On March 29, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible from across North America, Europe and parts of Africa. If you’d like to witness it in its full glory, now is a good time to pick up a pair of the best solar eclipse glasses.
You should never look directly at a solar eclipse or a partial solar eclipse, even when wearing sunglasses. Specialized eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than standard sunglasses, giving your eyes the protection they need to look directly at the sun.
You might spot some brands labeling their solar eclipse glasses as ‘NASA-approved’ but we can confirm NASA does not approve any solar eclipse glasses, so be wary of these products.
Our picks of the best solar eclipse glasses will ensure you’re safe to view the upcoming partial eclipse. That’s because we’ve checked that they are all made to ISO 12312-2:2015(E) certification which requires specific testing to meet the International Standards Organization’s parameters for safety.
If you want to get a closer look at the upcoming eclipse event, check out our guides to the best telescopes and the best binoculars (although bear in mind you’ll need eye protection to use these, too). We also have a handy guide to the equipment you need to see the solar eclipse, which we’d recommend you take a look at to ensure you’re fully prepared.
The best solar eclipse glasses to buy in 2025
Frequently asked questions
What glasses are appropriate for a solar eclipse?
Only ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses should be used to view a solar eclipse. Regular sunglasses simply won’t cut it, as they don’t filter out nearly enough of the UV rays from the sun. In comparison, solar eclipse glasses block out 100% of UV and IR rays, along with 99% of all light.
Do solar eclipse glasses really work?
The goal of solar eclipse glasses is to protect your eyes from the rays of the sun, so yes, they work. Just ensure that you’re buying glasses with the necessary safety certifications so you know you’re appropriately protected.
What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without solar eclipse glasses?
You should never look directly at the sun at any time, but especially during a solar eclipse, when the sun’s rays can be more concentrated. The light from the sun can cause damage to your retinas, with a risk of causing permanent blindness. It’s never worth the risk, so always use solar eclipse glasses.
What are the best solar eclipse glasses?
All the solar eclipse glasses featured here are good choices, as they all have CE and ISO certification. For adults, we’d recommend the Celestron Eclipsmart Power Viewers, as they not only protect your eyes but magnify your view by 2x — and they’re coming from a reputable brand. For children, consider the Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses, which are especially sized to fit kids’ faces.
