Best Sunglasses Of 2025
Whether you need sunglasses for daily wear or ones that stay secure during your next run, the right pair ensures comfort and protection.
Since 2017, our gear experts have tested over 100 top sunglasses for every sunny adventure. We’ve rigorously evaluated cycling shades, running sunnies, stylish high-end glasses, and budget-friendly options. From kayaking at the equator to dog sledding at the North Pole, mountain biking through forests, climbing granite cliffs out west, and running Colorado 14ers, we’ve worn them worldwide through countless experiences.
1. Ray-Ban Erika
Who it is best for: The Ray-Ban Erika is a stylish, high-performance option that flatters various face shapes and styles. Thanks to their oversized, softly rounded wayfarer-style frames and lightweight feel, they suit wearers with both small and large facial structures. This is a great choice if you need sunglasses that transition seamlessly between casual and polished looks while still offering solid sun protection.
Why we love it: It has crisp, clear optics and subtle gradient lenses—dark at the top for sun protection, lighter at the bottom for visibility in mixed lighting. The semi-flexible metal bows are comfortable during long wear, and though we didn’t test the polarized version, it’s available in a wide array of lens and frame color options. While we were initially thrown off by the slight purple hue in the grey lenses, testers found it improved contrast without skewing color perception. The result is a pair of sunglasses that feel premium in performance and aesthetics.
Should you buy it? If you’re looking for versatile sunglasses with excellent optical clarity and a universally flattering design, these are worth the investment. While they sit a little loose when perched on your head and come at a higher price, they deliver consistent performance and standout style. For added glare protection, consider opting for the polarized version. These sunglasses strike a rare balance of comfort, visual quality, and timeless design.
2. CAMP Eyewear Trail
Who it is best for: The Camp Eyewear Trail is perfect for all genders seeking budget-friendly, casual sunglasses with a stylish wayfarer design, featuring real wooden bows and blue lenses that offer slight contrast, ideal for those who prioritize comfort and value over polarization.
Why we love it: The clear blue lenses, sleek finish, flexible hinges, and unique wooden bows enhance its style, making it a top pick for casual wear among our testers.
Should you buy it? Despite the glossy finish causing slippage when sweaty and gaps around the medium-sized lenses allowing sunlight in, the Trail is a great value. Other options offer a more universal fit for those less concerned about weight.
3. Goodr OG
Who it is best for: The Goodr OG are a practically perfect combination of adaptable style, versatile performance features, and a price so low it’s suspicious. It’s hard to go wrong with these glasses — we wore them spring skiing, summer running, and winter driving — making them one of our top recommendations for anyone who wears sunglasses for any reason and needs to stick to a modest budget.
Why we love it: The wayfarer style makes the OG great for casual wear, while their absurdly low weight and easy-to-love fit help them cross the bridge into sweaty summer adventuring. Whimsical color options ensure there’s no outfit these can’t match with. And even when we pushed these shades to keep up on relentlessly sunny trail runs, they did.
Should you buy it? The only reason not to get these glasses is if you’re after the crispest lenses and a lifetime of durability. The OGs aren’t that. But for well under $50, these glasses continue to impress us and outperform pretty much every other competing model in its price bracket.
4. Shady Rays Classic Timber
Who it is best for: The Shady Rays Classic Timber is perfect for budget-conscious individuals seeking lightweight, stylish wayfarer sunglasses with grey or brown lenses and woodgrain-patterned plastic frames, available in two sizes, ideal for casual wear.
Why we love it: Their well-executed style, lightweight design, and intriguing woodgrain patterning are complemented by a reliable warranty that enhances its value through a great replacement program.
Should you buy it? The Timber offers exceptional value, despite the woodgrain pattern wearing off in high-traffic areas and coming with only a basic microfiber bag for minimal protection. However, lens and frame combinations are limited.
5. Costa del Mar Rinconcito
Who it is best for: The Costa del Mar Rinconcito is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, such as kayakers and anglers, who need high-performance sunglasses with dark, polarized lenses that block 100% of blue light and offer a secure fit with rubber nose pads for on-water activities.
Why we love it: Its crisp, flawless polarization minimizes glare, minimal back reflections in harsh lighting, and large, slightly wrapped lenses provide excellent coverage, maintaining its top spot for water-based performance over several years.
Should you buy it? Though their sporty look and high price may not suit those seeking versatile sunglasses for casual and formal settings, the Rinconcito excels for water sports, but these are not cheap. There are more budget-friendly options that scored in the same range.