Return policy comparison · 2026
1-800 Contacts vs ROKA
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
1-800 Contacts
A+
5.0 / 5.0 · Exceptional
ROKA
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
1-800 Contacts has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against ROKA's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
1-800 ContactsROKA
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| 1-800 Contacts | ROKA | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ Unlimited (any reason, opened boxes OK) | 30 days (100% satisfaction guarantee) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - $10-$30 restocking fee |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | $30 for prescription eyewear, $10 for non-prescription eyewear |
| Return shipping | Free both ways within the US; international customers are reimbursed for shipping after the fact | Customer pays return shipping for international orders; restocking fee applies to prescription and non-prescription eyewear returns |
| Holiday extension | ✓ None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Worn/used pairs from a returned box (you keep the worn pair, return the rest) | Outlet store and final sale items, limited to exchange or store credit only |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
1-800 Contacts tip
If your prescription or brand changes, ask for an exchange instead of a separate return — they front you credit for the new order immediately instead of waiting for your refund to process, and you get 30 days to ship the old contacts back.
ROKA tip
If your prescription lenses arrive with an error, that's covered at no cost under their lab-work guarantee - the restocking fee only applies when you're returning because you simply changed your mind, not because of a prescription mistake.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, 1-800 Contacts or ROKA?
1-800 Contacts has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A+ (5.0/5.0) against ROKA's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is 1-800 Contacts's return window?
1-800 Contacts's return window is Unlimited (any reason, opened boxes OK).
What is ROKA's return window?
ROKA's return window is 30 days (100% satisfaction guarantee).
Does 1-800 Contacts or ROKA offer free returns?
1-800 Contacts: Yes. ROKA: No - $10-$30 restocking fee.