Choosing a new pair of glasses is about more than just protecting your eyes from the sun. Sunglasses can create an ideal look, even when you need to combine them with a face mask. They’re an insouciant addition to your wardrobe, and they allow you to express your own personal style while still keeping your eyes protected and anonymous. After testing 22 pairs of sunglasses in 2021, we have found the top 10 best cheap sunglasses that are UV-protected, polarized pairs in a variety of styles that will add a personal touch to your outfit, as well as protect your eyes from the sun.
Top 10 best cheap sunglasses in the UK 2021
Here are our top 10 best cheap sunglasses that you can score right now.
1. Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses
Among the least expensive options, the Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses are more comfortable and sturdier than the rest of the similarly priced round pairs we tested. And our testing proved that they simply look good on lots of people’s faces; they evoke the appearance of the well-loved Ray-Ban Erika—for a fraction of the cost. They also come with a lifetime warranty that covers your breaking them, which is nice considering they’re the least expensive pair of sunglasses we recommend.
2. Faguma Sports Polarized Sunglasses
Loves to golf or spend hours on the boat fishing? These are the sunglasses you need. The Faguma Sports Polarized Sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, are lightweight and ideal for a variety of different activities like cycling, running, fishing, climbing and more. Plus, they’re less than $50 and come in nine different colors.
3. Heat Wave Visual Vise Z87 Sunglasses
Bold, square frames are supremely masculine, especially in black with a dark, tinted lens. If you’re not into the dark and mysterious look, you can always punch up the style factor with amber, gold, or other colored lenses. The palm tree detail in silver at the temples provides a whimsical accent. Made for action, these glasses feature 2mm thick lenses to protect against impact, whether you’re riding or on the job.
4. FEISEDY Vintage Square Cat Eye Sunglasses
One of the best things about buying cheap sunglasses is that you can take bolder fashion risks without experiencing buyer’s remorse. That said, you won’t be risking too much with these cat-eye shades, which, as one reviewer put it, provide an “ICONIC value for the money you pay.” Though the lenses aren’t polarized, they still have the recommended UV400 rating, and in addition to looking amazing, reviewers note that they feel super sturdy and expensive. If you need a break from leopard print, they’re also available in five other colors, including classic black and a vibrant electric blue.
5. GOWOOD Sunglasses with Walnut Wooden Legs
Backed by nearly 2,000 Amazon reviews, these wood sunglasses are a fan favorite. The polycarbonate black front is paired with real walnut arms, coming together in a spring hinge for a custom fit. Enjoy a UV400-level of sun protection (aka this pair blocks 99 to 100% of UV light), polarized and impact-resistant lenses, even a bamboo carrying case and a microfiber pouch for all your storage needs.
6. Goodr Polarised Sunglasses Super Fly – Coffee Shop Seat Sweats
7. Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses
The Clubmaster range is ideal if you want to blend Ray-Ban’s iconic style with some unique colour splashes of your own choosing. There are 27 different colours to pick from, with both the lenses and the frames customisable to your own tastes. If you pick carefully, you’ll end up with a pair of sunglasses that are suitable for every kind of summertime engagement.
You’ll also get a sleek case to house your new shades in and a two-year warranty as standard. This warranty allows you to get a replacement pair if your glasses break due to a fault on the manufacturer’s part, which protects your purchase nicely.
8. Carfia Mens Sunglasses
The Carfia round collection focuses classics with sophisticated aesthetics and clean lines that offer a modern twist. Carfia vintage sunglasses offers a wide variety of choices for the man consumers with a strong sense of style. Using enhanced polycarbonate lens, this polarised sunglasses filters out dazzling glare from the road, makes you surely feast on ultra-clear visual. Block out 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm effectively.
9. KANASTAL Polarised Sports Sunglasses
10. PUKCLAR Polarised Sports Sunglasses
All the lens 100% UV400 protection coating, blocks 100% harmful UVA & UVB Rays. Filtering 100% Harmful Blue Light Up to 400nm. Restore true color, eliminate reflected light and scattered light make the scenery more clear and soft and protect eyes. Lightweight design is ideal for usage by motorcycle and cycling bicycle, driving, running, fishing or other outdoor activities enthusiasts. Concise Design with Classic Vintage Style make them look great.
How to buy the best cheap sunglasses for you
There are numerous questions to consider before investing in a new pair of sunglasses. You shouldn’t rush into a purchase until you’ve found the perfect sunnies, which are those that match your budget and your individual needs and tastes.
How can I tell if a pair of sunglasses are safe?
Sunglasses lenses use a variety of different tints that are labelled between category 0 and 4, with higher categories blocking more light. It’s, therefore, important to choose something that’s suitable for your intended activity – category 4 lenses should never be used when driving, for instance, because they absorb up to 97% of ambient light.
It’s equally vital, however, that you pick sunglasses that offer sufficient protection against harmful UV rays. To check this, make sure they carry the CE mark, which means they meet the European Standard BS EN 1836:2005.
What’s your budget?
Whether you’re looking to spend less than $20 or $500, you’ll be able to find sunglasses to match your budget. If you’re prepared to spend more, you’ll find more designer brands and less generic designs on offer. However, equally, if you’re not worried about following the latest trend, you can find highly practical options that don’t break the bank.
Are polarised sunglasses better?
Polarised sunglasses are coated with a clever chemical that diminishes glare, allowing you to see better in bright conditions and helping to reduce the harmful effects of UV light. If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses for driving, boating or any other outdoor activity, opting for a polarised coating is a wise move. Thanks to the glare reduction, you won’t have to squint and that leaves you free to focus on whatever it is you’re doing.
Conclusion
We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. Now, It is your time to pick your own pairs.