🌒 The Best Eclipse Glasses
Our picks, the trade-offs, and what to look for before you buy.
Looking at the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent retinal damage, and ordinary sunglasses are nowhere near safe. Safe eclipse viewing requires filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard — and that are genuine, not counterfeit.
The safest approach is to buy from a manufacturer or retailer named on the American Astronomical Society's list of reputable vendors, and to check the glasses for the ISO 12312-2 marking plus a manufacturer name and address before you use them.
We looked at certification and traceability, optical quality, fit for both children and adults, and whether the frames stay on during a long session of looking up and down.
Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are typical ranges and change frequently.
Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Eclipse Glasses
From a well-known telescope maker, with ISO 12312-2 filters, a comfortable card frame and a scratch-resistant coating. A reliable default for a family.
Pros
- Reputable astronomy brand
- Comfortable card frame
- Sold in multipacks for families
Cons
- Card frames are less durable than plastic
- Popular models sell out before eclipses
American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses
One of the largest US manufacturers of eclipse viewers, supplying NASA-affiliated events. Sold in large multipacks, which makes them ideal for schools and groups.
Pros
- Major, well-documented manufacturer
- Great value in bulk
- Widely trusted by event organisers
Cons
- Basic paper frames
- Bulk packs are more than an individual needs
Thousand Oaks Optical Solar Viewer
A long-established solar filter maker whose black polymer viewers are known for clean, sharp views of the Sun and a neutral colour rendition.
Pros
- High optical quality
- Long-standing reputation
- Neutral solar image
Cons
- Pricier per pair
- Stock can be limited
Lunt Solar Systems Eclipse Glasses
Made by a company that specialises in solar telescopes, with ISO 12312-2 filters and sturdy frames designed to survive repeated use.
Pros
- Solar-specialist manufacturer
- Sturdy frames
- Clear, safe image
Cons
- Higher price
- Fewer retail channels
Solar Eclipse International (SEI) Viewers
Certified viewers sold in classroom-sized packs, often bundled with teaching materials — a practical choice for schools planning an eclipse event.
Pros
- Classroom multipacks
- Certified filters
- Good for group events
Cons
- Not sold individually
- Basic design
Buying guide
Safety comes first
Only use viewers marked ISO 12312-2, and check for a manufacturer name and address. Discard any glasses that are scratched, creased or punctured, and never use them with a telescope or binoculars — those need dedicated solar filters fitted to the front.
How to check them before the eclipse
Put them on indoors and look at a bright light: you should see almost nothing through the filter except perhaps a very faint glow. If you can see ordinary lights or shapes clearly, they are not safe for solar viewing.
Fit for children
Children need smaller frames that stay in place while they look up. Card glasses with side arms that can be folded to fit are usually the most practical, and an adult should check the fit before the eclipse begins.
Frequently asked questions
Are all eclipse glasses safe?
No. Counterfeit and mislabelled glasses are a known problem, especially before major eclipses. Buy from a reputable manufacturer or a vendor on the American Astronomical Society's approved list, and check for the ISO 12312-2 marking.
Can I use eclipse glasses over my regular glasses?
Yes — put the eclipse glasses on over your normal glasses, or hold them in front of them. Do not look at the Sun through binoculars, a camera or a telescope while wearing eclipse glasses; those instruments require their own solar filters.
How long can I look at the Sun with eclipse glasses?
You can look through certified filters for as long as you like during the partial phases, taking normal breaks. The only time you can look without a filter is during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Sun's bright face is completely covered.