LensTrove vs Costco Optical — Online vs In-Store for Cheap Glasses
Costco has the best in-store value for glasses, but you need a $60 membership and you'll still pay 5–6× more than LensTrove for the same lenses.
The short answer
Costco Optical is the cheapest in-person glasses option in the US, but a complete pair runs $120+ plus a $60 membership. LensTrove ships the equivalent prescription pair for $21.98 with no membership.
| Feature | LensTrove | Costco Optical |
|---|---|---|
| Frame starting price | $1.99 | $70 (Kirkland house brand) |
| Single Vision lenses | $19.99 | $50 add-on |
| UV400 protection | Included free | Included |
| Anti-reflective coating | Included free | +$30 |
| Blue Light Filter | +$9.99 | +$30 |
| Progressives | $39.99 | +$130 (no-line) |
| Membership required | No | Yes ($60+/year) |
| Eye exam available | No (bring your prescription) | Yes ($79 typical) |
| In-person fitting | No (online only) | Yes (Costco Optical counter) |
| Total cost (frame + SV lens, no AR) | $21.98 | $120+ (plus $60 membership) |
Our take
Costco Optical is genuinely a good deal compared to other in-person retail (LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, etc.) — but you're still paying for the in-person service, the optician's fitting, and the membership. If you already know your prescription and don't need an in-person fitting, LensTrove gives you the same lens technology for ~80% less.
The big tradeoff: convenience vs price
Costco wins on in-person service. You can walk in, get an eye exam, get fitted, get adjustments, and walk out with your glasses an hour later. LensTrove wins on price: $21.98 vs $120+ — about a 6× difference for an equivalent prescription pair.
When Costco is the right choice
- You need an in-person eye exam at the same place
- You're a Costco member already (the $60 membership pays for itself fast on other purchases)
- You have an unusually high prescription that benefits from optician fitting
- You break glasses often and want walk-in adjustments
When LensTrove is the right choice
- You already have a current prescription
- You want to buy a backup pair (or 4) without burning your annual eyewear budget
- You don't have a Costco nearby
- You don't want to pay $60/year for a membership
- You want all coatings included free
The hybrid approach we recommend
Get your eye exam at Costco (or your local optometrist), get the prescription written down, then order from LensTrove. You'll save $100+ per pair while still getting a professionally measured prescription.