“a consumer reports for the cheap” — the new york times
In this review:
  1. Cheap Sunglasses, Best Cheap Sunglasses
  2. Sunglasses Reviews
  3. Sport Sunglasses
  4. Polarized Sunglasses
  5. Sunglasses Deals
  6. Discount Sunglasses Features Comparison Table
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Sunglasses Reviews

As you look into affordable sunglasses, remember two things about what you'll find in sunglasses reviews. First, there aren't many sunglasses reviews by users.

Second, many consumers don't seem to pay much attention to what constitutes proper protection for their eyes. Sunglasses reviews typically focus on looks and styling, although some do comment on performance, comfort, durability. Based on the reviews we could find -- many on Amazon and Overstock -- for the most part consumers seem satisfied with the inexpensive sunglasses on our list. Some gripe about poor build quality, but we noticed few complaints about protection from the sun's brightness.

A variety of JiMarti sunglasses (ranging in price from $13 to $46) garner favorable comments in sunglasses reviews on Amazon. Users report that models such as the JM01 (starting at $20) and JMP8 (starting at $45) eliminate glare, block the sun, and let you see without squinting. The Sunbelt brand (ranging in price from $20 to $30) also impresses users posting sunglasses reviews on Amazon, who say the women's Halo sunglasses (starting at $30) are very effective at shielding the eyes from the sun. They cover the front and sides of the eyes, and a resident of Montana writes on Endless that the polarization works wonders against the glare from rivers.

Black Flys sunglasses (ranging in price from $17 to $140) earn positive feedback in sunglasses reviews on Buzzillions, where a snowboarder praises the Micro Fly (starting at $31) for screening out glare. Another user says the lenses and wrap-around style effectively block out bright sun. Sunglasses reviews for the Nike brand (ranging in price from $30 to $260), also on Amazon, are moderately upbeat about the shades' protective abilities. One consumer says the sports-oriented Ignite EV0575 sunglasses (starting at $50) do a good job shielding the eyes from the sun. Adi Designs (ranging in price from $9 to $17) scores points in sunglasses reviews on Overstock mainly for the stylish and fashionable look of its frames, although a few consumers mention that the lenses block out the sun or minimize glare on a river or lake.

Review continues below

Comfortable Sunglasses

. Consumers posting sunglasses reviews find certain styles more or less comfortable depending on the design and build quality of the sunglasses and the size and shape of their own heads and faces. The dilemma when buying cheap sunglasses online is how to choose a pair without trying them on. There's no easy solution, but the feedback consumers provide in sunglasses reviews can offer some guidance.

JiMarti sunglasses, particularly the JM01, get a hearty thumbs-up for comfort and fit from users posting sunglasses reviews on Amazon. One consumer notes that the JM01 model fits beneath a motorcycle helmet. JiMarti JMP8 sunglasses stay on while consumers are running or biking, according to sunglasses reviews, and work well for people with thin faces. Consumers posting sunglasses reviews on Amazon have found that Sunbelt also makes comfortable sunglasses. In reviews of the Sunbelt Neptune 190 (starting at $24), consumers advise that the nosepiece wiggles when you shake the frames but fits securely. Various models from Black Flys win kudos in sunglasses reviews on Buzzillions and Overstock, where several users remark that the Black Flys Micro Fly sunglasses are a good fit for smaller faces. In sunglasses reviews on Amazon, consumers praise the fit of Nike's comfortable sunglasses. One consumer says her husband appreciated that the Nike Defiant sunglasses (starting at $50) were light and didn't fit to tightly over the temples. As a track and football coach, he found they worked equally well for practice and for everyday errands. Consumers praise the comfort and fit of several Adi Designs models in sunglasses reviews. These comfortable sunglasses fall short on features and durability, however, as outlined on the pages that follow.

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Best Cheap Sunglasses

JiMarti Sunglasses
Gold Medal

JiMarti Sunglasses

JiMarti sunglasses for men and women are made with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Select styles are polarized and some feature a mirrored reflective coating. All models come with a lifetime breakage warranty. Consumers say JiMarti sunglasses successfully block the sun and fit very comfortably. Read more »
Sunglasses Deals
Sunbelt Sunglasses
Gold Medal

Sunbelt Sunglasses

Sunbelt sunglasses come in men's, women's, and children's styles and include a limited lifetime warranty. All models contain impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses that offer 100 percent UV protection. Some lenses are polarized, as well. This brand earns praise in some of the few user reviews out there for effectively protecting the eyes. Read more »
Sunglasses Deals

Good Cheap Sunglasses

Black Flys Sunglasses
Gold Medal

Black Flys Sunglasses

Both men and women like Black Flys sunglasses for their high quality and style. These cheap sunglasses feature impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and provide 100 percent UV protection. Some models are polarized and all are guaranteed under a one-year limited manufacturer's warranty. Read more »
Sunglasses Deals
Nike Sunglasses
Gold Medal

Nike Sunglasses

Comfort garners Nike sunglasses the most compliments in reviews. Both men and women say they also like the sporty style of the sunglasses, which feature 100 percent UV protection and come in a number of tints, depending on the activity for which they're intended. Some are polarized and some even have a ventilated nosepiece to fend off fogging. Read more »
Sunglasses Deals
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap Sunglasses

Adi Designs Sunglasses

Users give Adi Designs sunglasses mixed reviews. Most positive comments focus on the stylish looks, but looks alone don't make a quality pair of sunglasses. Adi Designs sunglasses, which are available for men, women, and children, include lenses made of plain plastic. Some models don't provide 100 percent UV protection, few have polarized lenses, and there's no warranty. Read more »

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