The 7 Best Solar Eclipse Glasses and Viewers for Watching the 2026 Partial Eclipse

ProsCan fit over regular glassesComfortableFamiliar, sturdy plastic buildConsRelatively pricey for a single pairThis plastic pair from American Paper Optics is our best overall choice due to its frequent recommendation from critics and experts we spoke with. Although relatively pricey, its sturdy build is scratch-resistant plastic, making it easy to carry like traditional sunglasses. It also includes a carry case.The brand claims it blocks 100 percent of harmful ultraviolet radiation, 100 percent of harmful infrared radiation, and 99.99 percent of intense visible light. Several user reviews say they work well, with some even saying they can be comfortably worn over regular glasses.Key SpecsNumber of Pairs1MaterialPlasticProsThin and foldable for easy transportSo cheap, you can buy a bundle to shareGiven their materials, plastic solar-viewing glasses can get pricey. You can cut costs by going the cheapest route possible: paper. As effective at blocking harmful sun rays as their more robust counterparts, American Paper Optics’s solar eclipse safety glasses are thin, compact, and easily fit into your pocket. You can grab a single pair for $1 and save even more by bundling up to 4, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1,000.Of course, paper has its drawbacks. For one, it won’t hold well in transport and can easily get creased and bent. Some folks also might throw them out after a single use. Still, these are the way to see an eclipse for the lowest price possible.Key SpecsNumber of Pairs1, 2, 4, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000MaterialPaperAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSimple packaging and useConsPricey for a two-packIf you just need a simple two-pack of solar eclipse glasses, these ones from Soluna are excellent. They’re an AAS-approved North American dealer and are ISO-compliant. They’ve also been inspected by Amazon’s authenticity program, which ensures they aren’t counterfeit pairs sold by the retailer.Key SpecsNumber of Pairs2MaterialPaperProsComfortable eye cupsLightweight and easy to carryCan be used for sunspot viewing outside of eclipsesConsOnly useful for viewing the sunCelestron’s EclipSmart binoculars offer enough protection to safely view and magnify the eclipse without damaging your retinas. The binoculars are ISO 12312-2 compliant and have permanent glass solar filters, as they’re built specifically for viewing the sun. This makes them safe to peer at the sun through but also virtually unusable for any purpose other than watching sunspots.If you seek something stronger than solar-viewing glasses, reach for a pair of these. As always, when purchasing a pair of binoculars, the first number represents magnification power while the second indicates the lens diameter—the higher the number, the clearer, though less stable, the image.Key SpecsNumber of Pairs1MaterialRubber, aluminumAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSide blockers protect peripheral visionComfortable to wear for long hoursDurable, tough buildConsPricier than other eclipse glasses on this listIf you’re looking for a pair of glasses sturdy enough to survive years of use, reach for this pair of welding glasses from Phillips Safety. These are rated shade 14 for the highest level of eye protection. The AAS says that shade level 12 or higher is safe for viewing the eclipse. They also meet all the requirements of ISO 12312-2:2015 for direct solar observation. They block 99 percent of UV light, 97 percent of IR radiation, and only allow a transmission of roughly 0.0003 percent of visible light through them.These are pricier than other eclipse glasses on our list, but they’re also sturdier than other plastic picks. Plus, they offer some side shading, which helps protect your peripheral vision.Key SpecsNumber of Pairs1MaterialPlasticProsCan comfortably accomodate most prescription eyeglasses Rubber pads and temples ensure a comfy, gripped fitConsMay be overkill for someAlthough you can place a pair of paper solar eclipse glasses over your prescriptions, you’ll probably be uncomfortable. You don’t have to fight the wind (or look goofy) by wearing glasses over glasses. Instead, reach for these goggles from Phillips Safety.Like the above pair, these are rated shade 14 for the highest level of eye protection, which the AAS approves. They block over 99 percent of UV light and 97 percent of IR Radiation, plus they have a comfy nose pad, rubber temples, and side shields for a comfy, safe fit. Though pricey, they’ll last for years.Key SpecsNumber of Pairs1MaterialPlasticAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsThin and foldable for easy transportSo cheap, you can buy a bundle to shareGiven their materials, plastic solar-viewing glasses can get pricey. You can cut costs by going with the cheapest option: paper. As effective at blocking harmful sun rays as their more robust counterparts, Rainbow Symphony’s solar eclipse safety glasses are thin, compact, and easily fit into your pocket. You can grab a 5-pack for $11 and save even more by bundling up to 10, 25, 100, 250, 500, or 1,000.Of course, paper has its drawbacks. For one, it won’t hold up well in transit and can easily get creased or bent. Some folks also might throw them out after a single use. Still, these are the ways to see an annular eclipse at the lowest possible price. Plus, it helps that Rainbow Symphony is a brand our experts frequently recommend.Key SpecsNumber of Pairs5MaterialPaperKevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.