Quick snapshot (as of September 10, 2025): the “best” eyewear depends on what you want—classic style, sport performance, sun protection, prescription value, or smart/AR features. Below are top picks by category plus short buying tips.

Top picks by category

• Classic / all-purpose sunglasses: Ray‑Ban Wayfarer family — timeless, widely available in polarized and RX options and still an editors’ favorite for everyday wear. (gq.com)
• Performance / sports eyewear: Oakley (and performance-focused makers like Roka) — engineered lenses (contrast-enhancing, interchangeable/large shields), superb fit for cycling, running, golf. Good pick if you need high-performance optics and retention. (wired.com)
• Best polarized / water/outdoor lenses: Maui Jim and Costa remain top choices for glare-critical activities (fishing, boating, bright coastal sun) because of industry-leading polarized lens tech and coverage. (outdoorlife.com)
• Best prescription / everyday frames (value + convenience): Warby Parker — strong selection of fashion-forward frames, competitive pricing, in‑store and home-try options, and easy RX ordering. Good for most eyeglass wearers who want affordability + style. (gq.com)
• Smart / AR / AI glasses: The field matured in 2024–25 — Ray‑Ban Meta remains a mainstream “smart glasses” option, Xreal and similar AR companies lead for immersive displays, and newer Oakley/Meta collaborations pushed better battery/video performance; choices depend on whether you want style-first (Ray‑Ban) or performance/AR features (Xreal/Oakley/partners). (techradar.com, esquire.com)
• Luxury / artisanal: Persol, Oliver Peoples, Jacques Marie Mage, Matsuda — best if you want handmade details, unusual materials, or collectible designs. (wired.com)

Quick buying checklist (what matters most)

• UV protection: Always choose lenses labeled UV400 or “100% UVA/UVB” — this is non-negotiable for long-term eye health. (wired.com)
• Polarization vs. tint: Polarized lenses cut glare (great for driving, water). High-contrast tints (PRIZM, HCL, etc.) help in specific sports. (wired.com, outdoorlife.com)
• Prescription compatibility: Confirm the model can be fitted with your Rx (many Wayfarer-style and designer frames are RX‑able; specialized shield lenses sometimes aren’t). (gq.com, wired.com)
• Fit & coverage: Wrap or larger lenses give better side protection; adjustable nosepads improve comfort for active use. (wired.com)
• Lens material: Glass gives best optics/scratch resistance but is heavier; polycarbonate/Trivex are lighter and impact-resistant (good for kids and sports). (wired.com)
• Try-before-you-buy: Use in-person shops or services with home try-on/virtual try-on (Warby Parker, many independent retailers) to check comfort and look. (gq.com)

Price guidance (typical ranges)

• Budget active/fast‑fashion: $20–$100 (Goodr, Le Specs, some Amazon/brand basics).
• Mid-range / best value for daily wear: $100–$300 (Warby Parker, Ray‑Ban, Oakley, Roka).
• Premium / artisanal / luxury: $300–$800+ (Persol, Oliver Peoples, Matsuda, high-end editions).
• Smart/AR glasses: widely varies — entry AR from a few hundred; full-featured smart/AR/AI glasses often $300–$1,000+ depending on features. (wired.com, techradar.com)

If you tell me which you care most about (style, sport/use case, strict budget, or smart features), I can give a short tailored list of 3–5 specific models to consider.