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We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

At a certain age, most of us will need to wear reading glasses, even if we’ve never worn prescription frames before. In fact, according to the Vision Council, as many as 28 million Americans wear over-the-counter reading glasses—it’s just part of life for many. That's why finding the best pair of reading glasses is so crucial.

So, what are reading glasses? Reading glasses are magnifiers, meaning they help people see things (most often text) up close, says Tal Raviv, M.D., founder and medical director of Eye Center of New York. Although they’re available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms, they’re often used by people who haven’t previously needed eyeglasses. Around age 40 or 50, he explains, an age-related condition called presbyopia begins to affect many of us, preventing our natural lenses from focusing up close. Your presbyopia will most likely continue to worsen until around age 65, when it begins to plateau, per Mayo Clinic.

There are an “infinite number” of ways to get your hands on readers, which usually range from +1 to +2.75 magnification, Dr. Raviv says. So while the good news is that reading glasses are available practically everywhere, from the convenience store to Amazon, the bad news, unfortunately, is that finding the right pair can feel like a herculean task. While there are so many options, we did all the leg work to help you be sure you’re picking the frames and prescriptions that are right for you.

Ready to pick out the best pair of reading glasses? Read on to find our top picks, which start at just over $5 per pair.

We consulted experts Dr. Raviv, referenced The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), conducted our own research, and sifted through ​​hundreds of online reviews to find the best reading glasses available.

Just as charming as their namesake neighborhood (and romantic comedy), this top-rated pair of reading glasses checks all the boxes: Available as simple readers, bifocals, and progressives (with the option of customizing each lens’ magnification), they look great on practically everyone, they’ve earned a stellar 4.9-star average, and they’re shockingly affordable. From Zoom meetings to coffee shops, you’re guaranteed to rack up compliments in these flattering frames.

Reading glasses don’t need to cost an arm and a leg, Dr. Raviv says. These beloved readers, which clock in at just over $5 per pair, are ideal for leaving on desks, in drawers, purses, and car consoles—and since they’re so affordable, it’s not the end of the world if you lose or break a pair. They boast an impressive range of magnifications, not to mention over 24,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, too.

Featuring Oprah-like vibes, these statement reading glasses outperform their low price. Amazon reviewers rave about receiving all kinds of compliments on them—and as a bonus, they also happen to block blue light. Not bad for a few bucks, right?

Another multipack, these glasses are meant to be kept anywhere you find yourself reaching for readers, from a coffee table to a jacket pocket. Because of their thin height, you can treat these readers almost like bifocals—if you have otherwise-fine eyesight, they’re easy to peer over.

You could pick pretty much any pair of Warby Parker’s ever-popular frames and look great, but we especially love the friendly energy (and nine colorways) of the Percey, which is already a modern classic. Plus, you can opt for progressive lenses, too.

Dr. Raviv is impressed by Foster Grant’s Multi Focus technology, which offers three magnification strengths in one pair: One for interacting with people at the top, one for using the computer in the middle, and one for reading at the bottom. Although they’re ideal for the office, they can come in handy just about anywhere, and they’re much more affordable than their specs would suggest.

Bifocals allow you to magnify using only the bottom portion of your lenses, meaning you can add a different magnification or prescription above. Reviewers especially love these rectangular frames, which complement a wide variety of face shapes and don't stand out too much. They also come with a 14-day, no-questions-asked return policy.

Hoping to make a statement with your eyewear? These blue-light-blocking readers, which come in simple black and two tortoise colorways, refuse to blend into the background—but they won’t be too loud to wear on a daily basis. They might even help you sleep better, too.

Clear frames don’t have to be invisible. This modern, chunky pair of reading glasses, which fit in with a power suit just as well as they do with a white tee, will quickly become the finishing touch to all of your outfits—without overpowering your look or your face.

Available in a matte pink and a few printed designs, these cat-eye glasses are ideal for anyone who wants to add a touch of playfulness or whimsy to their outfit. Plus, they have quite large lenses, which offer a wider view than many other pairs of cat-eyes.

Some of the very most popular frames from EyeBuyDirect, these down-to-earth readers come in a stunning range of magnifications and thousands of sparkling reviews. If you’re on the fence about metal glasses (which the AAO explains are more durable than plastic), just look through the photos attached in this pair’s reviews—no matter their face shape, everyone looks fantastic in them.

Designed in collaboration with Sofia Vergara, these sunglasses-meet-readers protect from UVA and UVB light while making outdoor reading that much easier. Plus, their lenses are scratch- and impact-resistant, meaning they’re meant to stand up to consistent use—and they’re perfect for digging into a beach read or two.

These understated reading glasses offer both protection from UV light and a double-sided anti-glare coating, meaning they’re great for reading in direct sunlight. And if you happen not to like your brand-new readers, you can exchange them for another pair for free—or return them within 30 days for a full refund.

Although these Warby Parker reading glasses are more than just a pretty pair of frames, they do happen to be incredibly wearable in any of their eight colorways, from classic black to seafoam green. (It doesn’t hurt that they’re also available as progressives.) The Haskell is more than just approachable or nice-looking; it's beautiful.

There’s a growing community in the review section of these unique readers, calling them “showstoppers” and saying they “spark conversations.” And how couldn’t they? There’s no easier way to add a touch of whimsy to your look than with a pair of asymmetrical glasses—and you might just fall in love with this pair if you give it a chance.

✔️ Be ready for trial and error. If you’re new to readers, it’s perfectly normal to have to try a few strengths before finding the magnification that’s right for you, Dr. Raviv says. He recommends starting with a +1 pair and moving up (or down) until it feels right. The best way to figure it out, though, is with an eye exam, “just to make sure we’re not missing something,” he explains.

✔️ Balance affordability with durability. “You can get readers literally at the dollar store, and they work fine,” Dr. Raviv explains, but they’re most likely made of plastic, and they might not hold up as long as pricier ones. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends opting for metal frames and lenses with anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV-protective coatings, which come with higher price tags.

✔️ Consider your lenses. Most readers have one magnification level for the entire lens. You can also consider bifocals, which combine eyeglasses (taking up the top part of the lenses) with reading glasses (making up the bottom sliver of the lenses)—these mitigate the need for multiple pairs of glasses. Although Dr. Raviv says basically any shape will work, half-size lenses are best for people without other vision problems, while larger lenses allow room for bifocal prescriptions, the AAO notes.