Best budget sunglasses: rated and reviewed
Our experts have tested the best budget sunglasses on the market that prove you don't have to break the bank to get quality eye-protection
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There is no denying that sunglasses can be eye-wateringly expensive, whether they are designed for sports or just sitting by the pool. We have seen massive improvements in recent years, particularly in more affordable models now offering fairly decent lenses. The good news is that the best budget sunglasses for cycling are getting so good that most won't be able to tell the difference!
As with the best cycling glasses, the best budget versions are much more than just for use on sunny days. Cycling glasses, whether budget or not, and, similarly to the best budget helmets, play a significant role in protecting us. This could be against debris, wind, and even moisture. This is why many cyclists wear sunglasses year-round, particularly during Autumn and Winter. Which our North American Editor, Anne Marije-Rook, can attest to after sustaining eye damage and being medically required to wear glasses on every ride.
Our expert review:
The Gabbro II sunglasses were the best pair I tested on this list by some margin, outperforming many models that cost significantly more. Particularly a favourite with the team, the Tifosi Rail, which, while it is without a doubt one of the best budget sunglasses full stop, the Endura Gabbro II's are even cheaper. They are robust, light and have a stylish design that doesn't look out of place against much more expensive models. On the bike, they didn’t fog up and, quite honestly, I forgot I had them on most of the time.
They look great on a variety of face shapes, and the lens size makes them a good choice for a wide range of head sizes. From a purely fashion perspective, I received more compliments on these glasses than on the others in this list combined. Which I put down to them being a budget sunglass, but these compliments often came even before I mentioned the cost. So, they must be doing something right!
The Tifosi Rail boasts a frameless design for improved vision and lower weight
Our expert review:
The team here at Cycling Weekly are big fans of the Tifosi Rail range, particularly the Rail Clarion Fototec lens versions, as well as the Tifosi Rail XC's. But why, you ask? The Rail offers a timeless design, with genuinely high-end performance. Many of the team have tested glasses two, if not three, times the price of the Rails, which don't perform as well. Even if you take the price out of the equation, the Rail would still be up there.
I personally found them to fit incredibly well, never needing to push them back up my nose or adjust them. Its the Photochromic lens that is the real kicker at this price. Transitioning from 14% to 74%, they handle a very wide range of light conditions very well. If I had to pick at them, they do change reasonably quickly. The response to low light could be quicker, but coming back to that price of under $100, it's by no means a deal breaker.
Read our full Tifosi Rail Clarion Fototec cycling sunglasses review
Our expert review:
Decathlon continues it's charge to bring performance cycling to affordable prices, and even with reasonably high expectations, I was impressed by the Cat 3 RoadR glasses. Out of the box, they felt light but solid and looked sporty yet had a flattering shape to them. The glasses have a wrap-around, protective feel to them, and once you put them on, they feel as if you’re not wearing anything on your face at all.
The lens has a red-ish tint to it and resisted fogging well. The design looks good with a range of helmet options, and it feels reassuringly robust, depsite their very low 25g weight. On descents, some wind did manage to find its way over the top of the lenses in a few cases, this lead to a little tearing up, and the subsequent reduction in vision. It wasn’t a major problem, merely an imperfection in an otherwise excellent product.
Goodr Wrap G's are a fun, stylish option for cyclists and festival goers
Our expert review:
I can't really say more than I love these glasses! They are only polarised lenses, but they are solid, fit great and at such an incredible price. The only real issue for me is that the style has led the design, and I would love to see these come with additional lenses or a photochromic option out of the box.
As I said, the fit is fantastic, thanks to long and curved arms that sit well behind the ear, which distributes the pressure, which helps them stay secure over a much wider area, rather than a small spot around the ear. This makes the Goodrs comfortable all day.
Lens-wise, I did find the extreme colour giving me a bit of eye strain after a while, which undermines that all-day comfort. Given there are loads of colours to choose from, you could just select a different option.
Out of the box, you get a nice microfibre bag for cleaning and protection, as well as a larger nose piece for a tailor-made fit.
The Wrap Gs are certainly fun and evoke a lot of nostalgic, retro vibes, which is again on-trend. While I don't think they are going to replace serious performance glasses, they are great for local rides and for those on a party pace.
Testing the best budget cycling glasses and sunglasses is similar to testing the best bike helmets. Our experts will scrutinise their performance on the bike; however, fit and comfort are somewhat subjective and can depend heavily on each expert's facial anatomy.
So, why should you trust our experts here at Cycling Weekly? Our team quite literally has hundreds of years of experience. Not only is Cycling Weekly a hundred-year-old institution, but our team has spent much of their lives riding and testing bikes.
So, what are we looking for when testing the best budget cycling glasses? First and foremost, as I mentioned, subjective comfort and fit are of paramount importance, espcially for budget sunglasses. Fancy lenses and features at a low price are only good if the glasses fit correctly and allow these features to flourish. Anti-fog and ventilation properties are key regardless of the price, and something we pay particular attention to, espically when the effort ramps up, like on a long climb into the hills. Protection, coverage, and field of vision come into the conversation, of course. For this guide, in particular, value for money is heavily scrutinised.
For more on how we test all the best cycling products, you can find all the details via our How We Test page.
Charlie has tested many of the glasses, and given his location in the Pacific Northwest, where there is always some moisture, he very likely has put them all through a number of conditions, likely all on one ride! Charlie favours Gravel and off-road riding, where the need for glasses is arguably far more important for protection, constant light changes, and visibility.
Tom Epton is a serious data scientist. Before realising the world of bikes was for him, he studied physics. Now he works closely with manufacturers, athletes, and teams, using data to find and enhance performance. This places Tom in the unique position to test the latest tech. His insight into genuine performance and data-driven results can easily highlight flaws or benefits to any product he tests.
‘Cheap’ means different things to different people and cycling sunglasses can range from a single-figure spend up easily into three. From this, it’s clear that you don’t need to break the bank when looking for a good pair of glasses.
The Endura and Van Rysel sunglasses we tested were just as good as many pairs that cost twice as much. As usual, Tifosi have a number of pairs of high quality glasses that will also do the trick! The cheap eyewear market is crowded and there are some really good options on the table - but beware, it's not all gold!