Mister Spex Switch

What's in the box: A rental of 2 to 3 pairs of prescription glasses, with insurance, eye tests and lens replacement included.

Mister Spex is a large German optician that sells online and through more than 65 stores across Germany. Switch is its rental plan for people who would rather not buy glasses outright. Instead of paying for a single frame, you rent 2 to 3 pairs from 9 € per month. The plan includes insurance, an eye test and lens replacement, so a changed prescription or a damaged pair is covered. The idea is flexibility: as your style changes, you can swap frames instead of living with one choice for years. You get advice in a store. That suits people who want a proper fitting, but it is less convenient if you live far from a branch. The wider catalogue covers more than 100 brands, from the in-house Mister Spex Collection to designer labels such as Ray-Ban, Gucci and Miu Miu. The site does not make clear up front how long the minimum contract is, what happens when the term ends, or which frames and lens grades the starting price covers. Read those terms carefully before you sign, because renting over several years can cost more than buying. If you like variety and value having eye care bundled in, this is a sensible option from a well-established company.