Glasses Under £20 vs Under £50 – Which is Better Value in the UK? (2025 Guide)
Should you buy glasses under £20, or is it worth spending a little more on under £50 frames? We compare quality, style, and value for UK buyers.
Best Glasses Under £20 in the UK
Looking for the cheapest prescription glasses available online in the UK? These under-£20 frames prove that budget doesn’t have to mean boring. All meet UK lens standards and come with prescription lenses included.
Best Glasses Under £50 in the UK
Spending a little more can give you extra durability, more stylish frames, and coatings like anti-glare or blue-light protection. These under-£50 options balance price and quality:
Baxter Black
Smart, durable black frame — an everyday favourite under £50.
Wynn Brown
Contemporary brown frame with a warm tone and comfortable fit.
Surry Brown
Warm brown tone, lightweight build — versatile frame for everyday wear.
Direct Comparison: Glasses Under £20 vs Under £50
Both price ranges offer excellent value, but they suit different needs. Here’s a side-by-side look at what you get for your money:
| Feature | Under £20 | Under £50 |
|---|---|---|
| Frames | Simple, classic shapes Limited colour range |
Wider variety of shapes More premium finishes |
| Lenses | Basic single-vision lenses | Single-vision and entry-level varifocal options |
| Coatings | Rarely included | Anti-glare, blue-light, and scratch-resistant available |
| Durability | Everyday use or as a spare | Better hinges, stronger builds — good for daily wear |
| Best for | Reading, spares, student budgets | Primary everyday glasses with more style options |
Who Should Choose Each Price Tier?
Here’s how to decide whether under £20 or under £50 glasses are better value for you:
Under £20 is best for…
- Students or anyone on a tight budget
- Buying a spare pair for emergencies
- Reading glasses or occasional use
- Fashion swaps (multiple colours without overspending)
Under £50 is best for…
- Everyday glasses that need to last
- Varifocal or more complex prescriptions
- People who want coatings like anti-glare or blue-light
- Anyone looking for a larger range of styles and finishes
Final Verdict: Under £20 vs Under £50 Glasses
Both under £20 glasses and under £50 glasses are excellent choices for UK buyers, but they serve different purposes. If you need a backup, a reading pair, or a budget-friendly option, under £20 is unbeatable. For daily wear with stronger frames, more styles, and optional coatings, under £50 hits the sweet spot for value.
FAQs: Glasses Under £20 vs Under £50
Here are the most common questions UK shoppers ask when choosing between these two price ranges:
Are glasses under £20 good quality?
Yes. They meet UK optical standards and are perfectly safe. The main trade-off is fewer frame choices and coatings.
Do cheap glasses damage your eyes?
No. Glasses don’t weaken your eyes. Using the wrong prescription can cause strain, but cheap glasses are safe when made to your prescription.
What do I get if I spend £50 instead of £20?
Under £50 frames usually offer stronger hinges, more stylish finishes, and the option for coatings like anti-glare or blue-light.
Which is better for everyday glasses?
Under £50 is usually better for daily wear, as the frames are sturdier and you can add useful coatings.
Are £20 glasses just as safe as £50 ones?
Yes, both must meet UK safety standards. The difference is in durability and style range, not safety.
Can I get varifocals under £20?
Usually not. Varifocals typically start closer to £40–£50. Under £20 glasses are best for single-vision prescriptions.
Do under £50 glasses come with coatings?
Many under £50 frames include optional coatings such as anti-glare and scratch-resistant lenses.
Are cheap glasses suitable for kids?
Yes, especially as spares. Parents often buy budget-friendly glasses for children in case of loss or damage.
Where’s the best place to buy cheap glasses online in the UK?
Specialist online retailers such as LowCostGlasses consistently offer the lowest prices with full prescription lenses included.