The Best Driving Sunglasses of 2024

The best driving sunglasses allow you to enjoy your drive more comfortably and safely without any unnecessary distraction from the sun. Whether you’re looking for something classic to make you feel like Hollywood action star, or something sporty and versatile for everyday active wear, we spent the last two years testing nearly two dozen of the best driving sunglasses to help you find the right pair for you.

We put these sunglasses to the test by driving and recreating across the sunny state of California. From coastal road trips along Highway 101, to rush hour traffic in L.A., to the high-elevation summer sunshine and winter snow in Lake Tahoe, we wore these sunglasses in some of the most strenuous light conditions imaginable. If you want to skip the reading and just check out our top picks, consider the sporty Smith Redding, the classic Ray-Ban Aviator, or the capable and affordably priced Tifosi Swick Polarized.

At the end of our list, be sure to check out our Comparison Chart, along with our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide that includes a new Price & Value section.

Editor’s Note: Our October 8, 2024, update to this Guide adds the Shinzu Tamura Umeda, our new top pick for the most stylish driving sunglasses, and additional information about price & value to help inform your purchase decision.

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Best Driving Sunglasses Comparison Chart

Sunglasses	Price	Lens Material	Frame Size	Lens Shape	Polarized
Smith Redding Chromapop Glass	$275	Glass	Medium	Square	Yes
Tifosi Swick Polariz ed	$60	Polycarbonate	Medium/Large	Square	Yes
Ray-Ban Classic Aviator	$230	Crystal	Medium	Aviator	Yes
Oakley Holbrook	$270	Plastic	Medium	Rectangle	Yes
Shinzu Tamura Umeda	$325	Nylon	Medium	Round	Yes
Fiore Over Glasses	$17	Plastic	Medium	Wraparound Rectangle	Yes
Maho Sundance	$195	Polycarbonate	Medium/Large	Aviator	Yes
RAEN Pierce	$185	Glass-like resin	Large	Square	No
Persol Steve McQueen	$482	Acetate	Small/Medium	Round/Teardrop	No
Merry’s Aluminum Sunglasses	$30	Nylon	Medium	Square	Yes
Americal Optical Original Pilot	$194	OLite Nylon	Medium	Aviator	No
Maui Jim Wiki Wiki	$319	Composite	Rectangle	Rectangle	Yes
Ray-Ban Clubmaster	$230	Crystal	Small/Medium	Round	Yes

How We Tested the Best Driving Sunglasses

Our Expert Testers

Here at GearJunkie, we wear sunglasses nearly every single day, whether we’re driving around town, hanging outside with friends or family, or doing something active like running, biking, hiking, golfing, or paddling. We’ve been carefully scrutinizing the sunglasses market for almost 20 years, and have tested dozens of different products in that time.

In our latest 2024 update, year-round Lake Tahoe resident Nick Bruckbauer added a few new pairs of shades to this review, drawing on his experience driving in the high-altitude sunshine and reflective snow around Lake Tahoe. You don’t appreciate having a great pair of driving sunglasses like you do when you’re looking into the California sunshine at 6,300 feet of elevation, reflecting off a blanket of 4 feet of fresh snow!

Our Testing Grounds

Nick mostly wore these sunglasses in the Lake Tahoe area, testing them while driving around the lake, as well as during daily outdoor activities like hiking, standup paddleboarding, and trail running. He also tested these sunglasses on coastal trips to Monterrey, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles, as well as a 5,000-mile summer road trip from California to Wisconsin and Missouri.

Nick has worn these sunglasses in almost every driving condition imaginable, including full-on summer sunshine, looking straight into sunrises and sunsets, being surrounded by glare from winter snow, and through overcast and foggy days that are still awkwardly bright.

Our Testing Process

Our testing process considers frame and lens quality, overall durability, glare control, peripheral vision, comfort, and style. We wore all of these sunglasses in different conditions, and in many cases, wore them side-by-side to get a direct comparison. All of the sunglasses on this list stood out from the pack. As new styles hit the market, we’ll be sure to test and consider them for this list.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Driving Sunglasses

Eye Protection

Too much sunlight can cause permanent damage to our eyes. Just like skin, eyes need to be protected from the sun’s UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses will keep your eyes safe and comfortable on and off the road.

Driving Safety

In bright conditions, sunglasses can help us see the road ahead with clarity and accuracy. Without sunglasses, our ability to perceive depth and distance can be severely impaired, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.

Comfort

Accurate vision and eye protection aside, driving in the bright sun is just plain uncomfortable. Without driving sunglasses, prolonged squinting can lead to nagging headaches.

What to Look for When Purchasing the Best Driving Sunglasses

Your go-to driving sunglasses should elevate your experience behind the wheel. When it comes time to select the best pair for you, there are several important factors to consider. In this buyer’s guide, we will go over the primary benefits of the best driving sunglasses and thoroughly explain what you should consider before making a purchase. Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect pair of driving sunglasses.

Type of Frame

Frame Size & Shape

Before purchasing a pair of the best driving sunglasses, it is wise to make sure they are well-fitted and comfortable. Different frame sizes and shapes work better for different people. You will want a frame that will not cause discomfort or require constant adjustment.

Some common frame types to check out include wayfarers, aviators, circular, rectangular, shield, and rimless. If you’re unsure what size or type of frame fits your face best, go try on some shades in person to start narrowing down your options.

Frame Type & Coverage

Glasses with wider frames and taller lens designs will provide more coverage and protection. Remember that sunlight can also enter your eyes from the side while you are driving, and it may be wise to choose a pair of glasses that provides added protection from all angles.

Frame Material

While frame material comes down to personal preference, you should be aware that some materials are more flexible and durable than others. Most driving sunglasses feature a frame made out of acetate or nylon. Both materials are lightweight and are able to hold their shape even in extreme conditions. Metal frames are common, too, though they tend to offer less wraparound protection.

Type of Lens

Polarized Lenses

A good-quality pair of driving sunglasses should have polarized lenses. When harsh sunlight reflects off surfaces, including tail lights, puddles, and stop signs, the resulting glare can be temporarily blinding. Polarized lenses can block some of this intense reflected light and make driving safer and more comfortable. Some of our favorite lenses are the ChromaPop lenses from Smith Optics.

Drivers should be aware that polarized lenses can also make it difficult to see some digital dashboard displays. Before purchasing, test the sunglasses against your dash display to make sure you can still read the displays.

Gradient Lenses

Gradient lenses are lighter at the bottom and darker toward the top. While driving, the darker part of gradient lenses can block sunlight, while the lighter portion of the lens will still allow you to see your dashboard and the road clearly.

Transitions Lenses

Transition lenses are able to change from clear to dark depending on the light conditions. Because these lenses rely on direct UV light to work, they probably aren’t the best choice for driving, as your car’s windshield filters out some of the sun’s UV light. Still, there are some great driving sunglasses with transition lenses.

Lens Material

Most sunglasses lenses are made from polycarbonate or glass. Glass tends to offer the best optical clarity and is also harder and more scratch-resistant. While polycarbonate lenses are not as durable, they are more lightweight and less likely to break upon impact.

Durability

The durability of a pair of sunglasses depends on materials, craftsmanship, and weight. In general, glass lenses are more scratch-resistant, while polycarbonate lenses are less likely to shatter under impact.

Acetate and nylon frames strike a good balance between hardiness and flexibility. When you aren’t wearing your glasses, keep them protected in a place where they will not be scratched or damaged.

Price & Value

The price of a pair of driving sunglasses can vary from under $50 to well over $400. Many cheaper pairs will not be polarized or provide adequate UV protection. More expensive sunglasses may include higher-quality materials and lens technology. We always recommend making your selection based on comfort and performance rather than price.

Budget

Believe it or not, but you can still get a good quality pair of polarized sunglasses for well under $100. Our favorite budget pick, the Tifosi Swick Polarized, comes in at just $60, and provides a simple yet modern frame shape and high-quality lenses. We’ve worn them driving, hiking, running, and paddle boarding, and they excel in all activities. At this price point, you may be sacrificing some higher-end materials like lens coatings or more premium frame materials, but a budget pair of shades can protect your eyes just as well as the more expensive models.

Mid-Tier

Once you step up to the $100 to $300 price range, you’ll start seeing a lot of the big name manufacturers. Most of the models we tested from brands like Smith, Ray-Ban, and Oakley fall into this category. In addition to paying a bit more for the brand recognition, this category will typically include higher-grade frame materials and higher-end lens features like the ChromaPop lenses from Smith.

Our top overall pick, the Smith Redding, falls in this category with a list price between $215 and $295, depending on the frame and lens options selected.

Premium

Once you start looking at options over $300, you’ll start seeing more designer brands and products that might be equally focused on style and fashion than on function and performance. Two of the most expensive products we tested, the Shinzu Tamura Umeda ($325) and the Persol Steve McQueen (starting at $472), both have classically styled frame shapes and high-end lens options.

The frame of the Persol Steve McQueen also folds in half, a unique feature we haven’t seen on any other test models. At this price range, the price tag can be attributed to more premium materials, fancier frame designs, and various lens options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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