LensCrafters vs. EZContacts: Which Eyewear Store Wins?

LensCrafters and EZContacts are both popular eyewear retailers. From designer sunglasses to premium eyeglasses, they might look similar at first. But which one should you choose?

To help you decide, I combed through both stores’ inventories and checked the prices of their glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. I also looked at their shipping times, return policy, customer service, customer reviews, and more. I then used all the results to determine the top pick. 

If you’re ready to start shopping for eyewear, read this guide first.

Frame & Lens Selection

Number of Products and Brands at LensCrafters vs. EZContacts

Let’s begin by exploring the number of products and brands at LensCrafters and EZContacts. Both eyewear stores sell products from major brands. EZContacts has a far larger selection overall, though.

LensCrafters

LensCrafters has 1,541 eyeglasses available from 37 eyeglasses brands. Many of the frames come in multiple colors, making the overall selection larger. 

For sunglasses, LensCrafters has 932 products available from 36 sunglasses brands. Like with the eyeglasses, many frames are available in multiple colors.

LensCrafters has 105 contact lenses available from 18 brands.

EZContacts

Now, let’s look at EZContacts.

EZContacts has over 50,000 items in its inventory, with thousands of products currently in stock.

EZContacts has 7,391 eyeglass models available from about 260 brands. However, like with LensCrafters, many of these eyeglasses are available in multiple colors, so there are far more options available.

For sunglasses, EZContacts has 5,134 products available from about 220 brands. These sunglasses are also often available in multiple colors.

For contact lenses, EZContacts has 125 products available from 20 brands.

In addition, EZContacts has a large inventory of eye care products, including eye drops, eye cream, eye vitamins, and more. LensCrafters doesn’t have these products in its online store.

Top Pick

EZContacts wins this round with their larger inventory. EZContacts has thousands more products than LensCrafters.

Shopping Experience & Features

LensCrafters Shopping Experience

LensCrafters has online and in-store shopping options. The website is simple and easy to navigate, featuring a navigation bar at the top that shows all the categories they offer.

When you click on the eyeglasses pages, you’ll see a good number of filtering options. You can filter by:

• Product Type
• Gender
• Brand
• Price
• On Sale
• Frame Shape
• Frame Color
• Frame Material
• Lens Color
• Lens Treatment
• Exclusive

The sunglasses page has all the same filtering options as the eyeglasses page. You can also filter by ‘Polarized’ on the sunglasses page.

However, the contact lens page has very few filtering options, including: 

• Manufacturer
• Brand
• Type
• Category
• Pack Size

LensCrafters’ mobile website is also streamlined, and they accept Apple Pay.

If you want to see how a pair of glasses looks on you, LensCrafters has a virtual try-on. However, it’s only available for a select number of glasses.

In addition to their online offerings, LensCrafters has around 950 brick-and-mortar stores around the U.S., making it one of the country’s largest optical retailers. Many of these locations offer comprehensive eye exams through independent optometrists located on-site or nearby. Check out their website to see if there’s a store located near you.

EZContacts Website

EZContacts’ website has category-based navigation that’s easy to use, streamlining your shopping experience.

On their eyeglasses and sunglasses pages, you’ll see advanced filters that you can use to find your perfect frames. There are filters for:

• Gender
• Brand
• Frame Color
• Frame Type
• Frame Material
• Frame Size
• Features
• Multifocal
• Reviews
• Price

EZContacts’ contact lens page has far more filtering options than LensCrafters’ page. You can filter by:

• Reviews
• Brand
• Manufacturer
• Base Curve
• Diameter
• Contact Lens Schedule
• Contact Lens Type

EZContacts also has virtual try-on for many of their glasses and sunglasses through the Fittingbox app. There are also Reorder and Rx Upload tools to streamline repeat purchases and prescription management. 

In addition, EZContacts’ mobile site is easy to use. It has a responsive display, and you can use Apple Pay to pay for your products.

Top Pick

It’s a tie! EZContacts stands out with more advanced search filters and an easy-to-navigate website, while LensCrafters offers the flexibility of both online and in-store shopping.

Pricing & Value

Now, let’s look through the pricing and value that LensCrafters and EZContacts both offer. We’ll compare their eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

Comparing Eyeglasses 

LensCrafters and EZContacts both sell eyeglasses from many major brands, such as Ray-Ban, Miu Miu, Coach, Versace, Burberry, and more. As previously mentioned, EZContacts sells more brands overall.

Generally, the same glasses cost more at LensCrafters than they do at EZContacts. Let’s look at some pairs head-to-head.

First up is the popular chunky Miu Miu MU 04UV glasses. At LensCrafters, these frames cost $459.

At EZContacts, the same frames cost $280.50. This is a savings of $179 (39%).

In addition, LensCrafters’ lenses are more expensive than EZContacts’ lenses.

Clear plastic lenses start at $110 at LensCrafters.

LensCrafters does have a deal online where you get 50% off on select lenses. However, even with that, these lenses still cost $75. 

And so, with clear plastic lenses, the Miu Miu glasses cost $534.00.

At EZContacts, standard plastic lenses cost far less. They start at $39.95.

And so, the Miu Miu glasses with clear plastic lenses would cost $330.40. This is a savings of $203.60 (38%).

Now, we’ll look at a stylish pair of square Coach glasses. At LensCrafters, these frames cost $210.

Add in clear lenses, and the total cost of these glasses is $285; and that’s with the 50% off lenses deal.

In comparison, the same frames cost $124.45 at EZContacts.

Add in clear plastic lenses, and the total cost is $174.35. And so, by buying these glasses at EZContacts, you’ll save $111, or 38%.

Comparing Sunglasses 

Now, we’ll look at sunglasses prices at LensCrafters and EZContacts. Both eyewear stores sell sunglasses from major brands, such as Arnette, Vogue, Armani Exchange, and more.

When you compare the same sunglasses head-to-head, LensCrafters’ sunglasses are often more expensive than EZContacts’ sunglasses.

For example, take this stylish Burberry pair. These sunglasses cost $298 at LensCrafters.

The same Burberry sunglasses cost $200 at EZContacts. This is a savings of $98, or 32%.

It’s the same story with this classic black pair of Ralph Lauren sunglasses. These sunglasses cost $96 at LensCrafters.

The same sunglasses cost $76.80 at EZContacts. This is a savings of around $19, or about 20%.

Comparing Contact Lenses

Both eyewear stores sell contacts from a variety of brands, including Alcon, Johnson & Johnson, and CooperVision. Generally, the contacts are more affordable at EZContacts.

First, we’ll look at ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day Max. One 30-day box of these contacts costs $73.99 at LensCrafters.

At EZContacts, these same contacts cost $55.95 for a 30-pack. This is a savings of around $18, or about 24%.

LensCrafters offers a deal if you buy a year’s supply of contacts.

For example, if you buy a year’s supply of ACUVUE OASYS, you’ll get $175 off, bringing the annual cost to $1,600.76.

Even with that, though, a year’s supply of these contacts is more affordable at EZContacts.

At EZContacts, a year’s supply of ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day Max costs $1,342.80. This is a savings of around $258, or 16%.

It’s the same story with many other contact lenses at LensCrafters and EZContacts. For example, a box of Dailies TOTAL1 costs $56.99 at LensCrafters.

A year’s supply of TOTAL1 would cost $1,217.76 at LensCrafters.

At EZContacts, a box of Dailies TOTAL1 costs $49.95.

A year’s supply of Dailies TOTAL1 costs $1,198.80 at EZContacts. This is a savings of about $19, or about 1.6%.

Other Important Price and Value Considerations 

Contact Lens Subscription 

EZContacts and LensCrafters both have contact lens subscriptions. However, since EZContacts’ prices are generally lower, you can often save more at EZContacts.

At EZContacts, you can save up to 10% on every one of your contact orders. You can choose to have your contacts delivered every month, every two months, every three months, or every six months.

LensCrafters only offers savings if you buy a six- or 12-month supply of contact lenses.

There’s no extra cost for the EZContacts contact subscription. If you decide you don’t want to be subscribed anymore, canceling is easy. Simply head to your EZContacts account and go to the ‘EZ-Refill’ section to cancel your subscription.

Loyalty Program

EZContacts has a loyalty program called EZPoints. With this program, you earn one EZPoint for every $2 you spend on eyewear.

Once you earn 250 points, you’ll receive an email with a $25 off coupon. You can use this coupon for your next order over $150. 

To begin earning EZPoints, all you have to do is create an account. Then, you’ll immediately start accumulating EZPoints with your next purchase!

LensCrafters has a loyalty program called LensCrafters+. With this program, you’ll get two new prescription glasses with a fixed monthly payment and exclusive benefits every year. The price for the program varies based on the glasses you choose. 

There are a few downsides to the program. You can only sign up in-store. There’s also limited availability. Currently, the only states participating in the program are California, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Price-Matching

Along with their loyalty program, EZContacts also has a 105% price-match guarantee. After you buy a product on EZContacts, if you find it at a lower price at a competitor’s store, EZContacts will refund you the difference plus an additional 5%.

To start this process, simply email EZContacts’ customer service. You can find all the terms and conditions here.

LensCrafters doesn’t have price-matching services.

Insurance

LensCrafters accepts most major vision insurance plans, both online and in-store. You can view all the insurance plans they accept on their website.

At EZContacts, you can use your FSA or HSA card to pay for eligible eyewear. In addition, EZContacts is an out-of-network eyewear retailer. This means you can use your out-of-network benefits at EZContacts. 

You’ll have to pay for your eyewear upfront, but you can then file a reimbursement claim with your insurance company. EZContacts will help with this. Fill out this form to begin the process.

Top Pick

EZContacts comes out on top with its affordable prices on eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. In addition, they have the EZPoints loyalty program, a contact lens subscription, and price-matching.

Shipping & Handling

LensCrafters Shipping Times 

LensCrafters typically processes contact lens orders and glasses with non-prescription lenses in about two business days. It takes them about seven days to process orders with prescription lenses.

Once your order is processed, LensCrafters offers a variety of shipping options. They offer free ground shipping and ‘responsible shipping.’ Ground shipping typically takes three to five business days. ‘Responsible shipping’ focuses on reducing carbon emissions by using ground transport instead of air transport. It typically takes five business days.

In addition, you can choose to have your order shipped to a nearby store. This is also free and takes about two business days.

If you want to receive your eyewear sooner, LensCrafters offers various expedited shipping options. Express shipping costs $18.99 and takes 1 business day to reach you after your order is processed. 

LensCrafters also offers two-day delivery for $25. With this service, your order will be processed in one business day, and then it will be shipped in one business day. And so, you’d get your product two days after you put in the order.

You can track your order through your LensCrafters account. Note that some customers have mentioned shipping delays in their reviews, which we’ll discuss more in the ‘Customer Ratings & Reviews’ section.

EZContacts Shipping Times 

Wondering how long your EZContacts order will take? If you place your order before 2:00 p.m. EST, it will be processed that same business day. If you’re ordering prescription lenses, they typically take about 3 to 5 days to be made in EZContacts’ optical lab. In-stock contact lenses will usually ship within 1 to 2 business days.

If the order you want isn’t in-stock, it could take longer to get to you. Make sure the ‘in-stock’ filter is on as you’re searching for your eyewear.

EZContacts offers free standard shipping on many orders. Orders are shipped with USPS, and they typically take five to seven business days. 

There are also expedited shipping options available for an extra fee. If you want your order in three to five business days, it will cost $9.95. Two business days cost $19.95 with a special rate, and one business day costs $39.95.

Top Pick

EZContacts is the top pick in this round with their typically faster processing and shipping times.

Return Policy & Warranty

LensCrafters Return Policy 

LensCrafters has a 30-day ‘Happiness Guarantee’ return policy. You can return your item and get a full refund or a replacement product within 30 days of the ‘dispense date.’ This is the date when the product arrives at your home, or the day you pick it up from the store.

If you want to request a replacement or exchange, you’ll need to either email or call customer service. To get a refund, head to LensCrafters’ ‘Return Request Page’ to begin the process. Fill in your information, and LensCrafters will email you within 48 hours with a prepaid shipping label. 

Once you get the label, pack up your product and bring it to a UPS store. When LensCrafters receives your product, they’ll inspect it. If all looks good, you should receive an email saying your product has been refunded. This process usually takes around seven to 10 business days.

Along with the 30-day happiness guarantee, LensCrafters also has a 12-month Eyewear Protection Plan for an additional fee. This protection plan costs $34.99 for single vision glasses, $44.99 for progressive glasses, and $64.99 for AI smart glasses. 

With this plan, you can get an unlimited number of repairs during the 12 months of the plan. However, you will have to pay a co-pay when you get these repairs. The co-pays are $25 for frame or lens service/replacement, $50 for frame and lens service/replacement, $100 for non-prescription AI glasses replacement, and $125 for prescription AI glasses replacement.

EZContacts Return Policy 

EZContacts has a free 30-day return window. They only accept unopened contact lenses, but glasses can be returned after being opened. The glasses must be returned in their original condition and with all the accessories they came with.

You’ll get a full refund for contact lenses and non-prescription glasses. For prescription glasses, you’ll also get your money back, less a $25 restocking fee per pair of prescription glasses.

To start the return process, log in to your EZContacts account and click ‘Start Return’ next to your order details. You can also contact customer service to begin your return. Or, you can use the Order Locator form. You’ll find this form on the Return and Exchanges page.

After EZContacts’ 30-day warranty ends, the manufacturer’s warranty will apply. This will typically be one to two years, depending on the product. All the information will usually be included on the product’s warranty card.

Top Pick

LensCrafters is the top pick in this round with their free returns and one-year protection plan option. 

Customer Service & Support

LensCrafters Customer Service 

LensCrafters has a toll-free customer service phone number, a customer service email address, and a live chat. Their phone lines are manned Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm. EST. They’re also manned on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST.

If you email LensCrafters, they say they’ll get back to you within one business day. Their live chat hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LensCrafters also has an FAQ page that can answer many commonly asked questions.

LensCrafters’ customer service has gotten some mixed reviews. One customer wrote that they were put on hold for 25 minutes, and then were told the whole system was down:

“Very Bad customer support, my order was supposed to be delivered by 13th Oct, still haven’t got it, i called your support line, i was put on hold by agent, after 25 mins of wait she told me system was down and call us again later, what kind of service is this?”

Another customer shared that customer support wasn’t very helpful when they were trying to do an online order.

“I have had decent in-store experience with them. I am also OK with some online limitations, such as failure to accept handwritten prescription files. It happens possibly due to strict text extraction requirements. However, the customer support team was not very helpful and told me that my order can still be canceled after I had submitted the prescription file to them directly. They also ended the conversation abruptly, leaving me so confused. I learned the lesson and will avoid online business if feasible.”

EZContacts Customer Service 

EZContacts offers U.S.-based customer support. They have a toll-free phone number, customer service email address, and live chat. EZContacts’ phone lines are typically manned Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Emails are usually answered within one business day, and the live chat is available during business hours. In addition, there’s an FAQ page that can help answer many of your questions.

EZContacts also has some extra benefits to help you with the purchasing process. They offer insurance documentation forms to help you get your out-of-network benefits. They also provide Rx verification assistance.

EZContacts’ customer service has garnered many positive reviews. One customer shared:

“Helpful, prompt customer service. Easy to navigate site, best prices online for legit Oakley sunglasses. Shipping has been a week or less to mailbox once order is processed. Any issues I had with In stock products, shipping or billing were rectified. I will be purchasing more sunglasses in the near future.”

Top Pick

LensCrafters wins this round with their longer customer service hours. 

Customer Rating & Reviews

LensCrafters Customer Reviews

On Google, LensCrafters currently has a 4.8 out of 5 stars from 325 reviews. Many customers were pleased with the in-store customer service, and others said the glasses were of great quality.

However, on Trustpilot, LensCrafters currently has a 2.7 out of 5 stars rating based on 930 reviews. Some customers shared that they were happy with the customer service they received. A few customers named specific stores and said they received good service there:

“The pin fell out in my glasses so I went to the lens crafter at the West Covina Plaza to see if some there could fix it. I was waited on promptly.I am sorry I didn’t get the women’s name that fixed them. She was pleasant and the glasses were fixed fast without ant problems.”

On the other hand, many customers called out slower-than-expected shipping times.

One customer wrote that they’d been waiting for their glasses for over 20 days:

“Wait time for my glasses to ship has now hit the over 20 day mark. They are painstakingly slooooow! Don’t use them if you want the glasses within a month. Terrible customer service and terrible turnaround time.”

Another reviewer shared they’d paid for two-day delivery, but their order still hadn’t shipped on day four:

“2-Day Delivery is a scam. Paid $19 extra for an order that haven’t even shipped yet and it’s now on day 4 of being manufactured, not even shipped.”

Another customer shared that there were quality issues with their glasses. They wrote:

“Customer service was really good but product was awful. I loved the glasses that I chose but the lenses were not placed in the glasses correctly. When I put them on my face they were crooked. Really crooked. Not even touching one side of my nose. One of the lenses wasn’t placed in the glasses correctly. It was halfway in there. I returned.”

Over on Reddit, some Redditors have also said that LensCrafters has slow shipping. One user wrote:

“I ordered the matte large frames just over a month ago. They initially told me it would be around 2 weeks for them to come in. After waiting around and not hearing from them I decided to call the store and was told they have no idea as to when they should be coming in. Has anyone else had this problem?”

Other Redditors responded and said it was also taking a long time for them to get their glasses. One Redditor said:

“Lenscrafters originally told me what I wanted (wayfarer glossy black large) would not be in stock but they promised the matte black large is in stock and could get here in less than 2 weeks.

I used insurance since my progressive lenses and transitions would be expensive. They waited 3 weeks then finally called me and told me they’ve had the lenses done for over a week but there was a “glitch” in their system and they had no meta glasses in any size or color.

They then proceeded to try to sell me a pair of non meta glasses for get this only 190 dollars more!”

EZContacts Customer Reviews

EZContacts has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Google from 73,336 reviews. In addition, EZContacts has a 4.0 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot from 45,766 reviews. Many reviewers said that they were happy with the delivery speed:

“Incredibly fast shipping with the cheapest prices and my glasses are 100% authentic. They even came with some free cleaning solution.”

Another customer was thrilled about the easy reorder option and discount codes:

“I love the easy reorder option which literally loads a new order for you. Also there is always a discount code available which is nice because you know you’re getting the best price out there. Especially since wearing dailies is kind of pricey.”

EZContacts has also garnered some positive reviews on Reddit. A Redditor named Corpious1 wrote:

“I’ve got pretty bad vision, so my glasses usually cost a fortune. My optometrist wanted $600 for a single vision pair, and Costco was $400.

I decided to grab a backup pair from Ezcontacts just in case, and it ended up being $65. The frames I picked were lighter, fit better, and honestly look nicer than the Costco ones. Plus, they have a lot more style options than I expected…

Not trying to advertise just saving anyone else from spending way more than they need to.”

EZContacts also shares customer reviews and photos on their website, which LensCrafters doesn’t do. In the customer gallery, you can see many happy EZContacts customers.

Catherine is a big fan of her new Miu Miu glasses:

Maria loves her Versace shades:

David is all smiles in his Gucci glasses:

Top Pick

EZContacts wins this round with their higher rating on TrustPilot, as well as their reviews on their website.

Comparison Table

Feature	EZContacts	LensCrafters
Frame & Lens Selection	50K+ products, 300+ brands	About 2,600 products, about 90 brands
Shopping Experience & Features	Advanced search filters for glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. Virtual try-on for many glasses and sunglasses.	Advanced search filters for glasses, not as many filters for contact lenses. Virtual try-on for some glasses and sunglasses.
Pricing & Value	A large variety of affordable glasses and sunglasses from top designer brands. Contact lens subscription EZPoints loyalty program Price-match guarantee	Eyewear from many major brands. Eyewear is generally more expensive than EZContacts’ eyewear. LensCrafters+ loyalty program Contact lens subscription
Shipping & Handling	Typically ships in 5 to 7 business days No shipping fees on standard shipping Expedited shipping is available for an extra fee	Orders processed in 2 to 7 business days. Typically ships in 5 business days No shipping fees for standard shipping. 2-day shipping available for an extra fee
Return Policy & Warranty	30-day returns, no restocking fee for contacts & sunglasses. $25 restocking fee for prescription lenses 30 day warranty + Manufacturer Warranty	30-day returns, no restocking fee One-year warranty available for an extra fee
Customer Service & Support	Phone available from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST Most emails are answered within 24 hours Live chat available during business hours Positive reviews about customer service	Phone available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST Most emails are answered within 24 hours Live chat available on Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Customer Ratings & Reviews	4.3/5 on Google 4.0/5 on TrustPilot	4.8/5 on Google 2.7/5 on TrustPilot

Top Pick Overall

EZContacts wins overall. EZContacts has lower prices and a larger inventory than LensCrafters. They also have higher customer ratings and more advanced search filters on their website.

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TL;DR

• Frames & Lens Selection
  • LensCrafters has about 2,600 sunglasses, eyeglasses, and contact lenses available from 90 brands.
  • EZContacts has over 50,000 products in their inventory from over 300 brands. All products on EZContacts are 100% authentic.
• Shopping Experience & Features
  • LensCrafters’ website has some advanced search filters and virtual try-on for some items. LensCrafters also has around 950 brick-and-mortar stores.
  • EZContacts’ website has more advanced search filters and virtual try-on. They also have a responsive mobile site.
• Pricing and Value
  • LensCrafters has glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses from many major brands. They’re generally more expensive than EZContacts’ glasses. They have a LensCrafters+ loyalty program and a contact lens subscription. Their prices are generally higher than EZContacts’ prices.
  • EZContacts offers affordable eyewear and contacts from a wide variety of brands, including Ray-Ban and Coach. They have a contact lens subscription, an EZPoints loyalty program, and a price-match guarantee. Their prices are generally lower than LensCrafters’ prices.
• Shipping & Handling
  • LensCrafters typically processes orders with prescription lenses in about 7 days, and orders without prescriptions in about 2 business days. Their free shipping takes three to five days, and they have paid expedited shipping options.
  • EZContacts processes orders placed before 2:00 p.m. EST on the same business day. Prescription lenses usually take three to five days to process, and non-prescription orders take one to two days. Free shipping takes about five to seven days, and paid expedited shipping options are available.
• Return Policy & Warranty
  • LensCrafters has a 30-day return policy. They also have a one-year protection plan for an extra fee.
  • EZContacts has a 30-day return policy. After 30 days, the manufacturer’s warranty applies.
• Customer Service & Support
  • LensCrafters has a toll-free phone number, a customer service email address, and a live chat. Reviews of their customer service are mixed.
  • EZContacts also has a toll-free phone number, a live chat, and a customer service email address. There are many positive reviews for their customer service.
• Customer Ratings & Reviews
  • LensCrafters has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google, and they have a 2.7 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot. Reviews mention slow shipping and some quality issues.
  • EZContacts has a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Google, and they have a 4.0 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot. Many reviews are positive.
• While both EZContacts and LensCrafters offer value to customers, EZContacts wins overall with its lower prices, larger inventory, and higher customer rating. These factors all make EZContacts the best choice for shoppers who are looking for brand-name styles at the best prices.

Ready to see how much you can save? Head to EZContacts and start shopping for your new eyewear!

Shop eyewear here.

Disclaimer:

FTC disclosure requirements for comparisons require all claims to be truthful, non-deceptive, and evidence-based. Companies must have solid proof for claims of superiority, which can be based on scientific studies or objective surveys. Any comparison of price must be truthful and based on actual, non-fictitious prices. Disclosure of any material connection between the endorser and the product must also be clear and conspicuous.