1-800-Contacts Review
The easiest way to reorder contact lenses — price matching, fast delivery, and doctor-approved prescriptions
Last reviewed: 2026-05-25 · By GBBR Editorial Team
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Our Top Pick · Silver Tier
1-800-Contacts
From $20/mo
The Bottom Line
1-800-Contacts earns Silver as the best contact lens retailer: unmatched convenience for reorders (scan your prescription or sync from a previous purchase), a best-price guarantee that matches any competitor, and an online vision exam service (ExpressExam) that renews your contacts prescription without leaving home. It's not the absolute cheapest source for contacts — warehouse clubs like Costco and some independent retailers can be marginally lower — but 1-800-Contacts' combination of selection, convenience, and price matching makes it the default choice for most contact lens wearers.
What is 1-800-Contacts?
1-800-Contacts was founded in 1995 by Jonathan Coon and John Nichols in American Fork, Utah. It pioneered the direct-to-consumer contact lens model before e-commerce existed — originally mail-order, then online. The company was acquired by Thomas H. Lee Partners in 2012 and operates primarily online and by phone. It stocks virtually every major contact lens brand (Acuvue, Dailies, Biofinity, Air Optix, CooperVision, Bausch + Lomb, etc.) and ships to all 50 states.
What does 1-800-Contacts offer?
1-800-Contacts carries all major contact lens brands with competitive pricing. The Best Price Guarantee matches any lower price found elsewhere. ExpressExam is a telehealth-based online vision exam that renews contact lens prescriptions for $20 — a significant convenience advantage. Prescription Scan lets you photograph your current contacts box to reorder without hunting for the paper prescription. Fast delivery options include 1-day shipping in many markets. The subscription reorder service simplifies lens management. VSP insurance accepted online (rare for contact lens retailers).
Contact Lens Order (varies by brand)
Custom
/one-time
ExpressExam (Rx renewal)
$20
/one-time
Is 1-800-Contacts worth the price?
Competitive pricing with best-price matching — convenience and selection justify slight premium vs. warehouse clubs
ExpressExam at $20 vs. in-person eye exam for a prescription renewal at $100–$150 — significant savings for straightforward prescription updates
Best overall value for contacts convenienceHow we scored it
Overall score: 78/100
Authorized retailer for all major brands — same lenses as your eye doctor's office, fulfilled from licensed distributors
1-800-Contacts is primarily a contact lens retailer — glasses selection is limited and not a competitive strength
Best Price Guarantee matches competitors; competitive with online retailers; ExpressExam at $20 saves $80–$130 vs. in-person exam for renewal
Trial contact lenses available through your eye doctor — 1-800-Contacts doesn't offer trials directly, but reorder process is very streamlined
1-day delivery available in many markets; free standard shipping on most orders; most orders arrive within 3–5 days
365-day return or exchange, 24/7 customer support by phone, strong prescription verification process
Why 1-800-Contacts is Silver Tier
1-800-Contacts earns Silver for being the most reliable, convenient contact lens retailer. The best-price guarantee removes the need to price-shop. ExpressExam eliminates the biggest friction in contact lens buying (prescription expiration). The selection is essentially complete — every major brand is stocked. It falls short of Gold because glasses aren't a strength (Warby Parker and Zenni own that space), and the absolute cheapest contacts can be found at Costco or through manufacturer rebates.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓All major contact lens brands in stock (Acuvue, Dailies, Biofinity, Air Optix, etc.)
- ✓Best Price Guarantee — matches any lower price you find
- ✓ExpressExam: online Rx renewal for $20 (vs. $100–$150 in-office exam)
- ✓365-day return or exchange policy
- ✓1-day delivery available in many markets
- ✓Accepts VSP insurance online
Cons
- ✗Not always the absolute cheapest (Costco can be marginally lower on some brands)
- ✗Glasses selection is thin — go to Warby Parker or Zenni for frames
- ✗Some users report prescription verification delays on first orders
Ready to try 1-800-Contacts? Plans start at $20/mo.
Get 1-800-Contacts — from $20/mo →Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1-800-Contacts worth it in 2026?
Competitive pricing with best-price matching — convenience and selection justify slight premium vs. warehouse clubs Overall verdict: Best overall value for contacts convenience.
What is 1-800-Contacts best for?
1-800-Contacts is best for: Contact lens wearers who want the most convenient reorder experience, People whose prescription is expiring who want a quick online renewal via ExpressExam, Anyone who wants to ensure they're always getting the best available price on contacts.
Does 1-800-Contacts have a free trial?
1-800-Contacts does not offer a permanently free plan. Paid plans start at $20/month.
Who should NOT use 1-800-Contacts?
1-800-Contacts is not the right fit for: People primarily looking for prescription glasses (use Warby Parker or Zenni); Shoppers wanting the absolute rock-bottom price with no convenience factor (check Costco).
What are the best 1-800-Contacts alternatives?
Top alternatives to 1-800-Contacts include warby-parker, eyebuydirect, glassesusa.
1-800-Contacts earns Silver for being the most reliable, convenient contact lens retailer. The best-price guarantee removes the need to price-shop. ExpressExam eliminates the biggest friction in contact lens buying (prescription expiration). The selection is essentially complete — every major brand is stocked. It falls short of Gold because glasses aren't a strength (Warby Parker and Zenni own that space), and the absolute cheapest contacts can be found at Costco or through manufacturer rebates.
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