The 9 Best Safety Glasses of 2021

Best Overall: Mpow Safety Glasses

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For an all-around high-quality pair that can be used in a wide range of settings, we recommend Mpow Safety Glasses. They have a lightweight yet incredibly durable design. Both the lenses and the frame are made of polycarbonate, an ultra-strong thermoplastic that resists impact and scratches. With a silicone piece over the bridge of the nose and soft padding around the temples, you can count on a comfortable, secure fit.

These indoor/outdoor glasses will keep irritating particles and liquid splatters, like sawdust and paint, out of your eyes. They also block 99.9 percent of UV rays and have an anti-fog coating, which is extremely handy when wearing a mask or working in humid environments. Not only that, but Mpow safety eyewear meets ANSI (American National Standards Institute) testing standards for safety equipment.

Best Anti-Fog: Milwaukee Safety Glasses with Clear Anti-Fog Lenses

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Milwaukee Safety Glasses have special fog-resistant lenses, offering you a clear view ahead no matter where you are or what you're doing. This comes in handy when you're wearing a face mask or working in a humid environment.

They also resist scratching and block 99.9 percent of the sun's rays. You can get clear lenses or opt for tinted lenses if you work in bright daylight. Made of nylon with a flexible nose bridge, these glasses are comfortable for hours on end. Additionally, they meet both ANSI and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) standards for safety gear.

Best Polarized: Ergodyne Skullerz Dagr Polarized Safety Sunglasses

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Ergodyne Skullerz have polarized lenses, which minimize glare from things like water, sun, and glass. This prevents light from going directly into your line of vision, reducing sensitivity to reflective surfaces, and is generally more comfortable for the eyes. 

The lenses also provide UV protection and resist scratching. These protective glasses meet ANSI standards for safety and MIL (military) standards for ballistic impact resistance. The blade-style frame is made of flexible yet durable nylon, and rubber around the bridge and temples keeps them in place.

Best Prescription: RX Safety Prescription Safety Glasses RX-15011

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The best prescription safety glasses are this pair from RX Safety. With TR-90 nylon arms and an adjustable nose piece, they're suitable for men and women and can accommodate various face shapes and head sizes. (TR-90 nylon is a type of ultra-flexible yet endlessly durable thermoplastic.)

These ANSI-approved safety glasses have large rectangular frames and wraparound shields to protect you from chemicals, particles, paint, and other irritants from every angle. The frames come in a few different colors, including black, clear, red, and yellow.

Best Over-Glasses: NoCry Over-Glasses Safety Glasses

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If you're looking for something to wear over your prescription eyeglasses, check out this pair from NoCry. They fit over most reading classes and cost substantially less than a pair of prescription safety glasses.

With a resilient polycarbonate frame and clear wraparound lenses, you'll be protected from all angles without distorting your vision. The lenses resist scratching and block over 90 percent of UV rays, and soft tips minimize pressure around your temples.

The extendable arms can be adjusted to fit various head sizes, so they work for men, women, and kids. You can also wear them as normal safety glasses without a prescription pair underneath. These specs are certified safe by the ANSI, CSA, and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Best Outdoor: Carhartt Carbondale Safety Sunglasses

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Carhartt has been a go-to for work apparel for over a century, so it's no surprise the brand makes the best outdoor protective eyewear. These ANSI and CSA-approved safety sunglasses have a flexible nylon frame and extra-durable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses.

The lenses block 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays from the sun, as well as UVC radiation from artificial lamps or lasers. With dual-injected arms and a soft rubber bridge, these glasses feel as comfortable as a custom pair. Whether you're doing yard work, sawing lumber, drilling cinder blocks, or heading to the shooting range, your eyes will be protected from the elements.

Best Readers: 3M Nuvo Reader Protective Eyewear

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3M Nuvo offers +1.5 magnifying strength. You don't need a prescription for these protective readers, but they'll help you read small text and see close-up objects in better detail while you're working.

The polycarbonate lenses meet ANSI and CSA requirements for high-impact protection and block almost 100 percent of UV rays. Thanks to wraparound shields and a protective brow bar, you'll have coverage from all sides.

Best Goggles: SolidWork Safety Goggles with Universal Fit

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SolidWork Safety Goggles are designed to fit everyone. A super-soft material between the frame and your face ensures a perfect fit and a protective seal. They have an adjustable band that wraps around your head without digging into any pressure points.

The ANSI-certified polycarbonate lenses resist scratching and have a special anti-fog coating. Not only that, but the lenses block UV rays and are polarized to minimize glare. You'll also appreciate the panoramic design, which provides a wide field of vision and complete protection from particles and irritants.