The 10 Best Sunglasses Under $150

Designer sunglasses are a racket. Most luxury frames are manufactured by EssilorLuxottica — the same conglomerate that makes $15 gas station shades — then marked up 1,000 percent for a logo. These ten pairs deliver equivalent lens quality, durable construction, and strong design for $150 or less.

Warby Parker Barkley Wide ($95) is the everyday workhorse. The slightly oversized acetate frame with polarized lenses suits round, oval, and heart-shaped faces. Warby Parker's home try-on program lets you test five frames free of charge, removing the biggest barrier to buying sunglasses online at https://www.warbyparker.com.

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer ($143) earns its place through six decades of proven design. The updated fit is less aggressive than the original Wayfarer, sitting closer to the face with a softer temple curve. Polarized versions offer UV400 protection, and the frame works on virtually every face shape — which is why it has been the best-selling sunglass model worldwide since the 1950s.

Persol 714 Steve McQueen ($149) delivers Italian craftsmanship at the entry level of their range. The folding design, silver arrow hinges, and crystal glass lenses are the same across their price range. These are the sunglasses McQueen wore in The Thomas Crown Affair, and the design has not been improved upon because it does not need to be.

RAEN Wiley ($135) is the Southern California indie brand making waves with Japanese acetate frames at accessible prices. The Wiley is their best-selling model — a rounded, slightly oversized shape with Carl Zeiss lenses that compete with frames at three times the price. The tortoise colorway is particularly sharp.

Sunski Topeka ($58) prove that responsible manufacturing and good design can exist under $60. Recycled frames, polarized lenses, and a lifetime warranty make these the best value on the list. The slightly retro silhouette channels 1970s road-trip energy without looking costumey.

Completing the ten: Quay High Key Mini ($65) for a modern shield shape, Knockaround Premiums ($25) for beach-disposable polarized glasses, Le Specs Bandwagon ($69) for an oversized cat-eye unisex frame, Garrett Leight Hampton ($130) for refined round acetate, and Blenders Eyewear Natty McNasty ($48) for sport-casual hybrids. Ten pairs, none requiring a finance plan.