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The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Through rigorous testing, we found the best sunglasses for men, sunglasses for women, and eyewear for running, cycling, fishing, budgets, and more.

a pile of sunglasses in testing among GearJunkie staff(Photo/Mary Murphy)
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As an avid group of outdoors folks, GearJunkie has had the chance to put many sunglasses to the test in harsh conditions. We have tested literally hundreds of sunglasses. And over the years, the cream has really risen to the top, producing this list of the best sunglasses for outdoor pursuits.

Go beyond style with sunglasses that combine classic good looks with next-level technology and design. And if you’re working on a tight budget, don’t worry, we have some great cheap sunglasses, too!

The lead tester of this review has been kind of crazy for sunglasses ever since he had corrective LASIK eye surgery in 2016. After a lifetime of corrective lenses, LASIK opened up a new reality in which Denver’s 300 yearly sunny days became a remarkable opportunity to wear shades regularly.

Below you’ll find a selection of the best sunglasses you can buy. We also break out some good budget sunglasses as well as pursuit-specific eyewear for fishing, boating, running, mountaineering, and more. Finally, we feature a few models that meld fashion and function.

If you don’t have time to shop and just need the best sunglasses for general outdoor use, we recommend the Costa del Mar Fantail Pro, or for smaller faces the Mainsail. For women, we recommend the Smith Optics Wander — or Tifosi Swank if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.

A note on our selections: Over our many years of testing, we have come to realize that with sunglasses, you really do get what you pay for. Our lead tester has had a single pair of Costa del Mar Pescadors for more than 4 years now and wears them very regularly. Amazingly, they are still in excellent condition and unscratched. If you are a person who can care for gear, even when used hard, quality sunglasses will last much longer than their cheap brethren and are a better investment long term.

Read on to simplify your search for sunglasses with our best shades of 2024, or jump to the end of the article for a guide on choosing the best sunglasses for your needs, a comparison chart, as well as an FAQ section.

Editor’s note: We updated this article on January 16, 2024, adding detailed specs and features to each product and a comparison table.

The Best Sunglasses of 2024


Best Overall Sunglasses for Men

Costa Del Mar Fantail Pro

Specs

  • Fit Large
  • Frame material Bioresin
  • Lens options 580 G lightwave glass or 580 P polycarbonate
  • Special features Sweat management channels, rubber side shields, eyewire drains, metal keeper slots
Product Badge The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Top-quality, scratch-resistant glass lenses
  • Excellent polarization
  • Customizable nosepiece
  • 10% light transmission

Cons

  • Expensive
  • A little heavy for running due to glass lenses
Best Overall Sunglasses for Women

Smith Optics Wander

Specs

  • Fit Medium
  • Frame material Bio-based
  • Lens options ChromaPop polarized glass lenses
  • Special features Flexible stainless steel temples, non-slip nose pads
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Polarized
  • Comfortable for everyday wear and activities like running
  • Great style

Cons

  • Don’t come with a hard carrying case
Best Budget Sunglasses

Knockaround Sunglasses

Specs

  • Fit Average, varies by style
  • Frame material Plastic
  • Lens options Polarized poly lenses available
  • Special features Customizable colors
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Fun colors and styles
  • Protect eyes from UVA and UVB rays

Cons

  • Lower build quality
  • Lenses are not nearly as good as more expensive brands
Best Sunglasses for Fishing

Bajío Vega

Specs

  • Fit Large; 8-base curvature for greater wrap and side coverage
  • Frame material Bio-based nylon
  • Lens options Polarized glass and polarized polycarbonate available. Many color options.
  • Special features Integrated leash compatibility, readers available
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Insane clarity
  • Customizable lens options
  • Aggressive wrap style for increased coverage
  • Lightweight
  • Eco-friendly

Cons

  • Big. Might be too large for smaller faces
  • No adjustable nosepiece
Best Sunglasses for Hiking or Backpacking

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses

Specs

  • Fit Varies by frame shape, though most frames are medium sized
  • Lens options Three tones each with different qualities — all made by Zeiss
  • Special features Armless, easily adjustable cordage
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Stay secure on your face during activity
  • Extremely durable. We’ve seen the brand founder put them in a soft case and stomp on them with no issue!
  • No arms to break. See above.
  • Great lenses
  • Look good

Cons

  • Armless sunglasses require you to remove them over your head
  • Can trap dirt while dangling off face
Best Sunglasses for Running

Nathan Adventure Polarized Sunglasses

Specs

  • Fit Medium
  • Frame material TR90
  • Lens options Several colors of polarized polycarbonate
  • Special features Integrated leash compatibility, readers available
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Clear and wide field of vision
  • Great quality
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Squarer style may not be a favorite for everyone
Best of the Rest

Spy Discord

Specs

  • Fit Medium to large
  • Frame material Grilamid lightweight poly
  • Lens options Many colors available with and without polarization
  • Special features SPY+’s revolutionary therapeutic Happy lens tech is "scientifically tuned to boost mood and alertness"
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Grilamid frames can take a beating
  • Frames have 5-barrel hinges
  • Available in many different lens/frame combos

Cons

  • No glass lens for the price point

Costa Del Mar Mainsail

Specs

  • Fit Medium
  • Frame material Bioresin
  • Lens options 580 G lightweight polarized glass, 580 P polarized polycarbonate
  • Special features Numerous lens colors available, Hydrolite temples and nose pads
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Fits many facial shapes
  • Touch points are soft and grippy

Cons

  • Not as much coverage as some glasses

Oakley Frogskins

Specs

  • Fit Medium
  • Frame material O-Matter lightweight synthetic material
  • Lens options Several options including Oakley's Prizm and Plutonite technologies. Polarized and non-polarized lenses available
  • Special features Balanced three-point fit, many lens tint options
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Light
  • Good lenses
  • Renowned impact resistance

Cons

  • Limited editions sell out quickly
  • Might be too casual for some situations

Costa Del Mar Waterwoman 2

Specs

  • Fit Medium — Average coverage with open frame design
  • Frame Material Bioresin
  • Lens Options Polarized polycarbonate and polarized glass
  • Special Features Rx available
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Premium Quality
  • Unique Style

Cons

  • Expensive

Roka Phantom Titanium

Specs

  • Fit Medium, standard aviator fit and scale
  • Frame material Titanium
  • Lens options "C3" poly lenses, polarized and non polarized options available
  • Special features "Geko" nose pads for traction and comfort
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Very good lenses
  • Extremely light
  • Stylish if you like aviators
  • Very durable
  • Secure on face for running

Cons

  • Expensive

Costa Del Mar Pescador

Specs

  • Fit Large
  • Frame material Nylon
  • Lens options 580 G lightwave glass or 580 P polycarbonate
  • Special features Contoured arms and rubberized nose pads
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Top-quality Costa del Mar glass lenses
  • Crystal clear vision
  • Made from recycled fishing nets

Cons

  • Heavy on the nose after many hours
  • Won’t fit smaller faces

Maui Jim Stone Shack

Specs

  • Fit Medium
  • Frame material Acetate
  • Lens options Polarized "super thin" glass with various color and treatment options including full mirror
  • Special features Hydrophobic lens treatment, anti-reflective coating
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Clear, sharp SuperThin Glass lenses
  • Top tier polarization
  • Durable glass construction
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No adjustable nosepiece
  • The optional clear acetate frame model looks great, but the frame can let in some bright light on the edges

Tifosi Swank

Specs

  • Fit Medium
  • Frame material Grilamid TR-90 nylon
  • Lens options Polarized polycarbonate
  • Special features Glare guard, hydrophilic rubber nosepieces
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Good lenses for a budget brand
  • Build quality is better than cheaper models

Cons

  • Optics still don’t approach those of high-end brands

Julbo Fury

Specs

  • Fit Wide, large lenses
  • Frame material Polymer
  • Lens options SPECTRON 3 CF with 13 percent light transmission, Photochromic REACTIV PERFORMANCE 1-3 with 17-75 percent light transmission
  • Special features Shock-absorbing nose bridge insert, wraparound panoramic lens
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Very light
  • REACTIV lenses work from near darkness to bright sun
  • The protective shape keeps the wind at bay

Cons

  • Super athletic styling is not great for wear around town
  • Expensive when coupled with REACTIV lenses

Serengeti Lenwood

Specs

  • Fit Large
  • Frame material Acetate
  • Lens options Photochromic mineral glass
  • Special features Anti-reflective coating
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Classy and understated look
  • Transitioning glass lens
  • Excellent for driving

Cons

  • On the pricey side

Kaenon Burnet

Specs

  • Fit Small to medium
  • Frame material TR-90
  • Lens options Polarized poly
  • Special features Recessed nose pads, stainless steel hinges
The Best Sunglasses for the Outdoors in 2024

Pros

  • Recessed nose pads ensure a snug fit
  • Italian-made

Cons

  • Smaller frame size won't fit everyone

Sunglasses Comparison Chart

SunglassesPriceFitFrame MaterialLens OptionsSpecial Features
Costa Del Mar Fantail Pro$284Large. Designed to fit those with an average-sized head. 6-base curvature.Bioresin580 G lightwave glass or 580 P polycarbonateRx available, adjustable nose pads.
Smith Optics Wander
$199MediumBio-basedChromaPop™ polarized glass lensesFlexible stainless steel temples, non-slip nose pads
Knockaround Sunglasses
$35Average, varies by stylePlasticPolarized or non polarized poly lenses availableCustomizable colors
Maui Jim Stone Shack$349MediumAcetatePolarized “super thin” glass with various color and treatment options including full mirrorHydrophobic lens treatment, anti-reflective coating
Costa Del Mar Waterwoman 2
$284LargeBioresin580 G lightwave glass or 580 P polycarbonateAngled temples, integrated Hydrolite accents
Costa Del Mar Mainsail$262MediumBioresin580 G lightweight polarized glass, 580 P polarized polycarbonateNumerous lens colors available, hydrolite temples and nose pads
Tifosi Swank
$60MediumGrilamid TR-90 nylonPolarized polycarbonateGlare guard, hydrophilic rubber nosepieces
Julbo Fury
$140-230Wide, large lensesPolymerSPECTRON 3 CF with 13 percent light transmission, Photochromic REACTIV PERFORMANCE 1-3 with 17-75 percent light transmissionShock-absorbing nose bridge insert, wraparound panoramic lens
Oakley Frogskins
$125-195Medium O-Matter lightweight synthetic materialSeveral options including Oakley’s Prizm and Plutonite technologies. Polarized and non-polarized lenses availableSuperb balanced three-point fit, many lens tint options clarity, flexible hinges.
Bajío Vega
$209Large; 8-base curvature for greater wrap and side coverageBio-based nylonPolarized glass and polarized polycarbonate available plus many color optionsIntegrated leash compatibility, readers available
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
$160Varies by frame shape, though most frames are medium sizedBio-based nylon.Three tones each with different qualities — all made by ZiessArmless, easily adjustable cordage
Costa Del Mar Pescador
$229LargeNylon580 G lightwave glass or 580 P polycarbonateContoured arms and rubberized nose pads
Nathan Adventure Polarized Sunglasses
$60MediumTR90Several colors of polarized polycarbonateIntegrated leash compatibility, readers available
Roka Phantom Titanium$290Medium, standard aviator fit and scale Titanium“C3” poly lenses, polarized and non polarized options available“Geko” nose pads for traction and comfort
Spy Discord$200Medium to largeGrilamid lightweight polyMany colors and polarization availableSPY+’s revolutionary therapeutic Happy lens tech is “scientifically tuned to boost mood and alertness”
Serengeti Lenwood
$290LargeAcetatePhotochromic mineral glassAnti-reflective coating
Kaenon Burnet
$175Small to mediumTR90Polarized polyRecessed nose pads, stainless steel hinges 

How We Tested Sunglasses

GearJunkie editors have spent years learning about outdoor products, including sunglasses. We meet with brands to learn about the latest technology. Then, we research and test the best products on the market to ensure they perform in their intended environment.

Our goal is to help you find the best products for your outdoor pursuits. And we’ll do our best to find them within your budget, too.

The lead author of this article, Sean McCoy, has worked in the outdoor gear testing industry for nearly 15 years. He began his career serving customers as a rock climbing specialist at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis. He then worked at newspapers to hone his reporting and research skills.

As the former Editor in Chief of GearJunkie, he tested hundreds of pairs of sunglasses over his 10 years at the helm of the brand. Today, he oversees editorial production across multiple websites. And he still loves testing gear.

Mary Murphy also contributed to this article. The Managing Editor at GearJunkie, Murphy puts optics to the test as an avid hiker, paddleboarder, and skier.

Adam Ruggiero and Rachelle Schrute also contributed testing notes for this article.

Our lead tester putting a pair of Oakleys through their paces; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Sunglasses

If you’re shopping for sunglasses, we’re here to help. Below, find our best advice for choosing sunglasses for any budget.

Best Sunglass Brands

What are the best sunglasses brands? After in-depth testing and research, our team agrees that Costa del Mar makes the best sunglasses you can buy, period. We base that judgment on lens quality and durability, which we’ve found to be unrivaled even by other top sunglasses.

But if Costa isn’t your jam, don’t worry. There are many great premium sunglasses these days. The other best brands for sunglasses, according to our testing and research are Maui Jim, Bajío, Smith, and Spy. Roka makes great sunglasses for athletes, as do Julbo and Dynafit. Ombras and Shwood are both remarkably good for small brands.

Among the classics, Ray-Ban and Oakley are still excellent brands, and some of their classic styles are among the most popular on the planet.

If you want some party sunglasses on a budget, don’t forget about Pit Viper, the bombastic brand that builds wild styles with quality lenses.

As an outdoor publication, we do not consider fashion-first sunglasses from designer or fashion-first brands. In our opinion, they do not match the quality of more focused sunglasses. If you’re looking for styles from Chanel or Versace, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

When considering brands, we also sought out the small and mighty, like Ombraz; (photo/Mary Murphy)

Frames

When choosing sunglasses, frame material helps dictate both appearance and weight. Among our favorite models, you’ll see recycled plastic from fishing nets and even titanium used for the frames.

Titanium makes an exceptionally light frame material we prize for its durability, but you’ll pay a premium price for it. Other metal frames include Monel, Flexon, and aluminum. Most of our test glasses for outdoor use do not use metal frames.

The majority of the frames we test are made from various types of plastic. Common plastics include zyl (zylonite or cellulose acetate), nylon, epoxy, and cellulose acetate propionate.

These are durable, light materials but have questionable sustainability. We look for brands that use recycled plastics when possible, such as the Costa Del Mar Pescador above.

Editor in sun wearing rainbow and cloud pattern Knockaround sunglasses
Sunglasses frames are also an area where style plays a big role; (photo/Mary Murphy)

Lens Material

For optical clarity, there are no better lenses than mineral glass. They also provide excellent scratch resistance, so they’re a top choice when clear vision is a priority. However, glass lenses have some flaws. They are heavy, expensive, and more prone to shattering than plastic lenses.

Next down the scale for optical clarity are lenses made from a material called CR-39. It performs nearly as well as glass but weighs about half as much and is less prone to shattering.

Polycarbonate and Trivex are two other materials popular for their impact resistance. While both have less optical clarity than glass or CR-39, polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are much more impact-resistant than other types of plastic and thus popular with cyclists, shooters, and others who put a premium on physical eye protection.

smith wander sunglasses with a polarized black lens and black frame in the mountains
The Smith Wander shades plug in a polarized lens that includes Smith’s ChromaPop tech, which boosts contrast and color; (photo/Mary Murphy)

Shape & Design

Beyond style (and let’s face it, style is important), the shape of sunglasses has a big impact on performance. Wider, larger sunglasses will offer more optical and physical eye protection.

Wraparound styles will protect eyes from the sides as well as directly in front. But larger sunglasses do not fit every face well. Those with smaller faces will want sunglasses that stay secure when moving the head up and down and side to side.

Similarly, those with larger heads and faces should favor larger shapes and designs. Smaller sunglasses will not protect the eyes well here, and too snug a fit can cause headaches for the wearer.

Woman wearing Costa Del Mar Waterwoman sunglasses
One of our testers wearing the Costa Del Mar Waterwoman; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Polarized Lenses

Many sunglasses come with both polarized and nonpolarized lenses. For fishing, watersports, or other activities where glare reduction helps, polarized lenses are a much better choice. By cutting down on glare, polarized lenses allow the wearer to see into the water much better than non-polarized lenses.

They also tend to make blue skies pop more vividly. Some prefer nonpolarized lenses for driving, as they can cause strange aberrations with some windows.

Price

When it comes to sunglasses, we’ve found you really do get what you pay for. Less expensive sunglasses can perform well. But as you shell out $200 or more, expect greatly improved durability and optical quality.

Our top-rated sunglasses have proven themselves over years of testing. And they still look almost new today. But do note our budget choices are still good for many uses and will last if well cared for.

FAQ

What are polarized sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses have a specialized construction that reduces reflected light, or glare. Because they reduce, and in some cases nearly eliminate, reflected light, they are a top choice for fishing because they allow you to see into the water better than with nonpolarized sunglasses or the naked eye.

Polarized lenses also cut glare from car windows and reduce reflected light from the sky, resulting in blue skies looking darker through them. We generally recommend polarized lenses, although they can cause aberrations when looking through some car windows.

Are expensive sunglasses worth it?

While we have a soft spot for cheap sunglasses, spending more on expensive sunglasses is worth it if you have the money. You will immediately notice the better lens quality, sturdier frame, and hinges of expensive sunglasses.

But where you’ll really notice the difference is in durability. High-end sunglasses will last much longer than cheap sunglasses as long as you care for them well.

How should I clean my sunglasses?

Take care not to scratch your investment! Clean sunglasses by first running them under warm water to remove any potentially abrasive material like sand or dust.

You can use a little mild liquid dish soap to remove sunscreen or other oils too. Just put a dab on your clean fingers and gently work the soap across the wet lenses and rinse.

Once clean, shake off excess water and dry with a soft cotton cloth or, better yet, a microfiber cleaning cloth. The main point here is to not rush the job, and don’t scratch the lenses with a rough or dirty cloth.

Once clean and mostly dry, polish out any imperfections with a microfiber cloth. And there you go, crystal clear vision restored!

What is the best style of sunglasses?

Take a good hard look in the mirror. What do you like? Well, rock ’em! Sunglasses are a great place for self-expression. Have fun!

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