Jun 19, 2023 10:00 AM

The Best Sunglasses for Every Outdoor Adventure

Protect your eyes in style while you lounge, run, paddle, or work on your computer outside.

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Sunglasses are a must for any time of year. They protect your eyes from UV light and reduce the chance of conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. They also reduce eyestrain when it's bright outside, and they eliminate disorienting glare while driving. Plus, they help to shield your eyes from wind, rain, and flying debris.

Any cheap pair of UV glasses will work—you can find decent options at drugstores or discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Ross—but we’ve tried dozens of pairs of sunglasses while we ran, hiked, swam, walked, lounged in the sun, and drove. These are our favorites.

Updated June 2023: We've added new sunglasses we love from Pair, Pit Viper, Lucyd, and Sun God.

Photograph: Richard Newstead/Getty Images
Before You Buy
How to Pick the Perfect Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a necessity, but they're also a fun accessory. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Look for glasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Just as sun exposure can cause skin cancer, UV exposure contributes to cataracts and possibly macular degeneration. All of our picks are rated at 100 percent.
Try virtual fittings. Allure's guide is a good place to start if you have no idea which frame shapes flatter your face. Many retailers also offer similar selection tools.
You probably need polarized and unpolarized options. We get into this more below.
Photograph: Tifosi
What Does Polarized Actually Mean?
The Facts
When browsing for sunglasses, you'll see some labeled as polarized. Put simply, a polarized lens has a chemical layer to reduce glare. You'll also see crisper details.
“The chemical’s molecules are lined up specifically to block some of the light from passing through the lens," according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Think of it like a mini blind hanging in front of a window. Only light that passes through the blind’s openings can be seen.” So on a sunglass lens, vertical light rays will reach your eyes, but horizontal waves, which come from the sun bouncing off of ice or a body of water, do not.
If you've ever driven during a snowy winter, you know it can feel far too bright. Polarized lenses could make it easier. Conversely, the lenses could reduce the glare so much that you don't see ice on the road until you're driving over it. That could be dangerous.
You'll probably want non-polarized lenses if you're working on a laptop outside. It's not a bad idea to have a good pair of polarized and non-polarized on hand.
Photograph: Tens
Instagram Lenses IRL
Tens Sunglasses
Tens sunglasses are all about the ~vibes~. Developed by photographers, the lenses are available in five styles, all tinted to apply a filter to your field of view. The Original adds warmth, while Boulevard makes pink and violet hues pop.
An important caveat is that the Tens are not polarized. That means they're not a great pick for driving, snowboarding, or boating. They also don't filter out as much light as traditional sunglasses. But they look cool on your face, and they make everything look infinitely cooler without drastically altering what you see. Each lens comes in multiple style options, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
$133 at Tens
Photograph: Amazon
Our Favorite Cheap Sunglasses
Sojos Small Round Classic Polarized Sunglasses
Fancy, expensive sunnies are great until you misplace them. (Or leave them in a chair so a friend accidentally sits on them, and your triple-digit shades shatter—just like your heart.) WIRED associate editor Parker Hall swears by these cheap sunglasses from Amazon.
After buying and losing multiple pairs of Ray-Bans, he gave these a shot. The Sojos shades look and feel exactly like their much-pricier counterparts. If you’re concerned about their quality, consider that you’re probably just used to drastically overpaying for sunglasses.
★ A Slightly Higher-Priced Alternative: If you want more variety, Goodr makes cheap glasses in cool styles and colors that we've liked for years, like the OGs for $25 and Sand Trap Queen golf glasses for $35. However I find Goodr frames mostly run small, so if you have a wider face, check out its (so thoughtfully named) section of frames for “huge” heads. I particularly like its flamingo CEO Carl and the brand's general goofy vibes, and it's also a member of 1% for the Planet.
$15 at Amazon

Photograph: Jins
If You Wear Prescriptions
JINS Switch sheet 343
Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves JINS. He says that even after years of use, the original pair he got in Japan is still pristine. Now he has used and recommends the Switch system—thanks to the tinted, magnetic toppers, you'll have sunglasses when you need them and regular glasses when you don't.
The magnets on each end of the frame are strong. Chokkattu says they never detached until he purposefully took them off, so you don't have to worry about them falling off. When you don't need sunnies, slip them into their little pouch. He says he wished the pink pair he tried had a darker tint, but they still provided adequate protection from the sun.
$190 at JINS
Photograph: Pair
More Swappable Frames
Pair Sunglasses
You've likely seen videos of these sunnies all over your social media feeds. Like the JINS above, Pair uses magnets for swapping styles, except you can change just the frame rather than adding sun shades to prescription glasses (you can do that too!)
Once you pick your frame shape, let's say the wide-fit Otis, you can then go crazy picking enough top frames to change as your heart desires. There are colors, Van Gogh– and Frida Kahlo–inspired ones, and strangely, Cherry Coke stripes.
$60 at Pair (Frames)
$30 at Pair (Tops)
Photograph: Tomahawk Shades
Perfect for Wider Faces
Tomahawk Shades Wrecker Class
My round face is just wide enough to make most sunglasses look slightly awkward, and I don't always want to wear oversize frames to make up for it. Thankfully, I found Tomahawk. These Wreckler Class frames in the clear Casspir option are my favorite. They fit my face without looking huge, and they feel well-made for a reasonable-as-far-as-sunglasses-go $75.
★ A Metal Alternative: Tomahawk's Marksman glasses ($60) fit the same but have a thin metal frame instead of plastic. They look similar to the Le Specs Neptune Deux we recommend in the honorable mentions section, but they’re $29 cheaper.
$75 at Tomahawk Shades

Photograph: Pit Viper
The Cutest Heart Sunnies
Pit Viper Admirer Sunglasses
Pit Viper has a long catalog of fun, oversize glasses à la the Tifosi and Spy Optic options on this list. My favorites, though, are the Admirier heart-shaped glasses—I have them in black—because they're cute and fit my wide face without being over the top or nonfunctional.
I'm also a sucker for the brand's old-school computer graphic website that has menus called “other crap” where you'll find hats that say “FUCK SEAWORLD.” That one is currently in my shopping cart.
$70 at Pit Viper
Photograph: Maho
For Biking and Running
Maho Tulum Sunglasses
Maho makes lots of attractive shade styles, but Tulum is our top pick. The round lenses are flattering, and the glasses are super lightweight, less than 7 ounces. The best part, though, is the Zuma fit and retention system (which is also baked into other styles).
The nose pads and earpieces feature grooved thermoplastic sections, which use Van der Waals forces to become grippier on wet surfaces. The sweatier you are, the more secure the sunglasses will be. They don’t slide down your nose or work themselves toward the ground when you’re running; they stay put. Maho has a warranty that covers damage for a flat $40—weirdly, it's not valid if you purchased the glasses for more than a 40 percent discount.
$150 at Maho
Photograph: Tifosi
Oversize Sport Glasses
Tifosi Rail Sunglasses
Tifosi is known for its affordable sport sunglasses, and the Rail is its first oversize rimless pair. WIRED senior associate editor Adrienne So tried these and was impressed by the build quality for the price.
The Rail is designed to be worn during high-intensity, high-speed aerobic sports without fogging. She used them for biking and running. The lenses are interchangeable depending on the light conditions. (The Fototec option changes color in the sun, but it’s hard to tell in Oregon in the winter.) The plastic feels sturdy yet flexible; So could bend them or whip them off her face without feeling like they were going to break. The nosepieces and earpieces are hydrophilic and don’t slip when you're sweaty, and they provide plenty of coverage against wind and rain. So's only complaint is that they’re not polarized; otherwise, they’d probably be perfect for skiing too.
$80 at REI

Photograph: Spy Optic
For the ’80s Barbie Dreamers
Spy Optic Monolith Sunglasses
I (Louryn) liked every style I tried from this brand, but this model was my absolute favorite. I feel like an ’80s-tastic hybrid of Malibu Barbie and the Terminator every time I wear them. The frames are lightweight, sturdy, and colorfast. Medea lovingly calls her Flynn 50/50 frames her Danny McBride glasses.
Spy Optic’s Happy Boost lenses make colors more vivid and, purportedly, help boost your mood. We couldn't empirically test that claim, but we could definitely see clearly, and they're great for driving. Not every color has Happy Boost, so look for the HB logo.
$160 at Spy Optic
Photograph: Rheos
These Sunglasses Float
Rheos x Southern Tide Floating Sunglasses
Sweat-resistant glasses are important, but if you're bopping around in lakes or pools, you'll want sunglasses that won't sink to the bottom if they fall off. The polarized glasses in the Rheos x Southern Tide collection will stay at the surface. Plus they're treated with a hydrophobic coating to repel water while you swim. We tried the Faris frames, but between the six frames available and multiple color combinations for each, we think there’s a pair for every person and style. (You could also just put a neck strap on your old pair.)
$65 at Rheos Gear
$78 at Southern Tide
Photograph: Aview
If You Want to Swap Lens Colors
Aview Interchangeable Sunglasses
Instead of changing out frames like the Pair glasses above, Aviews have swappable lenses. First, pick your frame color—there’s only one type of frame, available in black, tortoiseshell, or clear—then choose any of the six polarized lens colors. They slide in and out of the frames over the included clear lenses so you can switch from classic black or brown to fun colors like blue, yellow, or pink. After a while, the slot holding the lenses started to loosen a bit, which is annoying. They don't fall out, but they do shift around.
You can get your prescription put in so you won't need separate sunglasses. Right now they're a bit narrow on wide faces, so hopefully more frame options will become available.
$115 at Aview

Photograph: Sunski
Eco-Friendly Frames
Sunski Topeka
Sunski frames are made from recycled plastic resin and are shipped in plastic-free packaging. The company is also a member of the business sustainability nonprofit 1% for the Planet.
The many frame styles should appeal to lots of people, including kids, and the prices are not overwhelming. We specifically like the Topekas sport frames that curve around your face to keep out sun, wind, and peripheral glare. They have with grippy rubber nose pads, weigh less than an ounce, and have polarized lenses. There's a forever warranty, but it doesn't cover scratched lenses. For that, a lens kit is much cheaper than a totally new pair.
$68 at Moosejaw
$68 at Sunski
Photograph: Ombraz
No Arms
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
Always losing your glasses or have a vendetta against plastic arms? I've seen a few fancy chain-arm designs floating around on TikTok, but Ombraz has a recycled Nylon cord that meets in the back with two strong beads. You pull the beads to tighten the fit and pull the cord to loosen it, but it shouldn't ever come apart. That way, when you aren't wearing them, you can let them dangle around your neck.
They're surprisingly comfortable and sturdy, with polarized lenses. I just wish they had cuter designs. These are a little 1970s.
The company plants 20 trees for every pair of sunglasses sold and, like Sunski above, is part of sustainability nonprofit 1% for the Planet.
$160 at Ombraz
Photograph: Ampere
These Glasses Have an Adjustable Tint
Ampere Dusk Sunglasses
With these Dusk glasses, you can change tint levels to match your surroundings. That's nice, especially when driving. A button on the left arm cycles through tints, and if you connect them to the app you can get even more precise with exactly how dark you want them.
There's built-in audio too, and it sounds good considering it's coming from sunglass arms. But they're very expensive and look reminiscent of the 3D glasses of the early ’00s. There is also now a Dusk Sport for $399.
★ More Audio Sunglasses: Lucyd sunglasses don't have adjustable tints, but they have speakers and microphones packed into their little arms. Plus, they look better, offer more frame options, and are less expensive.
$299 at Ampere
$199 at Ampere (Dusk Lite)

Photograph: Betsey Johnson
More Sunglasses
Honorable Mentions
We've tried so many sunglasses that not every pair can take a top spot. Here are some we love nearly as much as those above.
Sun God Zephyrs for $140: F1 fans might expect Mclaren driver Lando Norris to boast a pair of $1,000 shades, but he actually wears these sleek round-ish glasses that WIRED associate editor Parker Hall also loves. The company's proprietary lenses are clean and clear enough for a racing driver, and the frames are made with 100 percent recycled material. Hall especially likes the included neon microfiber carrying case, which features Lando's logo, and can easily be used to wipe down the glasses.
Betsey Johnson for $38: We love all the accessories from this brand. They're unique and fun, with heart shapes and butterfly accents, but they're still wearable.
Le Specs Neptune Deux for $89: These are perfect classic sunglasses that feel well made and come with a carrying pouch. This brand has a ton of options for men and women, including a line of “alt fits” designed for those with wide faces, high cheekbones, or low nose bridges.
Dragon Billie LL for $140: I tried a few Dragon glasses, but these look the best if you just want classic understated but still chic frames. They fit my wide face too.
Vincero The Villa for $145: These are another classic, sleek pair of sunglasses. There are a few other simple frames available, and Vincero is a carbon-neutral company.
Roka Oslo for $195: WIRED senior associate editor Adrienne So's loves these glasses. Like the Maho Tulum sunglasses above, the sweatier you get, the more these stick to your face. Plus they weigh just 0.67 ounces.
Costa Del Mar Lido Sunglasses for $277: These glasses have an unfortunate price, but they're solid. WIRED senior reviewer Scott Gilbertson says that despite seeing Costa sunglasses in every fishing store, he'd never tried them until now, and he's “regretting all those years I ignored them." These Lido frames he's been using are tack sharp and polarized to reduce glare on the water. His wife loves the Calderas too.

Medea Giordano turned her shopping problem into a career as a product writer for WIRED. She covers a little bit of everything but loves health, beauty, and pet tech. Prior to WIRED, she was an assistant editor at Wirecutter and an assistant in the newsroom of The New York Times.... Read more

Writer and Reviewer

Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering a little bit of everything. She especially loves discounts, video games … and discounted video games. She previously wrote for Future PLC and Rakuten. She currently resides in northern Illinois with two fluffy cats.

Writer and Reviewer

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