The Sunglasses Tier List - BEST Brands of 2024 RATED 

It would be great if the video had chapters, markers on RU-vid, brand by brand. Cheers from a Brazilian fan!

I'm so glad I found your channel. My very first real purchase of sunglasses was a Randolph and I'm already super impressed with them. To hear that there are so many other brands that are better than them is honestly a joy to hear.

I could feel the excruciating pain of you being unbiased on Barton Perreira and placing them in the "Perfection" category. Every pore in your being was fighting the urge to throw them in a trashcan. Lol Very good video Robert, I appreciate all of your insight and time!

Another great video! I have been wearing Maui Jim for decades but, I am excited for my new Robert-crafted Masunaga Monk with Zeiss Adaptive Sun!

I miss the pre luxotica era of Oakley. My favourite being the X-metal series❤

Glad to see Dita up at the top. Their handmade Japanese frames are just gorgeous to me!

I'm a big fan of Rayban Wayfarer and Clubmaster. This video is very informative. I became an eyewear expert by just watching this. Thank you!

L’écurie Paris!!! Saw the collection and amazing quality and craftsmanship! Every piece is a work of art.

TY Robert! I enjoy your videos!

Nothing quite like Masunaga - well put and a great tier list. Thanks for making content!

I love sunglasses, and enjoyed your video a lot, thank your for your expertise, you really sounded like a true passionate expert. Subscribed !

Cazal is my new go-for after watching this video. Really amazing designs.

I brought it up last time and I'll bring it up again, leisure society, despite being stupid expensive, is probably the best out there for frame + lens quality. Ive never had oem lens that are anti-reflective but have none of the ar glisten and its actually insane, and they've been doing gold plated lenses with meye precious for quite a while. This is also not even mentioning that the acetate frames are competitively prices and the titanium frames are like nothing else since its carved out of a block. As far as other brands you should check out, native sons and the other brands that tommy o'gara is involved with are a great mid-point between something like masunaga and ahlem. VioRou is also japanese but its got a very french look while using titanium over stainless steel like most european countries. Andy Brook is also something that got on my radar that you might like. They were only $150, have ar-coated lenses, made in france, great acetate and pretty classic silhouettes. Also, have you had any experiences with linda farrow or thierry lasry? They're the closest to Dita in size as far as indy brands go and theyre quite nice.

Hi Robert. Thanks for the very informative video. Great as usual. Just wondering what do you make of Monokel eyewear brand? My feeling is that they occupy the same niche with Gast and the likes, an affordable luxury - designed in Europe and made in China, but to the highest standards.

Hey Robert, watching you open up that pair of Masunaga Monk frame was hilarious! Cracked me up silly. Was like watching a little kid with his new toy 😂... like a levitating samurai wielding his katana! (You need to watch the new tv series Shogun - fantastically well-made!) Another amazing video from you again. Thank you for that. 😊

Great video, would be useful for a list of each brand in each category, as it’s difficult to tell each brand just by the logo when reviewing your categorisation.

I truly enjoy your videos

Glad to see you gave Randolph a little love. Got me Maui Jim Kaiwi Channel; blue lenses, a Randloph 23k white gold with cobalt lenses in my meager collection and just got ordered Cartier Panthere rimless grey lenses. I'm done for a while. Carpe Diem. You are a greaat Ambassador.

Love the video, great insight. Love to hear your thoughts on Silhouette? I'm sure these guys make their own lenses too don't they? How do they stack up to Zeiss lenses in your opinion? And weren't they the sunnies of choice of the Queen? I have a number of Neu Bau which I believe are a sister company, and personally I love them; design and lenses.

I’m 100% with you on Serengeti. I have three pair and their optics are amazing. The first pair of sunglasses I ever put on where the image was so clear it blew me away. Still a go-to brand for me.

Hope during time you would update this topic list with top 50 😎. I think also than could been included brands like Matsuda, Vysen, Peter and May , Rigards , Massada .....

Those cazal frames are awesome! I hate big gaudy frames, but something about them, the way they fit, it just works lol

Could you please rate Native Sons and SALT? Both brands are of excellent quality and are made in Japan. I enjoy watching your videos, and they have stirred my interest in eyewear.

Its cool to see a sunglasses tier list! Nice job!

From the first time I laid my eyes on a JMM frame I knew it spoke high quality to me. I wear and enjoy nothing but high quality. As soon as I put on a pair of JMM for the first time I knew they were cemented for me as my favorite. 7 pairs later the attraction is still there. The attention to detail and the way they stand out on my huge head just makes me feel complete. When someone else who has a pair catches mine it feels like a cult of the know. I get questions and compliments all the time on all of my frames. They are just on another level for me.

I’m debating about pulling the trigger for a pair of Robert le Roche. Still love my Barton Perreira but the Masunaga frames are incredible. This is the first time I’ve had a close look at them and I’m hugely impressed. Well done Rob. Another excellent video.

I appreciate that now your ratings have a specifically labeled "Luxottica" tier. I see how that group operates here... in 90% of the shops, and they are the threat to the eyewear and eyecare world you say they are, no more no less.

I just received a new pair of Persols. My previous pair lasted 8 years and they felt like good quality glasss to me. Sadly on the new ones, one of the arms wobbles and it’s not simply the hinge that is loose. I’ll send them back but I’m debating whether I should just go for one of the brands you mentioned after watching this video

Newly discovered. Very informative. Thanks. Your thoughts on Lindberg and William Morris, and what you're wearing Undostrial Fuse :) they look cool.

I`ve been using Von Zipper Elmore for YEARS. Just bought my 2nd pair in a differen frame color. Made in Italy

Would love your opinion on Warby Parker, I enjoy the styles I’ve seen from them and they’re more on the affordable end so I’m curious about the quality

What do you think about Saint Laurent ? I liked the frame but not sure about the quality.

Great review! Would love your comments on Silhouette sunglasses (I live in Israel, and here they're rated as best, above the Ray-Bans, Oakleys, Maui Jims, etc)

i have akoni Ulysses . black and gold . so perfect ultra awesome . i hope i never lose them

Hey TSF, new sub and watcher/binger here. You've taught me soooo much about the industry and perceived quality vs actual quality. Also glad this is pretty new because I have a question that I've not been able to find an answer to online. A hypothetical - "I am starting an eyewear company focusing on Sunglasses with classic styling and a focus on extremely high quality lenses. Saw I want to set design parameters on lenses that would say "I want lenses that are X color, let in Y light, reduce or eliminate glare and feedback, and are highly scratch resistant and at meet USA Mil-Specs." Who would you go to to have them designed, spec, and made?

Would have been nice to see some cost information in the video for each brand. Just a rough £300-500 etc. would have bee very helpful in order to compare the relative value proposition.

What are your thoughts on the American Optical brand? Always wondered if they were of any quality!

Wow, learned so much from you. Thank you so much! Where would you rank the brand "Police". I recently bought one from their collabration with F1 driver Lewis Hamilton . Quality seemed nice

I love matsuda as well to me they are also close to perfection in my opinion

Thoughts on American Optical? I wear the original pilot which looks similar to the Randolph. I also have a pair of the saratoga's from AO. A better version of the wayfarer. Would like to know your thoughts on their products.

Hi Robert , thats an a very good video, what do you think about Paul Smith sunglasses?

What do you make of SPY sunglasses and the Happy frames? Great video thanks

I believe i've asked you this before but...i only have two requirements when it comes to choosing sunglasses: 1. the lenses must be the absolute best 2. the frames must be incredibly light whilst still being sturdy and flexible. I am leaning more towards Mykita right now but i know almost nothing about their lenses (not the Leica collab. those are out of my budget) but i am considering alternatives. Any suggestions?

Amazing presentation! I’m surprised it took me this long to run into your videos. As an eyewear professional such as yourself, you left out a unique feature with Randolph. They are the only brand with 3 different temple options to ensure the perfect fit. You also left out Vuarnet which IMO has one of the best lenses in the industry. JMM is king currently. If anyone can find a pair that fits and they love it. Get it now b/c if you wait, they most likely will se sold out. Masahiro Maruyama is the King of Japan. You can spot anyone wearing them from a mile. Also some gorgeous sunglass company that deserve some recognition: Matsuda Blake Kuwahara Thierry Lasry Lindberg Silhouette Thanks for making an inspiring video.

Great explanation thank you 👍🏻

Your thoughts on Celine? Thanks!

What tint did you go with on your undostrial lenses? I want to order a pair

Thanks! Very good review! BTW It would be great if you put your Tier List to the description. Cheers!

Have you tried eyevan?? What is your option of them.

Hey Robert it’s Matthew C., you know I’m going to have a million brands to add, so I’ll just make a list: -Four nines 999.9 -Effector -Groover Spectacles -Yellow Plus -Guepard -Yuichi Toyama -Yohji Yamamoto -Ptolemy 48 -Platoy/Tintoy -Ayame -BJ Classic -True Vintage Revival -Kaneko Optical -Hakusan Glasses -Boston Club -Solakzade Eyewear -Taylor With Respect -Nishide Kazuo -Factory900 -Kamemannen -Matsuda -Massada Eyewear -Masahiromaruyama -Eyevan 7285 -Arthod -Lesca Lunetier -Arthod -Akila -Juapin Paris -Curry and Paxton -Vysen Eyewear -Max Pittion -Leisure Society -Gentle Monster -Balmain -Hoet Couture Eyewear -Jean Paul Gaultier -John Dalia -John Varvatos -Movitra -Parasite Eyewear -Andy Wolf Also I love the video, thank you for always making the world of eyewear a cool place. I appreciate you as always. Still love my JMM Arshile that you made the lens for. -Matthew C.

It might be interesting to do a test on frames from the brand "Lunetterie Générale", all their frames are made in japan and the quality in hand is really good, plus their design and finish are nice especially the hinges.

What about Vuarnet!!! Blackfin and OVVO should get some love too. I really enjoy carrying TAVAT, they have been a dream to partner with and every line is remarkable in its own right.

AMAZING Video 👌🏼👌🏼

Will say about Maui Jims I do agree the Keyring acquisition has been positive as noticed they been advising alot with their new collection and seen them partnering with Red bull .. hopefully their quality control improves as it can be hit and miss with certain styles (infamously the bird which i guessing now discontinued) so understand them being in the amazing tier but still would recommend them to people Think another brand you should look at are Sungod sunglasses as their a UK brand that ironically sponsoring McLaren F1 team along with Williams so maybe worth checking them out and their 8k lenses as Heard good things from the lenses

I'm curious what Robert thinks about Gentle Monster as its a brand that rised in oposition to luxotica monopoly in korea

Awesome tier list, you kept my interest for the entire video. I would love to see you do a tier list of only made in Japan sunglasses because there are so many Japanese brands you didn't cover.

Needed sunglasses for flying, so of course I went with Randolph aviators. I have 2 pair and love them!

Hi, Which are the Japanese brands you speak of which are in its own league? I own a Mykita and Matsuda myself. And Eyevan, NativeSons and Retrosuperfuture. How would these brands compare on this scale? Also my favourite brand at the moment is Lindberg, could you give some more information on this brand in terms of quality

Kind regards! What do you think of John Varvatos Frames?

Thoughts on Tom Davies glasses? Don't think I've ever seen you mention them.

Best spectacle channel easily

Nice review on style and quality. Can you add price? I'd like to see a best value matrix (quality x price) so I can find glasses that meet my quality needs without blowing up my budget. Thanks

I came across Bentley eyewear made by Estede..What do you think about them?

What is your opinion about Akoni ? ( Swiss based Eyewear crafted in Japan )

What brand/model metal frame glasses are you wearing during most of the video? I want a pair!

With so many people needing prescription glasses nowadays I wonder if the lens quality is necessarily that important - what is the percentage of customers buying glasses with original lenses vs customized ones? Obviously, I have complicated correction and would hate to waste money on lenses I’d need to replace with very expensive customized lenses.

Very interesting. You should do a video on what makes a good sunglass lens.

Hi Robert, It would been interesting to know your opinion about Eyepetizer ( Italy ) ?

I'd love to hear your take on Matsuda.

I'd say Garrett Leight (and their Mr Leight collection) are missing from this list. Large but niche brand of eyewear. Nice video !

You mentioned that Randolph Engineering would be the ubiquitous aviator sunglasses in film but before 1983ish American Optical had the US government contract for pilots glasses. So, for instance, the sunglasses in the iconic film “Taxi Driver” or “Apocalypse Now” would have been AO’s not Randolph’s. American Optical is still producing glasses in the US today. Might be an interesting addition to your list. Cheers!!

Which brands are made with Zeiss lenses?

Hi Robert, I'm currently selecting frames from a local optician using my insurance here in the United States. Sadly, the vision insurance is owned by Luxottica, but the optician stocks many brands that aren't Luxottica owned. For example, they have Blackfin, Matsuda, Ovvo, Flair, and others! This optician has recommended me De Stijl and William Morris; I was wondering if you've heard of these brands and what your thoughts were on them?

what was the name of the glasses lenses that reduce glare and see better when you drive at night?

Great video. Thank you so much

Avventura and Vaanyard are two brands that have caught my eye lately.

I heared much good reactions about the brand Max Pittion. What’s your opinion on them?

Nobody yet says something about Tishler Eyewear (Slovenia). Experts for wood handcrafted frames also avaible in Sun version.

What are your thoights on Smith Optics? I have a couple of casual frames (admittedly, some are very cheapy), but their sport/cycling, and of course, snow goggles have been amazing for me. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on their Chromopop and overall build.

Three brands that I didn't see you touch on were Vuarnet , Bolle, and Rudy Project. Most of those lines tend to be sports specific or at least "sporty" but they have all been in the game for decades.

Do you have any thoughts on Roka?

Interested in your opinion of Luxembourg maker GOLD & WOOD.

I've got 4 brands I'd love you to rate. They're Stella McCartney, Rag n bone, Giorgio Armani and Dior. I own one or two sunglasses in all of these brands and I know they're probably not perfect but I really like them all.

I agree on the review about Nike sunglasses and frames in general. All but indestructible. Will say about interchangeable lenses that Smith has been doing that for years. Check out their Parallel. Frames are injection molded but they are very durable. As a retired law enforcement officer, I found they were one of the few brands that would hold up to the rigors of the street. The bonus is they are also cheap as heck with AR and polarization at around 45 per lens set.

What do you think about Finest Seven and Gentle Monster? 🤔

I really wish you would review some classic brands like Oliver Goldsmith and Cutler and Gross, I'm American but a bit of an Anglophile when it comes to style. I'm a older Man so when I think of classic Men's eyewear I think of Michael Caine(Who doesn't) Peter Sellers,Bill Nighy,Gary Oldham and others, thank you.

As many have pointed out, Matsuda is a must have in these lists. Easily some of the best quality acetate and titanium frames in the world (some solid precious metal ones too). I have also been acquiring Lesca frames recently and I’d rate them right up there with the best acetate frames; if only a tad lower than JMM and Matsuda. From a price- quality perspective, Lesca really has no comparison IMO. Lastly about Barton Perreira, I had been wondering why the inventory has been out of stock at most opticians (including my local optician), now I know the story behind it. Thanks for clarifying.

Where can I find a larger version of the final chart?

Hapter shall be included in this list :D

Thoughts on yohji Yamamoto sunglasses or zegna

I was surprised not to see Maui, Jim

I can think of a few: Etnia Barcelona, Matsuda, Julbo, Lindberg, Komorebi,...

Hey Robert do you still have the 8951 Porsche design in stock?

In California I see SALT. Optics in a lot of boutiques. Looks to be mostly Japanese acetate. Could you give your opinion of them sometime? I share your opinion of Luxottica, but can’t seem to shake my love of Ray-Ban. Recently got a pair of “Burbank” sunglasses and the acetate feels/looks pretty good and they even have burly 7 barrel hinges. For modern Ray-Ban they feel pretty good (especially with good prescription lenses).

I didn’t see Japanese glasses in this list NATIVE SONS, EFFECTOR. They are also of a very high level, what is your opinion about these brands?

Please make a specific sports glasses tier list

Hello, what is the model of the sunglasses shown in min 30:25?

Thanks Robert for your honesty wrt: Raybans... yes, conceptually great, implementation is still kinda meh (1 min recording, limited AI features + inconsistent pairing experience between iphone/android) but i absolutely agree with you on the quality of the frames. I bought the caramel & if it weren't for the smartglasses hype, I would have returned bc they just feel... so cheap (and this is comparing it to sub-$100E Gast, which won in style + quality). Wd I buy another if it were Rayban? No, but Meta need that name brand to market and its selling like hotcakes... can't wait for the full review + bring on the honest feedback -- its always what we appreciate about your channel -- and wd love to see more on the Japanese brands. And ugh about Barton Perreira.. still eyeing the Tom tho... can't lie... hopefully LV doesn't bring down the quality of the frames....

Great video! Would love to hear your thoughts on Dita.

As someone in charge of frame board management at my office, in an area where people can’t afford $500 for a frame alone, I’d be curious what manufacturers you would suggest I look into. We use Safilo, SD eyes, Luxottica, Marchon, Marcolin.