Top 3 Round Sunglasses (and Options for Prescription Lenses)
If you’re looking to expand your sunglass collection by adding a bit of sophistication and vintage flair, round sunglasses are the way to go. And for the glasses wearers out there, we also have options for you. Here are our top three polished picks to protect your peepers year-round.
Full Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you see something you like, click the link, and make a purchase, we may receive a commission. But this post is NOT sponsored and we paid for these sunglasses out of our own pocket. And the prices listed were accurate at the time of publication.
Best for Prescription Lenses: Warby Parker Garrison
The Warby Parker Garrison frames have ultra-thin acetate coils to give it a distinguished look. We really like the eye-catching gold frame with green lenses. But if you lean more towards silver, the oak barrel details really make it unique.
Prescription Lenses Option: Yes
Warby Parker is the king of ordering prescription eyewear online. Its process is seamless and incredibly convenient. We’ve even ordered blue-light blocking sunglasses in a pandemic and prescription sunglasses without ever leaving the house.
After you place your order, you’ll need to submit a valid prescription. And if you don’t have one, Warby offers a quick and easy way to renew an expired one for $15 in about 5 minutes through its virtual vision test.
Keep in mind that prescription polarized lenses are only available in gray. That means if you’re holding your breath for the gold frame and ivy lens pairing with prescription lenses, you won’t get it.
So we’re currently rocking the gold frame with gray lenses and we’re in love.
Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a pair of Warby Parker round sunglasses:
Frames: $195
Polarized non-prescription lenses: Free
Sunglasses case and lens cloth: Free
Shipping: Free
The total comes out to $195. Polarized prescription lenses cost $80, which brings the total cost to $275.
Warby Parker also offers a 30-day, hassle-free return or exchange policy and they’ll replace your lenses for free if they get scratched within the first year. Plus you can stop by any Warby Parker store to get the frames fitted to your face for free.
Best for Customization: Ray-Ban Round Metal
Is anything more iconic than Ray-Ban? We love the curved brow bar and subtle branding of these circular frames. But the best part is that Ray-Ban offers a plethora of options so you get the perfect pair.
You’ll be able to choose:
Color choices. Browse eight frame and lens color options that range from gold to gunmetal and bronze. (Some colors feature G-15 lenses, originally developed for military use for its clarity, protection, and comfort.)
Polarization. You can choose to polarize your lenses for $50, which help to reduce glare, up the clarity and enhance contrast. (May change the tinge of the lens color, and isn’t available on all color options.)
Size: Tweak the width of the sunglasses. (No size options if you opt for polarized lenses.)
Prescription Lenses Option: Yes
Ray-Ban conveniently offers prescription lenses that look identical to the standard version with polarized lenses. Just input your prescription after checkout and Ray-Ban will validate it and deliver your new shades within eight business days.
Pricing
The cost of these Ray-Bans will vary depending on your configuration. But here’s an idea of what you might pay for a pair of Ray-Ban Round Metal Gold Green Classic G-15:
Frames: $161
Non-polarized lenses: Free
Sunglasses case and cleaning cloth: Free
Shipping: Free
The total comes out to $161. Non-polarized prescription lenses cost an extra $162.50, which brings the total cost to $323.50.
Ray-Ban also offers a 45-day return policy. So you can always change your mind or if you’re unhappy for any reason.
How does Ray-Ban compare to Warby Parker?
And for a quick cost-comparison to Warby Parker, Ray-Ban’s are slightly more expensive when comparing identical products. Warby Parker’s $195 non-prescription Garrison frames include polarized lenses. If you add polarization to Ray Ban’s Round Metal frames, you’ll pay $211 in total, making Warby Parker slightly more affordable for non-prescription lenses.
If you take prescription into consideration, Warby Parker charges $275. With comparative features, a pair of identical Ray-Bans would run you $373.50 — and you don’t get Warby’s one-year scratch-free guarantee.
Best Budget Option: Pro Acme Round Metal Sunglasses
For all those that want a pair of easy, grab-and-go sunglasses that you can throw in your bag, we’ve found the pair for you. The Pro Acme Metal Round sunglasses have a defined round lens, curved brow bar and adjustable nose pads — just like the Warby and Ray-Ban options.
Pro Acme has 3 similar styles. They look nearly identical so here’s a quick rundown:
Pro Acme Classic Crystal Glass Round Metal Sunglasses
Image courtesy of Amazon
Lens material: Crystal glass
Lens coating: Mirror coating
Lens width: 50 mm
Non-polarized
Sunglasses case and cleaning cloth: Free
Price: $19.99
Pro Acme Small Round Metal Polarized Sunglasses
Image courtesy of Amazon
Lens material: Plastic polycarbonate
Lens coating: Mirror coating
Lens width: 50 mm
Polarized
Sunglasses case and cleaning cloth: No
Price: $12.99
Although these are advertised as “small,” the lenses are the same width as the Pro Acme Class Crystal Glass Round Metal Sunglasses.
Pro Acme Small Round Metal Polarized Sunglasses — John Lennon Style
Image courtesy of Amazon
Lens material: Plastic polycarbonate
Lens coating: Scratch-resistant coating
Lens width: 46 mm
Polarized
Sunglasses case and cleaning cloth: No
Price: $12.99
Some color combinations include the same G15 lenses that Ray-Ban uses. And with polarized options, these circular frames are a steal. But if you own a pair of Warby Parker or Ray-Ban’s, you’ll immediately feel a difference in quality, which is to be expected with the different price points.
Prescription Lenses Option: No
Unfortunately, these budget-friendly retro round sunglasses don’t offer prescription lenses.
Pro Acme Features and Perks
You can get free shipping with any Amazon purchase over $25 or if you’re a Prime member. And Pro Acme offers a 100% 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely happy with your new shades.
Bottom Line
Here are the highlights:
Warby Parker Garrison frames give you the best-bang-for-the-buck if you need prescription sunglasses.
Ray-Ban Round Metal frames are a good option if you want quality and customization but don’t want polarized lenses.
Pro Acme Round Metal Sunglasses is a budget-friendly option to give you the retro look without the vintage price-tag.