Cheap polarized sunglasses are fine for the beach.

Yes, get polarized — but don’t spend more than $30.

Polarization cuts the glare off water and wet sand, which is exactly what you want. It makes the ocean look clearer and your eyes less tired. That part matters.

The part that doesn’t matter is the price tag. Polarization isn’t expensive to manufacture. A $20 pair from a drugstore or Amazon will block glare just as well as $200 Ray-Bans. What you do want is UV400 protection, which almost all polarized lenses come with anyway. Check the sticker, but it’s rare to find polarized without UV.

Don’t get hung up on lens color either. Gray or brown both work. Gray is neutral, brown adds contrast — personal preference.

You’re going to lose these, scratch them, or leave them on a towel. Spend accordingly.