Life Update: I recently upgraded to the brand new Transitions Gen S lenses and it has been a game changer.
The lenses are super responsive — darkening within seconds when outdoors and returning to clear once I’m back inside. They also have 100% UVA & UVB protection and blue-violet light filtering, so my eyes are always protected.
To decide where to buy, I decided to look into two online retailers that offer Transitions Gen S lenses — Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect. After all, who buys glasses at their optometrist anymore? They can charge up to $430 just for the lenses!
Here’s how it went in this eyewear showdown:
💰Price: Zenni Gives You More Bang for Your Buck
Buying a new pair of glasses is usually a big investment. But when it comes to price, Zenni blows the competition out of the water.
I compared the cost of Transition Gen S lenses across various indexes and color choices, and Zenni was consistently more affordable — to the tune of $10 to $59 less than Eyebuydirect. With Zenni’s crazy affordable frames, that means I could almost buy two pairs for the same price as just one with EBD!
🎨Customization: Zenni Wins On Color
While Eyebuydirect offers six colors for their Transition lenses, Zenni steps up the game with eight, including my personal favorite: Graphite Green. With so many cool, vibrant colors to choose from and 745 (!!!) men’s frames to pair them with, Zenni’s combinations are endless.
That’s not to say Eyebuydirect is bad — they have a wide range of frame styles too. But as soon as I saw the exclusive Graphite Green lenses on Zenni, I knew I needed a pair. 😎
😎Virtual Try-On: Both Companies Know Seeing Is Believing
Both Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect offer advanced 3D virtual try-on technology, making it easy for me to "try on" dozens of pairs using my phone and laptop, with a comprehensive 3D view from all angles.
It took all the stress out of choosing my frames because I knew I’d look great before they ever showed up on my porch.
📦Return Policy: Zenni Takes The Stress Out Of Online Shopping
Still, shopping online for glasses can be a bit of a toss-up, even with the virtual try-on technology. Luckily, both Zenni and Eyebuydirect offer returns, but Zenni’s policy is way more chill. Here are the deets:
Zenni offers a full refund within 14 days and store credit within 30 days, though you do have to cover the shipping costs.
Eyebuydirect allows for a 30-day period when customers can either exchange or receive a 50% refund, but limits this to one exchange or return per order — and you still have to pay the shipping.
Zenni really steps it up with some awesome customer-first policies. They offer a great warranty with free lifetime maintenance on rimless frames and way better terms for getting refunds or remakes.
A Clear Winner in Sight
Switching to Transitions Gen S lenses has significantly streamlined my daily routine. Before, I had to switch between regular prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses based on where I was. Now, I no longer need to carry an extra pair, as my lenses adapt to lighting changes automatically.
And, while both Eyebuydirect and Zenni Optical offer this amazing new Transitions technology, the combination of unbeatable prices, extensive customization options, a top-notch virtual try-on experience, and a reliable return policy clearly sets Zenni apart.
So, next time you’re in the market for a new pair of specs, give Zenni Optical’s Transition Gen S glasses a try! Because why settle for less when you can have the best for less? 🤷
