Sunglasses Price Comparison

Ray-Ban dominates this category to a degree that's almost remarkable — over 900 of the 1,143 models listed here carry that iconic logo, with an average price sitting right around 102 £. But look past the Wayfarers and Aviators, and you'll find a genuinely interesting market: Oakley's performance-focused range commands a higher average price, whilst Hawkers undercuts almost everyone at a fraction of the cost. The spread from 73 £ to 131 £ tells you this is a category where brand heritage and lens technology do most of the pricing work.

What actually separates a £30 pair from a £150 one? Mostly the lenses. Polarisation, UV400 certification, and proprietary coatings like Oakley's PRIZM technology aren't marketing fluff — they make a measurable difference to eye comfort and visual clarity, particularly on water, snow, or during long drives. Standard polycarbonate lenses are perfectly adequate for casual wear, but if you're spending hours outdoors, the upgrade to polarised or photochromic lenses is worth every penny. We'd always recommend checking for UV400 certification as a baseline — anything less simply isn't adequate protection for British summers, let alone holidays abroad.

Frame shape is the other variable that shoppers consistently underestimate. Wrap-around designs like the Oakley Jawbreaker offer genuine peripheral UV coverage that a classic rectangular frame can't match. Conversely, if you're after something that works as well in a café as on a trail, the Oakley Latch or a Ray-Ban square frame strikes a more versatile balance. For those who need computer glasses as well as outdoor eyewear, it's worth considering whether a photochromic lens could serve both purposes. And if you wear contact lenses, you have far more freedom with frame styles than spectacle wearers — a point worth factoring into your choice.

Prices across UK retailers — from Currys to Amazon.co.uk to specialist opticians — can vary by 20–30% on identical models. That's precisely where comparing before you buy pays off. Black Friday and the January sales regularly bring Oakley and Ray-Ban down to their lowest annual prices, so if you're not in a rush, timing your purchase can save a meaningful amount on models priced well over 108 £.

How to Choose the Right Sunglasses

With Ray-Ban accounting for the lion's share of this catalogue and Oakley leading on performance specs, the choice isn't as simple as picking a shape you like. Lens technology, UV rating, and frame fit all matter — and getting them wrong means either inadequate eye protection or a pair that ends up in a drawer. Here's what actually counts.

UV400 Protection — the non-negotiable baseline

Every pair of sunglasses sold in the UK must meet CE EN ISO 12312-1 standards, but UV400 certification goes further — it blocks 99–100% of both UVA and UVB radiation across the full spectrum. Don't assume dark lenses mean better protection; an uncoated dark lens can actually be worse than a lighter one, because your pupils dilate behind the tint whilst UV still passes through. Always verify UV400 on the product listing. At prices from 73 £ upwards, there's no excuse for skipping this check.

Polarised vs. non-polarised lenses

Polarisation eliminates horizontally-reflected glare from water, wet roads, and snow — it's transformative if you drive, cycle, ski, or spend time near the sea. It's not necessary for every use case: photographers and skiers reading icy terrain sometimes prefer non-polarised lenses for better surface visibility. For most buyers, though, a polarised lens is the single biggest upgrade available. Expect to pay a premium — polarised models typically sit in the 99 £ to 108 £ range — but the difference in eye comfort over a long day outdoors is substantial.

Lens technology: PRIZM, photochromic, and standard tints

Oakley's PRIZM system fine-tunes colour wavelengths for specific environments — PRIZM Road enhances contrast on tarmac, PRIZM Water makes it easier to see beneath the surface. These aren't gimmicks; they're genuinely useful if you have a specific activity in mind. Photochromic lenses adapt automatically to changing light, making them ideal for variable British weather or activities that move between shade and sun. Standard grey or brown tints are perfectly adequate for general use and cost considerably less. Choose based on your primary use case, not the marketing.

Frame shape and facial coverage

Wrap-around frames (Oakley Jawbreaker, Flak 2.0 XL) provide the best peripheral UV coverage and are the right choice for sport. Classic rectangular or round frames — the Ray-Ban staples — offer less side coverage but are far more versatile socially. Shield frames sit between the two. The key practical question: does the frame sit close enough to your face to block light from the sides and top? A gap there undermines UV protection regardless of lens quality. If you're buying online, check the lens width and bridge measurements against a pair you already own.

Frame material and weight for all-day comfort

Acetate frames are heavier but offer rich colour options and a premium feel — typical of Oliver Peoples and Dolce&Gabbana at the higher end of the price range. Nylon and composite frames (standard on Oakley sport models) are lighter and more impact-resistant, better suited to active use. Titanium is the lightest and most durable option but commands a significant price premium. For everyday wear, the difference in weight between acetate and nylon is noticeable over several hours. If you're prone to nose bridge discomfort, look for adjustable rubber nose pads rather than fixed plastic ones.

Lens size and coverage area

Oversized lenses (above 70mm) provide maximum UV coverage and are fashionable, but they can feel unwieldy on smaller faces and add weight. Medium lenses (50–60mm) suit most face shapes and activities. For sport, larger lenses reduce the chance of peripheral light exposure. One practical tip: mirrored coatings on larger lenses reduce glare effectively but show scratches more readily — worth bearing in mind if you're not precious about maintenance. Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings, now common even on mid-range models, make a real difference to how often you need to clean the lenses.

• Entry-level picks (From 73 £ to 92 £) : This range covers Hawkers and BANZ, plus occasional Ray-Ban basics. Hawkers offers surprisingly decent UV400 protection at a very low price point — a legitimate option for casual, infrequent use. Don't expect polarisation or premium coatings here, and frame durability is variable. BANZ is specifically designed for children's UV protection. Fine as a backup pair or for low-stakes use; not what we'd recommend as your primary sunglasses.
• The sweet spot (From 92 £ to 99 £) : Most of the Ray-Ban catalogue sits here, alongside RedBull SPECT and entry Oakley models. You get reliable UV400 protection, decent frame quality, and a choice of styles. Polarisation is available at this level if you shop carefully. This is where the majority of buyers land, and for good reason — the quality-to-price ratio is strong. Ray-Ban's classic shapes have stood the test of time for a reason.
• Performance and style upgrade (From 99 £ to 108 £) : Oakley's core range — Holbrook, Latch, Turbine — lives here, alongside premium Ray-Ban models. Expect polarisation as standard, better lens coatings (hydrophobic, oleophobic), and noticeably more robust frames. PRIZM lens options become widely available. If you spend significant time outdoors or drive regularly, this is the tier where the investment genuinely pays off in eye comfort and lens longevity.
• Premium and luxury (Over 108 £) : Oliver Peoples (averaging around £200) and Dolce&Gabbana (averaging over £200) dominate here, alongside Oakley's top sport models like the Jawbreaker. You're paying for Italian acetate craftsmanship, superior optical glass, or specialist sport lens systems. The Jawbreaker with PRIZM lenses is genuinely best-in-class for cycling and running. Oliver Peoples is for those who treat eyewear as a considered fashion purchase. At this level, John Lewis and specialist opticians often provide better after-sales support than pure online retailers.

Top products

• Oakley Holbrook Black Camo sunglasses Rectangular (Oakley) : The most-compared model in this catalogue for good reason — the Holbrook's classic rectangular shape and Oakley build quality hit a strong price point. The Black Camo colourway is a distinctive choice; if you want something more understated, the plain Holbrook is the safer pick.
• Oakley Holbrook PRIZM sunglasses Rectangular (Oakley) : The PRIZM upgrade on the Holbrook frame is genuinely worth it for drivers and cyclists — improved contrast is noticeable in real conditions. Priced above the standard Holbrook but still within the mid-range; our pick if you're choosing between the two.
• Oakley Jawbreaker sunglasses Shield (Oakley) : The best sport-specific option in this top 15 by some margin. The shield design maximises peripheral coverage and the ventilated lens reduces fogging during high-intensity activity. Expensive, and frankly overkill for casual wear — but if you cycle or run seriously, nothing else here comes close.
• Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses Warp (Oakley) : A more versatile sport frame than the Jawbreaker — the Flak 2.0 XL works well for running, cycling, and golf without looking purely athletic. Interchangeable lens system is a genuine practical advantage. Slightly bulky on smaller faces.
• Ray-Ban RB4181 sunglasses Square (Ray-Ban) : The only Ray-Ban to crack the top 15 by offer count, and a solid all-rounder at the median price. Classic square shape suits most face types. Not the most exciting choice, but reliable UV protection and Ray-Ban's well-established quality control make it a safe buy for everyday use.

Related categories

• Computer Glasses
• Contact Lenses