12 Best Scuba Masks on the Market in 2023

The best scuba masks, giving you a great field of vision, should be the first piece of diving equipment to buy.

They help to prevent water from directly contacting the eyes so that you can see everything underwater apparently. Accordingly, you will have fascinating experiences during the deep blue sea exploration.

Scuba masks come in a wide range of designs and price points with different features and functionality to meet numerous use requirements. Therefore, choosing the most suitable model isn’t as easy a piece of cake for all divers, especially inexperienced ones.

That’s why I have gathered and compiled this list of the top 12 best scuba masks that are popularly endorsed by the public for your reference.

My Top Picks

A scuba mask plays an essential role in making things easier for divers to see everything underwater clearly. Therefore, you should obtain the best one to last for long, even with intense external impacts.

Here are some of the best scuba masks recognized as the finest items on the market and all available for international purchase.

• Best Overall: Cressi F1
  “Low-profile mask, single tempered glass window, push-button buckles, 2-year warranty.”
• Best Budget: Kraken Aquatics
  “One-piece lens, leakproof skirt seal, customizable buckles, convenient to wear.”
• Best Full Face Mask: OTS Guardian
  “ABV valve, unisex design, a built-in mask bag, a detachable second stage regulator, adjustable head straps.”
• Best for Beards and Mustaches: Tusa M-1003 Freedom Elite
  “Freedom Technology, 180° rotational buckle system, up to 15 color options, ideal for travelers.”
• Best for Beginners: Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window
  “Two-lens design, tempered glass windows, effortless to clear, perfect for technical and recreational diving.”
• Best for Small Faces: Scubapro Synergy 2 TruFit Mirrored Single Lens
  “Trufit Technology, compact size, maximizes your comfort, fits well for divers with facial hair.”
• Best for Large Faces: Oceanic Shadow Frameless
  “Neoprene straps, 100% liquid-silicone skirt, ultra-lightweight, offer downward visibility.”
• Best for Big Noses: Hollis M1 Frameless
  “Saint-Gobain Diamant crystal lens, a purge valve on the bottom, helps to reduce water pressure, highly visible in the darkness.”
• Best for Facial Hair: Atomic Venom Frameless
  “Panoramic view, Gummi Bear UltraSoft silicone skirt, Schott SuperWhite UltraClear glass lens, An internal frame included.”
• Best With Purge Valve: Cressi Panoramic
  “Polycarbonate frame, 4-lens design, silicone mouthpiece, offers divers panoramic vision.”
• Best Value for the Money: Cressi Big Eyes Evolution
  “Double injection technology, teardrop lenses, the Integrated Dual Frame design, ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving.”

Comparison Chart

Buying an ideal scuba mask doesn’t come easy except by luck. Every model will present itself to be the best if you go shopping without any clue on what to look out for.

Thus, I listed several basic criteria of the top 12 best scuba masks to help you find out the most suitable item. All these fundamental factors are presented in the table below for your ease of viewing.

The 12 Best Scuba Masks Reviews

After a quick comparison table of the top 12 best scuba masks in 2023, it is time for you to dig deeper into their specifications. This section will enable you to understand the benefits and possible risks of using these models thoroughly.

Please read the comprehensive reviews carefully since they can provide you with useful information during your buying process.

1. Cressi F1

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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The Cressi F1 comes with a frameless design, giving it a compact size for carrying easily. Its skirt can create a watertight seal to maximize your comfort, thanks to being made from top-quality hypoallergenic silicone.

Besides, the Cressi F1’s low volume contributes to keeping it effortless to clear as well as offering a wider field of vision. However, because the face is too close to the mask, it can be inconvenient for divers with facial hair.

Also, the Cressi F1 includes push-button buckles mounted directly to the skirt to bring you a better fit. This allows you to customize your strap length without effort, even when you are diving.

In addition, another real bonus of the Cressi F1 is its affordable price tag, which is approximately half that of other items in a similar class.

Key Features:

• Low-profile mask
• Nose pocket
• Single tempered glass window
• Push-button buckles
• 2-year warranty

Product Specifications:

Here is a video review of the Cressi F1 Scuba Masks. Check it out and see if you’ll settle for comfort over everything.

2. Kraken Aquatics

(Best Budget)

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The Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Dive Mask with an exceptional price point offers you all amazing features to enjoy all the underwater scenery. The skirt is made from super soft silicone, which provides divers not only premium comfort to wear but also a leak-free dive.

Unlike other inexpensive models that come with plastic lenses, the Kraken Aquatics supports a tempered glass window. The first-rate single lens gives you extra safety in case it is suddenly broken.

Additionally, this material type can also resist scratches and shattering. The Kraken Aquatics mask is a great choice for snorkelers and scuba divers because of its robust construction.

However, the low volume design is not its advantage because it makes the mask unsuitable for people with narrow face shapes.

See Also: 9 Best Budget Dive Computers Reviews in 2023

Key Features:

• One-piece lens
• Leakproof skirt seal
• Customizable buckles

Product Specifications:

Watch this video review of the awesome Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Dive Mask and see if it is worth adding to your diving equipment.

3. OTS Guardian

(Best Full Face Mask)

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Since the full face mask design is certainly a must-have item for every cold-water diver, the OTS Guardian would be a fine recommendation for them. It helps to keep your face from being frozen as well as breathe out through your nose without clouding up the visor.

Along with excellent vision, the OTS Guardian also includes an ANV valve, allowing divers to inhale and exhale fresh air at the surface. This function gives you the ability to save a great amount of gas in your scuba tank, and thus, you can dive longer.

Another bonus point you can find is that the OTS Guardian offers a mask bag in the purchase. This design enables it to dry more quickly. What’s more, the pack contains a few vents to bring good ventilation, which contributes to preventing the mask from mildew.

Key Features:

• Low-profile visor
• ABV valve
• Unisex design
• Integrated with a mask bag
• A double seal
• Equalizing Kit
• A detachable second stage regulator
• Adjustable head straps

Product Specifications:

Check out this wholesome video of the OTS Guardian Full Face Mask and see how to use it properly and effectively.

4. Tusa M-1003 Freedom Elite

(Best for Beards and Mustaches)

See the Price on Amazon

Ultimate comfort is the top priority of the Tusa M-1003 Freedom Elite’s manufacturer. Hence, the mask is constructed by using lots of excellent materials and cutting-edge production technology.

Having a low-friction silicone skirt combined with a double feathered system, the Tusa Freedom Elite can create an excellent watertight seal. This helps to prevent leakage, which contributes to reducing water pressure in case you go deeper.

Nevertheless, when you wear the mask with a scuba tank, the regulator mouthpiece can make your nose pocket unbalanced and cause discomfort. Therefore, the Tusa producer integrated the model with 3D straps to solve this problem. Thus, it can fit flawlessly varied head sizes.

More impressive, the Freedom Technology enables you to get a superior fit regardless of your facial shape. In addition, the Tusa Freedom Elite is a travel-friendly option as well.

Its streamlined frame accompanied by the swivel buckle system gives the mask the ability to be rolled up to carry-on size.

Key Features:

• Freedom Technology
• 180° Rotational Buckle System
• Adjustable strap angles
• Low-friction double feathered edge skirt
• Comes with up to 15 color options

Product Specifications:

Watch this video review of the Tusa M-1003 Freedom Elite Scuba Diving Mask for more features and general functions information.

5. Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window

(Best for Beginners)

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For entry-level divers, they can get many benefits from the Scubapro Spectra Dive Mask simplicity. Despite offering an affordable price tag, the model still has a high-grade silicone skirt as fancy items do.

Besides, its dual lenses use tempered glass for their materials, which allows the mask to be durable for long use. Other huge advantages of the Scubapro Spectra are its low-profile volume, two-window design, and eye-catching appearance.

While low volume makes it effortless to clear the mask, twin lenses will provide you with a broader field of vision. This means that you can look down your feet as well as see all the underwater motions around you easily, which you can’t do with single-lens items.

What’s more, the Scubapro Spectra also comes with eight color options, resulting in your freedom to choose a favorite style mask.

See Also: 15 Best Dive Computers Picks for Beginners

Key Features:

• Two-lens design
• Tempered glass windows
• Swivel buckles
• Mirrored lens option
• Nose pocket

Product Specifications:

Get to see the Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window Dive Mask in action in the video below.

6. Scubapro Synergy 2 TruFit Mirrored Single Lens

(Best for Small Faces)

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TrueFit Technology makes the Scubapro Synergy overwhelming other models on this list by its perfect fit. Since the mask is particularly designed to bring divers premium comfort, it includes silicone layers with different thicknesses distributed among its several parts.

For example, the face area is thinner to offer you a soft feeling. Meanwhile, the outer skirt is thicker to ensure rigidity and stability. Thanks to this unique and smart design, the Scubapro Synergy can help you achieve higher performance smoothly.

In addition, its low volume makes your eyes closer to the window, enabling you to get a wider view. However, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, the Scubapro Synergy is not your best choice. This is one remarkable downside of the mask that I think needs to be improved soon.

Key Features:

• Trufit Technology
• Framed design
• Ultra-clear single lens

Product Specifications:

The following video will give you detailed information about the wonderful features and capabilities of the Scubapro Synergy 2 TruFit Mirrored Single Lens Mask.

7. Oceanic Shadow Frameless

(Best for Large Faces)

See the Price on Amazon

If you consider purchasing a scuba mask designed exclusively for large faces, I would suggest you take a look at the Oceanic Shadow. The frameless design will make it more lightweight and compact, whereas a single lens can be folded into a flat shape.

Besides, the Oceanic Shadow comes with a low internal volume to simplify cleaning but still ensure incredible performance at any depth. Additionally, the mask also offers a neoprene strap accompanied by the swivel buckles system to help you get excellent snugness.

Key Features:

• Customizable buckles
• One-window design
• Neoprene straps
• 100% liquid-silicone skirt

Product Specifications:

Learn a few more ways of enjoying your expeditions underwater with the superb Oceanic Shadow Frameless Dive Mask from this Youtube video.

8. Hollis M1 Frameless

(Best for Big Noses)

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The Hollis M1 Frameless is a safe selection for anyone who seeks a model fitting a wide range of facial structures. Although the mask comes with a low volume, it can work well for both large and small faces due to its customizable straps and rotatable buckles.

Additionally, the exhaust and purge valve makes it simple to push water out of the Hollis M1, even when it contains tiny trickles. Thus, clearing the mask is just an effortless task.

Visibility is a leading concern for divers of any level. Fortunately, this is a notable advantage of the Hollis M1. This mask includes the finest lens that increases your vision and reduces light distortion. That’s why it can be highly visible in low light conditions.

Check out the 12 Best Scuba Lights here.

Moreover, the frameless feature of the Hollis M1 facilitates traveling as well. This design enables the mask to be folded into a flat shape, and thereby, it is compact enough for you to store in a suitcase.

Key Features:

• Saint-Gobain Diamant crystal lens
• A purge valve on the bottom
• Rotatable buckles
• Frameless foldable design

Product Specifications:

Watch this video review of the Hollis M1 Frameless Scuba Dive Mask and learn the way to achieve higher performance.

9. Atomic Venom Frameless

(Best for Facial Hair)

See the Price on Amazon

If you’re looking for a specialized scuba mask for those with facial hair, you should give this Atomic Venom a try. The new model is an upgraded version of its predecessor – the Atomic Aquatics Venom, which makes it suitable for numerous face shapes.

In terms of comfort, the Atomic Venom offers you exclusive “Gummi Bear UltraSoft” silicone material.

Besides, its skirt is integrated with an internal frame, giving the mask more rigidity and stability. Thanks to that, the Atomic Venom can bring you stunning performance in whichever dive environments you will use.

One bonus point you can find in this mask is its top-quality window. This single lens is made from the Schott SuperWhite UltraClear glass. Hence, it is simple to provide you with excellent clarity underwater.

Key Features:

• Panoramic view
• Swivel buckles
• Gummi Bear UltraSoft silicone skirt
• Schott SuperWhite UltraClear glass lens
• An internal frame included

Product Specifications:

Here is a video review of the Atomic Venom Frameless Mask. Watch it and see for yourself how efficient it works.

10. Cressi Panoramic

(Best With Purge Valve)

See the Price on Amazon

The Cressi Panoramic is indeed a money-saving investment since it is particularly designed to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving amazingly. The mask is a perfect combination of ultimate comfort, high durability, and convenient visibility.

It comes with a rugged polycarbonate frame and a high-quality silicone skirt to ensure high performance in different dive conditions. In addition, a built-in mouthpiece brings an ultra-soft feeling and helps reduce your fatigue during a long dive.

The Cressi Panoramic’s medium volume means that it can support various face shapes. Additionally, its purge valve allows for clearing the mask effortlessly as well. Notably, the 44-lens design provides a panoramic view, enabling you to easily see all the motions around you.

Furthermore, the mask also offers multiple skirt colors, making it outstanding to identify from distances.

Key Features:

• Polycarbonate frame
• Double feathered edge skirt
• 4-lens design
• Medium internal volume
• Anti-splash snorkel
• Silicone mouthpiece
• Bottom purge valve

Product Specifications:

Watch this video review of the fantastic Cressi Panoramic Scuba Mask and see if it can be the ideal gear that you are looking for.

11. Cressi Big Eyes Evolution

(Best Value for the Money)

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Seasoned divers highly recommend the Cressi Big Eyes Evolution because of its magnificent capabilities as a high-end model does.

First of all, the mask provides you with a two-window design that features teardrop-shaped lenses. This helps to facilitate your downward visibility. Accordingly, it is simple for you to check critical information shown on your dive computer.

For example, you can check the dive time or remaining air time whenever you want, and from that, your safety is always in control. Besides, the Cressi Big Eyes Evolution’s design also makes it resist discoloration and fogging, thereby offering divers an excellent field of view.

Key Features:

• Double injection technology
• Teardrop lenses
• The Integrated Dual Frame design
• Soft nose pocket
• Crystal silicone skirt

Product Specifications:

Check out this Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Dive Mask video for more information on its benefits and usage.

12. Aqua Lung Atlantis Single Lens

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The Aqua Lung Atlantics Single Lens Dive Mask, which features classic design and surpassing functionality, is considered a great selection for beginners not to skip. Because it is equipped with a high volume, it can fit a variety of face shapes and sizes.

In addition, the mask includes a single lens made from tempered glass. This type of material is not only long-lasting for many years to use but also shatterproof to bring you extra safety.

Different from normal cheap scuba masks on the market today, the Aqua Lung Atlantics offers divers its high-grade silicone skirt. This enables it to create a watertight bond as well as prevent water leakage.

However, the mask still has one significant limitation on its color option. It’s only available in black, making it attractive to women’s eyes.

Key Features:

• Shatterproof single lens
• Simple design
• Nose pocket

Product Specifications:

To see the Aqua Lung Atlantis Single Lens Dive Mask’s appealing appearance in action, as well as learn how to put it on when you are below the surface, watch this Youtube review.

Choosing the Right Scuba Diving Mask

Whether you intend to purchase scuba masks from the local store or online websites, your shopping time would be prolonged unless you already have a targeted item in mind. Therefore, you need to have specific standards and factors to see if one model is suitable.

Below are some of my suggestions that will help you make an exact final choice.

1. Fit

It is highly recommended to choose a scuba mask with an exquisite fit. Suppose the mask moves up and down or slides around when you breathe, meaning that it’s too loose. Hence, it will leak and flood underwater, creating stress for you to dive.

Correspondingly, if the scuba mask is too tight, it will make your face painful because of being squeezed by water pressure. Moreover, you are likely to encounter headaches since the mask’s window can press against the bridge of your nose or forehead.

2. Volume

The volume of a scuba mask tells you the available air space inside it. This internal airspace determines how troublesome the mask is to clear and how close it sits to your face.

Therefore, if you dislike cleaning your mask regularly, a low-volume model will be your best choice. That’s because its simple design enables you to easily push trickles out plus offer a wider field of vision.

However, because the windows are closer to divers’ faces, low-volume masks may cause discomfort to wear. Besides, they are hard to fit snugly for people with narrow faces.

3. Windows

The scuba mask’ windows often come with two primary styles, including single and dual lenses. In which, one-window design is particularly found on frameless models.

These masks are usually more lightweight and compact because they can offer flat shapes to be stored perfectly in a scuba BCD‘s pocket. Thanks to the travel-friendly design, the single-lens item is a great option for divers passionate about traveling.

Read on: The 10 Best Travel BCDs in 2023

Nevertheless, some common downsides of one-window masks are the hard-to-clear feature, not ideal for narrow faces, and can’t be used with corrective lenses. Thus, twin-window models are constructed to solve these problems.

Although they look bulkier at first glance, they provide teardrop-shaped lenses, giving you better “look down” vision. This means that you can read the information presented on your dive watch with great ease.

Furthermore, two-window masks are simple to clean, conveniently fit various face shapes and prescription lenses.

4. Straps

Straps keep your scuba mask secure and stay in place when you dive. They are often adjustable, allowing divers to tighten or loosen the mask effortlessly. The manufacturer usually creates them with sturdy and reliable ability, giving it high durability for a long time.

One of the most popular materials used is soft neoprene, making the mask strap more comfortable to wear.

5. Skirt

Skirt color and skirt seal are two major concerns you need to consider before purchasing a scuba mask. Different skirt colors decide differently how much light enters your equipment during a dive.

A clear silicone skirt lets more light in, giving you better peripheral vision, but is more prone to cause distracting visual distortions underwater. In contrast, a black mask skirt allows less light in and thereby improves your vision underwater. However, this isn’t a preferred style for beginners.

Luckily, some lighter colors like pink, white, and yellow are available on the scuba mask market. These vivid options make it easier to identify from distances and even in low light conditions.

A silicone skirt seal, sometimes combined with a double feathered system to create a watertight bond, prevents your scuba mask from slipping. Thanks to that, you don’t need to worry about losing your tool accidentally.

Features Explained

Some technical terms here may be the first time you hear if you are a new diver, and their unfamiliarity may confuse you. Hence, I wrote down the following section to clarify your doubts. Let’s check it out!

Frameless

The frameless scuba masks feature a window attaching directly to its skirt through a versatile silicone seal. Therefore, these masks are much more lightweight, compact, and travel-friendly.

On top of that, they are straightforward to fold into flat dimensions, enabling them to fit well in a BCD pocket. Nevertheless, the most notable drawback of the frameless design is its limited suitable face shapes.

Teardrop lenses

Teardrop lenses remove limitations in your vision. In particular, they allow you to look down toward your body while diving.

This feature is so useful in helping you read the information on the depth gauge, adjust the BCD’s straps and buckles, and unload weight pockets rapidly under emergencies.

Besides, it offers a clear view of your feet, enabling you to adjust your position to dive comfortably. Moreover, it helps to control your buoyancy as well.

Wide field of vision

A single-window scuba mask provides you with a broader vision compared to its counterpart-the double-window one. It also allows you to expand your peripheral vision and see all the motions around you when below the surface.

Corrective lens compatible

The teardrop lenses enable the scuba masks to be used with prescription and colored ones. Therefore, in case you are wearing glasses or contact lenses, you will find dual-window models to be fabulous options.

Purge valve

The built-in purge valve helps to push water out of a scuba mask, making it easier to clear your gear.

Is There a Difference Between Scuba and Snorkel Masks?

Snorkel masks are much more wallet-friendly options compared to scuba ones. Some divers regard cheaper models as of poorer quality. However, this is not always true. Each type of mask is exclusively designed for different diving activities.

To help you acutely understand these two forms of masks, I compared them with a few prevalent factors in the following table.

What Makes Up a Scuba Diving Mask?

There are four main parts to construct a scuba mask. Understanding these components will help you use this type of equipment smoothly. In addition, this shows you how to take advantage of your mask for achieving higher performance.

Lens

The lens of a scuba mask is the front window that you look through. It is often made from tempered glass to be long-lasting for many years. This rugged material makes it simple to use under higher water pressure when diving deeper.

Depending on personal preference, you will choose the number of lenses respectively. If you want a super lightweight mask, one-window models are amazing choices. But in case your mask needs to be used with contact lenses, dual-window items can bring you many benefits.

Frame

The scuba mask’s frame is the piece on the front keeping the lens in place. Nowadays, thanks to advanced technology, you can select a model with framed or frameless design. If you travel frequently, frameless styles sound fabulous, thanks to its typically compact feature.

However, in case you want to save a great amount of money spent on scuba mask maintenance, you should definitely go for a framed model.

Skirt

Most scuba masks on the market now use a silicone skirt to create a seal around your face. This helps to prevent water from flooding your tool. That’s why the mask doesn’t slide around your face, thereby improving the comfort to dive all day.

Straps and buckles

The mask strap is usually made from neoprene or silicone materials, which feels super-soft against your skin. It is designed to be self-adjustable, maximizing the comfort underwater as well. Meanwhile, buckles are attached to the frame or skirt.

Some high-end scuba masks even offer buckles with the swivel mechanism, allowing you to wear and remove them smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did you miss any important point in the article’s body, or did you come here looking for answers? Here are some frequently asked questions to clear your thoughts. I hope you will find it somewhat helpful.

What Scuba Mask Do Navy Seals Use?

Scuba masks from the Aqua Lung brand are favored choices for Military and Search and Rescue Departments worldwide.

How Much Does a Good Scuba Mask Cost?

The common price range of a scuba mask is from $50 to $200.

Are Full Face Scuba Masks Safe?

Professional divers have used full-face scuba masks for a long time, and they are safe enough when used properly. Nevertheless, their design makes them harder to pull off in emergencies, causing panic for divers, especially novice ones.

Therefore, you should only use them on the surface for recreational diving purposes to guarantee the utmost safety.

How Long Do Scuba Masks Last?

A scuba mask generally lasts from 3 to 5 years if you use it regularly. However, it can last up to 10 years when maintained and cared for delicately.

When Should I Replace My Scuba Mask?

When you find your scuba mask doesn’t adhere to your face on the surface, this means that the skirt seal no longer works well. Thereby, it’s likely time to buy a new model.

Final Thoughts

Scuba masks aid your visibility when below the surface and guarantee a sense of pleasure during a long dive. It is no doubt saying that without them, you won’t have fun diving. And if you still have no idea of your dream model, this section is always ready to help!

The Cressi F1 ranks as the best overall among models reviewed in this article. Owning a handy size, adjustable buckles, and a spacious field of vision are its three main advantages.

Meanwhile, the Kraken Aquatics offers a more budget-friendly option. The prime materials and an optimal comfort skirt are bonus points you can expect from the item with only an economical price tag.

Have you purchased any of the scuba masks on my list? Do you have any questions, remarks, or comments to make? The comments section below is open for whichever one you have.

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