We review the Oakley Portal and Portal X sunglasses plus compare both frames so you can find out which is right for you!
Table of Contents
History and Release
Oakley released the Portal sunglasses in January 2020, followed shortly after by the Portal X sunglasses. While both pairs feature a similar design, there are distinct elements of each Portal frame. Keep reading as we review the Portal and Portal X plus compare both of the models!
Oakley Portal Sunglasses Review
Frame and Design
The Portal sunglasses feature a big, square, angular frame with a distinct shape. This makes them perfect for medium to big heads or people who like the look of an oversized frame. It’s modeled after the Sutro and Sutro Lite, but gets rid of the single visor shield popular on that frame.
The Portal also lets go of the Sutro’s curves, opting instead for lots of angles and a nice square outer corner. The tall nose bridge gives it a distinctive look that balances the large lens size.
The Oakley Portal is a performance lifestyle frame, so it’s meant to be both functional and everyday stylish. The frame itself is made of O Matter material, making it lightweight and durable. It also has a comfortable Unobtainium nose bridge as well as Unobtainium on the ear stems for added grip.
Overall the Portal frame design has a little Oakley edge to it. The oversized frame with its angles and some stem planes makes it just disruptive enough to be funky but not so cutting edge as to be out of place in sports or everyday settings.
Size and Dimensions
The Oakley Portal is a medium to large size Oakley frame that will look great on most face sizes. We’ve also included the frame dimensions below for reference:
- Frame Width: 136mm
- Lens Width: 62mm
- Lens Height: 48mm
- Bridge: 12mm
- Temple Length: 135mm
Lenses
The Oakley Portal lenses are big and offer plenty of coverage. The lenses are made of classic Oakley Plutonite for exceptional impact resistance and complete UV protection (especially nice on a big lens like this).
Every colorway of the Oakley Portal currently offers Prizm lenses including some of our favorites like Ruby Polarized. We’ve already covered why we love this contrast enhancing technology so be sure to check out our complete Prizm lens guide for more!
Portal prescription lenses are also available through Oakley’s website your or your local eye doctor. Be sure to check out our complete guide to Oakley prescription glasses and sunglasses for more information!
Oakley Portal X Sunglasses Review
Frame and Design
The Oakley Portal X is the Portal’s tame younger brother. Not only is this frame a bit smaller than the X, but you’ll also notice the frame shape is a more standard rectangular. Overall the Portal X is a much more conventional square lifestyle frame similar to the Holbrook.
The Portal X frame is a full rimmed design made of O Matter material for lightweight durability. It modernizes the basic square lifestyle frame by making it more slender and giving it planed and stylized stems with a slight wrap.
Similar to the Portal, the X also includes Unobtainium nose pads and earstems for added grip. This is especially useful if you’re planning on using the Portal X for sports such as cycling or running.
Overall the Portal X is a fantastic option for medium size faces who don’t want the oversized look offered by the Portal.
Size and Dimensions
The Oakley Portal X is a medium size Oakley frame and a bit smaller than it’s older brother. We’ve also included the frame dimensions below for reference:
- Frame Width: 133mm
- Lens Width: 59mm
- Lens Height: 43mm
- Bridge: 15mm
- Temple Length: 135mm
Lenses
The Portal X lenses are also made of impact resistant Plutonite. These are pretty standard in modern Oakleys. You can read more about why Plutonite is worth every penny in our complete guide here.
Similar to the Portal, every colorway of the Portal X is offered with Prizm or Prizm Polarized lenses. Plus you can find Portal X prescription lens options available through Oakley or your local eye doctor. If you’re looking for replacement Portal lenses be sure to keep reading for your best options.
Portal vs. Portal X Comparison
The Portal and Portal X are similar frames as we outlined above, but there are still small differences you’ll want to know before buying.
First, both frames are made of lightweight O Matter material and feature anti-slip Unobtainium grips. Additionally Portal model lenses are available in Prizm, Prizm Polarized and Prescription options through Oakley.
However, while both frames share similar designs they are distinctly different. The Portal is a much larger, angular, edgy style with a larger wrap and more sporty design. You can certainly see the Sutro inspiration and it has loads of coverage.
The Portal X is a more traditional, rectangular lifestyle frame, nicely stylized but still featuring some of the modern angles from its brother.
Ultimately which frame is right for you will depend on your preferences. Larger and wider heads may find the Portal a better fit. While medium size heads or those who enjoy a more tame design may like the Portal X. Be sure to check out the quick reference table below comparing the sizes and features of each pair.
| Portal | Portal X | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Width | 136mm | 133mm |
| Lens Width | 62mm | 59mm |
| Lens Height | 48mm | 43mm |
| Bridge | 12mm | 15mm |
| Temple Length | 135mm | 135mm |
| Features | Larger oversized frame inspired by Sutro | Modern rectangular frame similar to Holbrook |
Original Colorways
The Portal and Portal X sunglasses are available in a variety of colorways with retail prices starting at $146. We’ve included a listing of the original colorways below for reference.
| Model | Colorway (Frame / Lens) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Portal | Carbon / Prizm Grey | $146 |
| Portal | Navy / Prizm Sapphire | $166 |
| Portal | Moss / Prizm Ruby Polarized | $196 |
| Portal | Polished Black / Prizm Black Polarized | $196 |
| Portal X | Carbon / Prizm Grey | $146 |
| Portal X | Polished Black / Prizm Dark Golf | $166 |
| Portal X | Matte Black Ink Fade / Prizm Road Black | $166 |
| Portal X | Polished Black / Prizm Deep Water Polarized | $196 |
| Portal X | Polished Black / Prizm Ruby Polarized | $196 |
| Portal X | Polished Black / Prizm Black Polarized | $196 |
| Portal X | Carbon / Prizm Black | $166 |
| Portal X | Polished Black / Prizm Sapphire | $166 |
| Portal X | Polished Black / Prizm Tungsten | $196 |
Are Portal Replacement Lenses Available?
Yes, Portal and Portal X replacement lenses are available. However currently Oakley does not sell any. This means your only options are aftermarket retailers. Currently you can find a variety of both lenses from several retailers online. Be sure to check out our complete guide to replacement lens manufacturers where we compare the best options!
Where to Buy Oakley Portal and Portal X Sunglasses?
Both the Portal (Product Link) and the Portal X (Product Link) are available for sale on the Oakley website and at authorized retailers. Both styles start at $146 on the Oakley site, with other retailers coming in at about the same price point with occasional sales. However if you’re looking to save you’re not out of luck.
With a little bit of work, you can often save 20-30% on new Oakleys through aftermarket sites such as our Oakley Forum Exchange area and eBay. Check out our complete guide to never paying retail for Oakleys again for more information!
Final Thoughts
The Portal and Portal X sunglasses bring a modern design with something for everyone. One is a big, full-coverage sport and lifestyle design, the other is a traditional but modern performance lifestyle design. While we love the large and in charge Portal, we’re a bit partial to the more tame Portal X for an everyday pair.
Would you buy the Oakley Portal or Portal X Sunglasses? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the thread below!
