Top 12 Affordable Contact Lenses
By Dante Holloway | Published: 2025-03-19 | Category: Affordable Contact Lenses
About Affordable Contact Lenses
Affordable contact lenses offer vision correction worn directly on the eye, prioritized for their cost-effectiveness without excessive compromise on basic comfort and visual acuity. This category typically includes daily, bi-weekly, and monthly disposable lenses from major brands and reputable private labels.
How We Tested
Products were evaluated based on analysis of manufacturer specifications, aggregated user reviews from major retailers, expert opinions, and comparative pricing across popular online vendors. Emphasis was placed on balancing cost, comfort, material technology, and overall user satisfaction.
Scoring Criteria
- → Comfort
- → Vision Quality
- → Handling Ease
- → Breathability
- → Value for Money
- → Overall User Satisfaction
The Best Affordable Contact Lenses
Precision1
By Alcon
A mid-tier daily disposable silicone hydrogel lens featuring SMARTSURFACE Technology for lasting moisture.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Material: Verofilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 51% (core), >80% (surface)
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 100
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes (Class 1)
- ✓Technology: SMARTSURFACE Technology
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Good balance of comfort and breathability
- + Surface technology promotes lasting hydration
- + Class 1 UV blocking
- + Easier handling than some thinner dailies
Cons
- - More expensive than basic hydrogel or Clariti 1 day
- - Newer product, less long-term user data
Verdict
"A strong contender in the daily SiHy market, offering a step up from budget dailies with advanced moisture technology and UV protection."
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe
By Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
A premium daily disposable SiHy lens designed for demanding days and digital device use, offering high comfort and performance.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Material: Senofilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 38%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 121
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes (Class 1)
- ✓Technology: HydraLuxe Technology
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Exceptional all-day comfort
- + Excellent vision quality
- + High breathability
- + Highest level of UV blocking
- + Easy handling
Cons
- - One of the more expensive daily disposables
- - Lower water content might not suit everyone initially
Verdict
"A top-performing daily lens offering superior comfort and features, bordering on premium but included for its popularity and performance benchmark, though less 'affordable' than others listed."
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SofLens 38 / SofLens 59
By Bausch + Lomb
An older generation, very affordable monthly (38) or bi-weekly/monthly (59) hydrogel lens known for its low cost and durability.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Monthly (38), Bi-Weekly/Monthly (59)
- ✓Material: Polymacon (Hydrogel - 38), Hilafilcon B (Hydrogel - 59)
- ✓Water Content: 38.6% (38), 59% (59)
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): ~24 (38), ~22 (59)
- ✓UV Blocking: No
- ✓Technology: Time-tested, deposit resistant material
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Extremely low cost
- + Durable and resistant to deposits
- + Easy to handle due to slightly thicker design
Cons
- - Very low oxygen permeability (older hydrogel)
- - Comfort may be lacking compared to modern lenses
- - No UV protection
- - Older technology
Verdict
"The ultra-budget option. Suitable only for wearers tolerant of older hydrogel materials who prioritize cost above all else, often for shorter wear times."
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Bausch + Lomb ULTRA
By Bausch + Lomb
A monthly silicone hydrogel lens featuring MoistureSeal technology designed for long-lasting comfort, especially for digital device users.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Monthly
- ✓Material: Samfilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 46%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 163
- ✓UV Blocking: No
- ✓Technology: MoistureSeal Technology
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Excellent end-of-day comfort
- + High oxygen transmission
- + Retains 95% of moisture for 16 hours
- + Good for digital screen users
Cons
- - No UV protection
- - Pricier than Biofinity or Air Optix
Verdict
"A premium monthly lens focused on comfort, especially for long wear times and screen use, justifying its slightly higher cost for those prioritizing hydration."
User Reviews
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Avaira Vitality
By CooperVision
An affordable bi-weekly silicone hydrogel lens offering good comfort, breathability, and Class 1 UV protection.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Bi-Weekly
- ✓Material: Fanfilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 55%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 110
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes (Class 1)
- ✓Technology: Aberration Neutralizing System
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Good value for a SiHy bi-weekly
- + High level of UV protection
- + Good breathability and hydration
- + Designed for crisp vision
Cons
- - Bi-weekly schedule
- - Some users report less end-of-day comfort compared to premium options
Verdict
"A strong value proposition in the bi-weekly SiHy category, offering UV protection and solid performance at an attractive price."
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Kirkland Signature Daily Disposable
By Kirkland Signature (Costco)
Costco's private label daily disposable lens, widely believed to be a rebranded CooperVision lens, offering excellent value.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Material: Methafilcon A (Hydrogel - Varies, often similar to older CooperVision tech)
- ✓Water Content: 55% (approx)
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 20-30 (estimate)
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes (Often included)
- ✓Technology: Basic hydration features
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Exceptional value, especially for Costco members
- + Convenient daily disposal
- + Generally comfortable for average wear times
- + Often includes UV blocking
Cons
- - Requires Costco membership
- - Basic hydrogel material (lower breathability)
- - Exact specs can vary based on supplier
Verdict
"Unbeatable value for a daily disposable lens if you have a Costco membership, providing reliable basic performance."
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Biotrue ONEday
By Bausch + Lomb
A daily disposable lens made with HyperGel material, designed to mimic the eye's natural moisture levels.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Material: Nesofilcon A (HyperGel)
- ✓Water Content: 78%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 42
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes
- ✓Technology: Surface Active Technology
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pros
- + High water content for initial comfort
- + Designed to match corneal water content
- + Includes UV blocking
- + Good optics
Cons
- - Oxygen transmissibility lower than SiHy dailies
- - Can be slightly more expensive than basic hydrogel dailies
Verdict
"A comfortable daily lens with innovative material, offering good hydration, suitable for those who find SiHy less comfortable but want more than basic hydrogel."
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clariti 1 day
By CooperVision
One of the most affordable silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses, offering good breathability and WetLoc Technology.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Material: Somofilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 56%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 86
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes
- ✓Technology: WetLoc Technology
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Excellent value for a SiHy daily lens
- + Good oxygen transmission for daily wear
- + Includes UV blocking
- + Widely available, including toric and multifocal
Cons
- - Handling can be slightly flimsy for some
- - Comfort may not match premium dailies for all users
Verdict
"A standout option for those wanting the benefits of silicone hydrogel in a daily lens without the premium price tag."
User Reviews
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Dailies AquaComfort Plus
By Alcon
A popular hydrogel daily disposable lens featuring blink-activated moisture technology for refreshing comfort.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Material: Nelfilcon A (Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 69%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 26
- ✓UV Blocking: No
- ✓Technology: Blink-Activated Moisture
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Very affordable for a daily disposable
- + Convenient daily replacement schedule
- + Moisture technology provides initial comfort
- + Easy to handle
Cons
- - Lower oxygen permeability (Hydrogel)
- - Comfort may decrease later in the day for some
- - No UV protection
Verdict
"A solid budget-friendly daily disposable, particularly good for new wearers or those prioritizing convenience and cost over cutting-edge material."
User Reviews
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Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus
By Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
A leading bi-weekly lens known for exceptional comfort and UV protection, utilizing Hydraclear Plus technology.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Bi-Weekly
- ✓Material: Senofilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 38%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 147
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes (Class 1)
- ✓Technology: Hydraclear Plus
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Highly comfortable, even in dry environments
- + Excellent breathability
- + Highest level of UV blocking in a contact lens
- + Easy to handle
Cons
- - Bi-weekly schedule requires tracking
- - Can be pricier than monthly options per wear
Verdict
"A top-tier choice for comfort and UV protection in the bi-weekly category, though slightly less 'affordable' than some monthlies on a per-month basis."
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Air Optix Aqua / Air Optix plus HydraGlyde
By Alcon
A widely used monthly silicone hydrogel lens offering good comfort and deposit resistance. HydraGlyde version enhances moisture retention.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Monthly
- ✓Material: Lotrafilcon B (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 33%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 138
- ✓UV Blocking: No
- ✓Technology: SmartShield Technology, HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix (HydraGlyde version)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + High oxygen permeability
- + Resists deposit buildup
- + HydraGlyde version offers improved hydration
- + Widely available
Cons
- - Lower water content may not suit everyone
- - No UV blocking
Verdict
"A reliable and breathable monthly lens, especially the HydraGlyde variant for those needing extra moisture, offering solid performance for the cost."
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View Top Ranked Product
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Biofinity
By CooperVision
A popular monthly disposable lens known for its balance of comfort, breathability, and value using Aquaform Technology.
Key Features
- ✓Modality: Monthly
- ✓Material: Comfilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Water Content: 48%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 160
- ✓UV Blocking: No
- ✓Technology: Aquaform Technology
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Excellent breathability for monthly wear
- + Consistently comfortable for many users
- + Retains moisture well
- + Great value for a silicone hydrogel monthly
Cons
- - No UV protection
- - Can feel slightly thicker than some other lenses
Verdict
"An outstanding choice for monthly lens wearers seeking high performance and comfort at a reasonable price point."
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Final Thoughts
The affordable contact lens market offers numerous options across daily, bi-weekly, and monthly modalities. Silicone hydrogel materials like those in Biofinity and Air Optix provide excellent breathability for monthly wear at a good value. For daily wearers, Dailies AquaComfort Plus remains a popular budget hydrogel choice, while CooperVision's clariti 1 day offers an entry point into silicone hydrogel dailies without breaking the bank. Store brands like Kirkland Signature provide exceptional value, albeit often with older technology.
Notable Mentions:
- Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus (Bi-Weekly): Benchmark for comfort and UV protection in its category, though pricier per month than some monthlies.
- CooperVision clariti 1 day (Daily): Excellent value for a daily disposable silicone hydrogel lens with UV blocking.
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