In the crowded field of online eyewear brands, DIFF Eyewear stands out for its winning combination of stylish designs, affordable prices, and admirable social mission. Founded in 2014 by entrepreneurial trio Zach Gordan, Chad Jernigan and Chad Dime, this Southern California-based company has made a name for itself as the go-to source for on-trend sunglasses and optical frames that don‘t break the bank.
Over the past 8 years, DIFF has expanded from a small startup to a major player in the eyewear industry, gaining a cult following and celebrity fanbase along the way. A-listers like Kendall Jenner, Demi Lovato, Rebel Wilson, Ryan Gosling and more have all been spotted rocking DIFF shades. But there‘s much more to this brand than Hollywood hype.
In this comprehensive DIFF Eyewear review, I‘ll share my honest take on the company‘s frames, lenses, ordering process, and more, to help you decide if DIFF is the right fit for your eyewear needs and budget. I‘ll also spotlight some of the most popular DIFF sunglasses and eyeglasses, compare DIFF to other top online glasses retailers, and fill you in on DIFF‘s charitable work and brand values. Let‘s dive in!
DIFF Eyewear at a Glance
What started as a dream between three friends has grown into a full-fledged eyewear empire with a devoted customer base, robust online storefront, and retail presence at stores like Nordstrom and Revolve. Here are the highlights you should know about DIFF Eyewear:
Wide selection of on-trend sunglasses and optical frames for men, women and kids
High-quality construction and durable materials (like scratch-resistant lenses)
Affordable prices compared to traditional glasses brands and retailers
Dedicated to giving back – donates a pair of reading glasses for each pair sold
Free shipping and returns, virtual try-on, easy prescription input and more
Stellar customer service and 1-year warranty on all glasses
Impressive social media following and influencer/celebrity fanbase
Clearly, DIFF is doing a lot right in the crowded eyewear space. But the true test is the product. Next, I‘ll go over the ordering process and take a closer look (pun intended) at some of DIFF‘s glasses.
Ordering Process and Delivery
One area where DIFF Eyewear really shines is the intuitive, seamless online shopping experience. The DIFF website is well designed and easy to navigate, with helpful filters to narrow down your glasses search by gender, style, frame material, lens color, price and more.
As you browse, you can click into each product for more details and photos. I like that DIFF provides all the important specs for each pair of glasses right on the product page – including measurements, frame materials, weight, prescription availability and more. Virtual try-on and photos/videos of models wearing the glasses provide a good sense of scale and fit.
For sunglasses, lens details like UV protection and polarization are clearly noted. For optical frames, inputting your prescription is a breeze using DIFF‘s guided Rx entry, and you can also add on options like blue light filtering or light-adjusting transition lenses.
All DIFF glasses orders include a sturdy glasses case, microfiber cleaning cloth, and free standard shipping. I received my order within 3 days of placing it, and everything was securely and attractively packaged. A prepaid return label was also included, a testament to DIFF‘s customer-friendly policies.
Frame Quality and Durability
So, how do DIFF glasses hold up in the real world? After testing multiple pairs of DIFF sunglasses and eyeglasses for several weeks, I can confidently say – really well!
In terms of construction, all the DIFF glasses I tried felt study and well-made, with durable materials like cellulose acetate and stainless steel. Hinges and frame joints were sturdy with no wobbling or misalignments. I also appreciated small quality details like real rivets and etched metal logos. Overall craftsmanship was in line with glasses I‘ve owned from higher-end brands.
The lenses were equally impressive – crystal clear, with a nice substantial weight. DIFF‘s lenses are scratch and impact resistant, which held up in my testing. I‘m prone to being rough on my glasses, but my DIFFs still look good as new after a month of regular wear and tear. The anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings on the lenses are a clear upgrade from the cheap mall kiosk sunglasses I used to buy.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how comfortable DIFF glasses are for all-day wear. The frames are lightweight and well-balanced, with smooth edges and just the right amount of give. No pinching, slipping, or pressure points even after multiple hours of working at my computer.
All in all, I‘ve been extremely impressed with the quality, durability and wearability of every pair of DIFF glasses I‘ve tried. These definitely look and feel a notch above the average online glasses – and for a much more attainable price point.
Lens Quality and Options
As I mentioned, all of DIFF‘s lenses are scratch and impact-resistant, with anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings. You can also add on 100% UV protection and polarization on sunglasses.
I found the tint on DIFF‘s sunglasses lenses to be just right – dark enough to shield my eyes on sunny days, but without distorting color or clarity too much. DIFF offers a range of lens colors, from classic grays and greens to on-trend rose gold and graduated ombré tints.
For optical glasses, DIFF offers single-vision, bifocal and progressive prescriptions, as well as optional blue light filtering and photochromic (light-to-dark) lenses. I opted for the blue light lenses in my optical DIFFs, and have definitely noticed a reduction in eye strain and fatigue from my many daily hours of staring at various screens.
Customer Service and Warranties
It‘s clear that DIFF Eyewear places a premium on customer service and satisfaction. Their website has a comprehensive FAQ section and easy-to-find contact information in case you need to get in touch with a real person. When I had a question about my order status, I used the chat feature on DIFF‘s website and was promptly connected with a friendly, helpful representative.
All DIFF eyewear orders are backed by a 1-year, no-questions-asked manufacturer‘s warranty covering defects and damage. You can also return your glasses for any reason within 30 days for a full refund (excluding shipping). As I mentioned, returns are easy and free with the prepaid label included in each order.
Based on my experience, it seems DIFF really stands behind their products and wants customers to be happy with their purchase. As a consumer, that kind of confidence is reassuring and makes me more likely to shop with the brand again.
Pricing and Value
Compared to the $300+ you might pay for a pair of designer frames at the optometrist‘s office or sunglasses boutique, DIFF‘s pricepoint is extremely reasonable. Most of DIFF‘s optical glasses and sunglasses are priced between $85-$120, including prescription lenses.
While that‘s not the rock-bottom cheapest you can find online, I think it‘s a fair price considering the quality of materials and construction, trendy styles, and DIFF‘s robust customer service and generous return policy. You definitely get the sense that you‘re paying for well-made, durable daily eyewear, not just a marked-up designer label.
DIFF also runs frequent promotions and sales on their website, so you can often snag a great deal. At the time of this review, DIFF was offering a free gift (blue light blocking glasses) with code BLUEGIFT, as well as a 15% discount on your first order when you sign up for emails. Definitely keep an eye out for coupon codes and special offers to save even more on your DIFF eyewear purchase.
DIFF Gives Back
A core part of DIFF Eyewear‘s brand DNA is giving back and making a positive impact. The company was founded on the principle of providing affordable eyewear while addressing the global issue of vision impairment in developing countries.
Here‘s how it works: for every pair of glasses sold, DIFF donates a pair of reading glasses to someone in need through their charitable partner, Restoring Vision. To date, DIFF has donated over 2 million pairs of glasses to communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
This one-for-one giveback program is not just a feel-good marketing gimmick – it‘s a huge part of what drives DIFF as a company and motivates their team to keep growing and innovating. In an interview with Forbes, DIFF co-founder Chad Dime said, "Providing glasses to those in need will always be woven into the fabric of DIFF. We will never lose sight of why we started and the impact we set out to make."
As a consumer, it feels good to support a company that is using its platform and resources to make a real, tangible difference in people‘s lives. DIFF‘s commitment to social responsibility is a big part of why I‘ll continue to choose them for my eyewear needs.
DIFF Best Sellers
With so many stylish options, it‘s hard to go wrong with any pair of DIFF glasses. But if you‘re looking for a place to start, here are a few of the brand‘s best-selling optical and sun styles:
DIFF Bella – These oversized square sunglasses are a favorite of celebs like Khloe Kardashian and Demi Lovato. The thick frames and dark lenses make a bold statement, while the slightly cat-eyed shape is universally flattering.
DIFF Jagger – One of DIFF‘s more unique frame shapes, the Jagger sports a rounded cat-eye silhouette with angular edges and a keyhole bridge. It‘s a great pick if you want something a little different from your typical Wayfarer or Clubmaster.
DIFF Harlien – These minimalist metal frames are DIFF‘s take on the classic aviator. Sleek and lightweight, they look great on both men and women. Choose between gold, black, and silver frames with a variety of lens colors.
DIFF Cruz – The Cruz is a best-selling gender-neutral style that epitomizes laidback California cool. The square wayfarer shape looks good on pretty much everyone, and you can choose from a variety of tortoise shell prints and lens colors.
DIFF Jade – These round optical frames are a nod to vintage 1920s style, with a delicate metal frame, adjustable nose pads, and a slim temple arm. Available in gold, rose gold and silver finishes.
If you‘re not sure which frames will look best on you, DIFF offers a free virtual try-on feature using your computer‘s camera. It‘s a great way to get a sense of how different styles will fit your face shape before you buy. For optical glasses, you can also select up to 5 frames to try on at home, for just a $1 deposit.
How DIFF Stacks Up to The Competition
These days, there‘s no shortage of online companies offering trendy, affordable eyewear. So how does DIFF Eyewear compare to other popular retailers like Warby Parker, Zenni Optical, or GlassesUSA? Here‘s my take:
In terms of style and selection, I think DIFF has a slight edge over Warby Parker. While Warby has a great selection of classic, minimalist frames, DIFF offers more trend-forward, statement-making options. If you‘re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, DIFF is a great place to start your search.
Price-wise, DIFF is fairly comparable to Warby Parker, with optical frames starting around $95. That‘s quite a bit more than ultra-budget retailers like Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect, where you can often find glasses for under $50. However, I‘ve generally found the quality of DIFF‘s frames and lenses to be a notch above what you‘d get from a cheaper online retailer.
One area where DIFF really stands out is its one-for-one charitable giving program. While many online glasses companies now have some sort of social impact initiative, DIFF‘s commitment to donating a pair of reading glasses for every purchase is still pretty unique. If supporting a mission-driven company is important to you, DIFF is a great choice.
Finally, DIFF Eyewear offers a generous 1-year warranty and 30-day return policy, which is fairly standard among online retailers. They also have solid customer service and an easy-to-navigate website. All in all, I think DIFF compares very favorably to other online eyewear brands in terms of style, quality and overall customer experience.
The Bottom Line: Is DIFF Eyewear Worth It?
After testing multiple pairs of DIFF glasses and assessing the brand from all angles, my verdict is a resounding yes – DIFF Eyewear is definitely worth the hype (and your hard-earned dollars). From the high-quality, durable frames to the crystal-clear lenses and on-point styles, DIFF delivers a top-notch product that looks and feels far more expensive than it actually is.
Beyond the glasses themselves, I was impressed with DIFF‘s seamless online ordering process, fast shipping and stellar customer service. The 1-year warranty, free returns and virtual try-on are all great perks that make shopping with DIFF a stress-free experience.
But perhaps most compelling is DIFF‘s social mission and one-for-one giving model. In an industry that often prioritizes profits over people, it‘s refreshing to find a company that is truly dedicated to making a positive impact. Knowing that my purchase is helping someone in need see clearly is a feel-good bonus that will keep me coming back to DIFF again and again.
If you‘re in the market for new glasses and want to support a brand that offers style, quality and a social conscience, I highly recommend giving DIFF Eyewear a try. With their wide range of frames, customizable lens options and affordable prices, you‘re sure to find a pair (or two) that you love. Happy shopping!
