Everyone knows that sunglasses are great at protecting the eyes from the sun. But to us, they can also be statement pieces. No matter where we go, we always want to look good. But the thing is, the prices of some sunglasses, especially the ones from big brands, can be ridiculously pricey. If you agree, today is your lucky day, as we want to show you the best sunglasses on a budget. Though affordable, the following sunglasses are still stylish and offer great protection to your eyes. Our list includes classic aviators, oversized shades, cat-eye sunglasses, and many more. No matter your style, we promise you’ll find a pair that suits you. Keep reading to know more about our picks!
Table of contents
- J+S Premium Military Style Aviator Sunglasses
- Goodr Circle G Sunglasses
- Le Specs Women’s Air Heart Sunglasses
- VANLINKER Polarized Retro Sunglasses
- SOJOS SJ2205 Cateye Sunglasses
- Kolo Webster Readers
- SOJOS SJ1161 Retro Oversized Sunglasses
- BUTABY Rectangle Sunglasses
- Joopin Oversized Sunglasses
- Columbia Men’s Utilizer Wrap Sunglasses
- SOJOS SJ1054 Aviator Sunglasses
- TIJN Polarized Sunglasses
- Goodr OG Sunglasses
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Sunglasses on a Budget
- What are some good cheap sunglasses brands?
- Are cheap sunglasses as good as expensive ones?
- Do cheap sunglasses offer UV protection?
J+S Premium Military Style Aviator Sunglasses
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Affordable and stylish, the J+S Premium Military Style Aviator Sunglasses are the perfect choice to kick off this list. These sunglasses look like a designer pair, and we’re not complaining! When we first used them, we were amazed by the metallic frames. They were lightweight, durable, and shiny. They make the sunglasses look like a hundred bucks.
In addition to that, the legs are spring-loaded, and the silicone nose pads promise you maximum comfort. Of course, the lenses are great, too. They’re formulated to block over 99% of all glares. In addition to that, they offer UV400 protection as well. Best of all, these sunglasses are backed by a one-year warranty on the frames and lenses.
Pros
- These cheap aviator sunglasses offer full UV protection.
- Though lightweight and cheap, these sunglasses are pretty durable.
- They look more expensive than they are.
Cons
- The frames aren’t scratch-resistant.
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Goodr Circle G Sunglasses
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As fellow travelers, we highly recommend checking out the beautiful Goodr Circle G Sunglasses. Thanks to their affordable price, comfortable fit, and durable construction; these can easily be your go-to sunglasses no matter the occasion. No matter where you go, the polarized lenses are always ready to protect your eyes from the glare. Plus, they offer UV400 protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Another thing that made us love these sunglasses was their no-slip and no-bounce frames. No matter how long we were strolling the street, these sunglasses never fell or bounced. Not to mention, they were lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long. Oh, have we told you that the lenses are scratch-resistant and shatterproof?
Pros
- They have some of the most durable lenses.
- The frames are incredibly lightweight.
- The silicone earpieces are comfortable and non-slip.
Cons
- Limited color options.
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Le Specs Women’s Air Heart Sunglasses
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Yes, Ray-Ban sunglasses and Givenchy sunglasses are cool. However, not everyone can and wants to buy those premium models. For sunglasses that look more expensive than they actually are, you should consider the Le Specs Women’s Air Heart Sunglasses. These sunglasses may not be the cheapest, but regardless, they’re still affordable. Many A-listers have even worn them, including Meghan Markle and Olivia Palermo. We personally loved their dramatic shape, which reminded us of a cat eye.
The frames were big and covered a huge part of our face from the sunlight without making us look like a clown. In addition, these sunglasses felt sturdy without being too heavy. Plus, they’re available in a wide collection of different colors. You can always rely on them whether you’re into something bold or chic.
Pros
- They’re very popular among celebrities.
- These sunglasses offer top-notch design and durability without the hefty price tag.
- They come in a sturdy case.
Cons
- Some people think they’re a bit heavy.
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VANLINKER Polarized Retro Sunglasses
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Go back in time with the VANLINKER Polarized Retro Sunglasses! These sunglasses reminded us of the 90s era. Though we only had the chance to use them for travel, we could picture people wearing them while dancing in the club under the mirror ball. And if the all-black variant below doesn’t look exciting to you, you can opt for the bolder options like the Hot Pink model.
Because of their slim and narrow design, these sunglasses may not be the most versatile option. However, for parties and traveling, they’re a great choice. The frames are lightweight, and they don’t feel cheap at all. Plus, the lenses are polarized and offer 99% UV protection. With their stylish design and affordability, you won’t regret getting them.
Pros
- They’re a great option for those with a narrow face.
- The lenses are polarized.
- They’re great for social events.
Cons
- The oval design may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
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SOJOS SJ2205 Cateye Sunglasses
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Best Cat-Eye. The cat-eye trend is not going anywhere. If you’ve been looking for a cheap option, look no further than the SOJOS SJ2205 Cateye Sunglasses. These sunglasses look like the type that celebrities and influencers will wear. They have an oversized design that makes you look more mysterious. We think the All-Black variant is the coolest. However, aside from that, there are still many other colors to choose from.
Though made of plastic, the frames are highly durable. The metal hinges are solid, and the lenses are polarized. Also, we liked how these cat-eye sunglasses flattered our faces. In fact, they’re suitable for most face shapes, from round to heart and oval to diamond. Best of all, these sunglasses are unisex, so you can wear them with your loved one.
Pros
- The lenses are coated with a special UV protection layer.
- They’re trendy and available in many colors.
- The lenses are durable and don’t scratch easily.
Cons
- The cat-eye design isn’t for everyone.
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Kolo Webster Readers
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Among the best sunglasses for under 100, the Kolo Webster Readers are the best for reading. They’re a pair of Italian-made reading sunglasses that are both stylish and functional. We loved the durable yet lightweight square frames. They were comfortable for us to wear for long periods, and the lenses gave us excellent clarity.
As you can see from the official website, the frames are available in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect pair to match your style. In addition to that, we have to give props to the keyhole nose bridge. It distributed the weight of the sunglasses evenly, allowing us to wear them comfortably. Not to mention, the earpieces were easy to adjust, so we were able to get the perfect fit.
Pros
- These shades have high-quality materials.
- They’re stylish and boast a timeless design.
- The lenses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Cons
- Many people aren’t familiar with this brand.
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SOJOS SJ1161 Retro Oversized Sunglasses
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Have you ever seen Bottega’s oversized sunglasses? If you’re a fan but can’t afford them, why not check out the SOJOS SJ1161 Retro Oversized Sunglasses? They look almost identical to the ones from Bottega but way cheaper. Of course, the quality isn’t on par with the premium sunglasses. However, considering the price you pay, these sunglasses are great.
By spending less than 20 USD, you’ll get a pair of polarized sunglasses that look stylish and timeless. Both men and women can wear them, and we loved how the lenses were effective at blocking glares. Furthermore, the frames are stainless steel, and they’re surprisingly lightweight. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for stylish, affordable shades.
Pros
- The polarized lenses improve visibility.
- Though affordable, they have a premium look.
- They come in tons of different colors.
Cons
- They’re not the most durable choice.
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BUTABY Rectangle Sunglasses
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Best Retro. The fashion-forward BUTABY Rectangle Sunglasses may be cheap, but they’re also among the most stunning sunglasses out there. These shades come in a myriad of color options, so you can choose the one that matches you the best. Better yet, you can get two pairs for under 20 USD. You truly get a bang for your buck with these beautiful sunglasses.
Aside from their flattering, rectangular shape, these sunglasses are also durable. At first, we thought they were going to be flimsy. But we were proven wrong when we wore them. For their price, they were durable and comfortable. The plastic frames were lightweight enough for us, and the lenses offer 100% UV protection. For more retro options, check out these vintage sunglasses!
Pros
- The thick frames give the sunglasses a retro vibe.
- They have a simple yet stunning design.
- For their price, they’re highly durable.
Cons
- These sunglasses have a tight fit on some people.
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Joopin Oversized Sunglasses
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The Joopin Oversized Sunglasses are some of the best options for those needing road protection. As people who drive a lot, we know how frustrating it is to constantly adjust your shades when you have to focus on the road. With these sunglasses, we could drive safely thanks to the large frames covering our entire periphery. With them, we never touched our sunglasses anymore, not even once!
Do you know another common problem that we often experience when driving? Headaches! Thankfully, these are polarized sunglasses, so they can help reduce the glares and you can finally say goodbye to those anti-headache meds. Best of all, these sunglasses are available in dozens of different colorways.
Pros
- The oversized butterfly design is elegant.
- These sunglasses offer UV400 protection.
- The one-piece nose pads are anti-slip.
Cons
- They can scratch easily.
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Columbia Men’s Utilizer Wrap Sunglasses
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Best Wraparound. Columbia is a reputable brand that produces high-quality, affordable outdoor gear. Regarding sunglasses, the Utilizer Wrap Sunglasses are among the brand’s best options. These sunglasses manage to steal people’s hearts with their sporty wraparound shape. They made us feel like we were from the future. Wear these if you want to boost your confidence and up your fashion game!
We also have to talk about the lightweight injected frames. They’re durable, and together with the rubber nose pads, you’ll have sustainable comfort. Meanwhile, the lenses are polarized and prescription-ready. Yes, there are many cheaper sporty glasses on the market, but for their price, these sunglasses are superior in many ways. You can learn more about these shades on their official product page!
Pros
- The temples are comfortable and won’t hurt the skin.
- Many people love their sporty design.
- The rubber nose pads won’t leave marks easily.
Cons
- The lenses aren’t scratch-resistant.
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SOJOS SJ1054 Aviator Sunglasses
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Best Aviator. With over 18,000 glowing reviews on Amazon and a trendy look, who doesn’t want to have the SOJOS SJ1054 Aviator Sunglasses? Just because they’re cheap, you shouldn’t underestimate their quality. They come with anti-glare lenses that offer 100% UV protection. We are fans of UV400-rated sunglasses as they’re great at filtering out sunlight-reflected glares, so it’s only normal for these ones to be one of our favorites.
In addition to that, the metal frame is also worth praising. When we first unboxed the sunglasses, we noticed the frames were sturdy and durable. Though we haven’t been using them for a long time, we won’t be surprised if they can last for years. They can also be worn for many outdoor activities like driving and traveling. Speaking of which, have you read our list of the best aviator sunglasses for women and men?
Pros
- The polarized lenses are durable.
- These sunglasses are available in many different colors.
- Both men and women can wear them.
Cons
- They lack size variety.
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TIJN Polarized Sunglasses
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Are you looking for unisex sunglasses that anyone can rock? Take a look at the TIJN Polarized Sunglasses. These sunglasses are ridiculously cheap. Despite that, the quality isn’t something that you should underestimate. For one, they have polarized lenses, which make them a great option to protect your precious eyes from glares.
In addition to that, we also liked the plastic frames. They were lightweight, comfortable, and anti-slip. When we used the sunglasses, they didn’t easily fall down to the bridge of our nose. At the time of this writing, they’re under 20 USD. If you want something cheap that you can pair with your fabulous outfits, don’t think twice about getting them.
Pros
- They offer 100% UV protection.
- These sunglasses are also available in a pack of two and three.
- They have a trendy design that can be used by men and women.
Cons
- Some people feel the sunglasses are a bit small.
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Goodr OG Sunglasses
1
Best Overall. If you’re looking for the best sunglasses for under 50, look no further than the Goodr OG Sunglasses. Though these shades are cheap, their quality is among the best of its price range. We loved its lightweight plastic material, which surprised us as it was both durable and flexible. Additionally, the frames were comfortable enough for us to wear for long periods of time.
“These are funky sunglasses that do their job really well. For the price, they’re unbeatable.”
WOW Travel
The sunglasses’ highlight has to be the Blue Mirage Technology. These blue-light-blocking lenses are great if you often have eye strain from looking at your gadget for too long. But most importantly, these sunglasses are available in tons of different colors. These are for you if you want to look stylish and protect your eyes without digging deep into your pocket. Watch this YouTube review video to learn more about them!
Pros
- These shades offer UV400 protection.
- The frames won’t bounce even when you’re walking fast.
- Despite the price tag, the lenses are of high quality.
Cons
- They’re not as effective in reducing glare compared to polarized sunglasses.
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Our Verdict!
Cheap, versatile, and protective, the Goodr OG Sunglasses are our favorite pair. However, we completely understand that no sunglasses can cater to everyone’s needs and preferences. That’s why we’ve categorized some of our picks according to the following criteria:
- Best Aviator: SOJOS SJ1054 Aviator Sunglasses
- Best Wraparound: Columbia Men’s Utilizer Wrap Sunglasses
- Best Retro: BUTABY Rectangle Sunglasses
- Best Cat-Eye: SOJOS SJ2205 Cateye Sunglasses
How To Choose The Best Sunglasses on a Budget
There are a few key things to consider to ensure you’re getting the best protection for your eyes, which include:
UV Protection
The most important factor to consider when choosing sunglasses is UV protection. They should be able to block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. This will help to protect your eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Look for sunglasses with a label saying “UV400” or “100% UV protection.”
Frames
Sunglasses should fit snugly but comfortably on your face. The frames should not be too tight or loose, and they should not pressure your temples or nose. In addition to that, the style of sunglasses you choose should flatter your face shape. For instance, if you have a round face, you may want to choose sunglasses with square or rectangular frames.
Lens color
Sunglasses come in a variety of lens colors, each with its own benefits. Gray and brown lenses are the most versatile option, providing accurate color perception and reducing glare. Meanwhile, green lenses can help to enhance contrast, making them a good choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. On the other hand, yellow lenses can brighten vision in low-light conditions, making them a good choice for driving at night or in foggy weather.
What are some good cheap sunglasses brands?
Some of the best cheap sunglasses brands on the market include SOJOS, Goodr, Le Specs, and many more.
Are cheap sunglasses as good as expensive ones?
Nowadays, it’s not hard to find affordable sunglasses that offer great protection. However, compared to expensive ones, they may be inferior when it comes to durability.
Do cheap sunglasses offer UV protection?
Yes! As you can see from our list, some cheap sunglasses offer impressive UV protection for your eyes.
