I’ve been wearing contact lenses for over two decades; to find the best contact lenses for different vision needs, I tapped into my own experience and also relied on the expert insights of optometrist Jennifer Ferri. While the 1-Day Acuvue Moist lenses are loved by eye doctors and patients alike—they’re convenient, hygienic and provide comfort for most people—others may be better suited for concerns like dry eyes or astigmatism. Dailies from reputable brands, like the Bausch + Lomb BioTrue Onedays, are an affordable, safe option for those on a budget. As Ferri says, steer clear of cheap off-brand lenses, which can present quality and fit issues at best and health and safety issues at worst.
If you’re searching for new lenses, you’ll want to first decide between dailies, which are disposed of at the end of each day, and monthlies (that require nightly cleaning). “Daily disposable lenses offer the healthiest, most convenient option for contact lens wearers,” says Ferri. Though some opt for monthlies to save money, reduce waste or fulfill a complicated prescription that’s not available in dailies. Based on recommendations and advice from Ferri, I rounded up the best contact lenses for different eye care needs. Just remember: If you want to change your contact lens brand, you need your prescriber’s approval, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Once you find the ones you’re interested in, consult with your optometrist to make sure it’s the right selection for you.
- Best Daily Contact Lenses: 1-Day Acuvue Moist, Alcon Precision1 One-Day
- Best Monthly Contact Lenses: Biofinity, Alcon Total30
- Best Value Contact Lenses: Bausch + Lomb Biotrue Oneday
- Best Contact Lenses For Dry Eyes: Alcon Dailies Total1, Bausch + Lomb Infuse
- Best Contact Lenses For Astigmatism: Biofinity Toric, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day For Astigmatism
- Best Colored Contact Lenses: Acuvue Define 1-Day
Best Daily Contact Lenses
A Convenient, Hygienic Pick For Most People
1-Day Acuvue Moist (90-Pack)
Best for:
- New contact lens wearers
- Those who want a convenient and hygienic option
- Those seeking additional UV protection in lenses
Skip if:
- You have significantly dry eyes
Generally, Ferri prefers daily lenses due to their convenience and cleanliness, and recommends Acuvue 1-Day Moist, Alcon Precision1 or BioTrue Oneday lenses (also top picks in this story) for most people. “These lenses offer excellent initial comfort, a smooth surface that reduces irritation and a moisture-retaining design that helps prevent dryness throughout the day,” she says. One thing that sets the Acuvue 1-Day Moist apart is that it filters about 81% of UVA rays and 97% of UVB rays. (Just note that, according to the American Academy Of Ophthalmology (AAO), this isn’t a substitute for protective eyewear like sunglasses). They’re designed to retain a layer of moisture so eyes feel lubricated, but if your eyes tend to get dry or irritated easily, the Alcon Precision1 lenses may be a better option.
Dailies That Are Better For Dryer Eyes
Alcon Precision1 One-Day (90-Pack)
Best for:
- New contact lens wearers
- Those who want a convenient and hygienic option
- Those with moderately dry eyes (though not severely so)
Skip if:
- You want built-in UV protection
Another top recommendation from Ferri, the Alcon Precision1 lenses offer comfort, oxygen permeability and a smooth surface that won’t irritate your eye. With Alcon being a premium lens brand, these are engineered with a layer of moisture to keep eyes lubricated blink after blink. While Precision1 lenses lack UV protection, if your eyes are moderately sensitive their moisture-retaining design make them a good choice for dailies wearers.
Best Monthly Contact Lenses
Designed To Enhance Depth Perception
Biofinity (6-Pack)
Best for:
- Affordability
- Those needing help with crisper vision and better depth perception
Skip if:
- You want built-in UV protection
For a more cost-effective and less wasteful solution to daily disposable lenses (or, if you have a complicated prescription that’s not available in dailies), monthly lenses are another popular option. In this case, Ferri recommends Biofinity or Alcon Total30 (also featured in this story). “Both lenses have high oxygen permeability, which helps maintain eye health, and they feature advanced surface technology to retain moisture throughout the day,” she says. In addition to prioritizing eye health and comfort, these are designed to focus light for crisper vision and more accurate depth perception.
Ultra Comfortable And Bacteria Resistant
Alcon Total30 (6-Pack)
Best for:
- Those looking for especially comfortable lenses
- A bacteria-resistant design
- Those seeking additional UV protection
Skip if:
- You want a more affordable option
The Alcon Total30 lenses are technologically advanced. Their claim to fame is unparalleled comfort through the full month of wear, thanks to an ultra-soft lens material, central oxygen permeability and dense water content around the edges. They’re also made to resist bacteria so they stay cleaner, a major concern for monthly lens users. “Patients opting for monthly lenses must be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting their lenses properly each night, as proper care can lead to serious eye infections,” says Ferri. Another selling point is that they they block 90% of UV-A and 99% of UV-B rays.
Best Value Contact Lenses
Affordable Daily Lenses That Get The Job Done
Bausch + Lomb Biotrue Oneday (90-Pack)
Best for:
- New contact lens wearers
- Those looking for affordable daily lenses
Skip if:
- You want features like added moisture technology and UV protection
Another of Ferri’s favorite options due to their comfort, oxygen permeability and moisture retention, Biotrue Onedays are on the lower end when it comes to cost, especially for daily disposable lenses. While their functionality is pretty straightforward, the BioTrue line is intended to be a value option. You won’t find added features like UV protection or moisture technology, but if you want contacts that are convenient, hygienic and affordable, this is an excellent, optometrist-backed choice.
Best Contact Lenses For Dry Eyes
Dailies That Combat Multiple Forms Of Irritation
Alcon Dailies Total1 (90-Pack)
Best for:
- Those who struggle with severely dry eyes
- Giving relief from redness and eye strain
Skip if:
- You want more affordable lenses
When it comes to keeping dry eyes comfortable, Ferri says Alcon Dailies Total1 lenses—which are daily disposables—are the go-to in her practice. “Patients with dry eye symptoms require contact lenses with superior moisture retention, high oxygen permeability, and a smooth, wettable surface to minimize discomfort,” she says. These are another technologically advanced option from the brand: “This lens features a water gradient design, meaning the outermost surface has almost 100% water content, mimicking the eye’s natural tear film.” She adds that its high oxygen permeability eases eye strain and soothes redness to combat irritation all around.
Cost-Effective Solution For Dry Eyes
Bausch + Lomb Infuse (90-Pack)
Best for:
- Those who struggle with dry eyes
- Dry eye sufferers looking for affordable lenses
- Those seeking additional UV protection
Skip if:
- You also want relief from redness and eye strain
If you want a less expensive option for dry eyes, Ferri says, “These are a great alternative to the Alcon Dailies Total1. Infuse incorporates high oxygen permeability and moisture-retaining ingredients, making it an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate dry eye symptoms.” These disposable lenses also provide UVA and UVB protection (however, the brand site doesn’t specify how much). As a final note, Ferri says, “Regardless of the brand, daily disposables are the best choice for individuals with dry eyes, as they minimize the buildup of deposits and exposure to preservatives found in contact lens solutions, which can exacerbate irritation.”
Best Contact Lenses For Astigmatism
Monthly Lenses In A Wide Range Of Prescriptions
Biofinity Toric (6-Pack)
Best for:
- Those who prefer monthly lenses
- Addressing high levels of astigmatism
Skip if:
- You prefer daily lenses
For those with astigmatism—which occurs when the cornea is egg-shaped rather than spherical—toric lenses are necessary for a proper fit and ultimately, clearer vision. “Among toric lenses, we find that the Biofinity Toric provides the most consistent visual clarity and comfort,” says Ferri. “It offers a stable design that reduces rotational movement, ensuring crisp, clear vision throughout the day.” Keep in mind that these are monthly lenses, and if you prefer, there are daily astigmatism options available (like the Acuvue Oasys 1-Day For Astigmatism, below). However, Ferri adds that the Biofinity Toric “is available in an extensive range of prescriptions, making it suitable even for patients with high levels of astigmatism.”
The Convenience Of Daily Lenses, For Astigmatism
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day For Astigmatism (90-Pack)
Best for:
- Those with astigmatism who prefer daily lenses
- Those who want additional UV protection
Skip if:
- You have a very high level of astigmatism
“For those who prefer daily disposables, the Acuvue Oasys 1-Day for Astigmatism is another excellent option, providing high oxygen permeability and a smooth surface that reduces irritation,” says Ferri. These lenses are designed to stay in place through every blink, plus they offer tear-like moisture throughout the day. Another notable feature is superior UV filtration—the highest protection in contacts, according to the brand—which, according to the AAO, is 81% of UVA and 97% of UVB rays.
Best Colored Contact Lenses
Safer Alternative That Enhances Natural Eye Color
Acuvue Define 1-Day (30-Pack)
Best for:
- Those looking to enhance their eyes’ natural shades
- Those looking for UV protection
Skip if:
- You want to change your eye color entirely
- You want to buy contacts in packs larger than 30
“Many colored lenses tend to have lower oxygen permeability and can sometimes compromise visual clarity due to the tinting process,” warns Ferri. That’s why she recommends the Acuvue Define 1-Day lens, which “enhances natural eye color rather than completely changing it.” She continues, “These lenses maintain higher oxygen permeability than traditional colored lenses and are available in subtle shades designed to complement rather than mask the natural eye color.” They come in three accent styles: Natural Sparkle, which brightens, Natural Shimmer, which adds definition and depth, and Natural Shine, which enhances contrast and makes irises appear larger. Plus, they offer UV protection.
RECOMMENDED BYFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has researched and reported on a handful of eyewear stories and other personal products. As longtime glasses- and lens-wearers ourselves, we regularly write from personal experience.
- Author of this story Karen Tietjen has been wearing and purchasing contact lenses for over two decades. She’s also written other lens-related pieces including the best places to buy contacts online and a 1-800-Contacts review.
- This article was assigned, edited and produced by deputy editor Jane Sung, also a longtime wearer of contact lenses, who has extensively covered beauty and wellness topics for over two decades.
- The Forbes Vetted team has covered other eyewear stories including guides on the best places to buy prescription glasses online, the best kids glasses online, the best reading glasses and more.
- Tietjen tapped Jennifer Ferri, OD, owner of Homer Rich Eye Care to give contact lens picks that she regularly recommends to patients, depending on their eye care needs.
- We conducted additional research on accredited sites including the Federal Trade Commission and the American Academy Of Ophthalmology.
How We Chose The Best Contact Lenses
Though we gathered recommendations from an expert, we made sure the products in this story fit certain criteria.
- We sought out products that cater to different eye care needs, including daily lenses, monthly lenses, astigmatism-compatible lenses and those designed to soothe dry eyes.
- We ensured that each lens type is widely available online at reputable eyewear retailers (particularly ones we have personal experience with) for easy accessibility.
- Lastly—and most importantly—we asked Ferri to share her contact lens recommendations for different types of wearers.
What To Consider In The Best Contact Lenses
While contact lenses tend to look more or less the same, the features of each product are quite different. Just remember: Consult with your eye doctor on any changes to your lenses so they can write it into your prescription.
Lens Type
- Dailies: Optometrist Jennifer Ferri is a proponent of daily disposable lenses, which are designed to be thrown out at the end of the day, so each use begins with a fresh pair. “Unlike reusable lenses, they minimize the risk of bacterial buildup, eliminate the need for cleaning solutions and provide the highest level of hygiene,” she says.
- Monthlies: Monthly lenses may be preferable if you’re looking to save money (they tend to be cheaper than dailies, though not always by much) or if you have a complicated prescription that’s not available in dailies. Just remember that there’s some maintenance involved: cleaning and disinfecting lenses properly every night before storing. If this is a concern, consider the Alcon Total30 lenses, which are designed to resist bacteria (however, cleaning is still necessary).
- Biweeklies: These are an option too, however Ferri doesn’t typically recommend them. “This is because many patients using biweekly lenses do not replace them on time, often wearing them for three or four weeks instead of two, which increases the risk of infections and complications,” she says.
Astigmatism Compatibility
Since astigmatism is characterized by an egg-shaped cornea as opposed to one that’s round, it’s important for those with astigmatism to get compatible lenses. This ensures that the lens is the correct shape and material to rest properly on the eye and offer oxygen permeability in the right places. Ferri suggests the Biofinity Toric lenses, which are monthlies, thanks to their impeccable performance and wide prescription range. For those who prefer dailies, the Acuvue Oasis 1-Day For Astigmatism is an excellent choice.
Moisture Technology
While most lenses are designed to lend “tear-like” moisture for comfortable wearing, those with particularly dry eyes should choose a product that targets this issue. In general, daily lenses are better for dry eyes according to Ferri, with the Alcon Dailies Total1 as her top pick and the Bausch + Lomb Infuse One-Day as a more affordable option.
UV Protection
For those with sensitive eyes or concerns about vision-related sun damage, a contact lens with built-in UV filtration can offer extra protection (and peace of mind). That said, as per the AAO, this should not be a replacement for traditional sun protection like sunglasses, which also shield skin that surrounds the eye from harsh rays.
Online Retailers
Contact lens prices vary per retailer, but there are a few simple ways to save. First off, consider making your purchase online instead of at the optometrist’s office; not only can you you easily compare costs, but several sites include up-front savings, as opposed to rebate reimbursements. The caveat here is to seek out a reputable retailer, and there are several to choose from (our guide to the best places to buy contacts online offers many options). My second recommendation is to consider buying from a retailer that offers a price match guarantee, like 1-800 Contacts or GlassesUSA. This ensures you’re getting the best deal if you find a lower price at an eligible competitor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Contact Lens Brand Is Best?
Acuvue is a popular, widely available brand that’s well-liked by patients and optometrists, alike. Ferri also recommends picks from Alcon, which makes premium lenses that are ideal for those with sensitive eyes, and Bausch + Lomb’s BioTrue line, which is designed to be effective and affordable.
Which Type Of Contact Lenses Are Best?
Ferri recommends daily disposable lenses as the most hygienic option, as there’s less chance of bacterial building and no need cleaning solutions and storage. Monthly lenses are another popular option, which tend to be less expensive and offer higher prescriptions than dailies. You can get biweeklies too, but Ferri doesn’t typically recommend them as some forget to replace them on time and wear them for longer than the directed duration, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
What Is The Best Website To Get Contacts?
Consider shopping from a site that offers a price match guarantee like 1-800 Contacts, GlassesUSA or ContactsDirect. The retailer will match (or beat) a lower price from eligible competitors, so you’ll know you’re getting the best price available—however, it might take a bit of shopping around.
It’s also worth noting that 1-800 Contacts offers the best return policy that I’ve seen in my research. This includes the ability to return opened boxes of contacts, expired prescriptions and (believe it or not) contacts purchased at another retailer.
