If you’re someone who needs vision correction, then you know how important it is to have a reliable and affordable source for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Luckily, the rise of online retailers has made it easier than ever to get your hands on a variety of options without having to leave your house.
Today, we’re going to take a look at two popular retailers in this space – Warby Parker and Zenni Optical – to help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.
Warby Parker, based in New York, and Zenni Optical, based in San Francisco, are both popular choices for people looking to buy eyewear online. What sets them apart? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out. We’ll be breaking down the key differences between the two, so you can make an informed decision about which retailer to go with.
So, if you’re considering your options for your next pair of glasses or contact lenses, stick around – we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Overview: Warby Parker vs Zenni
Warby Parker
Warby Parker has been a fan favorite since 2010, and for good reason. They offer a vast selection of trendy frames at affordable prices.
Plus, their home try-on program is a game changer! You can choose up to five frames to try on at home for five days, all for free. When you’re ready to order, simply send back the frames and select your favorite pair to fill with your prescription. Easy peasy!
And if you prefer to shop in person, Warby Parker has many retail stores across the United States.
Zenni Optical
Zenni Optical is another great option for affordable eyeglasses. They use a direct-to-consumer model that cuts out the middleman, which means lower prices for you. They keep things simple with no brick-and-mortar locations, no insurance, and no free shipping.
But that’s how they keep prices down, with some glasses costing as little as $7! You can try on glasses with their virtual try-on feature, which uses your built-in camera, or their 3D try-on tool, which lets you upload a video of yourself.
Products: Warby Parker vs Zenni
Warby Parker
Warby Parker offers a range of eyeglasses and sunglasses with over 100 styles to choose from. Their frames are made from acetate, metal, or a mix of the two, and can be turned into prescription or non-prescription sunglasses. They have polycarbonate, bifocal, and high index lenses available, and you can add on features like blue-light-blocking or light-responsive lenses.
Unfortunately, they don’t offer progressive lenses. They also sell daily, monthly, and biweekly contact lenses from major brands like Acuvue, as well as their own brand called Scout.
Zenni Optical
On the other hand, Zenni Optical boasts a whopping 6,000 frames made from materials like acetate, steel, and titanium.
Most of their frames can be made into prescription or non-prescription sunglasses, and they offer single vision, bifocal, progressive, and high index lenses. Anti-scratch coating and UV protection are included for free, and blue-light-blocking is available for an extra fee. However, they don’t offer any contact lenses.
Overall, both Warby Parker and Zenni Optical have plenty of options to choose from. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in terms of style and functionality.
Pricing and Shipping: Warby Parker vs Zenni
Warby Parker
Warby Parker is a great choice if you’re looking for affordable prescription eyeglasses. Their prices start at around $95, but keep in mind that add-ons like high index lenses can increase the cost significantly, ranging from $30 to $130. If you want to add even more features like lenses for blue light protection or light responsiveness, you can expect to pay at least $200.
However, Warby Parker has a unique advantage in that it’s considered an in-network provider for vision plans through UnitedHealthcare and some other insurance providers. Plus, shipping is free on all of their products, including their try-on program.
When it comes to shipping, Warby Parker offers free shipping on all of their products.
Zenni Optical
On the other hand, Zenni Optical is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Their basic frames start at just $6.95, and even their higher end frames are generally more affordable than other retail options.
However, if you need high index lenses because of a prescription greater than + or – 4.25, you’ll pay an additional $19.95 for 1.61 high index lenses, $34.95 for 1.67, or $74.95 for 1.74. Zenni Optical doesn’t accept insurance, but some insurance companies offer reimbursement.
When it comes to shipping, Zenni Optical offers free shipping on orders over $20.
Easy Steps to Ordering Glasses Online from Warby Parker and Zenni Optical
Thanks to Warby Parker and Zenni Optical, you can order a fresh pair online from the comfort of your own home! Here’s how:
For Warby Parker:
- Head to Warby Parker’s website.
- Select either “Browse Men” or “Browse Women”.
- Browse the variety of frames until you find your perfect style.
- Customize your purchase by selecting your frame width, lens type, and any other options you may want.
- Add your selected glasses to your cart.
- Check out as a guest or create an account.
- Enter your shipping information and choose your preferred delivery method.
- Add your payment information.
- Double-check all the details and then place your order.
For Zenni Optical:
- Go to Zenni Optical’s website.
- Pick the category that suits your needs.
- Choose the frames that catch your eye.
- Select the lenses that work best for you.
- Opt for any add-on options if you wish.
- During checkout, either sign in or create an account.
- Enter your shipping and payment information.
- Confirm all the details and then place your order.
Reputations: Warby Parker vs Zenni
Warby Parker and Zenni Optical are two popular online retailers with a reputation for providing stylish and affordable eyeglasses. Here’s what some reviewers had to say about their experiences with each company.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker is known for offering high-quality frames with trendy designs that won’t leave you penniless.
However, their Trustpilot rating of just 2.7 stars might give some people pause. Reviewers have cited issues with customer service, but have also praised the easy ordering process. Healthline editor Chelsea Logan found the try-on feature helpful, but wished there were more colors available for home try-on. She also noted that many of the frames seem to be similar styles.
Overall, Warby Parker’s customer service was generally reported as strong, with Healthline editor Ruby Thompson describing her return experience as “extra simple.”
Zenni Optical
Zenni Optical, on the other hand, boasts a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 stars, with many reviewers praising their affordable prices and excellent customer service.
However, a few reviewers were unhappy with the 100% store credit return policy and poor customer service. Healthline editor Roman Gokhman was pleased with the ease of use of Zenni Optical’s website and the fast turnaround time. Despite the glasses being manufactured in China and a potential delay, Gokhman’s order arrived on time.
Pros: Warby Parker vs. Zenni Optical
Warby Parker Pros
Warby Parker is known for keeping costs low by making their eyeglasses in-house. Their home try-on feature is a convenient way to test out different frames from the comfort of your own home.
Plus, they offer customer service perks like a 30-day return policy and free shipping. If you happen to scratch your lenses in the first year, their lens scratch guarantee program will replace them. You can buy from their website or check out one of their store locations, and some insurance companies consider them in-network.
Zenni Optical Pros
On the other hand, Zenni Optical is an online-only option that offers budget-friendly frames. They stand out for their user-friendly navigation, complete with a digital ruler and try-on tools. Their selection of frame styles and materials is impressive, and they include an anti-scratch coating and UV protection on every pair of glasses at no extra charge.
Ultimately, both Warby Parker and Zenni Optical have their strengths. If you’re willing to spend a little more for in-person customer service and the convenience of trying on frames at home, Warby Parker may be the way to go.
But if you’re looking to save money and appreciate a seamless online shopping experience, Zenni Optical is definitely worth considering.
Cons: Warby Parker vs Zenni
Warby Parker Cons
While they are known for their stylish frames and great customer service, they may not be the most affordable option out there.
Additionally, their virtual try-on feature is only available through their app. Another drawback is that they only sell their own brand of eyeglasses, which may not be ideal for those who prefer major brand names.
Those with stronger prescriptions may also find that the quality of their high index lenses is not up to their standards.
Finally, Scout lenses have been reported to be less breathable than other contact lens brands.
Zenni Optical Cons
While they do offer a wide range of affordable frames, their 30-day return policy only offers store credit or 50% cash back, which may not be suitable for some customers.
They also do not carry major brand names, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Furthermore, the quality of their products, especially their high index lenses, may not meet some customers’ expectations. Shipping costs $4.95, and glasses are estimated to arrive in 7 to 14 business days, which may not be ideal for those who need their glasses quickly.
Finally, they do not accept insurance, which may be a drawback for some customers.
Final Verdict
Zenni offers pretty low prices and can be cheaper than your local eye doctor’s office.
But hold on a sec, if you’re also interested in some cool extra features like trying on glasses from the comfort of your own home, getting help from customer service in person, insurance coverage, and other nice-to-have perks, then Warby Parker might be more your style.
So, it all comes down to what you value most in your eyeglass shopping experience. If you want to save some cash and don’t mind sacrificing some of the bells and whistles, Zenni could be the perfect fit for you.
But if you want to have a more convenient and personalized experience, Warby Parker might be worth the extra dough. The choice is yours!
FAQ
How long does it take for Warby Parker and Zenni to ship?
Good news! You can expect to receive your glasses pretty quickly from both Warby Parker and Zenni. For standard shipping, Zenni usually takes 7 to 14 business days, while Warby Parker’s standard shipping window is a bit shorter at 5 to 7 days.
But, if you’re in a rush, both companies offer express shipping options, with Zenni taking 5 to 10 days and Warby Parker taking 3 to 4 days.
How can you measure your pupillary distance?
You might be wondering how to measure your pupillary distance (PD), which is the space between the center of your pupils. Luckily, it’s super easy to do at home with just a ruler and a mirror. Here are the steps to follow:
- Stand about 8 inches away from a mirror.
- Close your right eye and line up the ruler’s 0 mm mark with the middle of your left pupil.
- Look straight ahead, then close your left eye and open your right eye.
- The millimeter line that’s in the center of your right pupil is your PD.
Do Warby Parker and Zenni provide glasses cases?
Yes, both Warby Parker and Zenni offer basic complementary glasses cases with the purchase of a pair of frames.
But, if you’re looking for something a little more special, they also offer a variety of durable and decorative cases for purchase. So, you can keep your new glasses safe and stylish all at the same time!