Are you trying to decide between Zenni Optical and EZContacts for your eyewear needs?
Choosing between Zenni Optical and EZContacts depends largely on what you’re looking for: low prices on house-brand frames, or a broader selection that includes designer eyewear and contact lenses.
Below is a straightforward comparison of both retailers across the factors that matter most.
Who Are Zenni Optical and EZContacts?
Zenni Optical is a direct-to-consumer eyewear company that designs and sells its own house-brand frames. Founded in 2003, Zenni is known for very low prices, in-house manufacturing, and a wide range of customization options. Zenni doesn’t sell contact lenses or third-party designer brands.
EZContacts, founded in 2005, is an eyewear retailer that sells eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses sourced from hundreds of established brands. EZContacts focuses on offering competitive prices on recognizable names. This includes everything from mainstream brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley to luxury labels like Prada, Miu Miu, and Balenciaga.
EZContacts has also recently launched its own line of affordable premium eyewear, Vesari, featuring a range of trendy styles.
Frame & Lens Selection
We’ll begin by taking a look at the selection at Zenni Optical and EZContacts, including the number of products both stores have in stock.
Number of Products and Brands at Zenni Optical vs. EZContacts
| Zenni Optical | EZContacts | |
|---|---|---|
| Eyeglass frames in stock | ~2,200 | ~7,400 |
| Sunglasses in stock | ~2,100 | ~4,900 |
| Number of brands | 1 (house brand) | 250+ |
| Contact lenses | Not offered | 125+ SKUs, ~20 brands |
| Eye care products | Not offered | Yes |
Zenni Optical currently has about 2,196 frames in stock. There are numerous color choices for many of the frames, so there are really thousands more options available. Lots of frames also come in sunglasses and eyeglasses options.
However, not all the frames can be made into sunglasses. And so, Zenni has 2,090 sunglasses options in total.
EZContacts offers eyewear from many major brands. All of EZContacts’ products are 100% authentic and sourced directly from the manufacturers.
There are currently 7,420 eyeglass models in stock from over 250 brands. Like with Zenni, these frames are available in a wide variety of colors, so there are really thousands more options.
EZContacts currently has 4,896 sunglasses in stock from more than 200 brands. Again, these models are available in many different colors.
In addition, EZContacts sells contact lenses. EZContacts has 125 contact lens types in stock from around 20 brands.
EZContacts also sells eye care products, including eye drops, eyelid scrubs, eye creams, and more.
Best for
The best for house-brand affordability and customization: Zenni Optical
The best for a wide brand selection: EZContacts
Shopping Experience & Features
Zenni Optical Website
Zenni Optical’s website has a simple and easy-to-use homepage. As you scroll down the page, you’ll see some of their Best Sellers and collections advertised.
Some users may find the navigation between eyeglass and sunglass options less intuitive, since most frames can be built as either. You’ll have to click around a bit to get used to Zenni Optical’s website format.
Zenni offers a good number of filters on its website. You can filter by:
- Frame Sizes
- Gender & Age
- Shape
- Color
- Pupillary Distance
- Prescription
- Price
- Material
- Comfort Features
- Sport or Activity
- Collaborations
Virtual try-on is available for all of Zenni’s glasses. If you’re shopping on your phone, Zenni’s mobile website is also streamlined, and they accept Apple Pay.
EZContacts Website
EZContacts’ website is simple to navigate, making it quick and easy to find what you’re after. When you get on the site, you’ll see a navigation bar at the top that takes you to all the different categories.
EZContacts also has advanced filters on its eyewear pages. The filters include:
- Gender
- Brand
- Frame Color
- Frame Type
- Frame Material
- Frame Size
- Features
- Multifocal
- Reviews
- Price
In addition, EZContacts has many advanced filters on its contact lens page. You can filter by:
- Brand
- Manufacturers
- Contact Lens Schedule
- Contact Lens Types
- Base Curve
- Diameter
- Reviews
Virtual try-on is available for many items through the Fittingbox app. EZContacts’ mobile site is also streamlined and simple to use, and you can pay for your items with Apple Pay.
Best for
The best for easy customization: Zenni Optical
The best for shoppers looking for a wider range of filtering options: EZContacts
Pricing & Value
Now, we’ll look at the pricing and value offered by Zenni Optical and EZContacts. We’ll take a look at their eyewear and loyalty programs.
Comparing Glasses
Zenni Optical offers many glasses at low prices. Zenni Optical’s frames start at $6.95 and go up to $59.95. Most frames can serve as the base for either eyeglasses or sunglasses.
The basic 2.50 index lenses are included in the price of the glasses.
Zenni also offers extras such as blue-light blocking, transition lenses, and ID Guard, which protects your eyes from infrared rays.
Now, let’s look at EZContacts. EZContacts’ catalog primarily focuses on name-brand and designer eyewear. Many frames are in the $80–$250 range, although some premium designer options are priced higher.
The lenses are priced separately. Shoppers can select from standard plastic, polycarbonate, and high-index options based on their prescription needs and preferences.
One of the main draws of EZContacts is its large inventory. EZContacts has affordable eyewear from over 300 brands, including top brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Miu Miu, Coach, Prada, and more.
Many of these glasses are available at lower prices than you’ll see at other eyewear stores. Be sure to check out the ‘Deals’ page to see what’s in stock.
For instance, these highly-rated Ray-Ban glasses are available at a discounted price. The frames start at $136.01.
These stylish Kate Spade frames start at $47.60.
These Emporio Armani frames are another good example of a highly-rated frame available at a discount. They start at $125.19.
Comparing Sunglasses
As mentioned, Zenni only sells its own brand of sunglasses. Its sunglasses typically use the same base frames as the eyeglasses.
When buying sunglasses, you’ll follow the same procedure as eyeglasses. You’ll start by choosing a frame, and then you’ll pick ‘sunglasses’ on the lens type screen.
You can choose to get either prescription or non-prescription sunglasses.
Sunglasses cost $7.95. And so, the lowest-price sunglasses you can get on Zenni are $14.90.
Now, let’s look at EZContacts. There are many sunglasses available from major brands at affordable prices.
For example, these highly-rated Michael Kors sunglasses are available at a discounted rate.
You could also try out these highly-rated Oakley sunglasses.
Comparing Contact Lenses
Zenni Optical doesn’t sell contact lenses; they focus solely on glasses and sunglasses.
At EZContacts, you’ll find contact lenses from large brands, including ACUVUE, AIR OPTIX, Bausch & Lomb, Biotrue, and much more.
If you’re looking for monthly lenses, the Eiyan monthly lenses are a good choice. They’re available for $24.95 per box.
If you want to buy daily lenses, the Proclear 1-Day lenses are currently $29.95.
You can also save more by signing up for a contact lens subscription.
Other Important Price and Value Considerations
Contact Lens Subscription
With EZContacts’ contact lens subscription service, you can get 10% off your contacts. Depending on the type of contact you choose, you can have them delivered monthly, every two months, every three months, every six months, or annually.
If you decide you don’t want to do the subscription anymore, it’s easy to cancel. Simply log in to your EZContacts account or email customer service.
Loyalty Program
| Zenni Rewards | EZPoints | |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up | Free | Free |
| Tiers | Fan, Friend, VIP | Single tier |
| Base earn rate | 1 pt / $1 | 1 pt / $2 |
| Redemption | 100 pts = $5 off | 250 pts = $25 off orders $150+ |
Zenni has a loyalty program called Zenni Rewards. Joining the program is free, and once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to start earning points. You’ll also earn more perks as you level up.
There are three tiers to the program: Fan, Friend, and VIP. Fan is the lowest tier. On this tier, you’ll earn 1 point for every $1 spent.
You’ll reach the Friend tier when you spend over $150. At this tier, you’ll earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent. You’ll then get to the VIP tier when you spend over $250. At this tier, you’ll get 2 points for every $1 spent. You can start redeeming points when you have 100 points; this will get you $5 off your next purchase.
EZContacts also has a loyalty program called EZPoints. With this program, you’ll earn 1 EZPoint for every $2 that you spend on eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses.
After you’ve earned 250 points, you’ll receive an email with a $25 coupon toward your next purchase of $150 or more.
Price-Matching
EZContacts has a 105% price-match guarantee. If you buy an eyewear product on EZContacts and then find the same product at a lower price at another eyewear store, reach out to EZContacts’ customer service. They’ll refund you the difference plus an additional 5%. You can find the full terms and conditions here.
Zenni Optical does not currently have a price match guarantee.
Insurance
EZContacts and Zenni Optical are both out-of-network retailers. With both retailers, you’ll first pay for your eyewear. Then, you can contact your insurance company to get a reimbursement.
EZContacts makes this process easy. Fill out this form, and EZContacts will start the reimbursement process. Zenni doesn’t have a similar form.
You can also use your FSA or HSA card at both retailers. Simply put in the card info, as you would with a debit or credit card, at checkout.
Best for
The best for lowest all-in prices on prescription eyewear: Zenni Optical
The best for discounts on brand-name eyewear, contacts, and price-matching: EZContacts
Shipping & Handling
Zenni Optical Shipping Times
At Zenni Optical, standard shipping typically takes around seven to 14 business days, including processing time. If you’d like to get your eyewear quicker, you can also choose express shipping. Express shipping takes around five to 10 business days. You can also do rush two- to five-day shipping or rush one- to four-day shipping.
Zenni Optical only offers free shipping on orders of $89 or more. If your order is below $89, standard shipping costs $4.95. Express shipping costs $15. Rush two- to five-day shipping is $19.00, and Rush one- to four-day shipping is $39.95.
Zenni Optical ships both in the U.S. and internationally. They currently ship to over 200 countries worldwide.
EZContacts Shipping Times
At EZContacts, orders placed before 2:00 p.m. EST are typically processed that same business day. If you’ve ordered prescription lenses, it usually takes about three to five days for the glasses to be processed at the optical lab. Contact lenses will often ship out in one to two business days.
EZContacts has U.S.-based fulfillment, which allows them to have faster typical shipping times than Zenni Optical. Orders are shipped with USPS, and standard shipping is free. With standard shipping, you’ll usually get your order in five to seven business days. Expedited shipping is also available for an extra fee.
EZContacts ships to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Best for
The best for wider international coverage: Zenni Optical
The best for faster standard shipping: EZContacts
Return Policy & Warranty
Zenni Optical Return Policy
At Zenni Optical, you have 30 days from the date your order arrives at your home to return your item. If you want to get your money back, though, you have to return the items within 14 days. Returns made 15 to 30 days after your order will only get store credit.
To start the return process, you can use the online chat feature, or you can email or call Zenni. Zenni will send you a prepaid return label to use. Once Zenni receives the product, they’ll email you to confirm your refund or store credit. Refunds can take up to 10 business days.
Zenni also has an extended one-year warranty plan for an extra cost. With this plan, you can replace your eyewear one time during the warranty period. The warranty covers everyday wear and tear, such as accidental damage, breaks, or scratches.
EZContacts Return Policy
EZContacts has a 30-day return policy for all its eyewear. Contact lenses must be returned unopened, but glasses can be returned opened. They must just be in their original condition with all the accessories they came with. There’s no restocking fee for contacts, non-prescription glasses, and sunglasses. However, for glasses with custom prescription lenses, a $25 restocking fee applies.
To start the return process, head to the Returns and Exchange page and enter your order number. Or you can log in to your account and click ‘Start Return’ next to your order details.
If you’re having any issues, email customer service, and they’ll be happy to help you out.
Once EZContacts’ 30-day warranty is up, the manufacturer’s warranty will apply. This typically takes one to two years, depending on the product and manufacturer.
Best For
The best for shoppers who want added protection: Zenni Optical
The best for shoppers looking for a straightforward 30-day return process: EZContacts
Customer Service & Support
Zenni Optical Customer Service
If you have any questions or need help with an order, you can call Zenni Optical’s toll-free phone number. Zenni offers extensive support hours; the phone lines are manned from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST every day.
Zenni also has a chat that’s available 24/7 every day. In addition, the brand’s email is open 24/7.
EZContacts Customer Service
EZContacts’ phone lines are manned from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday to Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST on Friday. They answer most customer emails within 24 hours, and there’s a live chat available.
EZContacts also offers extras to help customers, including Rx verification assistance and help with insurance reimbursements.
Best for
The best for more extensive support hours: Zenni Optical
The best for more hands-on assistance: EZContacts
Customer Rating & Reviews
| Zenni Optical | EZContacts | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (164,000+ reviews) | 4.0/5 (45,000+ reviews) |
| Google Reviews | 4.5/5 (52,000+ reviews) | 4.3/5 (73,000+ reviews) |
| ShopperApproved | — | 4.8/5 |
Zenni Optical Customer Reviews
Zenni holds a higher Trustpilot rating with a substantially larger review volume. They currently have a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from over 164,000 reviews. Common positive themes include affordability, style variety, and prescription accuracy. Common criticisms mention shipping delays and occasional issues with progressive or transition lenses.
One customer shared that he had bought multiple pairs from Zenni:
“The eyewear quality, and value are good. I’ve received compliments regarding the red mirrored sunglasses. The website is a little frustrating, so that prevented the 5 stars.”
Some reviewers also said that they liked the glasses they received, but shipping took a while. One customer wrote:
“The glasses were fine but they took a very long time to get to me through the mail.”
Zenni also shares reviews of products on its website. Many of the products have reviews of 4 stars or higher.
EZContacts Customer Reviews
EZContacts currently has a 4.0 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot from over 45,000 reviews. In addition, EZContacts has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on ShopperApproved, which aggregates reviews.
Positive reviews often cite fast shipping, brand availability, and pricing. Negative reviews mention processing delays between order placement and shipment.
One customer said they were happy with their sunglasses purchase:
“good availability of sunglasses, fast same day shipping, good prices, good website and customer service on the phone.”
Another customer shared that shipping took a bit of time, but once they received their product, they were thrilled:
“Package was supposed to be 4 days delivery. However is stayed in ‘Processing’ status for 4 days before it was shipped. Otherwise the ordering process, prices, inventory were perfect!“
EZContacts also has a customer gallery. This gallery includes photos and reviews from many happy customers. For instance, Joe S. loved his Maui Jim shades:
Maui Jim fan for life!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This is my 4th pair of MJ HOKIPA sunglasses I purchased in the past 15 years. I’d still have the first three pairs if it weren’t for work, play and some carelessness! By far the best sunglasses I’ve owned over the years. Clarity and detail provided on bright sunny days is well worth the cost. Not to mention, they are great looking sunglasses! AAAAA+++++”
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Zenni Optical if you:
- Want the lowest possible all-in price on prescription eyewear
- Are comfortable with a single house brand
- Value customization and a large variety of styles at budget prices
- Are looking for shipping outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
Choose EZContacts if you:
- Want specific designer or name-brand frames at discounted prices
- Need to buy contact lenses (or want a subscription)
- Prefer free standard shipping with no minimum and faster delivery
- Want a full refund window of 30 days and a price-match guarantee
Both retailers have earned large, generally positive customer bases, and the best choice depends on your specific needs rather than one being universally “better.”
Comparison Table
| Feature | EZContacts | Zenni Optical |
| Frame & Lens Selection | 50K+ products, 300+ brands | Around 2,200 frames available |
| Website Friendliness & Features | Advanced search filters Virtual try-on for many glasses and sunglasses Can use Apple Pay on phone | Advanced search filters Virtual try-on for all glasses and sunglasses Can use Apple Pay on phone |
| Pricing & Value | A large variety of affordable glasses and sunglasses from top designer brands Contact lens subscription Price-match guarantee EZPoints loyalty program | Affordable frames from own-brand. Frames can be made into glasses or sunglasses Zenni Rewards loyalty program |
| Shipping & Handling | Ships in 5 to 7 business days No shipping fees for standard shipping | Shipping typically takes 7 to 14 business days for standard shipping Shipping is free for orders over $89. For orders below that price, standard shipping costs $4.95 |
| Return Policy & Warranty | 30-day returns, no restocking fee for contact lenses and non-prescription glasses. $25 restocking fee for prescription glasses 30 days + Manufacturer Warranty | 30 days to return the item. However, to receive money back, orders must be received within 14 days Returns made 15 to 30 days after your order will only get store credit |
| Customer Service & Support | Phone available from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Most emails are answered within 24 hours Live chat available | Phone lines are manned from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST every day Customer service email available Live chat available 24/7 |
| Customer Ratings & Reviews | 4.0/5 on TrustPilot 4.8/5 on ShopperApproved | 4.5/5 on TrustPilot 4.5/5 on Google Reviews |
TL;DR
- Frames & Lens Selection
- Zenni Optical sells its own-brand frames. There are around 2,200 frames available, and most can be made into eyeglasses or sunglasses.
- EZContacts has over 50,000 products in its inventory from many major eyewear brands. All the retailer’s products are 100% authentic.
- Shopping Experience & Features
- Zenni Optical has advanced filters on its website and a virtual try-on. In addition, Zenni’s glasses are very customizable.
- EZContacts’ website is simple to navigate and has advanced filters. Virtual try-on is available for many products, and the mobile website is also streamlined.
- Pricing and Value
- Zenni Optical only sells its own brand of eyeglasses and sunglasses, and many are very affordable. They don’t sell contact lenses. They offer a loyalty program called Zenni Rewards.
- EZContacts sells eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses from a wide variety of top eyewear brands. In addition, EZContacts has a loyalty program, a contact lens subscription, and a price-match guarantee.
- Shipping & Handling
- Zenni Optical’s standard shipping typically takes around seven to 14 business days. Orders above $89 are free, but orders below this amount have a $4.95 shipping fee.
- EZContacts has U.S.-based fulfillment and typically ships within five to seven business days. Shipping is free for most standard orders.
- Return Policy & Warranty
- Zenni Optical has a 30-day return window. However, if you return the item after 14 days, you can only get store credit, not your money back.
- EZContacts allows free returns within 30 days of purchase, and you can get your money back within those 30 days.
- Customer Service & Support
- Zenni Optical’s phone lines are manned from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST daily. They also have a 24/7 live chat.
- EZContacts’ phone lines are manned from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST on business days. They have a live chat, and most emails are answered within 24 hours.
- Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Zenni Optical has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot and a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews. Many of these reviews are positive, though some are notes about shipping times and progressive lenses.
- EZContacts has a 4.0-star rating on Trustpilot and a 4.8-star rating on ShopperApproved. Many reviews cited EZContacts’ good product availability and prices.
- Choose Zenni if you’re looking for ultra-affordable prescription eyewear and are comfortable with a single house brand. Choose EZContact if you want to buy contact lenses, or if you want name-brand or designer glasses at affordable prices.
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.
