8 Best Sunglasses Under $50: Elevate Style, Not Debt in 2024

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It’s that time of year when those beautiful sun rays are out in full force.

Of course, you need protection. Especially with more sunlight throughout the day.

Do you need Luxottica’s latest designer models? No. Do you want frames made in Italy? Also no.

Thankfully, you can find the best sunglasses under $50 that will actually protect your eyes against sun rays. And no, these aren’t those shades you pick up last minute at the convenience store.

These sunglasses offer high UV protection, will stand the test of time, and, yes, they look good too.

Keep scrolling for the best shades if you’re looking to protect those pupils during these months.

Key Takeaways

When searching for the best sunglasses under $50, I looked at a wide range of brands, reviews, materials, and functions. My overall best recommendation is Knockaround’s Fast Lanes because of their value and versatility.

If you’re looking for a classic pair, check out Sungait’s Vintage Round Sunglasses, or if you need something for daily use, look no further than Nectar’s Penn model. All of these picks take into account features, price points, and use cases.

Why they’re great: The Fast Lanes from Knockaround are super versatile and come in a ton of fun colors. And at around just $35, they’re affordable enough to get a few different pairs but also made of a strong polycarbonate frame that can handle impact.

Based on my experience, it’s easy to lose sunglasses when out running errands or traveling, so these are the perfect middle ground between quality and price; they have UV400 protection, so you won’t be wondering if they’re good enough for the brightest days.

Who they’re for: The guy who wants a straight-to-the-point, durable pair of sunglasses and also is okay rocking more unique styles. These resemble the classic wayfarer model with an updated spin (and they’re polarized).

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are the best sunglasses under $50, but they could potentially be big on the face, depending on the width of your head.

Frame Size: Length 148mm, Height 44mm | Lens: Impact-resistant | Colors Available: 12 | Polarized: Yes

Why they’re great: These shades are a bit daring, very classic, and 100% cool. They have HD-vision lenses that let you see the world clearly, while also having UV400 shatter-proof protection—the best of both worlds.

They’re under $20 for one pair, so you can also get two and three packs for just a few bucks more, a great value if you’re someone who likes to keep a pair in multiple places like me (car, house, backpack, etc.). They’re ultralight, unique, and with a lifetime breakage warranty, and you really can’t go wrong if you’re trying to save a few bucks with these.

Who they’re for: Anyone who isn’t afraid to rock sunglasses that will stand out. Plus, the guy who doesn’t like bulky accessories will appreciate how thin and lightweight they are.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re cheap; no way around it. They’re not meant to be the crème de la crème of eyewear. They’re still a pair of the best sunglasses under $50.

Frame Size: Length ~137mm, Height 49mm | Lens: UV400 Protection | Colors Available: 16 | Polarized: No

Why they’re great: I absolutely love this straightforward circle style. The brand goodr is known for making low-cost-but-high-quality, polarized sunglasses for running that don’t bounce, and these bestsellers are available for the price of “only 3.5 overpriced coffees,” as the brand states.

The frames of these men’s sunglasses under $50 have a special grip to help them stay put with sweat, and they’re compact enough to stay close to the face, not to mention some pretty snazzy colorways.

Who they’re for: You’re someone who is fairly active and wants something designed for everyday errands.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The frames could be too small for some guys. But, if you’re like me, you like a compact pair.

Frame Size: Length 150mm, Height 45mm | Lens: Mirror, scratch-resistant, shatterproof | Colors Available: 2 | Polarized: Yes

Why they’re great: These aviators are a #1 bestseller and eligible for same-day shipping depending on geography; you really can’t go wrong if you’re looking for your next pair of budget sunglasses on the world’s largest shopping site.

They feature a double-bar nose frame, and each order comes with a box, a microfiber carrying pouch, and a microfiber cleaning cloth—great for gifts or as a stocking stuffer. From basic black to olive green and brown, you have your pick of 15 different colors.

Who they’re for: If you need something quick and don’t want to get sunglasses from the gas station. And honestly, no man should be looking for those.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re the #1 bestseller for women, so the style may be a bit too feminine for some guys. But I’m sure you can pull it off.

Frame Size: Length 143mm, Height 52mm | Lens: UV400 TAC | Colors Available: 15 | Polarized: Yes

Why they’re great: Tifosi is known for their high-intensity budget frames, and the Swank Sport is a customer favorite. These are some of the best sunglasses under $50. They’re simply built for activity; whether it’s biking, running, or playing pickleball, these will do the job.

Best of all, they’re available in almost 30 colorways and come with a signature anti-bounce texture for your most extreme adventure.

Who they’re for: Guys who do a lot of exercise outside but aren’t competitive enough to invest in a pair of performance glasses that are $100 to $300.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They weigh only 22 grams, so they may feel cheap. On the other hand, you’ll go super fast.

Frame Size: Length 137mm, Height 42mm | Lens: Polycarbonate | Colors Available: 28 | Polarized: Yes

Why it’s great: These classic aviators have more than 23K reviews and average 4.3 stars—they’re about as classic and reliable as you can get while still being some of the best sunglasses under $50. Will you look as good as Tom Cruise in Top Gun? Probably not, and that’s okay because these are available in a wide range of frame-and-lenses color combinations, and they’re polarized with UV 400 protection.

Who they’re for: If you want to look cool anywhere, add these to your collection ASAP. Aviators for the win.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The thin frames are more susceptible to breakage than wider frame, such as a wayfarer model. I often find myself scared to actually put on aviators out of fear of being too forceful with them.

Frame Size: Width 152mm, Height 50mm | Lens: Multi-layer | Colors Available: 18 | Polarized: Yes

Why it’s great: These polarized sunglasses come in at just 18 grams, versus most other sunglasses in the 23+ grams range. They have an integrated nose pad for comfort, spring hinges for adjustability, and HD polarized lenses for sight.

Each order includes three pairs in different colors, so in the case of misplacing them or wanting a different style, you’ll be covered.

Who they’re for: Men who value easy-to-use, light sunglasses will appreciate how the KALIYADI frames are made.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: I wouldn’t call them extremely “fashionable.” They look sporty, which may be okay for most guys.

Frame Size: Width 140mm, Height 42mm  | Lense: UV400 | Colors Available: 10 | Polarized: Yes

Why they’re great: Nectar is a sunglasses brand that was created all along the East Coast, so these sunglasses blend the outdoors, the city, and everyday life perfectly. They’re  some of the best sunglasses under $50. They’re made of renewable materials from recycled water bottles, have polarized lenses, and also have a nice lifetime warranty.

The circle shape works for both men and women and is best suited for narrow-to-medium faces.

Who they’re for: The guy who goes from relaxing by the pool to hiking the trails stylishly. If you’re like me, you probably fall into this camp.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re the most expensive on the list, although still under $50. But it’s still best to take special care of these.

Frame Size: Width 132mm, Height 49mm | Lens: Injected CR39 | Colors Available: 6 | Polarized: Yes

Buying Considerations for the Best Sunglasses Under $50

Value

The first thing you need to know when looking for men’s sunglasses under $50 is that you’re not going to get the best of the best made of the finest luxury materials known to man. And for most guys, that’s the point.

When looking for these types of shades, make sure that you’re getting a pair that will last longer than a weekend. No, they’re not the most expensive sunglasses, but you also don’t want them to break after just a few wears. Read reviews and look at the materials to make sure that you’re not getting ripped off with a pretty logo or flashy colors.

Style

It is extremely possible to look good without draining your bank account. Heck, a lot of the sunglasses on this list could pass as a pair of Ray-Bans or Garrett Leights. The important thing to remember with these more “budget” sunglasses is that sometimes the brand will try to make them look fancier than they are.

Don’t go overboard with extra flashy colors or materials, it’ll just make you look silly. Instead, stick to classic, proven designs and quality, smear-resistant lenses.

Materials

Even with sunglasses under $50, it all comes down to what they’re actually made of. We’ve probably all been at a networking event and received a pair of cheap plastic sunglasses with a random software company’s logo. Don’t be that guy.

Opt for better materials like scratch-resistant, polarized lenses, metal frames, and, if possible, spring hinges. These will last longer and in the long run, you’ll pay less because they won’t be breaking all the time.

How We Chose

I’ve seen and used them all: plastic freebies and designer sunglasses. Some luxury brands make crappy branded sunglasses, and some “cheap” sunglasses have actually lasted me a surprisingly long amount of time. I took my hands-on experience and thorough research to zero in on three key elements of the best sunglasses under $50:

Purpose: What are they intended for? If you just need something for casual use, there’s no reason to get sunglasses loaded with sweatproof features like sticky grips and “unbreakable” frames. But, if you’ll be doing a lot of exercise, you will want those characteristics.

Customer Reviews: What do actual customers think? Having a lot of social proof from people who have spent their hard-earned cash tells you just about all you need to know. In seeking out the best sunglasses under $50, I looked for 1) a large number of reviews (so you know that the brand didn’t just get their friends to give them good ratings) and 2) average reviews above four stars.

Price: Are they worth it? Ultimately, you will lose a pair of sunglasses. You probably already have; it’s inevitable. The goal here was to find men’s sunglasses under $50 and worth it. They probably aren’t made of the finest materials ever, but that’s okay. You can still get a good pair of sunglasses at that price.

Why Trust Us?

Joe Niehaus is a seasoned product tester. He’s worked with sites like Travel + Leisure, Men’s Health, and Business Insider. When doing research for the best sunglasses under $50, he looked at aspects like material selection, customer testimonials, and design to deliver recommendations that will satisfy our readers’ expectations.

When looking at his top picks for the best sunglasses under $50, you’re going off his years of expertise in finding quality products. With Joe, you’re getting tips that are based on vast experience and hands-on testing.

Final Verdict 

The best men’s sunglasses under $50 are ones that fit your lifestyle, are made of durable materials, and are packed with value. My top pick was the Knockaround Fast Lanes because of their versatile style and polarized lenses, but at least one pair on this list will fit the needs of just about every guy.