9 Best Scuba Diving Masks Reviewed 2022 By Austin Tuwiner Updated: February 18th, 2022 Expert Advice Austin Tuwiner Author Details Austin Tuwiner Administrator Austin is the website owner, and began scuba diving at just 16 years old. After traveling and diving all over the world, he is dedicated to bringing the hobby to more people. web https://wordpress-501585-1776723.cloudwaysapps.com/ email austin@scubaotter.com follow me We may receive affiliate commission when you click certain products. Read our important disclosure to learn more. A good dive mask is usually the first piece of gear that divers buy for themselves, and it’s a pretty good idea because using a leaky old rental from your dive shop can ruin your whole dive. There are a lot of options to choose from when deciding on what mask is best for you. All of the best scuba gear brands produce their own versions of great masks, but what one is best for you? AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP PICKS FOR SCUBA DIVING MASKSBest Overall: Hollis M1Best Budget Option: Cressi F1Best For Beginners: TUSA Freedom CeosBest For Bigger Faces: TUSA Freedom Elite HDBest For Smaller Faces: Atomic Subframe Midsize We put together this list of great scuba diving masks that we recommend so that you can choose the perfect one for your situation. Things to consider are comfort, affordability, and fields of view. We made sure to cover all aspects in our list, as well as the tops brands. We put this guide together to make it easier for you to find the very best masks on the market so that you never have a dive ruined by a crappy old rental again! Got a question about scuba masks? Ask us here IMAGEQUICK COMPARISONBest OverallHollis M1Reduced green tint inherent in standard glassExtra wide field of visionLow internal volume for easy mask clearingView Latest Price Best Budget ChoiceCressi F1 Frameless MaskQuick-adjust strap bucklesFlexible fit with reduced drag Low-internal volumeView Latest PriceBest For Beginners TUSA Freedom CeosGreat seal on most facesEasy equalisation Suitable for prescription lensView Latest Price Durable design Aqualung Mission Excellent peripheral visionSuperior seal around the facePush-button gives fast and secure strap adjustmentsView Latest PriceBest For Bigger FacesTUSA Freedom Elite HD180 degrees Rotational Buckle SystemLarge frame with minimal internal volumeFive-position strap angle adjuster for micro-adjustmentView Latest Price Best For Smaller FacesAtomic Subframe Midsize Sub-frame designLifetime warranty against frame damageSuitable for prescription lensesView Latest Price Best Premium ChoiceScuba Pro Spectra Double feathered edge skirtWide split style strap Mirrored lens optionView Latest Price Best For Comfort Mares X-Vision Ultra Liquid skin technology Low drag designSmall ribs around nose to relieve pressureView Latest Price Best Field Of VisionAtomic Frameless 2High quality mask Multiple sizes to fit most face shapesSpecial ultra-soft siliconeView Latest Price Why Should I Buy A Scuba Diving Mask? Buying your first scuba diving mask is a rite of passage. They are reasonably priced, easy to carry, and even easier to use, so they are often the first bit of kit that many scuba divers buy. But why? Well, first off is the convenience. Once you have your own, perfectly fitting, scuba diving mask (more on that later), you will struggle to see how you ever dived with anything else. You can also adapt your mask to you, without worrying that the next diver is going to ruin your finely tuned work! Find your perfect strap length and anti-fog method or even put in prescription lenses. If you are wearing a dive shop’s mask, it is natural to be concerned about the cleanliness of wearing something which has been on another’s face. Though they are (hopefully) cleaned between divers – the “ick” factor is real! Aside from convenience and safety, you can really let your style shine through with a scuba mask. Whether your personal scuba look is all black or bright pink, there is a mask to suit you. Whichever your reason, buying the best scuba diving mask for you is going to be a great investment! Our Top Pick: Hollis M1 Skirt: Silicone Lens: Single window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: High The Hollis M1 is one of our favorite dive masks. We love this frameless mask with its huge single window that gives a huge field of view. This slick, black design from Hollis has both style and efficiency in mind. It features a frameless design and extra low profile so you have the best visibility possible. It is a very versatile design that fits many face shapes and sizes. The matte black design looks awesome too! It also folds flat, making it perfect for travel. The low-profile silicone skirt is very comfortable and I have no problem with leaking, but if I forget to put a de-fogger on the lens, it can get a little fogged up since it’s so close to my face. Otherwise, it’s perfect. What we loveHuge field of vision Extra clear glass Good for travelComfortable design Fits most standard faces DownsidesNot great for smaller faces Ultra low volume can cause fogging issues Buy now on Amazon With Worldwide ShippingBuy now on House of ScubaFree US Shipping over $50Best Budget Choice: Cressi F1 Frameless Mask Skirt: Silicone Lens: Single window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: Low When it comes to value for money, the Cressi F1 is the best budget scuba diving mask on the market. Designed and manufactured by one of the world’s leading dive brands, this is a top-quality product for a very affordable price. Thanks to its premium-grade materials and solid construction, this mask is exceptionally comfortable and will last a long time. Its ergonomic and easy-to-use design also makes this a great scuba diving mask for beginners. As with all Cressi products, this mask comes with a 2-year warranty. What we loveGreat value for moneySoft & durable siliconeGreat fit for most faces2-year warranty Plenty of color optionsDownsidesCan be prone to fogging without Anti-FogBuy now on AmazonWith Worldwide ShippingBuy now on House of ScubaFree US shipping over $50Best For Beginners: TUSA Freedom Ceos Skirt: Silicone Lens: Double window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: Medium This is a great mask for beginners that is accessible to a variety of budgets. TUSA masks are well known for their versatility in fitting many different face shapes with their super soft silicone skirts. In fact, many dive shops point people towards TUSA masks first when they come looking for good diving masks, as they are so often a perfect fit. They have two lenses that are removable and interchangeable which is vital if you wish to use prescription lenses in your mask. If you need prescription lenses, this would be our best mask recommendation! What we loveGreat for beginners Can fit many different face shapes Super soft silicone skirt Great for prescription lenses Good for a variety of budgets DownsidesBridge can sometimes cause discomfort Mask strap can cause longer hair to get entangled Buy now on AmazonWith Worldwide Shipping Buy now on House of Scuba Free US Shipping over $50Best For Larger Faces: TUSA Freedom Elite HD Skirt: Silicone Lens : Single window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: Medium Very similar in fit to the Freedom Ceos is the Freedom Elite HD – the key difference is that it has one lens instead of two. This means less visual disruption but does mean that it cannot be fitted with prescription lenses. As with the Ceos, and most TUSA models, it will fit most but is a little larger than the Ceos. For that reason, it is a better match for those with larger faces. What we loveGreat field of visionComfortableDurable Rotational buckle system LightweightDownsidesNot so great for smaller faces Cannot be fitted with prescription lens Buy now on AmazonWith Worldwide ShippingBuy now on House of Scuba Free US Shipping over $50Best For Smaller Faces: Atomic Subframe Midsize Skirt: Plastic Lens: Double window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: High This mask is fantastically durable due to its lack of an exposed external frame. It is a slim design that is generally better suited to older children, women, or those with thinner faces. The two lenses can be easily removed, ideal for those who wish to fit prescription lenses. What we loveExtremely durableLifetime warranty against frame breakage Great for prescription lensesPerfect for smaller faces Wide field of view DownsidesToo small for larger faces Buy now on Amazon With Worldwide Shipping Buy now on House of Scuba Free US Shipping over $50Best Dual Lens Design: Scuba Pro Spectra Skirt: Silicone Lens: Double window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: High This low-profile, high comfort mask is available is multiple stylish colors, thanks to an innovative metallic paint method process on the frame that gives the mask a rich look of stylish eyewear. The Spectra Mask doesn’t just look good. It is a prime mask, in terms of function. The Spectra Mask has a double feathered edge high-quality silicone rubber skirt and a wide split style silicone rubber mask strap that combine to create a perfect seal on the face. What we loveDouble feathered edgeCreates a fantastic seal High comfort Multiple colors Ultra clear double lens DownsidesNot the best fit for petite facesBuy now on AmazonWith Worldwide Shipping Buy now on House of Scuba Free US Shipping over $50Durable design: Aqualung Mission Skirt: Silicone Lens: Double window tempered glass Comfort Level: High Price: Low Of course, we can’t have a complete list of great dive masks, without mentioning Aqua Lung, and in our opinion, their Mission model is their best option for every diver. Low profile, big windows, and wide views, and many color options. What more can you ask for from one of the world’s top companies. What we loveGreat option for most diversGreat peripheral vision Advanced fit technology Easily adjustable maskGood for travelDownsidesNot so good for bigger faces Buy now on Amazon With Worldwide Shipping Best For Comfort: Mares X-Vision Ultra Skirt: Mares Liquid-skin silicone Lens: Double window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: High Of course, we had to include Mares, one of our favorite brands. Mares X-Vision Liquidskin Two Window Mask is a great choice for vision underwater. With the addition of Mares patented Liquid skin technology, the X-Vision now offers comfort that was formerly impossible. By co-molding two different types of silicone, there is no longer a need to compromise comfort in order to support the frame structure of a mask. What we loveLiquid-skin technologyVery comfortable Huge field of vision Low drag design DownsidesCan leak with smaller faces Buy now on AmazonWith Worldwide Shipping Buy now on House of Scuba Free US Shipping over $50Best Field Of Vision: Atomic Frameless 2 Skirt: Silicone Lens: Single window tempered glass Comfort: High Price: High If you are an Atomic fan, then this is the mask for you. Atomic is an awesome brand that makes some high-quality gear, this mask included. This is one of the most expensive masks on the list, at around $145, but it is worth it for Atomic and frameless mask lovers. What we loveHigh quality materialVery comfortableComes in different sizesCan fit most face shapes and sizes Wide viewDownsidesFairly expensive Buy now on AmazonWith Worldwide ShippingBuy now on House of ScubaFree US Shipping over $50 What Should I Look For In A Scuba Mask? When looking for the best scuba diving mask for you, getting a perfect fit is always the number one priority. We go into more detail about how to get this perfect fit later on. The number two priority for a good dive mask is the comfort, which has a lot to do with the skirting. The skirting is usually made out of soft silicone which molds to your face. It’s important when trying a mask to see if you feel a pinch anywhere, or as though the skirting is digging in. Remember, any problems on the surface will be accentuated below the surface! Now, colors may seem like solely a style choice, and when buying a product like fins or snorkels it is, but it is a little more complicated when buying a scuba mask. When buying a mask, you can choose between a clear or opaque skirt. The clear skirt allows more light into the mask which is ideal for claustrophobic divers or when diving in low light or visibility. Bright situations, such as sunlight reflecting off the sandy seabeds of Gili Trawangan can quickly become dazzling with a clear skirt. Black or opaque skirts are great for bright conditions as it blocks some of this reflective light, this is why they are a favorite amongst photographers. The downside is that they can be more claustrophobic. As for the rainbow of colors of opaque skirts on offer? Well, that’s just a style choice you’ll have to make for yourself! Other factors to consider are whether you go for a frameless scuba mask (only glass and silicon skirting) or framed (glass, silicone and a hard plastic frame around the lenses). This is a personal preference and you can find both amongst top-rated dive masks. Low profile and low volume models are generally regarded as the best scuba masks as they are easy to clear and because of the proximity to the face, the visibility is excellent. The only downside is for those with extra long eyelashes! Scuba Mask Fitting Guide How Do I Check The Fit Of My Scuba Mask? Having a mask that fits perfectly to your face is not only about the comfort of a leak-free dive, but also safety. When your mask fits perfectly, you should be able to dive with no strap – though we don’t recommend trying it if you’re a beginner diver! If you are a beginner, you can check out a few of our top tips here! Finding the perfect fit for your face may be trial and error. The skirting on each scuba mask is subtly different and some will fit the curvature of your face better than others. Follow our super-quick guide below: Hopefully, you’ve now found your perfect fitting scuba diving mask – congratulations! If not, don’t be disheartened – try lots of models and you’re sure to find your perfect fit. Hopefully, you’ve now found your perfect fitting scuba diving mask – congratulations! If not, don’t be disheartened – try lots of models and you’re sure to find your perfect fit. So what mask should you choose? Still not sure what one to go with, with all these great options? There are a few factors to consider when choosing the perfect mask for you, so let’s go through those, and then I will just give my recommendations and all-time favorites, that you can’t go wrong with. YOUR BUDGET Obviously, you should think about your budget, check the prices in the links above, and that will be a big factor. But obviously, since there are a lot of options around the same prices, there will be more factors to think about. COMFORT AND THE CORRECT SIZE FOR YOUR FACE There are usually a smaller size option for each of the masks above, so be sure to check that with the links for each, if you have a smaller face. As for comfort, I don’t think you will have a problem with any of the options on the list, as they are all top brands. So what Mask do we recommend? We can not say enough good things about Aqua Lung or Hollis masks. I personally use the Hollis M1, but also love the Mission from Aqua Lung. The M1 has never let me down and looks great as well. I have lost it a few times here and there, but always get another one exactly like it. I love that mask! I even carry a spare one sometimes, as it smashes flat, with the buckles folding in flat along the frameless front, and it takes up no room in my BCD pocket. It’s always nice having a spare. Do I need to burn my new scuba mask before I use it?New scuba masks come with a silicone coating inside the glass which leaves the lenses prone to fogging. A popular method of ridding yourself of this layer is to “burn” the lens with a lighter. We don’t recommend taking a lighter to your brand new mask unless you are an experienced scuba professional! It is much safer for you, and your new purchase, to take your mask into a dive shop to ask for their advice and help. Does toothpaste prevent my new scuba mask from fogging?Treating your new scuba mask with toothpaste is a good way of preventing fogging. You can rub toothpaste on the inside lens of your mask, leave it on overnight for the best results. Another great way of preventing your mask from fogging is to use an anti-fog mask spray before you dive. Can I rent a scuba diving mask?Almost all dive shops will have masks that you can rent. This is usually included in the price for the dive or course. Having your own mask that you know fits your face well and that you are familiar with can ensure a more comfortable dive. Which is better, single or double lens?Masks come with up to 4 lenses and most people discover a preference for a certain design. The benefits of a single pane offer the most uninterrupted field of vision as the panorama is not broken by the lens break over the nose. Dual lenses reduce the range of vision but often have a lower volume, allowing the mask to sit closer to the face. They also enable prescription lenses so if this is something you need, dual lenses are the way to go. Multi lens masks, with extra lenses on the side, allow greater peripheral vision, and are good for those with claustrophobia. However, the joins of the lenses can create blind spots and distortions. What is the best scuba mask for facial hair?The best scuba mask for facial hair is one that fits your face well. As long as it forms a good seal around the rest of your face, you should manage just fine – though you may need to clear your mask more than a smoother-faced buddy! Try using a silicone-based balm on your mustache to help create a better seal. A mask is the most important piece of scuba diving equipment you can buy and it is important to ensure it fits properly. Whether you choose to visit your local dive shop or go on an online shopping spree, make sure you follow our tips above to ensure you find the best scuba diving mask for you! Looking for the best mask for snorkelling or other dive gear? Check out our other reviews: 7 Best Snorkel Masks: Our Favorites Reviewed (2022) 4 Best Mask Anti-Fog Treatments Reviewed 6 Best Full Face Snorkel Masks (2022) Author Details Austin Tuwiner Administrator Austin is the website owner, and began scuba diving at just 16 years old. After traveling and diving all over the world, he is dedicated to bringing the hobby to more people. web https://wordpress-501585-1776723.cloudwaysapps.com/ email austin@scubaotter.com follow me Comments Margaret Reply Thanks good tips. I have laugh lines and was told no mask will fit without leaking…thus I’ve not bought anything as I’d like to invest in a good mask but if the experience will be the same it’s best to just get a cheap one from a retail store, but I see u refer to mask seal, so I’m still educating myself on this. Austin Tuwiner Reply Hey Maragaret, Glad we could help! Mask seal can be clutch. Please let us know how that works for you.
