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Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses vs Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses

Buy the Wayfarer if you want the classic square acetate frame with polarized G-15 lenses and UV400 protection; it is the more durable, more recognizable choice and has a huge base of 11,000 ratings at 4.7. The Erika is a lighter, rounder, softer look with gradient lenses and a slightly higher 4.8 rating, but from a much smaller pool of 826 ratings. Owners of the Wayfarer praise the build and lens performance; the Erika is a fashion-first frame that suits narrower faces and gentler styling.

  • Choose the Wayfarer if you want a sturdy full-rim acetate frame, polarized lenses and the most recognizable sunglasses shape ever made.
  • Choose the Erika if you prefer a rounder, lighter, more feminine frame with gradient lenses and a softer look.

Prices

  • Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses: $26.50 at eBay (checked today)
  • Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses: $45.00 at Mercari (last seen Nov 2)
  • Difference: the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses is $18.50 cheaper than the Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 9)
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

4.7(11,000 ratings)
$26.50at eBayChecked 51 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Polarized G-15 lenses cut glare and block UV400
  • Full-rim acetate frame is sturdy and holds its shape
  • Three lens widths plus a low bridge fit
  • Huge review base backs the 4.7 rating
  • Timeless shape that suits most faces
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier than round frames
  • Dark green tint is not ideal for low light
  • Regular hinge, not spring-loaded
  • Iconic look is very common
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses

4.8(826 ratings)
$45.00at MercariChecked Nov 2
See all prices and details
Visit Mercari
Pros
  • Rounder shape flatters narrow or angular faces
  • Gradient lens is softer for everyday wear
  • Lighter on the face
  • Slightly higher 4.8 rating
Cons
  • Lenses are not polarized
  • Plastic frame is less rigid than acetate
  • One size only, no width options
  • Smaller review pool of about 826

What separates them

Ray-Ban Wayfarer SunglassesRay-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses
Frame shapeSquare Wayfarer silhouette, full rimRound and oval silhouette
LensPolarized green Classic G-15, dark tint, UV400Gradient lens, non-polarized
Frame materialAcetate, regular hinge, progressive eligiblePlastic
FitMedium 50/52/54 mm lens widths, 22 mm bridge, 150 mm temples, low bridge fitOne size, unisex
Ratings4.7 from about 11,000 ratings4.8 from about 826 ratings
Style rangeIconic since 1952, worn by filmmakers and musiciansCasual, softer everyday look
DurabilityFull-rim acetate holds shape and takes replacement lensesLighter plastic frame, less rigid

Price history

$121.40$45.00
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses: lowest $75.00 on Nov 2 at Pin Africa; $121.40 on Nov 10.
  • Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses: lowest $45.00 on Nov 2 at Mercari; $89.59 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

  • Ottica ITNew

    In stock

    $108.84Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Ottica IT
  • Sporty's Pilot ShopNew

    In stock

    $99.95+ $14.90 shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Sporty's Pilot Shop
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by ednauho_90 (99.9% positive, 950 ratings)Ships from Thailand · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $26.50+ $6.00 shippingChecked 51 min ago
    Visit eBay
  • Pin AfricaNew

    Availability unknown

    $75.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Pin Africa

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • GovShadesCheck price at GovShades

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 67 stores and price history →

Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses

  • JomashopNew

    In stock

    $89.59+ $5.99 shippingChecked 51 min ago
    Visit Jomashop
  • MercariNew

    Availability unknown

    $45.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Mercari
  • PoshmarkNew

    Availability unknown

    $50.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Poshmark
  • Jomashop.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $89.59Checked Nov 2
    Visit Jomashop.com

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 25 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRay-Ban Wayfarer SunglassesRay-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses
Lens typeSunglassesGradient
MaterialAcetatePlastic
SilhouetteWayfarerRound & Oval
Color categoryGray—
Sunglasses styleWay Style—
Eyewear lens featurePolarized—
BrandRay-Ban—
Sunglasses typeFashion—
Frame materialPlastic—
Eyewear frame sizeMedium (53-55 mm)—
Lens tintPolarized Green Classic G-15—
Uv rating400—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRay-Ban Wayfarer SunglassesRay-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses
ShapeSquare—
Items includedSunglasses—
PatternFloral—
Product lineOriginal Wayfarer—
Clothing sizeSmall (49-52 mm)—
Temple length150 mm—
Bridge width22 mm—
DesignerRay-Ban—
ModelRB2140 901/58 50—
Eyewear rimFull-Rim

What reviewers say

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

  • 4.7 / 511,000 ratings

With about 11,000 ratings averaging 4.7 out of 5, the Wayfarer is one of the most consistently liked sunglasses sold. Owners praise the build and the polarized lenses; the main complaints are fit and the dark tint.

What people mention
  • FitMixedMany owners say the 50 mm version fits well, while wider faces find the frame tight and need the 54 mm size.
  • BuildPraisedReviewers describe the acetate frame and metal hinges as solid and long-lasting.
  • Lens tintMixedThe dark G-15 tint is praised for bright sun but called too dark by some for cloudy days or driving.
  • WeightCriticisedA number of owners say the frame feels heavy and leaves marks on the nose after long wear.

Ray-Ban Erika RB4171 Sunglasses

  • 4.8 / 5826 ratings

Owners rate the Erika highly, praising its light weight, flattering round shape and comfortable fit. Complaints center on build feel and lens durability rather than the look.

What people mention
  • FitPraisedOwners say the frame sits comfortably and suits many face shapes, though some with wider faces find it narrow.
  • WeightPraisedReviewers call the plastic frame light enough to wear all day without pressure.
  • BuildMixedSome owners find the frame and hinges less solid than metal Ray-Bans, while others say it holds up fine.
  • LensesMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for driving?
The Wayfarer. Its polarized G-15 lens cuts road and water glare, which the Erika's gradient lens does not.
Which suits a narrow face?
The Erika's round shape sits closer and looks smaller. The Wayfarer comes in 50, 52 and 54 mm lens widths, so a narrow face can size down.
Which lasts longer?
The Wayfarer. Its full-rim acetate frame is more rigid and both models accept replacement lenses.
Is the Erika worth stepping up to over the Wayfarer?
Only if you want the rounder look and lighter feel. You give up polarization and frame stiffness.
Do both block UV?
The Wayfarer is rated UV400. Ray-Ban rates the Erika lenses for UV protection too, but check the specific lens on the pair you buy.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Ray-Ban sunglasses
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—
Frame TypeFull Rim, Progressive Eligible—
Hinge TypeRegular Hinge—
Bridge FitLow Bridge—
Lens Width50 mm, 52 mm, 54 mm—
UV Protection LevelUV400—
Tint ColorGreen—
Tint DarknessDark—
Tint GradientYes—
Lens ColorGreen—
PolarizedYes—
Lens MaterialGlass—
Interchangeable LensesYes—
Lens Height41 mm—
Lens HighlightsUV protection—
SizeNo information—
HeightShorter (than Classic Wayfarers)—
WidthNo information—
GenderUnisex—
Gradient lenses are liked for glare and style but criticised for scratching and for weaker coverage in bright sun.