How To Find and Buy the Most Affordable Contacts in Canada

If you wear contact lenses, you may be paying more than you need to, and understanding your options can help you save significant amounts of money without sacrificing quality or safety. But affordability isn’t just about choosing the cheapest option. It’s also about finding trusted lenses that fit your lifestyle and your budget. This guide breaks down where the biggest savings are, which types of lenses offer the best value, and how different buying options compare, including what to look for in a reliable online retailer.

Buying From an Optometrist vs. Buying Online

Many Canadians still buy their contact lenses directly from their optometrist. It’s a familiar routine. Get your eye exam, then purchase lenses from the same place. While convenient, this option often comes with a higher price tag. In general, optometrists charge between 10% and 50% more than online retailers for the exact same lenses.

That said, some optometrists have begun lowering their prices to stay competitive with online stores. Manufacturers have also responded to this shift and, in some cases,  offer optometrists preferential pricing and free trial lenses to encourage in-office fittings. The intent is to make lenses more accessible and promote the adoption of newer technologies.

However, these manufacturer discounts don’t always translate to savings for the customer. Some clinics pocket the discounts and keep their prices the same. Meanwhile, authorized online retailers continue to offer lower prices by operating at scale, reducing overhead, and focusing purely on lens distribution.

Simply put, if you’re looking to save, buying online remains the most consistent way to get brand-name contact lenses at the lowest possible cost in Canada.

Be Careful Where You Buy Online

Not all low prices are worth the risk. While some websites offer deep discounts, they may not be an authorized contact lens seller. Authorized retailers work directly with manufacturers and carry the full range of major brands, ensuring that lenses are stored, shipped, and handled following health and safety standards.

Generally, unauthorized sellers don’t carry a complete selection and may source products through unreliable or unregulated channels. These lenses could be expired, returned, overstocked from optical centers, or obtained through foreign distributors not approved by the manufacturer, raising serious concerns about quality, storage conditions, and safety.

To protect your eyes and your investment, it’s best to order from a site that is authorized to sell brands like Acuvue, Air Optix, Dailies, Precision1, Biofinity, Ultra, and Biotrue. Legitimate retailers offer transparency, support, and the assurance that what you’re putting in your eyes is safe and effective.

How To Spot the Most Affordable Online Contact Retailers in Canada

The most affordable online retailers don’t just advertise cheap lenses. They offer real value through consistent pricing, customer-friendly policies, and trustworthy practices. If you’re comparing options in Canada, here are some key features that signal you’re buying from a truly affordable and reputable source.

Lowest Prices Guarantee

A reputable retailer stands behind the low prices they’re offering. A lowest price guarantee means the store is confident that its everyday pricing is better than what you’ll find elsewhere in Canada. This kind of policy ensures that you’re not just getting a temporary sale or discount, but consistent savings across all major brands and lens types.

Price Match Policies

Some retailers take affordability a step further by offering a price match policy, meaning that if you find the same product for less at another authorized Canadian seller, they’ll match or beat the price. It’s a simple way to protect customers from overpaying and shows a commitment to keeping prices as low as possible — even if it means adjusting them in real-time.

Regular Coupons & Discount Codes

In addition to low everyday pricing, many affordable retailers offer regular promotions, coupon codes, or customer discounts. These extra savings can make a meaningful difference, especially for bulk orders or more expensive lens types. While not always necessary, consistent access to discount codes is a good sign that the retailer is actively helping customers lower their total cost.

Free Shipping

One sign of a truly affordable retailer is a shipping policy that works in the customer’s favour. Many online stores advertise low prices but charge extra when it comes time to ship. The most reliable retailers in Canada offer free shipping once a reasonable minimum order value is met, with that threshold varying slightly by province.

This kind of policy keeps the total cost transparent and predictable. Retailers that focus on affordability tend to make shipping simple without hidden fees, inflated delivery costs, and clear support if a package is lost or delayed.

Great Return Policy

Affordability is also about what happens if something goes wrong. The best online retailers in Canada offer generous return and replacement policies that protect your purchase long after checkout.

Look for retailers that provide protection periods for lost, damaged, or defective lenses, as well as easy options to return unopened products if your prescription changes or you order the wrong item. A straightforward return process, clear eligibility criteria, and responsive customer support will save you time and money in the long run.

A Mission That Gives Back

Some retailers operate with a broader purpose in mind. In addition to offering affordable contact lenses, a few choose to support charitable work by donating a portion of their profits. Customers can often direct these donations toward causes they care about, such as environmental protection, food security, human rights, or animal welfare.

For people who value both savings and social impact, this approach offers a way to shop more consciously by supporting organizations that make a difference, simply by choosing where to buy.

Monthly vs. Daily Contacts: What’s More Affordable?

When it comes to price per lens, monthly and biweekly contacts are almost always more affordable than daily lenses. If you wear contacts every day, the cost difference adds up quickly. A monthly lens used properly costs just a fraction per day compared to wearing a new daily lens every morning.

That said, affordability isn’t only about price. Daily lenses offer convenience and lower maintenance, which is why some people are willing to pay more for them. But for budget-conscious wearers who are comfortable with a cleaning routine, monthly or biweekly lenses offer the best long-term savings.

Most Affordable Monthly and Biweekly Lenses

When it comes to saving money on contact lenses, monthly and biweekly lenses offer the lowest price per day for full-time wearers — as long as they’re worn and cleaned properly. Here are some of the best-value monthly and biweekly lenses currently available in Canada:

Biofinity (CooperVision)

Biofinity lenses are a go-to choice for affordability, comfort, and eye health. Made with Aquaform® Technology, they allow 100% of the oxygen your eyes need to pass through for all-day breathability. The lens material is soft, flexible, and naturally hydrating without the need for surface treatments — a great option for wearers who want comfort without compromise, at a consistently low cost.

Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde (Alcon)

These monthly lenses combine HydraGlyde® Moisture Matrix for long-lasting hydration and SmartShield® Technology to guard against deposits. That means fewer dry-eye issues and a cleaner lens surface day after day. Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde is ideal for those who want a high-performance lens at an affordable price, especially for people prone to lens dryness or buildup.

ULTRA (Bausch + Lomb)

ULTRA lenses use MoistureSeal® Technology to retain as much as 95% of moisture for up to 16 hours, making them perfect for screen-heavy days. They’re also designed to reduce protein buildup and maintain sharp, consistent vision. With high oxygen transmissibility and all-day comfort, ULTRA is a strong choice for students, professionals, and anyone spending long hours on digital devices.

Serenity (CooperVision)

Serenity offers solid performance at one of the lowest price points on the market. Made with third-generation silicone hydrogel, these lenses provide Class 1 UV protection, high breathability, and naturally wettable comfort. While availability may be limited long-term, Serenity is a smart pick for budget-conscious users looking for great value without cutting corners on eye health.

Acuvue Oasys 24-Pack (Johnson & Johnson)

Acuvue Oasys is a biweekly lens that delivers strong affordability when worn on schedule. With Hydraclear® Plus Technology, these lenses help maintain your eyes’ natural moisture and reduce dryness, even in challenging environments like air-conditioned offices or long hours on screens. Plus, they offer industry-leading UV protection, blocking up to 99% of UVB and 96% of UVA rays.

Acuvue Vita (Johnson & Johnson)

Designed as a true monthly lens, Acuvue Vita uses HydraMax™ Technology to maintain consistent hydration throughout the full month of wear. It’s especially well-suited for people with dry eyes or those who want a more comfortable lens over long days. With exceptional UV blocking capabilities of up to 99.9% UVB and 93% UVA, Vita delivers long-term eye health and dependable comfort at a fair price.

Most Affordable Daily Lenses

Daily disposable contacts are known for convenience and hygiene, but they’re often the most expensive lens type when worn regularly. Fortunately, several high-quality, budget-friendly daily options exist that provide reliable comfort and vision without the premium price tag. Here are five of the most affordable daily lenses available in Canada:

Biotrue ONEday (Bausch + Lomb)

Biotrue ONEday lenses are made from HyperGel, a next-generation material inspired by the biology of your eye. With a 78% water content (matching the natural water content of the cornea), these lenses offer all-day comfort and high breathability without the use of silicone. The outer surface mimics the lipid layer of your tear film to prevent dehydration, while High Definition Optics reduces glare and halos, especially in low light. Biotrue ONEday also includes UV protection for added peace of mind.

Dailies AquaComfort Plus (Alcon)

Dailies AquaComfort Plus lenses feature Triple Action Moisture Technology that delivers hydration with every blink. A comfort agent is released as you wear the lens, keeping your eyes moist from morning to night. These lenses are known for their ease of wear, consistent hydration, and dependable vision, all at a competitive price point. As a daily disposable, they also eliminate the need for cleaning or storage.

1-Day Acuvue Moist (Johnson & Johnson)

Acuvue Moist lenses offer soft, cushiony comfort all day long thanks to LACREON Technology, which embeds moisture directly into the lens material. These lenses are a great option for people with sensitive eyes, allergies, or dryness, and they provide built-in UV protection, blocking over 80% of UVA and 97% of UVB rays. A visibility tint and inside-out mark make them easy to handle, making them a user-friendly, affordable daily choice.

Clariti 1 Day (CooperVision)

Clariti 1 Day combines the benefits of silicone hydrogel material with daily disposable convenience. These lenses allow more oxygen to reach your eyes than traditional hydrogel lenses and include Aquagen™ Technology to ensure continuous hydration. Clariti 1 Day is also one of the only affordable silicone hydrogel dailies, making it a smart pick for users looking for added breathability at a reasonable cost.

Additional Tips to Save Even More

Finding affordable contact lenses is about picking the right product and knowing how and when to buy. Here are some proven ways to reduce your total cost while protecting your vision and long-term eye health:

• Buy in larger quantities: When you purchase a 90-pack of dailies or multiple boxes of monthlies, the price per lens usually drops. This is especially cost-effective for people who wear contacts every day, and it means fewer orders and less risk of running out unexpectedly.
• Use discount codes at checkout: Many online retailers offer regular promotional codes, seasonal sales, or first-time customer discounts. Taking 30 seconds to check for a coupon can result in 10% to 25% savings on your entire order.
• Take advantage of price matching: If a retailer offers a price match policy, it’s worth comparing prices with other Canadian sites. If you find the same product for less, you may be able to lock in the lower price without switching stores or losing access to better service or shipping policies.
• Stick with monthly or biweekly lenses: For daily wearers, monthly and biweekly lenses are almost always more economical than dailies. As long as you follow cleaning and replacement instructions, you’ll enjoy safe and comfortable vision at a much lower cost per day.
• Don’t stretch your lenses: Trying to save money by wearing lenses longer than recommended, like reusing dailies or pushing monthlies past 30 days, can lead to eye irritation, infections, or even long-term damage. The short-term savings are rarely worth the risk or the potential medical costs.
• Check if your insurance offers coverage: Some extended health plans, employee benefits packages, or student insurance programs offer full or partial reimbursement for contact lenses. Submitting your receipts could mean saving hundreds of dollars a year that you would otherwise pay out of pocket.
• Choose brands that fit your needs, not trends: Some of the most expensive lenses offer new technologies that aren’t necessary for every wearer. Unless your optometrist recommends a specific high-performance lens, you may find that well-established or older-generation products still deliver excellent comfort and vision at a significantly lower price.

Stop Overpaying for Contacts in Canada

Affordable contact lenses aren’t hard to find. You just need to know where to look and what to consider. Monthly and biweekly lenses continue to offer the best value for full-time wearers, while certain daily lenses provide solid comfort and convenience at a reasonable price.

Whether you’re comparing brands, taking advantage of price matching, or using discount codes, the right strategy can help you save significantly over time. And when you choose a retailer that offers transparent pricing, customer-first policies, and ethical practices, you’re protecting your budget while making a smarter long-term investment in your eye health. If you’re ready to start saving, browse the most affordable contact lenses in Canada at ContactsForLess.ca, where the prices are low, the shipping is free, and 51% of profits go to the cause you care about most.