Choosing the right contact lens cleaner affects comfort, eye health, and how long your lenses last. This guide compares peroxide systems, enzymatic protein cleaners, and a modern ultrasonic cleaner to recommend the best options for daily wearers, RGP users, and travelers. Recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews.
How we tested and chose
Our approach combined hands-on testing, expert consultation, and user feedback. We evaluated products for:
- Cleaning performance: removal of deposits, oils, and protein build-up across soft and RGP lenses.
- Safety & compatibility: compatibility with soft, silicone-hydrogel, and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses plus instructions and neutralization (for peroxide).
- Ease of use & convenience: travel-friendliness, dosing/dispensing, and storage.
- Value & availability: performance relative to price and typical pack sizes.
During hands-on testing we compared cleaning brightness, residue removal, and ease of following manufacturer steps. We also consulted eye care professionals and aggregated verified consumer reviews to catch recurring issues and real-world reliability.
Clear Care Peroxide Pack
Hydrogen-peroxide travel cleaner that bubbles away debris and disinfects. Includes HydraGlyde moisture tech and a platinum-disc case that neutralizes peroxide into a gentle saline — ideal for travelers and wearers who want deep cleaning and long-lasting moisture.
Clear Care Plus's hydrogen-peroxide system delivers strong cleaning and disinfection through a bubbling neutralization process. The included case uses a platinum disc to convert peroxide into non-irritating saline — a must-follow step. Standout features: HydraGlyde moisture matrix for longer comfort and broad compatibility with soft and RGP lenses. Pros: powerful cleaning, travel-sized bottle, and added moisture retention. Cons: requires strict adherence to neutralization steps (never put peroxide directly in eyes) and single-travel bottle size means frequent replacement for regular users.
Ultrasonic Lens Cleaner
A portable ultrasonic cleaner with a 50 kHz motor and smart modes (3/5/10 min). Combines cleaning, mirror, and storage for on-the-go lens care — effective at loosening oils and debris without harsh chemicals when used with contact solution.
This 2025-upgraded ultrasonic cleaner uses a high-frequency (50 kHz) motor to mechanically loosen oils, makeup residues, and grime — especially useful for frequent makeup wearers or anyone who struggles with stubborn surface deposits. The device includes three timed modes (3/5/10 minutes), three replaceable cases, and a lighted mirror, making it a multifunction travel tool. Pros: deep non-chemical cleaning action, compact and multi-featured, useful for delicate lenses when used with recommended contact solution. Cons: adds a device to your routine, needs charging and correct liquids (do not use plain water), and more costly upfront than single-use solutions.
Boston One Step
Single-use preservative-free enzymatic dispensers that remove protein during the disinfection step. Ideal for RGP lens wearers needing reliable protein removal without extra tablets or messy mixing.
Boston One Step enzymatic dispensers are designed for protein removal in rigid gas-permeable lenses and are packaged as single-use doses for ease and hygiene. They work during standard disinfection so you don't need separate tablets or extra vials — a simple, low-fuss way to keep lenses clear of protein build-up. Pros: preservative-free formula, hygienic single-dose packaging, great for RGP users. Cons: targeted at protein removal (so not a standalone disinfectant for all lens types) and geared toward RGP users rather than daily soft-lens cleaning.
Boston ADVANCE RGP Cleaner
RGP-specific cleaner from an eye-care brand, formulated as Step 1 in a care system to remove deposits and debris. Tinted for faster rinsing — trusted by many eye-care professionals for rigid lens maintenance.
Boston ADVANCE is targeted specifically at rigid gas-permeable lenses and is widely recommended by eye-care professionals. As Step 1 of the ADVANCE care system, it excels at removing debris and deposits before disinfection. The visible tint helps ensure faster, more thorough rinsing, and the formula is tailored to RGP material properties. Pros: clinic-trusted brand, optimized for RGP cleaning, easy to incorporate into a care routine. Cons: not intended as an all-in-one solution for soft lenses and should be used within its multi-step care system for best results.
Comparison & Key Differences
Quick snapshot of what sets each product apart:
- Clear Care Peroxide Pack (Best Budget Pick) — Strong disinfecting action, travel-friendly, excellent moisture retention. Best for travelers and those who want peroxide-level disinfection on a budget.
- Ultrasonic Lens Cleaner (Premium Choice) — Mechanical, chemical-free assistance for removing oils and makeup. Best for makeup wearers and those who want a gadget-forward, deep-clean option.
- Boston One Step (Best Value for Money) — Single-use enzymatic dispensers that remove protein without extra steps. Best value for RGP wearers needing hygienic protein control.
- Boston ADVANCE (Editors Choice) — Clinic-recommended RGP cleaner that removes deposits effectively as part of a multi-step regimen. Best overall for RGP lens maintenance.
Best overall: Boston ADVANCE is our Editors Choice for RGP lens wearers because it balances consistent cleaning power, professional recommendation, and ease of integration into a routine. Alternatives: Clear Care for peroxide-based disinfection and the ultrasonic cleaner for users prioritizing makeup/oil removal.
Final Recommendations
Based on hands-on testing, clinician input, and user feedback, here's how to choose:
- If you wear RGP lenses: Boston ADVANCE (Editors Choice) for everyday deposit removal; add Boston One Step dispensers periodically for protein cleaning.
- If you want deep disinfection and travel convenience: Clear Care Peroxide Pack (Best Budget Pick) — follow neutralization instructions carefully.
- If you regularly wear makeup, have stubborn surface oils, or want a modern cleaning device: consider the Ultrasonic Lens Cleaner (Premium Choice) and always use recommended contact solution (not plain water).
All recommendations prioritize safety and lens compatibility. Our rankings combine lab-style cleaning checks, real-world usage, and eye-care professional guidance to give practical, trustworthy advice. Choose the product that matches your lens type and lifestyle — and when in doubt, consult your eye-care practitioner for personalized recommendations.