Top 12 Best Budget Contact Lenses
By Richard "Rick" Callahan | Published: 2024-10-27 | Category: Cheap Contact Lenses
About Cheap Contact Lenses
This category includes contact lenses known for their affordability, often featuring slightly older lens technologies or offered through budget-focused retailers and subscription services. They provide vision correction at a lower cost per wear compared to premium options.
How We Tested
Products were evaluated based on analysis of material specifications, user reviews from major retailers, oxygen permeability data, reported comfort levels, and relative price comparisons across popular online vendors. Final rankings consider overall value and suitability for budget-conscious wearers.
Scoring Criteria
- → Comfort
- → Vision Quality
- → Material Breathability
- → Handling
- → Price
The Best Cheap Contact Lenses
Aquatech Plus
By Walmart Vision Center
Walmart's private label daily disposable lens, providing a budget-friendly alternative.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Likely Etafilcon A or similar (Hydrogel - rebrand)
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Water Content: ~58% (varies)
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): ~25 (varies)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Affordable daily lens option
- + Easily accessible through Walmart Vision Centers
- + Typically a reliable rebranded lens
Cons
- - Standard hydrogel performance
- - Manufacturer/specific specs not always clear
- - Requires visiting or ordering through Walmart
Verdict
"Similar to Walgreens Splash, a solid budget daily choice available conveniently through Walmart, usually mirroring a well-known product."
Splash
By Walgreens
Walgreens' store brand daily disposable contact lenses, offering affordability and convenience.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Likely Etafilcon A or similar (Hydrogel - often rebrands of major manufacturers)
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Water Content: ~58% (varies)
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): ~25 (varies)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Competitive pricing for a daily lens
- + Conveniently available at Walgreens locations and online
- + Often identical to established brands like Acuvue Moist
Cons
- - Basic hydrogel performance
- - Less transparent branding regarding original manufacturer/specs
- - Availability tied to Walgreens
Verdict
"A convenient and often cost-effective daily option if you shop at Walgreens, typically a rebrand of a known hydrogel lens."
User Reviews
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Hubble Contacts
By Hubble (Vision Path Inc.)
Subscription-based daily contact lenses using an older hydrogel material, known for aggressive marketing and low advertised price.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Methafilcon A (Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Water Content: 55%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 18
Scorecard (Overall: 6.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Very low monthly subscription cost
- + Convenient delivery model
- + Simple ordering process
Cons
- - Uses very old Methafilcon A material with low oxygen permeability
- - Limited parameter range (no toric/multifocal)
- - Concerns raised by eye care professionals about material quality/health impact
- - Subscription model can be inflexible
Verdict
"The rock-bottom price leader via subscription, but uses outdated material with significant breathability limitations. Proceed with caution and ensure regular eye check-ups."
"Super cheap and delivered to my door, but my eyes felt tired by the afternoon."
- BudgetWearer22 (2024-08-15)
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Biotrue ONEday
By Bausch + Lomb
Daily disposable lenses inspired by eye biology, featuring high water content and UV protection.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Nesofilcon A (HyperGel)
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Water Content: 78%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 42
- ✓UV Blocking: Yes (Specific class varies)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Very high water content mimics tears
- + Surface Active Technology maintains moisture
- + Good oxygen flow for a hydrogel-like material
- + Offers UV protection
Cons
- - Can be more expensive than basic hydrogel dailies
- - HyperGel material might not suit everyone
Verdict
"A step-up daily disposable offering excellent moisture and decent breathability, often available at competitive prices making it a 'premium budget' pick."
User Reviews
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1-Day Acuvue Moist
By Acuvue (Johnson & Johnson Vision Care)
A long-standing daily disposable hydrogel lens with embedded wetting agent and UV protection.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Etafilcon A (Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Water Content: 58%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 25.5
- ✓UV Blocking: Class 2
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + LACREON technology provides moisture
- + Offers UV protection
- + Convenient daily replacement
- + Widely prescribed and available, Astigmatism and Multifocal versions exist
Cons
- - Older hydrogel material with lower Dk/t than SiHy dailies
- - Can be pricier than other budget hydrogel dailies
- - Some find comfort diminishes late in the day
Verdict
"A popular and trusted daily lens that provides good comfort for many, often found at reasonable prices despite the Acuvue brand name."
User Reviews
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Proclear Compatibles (Sphere)
By CooperVision
Monthly hydrogel lenses designed to retain moisture and resist dryness, FDA-cleared for dry eye sufferers.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Omafilcon A (Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Monthly
- ✓Water Content: 62%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 38
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + PC Technology helps lenses stay moist
- + Often comfortable for users prone to dryness
- + Affordable for a specialty hydrogel
- + Toric, Multifocal, and XR options available
Cons
- - Lower oxygen permeability than silicone hydrogels
- - Monthly replacement requires cleaning
Verdict
"A great budget monthly option specifically for wearers who experience dryness with other lenses, thanks to its unique material."
User Reviews
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Air Optix Aqua
By Alcon
A well-established monthly silicone hydrogel lens known for deposit resistance.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Lotrafilcon B (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Monthly
- ✓Water Content: 33%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 138
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + High oxygen transmission for eye health
- + SmartShield Technology resists deposits
- + Proven track record of performance
- + Toric, Multifocal, and Colors versions available
Cons
- - Lower water content might feel less initially comfortable for some
- - Superseded by newer Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde, but Aqua remains a budget SiHy option
Verdict
"A reliable, breathable monthly lens that's often discounted, making it a solid budget silicone hydrogel choice."
User Reviews
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SofLens daily disposable
By Bausch + Lomb
An entry-level daily disposable hydrogel lens focused on affordability and ease of use.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Hilafilcon B (Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Water Content: 59%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 22
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Very low price point for a daily disposable
- + ComfortMoist Technology for initial comfort
- + Easy handling for new wearers
- + Available in 90-packs for better value
Cons
- - Low oxygen permeability
- - Basic hydrogel material, can dry out over the day
- - No Toric or Multifocal options in this specific line
Verdict
"One of the cheapest daily disposable lenses from a major manufacturer, ideal for occasional wear or those prioritizing price."
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Avaira Vitality
By CooperVision
Affordable two-week silicone hydrogel lenses with UV protection.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Fanfilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Two-Week
- ✓Water Content: 55%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 110
- ✓UV Blocking: Class 1
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Good balance of breathability, comfort, and price
- + Built-in Class 1 UV Blocker
- + Two-week replacement schedule preferred by some
- + Toric version available
Cons
- - Two-week modality less common, requires tracking replacement
- - Not as widely available as some competitors
Verdict
"A strong contender in the affordable silicone hydrogel space, particularly good for those wanting UV protection and a two-week cycle."
User Reviews
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SofLens 38 (Optima FW)
By Bausch + Lomb
A very budget-friendly monthly lens using older, time-tested hydrogel material.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Polymacon (Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Monthly (or 1-2 week disposable)
- ✓Water Content: 38.6%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 24
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Extremely low cost per lens
- + Durable material, resistant to deposits
- + Easy to handle due to visibility tint
Cons
- - Low oxygen permeability, not suitable for extended wear
- - Older material may not be comfortable for all users
- - Can feel dry, especially in challenging environments
Verdict
"The ultimate budget choice for monthly wearers who tolerate basic hydrogel materials well and prioritize cost above all else."
User Reviews
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Dailies AquaComfort Plus
By Alcon
Popular daily disposable lenses with blink-activated moisture technology for consistent comfort.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Nelfilcon A (Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Daily
- ✓Water Content: 69%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 26
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Convenient daily disposable format
- + Good initial comfort with moisture agents
- + Widely available and frequently discounted
- + Toric and Multifocal options available
Cons
- - Lower oxygen permeability compared to silicone hydrogel dailies
- - Can feel dry for some users by end of day
Verdict
"A reliable and affordable daily disposable option, especially good for those prioritizing convenience and decent comfort."
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View Top Ranked Product
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Biofinity
By CooperVision
Highly breathable monthly silicone hydrogel lenses offering excellent comfort and value.
Key Features
- ✓Material: Comfilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel)
- ✓Modality: Monthly
- ✓Water Content: 48%
- ✓Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 160
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Excellent breathability for monthly wear
- + Maintains moisture well (Aquaform Technology)
- + Often available at competitive prices
- + Toric and Multifocal options available
Cons
- - Monthly replacement requires consistent cleaning routine
- - Slightly thicker feel than some daily lenses
Verdict
"Best overall value for a high-performing monthly lens, offering premium features at a mid-range price point."
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Final Thoughts
Finding affordable contact lenses doesn't mean sacrificing eye health entirely. Monthly silicone hydrogels like CooperVision's Biofinity offer the best blend of modern materials and value. For daily wearers, Alcon's Dailies AquaComfort Plus and Bausch + Lomb's SofLens daily disposable provide reliable hydrogel options at low price points, though users needing higher oxygen or longer comfort might look towards Biotrue ONEday or Avaira Vitality (bi-weekly). Extreme budget options like SofLens 38 and subscription services like Hubble exist but come with significant trade-offs in material technology.
Notable Mentions:
- Avaira Vitality (CooperVision): Excellent value for a two-week SiHy lens with UV blocking.
- Proclear Compatibles (CooperVision): Good budget monthly for users prone to lens dryness.
- Hubble Contacts: Lowest advertised price via subscription, but uses very old material technology.
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