Are you trying to choose between Zenni Optical and EZContacts? It’s not easy to pick which eyewear store to buy from.
If you’re feeling stuck, I’m here to help. I did a deep dive into both stores and compared them in terms of pricing, value for money, shipping times, and more. Then, I used the results to help you determine where to spend your money.
Let’s get into it!
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.
Zenni Optical
Zenni Optical and EZContacts are both alternatives to traditional optical retailers. However, the two stores’ offerings differ significantly. Zenni sells its own brand of eyewear in a direct-to-consumer model. They have some of the lowest prices in the eyewear industry, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Zenni’s eyewear comes in a wide variety of shapes and styles. While affordability is one of its big selling points, some customers have reported that the frames can feel lighter, thinner, or less sturdy than designer options. The brand offers sunglasses and eyeglasses, but they don’t currently sell contact lenses.
EZContacts
EZContacts, on the other hand, sells eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses from hundreds of top brands at affordable prices. This includes many well-known eyewear brands, such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Persol. There are also options from designer brands, like Prada, Miu Miu, and Balenciaga.
The wide selection is one of EZContacts’ big strengths; there’s something for everyone on the retailer’s virtual shelves. In addition, EZContacts has launched its own line of affordable premium eyewear, Vesari, featuring a range of trendy styles.
Number of Products and Brands at Zenni Optical vs. EZContacts
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 a selection of major brands. The online retailer has thousands of eyeglasses and sunglasses on its website.
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, which Zenni doesn’t stock. 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. Zenni, on the other hand, doesn’t sell eye care products.
Plus, all of EZContacts’ products are 100% authentic and sourced directly from the manufacturers.
Top Pick
EZContacts is the top pick for this round because of its wide inventory, which includes thousands of products!
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, making the shopping process straightforward.
One issue I found with Zenni Optical’s website is that it can be a bit confusing at first. They don’t make it completely clear that the eyeglass and sunglass frames are mostly the same, with the main difference being the lenses.
So, you’ll have to click around a bit to get used to Zenni Optical’s website format.
One redeeming factor is that 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. Finally, the brand’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, and it has more filters than Zenni overall. 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, making it perfect for those in need of a specific solution. 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; you can filter products to check which ones can be tried on. You can also use EZContacts’ mobile site, which is streamlined and simple to use, and you can even pay for your items with Apple Pay.
Overall, the EZContacts website is designed to make your shopping experience as easy as possible.
Top Pick
EZContacts is the top pick for this round, thanks to its streamlined, easy-to-navigate website.
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.
When it comes to pricing, Zenni Optical and EZContacts have different value propositions. Zenni Optical’s brand is centered on ultra-affordable prescription glasses. The company sells its own-brand frames and appeals to budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize low prices, customization options, and a wide selection of styles.
EZContacts focuses on delivering value through discounted designer eyewear and contact lenses. The prices may be higher than Zenni’s offerings. However, EZContacts provides customers access to a large selection of authentic premium and designer brands, a wider variety of shapes and styles, frequent promotions, a loyalty rewards program, and a price-match guarantee.
Comparing Glasses
Now, let’s go through some frames to see Zenni Optical and EZContacts’ prices in action.
Zenni Optical’s frames come in a range of prices, starting at $6.95 and going 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.
One of the tricky things with Zenni is that they don’t always make it easy to find the lowest-cost lens option. When you look at the lens options, you’ll see four different choices.
To find the lowest-cost lenses, you’ll need to click on ‘Clear’ and then ‘General Use.’ After clicking on ‘General Use,’ you’ll get to a page with inexpensive lenses.
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 has inexpensive frames from brands like Peachtree. These frames start at $4.31.
EZContacts’ lens prices are all easy to find. This includes standard plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses, and high-index lenses.
With standard plastic lenses and clear coating, the Peachtree glasses would cost $54.21 in total.
However, as mentioned, 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.
As another example, check out these stylish Kate Spade frames that come in a variety of fun patterns. These 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.
If you’re looking for frames from big-name brands at affordable prices, EZContacts is the place for you.
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.
EZContacts has a variety of well-known eyewear brands at comparable prices to Zenni. For example, these stylish Harley Davidson sunglasses are $15.40.
You can also find affordable sunglasses from top brands. For instance, 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. This can make shopping there tricky for someone who likes switching between contacts and eyeglasses. It’s also less convenient for those who want to fulfill their eyewear needs from one store.
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. EZContacts is your one-stop shop for all things eyewear.
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 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, making it a bit more confusing.
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.
Top Pick
Zenni Optical is the top pick this round with their inexpensive glasses and sunglasses and their Zenni Rewards program.
However, while Zenni Optical offers many inexpensive sunglasses and eyeglasses, EZContacts has low-priced options from major brands. EZContacts also has a contact lens subscription service, a loyalty program, and a price-match guarantee.
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 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.
Top Pick
EZContacts is the top pick in this round with its shipping times being faster overall.
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 and 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.
Top Pick
EZContacts is the top pick in this round with a 30-day return policy for all items.
Customer Service & Support
Zenni Optical Customer Service
Zenni Optical has a toll-free phone number that you can call. The phone lines are manned from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. PST every day.
They also have a chat that’s available 24/7 every day. In addition, the brand’s email is open 24/7.
Many customers are happy with Zenni Optical’s customer service and have left positive reviews. Buyers mentioned that Zenni’s customer service is helpful and they’ve resolved issues quickly. However, some have noted slow response times or trouble with refunds.
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.
Many customers have shared that they’re happy with EZContacts’ customer service. One customer wrote:
“Great customer service. Great quality and unbeatable prices. Quick delivery.”
Top Pick
Zenni Optical is the top pick for this round for its longer customer service hours, including a 24/7 chat.
Customer Rating & Reviews
Zenni Optical Customer Reviews
Zenni Optical currently has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from 164,366 reviews. Plus, Zenni has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Google from 52,000 reviews.
Many reviewers were happy with the glasses, with some saying they had ordered multiple pairs from Zenni. However, some reviewers said they had trouble with the website. One customer wrote:
“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.”
Another customer added:
“Paid for faster shipping. This did not happen and this caused problems.”
Another customer shared that while he was generally happy with Zenni, he felt the “quick” transition glasses he ordered didn’t transition very well:
“Zenni has always been the best for comfort, fit and prescription accuracy . Quickly gets my orders delivered. However, my wife’s last prescription was for the ‘quick’ transitioning pair , which did not transition at all . I wasn’t impressed by that, neither was she . I still would recommend Zenni , they’ve been the best to deal with”
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-star rating on Trustpilot from 45,625 reviews. In addition, EZContacts has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on ShopperApproved, which aggregates reviews.
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 wrote that they found the website easy to navigate:
“Website was easy to navigate and ordering was easy. Product was exactly what I wanted and shipped in a few days.”
One 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 shares customer photos in 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+++++”
Top Pick
Zenni is the top pick with its higher average customer ratings across major review platforms. However, EZContacts also has thousands of customer reviews and many repeat buyers who value their pricing on designer eyewear and contact lenses. As with many online retailers, customer experiences tend to vary based on inventory availability, shipping expectations, and the overall complexity of the order.
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 glasses and sunglasses Can use Apple Pay on phone | Advanced search filters Virtual try-on for glasses Website can be a bit confusing to navigate 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 |
Top Pick Overall
EZContacts is the top pick overall. While Zenni Optical has inexpensive glasses on offer, EZContacts has a wider selection of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses from top brands. In addition, EZContacts has free standard shipping and longer return windows.
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. The website can be a bit confusing to navigate, though.
- 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.
- EZContacts sells eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses from a wide variety of top eyewear brands. You can find many affordable options on EZContacts. 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 all 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 negative 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.
- While EZContacts and Zenni Optical both have a lot to offer customers, EZContacts is the top pick overall with its wider variety of products, shorter shipping times, and longer return window.
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.
