LensTrove vs GlassesUSA — Why You're Paying $50+ More Per Pair
GlassesUSA's listed prices look low until you add the coatings. Here's the apples-to-apples comparison.
The short answer
GlassesUSA's $48 entry price excludes coatings; once you add anti-scratch ($15) and anti-reflective ($25), a complete pair runs ~$73 vs LensTrove's $21.98 with all coatings free.
| Feature | LensTrove | GlassesUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Frame starting price | $1.99 | $48 (most start $58+) |
| Single Vision lenses | $19.99 | Included with frame |
| UV400 protection | Included free | Included free |
| Anti-scratch coating | Included free | +$15 |
| Anti-reflective coating | Included free | +$25 |
| Blue Light Filter | +$9.99 | +$45 |
| Progressives | $39.99 | +$129 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Total cost (frame + SV lens with AR) | $21.98 | ~$73 |
Our take
GlassesUSA's pricing is misleading: the $48 entry price doesn't include the anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings most buyers want, which add ~$40 at checkout. LensTrove includes all those coatings free at the $21.98 entry price — making it cheaper by 70%+ for an apples-to-apples complete pair.
Where the $50+ difference comes from
GlassesUSA bundles a lens with the frame at the listed price, but charges separately for: anti-scratch ($15), anti-reflective ($25), and Blue Light filter ($45). Add even the basic coatings most buyers want and the real total balloons to ~$73.
LensTrove builds anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV400 into every lens at no extra cost — and the listed prices ($1.99 frame + $19.99 lens) are what you actually pay.
Where GlassesUSA wins
- Designer brand selection: Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Tom Ford carried (LensTrove is house-brand only)
- Insurance billing: direct in-network billing for some VSP / EyeMed plans
- Premium progressive options: Varilux, Shamir digital progressives available
Where LensTrove wins
- Total price: $21.98 vs ~$73 for the same coatings
- No surprise add-ons: the price you see is what you pay
- Free coatings: all 3 standard coatings included
Who should pick which
Pick LensTrove if you want the lowest total price with all coatings included, or you're buying multiple house-brand pairs.
Pick GlassesUSA if you specifically want a designer brand frame (Ray-Ban, Oakley, etc.) or your vision insurance has direct billing through them.
Skip the upcharge maze
$1.99 frames. $19.99 lenses. All coatings free. The price is the price.
Shop frames from $1.99