10 Best Sunglasses For Driving of 2023

When you get behind the wheel of your vehicle you need to be able to see what’s in front of you. While it’s usually not a problem, sometimes the sun and conditions can wreak havoc on what you can and can’t see.

Sunglasses can dramatically reduce the chances of this happening, but with so many sunglass options out there it can be a challenge trying to find the best ones for while you’re driving. We understand the struggle, and it’s why we took the time to track down and highlight ten great options for you to consider.

10 Best Sunglasses for Driving

We know you’re busy and want to get on with your day, and that’s why we wanted to dive right into the reviews for you here. These are some great sunglasses for driving for you to consider, and the reviews will highlight everything you need to know about each one.

Of course, if you still have questions about what to look for or which is right for you, our buyer’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know after the reviews.

1. Ray-Ban RB3016 – Best Sunglasses For Driving Overall

If you’re looking for the perfect sunglasses for when you’re driving, the Ray-Ban RB3016 Clubmaster Square sunglasses are an outstanding choice. They come in tons of color and style options and their unisex design makes them an excellent choice for both genders.

There are even multiple size options available for the lens width so you can get a pair of the RB3016 sunglasses that fit your face perfectly. These sunglasses provide 100 percent UV protection and you can pick between traditional, gradient, or polarized designs.

No matter what you go with, they’re extremely durable and compared to other premium brands and sunglasses they’re available for a great price.

You’ll have to spend more on these than you would on knockoffs, but the added durability, customization, and quality of these sunglasses make them well worth the price. We wish there were some designs with full frames, but if you like the partial frame look that’s really not a problem.

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2. J + S Premium Aviator Sunglasses – Best Budget

Who says you need to spend a ton to get great driving sunglasses? With the J + S Premium Aviator sunglasses you can get a signature look at a fraction of the price. They’re extremely affordable, costing less than a tenth of some of the more expensive options on our list.

But despite the lower price tag, they’re still extremely comfortable and lightweight, and multiple lens colors are available for you to pick from. Even better, they provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.

Still, while they’re durable, comfortable, and effective, there’s a reason they don’t make it to the top of our list. First, they’re not a name brand. That doesn’t matter to everyone, but without the official badging it does lack a little bit of the upscale style.

But perhaps more importantly the J + S Premium Aviator Sunglasses aren’t quite as durable as the top-end options. Sure, you won’t need to spend nearly as much on them, but you’ll also need to replace them sooner.

Still, even with the lower durability, it’s probably the better cost option. But if you don’t like the overall look, the lower price tag really doesn’t matter.

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3. Maui Jim Wiki Polarized Aviators – Premium Choice

No one’s going to say the Maui Jim Wiki Polarized Aviators are the most cost-effective sunglasses out there. In fact, there are plenty of people that will say the exact opposite. These sunglasses are by far the most expensive sunglasses on our list, but there’s a reason they cost so much.

They’re extremely durable, and there are multiple color options for you to pick from. Helping to justify their higher price tag even further is their exceptional UV protection and their top-of-the-line glare-free and color-boosting technologies that come in each pair of Maui Jim Wiki Polarized Aviators.

This gives them the best possible performance when you put them on, and it’s why if you have the extra cash, they’re well worth the extra money. These sunglasses are also lightweight and comfortable so you don’t mind wearing them no longer how long your road trip is.

The only real drawback to these sunglasses is the price, but with how much they cost, there’s no denying that’s a notable drawback.

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4. Oakley OO9102 – Best for Men

When you get behind the wheel you don’t want to feel like you’re putting on sunglasses that don’t match your style. As a man, you don’t want soft edges and feminine touch, and with the Oakley OO9102 sunglasses you don’t get that.

They have a masculine touch and feel in every way and with multiple color options available, you’re sure to find something that fits your style. Moreover, they have both polarized and non-polarized lens options to pick from, providing even more looks and visual benefits to choose from.

Not only do these sunglasses look great, but they provide 100 percent UVA, UVB, and UVC protection, and they even prevent 99 percent of glare! These are all big perks when you’re driving down the road, and it’s a big reason why it’s our top choice for men.

They do cost a bit more than many other options, but they’re not quite as expensive as the priciest sunglasses on our list. Overall they cost a bit more, but because of their quality and durability we think they’re well worth the price.

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5. Ray-Ban RB4171 Erika Round – Best for Women

Too many sunglasses have harsh edges and bold colors that give them a very masculine appearance. That’s not the case with the Ray-Ban RB4171 Erika Round sunglasses. As the name implies they have round frames and lenses, and with multiple color options available, you can find whatever you’re looking for.

But unlike many feminine sunglasses that cost a ton, don’t perform well, or both, the Ray-Ban RB4171 Erika Round sunglasses are available for a great price and do an amazing job. They provide 100 percent UV protection and they’re very lightweight and comfortable to wear.

However, like many feminine sunglasses, these have a thinner frame to help give off that appearance. While it looks great, it also leads to some durability issues if you drop them or put pressure on them in another way.

They look great, and when you look at how much they cost and compare it to the overall quality, it’s not hard to see how they earned our nod as the best sunglasses for driving for women.

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6. Fiore Fit Over Sunglasses – Best for Those With Glasses

If you wear prescription glasses, you know the struggle that comes with trying to find sunglasses that work for you. That’s where the Fiore Fit Over Sunglasses thrives. They fit right over standard glasses, allowing you to keep your prescription while getting protection from the sun while driving.

While there’s no denying this results in a much larger pair of sunglasses, it’s a necessity if you want them to fit over prescription lenses. They still let you pick from a ton of color options, so you can try to find one that matches your style a bit more despite the bulkier style.

They also have both non-polarized and polarized lenses and they’re all very durable. But the best part of the Fiore Fit Over Sunglasses must be the price. Compared to most of the other options on our list you can get the Fiore Fit Over Sunglasses for next to nothing.

Part of the reason for this is that they use plastic lenses and a plastic frame. It helps cut down on the cost, but it also leads to a less-than-ideal final appearance. They’ll get the job done, but you probably won’t want to wear them any time you’re not driving.

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7. Dillon Optics George Polarized

While the Dillon Optics George Polarized sunglasses are the first sunglasses on our list that didn’t get a special accolade, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider them. They’re a premium sunglass option that is extremely stylish, especially considering there are tons of color options for you to pick from.

Not only that, but you can’t beat their quality and their overall durability. The frames all come from Italy, and they manufacture all the lenses in the United States. This subjects them to some of the highest quality control standards in the industry, so you know you’re getting a great pair of sunglasses each and every time.

Of course, producing high-quality sunglasses in Italy and the United States drives up the cost, and that’s part of the reason they didn’t get an accolade. While they’re great sunglasses, they’re extremely expensive.

You’ll love them and they’ll last a long time, but you better be ready to spend quite a bit to get a pair of your own.

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8. Prada OPS 02XS

Prada is a luxury brand and their OPS 02XS sunglasses highlight why. Not only do they look great, but they’re extremely durable and comfortable when you’re wearing them. They highlight the Prada name on each pair in a way that nobody can miss it.

But part of the problem with these sunglasses is that Prada really relies on the name. The rest of the sunglasses don’t look bad, but the plastic frame and design just don’t provide the same premium appearance that many other high-end sunglasses have.

They don’t have a ton of color and style options to pick from, but if you like one of the three designs they offer, it’s not a big deal. Surprisingly, the Prada OPS 02XS sunglasses aren’t all that expensive for a high-end brand, but they still cost more than off-brand options.

Because of the higher price tag and extremely limited selection, we couldn’t justify putting it any higher on the list, but if you like the sunglasses they offer you can get a great deal on them!

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9. RIVBOS Polarized Sports

The RIVBOS Polarized Sports are another very affordable sunglass option you have. You don’t have to spend nearly as much as you do with other sunglasses on our list, but they still give you a comfortable and effective pair of sunglasses for while you’re driving.

They come in multiple color options to help you find a pair that fits your style, and since they don’t cost much, you can go with multiple pairs you can keep in different vehicles.

However, there’s a reason these sunglasses are so affordable and near the bottom of our list. First, even with multiple color options to pick from, they’re simply not the most stylish.

Furthermore, they’re not as durable as most other options. Because of the lower price tag, it’s not a big deal, but don’t expect them to last forever. We recommend ordering a few pairs at once, that way you don’t need to worry about not having a pair if one does break.

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10. AO Original Pilot

The AO Original Pilot sunglasses might be the last option on our list, but there’s no denying that they’re an outstanding pair of sunglasses for driving. They have both polarized and non-polarized lenses to pick from and there are a few different color options for the frames.

This gives you plenty of options to find a pair you like that matches your style. And for an ideal fitment to your face, they’re available in multiple sizes, which is a big deal when it comes to premium comfort.

They also provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, which is a big deal for sunglasses. However, while there’s a lot to love about these sunglasses, there’s a reason they’re at the bottom of our list.

First, they don’t have as many styles and colors as other premium sunglass options. This isn’t a huge deal if you like what they have, but it does take out some of the personalization you can put into many of the other sunglass options.

Another issue with these sunglasses is the price. They’re one of the more expensive options, and because of the limited options we can’t justify the higher expense. However, as long as you take care of these sunglasses they’ll last a lifetime, and if they don’t they come with a lifetime warranty.

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Sunglasses For Driving Buyer’s Guide

With so many great sunglass options for driving out there, it can be challenging trying to pick just one pair. You don’t want to keep purchasing different options until you find what you like the most, but you also don’t want to end up with a pair that isn’t giving you what you want.

We understand completely, and it’s why we came up with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know to get the perfect sunglasses the first time.

Why You Want Sunglasses While Driving

If you’ve spent any amount of time driving, you know it’s only a matter of time until the sunlight hits the windshield in just the wrong way. It shines in all the wrong directions and makes it all but impossible to keep your eyes on the road.

Not only is it uncomfortable, but it also creates an unsafe driving condition since you can barely see the road! But while this is one of the most notable reasons you want sunglasses while driving, it’s not the only way sunglasses can offer some advantages.

This is especially true for polarized sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses reduce the amount of glare coming off the road, headlights, streetlights, and anything else around. Not only that, but they improve contrast, making it easier to pick out differences in the roadway or spot things that would otherwise blend into the background.

Another advantage of polarized sunglasses is when the conditions are rainy or foggy. These conditions can capture and reflect light, creating hazy conditions that are hard to see through. Polarized sunglasses reduce the glare in these conditions, making it easier to see the roadway!

Polarized vs Non-Polarized Sunglasses

If you’re getting sunglasses for driving, you probably want to go with polarized sunglasses. While non-polarized sunglasses will help filter out light in bright conditions, they can easily end up filtering out too much light if the tint is too high.

Polarized sunglasses have far more leeway in with this. That’s because polarized sunglasses offer far more advantages than just filtering out light. They significantly reduce glare, improve contrast, and make it easier to see while you’re driving.

If you’re solely looking for sunglasses that make it easier to see while you’re driving you want polarized sunglasses and it’s not even close!

How Dark Should Your Driving Sunglasses Be?

It’s one of the most frequent questions people ask when trying to pick out sunglasses for driving and for good reason. You don’t want sunglasses that let in too much light and still make it hard to see, but you also don’t want sunglasses that block out too much light making it hard to see too!

For most driving conditions sunglasses between 35 and 60 percent tint block enough sun to make it easier to see, but not too much sun so everything just looks dark. However, if you’re looking at getting multiple pairs of sunglasses for different driving conditions, the ranges vary a bit.

For extremely bright conditions you want sunglasses with a 70 to 85 percent tint. These sunglasses block out far more sun than other options, which is great when the sun shines directly into your vehicle while driving.

For more everyday conditions, we recommend sunglasses with a 40 to 60 percent tint. These sunglasses won’t block out too much light in most conditions, but they’ll provide relief and clarity during everyday driving and extremely bright conditions.

Finally, if the conditions aren’t all that bright but you’re looking for a little more contrast and clarity while you’re driving, sunglasses with 15 to 35 percent tint are the way to go. They don’t block out enough light to be extremely effective in very bright conditions, but they also won’t block out too much light if it’s not super bright out.

Sunglasses that don’t filter out as much light will still provide you with more clarity and less glare than sunglasses in bright conditions, but you’ll likely find yourself wishing they blocked out even more light in these conditions.

Graduated Tint Sunglasses

Another option you’ll want to consider when picking out sunglasses for while you’re driving is graduated tint sunglasses. These sunglasses have a darker tint near the top of the sunglasses and a smaller tint near the bottom.

This is a nice feature for while you’re driving since most of the sunlight that makes it to you reaches you near the top of the eye. This is where the tint on the sunglasses is darkest, allowing it to block out as much sunlight as possible.

But since the lower portion of the sunglasses doesn’t have as much of a tint, it’s easier to see the instrument panel and the other darker portions inside your vehicle. This is a huge advantage for while you’re driving, and it’s why plenty of people prefer a gradient tint on their sunglasses while driving.

Of course, there’s also the appearance factor that some people like, and you have to keep in mind that even with a gradient they’ll still let in a bit more light than sunglasses with a darker tint from top to bottom.

Caring For Your Sunglasses

After you find the right sunglasses for you the last thing you want is to have something happen to them. If that happens you’re right back at square one trying to figure out what you need. But if you follow some basic steps, there’s no reason no matter what sunglasses you go with they can’t last a long time!

Start by storing your sunglasses in a protective storage case. Most sunglasses come with such a case, and storing them in there might take up more space, but it goes a long way in preventing accidental damage from occurring.

Next, try to find somewhere outside of your vehicle to store them. The inside of your vehicle can reach extremely high temperatures, and the back-and-forth swing in temperatures can damage the sunglasses.

Next, always ensure you’re cleaning the sunglasses the right way. Avoid any kind of harsh cleaners like Windex. Either use a glasses-specific cleaner or water to clean them off, anything else can strip off coatings and other parts of the sunglasses and damage them.

When drying the sunglasses or cleaning off smudges, use a sunglass-specific cloth or a microfiber cloth to dry them off. Never use your shirt or another type of cloth to dry or clean the sunglasses as they can quickly scratch and damage the lenses.

Finally, when putting on or removing the sunglasses take the time to do it properly. When you’re in a hurry it can be easy to just grab them by one of the arms and hastily put them on your face. But if you miss your face a little bit or accidentally grab the lens, you can end up damaging the glasses.

Instead, grab them by the bridge between the lenses. This will ensure you don’t accidentally bend the arms of the glasses over time.

But keep in mind that if the arms do end up bent most premium brands allow a professional to adjust the arms so they fit on your face the right way again.

Premium vs Discount Sunglasses

If you look at our list, you’ll notice that there’s a pretty decent amount of “premium” brand sunglasses on our list. While some people claim that you’re paying for the name, that’s really not the case. The right premium brand sunglasses offer a few advantages over discount sunglasses, even if you do have to pay significantly more upfront.

For starters, premium brands typically offer higher quality sunglasses and they’ll usually come with a pretty comprehensive warranty. As long as you care for them properly, there’s no reason they can’t last a lifetime!

Additionally, premium brand sunglasses typically offer better optical clarity, more effective coatings, and more. In short, most people can see the difference between a pair of premium sunglasses and a pair of discount sunglasses.

Finally, most premium sunglasses come with more customization and style options compared to discount brands. Whether it’s getting a better fitment or a more stylish look, premium sunglasses offer an advantage.

Of course, if you’re on a tighter budget the discount sunglasses on our list are a great option, just know they likely won’t last forever!

Sunglasses can make a big difference while you’re driving, but there’s a lot to learn. But the more you learn, the more questions it brings up. We understand, and it’s why we decided to address some of the most frequently asked questions for you here.

Are Polarized Sunglasses Better for Driving?

Under most conditions, polarized sunglasses offer advantages when driving. Polarized sunglasses help with visual clarity, contrast, more relaxed vision, and reduces glare.

What Is the Best Color for Driving Sunglasses?

If you’re solely looking at performance benefits and not appearance, copper and amber tints offer some of the best advantages for driving. They increase contrast making it easier to get a clear and crisp view of the roadway in front of you.

What Sunglasses Color Is Best for Night Driving?

Orange or yellow sunglasses with an anti-reflective coating tend to provide the most benefits for night driving. They improve contrast without compromising vision at night, and the anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare from headlights, snow, and/or fog.

Are Tinted Sunglasses Good for Night Driving?

This comes down to personal preference and how dark the sunglasses are. Some drivers indicate it helps with contrast and reduces glare, while others report that it makes things too dark for them. In the end, it’s up to you to figure out what you’re most comfortable with.

If you’re still trying to figure out what sunglasses are right for you after reading through the reviews and the buyer’s guide, don’t overthink it! There’s a reason the Ray-Ban RB3016 Clubmaster Square sunglasses are our top choice as they expertly combine performance, durability, and price into one great product.

But if you’re looking to spend a little less money and still get phenomenal results, the J + S Premium Aviator sunglasses give you a premium look and tons of perks at a fraction of the cost. But no matter what option you go with from our list you’re getting a great pair of sunglasses that will give you tons of benefits while you’re driving!

Categories: Reviews