Acuvue or Hubble? The Choice is Clear

Despite the recent hipster renaissance that has somehow made glasses cool again, contact lenses are still a reliably popular alternative to having to wear refracted glass just to see clearly. But when it comes to the dizzying variety of contact lens companies out there, each touting their own benefits and state-of-the-art touches, it can be hard making the right choice.

Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down to two — Hubble and Acuvue — both acclaimed contact eyewear companies with their own pros, cons, and distinguishing features. Rather than cut to the chase and declare a winner outright, we’ll detail the areas in which each company excels, tally the votes, and see which contact comes out on top (pun intended).

1. Brand Name

When it comes to brand name recognition, Acuvue has a slight edge on its newer and less prolific counterpart. Acuvue excelled for years as a traditional eyewear company, and built up quite a loyal fanbase as it transitioned to contact lenses. Hubble, on the other hand, is a young, emerging company, launched in 2016, eager to make a name for itself amongst its more experienced colleagues. So while some may prefer a newer, fresher approach to the contact game, when it comes to brand association… Acuvue is the clear winner here.

2. Variety

Having been a traditional company for years, Acuvue naturally has a long and venerable line of products, from daily wear contacts to extended usage, with all kinds of customization options thrown in for good measure. Hubble, meanwhile, specializes only in daily wear contacts, choosing to hone one specific niche instead of playing a general, jack-of-all-trades role. Though consistency may dip a bit considering the sheer breadth of options, their wider product line gives Acuvue a clear 2-0 lead.

3. Quality Control

Now, here is where the value of a smaller, more artisan approach to contacts comes into play. While Acuvue’s products are sold and resold at practically every pharmacy in the world, Hubble contacts can only be purchased from one source – the Hubble website – meaning its products have an undeniable stamp of quality assurance that its more commercialized counterpart fails to match. Also, its focus on just one product, the daily wear contact lens, gave them the berth to invent their own hydrogel-water mixture, making for a comfort-based contact that protects from soreness and redness. By sticking to doing one thing well, Hubble edges out its competitor.

4. Pricing/Convenience

One of the drawbacks that comes with a “trusted name” is the price you have to pay for knowing its trustiness. Often, that translates to less discounts, more market complacency, and longer customer service response times. Thankfully, Hubble has no laurels to rest on, and is often lauded by consumers for its quick response time and easy-to-understand web interface. Though it’s hard to compare one product to Acuvue’s many, the average price difference by month between both companies is somewhere around 60 dollars. The cheaper, and, thanks to its consumer-friendly website, more convenient option? Hubble, sliding in to tie at 2-2.

Verdict

It looks like we have ourselves a tie! Acuvue’s history of brand excellence makes it a typical favorite, while Hubble’s innovative approach and niche-based, one-product philosophy model is a refreshing new take on the contact eyewear business. If you want a free-for-all, mass-produced experience, go for Acuvue; they’re available at most pharmacies with an array of differences in their product line. If you want a more personal, tailored fit, with considerations taken to keep your wallet from exploding in the process, Hubble’s your guy. The choice, dear reader, is entirely up to you.