Looking for the best Warby Parker alternatives? We tested out some of the most popular glasses home try-on services available right now.
I just discovered I’m getting older (but not less fashionable). After an hour of looking at distant objects with one eye closed, I realized I need glasses.
Does one go outside and look for glasses, though? Of course not. This is the 21st century – glasses come to us now!
Naturally, I went to the first site many of us think of for home try-on services: Warby Parker.
But after striking out twice, I needed more options. Well, I’m here to say there are some great Warby Parker alternatives out there.
I tried four different home try-on services. In this article, I’ll break down what I liked, what I didn’t like, and tip you off to a few other great companies that can help you find the perfect frames from the comfort of your couch.
Quick Take
Short on time? Here are our top three picks for Warby Parker alternatives:
Read on for the full list…
Warby Parker Alternatives That We Tried
Here they are, in no particular order…
Liingo
Founded in 2016, Liingo only recently launched their home try-on program.
They offer three price tiers: $79, $99, and $129, so you can find a stylish set of frames on any budget.
What I Liked
Liingo sent me five frames to try on. This is the sweet spot. You never know if you’re getting the right frames from screenshots so seeing a wide variety in-person is great.
Every company featured came in easy-return boxes, but Liingo wins the “easiest to send back” award. They’ve already attached the return label. Just tear off the shipping label to reveal it. Genius, I say!
What I Didn’t Like
Liingo doesn’t send their frames with test lenses. They say it’s so you can “take sweet selfies.” Problem is, the lenses are a crucial part of the overall look of a pair of glasses. Selfies or not, I didn’t have a true idea of how these frames would look on my face.
Is Liingo For You?
A large variety of frames in a range of price points. My favorite style from all seventeen frames I tried came from Liingo.
They couldn’t have made it easier to find a great pair of glasses. Get started with Liingo’s home try-on program today.
Archibald
Archibald London is committed to craftsmanship and transparency. They don’t just do eyeglasses. You can also find shoes, clothes, and leather goods here, too.
Archibald details how much each of their items cost to produce and what markup they’re taking, too. A bold move. But when you see how much the competitors are up-charging, you’ll understand why Archibald makes it a point.
What I Liked
The packaging was a luxury experience. Three frames came in a leather box that had the look of a nice display case.
The frames I tried each boasted excellent craftsmanship. While Archibald’s frames are the most expensive on this list, their product matches the price.
What I Didn’t Like
Archibald ships out three frames—the fewest amount of any other service on this list. You may get lucky and get the right frames straight away, but it’s hard to tell which frames will suit your face from online pictures.
Of course, you can always just get another home try-on kit after your first is returned, but that’s a lot of extra time and another trip to the mailbox.
Is Archibald London For You?
The Japanese craftsmanship, luxury experience, and transparent pricing are convincing.
You may pay a bit more for Archibald frames, but for something you wear every day, a little investment is worth it. Take a look at Archibald’s selection now.
Fetch
Fetch is an eyewear company on a mission. 100% of their profits are donated to animal welfare programs.
The founder and designer, Ann Sacks, takes zero compensation for her work at Fetch.
What I Liked
Fetch had the most unique frames in terms of style and color. Because the delivery came with five frames, I felt like I could take a few chances and pick frames out of my comfort zone.
In fact, it was on one of those “chance” frames that ended up being my second favorite out of the seventeen I tried.
What I Didn’t Like
My Fetch frames arrived eight days after ordering. Maybe I’ve become too accustomed to instant gratification – I blame microwavable pizzas and Netflix – but it seems that if I needed glasses, the back and forth would simply take too long.
Is Fetch For You?
Do you like puppies and kittens? Do you enjoy the gift of sight?
We do, too. Take a look at a few of Fetch’s frames now.
Other Alternatives to Warby Parker
Need more options? I didn’t try these services out for myself yet, but I’ve heard great things…
Covry
Covry designs their frames with longer nose pads and a narrower bridge.
Their “Elevated Design” was created by two Asian-American women who were fed-up with ill-fitting glasses. You can try up to five frames from their men’s line. They also offer sunglasses and blue-blockers.
Ro Sham Bo Baby
Think of Ro Sham Bo Baby like Warby Parker for children.
You can find adult glasses here, too, which means you and your kids can totally rock matching (or coordinating) styles.
Ro Sham Bo has a home try on kit, and they use a portion of their proceeds to support an autism charity.
Ace and Tate
Ace and Tate is one of the best options out there for our European readers.
They ship from Amsterdam, and there isn’t currently an option to get them in the US. Reviews online are pretty stellar with nearly 1,000 people giving them an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Ambr Eyewear
Ambr Eyewear offers blue light blocking lenses for those who look at screens all day.
They don’t offer a home try-on, but you can go virtual and see if one of their nine frames work for you.
Classic Specs
Classic Specs offers Italian made frames, and while they don’t have a home try-on program, CS does have a 30 day pre-paid return policy.
We only include them here because of their unique designs and color options.
Felix Gray
Felix Gray is another blue-blocker company, and they offer free shipping and free returns for 30 days.
Boasting more color options than Ambr Eyewear, Felix Gray is another great option for keeping your eyes at ease.
Cubitts
The last company on our list, Cubitts, is special just for our UK readers.
While their home try-on program stays in the UK, anyone in the world can use “The Speculator,” their virtual try-on. Free shipping to the US and free 30-day returns.
Questions About Warby Parker Alternatives
Here are some answers to questions you may have about Warby Parker alternatives…
What Is the Best Warby Parker Alternative?
To some extent, it depends on personal preference, but our top picks are Liingo and Fetch.
Should I Order Glasses Online?
We recommend giving it a shot. It’s hard to beat the convenience of trying on glasses from the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
Warby Parker made a huge impact on the way glasses are bought and sold. While they’re the originals, other companies have learned to put their spin on the model.
My favorite set of frames came from Liingo, and my number two was from Fetch. The best presentation was Archibald’s by a long shot. All home try-on kits were extremely easy to return, too.
After five days and seventeen frames, I’m happy to say I found a pair of glasses that worked for me. Liingo’s price point and modern color options hit home with me.
Warby Parker is great, but they don’t have everything. If you’re ready for an alternative, check out one of our favorites and they’ll have you seeing 20/20.
As an FYI, Felix + Iris is shutting down operations, though it doesn’t say so anywhere on their site. I was trying to order a home try-on kit and couldn’t figure out how. Got in touch with a customer service rep who told me they’re winding down operations and aren’t offering home try-ons anymore. Too bad, because they had some purple frames I really liked, but I’m not confident enough to order them blind.
I have good frames for my bifocals and bifocal sunglasses, however the lenses need replaced on both pairs. Do you replace lenses only and use the customers frames? When my husband recently passed away I lost my vision coverage so I’m trying to save money.