Shopping

The 10 Best Sunglasses For UV Protection

Style and eye protection, all at once.

Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Woman taking selfie with mobile phone in summer vacation
Enes Evren/E+/Getty Images
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, the trails, or simply driving to and from work, sunglasses with UV protection can help keep your eyes safe while showcasing your personal style. From chic aviators to sporty wrap-arounds, the best sunglasses for UV protection shield 100% of ultraviolet light, including both UVA and UVB rays. To ensure you're getting that full protection, look for sunglasses with UV400 labels that offer that complete coverage.

What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Sunglasses For UV Protection

As you shop, here are a few important factors to consider to find the perfect pair of sunnies for you:

  • UV Protection: As mentioned above, a UV400 label will indicate that the lens in question offers 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Some options will even offer protection from UVC rays. Keep in mind that just because a lens has a darker tint, that doesn’t mean that it offers more protection.
  • Polarization: Beyond UV protection, polarized lenses can help protect your eyes, because they reduce glare brought on by reflection or horizontal light. These can be particularly helpful for driving, whether it’s snowing or super sunny outside. But keep in mind that while polarized lenses might be able to keep you from squinting, they don’t actually provide any UV protection on their own. To protect you from harmful UV rays, polarized lenses need to be combined with a UV-blocking substance.
  • Aesthetics: Some glasses are strictly for fashion moments (say, a festival-ready aviator or retro-inspired cat eye), while others blend style and utility to give you practical options for activities like skiing, running, or beach sports. Whatever your sunglasses needs may be, you're sure to find a pair below that provides optimal protection from harmful UV rays.

Almost all of the 10 picks below are $30 or less and come highly rated on Amazon.

1

The Fan-Favorite: SUNGAIT Vintage Round Sunglasses

SUNGAIT vintage round sunglasses promise UV400 protection with polarized lenses — plus, they boast a 4.7-star rating and over 38,000 reviews. These cult-favorite shades are highly fashionable and versatile — but they’re also shatter-proof with high-definition lenses with glare-blocking capabilities, which makes them ideal for everything from beach days to road trips. Feel like stocking up? They’re available in the cutest multicolor three-pack.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I am SO impressed with these sunglasses! They definitely look and feel like they cost way more than $12, I can't believe the quality. They're also very attractive and the perfect size for my face. I love that they come with a little carry drawstring pouch, lens cloth, and glasses tool. [...]”

  • Available styles: 21

2

The Best Tortoiseshell: SOJOS Classic Square Polarized Sunglasses

These classic tortoiseshell sunnies are a solid choice for everything from walking to shopping to traveling. They offer UV400 protection — and they're anti-reflective sunglasses with HD polarized lenses to keep glare at bay. They come with a nice carrying pouch and lens cloth, too. Even better? This pick boasts a 4.5-star rating and over 27,000 reviews.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I am AMAZED by the quality of these sunglasses. The first day I wore them I got so many compliments!! I never would have thought I could get something so solid and beautiful for such a great price. They even come with a cleaning cloth! I would absolutely recommend these to anyone who asked.”

  • Available styles: 11

3

The Best Aviators: J+S Premium Military Style Classic Aviator Sunglasses

J+S aviator sunglasses are UV-400 rated to block both UVA and UVB rays, and they come in a perennially chic style. These shades also come with polarized, multi-layer lenses specifically designed to block 99.96% of glare. Whether you're headed to the beach or festival-bound, this pick is the perfect choice for any outdoor activity.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “These glasses [...] look like RayBans without breaking the bank and they fit my head so well. Best sunglasses for under $20.”

  • Available styles: 18 (plus three size options)

4

The Best Oversized: GQUEEN Oversized Polarized Mirrored Cat Eye

These oversized polarized sunglasses promise 100% UV-400 protection — which means they'll effectively block harmful UVA and UVB rays. They’re great for all occasions, and the mirrored lenses and cat-eye frames look modern and retro all at once. This gorgeous pick is also ideal for extra sunny beach days when you might want the added protection of oversized frames, which may help prevent squinting around the extra-delicate eye area. Plus, Amazon shoppers give them a 4.4-star rating overall after 4,000+ reviews.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I absolutely adore the look of these sunglasses & how strong they are in regards to actually protecting my eyes from the sun & not just looking amazing! They're functional & fantastic, & I'll definitely be buying more in the future thanks to the amazing customer service I received from Effie!!! [...]”

  • Available styles: 12

5

Editor’s Choice: Revo Maxie Navigator Sunglasses

The Revo Maxie sunglasses have a navigator style, so they have the same width as aviators at the top, but flatten out at the bottom of the lenses rather than narrowing to a point. The polarized lenses are made from a super durable nylon material called Serilium+ that the brand developed in collaboration with NASA in order to provide the most complete light-management possible. That means these lenses not only protect against 100% of UVA and UVB rays, but they also can help to block blue-light. Whether you’re looking at your devices or are out hiking, boating, or driving, you’ll have a clear field of vision. The frames are made from lightweight stainless steel, and they have adjustable nose pads so you can get the right fit.

Editor’s note: “I have never been quite as obsessed with a pair of sunglasses as I am with my Revo Maxies. I do a ton of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing, and these glasses stay in place through all of my adventures. I can see more clearly through these lenses than any others, and even on the brightest days, I can be in direct sunlight out on the water. I love the aviator style, but I have a round face, so the look of these navigators suits me better, too.” — Carina Finn

6

The Best Value Pack: CHBP Polarized Sunglasses

It’s hard to beat the price of this three-pack of trendy shades. They boast UV400 polarized lenses, making them a particularly solid choice for driving, although they’re stylish enough to wear basically anywhere and sturdy enough to see you through plenty of activities too. Plus, they’re offered in a ton of different color combinations so you can find the right set for your style.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “These are light, cute and polarized. Sturdy too. Great to keep a pair stashed in car, purse Etc.”

  • Available styles: 20

7

The Best For Outdoor Activities: Gear District Polarized UV400 Sport Sunglasses

As the name suggests, Gear District Polarized UV400 Sport Sunglasses have polarized lenses, making them particularly great for outdoor activities. This pick also comes with the all-important UV400 protection label. Plus, they’re designed with an anti-fog coating that works when temperatures get chilly. This sporty style has earned a 4.2-star rating on Amazon and over 3,000 reviews as well. They can be used as everyday wear, but they’re specifically designed to be worn during biking, driving, running, skiing, climbing, or other outdoor activities.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “Great wraparound sunglasses. Polarized and very clear! I use mine for biking, but, would be good for baseball or tennis. My second pair after losing my first pair.”

  • Available styles: 3

8

The Best Wood Frames: Eye Love Polarized Sunglasses

Featuring sides made of ebony wood, these Eye Love polarized sunglasses promise 100% UV protection and they come with glare-proof, polarized lenses for added protection. These shades are ideal for anyone who wants to protect their eyes and look great in the process, but they’re also especially great for people who like it when their purchases help someone in need. According to Eye Love, a billion people are blind due to lack of glasses. That’s why, for every product purchased, the company gives an eye exam, glasses, and sunglasses to someone in need.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “[...]These are amazing glasses and im [super] excited i got them. The build quality is fantastic and they look great. If that wasn't good enough they give you two cases a hard one and soft one with a adjustable tool and microfiber cloth. The final awesome thing is that they give a pair of glasses to some one who cant afford it. I will definitely be getting a second par in the near future.”

  • Available styles: 4

9

The Best Retro Shades: YDAOWKN Classic Vintage Aviator Sunglasses

These retro-inspired sunglasses are just $11, but they have all the features you want in a pair of on-trend sunglasses that still offer great protection. Both the lenses and the frames are made from lightweight plastic, so you’ll barely feel them when they’re on. The UV400 lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns for both the frames and the lenses. They’re sold both as singles and in two-packs, that way if you lose a pair, you can have another on hand. They come with a soft cleaning cloth, a soft bag, and a carrying case. Just note: this pair is not polarized.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “This are seriously the best sunglasses I've ever owned. [...]I was seriously amazed when I first put these on. I could keep my eyes fully open and not only see everything, but it was in excellent color. It really does feel HD! If you're looking for solid UV protection that helps you see, the yellow shaded ones are spot on.”

  • Available styles: 26

10

The Best For Kids: Pro Acme TPEE Kids Polarized Sunglasses

Pro Acme kids' polarized sunglasses come with UVA- and UVB- blocking lenses that boast 100% protection from harmful UV rays, and as the name suggests, these shades offer polarized lenses as well. The “unbreakable,” soft, rubber frames were designed specifically for young, active kids, ages 3 to 10 — and they should be large enough to cover your young child’s eye area without being too bulky. Additionally, Amazon shoppers love this pick, giving them an impressive 4.6-star rating overall after more than 5,000 reviews.

Enthusiastic Amazon review: “I have tried soooo many sunglasses for kids. These are awesome and I absolutely love that they are polarized. My kids like them a lot. They are cool looking. [...]Would definitely buy again.”

  • Available styles: 37

This article was originally published on