The Best Sunglasses for Every Day, Outdoor Adventures, and More
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When the sun’s out, you should be wearing sunglasses. Whether it’s winter or the sweltering heights of summer on a planet going through a climate change catastrophe, you should be wearing sunglasses. That big ball of fire in the sky is constantly bathing us in harmful ultraviolet light, and over time those UV rays can cause serious harm to your vision. In fact, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration is a simple pair of stylish sunglasses.
We've tested dozens of pairs in our pursuit to find the best, most protective, most innovative sunglasses on the market. To help you decide which ones to buy, we've done the research and broken down which lens coatings you should look for and what they actually do. So here they are, the sunglasses that have impressed us with their style, substance, or technological sophistication.
Don't forget to check out our other outdoor buying guides, including the Best Festival Accessories and the Best Birdwatching Gear.
Updated May 2024: We've added new sunglasses from Eco, removed some old picks, sorted others into the Honorable Mentions and Sunglasses to Avoid sections, and added a new section on lens coatings.
- Photograph: Article One
Our Top Pick
Article One Avalon Active SunglassesWe featured the Article One Avalon in 2023's Wish List. Reviews editor Adrienne So tested them for 6 months and they're versatile for every occasion—whether you're casually hanging out at the river or going for a run or hike. The Avalons are from Article One's Active line for sports. They look like classic, chunky, acetate frames, but they're made from Article One's patented hexetate, which is lighter and more durable.
Rubber nose and ear pads keep them on your face even while hiking up a mountain and the lenses are UV-blocking, anti-glare, and come in both polarized and non-polarized versions. They also have a two-year warranty. These are So's current favorite frames and in fact, after writing this, she has gone to put them on right now.
- Photograph: Amazon
Our Favorite Cheap Sunglasses
Sojos Small Round Classic Polarized SunglassesFancy, expensive sunnies are great until you misplace them. (Or leave them in a chair so a friend accidentally sits on them, and your triple-digit shades shatter—just like your heart.) WIRED reviews editor Parker Hall swears by these cheap sunglasses from Amazon.
After buying and losing multiple pairs of Ray-Bans, he gave these a shot. The Sojos shades look and feel exactly like their much-pricier counterparts. If you’re concerned about their quality, consider that you’re probably just used to drastically overpaying for sunglasses.
★ A Slightly Higher-Priced Alternative: If you want more variety, Goodr makes cheap glasses in cool styles and colors that we've liked for years, like the OGs for $25. However I (Medea) find Goodr frames mostly run small, so if you have a wider face, check out its (so thoughtfully named) section of frames for “huge” heads. I particularly like its flamingo CEO Carl and the brand's general goofy vibes, and it's also a member of 1% for the Planet.
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: Jins
Best Interchangeable Lenses
JINS Switch Sheet 343Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves JINS. He says that even after years of use, the original pair he got in Japan is still pristine. Now he has used and recommends the Switch system—thanks to the tinted, magnetic toppers, you'll have sunglasses when you need them and regular glasses when you don't.
The magnets on each end of the frame are strong. Chokkattu says they never detached until he purposefully took them off, so you don't have to worry about them falling off. When you don't need sunnies, slip them into their little pouch. He says he wished the pink pair he tried had a darker tint, but they still provided adequate protection from the sun.
Full UVA & UVB protection.
- Photograph: Eco
Recycled, Resilient Frames
Eco Belize Polarized SunglassesEco’s Belize sunglasses feature frames made from recycled metal, polarized lenses, and a sturdy, robust build quality. They’re lightweight and comfortable, but there's a heft to them that goes beyond weight, they have substance. They've survived being tossed around in my bag for a few months now, without ever bending, warping, or breaking.
The slightly blue-tinted lenses themselves do an excellent job of keeping my sensitive eyes comfortable in bright sunlight, without making everything too dim. Plus, the polarization completely eliminates reflected light, so when you’re at the beach the water becomes almost fully transparent.
Full UVA & UVB protection
- Photograph: Ray-Ban
Smart Sunglasses for Early Adopters
Ray-Ban Meta Smart GlassesMeta’s next generation of Ray-Ban sunglasses (6/10 WIRED Review) are less bulky than the previous iteration, and they’ve smoothed out some of the other design kinks. They're still mostly a curiosity for the die-hard early adopter, but there are some interesting ideas at work here and these ones actually do their job pretty well, by keeping that job as simple as possible.
These Ray Bans feature built-in cameras so you can shoot photos and videos using just your glasses. According to Matt Kamen, who reviewed the glasses for WIRED, composing a photo or video can be pretty hard since the cameras aren't exactly where your eyes are, and you don't get a viewfinder. But the audio quality is surprisingly solid. The frames beam crisp, clear audio directly into your ears, with very minimal leakage.
They're comfortable, surprisingly feature-rich, and have audio quality good enough to replace your earbuds, so if you're interested in getting a taste of what the future might hold for smart glasses, the Ray Bans are some of the best yet.
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: Maho
For Biking and Running
Maho Tulum SunglassesMaho makes lots of attractive shade styles, but Tulum is our top pick. The round lenses are flattering, and the glasses are super lightweight, less than 7 ounces. The best part, though, is the Zuma fit and retention system (which is also baked into other styles).
The nose pads and earpieces feature grooved thermoplastic sections, which use Van der Waals forces to become grippier on wet surfaces. The sweatier you are, the more secure the sunglasses will be. They don’t slide down your nose or work themselves toward the ground when you’re running; they stay put. Maho has a warranty that covers damage for a flat $40—weirdly, it's not valid if you purchased the glasses for more than a 40 percent discount.
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: Hump Optics
Nigh-Unbreakable Sunglasses
Humps Optics Whiskey Tango SunglassesWhen Hump Optics emailed us about its indestructible Memory Metal sunglasses, there was only one way to test it. Contributing editor Chris Haslam gave them to his 9-year-old and told her to break them. She squashed, prised, and pulled at the arms and did her best to bend them, but true to their promise, they just boinged back into shape. Yes, an adult could snap them if they were feeling particularly malicious, but it would require contorting them beyond any real-life scenario.
Breakability aside, they have a classic aviator shape and polarized lenses. While they don't look especially premium, they're ideal for clumsy types, especially for the price. The brand also has recycled plastic designs at similarly low prices, and the hinges have all been stress-tested for durability, though we haven't tested those ones. Let’s call it Clumsy Couture.
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: Spy Optic
For the ’80s Barbie Dreamers
Spy Optic Monolith SunglassesI (Louryn) liked every style I tried from this brand, but this model was my absolute favorite. I feel like an ’80s-tastic hybrid of Malibu Barbie and the Terminator every time I wear them. The frames are lightweight, sturdy, and colorfast. Medea lovingly calls her Flynn 50/50 frames her Danny McBride glasses.
Spy Optic’s Happy Boost lenses make colors more vivid and, purportedly, help boost your mood. We couldn't empirically test that claim, but we could definitely see clearly, and they're great for driving. Not every color has Happy Boost, so look for the HB logo.
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: Tens
Instagram Filters IRL
Tens SunglassesTens sunglasses are all about the ~vibes~. Developed by photographers, the lenses are available in five styles, all tinted to apply a filter to your field of view. The Original adds warmth, while Boulevard makes pink and violet hues pop.
An important caveat is that the Tens are not polarized. That means they're not a great pick for driving, snowboarding, or boating. They also don't filter out as much light as traditional sunglasses. But they look cool on your face, and they make everything look infinitely cooler without drastically altering what you see. Each lens comes in multiple style options.
Full UVA & UVB protection.
- Photograph: Pit Viper
The Cutest Heart Sunnies
Pit Viper Admirer SunglassesPit Viper is known for its wide-coverage winter sport eyewear, but the brand also has a long catalog of fun, oversize glasses à la the Tifosi and Spy Optic options on this list. My favorites, though, are the Admirer heart-shaped glasses—I have them in black—because they're cute and fit my wide face without being over the top or nonfunctional.
I'm also a sucker for the brand's old-school computer graphic website that has menus called “other crap” where you'll find hats that say “FUCK SEAWORLD.” That one is currently in my shopping cart.
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: MessyWeekend
Mid-Priced Marvels
Messy Weekend Billie Crystal Green SunglassesWith its large collection of achingly stylish sunnies, as well as an active line, Copenhagen-based Messy Weekend has been all over Instagram feeds for some time now. When senior editor Jeremy White recently lost his old, beloved clear-frame sunglasses, he went in search of replacements, tried many pairs, and eventually found that MW's best-selling Billie was an ideal successor that doesn't break the bank.
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: Rheos
These Sunglasses Float
Rheos Floating SunglassesSweat-resistant glasses are important, but if you're bopping around in lakes or pools, you'll want sunglasses that won't sink to the bottom if they fall off. The polarized glasses in the Rheos x Southern Tide collection will stay at the surface. Plus they're treated with a hydrophobic coating to repel water while you swim. We tried the Faris frames, but between the six frames available and multiple color combinations for each, we think there’s a pair for every person and style. (You could also just put a neck strap on your old pair.)
Full UVA and UVB protection.
- Photograph: Ombraz
No Arms
Ombraz Armless SunglassesAlways losing your glasses or have a vendetta against plastic arms? I've seen a few fancy chain-arm designs floating around on TikTok, but Ombraz has a recycled Nylon cord that meets in the back with two strong beads. You pull the beads to tighten the fit and pull the cord to loosen it, but it shouldn't ever come apart. That way, when you aren't wearing them, you can let them dangle around your neck.
They're surprisingly comfortable and sturdy, with polarized lenses. I just wish they had cuter designs. These are a little 1970s.
The company plants 20 trees for every pair of sunglasses sold andis part of sustainability nonprofit 1% for the Planet.
Full UVA & UVB protection.
- Photograph: Ampere
Electrochromic Tint-Changing Lenses
Ampere Dusk SunglassesWith these Dusk glasses, you can change tint levels to match your surroundings. That's nice, especially when driving. A button on the left arm cycles through tints, and if you connect them to the app you can get even more precise with exactly how dark you want them.
There's built-in audio too, and it sounds good considering it's coming from sunglass arms. But they're very expensive and look reminiscent of the 3D glasses of the early ’00s. There is also now a Dusk Sport for $399.
★ More Audio Sunglasses: Lucyd sunglasses don't have adjustable tints, but they have speakers and microphones packed into their little arms. Plus, they look better, offer more frame options, and are less expensive.
Full UVA & UVB protection.
Photograph: Betsey JohnsonHonorable Mentions
Honorable MentionsWe’ve tried so many sunglasses that not every pair can take a top spot. Here are some of the many pairs we've tested over the years that didn’t quite make the cut:
Sunglasses Under $100
- Pair Sunglasses for $60: Pair uses magnets for swapping styles, except you can change just the frame rather than adding sun shades to prescription glasses (even though you can do that too, if you want!).
- Betsey Johnson for $38: We love all the accessories from this brand. They’re unique and fun, with heart shapes and butterfly accents, but they’re still wearable.
- Le Specs Neptune Deux for $89: These are perfect classic sunglasses that feel well-made and come with a carrying pouch. This brand has a ton of options for men and women, including a line of “alt fits” designed for those with wide faces, high cheekbones, or low nose bridges.
- Tifosi Rail Sunglasses for $80: These affordable sport sunglasses aren't polarized, but apart from that they're solid. They won’t fog when you’re running, and the lenses are interchangeable. The nose pads and earpieces repel water so the glasses stay put in sweaty conditions.
Sunglasses Over $100
- Messy Weekend Sunglasses for $110: With its large collection of achingly stylish sunnies, as well as an active line, Copenhagen-based Messy Weekend has been all over Instagram feeds for some time now. When senior editor Jeremy White recently lost his old, beloved clear-frame sunglasses, he went in search of replacements, tried many pairs, and eventually found that MW’s best-selling Billie was an ideal successor that doesn't break the bank.
- Cubitts Cruikshank for $165: For straight-up sunglasses with style, the Cruishank has all bases covered. Available in three sizes and 14 frame color options, the bold style with straight arms suits a wide range of head and nose shapes without ever feeling (overly) ostentatious. Cubitts also offers a two-year warranty and a frame tune-up after a year, plus the ability to repair.
- SunGod Zephyrs for $140: F1 fans might expect Mclaren driver Lando Norris to boast a pair of $1,000 shades, but he actually wears these sleek round-ish glasses that WIRED associate editor Parker Hall also loves. WIRED UK contributing editor Chris Haslam also recommends the Tokas for $90 which are light and universally flattering with superb clarity.
- Dragon Billie LL for $140: I tried a few Dragon glasses, but these look the best if you just want classic understated but still chic frames. They fit my wide face too.
- Vincero The Villa for $99: These are another classic, sleek pair of sunglasses. There are a few other simple frames available, and Vincero is a carbon-neutral company.
- Roka Oslo 2.0 for $165: Adrienne So loves these glasses. Like the Maho Tulum sunglasses above, the sweatier you get, the more these stick to your face. Plus they weigh just 0.67 ounces. Haslam also loves Roka's Falcon Titanium frames for $290. They're just as light and don't slip while he's working out.
- Costa Del Mar Lido Sunglasses for $234: These glasses have an unfortunate price, but they're solid. WIRED senior reviewer Scott Gilbertson says that despite seeing Costa sunglasses in every fishing store, he'd never tried them until now, and he's “regretting all those years I ignored them." These Lido frames he's been using are tack sharp and polarized to reduce glare on the water. His wife loves the Calderas too.
Photograph: TifosiLet’s Talk Lens Coatings
The FactsLike any eyeglasses, different sunglasses offer different coatings that can dramatically change the way they protect your eyes and how you perceive the world around you. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of coatings and how they work.
AntireflectiveA common coating on eyeglasses, an antireflective coating reduces the amount of light that reflects off of your glasses on both sides of the lens. This increases the overall light transmission of your lenses, which is especially important for prescription lenses. This coating might reduce some environmental glare (reflections off water), but the primary purpose is to improve light transmission and reduce glare off of the lenses themselves.
Polarized LensesYou'll see polarized lenses on a lot of sunglasses designed for various sports, but they're a great option for anyone spending a lot of time out in the sun (or in the snow!). Polarized lenses filter light in such a way that they dramatically reduce or eliminate the appearance of bright light reflecting off of just about any shiny surface (like water, ice, snow, glass, or metal). Through polarized lenses, the world around you looks a bit sharper, and a bit dimmer than you might expect. They do make electronic screens look pretty weird though.
Preventing this light from entering your eyes helps protect them in these very bright environments, but polarized lenses do not automatically provide protection against UV light, so make sure you look for a label that lists UV protection. Every pair of polarized lenses on this list provides both layers of protection.
UV ProtectionSunglasses should be protecting your eyes from more than just bright light. They should be protecting them against ultraviolet light as well. UV exposure is generally just something to avoid and protect against. It contributes to long-term vision problems that include cataracts and some eye cancers. The American Academy of Opthalmology strongly recommends UV protection for your eyes.
The right coating or materials can provide near-complete protection from UV light. Polycarbonate lenses offer protection from UV light without an extra coating, but you should always look look for a sticker that says “100 percent UV protection,” or UV400 protection, to confirm that your sunglasses’ UV protection factor has been tested. All of the sunglasses on this list provide 100 percent UV protection.
Photograph: AviewSunglasses to Avoid
Even Style Couldn't Save These FramesNot every pair of sunglasses we test stands up to rigorous scrutiny. While they might look great online, in person, every one of the frames on this list missed the mark in some way or another that makes them hard to recommend.
- Aview Sunglasses for $75: These interchangeable-lens sunglasses use lenses that slide in and out of the frames, but after a while the slot holding the lenses started to loosen a bit for us. The lenses never fell out, but they did jostle around quite a bit after a while.
