days, while the ChromaPop enhances contrast and boosts color so that the scenery around you looks even more beautiful. Lenses are also smudge- and moisture-resistant with an anti-reflective coating. There are four colors to choose from, with an option for prescription lenses.

Size: 53 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes

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

Warby Parker’s Barkley sunglasses offer an amazing level of customization for prescription wearers. First, pick the frame that best fits your face (choices include medium, wide, or extra wide, with an option for a low bridge fit as well). Then, in addition to non-prescription lenses, you can choose single-vision prescription lenses, progressive lenses that correct all three fields of vision simultaneously, or reading lenses for a little extra magnification. All lenses are scratch-resistant, and all but the non-prescription are polarized. 

Thinner lenses are available for strong prescriptions, and depending on your choices, lens colors range from brown to green or violet gradient. We enjoyed the level of tinting, finding that it cut brightness effectively without losing any clarity. We also liked that these frames are made of sustainable, biodegradable cellulose acetate with durable Akulon-coated screws. The arms unfold easily and stay open at any angle, while the fit is comfortable and secure. Finally, the classic frame shape and color choices look good on men and women.

Size: 54 millimeters, 58 millimeters, 59 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Optional

Best for Running and Cycling

Oakley RadarLock Path Sunglasses

View On Amazon $232 View On Walmart $143 View On Nordstrom $293

Our Ratings

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

Available in regular or low bridge fit, the RadarLock Path sunglasses from Oakley are intended as a performance choice for athletes. The main feature is Switchlock Technology, which allows you to change lenses quickly and easily to suit current light conditions. There are many compatible lenses to choose from, including Prizm lenses for enhanced color, contrast, and detail; polarized lenses that block horizontal light; and Iridium lenses for improved depth perception. In particular, this changeability gives the upper edge to competitive athletes.

The frames are also compatible with Oakley’s prescription lenses. All lenses are treated for optimum impact protection. The lightweight O Matter frame features a wraparound style that we found great for blocking out the wind when cycling; while the Unobtainium nose pads were among the most comfortable we’ve ever worn. They increase grip as you sweat, so you never have to worry about slippage. We found them superbly comfortable and felt that the quality of the sunglasses’ build helped justify their high price tag.

Size: XL | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Optional

Best for Fishing

Bajio Calda Sunglasses

View On Bajiosunglasses.com

The Bajio Caldas sunglasses offer a classic silhouette with a slightly trendier aesthetic than many sports glasses, making them a flattering choice for men and women. We love the bio-based nylon frames, which are as durable as they are lightweight. Having said that, our tester has owned a pair for almost two years and says that the arms no longer hold their angle as securely as they used to. Nevertheless, our tester loves the fit, finding them comfortable even after many hours on the water, with soft rubber contact points that add grip when wet. 

You can choose polycarbonate or glass lenses according to your preference and budget. Either way, they’re polarized with proprietary technology that reduces glare and blue light transmission—helping to eliminate eye strain and also making it much easier to see fish and obstacles under the water. Expect your casting game to improve significantly! There are four frame colors to choose from, from Black Matte to Coral Gloss. Lens colors vary from Copper to Blue Mirror to suit different water conditions and times of day, with seven options in total.

Size: 56 millimeters | UVA/UVB Protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes