Wearing the best polarized sunglasses for outdoor sports can improve your performance. They do this by reducing glare and reflections, allowing you clearer vision with less distortion of color and more contrast. Not only that, but they also protect your eyes.
If you spend time outdoors you need high-quality polarized sunglasses, this article is for you. Here we cover everything you need to know about polarized sunglasses and present the top 12 options for every budget and style.
Best Polarized Sunglasses FAQ
Below, you will find the frequently asked questions about polarized sunglasses. You can skip down to our review if you just want that information.
1. What Are Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglass lenses eliminate glare caused by the sun reflecting on glass, asphalt, snow, or water, by design. That action helps outdoors people because excessive glare can distort vision and perception. Using polarized sunglasses in combination with UV protective lenses improves vision clarity while protecting the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
2. How Do Polarized Lenses Work?
Polarized lenses work by filtering out glare-inducing horizontally oriented light. The lenses shift horizontal light out of the visual field, leaving only vertically oriented light. That’s because vertically oriented light doesn’t contain the painful, and sometimes dangerous, glaring that obstructs vision.
3. What Are the Benefits of Polarized Lenses?
Wearing the best polarized sunglasses offers many benefits to the wearer beyond reducing glare. Below we explore the benefits of wearing polarized sunglasses.
Eye Protection
Exposure to glare can cause sunburning to more than just your skin, your eyes are vulnerable as well. That’s because ongoing exposure to UVB radiation when outdoors can cause burning to the eye, and cataracts. Using polarized lenses helps to mitigate the damage that glare causes to the eyes.
Comfort
Besides protecting the eyes from damage, wearing polarized lenses feels more comfortable. We rarely realize how our eyes strain throughout a long day of adventuring until after the sun sets. However, eye strain can cause headaches and visual distortion, which negatively impacts outdoor enjoyment.
Wearing polarized sunglasses improves eye comfort to keep you moving forward at full speed.
Clarity
Because polarized sunglasses inhibit the flow of glare-intense horizontal rays, they dramatically improve vision. Further, wearing polarized lenses strips away the elements that rob landscapes of color and contrast. These lenses helps you see the world in more accurate terms even when the sun is full overhead.
4. Are Polarized Sunglasses Better for Your Eyes?
Polarized sunglasses are better for the eyes because they block out harmful sun glare. Sun glare can cause short-and long term damage to the eyes.
There are two main things to look for when buying a good pair of sunglasses: UV protection and polarized lenses. These two elements offer the most protection from the sun. All polarized lenses provide UV protection, but not all UV protective lenses are polarized.
Read product descriptions carefully when buying the best polarized sunglasses. Some companies advertised polarization falsely. All the sunglasses we’ve reviewed are polarized and offer broad-spectrum UV light protection.
5. What Is the Best Color for Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses manufacturers produce a variety of lens colors, including gray, brown, yellow, pink, blue, and green. It’s essential to consider the weather and outdoor activities you take part in before buying the best polarized sunglasses. Darker polarized lens colors are most effective for blocking out glare, but other colors come with specific benefits that we clarify below.
Gray or Black
Gray or black polarized lenses are the most common because they are the most effective for reducing glare and preventing eye-strain. These colors of polarized lenses are the go-to choices when you take part in a variety of outdoor activities. They are most effective for filtering out intense glaring on water sources, which makes them the best choice for fishing and water sports.
Brown or Amber
Brown or amber lenses are superior for creating better color contrast in landscapes. They are fantastic for participating in sports that require fast reaction time on sunny days. We also recommend wearing brown or amber polarized lenses for daytime driving.
Yellow
Yellow polarized lenses are the best choice to wear in distorted low-light conditions. This color lenses help define a foggy or mist-filled environment. Yellow glasses also offer benefits when worn inside as they cancel harmful blue light from electronic devices.
Green
Like yellow tinting, green polarized lenses create more definition in low-lighting conditions. They also come with the benefits of reducing the depth of shadows, which makes them ideal for regular outdoor use. Green lenses produce more accurate outdoor colors when the sun is at a medium intensity.
Blue
Blue polarized lenses are the ideal choice when dealing with snow glare and snowstorm haze. The blue tinting adds a dimension to the monochromatic landscape to help to create contrasting colors outside. Wearing blue polarized lenses on the slopes or mountain trails helps protect eyes and your footing when everything otherwise blends.
Pink or Red
Pink or red-tinted lenses are less common, but snowbirds sometimes wear them to help with defining the space in whiteout conditions.
6. What’s the Difference Between Polarized and Mirrored Sunglasses?
One thing you’ll run into a lot when shopping for the best polarized sunglasses is the option to buy mirrored lenses. Polarized lenses eliminate glare from hardened surfaces, while mirrored lenses are most effective at reducing a broader spectrum of sun glare. Buying mirrored polarized lenses offers the most protection.
7. Where Can I Buy the Best Polarized Sunglasses?
Both brick and mortar and online retailers sell polarized sunglasses. However, if you already know what shape you want, buying polarized sunglasses online is the best way to go. Retailers like Amazon have a wide range of different polarized sunglasses in one place, which helps you find the best deals.
How We Reviewed
To find the best polarized sunglasses for outdoor exploration, we searched the internet for well-respected offerings. Then, we explored a variety of styles and colors found in a variety of price ranges.
We made sure that every offering on our list had delivered on its promises for users.
Overall Price Range
Although the price was a factor in determining the total value of each pair of polarized sunglasses, it isn’t the most important consideration.
Many inexpensive polarized sunglasses also offer lifetime warranties for their product. That’s something that isn’t universal in the sunglasses world. These warranties cover the frames and lenses, lending confidence when buying a cheaper pair of polarized shades.
Pricing for polarized sunglasses seems to have more to do with brand reputation than construction materials. As you’ll see below, many of the best performing polarized sunglasses are cheap but also an excellent value. Style makes expensive polarized sunglasses most desirable; often, more prominent brands produce polarized sunglasses that have a unique design.
Contenders for the Best Polarized Sunglasses
- REKS Unbreakable SLING-BLADE Sunglasses
- Ray-Ban RB2140 Wayfarer Sunglasses
- DUCO Polarized Sunglasses for Men
- Oakley Men’s OO9014 Gascan Rectangular Sunglasses
- Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses
- Smith Landmark ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
- Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
- Eye Love Polarized Sunglasses for Men and Women
- Oakley Unisex Turbine
- TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses
- GAMMA RAY OPTICS Polarized Sunglasses
- MIRA – Breeze R – Polarized Sports Glasses
REKS Unbreakable SLING-BLADE Sunglasses
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Features
REKS Sling-Blade sunglasses have aBPA-free composite polymer frame for lightweight durability. The manufacturer claims their virtually “unbreakable.” With flexible black frames, Sling-Blade sunglasses fit comfortably under a helmet and will not break when bent.
REKS says their sunglass construction offers 10 times more shatter resistance than conventional sunglasses.
They offer a choice of colors for the mirrored, polarized lenses, including: red, blue, brown, gold, rose-amber, silver, and smoke. Each polarized lens choice eliminates glare to a full, 100% capacity and also provide UV 400 protection. The multi-colored lenses are scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, and moisture repelling
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Pros
- Durably made
- Mid-range pricing
- Seven color options
- Lightweight
- Good fit, even for larger heads
Cons
- Do not fit snugly around temples
Ray-Ban RB2140 Wayfarer Sunglasses
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Features
Many people consider Ray-Ban’s iconic polarized Wayfarer Sunglasses as some of the best polarized sunglasses they have protected eyes since 1956. Although the Wayfarer’s popularity has shifted throughout the last 60 years, these glasses have never gone out of style entirely.
Ray-Ban makes the RB2140 frame from lightweight acetate, and they are available in dozens of color choices for personalizing your polarized sunglasses to perfection.
The RB2140 Wayfarer lenses absorb 95% of visible light, including blue light. Choose from different polarized lens colors to enhance contrast and vision clarity to your specifications while enjoying the polarized anti-glare effects.
Ray-Ban polarized Wayfarers are prescription-ready and come with an integrated nose guard. They make the RB2140 sunglasses in Italy and includes a protective sunglasses case with each purchase.
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Pros
- Many frames and lens color choices
- Sold in different sizes for a comfortable fit
- Made tough
- Superior vision clarity and anti-glare
- Come with a structured sunglasses case
- Classic style
Cons
- Not as lightweight as some people prefer
- Expensive
DUCO Polarized Sunglasses for Men
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Features
The DUCO Polarized Sunglasses are made with an active outdoor lifestyle in mind. DUCO makes the frames from rugged and featherweight aluminum. Also, their TAC Polarized lenses offer 100% UV 400 protection against UVA and UVB rays. The sunglasses reveal vivid, true-to-life color without glaring.
The Polarized Sunglasses by DUCO have wide-angle lenses to offer improved peripheral vision protection. And adjustable temples and nose pad to find the right fit. DUCO offers frames in black, gunmetal, brown, or silver. The polarized lenses come in gray, yellow, brown, or mirrored. All versions of the sunglasses are resistant to breaking, scratching, and glaring.
DUCO gives a lifetime breakage warranty for the frames and lenses that ensures the sunglasses won’t break. If for any reason, the sunglasses break, the company will replace them for free. DUCO also gives a 30-day money-back guarantee. They make the best polarized glasses to try risk-free.
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Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Well-made
- Easy to clean
- Affordable pricing
- True sizing
- Good for night driving
Cons
- Limited color options
Oakley Men’s OO9014 Gascan Rectangular Sunglasses
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Features
The Oakley OO9014 Gascan Sunglasses offer a geometric alternative to classic wraparound sunglasses. The light and break-resistant O-Matter™ frames block peripheral light while staying planted in place firmly. Frames come in a variety of colors, including matte black, black, brown, camo, blue, white, and gray — all with a three-point fitting for supreme comfort and precision optical alignment.
Oakley uses its premium Plutonite™ lenses to offer full UVA, UVB, UVC, and blue light. Oakley sells the Gascan Rectangular Sunglasses with a soft drawstring pouch for cleaning and scratch prevention. Gascan polarized sunglasses are compatible with prescription lenses.
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Pros
- Updated, modern design
- Can be used with Rx
- Several styling and lens options
- Blocks out all UV light
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Too lightweight for some people
- Better suited for large faces
Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses
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Features
Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses are handcrafted wraparound sunglasses for outdoor sports. The legendary Costa Rican company creates high-quality frames from heavy-duty materials for ongoing sun protection. The Blackfin sunglasses come in a variety of frame color and pattern options, including ash wood, black, matte black, blue, camo, tortoise, blue, and bronze.
Costa Del Mar offers tinted glass lenses in gray, blue, green, and amber; each lens color provides a full spectrum of UV light protection. These polarized lenses also use exclusive technology that blocks blue and yellow light to assist with improving visibility while fishing. The Blackfin Sunglasses are fit true-to-size and have a comfort nose guard to prevent them from slipping.
The frame styling eliminates peripheral glare and fitting closely to the temples. Included in the price is a Costa hard case, cleaning cloth, and a limited lifetime warranty for frames and lenses.
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Pros
- Excellent fit and sizing
- Plethora of color choices
- Block peripheral light
- Scratch-resistant glass lenses
Cons
- Expensive
Smith Landmark ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
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Features
The Smith Landmark ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses offer sun protection with style. These glasses are some of the best polarized sunglasses for making a statement. Smith Landmark offers the ChromaPop frames in black, tortoise, and matte vintage brown. ChromaPop TLT lenses come in gray-green, blue, and brown for all-day protection while hiking or traveling.
ChromaPop sunglasses fit small to medium faces and are unisex by design. The frames have auto-lock hinges for increased durability. Also, they offer hydrophilic megol nose pads keep the glasses in place with less slippage. Smith Landmark gives the ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses a lifetime warranty for the frames and lenses.
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Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Unique design
- High-quality construction
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Fashionable color choices
Cons
- Expensive
- Don’t come in large sizes
Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
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Features
For a classic style that’s been around since 1937, choose the polarized Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses. The company offers dozens of metal frames and lens color combinations to suit the broadest range of outdoor needs. Ray-Bans initially designed the aviators for US Air Force Pilots, who needed protective eyewear that minimized dangerous sun glaring.
Ray-Ban’s polarized lenses reduce glare, enhance contrast, and bring clarity to every landscape. That means they improve vision and reduce eye strain. The Aviator Sunglasses work in full sun, partial sun, and cloudy light conditions; they block out harmful rays and absorb some visible light. Ray-Ban includes a carrying case and cleaning cloth with each pair of polarized Aviators.
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Pros
- Attractive and classic design
- Many color options for frames and lenses
- Helps eyes to relax
- Come in different sizes
- Long-lasting construction
Cons
- Doesn’t offer peripheral protection
- Expensive
Eye Love Polarized Sunglasses for Men and Women
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Features
Eye Love combines the strength of TR90 plastic and genuine ebony wood to create a unique pair of polarized unisex glasses. The 100% UV 400 lenses come in black or brown for the most anti-glare protection. The robust wayfarer-style frame is light and fits most faces comfortably.
Eye Love includes a microfiber carrying case, screwdriver, and eye health e-book with every purchase of its polarized sunglasses. If social contribution matters to you, choose Eye Love. These are the best polarized sunglasses for making a difference in someone else’s life.
For every pair of sunglasses you buy, Eye Love donates an eye exam, glasses, and sunglasses to someone who cannot afford them.
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Pros
- Low pricing
- Stylish design
- Maximum glare protection
- Social contribution
- Fits many face shapes
Cons
- Best for full sun only
- Larger than average
Oakley Unisex Turbine
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Features
The Oakley Turbine polarized sunglasses give 100% UV protection in a sturdy O-Matter™ frame. O-Matter™ is the brand’s plastic goggle frame material. It’s light, bendable, and tough enough to take a beating. Oakley offers the Turbine sunglasses in several sizing options for men and women.
Oakley makes the lenses from Plutonite®, which is impact resistant and shatter-proof according to the manufacturer. Turbine frame colors include white, brown, matte black, polished black, and turquoise. And lens tint colors are brown, blue, pink amber, and green. Besides improving vision clarity outdoors, Turbine glasses also block blue light from electronics. All Turbine models are proudly made in the USA and come with a carrying pouch.
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Pros
- Well-made and durable
- Excellent color options
- Multiple sizes
- Blocks electronic blue light
- Made in the USA
Cons
- May not fit all face shapes
- Expensive
TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses
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Features
TOREGE makes some of the best polarized sunglasses for multi-purpose use. The company provides three interchangeable lenses for their glasses. That allows wearers flexibility for perfect shades in different weather, day or at night. All the lens options protect with 100% UV 400 and help to balance shadows creating accurate outdoor color representation.
They have a black rimless PC frame with a comfortable rubber nose pad for a secure fit — even when running, cycling, or engaging in sports. These sunglasses and triple lenses come with a fabric carrying pouch and a cleaning cloth.
TOREGE makes its polarized sunglasses to last and offers a lifetime breakage warranty for the frame. The company also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.
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Pros
- Work well in different lighting conditions
- Sit firmly on the face even during activity
- Affordable pricing
- Long warranty
- Innovative design
Cons
- Only one set of lenses is polarized
GAMMA RAY OPTICS Polarized Sunglasses
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Features
Gamma Ray Optics Polarized Sunglasses are made from a robust TR90 nylon frame for durable shades that won’t weigh you down. The matte black wraparound frames are flexible and fit comfortably on the head without exposing temples or creating peripheral glaring.
Gamma Ray Optics offers TAC polarized lenses in blue mirrored, gray, amber, and silver mirrored colors — to match your outdoor needs. Each lens option provides 100% UV 400 coverage against UVA and UVB light. The Gamma Ray Optics polarized lenses use a multi-level construction approach to prevent shattering while offering supreme eye protection.
Gamma Ray Optics offers a 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty for its polarized sunglasses. If the glasses break, the company refunds your money or replace the glasses.
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Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Wraparound adds protection
- Good visual clarity
- Nice pricing
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for reading
- Sizing runs large
MIRA – Breeze R – Polarized Sports Glasses
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Features
The MIRA Breeze R Polarized Sports Glasses are an affordable pair of unisex sunglasses for outdoor sports. The extra-light TR90 thermoplastic frame construction proves durable even with heavy wear and tear. Breeze R features a black wraparound frame that is scratch-proof and shatter-resistant.
Breeze R features amber polarized lenses offering improved visibility and full UV 400 protection. MIRA provides a carrying case, cleaning cloth, pouch, polarization test card, and retainer strap with every purchase.
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Pros
- Comfortable sizing
- Low pricing
- Suitable for a variety of sports
- Comes with accessories
Cons
- Delicate lens design
- Few color options
Our Verdict: The Best Polarized Sunglasses
All the best polarized sunglasses we’ve reviewed offer style, comfort, and protection to wearers who participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you are hitting the trails, snowboarding, camping, driving, or out on the water; one of the polarized options we’ve reviewed will protect your eyes.
As we’ve shown, you don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars to get polarized eye protection. Names like Oakley, Ran-Ban, Costa Del Mar, and Smith Landmark make high-quality polarized sunglasses, but inexpensive brands get the job done too.
The best budget polarized sunglasses come from DUCO and Gamma Ray Optics. Both companies sell high-quality frames and lenses that are backed by a lifetime warranty. If you want a reliable pair of anti-glare shades that won’t break the bank, we’d recommend going with either of these brands.
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