Age is the ultimate enemy of vision. Over time, our ability to focus on close-up objects fades -- a condition known as presbyopia, which means ‘old man eye’ in Greek (presbus ōps). It typically sets in around 50-60 but can start as early as 40.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says reading glasses can help, and as long as you use the right online tools to determine your strength, no prescription is needed. The best reading glasses should fit your face, match your style and suit your needs -- whether for portability or coverage. We’ve evaluated frame styles, customer reviews, shipping and return policies, warranties and pricing to bring you the best options available.
What are the best overall reading glasses?
If you're looking for the best of the best, GlassesUSA gets our vote for the best overall reading glasses you can buy online, thanks to its well-rounded inventory, fair policies and great customer reviews. GlassesUSA was also one of CNET's picks for the best online glasses and best prescription sunglasses.
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Best reading glasses for 2025
GlassesUSA offers nearly 200 frames as reading glasses. You can get lens powers from +0.25 to +4 on every pair, which is one of the widest ranges out of all the brands we looked at. Even people with very weak or very strong farsightedness can get their readers here. There are many different styles to choose from, from traditional to bold. Frequent sales bring the prices down to as low as $19 for a pair. GlassesUSA also has other policies and perks that make it a convenient vendor to buy from. These include virtual try-ons, free shipping, free returns or exchanges and a year-long warranty.
There's something to be said for buying a pair of reading glasses from a brand that's dedicated to that specific product. Readers.com offers little perks like an online "PowerFinder" to help you determine the best strength for your eyes, and it sells frames in +1 to +4 powers to accommodate a wide range of vision needs. The site's frames come in a range of prices and styles (over 500). You can filter your search by shape, style and more.
Peepers, a brand you might recognize from talk shows or Oprah's Favorite Things, is ideal for people who want a bolder or more creative look at a reasonable price. The brand keeps things simple: The selection isn't huge, but it is well-curated and each pair of glasses is the exact same price: $29 (before tax and any discounts). Virtual try-on is available, and shipping is free for orders over $42. Powers range from +1 to +4.
Pair Eyewear is unique in that each of its frames allows for multiple different looks -- you can add magnetic attachments to the frames to achieve a new color or pattern. Any one of the frames on Pair's website can be made into reading glasses with strengths from +0.25 to +2.75 for the same price as a prescription pair of glasses. There are 15 base frames for women and 11 base frames for men to choose from and almost 500 tops to switch out per frame. CNET reporter Jessica Rendall explained the process in detail in her Pair Eyewear review.
You can't go wrong with a budget pair of glasses from Zenni, with more than 1,700 frames to choose from. The company now offers a line of ready-to-wear readers with powers from +0.50 to +2.75 starting at just $7. (If you need +0.25, you can also go the custom route.) The site offers a virtual try-on experience and because the frames are so affordable, it's easy to get a couple of pairs for different occasions or to stash in different locations. If you do change your mind, make a return within two weeks for a refund or within 30 days for store credit.
Warby Parker is a popular and well-known brand in the online glasses world, and for good reason. Its site makes it easy to shop for the exact styles you're interested in based on size, shape, color and more. You can try on frames virtually or even at home. All of Warby Parker's glasses are available as reading glasses with powers from +0.25 to +2.75. Glasses start at $95 and come with free shipping and 30-day returns.
| +.25 to +4 | Free standard shipping; $20 for next day | 14 days | 1 year | $24 to over $400 |
| +.25 to +2.75 | Free standard shipping; $25 plus tax for expedited | 30 days | Six-month no-scratch guarantee | $95 to $295+ |
| +.25 to +2.75 | $5 shipping; $19 rush shipping | 2 weeks for refund or 30 days for store credit | 30 days | $7 to $430 |
| 1 to 7 | Free first-class shipping over $35; $13+ for priority express or next-day | 90 days | 90 days | $13 to over $44 |
| +1 to +4 | Free standard shipping over $42; $9 for priority mail | 90 days | None | $29 |
| +.25 to +2.75 | Free standard; $15 for priority or faster | 30 days | 30 days | $60 and up |
- Strength: Reading glasses strengths tend to range from +0.25 to +2.50 diopters (the unit of power that glasses prescriptions use), though the average starting strength appears to be around +0.75. It's important to see an eye doctor to find the power that works for your eyes. You may need a stronger pair as you get older, or you'll want bifocal or progressives if you need both distance and nearsighted vision correction.
- Style: Expressing your style is one of the main perks of wearing glasses. Find the ideal shape, width, material and color. Don't be afraid to change things up.
- Price: Reading glasses can be quite affordable since they don't need to be custom-made like prescription glasses. However, designer reading glasses will cost more, with prices of $150 and up. If you tend to lose your glasses or want to have multiple pairs on hand, it might be better to stick with lower-priced options.
- Upgrades: Consider whether you need any lens treatments like blue-light filters, polarization or anti-glare coatings.
- Shipping and returns: If you opt for an online pair, you probably won't get to try them in person, making it more important to use a company with timely shipping and an easy way to make returns or exchanges.
- Selection: We looked at not only the number of different frames but also the range of colors, shapes, materials and so on. Essentially, how likely is it that a range of people would be able to find a pair they liked from this store?
- Shipping policies: We considered whether free shipping is available, how long that shipping takes, and how much it costs to upgrade to faster shipping. We also looked at warranties and return policies.
- Customer satisfaction and reviews: We took other CNET editors' experiences into account, as well as customer reviews online.
- Price range: We looked at the average price of a pair of frames, and the lowest and highest prices, to find the best reading glasses for different readers' budgets.
Read more: 4 DIY Glasses Adjustments for a Comfy and Snug Fit, No Special Tools Required
The easiest and surest way is to see an eye doctor, especially if you think you need a stronger pair. Another alternative is to try on glasses of different strengths and pick the lowest power that you can see well with. An online diopter chart can also help you find the closest power that may help you read. Even if you buy reading glasses online, it’s important to schedule regular in-person eye exams. They can detect other health issues you might not realize affect your vision and ensure you’re getting the right correction.
Yes, cheap reading glasses are perfectly acceptable, and there's no reason to shell out more than $25 for a pair unless you want to. Just know that cheaper frames may not last as long or hold up to as much wear and tear as higher-quality ones.
While you can certainly use your reading glasses to watch TV (or any screen-related activity, such as playing video games), we don't recommend using them for an extended period. Reading glasses enhance your sight for close-up objects, such as words on a book. Using them for the TV may end up causing you headaches or even eye strain.
Our Experts
Written by
Kim Wong-Shing
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Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Kim Wong-Shing Former Senior Associate Editor / Wellness
During her time at CNET, Kim Wong-Shing loved demystifying the world of wellness to make it accessible to any reader. She was also passionate about exploring the intersections of health, history and culture. Prior to joining CNET, she contributed stories to Glamour, MindBodyGreen, Greatist and other publications.
Expertise Nutrition | Personal care | Mental health | LGBTQ+ health Credentials
- Reads health studies in her sleep.
Reviewed by: Troy Mensen, DO Medical Reviewer
Dr. Troy Mensen is a family medicine doctor based in the Chicago area. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa and his doctorate at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Expertise Family medicine Credentials
- American Board of Family Medicine, Family Medicine
- State of Illinois, Medical Examining Board License
Education
- University of Northern Iowa, BA
- Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO
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