10 Best Sunglasses of 2026

Best Sunglasses

Who it is best for: The Ray-Ban Erika is a stylish, high-performance option that flatters various face shapes and styles. Thanks to their oversized, softly rounded wayfarer-style frames and lightweight feel, they suit wearers with both small and large facial structures. This is a great choice if you need sunglasses that transition seamlessly between casual and polished looks while still offering solid sun protection.

Why we love it: It has crisp, clear optics and subtle gradient lenses—dark at the top for sun protection, lighter at the bottom for visibility in mixed lighting. The semi-flexible metal bows are comfortable during long wear, and though we didn't test the polarized version, it's available in a wide array of lens and frame color options. While we were initially thrown off by the slight purple hue in the grey lenses, testers found it improved contrast without skewing color perception. The result is a pair of sunglasses that feel premium in performance and aesthetics.

Should you buy it? If you're looking for versatile sunglasses with excellent optical clarity and a universally flattering design, these are worth the investment. While they sit a little loose when perched on your head and come at a higher price, they deliver consistent performance and standout style. For added glare protection, consider opting for the polarized version. These sunglasses strike a rare balance of comfort, visual quality, and timeless design.

Who it is best for: The Kaenon Burnet Mid is ideal for men seeking high-performance sunglasses with superb clarity, enhanced contrast, and excellent color retention. It is available in mid and XL sizes for a comfortable, secure fit. However, some may find their sporty style less suitable for formal or casual settings.

Why we love it: Through years of testing, we keep loving the brown and grey lenses, which deliver exceptional clarity and contrast with minimal back reflections, even in harsh lighting, making them the least distracting among tested pairs.

Should you buy it? Despite their higher price and sporty aesthetic that may not appeal to all, these are a worthwhile investment for their top-notch performance.

Who it is best for: The Camp Eyewear Trail is perfect for all genders seeking budget-friendly, casual sunglasses with a stylish wayfarer design, featuring real wooden bows and blue lenses that offer slight contrast, ideal for those who prioritize comfort and value over polarization.

Why we love it: The clear blue lenses, sleek finish, flexible hinges, and unique wooden bows enhance its style, making it a top pick for casual wear among our testers.

Should you buy it? Despite the glossy finish causing slippage when sweaty and gaps around the medium-sized lenses allowing sunlight in, the Trail is a great value. Other options offer a more universal fit for those less concerned about weight.

Who it is best for: The Zenottic Philip are an excellent pick for an all-around pair of sunglasses at any price that do a great job keeping your eyes shaded from the sun any time of day. They have the quality and durability to be used for sports, but won't cause a financial crisis to your wallet if you lose them while out and about enjoying life. They're best for larger faces or anyone who likes a lot of coverage.

Why we love it: The top of the frames and temples have a knurled, or grippy, finish that looks unique and holds the shades steady on our face. The lenses are polarized, and even feature an anti-scratch coating, which is rare to find at such a fantastic price these are sold at.

Should you buy it? If you're looking for a steal of a deal on a great pair of sunglasses, the Zenottics are it. The colorways available are sure to match your personal style, while the frames are of a high enough quality to support a prescription. Despite the price, these sunglasses feel like they should cost a lot more than they do.

Who it is best for: The Knockaround Fast Lanes complement nearly any outfit, and are super lightweight, which makes them comfortable resting on your face. These stylish shades are perfect for everyday duties and casual use, whatever you may be up to: riding around doing errands, stopping for a quick double-shot of espresso, meeting up with friends to hike with everyone's dogs after work, or on a hopeful first date.

Why we love it: The slim and slender frames of the Fast Lanes pay homage to Mid-Century modern design, while staying firmly in the present. The Fast Lanes are less a throwback and more of an evolutionary homage. The lenses have good coverage from the sun and are polarized to help reduce harsh glare. Although they do come in black with gray-tinted lenses, other more kaleidoscopic and exotic colorways are also available.

Should you buy it? The Fast Lanes have a great style all unto themselves, and don't feel like an inexpensive knockoff of a more expensive pair they're trying to mimic. The frames and lenses are of good quality, and they hold up to the rigors of daily use. For people with wider faces, they make a great pair of cheap sunglasses.

Who it is best for: The Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic is perfect for style-conscious individuals of any gender seeking versatile, durable sunglasses that complement casual beachwear and formal attire, with a timeless wayfarer design that suits diverse aesthetics.

Why we love it: Its iconic, 70-year-old style remains chic. The robust construction with thick frames and seven-barrel hinges, and its ability to look good on everyone, enhances any outfit from swimsuits to wedding wear.

Should you buy it? Despite their heavier 45-gram weight and forward-slanting design that reduces coverage, these offer unmatched style and durability, though budget-friendly alternatives provide similar aesthetics or performance at different price points.

Who it is best for: The Costa del Mar Rinconcito is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, such as kayakers and anglers, who need high-performance sunglasses with dark, polarized lenses that block 100% of blue light and offer a secure fit with rubber nose pads for on-water activities.

Why we love it: Its crisp, flawless polarization minimizes glare, minimal back reflections in harsh lighting, and large, slightly wrapped lenses provide excellent coverage, maintaining its top spot for water-based performance over several years.

Should you buy it? Though their sporty look and high price may not suit those seeking versatile sunglasses for casual and formal settings, the Rinconcito excels for water sports, but these are not cheap. There are more budget-friendly options that scored in the same range.

Who it is best for: The 100% Hypercraft is our top recommendation for runners looking for high-performance shades that can keep up on long summer runs. This pair is geared for runners and outperformed nearly every other run-specific pair we tested — and for half the cost.

Why we love it: These glasses have everything a runner could want. Featuring an ultra-grippy nose piece, low weight, and great balance, they don't bounce and are impressively comfortable even on long runs. Their wide shape and close fit provide excellent protection, while perfectly distributed vents stop them from fogging up. The lenses are clear and sharp, with great contrast and coatings to prevent both precipitation and fingerprints from building up.

Should you buy it? The only downside we could find is that they have a slightly wider than average fit — but that didn't cause any issues among our testers. If you're an avid runner on sunny, hot days, and you've been searching for sunnies that won't drive you bananas (or leave you broke), we can't recommend the Hypercraft enough.

Who it is best for: The Kaenon Clarke suits both narrow and wide faces with its versatile, lightweight design. It performs well for activities like trail running and casual wear, without focusing on a specific sport or fashion style.

Why we love it: Its secure, comfortable fit, low weight, and matte finish ensure stability during trail runs and bike rides. The timeless shape remains a go-to for its exceptional versatility over the years of testing.

Should you buy it? Some testers noticed slight back reflections in bright light, and the Kaenon Clarke lacks bold style or sport-specific features, but its reliable all-purpose design makes it a solid choice. More budget-friendly options provide a similar style and function with slightly lower performance.

Who it is best for: The Smith Wildcat is perfect for cyclists of all face sizes seeking high-performance sunglasses with interchangeable lenses, adjustable nose pads, and a flexible frame for a secure, comfortable fit during various riding conditions.

Why we love it: The two easily swappable lenses, including the Red Mirror option, offer superb protection, enhanced contrast, and sharp definition. Its soft, flexible frame with rubber contact points ensures stability during extensive cycling tests.

Should you buy it? Though the breathable fit allows more dust in dusty, close-following rides compared to goggle-like alternatives, it's a top choice for most cycling scenarios.

Read more: Smith Wildcat review

How We Tested

We have spent years testing and retesting sunglasses to evaluate which ones are best for specific uses. As detail enthusiasts, we've broken our sunglasses testing into five separate categories of glasses: men's and women's (which both include many unisex models), cheap, sports, and cycling. We have collectively spent thousands of hours wearing and testing these glasses in every possible activity and location we could. We wore them at the equator on the Galapagos Islands, in the sunny Caribbean, and through cloudless Sierra Nevada Mountain hikes. We wore them dog sledding at the North Pole in spring (sun and snow!), mountain biking patchy trails at twilight, running single track through the desert, road tripping across the country, and paddling across hot summer lakes. We've packed these sunnies in checked luggage, tossed them on car floors, pulled them out of the bottoms of backpacks, and rescued them from watery graves. We are sunglass experts.

Why Trust GearLab

As extensive as our lineup of sunglasses is, our testing bench is equally impressive. Several of our senior review editors are in charge of testing all the different types of glasses.

Maggie Nichols has been wearing glasses since she was four years old and has been a professional backcountry guide for over 15 years. She is obsessed with protecting her eyes as she works and adventures outdoors in some of the sunniest places on the planet, from the African savannah to mountaintops almost 2 miles high.

Joshua Hutchens leads GearLab's team of testers for all things bike-related. An avid biker — from BMX to mountain biking to road cycling — Joshua's career has had him leading bike trips, running bike shops, racing every type of bike, and founding bike parks.

Jeremy Benson is an obsessive year-round cyclist and author of two outdoor guidebooks. As a former sponsored ski athlete and current outdoor junkie, he has an unbridled passion for the best sunglasses for every adventure.

Justin Simoni loves to travel fast and light in Colorado's backcountry, often dreaming up difficult lines to traverse on foot via miles of crumbling ridgeline catwalks in the sky. The harsh amount of sunlight from such an exposed setting is one of the reasons he has become obsessed with everything sun-protectant, including sunglasses.

Each of our main testers pulled in the help and critical eyes of a host of friends, family, and coworkers to help test and evaluate these sunglasses.

Why Should I Invest in (Potentially Expensive) Sunglasses?

Just like a great winter coat, the perfect button-down shirt, or an excellent pair of shoes, there are three types of sunglasses: the ones that look good, the ones that work well, and the ones that look good while also working well. While the right pair of sunglasses can bring your look up a notch, they're also a very important protective gear that you should never leave home without.

UV rays damage your eyes as well as your skin. UV exposure can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye-related cancers. An ever-increasing body of evidence implies we should all protect our eyes better. This is especially true for those who spend extended hours outdoors, as additional protection against high-energy visible light (HEV or blue light). Even if you're stepping out into the backyard with the dog, a blast of bright light can be painful and potentially eye-damaging. Reflected light off surfaces like water and snow, pavement, and other objects compound the amount of light your eyes are trying to cope with, making polarized lenses ideal for blocking out this unwanted additional glare. With all the reasons to wear sunglasses quite literally staring you in the face, let's go through how to decide which sunglasses are right for you.

How to Pick the Best Sunglasses for You

Before even considering the style or intended activities you have for rocking your new shades, it's helpful to review the many materials and features manufacturers put into their products. Understanding each attribute's benefits and best use will help determine if a pair of glasses is right for you.

Lens Selection

Below, we discuss what you need to know when weighing the different lens considerations in the sunglasses market, from materials to coatings to lens color.

Material

As the name implies, early glasses exclusively used glass lenses. Today, sunglasses (and regular eyeglasses) use four common materials for the lens:

• Glass: Often offers the best clarity available. It is naturally scratch and chip-resistant but not impact-resistant. Glass lenses are heavier than their synthetic competitors and can shatter with enough force.
• Polyurethane: This synthetic material offers exceptional impact resistance while maintaining excellent clarity. It is also flexible and lightweight, making it appealing for high-intensity activities. However, it typically has a higher price tag.
• Polycarbonate: Another synthetic material with good impact resistance and decent optical clarity. Poly lenses are also lightweight and typically more affordable than polyurethane, though they are less scratch-resistant.
• Acrylic: This mass-produced material is inexpensive and commonly found in budget glasses. It is less durable and has some of the lowest optical clarity, sometimes causing image distortion. However, it is lightweight and far less expensive than polycarbonate lenses.

Coating

Beyond just the material of the lenses, many manufacturers enhance their products with additional coatings. For non-glass lenses, select a scratch-resistant coating. Even if you are an avid case user, plastic lenses easily pick up scratches — from blowing dust or even being wiped on a t-shirt. A scratch-resistant coating is one of the most important features to ensure the continued usability of your sunglasses over time. Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings are a nice touch, particularly if you plan to use your glasses for more intense activities involving sweat and water. These coatings help repel water (hydro) and oil (oleo) from your hair, eyebrows, and fingers.

A mirrored coating on lenses can help reduce additional light from entering your eyes. It can substitute for lenses that lack polarization or even just as a style additive. Anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lenses is less common, but it makes a huge difference for any pair worn slightly away from your face. Without this coating, it's easy to see the reflection of your face or even your eyeball staring back at you. Anti-fog coatings are also uncommon but exceptionally useful for close-fitting glasses in which you plan high-output activities like running, hiking, or biking.

Color

While there are many colors you might get your lenses in, the two most common are grey and brown/amber. Grey lenses typically offer minimal color distortion and are often darker than other colored lenses. Brown and amber lenses increase the contrast of what you see, though the exact nature of this increased contrast depends on the specific lens. These often do better in variable and medium light conditions than gray lenses, but sometimes suffer in bright conditions.

Photochromic

Many sports-oriented lenses are photochromic, meaning they'll change tint when exposed to bright sunlight. This solves the problem of wanting a dark lens in the brightest part of the day or for snow travel at high altitude, and then needing a much lighter lens when you're back below treeline late in the afternoon, with no snow and less sunlight. You could bring two lenses and deal with the hassle of swapping them out, or you could use one photochromic lens. These lenses can usually be found with running and cycling-specific sunglasses.

Polarization

Lenses with polarization cut down on harsh horizontal glare coming off of surfaces like water, which makes them very popular for anglers, who are often staring down into the depths of the ocean looking for any sign of a nibble from a prospective dinner. Polarization helps reduce eye fatigue in these situations. In the modern world, most of the screens: our laptops, our phones, our watches are also polarized, so if you do plan on using any of these while wearing sunglasses, do note that they may cause the screen to appear black, and polarized glasses won't make a good choice for you. We've punked ourselves out during sunny photo shoots wondering why our camera won't turn on, only to realize it's just the sunglasses we've been wearing!

Frame Considerations

Sunglass frames are important for more than just their looks. Several attributes help certain types work better in specific situations. Consider getting nylon frames if you're looking for lightweight, durable frames. They offer a great blend of strength and flexibility, which makes them great for high-intensity sports.

Other plastic frames, including acetate, boast low weight, high functionality, and reasonable durability for casual uses. Though they're often less flexible than nylon frames, plastic frames cost less and come in an astonishing array of colors. Some use recycled and renewable materials.

Checking the hinges of your potential new glasses is a very important consideration. Some sports glasses increase their secure fit by having bows that grip more effectively, then offset this added pressure by including flexible hinges. These flex hinges can overextend, helping them to be more comfortable — especially on wider faces — and add durability to the overall frame construction. Even standard barrel hinges deserve some attention. Though they can't overextend, there are better and worse constructions here, too. More barrels generally make a more secure hinge less likely to loosen over time. Five is a good number, though we tested many with just three and a few with seven. No matter how many barrels you end up with, ensuring you can get a small screwdriver to tighten or loosen them is a must, as they may loosen over time.

Consider the other touch points of your potential new glasses on your face. All sunglasses will rest on your nose and above your ears; some may touch your eyebrows or cheeks. Consider sunglasses with adjustable nose pads if you have a narrow or wide nose. On the other hand, if you often place your sunglasses on the top of your head when going indoors and have longer hair, those free-floating nose pads are likely to get caught. If you're looking for sunglasses to wear while you sweat, consider the material used to make the nose pads. Glossy plastic and heavy materials will likely slide on your nose if wet. Instead, look for a matte finish, embedded rubber nose pads, and lightweight glasses. And if you're the type of person who often needs to bend the bows of your glasses to get them to fit your head or sit straight on your face, plastic bows are much more challenging to reshape than metal.

When choosing frames, you'll need to consider your face shape to get the desired coverage you want. If you often wear your sunglasses with a hat, you should not consider top-down coverage. But if you find yourself hatless at midday, ensuring you can minimize the space between your eyebrows and your glasses will prove far more comfortable for your eyes. Getting side and bottom coverage to protect your eyes is also important for anyone outdoors.

While larger lenses are an obvious fix, smaller lenses can be just as effective with the right frame curvature. Look at the base curve before committing — a higher number means the pair is more curved to fit your face. Your typical pair of gas station or music festival wayfarers is about a base curve of 6. Some fashionable glasses look almost flat, with a base curve of around 4. Sportier models that wrap around your eyes almost as well as goggles typically advertise a base curve of about 8.

Sunglasses for Every Use

In a perfect world, you could find a single pair of sunglasses to wear to brunch, on trail runs, touring European cities, and kayaking at sunset. While those sunglasses can exist, depending on your style, it's much more common to have two pairs of sunglasses — one you love to wear when you're dressing up or just lounging around and another with the sports performance you need for your preferred activities. No matter what you wear sunglasses for, there are some useful tips to remember while shopping around.

Casual and Everyday Sunglasses

Are you mostly looking for a solid pair of sunnies for everyday wear? You know, the ones you can put on to drive to the store, hang out at the beer garden, or wear to all those outdoor weddings this summer? Choosing the best everyday sunglasses has much to do with whether you like how they look on your face — but that's not all you should consider.

When investing in casual shades, regardless of cost, check if they will protect your eyes. Check that the lenses have 100% UV protection (most do), and consider if you're going to be driving in them or if you live in a place that gets snowy. If that's the case, you'll want polarized lenses to help keep your eyes comfortable no matter how much glare surrounds you. Grey lenses are popular and often block out more light than other color lenses. In contrast, brown/amber lenses enhance contrast and are typically easier to wear in variable lighting conditions, such as partly cloudy days and golden hours.

If buying a pair online, read about the frames' size to ensure they fit your face. Look to testimonials to see how they fit other people's faces to help gauge how they might look on yours. Consider adjustable nose pads, flex hinges, and overall size. And look into the return policy of whatever pair you choose, just in case you don't like them.

Once you have your sunnies in hand, test them thoroughly before the return period ends. Wear them when you're sweaty and do jumping jacks to see how comfortably they stay put. Wear them outside when the sun is directly overhead or coming at you from the side to check if their coverage and fit offer the protection you want.

Golden hour- just after sunrise and just before sunset- can be some of the most challenging times of day for sunglasses, so see how yours do. And don't be afraid to return them and try something else if they don't work for you.

We have three reviews that cover casual sunglasses: men's sunglasses, women's sunglasses, and cheap sunglasses. Below, we highlight the overall scores for each sunglass category. Check out each review for more details about how each sunglass model compares.

Running Sunglasses

If you've got the looks covered, and you're on the hunt for a set of specs for running — or other sweaty outdoor sports like climbing, hiking, paddling, golfing, etc. — there are other considerations you'll want to keep in mind while you search. Glasses that are comfortable to wear all day and won't bounce around as you do are a great place to start. If you're in hot environments, muggy places, or just sweating a lot, breathable shades are a must to avoid fogging lenses.

For sports that involve exceptional glare and light exposure, like water sports, snow sports, or climbing, we highly recommend getting polarized lenses. This added layer of protection will lighten the strain on your eyes by cutting out glare from the sun bouncing off of water, snow, or rocks. Consider other light wavelength protection if your chosen sport has you outside for extended hours. HEV or blue light blockage is particularly useful around the water for activities like paddling or fishing.

Certain lens coatings are helpful here as well. An oleophobic coating helps reduce oil on the lenses, which is handy for glasses worn close to your face. A hydrophobic coating is useful if you plan to be around the water or splashed a lot (or rained on), as it helps water droplets to roll more easily off the lenses. If you want to run in your new shades, consider an anti-fog coating to prevent your lenses from clouding too much. A quality anti-reflective coating on the backs of the lenses is something we highly recommend, as it helps reduce back reflection.

When it comes to quality performance from your frames, think less about their style and more about how well they fit and stay put. Many sports-oriented specs have embedded nose pads and even temple grips to help them stay in place. Check their weight to see if they are as light as your intended use requires. Frames made of nylon are often flexible, offering a secure fit. Flex hinges are useful, too, both for possible impact and for comfort over an extended period. Check their base curvature to see how face-hugging your potential new shades will be, and consider the overall size of the lenses to gauge their coverage. If you often wear a hat or helmet while you're out, keep that in mind when looking at the bow dimensions and lens height of any potential glasses. And, of course, when you get them, put them to the test to ensure they perform how you need them to.

Our detailed running sunglasses review scores each model on key purchase decision metrics. Below, we highlight the overall scores of the models we tested. However, we have more details on those scores in the full review article.

Cycling Sunglasses

If you need a pair of glasses specifically for biking — whether on the road or the trail — there are a few additional considerations beyond what you might require for other sports. Adding coverage is usually a plus for cycling shades because you'll have more wind in your face than in many other sports. Look for this not just in the size of the lenses but also in their curvature and shape, particularly on the outsides of the lenses and in the center, between your eyes. When considering a close-fitting pair with large lenses, ensure they have an anti-fog coating. Without this added layer, a goggle-like fit will likely start fogging as you sweat your way through your ride.

If you're a road biker, lenses with polarization are best to help minimize glare off the road. If you often find yourself riding among the trees, you may not want the polarization, as it can sometimes disguise the rocks and bumps you need to see in the path. For mountain bikers, it can also be advantageous to have two sets of lenses — one meant for bright days with a high VLT and one meant for cloudy or overcast days that offer wind and dust protection without cutting down much, if at any, low light. Some pairs come with two lenses right out of the box, and others offer interchangeable lenses.

When evaluating the frames, try on potential pairs with the helmet you'll wear while riding. Take it to the store if shopping in person. Low-riding helmets can be limiting with cycling shades, which tend to be larger on your face. Be sure to buckle your helmet as you would when riding to see how the straps fit over the bows of the glasses. Check how well they stay secure on your face by jumping. Carefully consider the comfort of the bows over your ears, especially while wearing your helmet, to make sure the fit is just right.

Our review of cycling sunglasses considers all the above factors. We detail which models performed best in which metric and how price and value factor in. Below, we chart the overall score of our cycling sunglass test suite, but the full review has much more detail to explore.

Cheap Sunglasses

Sometimes you're just not ready to make a major investment in a pair of expensive sunglasses. The best pairs can oftentimes cost upwards of $200, and can easily stretch ones budget. Or, if you're prone to losing or repeatedly fumbling your sunnies, you may be better off going with a cheaper pair. In many instances, a cheap pair of sunglasses may make more sense. Cheaper sunglasses can look good and function well, but we can't guarantee that they'll reach the same level of quality as more expensive pairs.

One characteristic they almost always possess is UVA/UVB protection, which will often be labeled on the sunglasses specifications as “UV400” protection. Even lightly tinted cheap sunglasses will have UV protection, as UV blocking is done by the lens material itself (usually some sort of plastic) rather than the added tint applied to the lens.

Cheap sunglasses usually aren't as durable as their more expensive brethren, and you typically see this in the hinges and nose pieces, which, while functional, might actually be delicate if you try to abuse them in any way. Oftentimes, cheap sunglasses try to emulate styles of more expensive shades, but fail to execute perfectly on these little details. For casual use, they'll look good enough, and if you lose them on a night fueled with libations, it won't quite hurt as much as that round you picked up for the entire bar 15 minutes before closing time.

Our favorite cheap sunglasses may be a little more expensive than the rock bottom pairs, but they deliver on a sweet spot of value. They look and feel like more expensive sunnies, but may just use fewer materials, or come with less features, like multiple lenses, a storage case, or some sort of replacement warranty scheme. Oftentimes, you can find a good pair of cheap sunglasses with polarized frames, good lens quality, and even some with an anti-scratch coating. One thing we find with cheaper sunglasses is that they're often available in a plethora of colors and styles, so grab a few different colors of a cheap pair that you're falling in love with.

Our review team has tested and ranked sunglasses for women and sunglasses for men — with plenty of unisex pairs, too. In the process, we rounded up budget sunglasses, and we've also tested running sunglasses for breathability and bounce. From the trail to the beach to your best friend's wedding, we're here to help you find the perfect pair.

Conclusion

There are thousands of possible sunglasses on the market to choose from. As many of these are also style accessories, seemingly endless models are available at any given moment. Yet they are also essential to the continued health of your eyes. No other article of clothing may have quite the same high-level combination of fashion, function, and protection as sunglasses. By testing hundreds of pairs of sunglasses and evaluating their performance, fit, and looks, we can help you find the ideal pair for your lifestyle, vibe, and wallet.