The best Scuba Masks in 2024

By Julius
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Hand holding up scuba mask

Finding the best scuba mask for your next dive is super important as it will help you see more clearly underwater! With so many options to pick from, however, this may seem like a daunting task, especially as brands are coming up with new models all the time.

Here is our list of the best scuba masks in 2024 with suggestions for any budget:

  1. Best Overall: Atomic Aquatics Venom
  2. Best frameless mask: Hollis M1
  3. Budget Beast: SEAC Ajna
  4. Best for prescription lenses: Mares X-Vision Chrome Liquid Skin
  5. Best Anti-Fog: Cressi A1
  6. Design Award: Apeks VX1
  7. Best Budget for Small Faces: Cressi F1
  8. Best for Large Faces: TUSA Freedom Elite
  9. Best Integrated Camera Mount: Octomask
  10. Best for Ear Protection: IST ProEar

Below, you find reviews for each of them, as well as all the others we have tested so far.

At the end of the post, we have added a scuba mask buyer’s guide that takes you through what you need to look for, the types available, the materials used, and the pros and cons of each.

Scuba masks are an essential part of your scuba gear and it’s probably the first thing you want to buy!

Wearing a poorly fitting mask underwater is awful…just think about those awful rental masks that keep on flooding and fogging up…no fun! On the other hand, a good mask makes every dive even better by allowing us to enjoy the underwater world to its fullest.

The best scuba masks should fit comfortably on your face, allow for easy equalization, offer a large field of vision, and prevent water leakage while diving.

There are plenty of mask choices on the market in many shapes, sizes, designs, and with different features. This can make it hard – especially for beginners – to find the right one at a decent cost. But no worries, we’ve tried them all so we can compare them here for you.

With strong options available at all price levels, you can either pick from among the top flagships or opt for a solid midrange one with all the features you need at a fraction of the price. We also have super-budget versions that still work great. Our picks for the best scuba masks offer something for everybody, with rankings that reflect both our testing and real-world use, as well as the opinions of other users.

The 10 best scuba masks in 2024

These are the best scuba masks in 2024 for every budget that we have tested so far:

  1. Best Overall: Atomic Aquatics Venom
  2. Best frameless mask: Hollis M1
  3. Budget Beast: SEAC Ajna
  4. Best for prescription lenses: Mares X-Vision Chrome Liquid Skin
  5. Best Anti-Fog: Cressi A1
  6. Design Award: Apeks VX1
  7. Best Budget for Small Faces: Cressi F1
  8. Best for Large Faces: TUSA Freedom Elite
  9. Best Integrated Camera Mount: Octomask
  10. Best for Ear Protection: IST ProEar

Keep reading for our reviews. At the end of this list, you can find all the Scuba Masks we have tested so far!

Atomic Aquatics Venom

Best Overall

One of the best scuba masks ever made that combines amazing build quality with great features.

Pros
  • Large field of vision
  •  Very comfortable
  • Extremely durable
  •  Looks cool
  •  Lifetime frame warranty
Cons
  • Very pricey
Atomic Aquatics Venom

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Atomic Aquatics from Germany has long been known for being THE brand for luxury, high-quality scuba masks and gear.

The Atomic Aquatics Venom doesn’t disappoint and establishes itself as the best scuba mask in 2024 and beyond. I could rave on and on about everything else that I love about this mask, but here are my absolute favorite features:

Design & Fit: Right off the bat, the sleek, modern design of the Venom makes it stand out from its competitors. It follows the new design approach that Atomic has applied to all of its new offerings and I’m personally a big fan.

Beyond the aesthetics, the mask provides a snug fit, adapting well to pretty much any face. The skirt is made from a unique blend of silicone, ensuring maximum comfort even during longer dives.

Lens Clarity: One of the standout features of the Venom is its optical-quality, “UltraClear” lens. It truly lives up to its name and provides a crystal clear view of the underwater world, free from distortions. Its wide field of vision means you won’t miss any of the marine life you’re eager to see.

Build Quality: As mentioned above, Atomic Aquatics is known for its premium quality, and the Venom is no exception. The materials feel durable, ensuring that with proper care, this mask will last for numerous dives. As always, they offer a lifetime warranty against frame breakage!

Price Point: Yes, the Venom might be on the pricier side compared to some other masks, but I think it’s absolutely worth it. The superior build, comfort, and visual clarity make it worth every penny for avid divers.

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a high-quality mask that delivers on both comfort and clarity, the Atomic Aquatics Venom is an excellent choice and the best overall scuba mask in 2024.


Hollis M1

Best Frameless Mask
Hollis M1
4.8 / 5

An amazing frameless mask at a super competitive price point.

Pros
  • Super affordable
  • Very comfortable
  •  Feels great
  •  Frameless (if you like that)
  •  Durable
  • Wide field of vision
Cons
  • Hard to get in some places
  •  Mask strap takes getting used to

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The Hollis M1 is the best frameless scuba mask in 2024 and ticks all the boxes. The only issue is getting your hands on one!

Design & Fit: The minimalist design of the M1 looks nice and feels absolutely great on your face. As with all frameless masks, it sits closer to the face, allowing for a much wider field of vision. The silicone skirt is super comfortable and watertight and I have never heard anyone complain that it didn’t fit their face.

Lens Clarity: Hollis has opted for an ultra-clear, tempered glass lens, which ensures exceptional clarity underwater. Distortions are minimal, making colors and details come out better, even at greater depths (we tried down to 40m / 120ft).

Build Quality: The M1 feels robust in your hands, and this is not by accident. Hollis’ reputation for crafting durable and long-lasting scuba gear shines through and it can withstand even the demands of dive instructors like us.

Price Point: Despite the amazing build quality, the Hollis M1 comes at a reasonable price point. However, they are high in demand so you might have to wait a bit to get yours shipped.

Final Thoughts: The Hollis M1 scuba mask delivers a premium diving experience without a premium price tag like others on this list. If you like the look and feel of frameless scuba masks, the M1 should be among your top choices.


SEAC Ajna

Budget Beast
SEAC Ajna
4.7 / 5

Classic design meets low volume with the SEAC Ajna at an absolute steal!

Pros
  • Competitive price
  • Super durable
  •  3d swivel to easily adjust strap positioning
  •  Shape-retaining silicone
  • Different color options
  •  Comes with travel case
  •  3D swivel buckles
Cons
  • The strap is hard to adjust
  •  If you have a large nose, you might prefer more volume

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SEAC is an established brand in both the scuba gear and freediving community.

Their masks are known for very low volume, making them much smaller and lighter than e.g. Mares or ScubaPro offerings.

Design & Fit: The frameless profile of the SEAC Ajna not only looks sleek but also reduces weight and volume which is great for smaller heads. The high-quality silicone skirt molds effortlessly to different types of faces and fits very snugly.

Lens Clarity: As many others on this list, SEAC has introduced high-clarity lenses in its scuba masks that are so much better than traditional ones. These lenses minimize reflections and distortions and are great for underwater photographers, as well. Just note that it is a single-lense design so it doesn’t allow for replacements.

Build Quality: SEAC has a reputation for delivering robust diving equipment, and the Ajna is no exception. The mask feels sturdy yet flexible and won’t break like some of the cheaper no-name ones. I like it for freediving, spearfishing, and scuba diving in rough environments, so this is very important for me.

Price Point: SEAC products are usually priced somewhere in the middle of the pack, but the SEAC Ajna is an absolute budget beast! It also comes with a low-volume semi-rigid case that will protect your mask in your dive bag.

Final Thoughts: Cool features like a 3D swivel and ultra-low volume make the SEAC AJNA one of our top budget scuba mask in 2024.


Mares X-Vision Chrome Liquid Skin

Best for prescription lenses

Well-made, very affordable, looks cool, and offers a prescription lens option for any eyesight.

Pros
  • Very affordable
  •  Looks good
  •  Prescription lenses available
Cons
  • Large mask volume
  •  Doesn't feel as valuable as others

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The Mares X-Vision series is well-made, very affordable, looks cool, and offers a prescription lens option for any eyesight.

I have sold quite a few of them to students who were looking for prescription lenses and not one has complained.

The Mares X-Vision features a nice 2-lense design and different frame colors are available.

Mares updates the series every other year so the current version might have some minor design tweaks, depending on when you are reading this buying guide.

It’s a low-priced option to others on the list, which only suffers from a rather large mask volume.

If you don’t want to spend more than $100 / €80 on a mask, the Mares X-Vision series might just be the right choice for you.


Cressi A1

Best Anti Fog Mask
Cressi A1
4.5 / 5

The best affordable anti-fog mask that even comes with a color filter for better underwater visibility.

Pros
  • Built-in anti-fog
  • Competitive price point
  •  Classic design
  •  Easy to adjust strap
  •  Includes a yellow filter to bring out colors
Cons
  • A bit wide
  • Limited color options
  • Could be a bit more durable
  •  Nose area a bit narrow

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Cressi is renowned for its affordable scuba gear that’s also a great beginner choice. The Cressi A1 holds true to this reputation and delivers as a great anti-fog scuba mask.

Design & Fit: The Cressi A1 scuba mask is a classic Cressi design that fits great on most faces. It is a bit wider than the product images make you believe so take that into consideration. The only issue I had was that the nose area is a bit narrow for my (admittedly large) nose and that the color options feel somewhat limited.

Lens Clarity: Clear vision and no fogging are the two main selling points for the A1 and Cressi delivers exceptionally. In dozens of dives in medium temperatures, we didn’t have any noticeable fogging. However, in very humid conditions, there is a bit of fogging but that’s to be expected.

Build Quality: Cressi offers quality scuba gear and this mask performs just as well as many others. I do think it could be a bit more durable and wouldn’t explicitly recommend it for tech diving expeditions…but then again…this applies to many other great masks, as well.

Price Point: The Cressi A1 is fairly priced, considering its name and the built-in anti-fog technology. Cheaper models will all suffer from issues this mask doesn’t have and I rate it as a great investment!

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a true anti-fog scuba mask without spending an arm and a leg, the Cressi A1 should be at the very top of your list! It works as advertised and will make you a happy diver.


Apeks VX1

Design Award
Apeks VX1
4.7 / 5

The Apeks VX1 is one of the best-looking and most durable scuba masks you can find.

Pros
  • Amazing design
  •  Many colors available
  • Travel case included
  • Super lightweight
Cons
  • A bit small for some faces
  •  Some quality issues in early models
  •  AquaLung notoriously suffers from supply shortages

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Sigh…the Apeks VX1 is one of those masks that I absolutely LOVE but always recommend with a disclaimer: Aqualung (the brand that owns Apeks) has notoriously bad supply management, meaning it’s often hard to find their products in stock.

That said, I am a huge fan of Apeks products and think they are absolute no-brainers for those who love durable scuba gear.

Design & Fit: The Apeks VX1 features an elegant, frameless design that comes with some super cool color options. Its streamlined appearance reduces drag, and the soft silicone skirt ensures it fits most faces really well. The result is a mask that feels as good as it looks.

Lens Clarity: The VX1 boasts a premium ultra-clear lens that offers a great visual experience, especially if you go for one of the colored lenses.

Build Quality: Apeks is renowned for its dedication to quality, and the VX1 is every bit as good as you’d expect. Every aspect, from the buckle system to the overall construction, speaks to durability and is a (tech) diver’s delight.

Price Point: The Apeks VX1 is on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it. If you like frameless and narrower scuba mask designs, this should be your go-to.

Final Thoughts: I’m in love with the Apeks VX1 scuba mask and if you cherish durability and superb design albeit a bit higher price tag, you will, too!


Cressi F1

Budget Beast for small faces
Cressi F1
4.8 / 5

The best budget frameless mask for smaller faces that also looks super cool!

Pros
  • Amazing design
  •  Many colors available
  • Great for small faces
Cons
  • No case included
  •  Feels a bit less sturdy than desired
  • No prescription option

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Cressi is one of the go-to manufacturers if you want to buy cheap scuba gear that still delivers excellent quality. As such, the Cressi F1 makes our list as the top-budget scuba mask for smaller faces.

Design & Fit: The Cressi F1 looks absolutely gorgeous with its elegant mono-color design with different options. What makes it stand out in our book is that it fits especially well on smaller faces. I also love that it has an all-white option and the silicone skirt is extremely soft.

Lens Clarity: Unlike the Cressi A1, this mask does not have any anti-fog technology integrated so clarity and it isn’t quite as crystal clear as the premium ones out there. Remember though, you can buy Cressi F1s for your entire family and still spend less than on some others on this list.

Build Quality: Cressi builds high-quality products and the F1 is no exception. It feels a bit more squishy than some of the more expensive options, but this is also due to the fact that the mask is frameless.

Price Point: The F1 is dirt cheap. Really. It comes at not even half the price tag of other frameless options on the market and is an amazing bang for your buck!

Final Thoughts: The Cressi F1 is a no-brainer for those looking for a frameless scuba mask on a budget. There is honestly nothing bad to be said about it and I fully recommend it if the frameless design is what you like.


TUSA Freedom Elite

Best for Large Faces

The TUSA Freedom Elite offers a comfortable fit for those with a larger face.

Pros
  • Good for large & small faces
  • Large frame (good for large noses)
  •  3D swivel buckles
  • Super comfortable
Cons
  • Very basic look
  •  No prescription lens option
  •  A bit expensive for the design

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Got a big head? 😀 Then this is the scuba mask you have been looking for all along!

Design & Fit: The TUSA Freedom Elite comes in a modern design that emphasizes comfort and vision, but might be a bit too basic for some divers. Its signature “Freedom technology” offers an enhanced fit, adapting to various facial forms, and makes this one of the most comfortable masks we have tested. This is even truer for those – like myself – who have a pretty large head, face, and/or nose.

Lens Clarity: There a no complaints about the lens clarity and you will find it to be similar to other high-quality scuba masks you have used in the past. However, there are no special lens treatments or UV protection.

Build Quality: TUSA gear is always robust and will withstand all your scuba diving needs. The 3D swivel buckle means less stress on the strap and the Freedom Elite is a solid scuba mask.

Price Point: The Freedom Elite comes at a slightly higher price point than other offerings and is clearly a flagship model. If you suffer from chronic “I can’t find a mask that fits”-syndrome, however, it is well worth the money!

Final Thoughts: If you want a more classic-looking scuba mask that fits phenomenally on any kind of face, the TUSA Freedom Elite is one of your best bets!


Octomask

Best for Integrated Camera Mount
Octomask
4.0 / 5

If you love using a GoPro underwater, the Octomask and its integrated action cam mount could be your best bet!

Pros
  • Includes a GoPro mount
  •  Excellent product support
  • Looks cool
  •  Offers mono- and dual-lens option 
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Product quality a bit hit or miss
  • Rather large volume
  • Not the snuggest fit
  •  Not super great for freediving

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The Octomask is a standout among the competition as it is the only scuba mask on the list currently that includes a built-in action camera mount. That by itself is a super cool feature!

Design & Fit: The standout feature of the Octomask is undeniably its built-in action camera mount, designed for divers who wish to capture their underwater adventures seamlessly. Beyond that the mask is pretty comfortable, in my opinion, and it fit fine during our review. However, there have been a few complaints from other divers that their masks did not seal correctly.

Once you bring this to the attention of their customer support, you will receive a replacement which usually fixes all these issues.

Lens Clarity: The lenses are good and clear and you can also get a dual-lens option if this is more to your liking.

Build Quality: Merging a camera mount with a dive mask demands durability, and the Octomask rises to the challenge. The mount keeps the camera remarkably stable and I never feared my GoPro would fall off.

Price Point: Given its dual functionality as both a scuba mask and a camera mount, the Octomask has an attractive price tag. Counting in that a separate camera mount will cost at least $20-30, I’d say the mask is actually pretty cheap!

Final Thoughts: The Octomask offers a novel approach to underwater photography, bridging the gap between scuba gear and camera equipment. In my eyes, it is a great product for casual divers and snorkelers who want to capture their next dives and are okay with not controlling every camera angle directly underwater.


IST ProEar

Best for Ear Protection

If you have trouble equalizing underwater or keep getting ear infections, this is the definitive mask for you!

Pros
  • Super easy to equalize
  • High quality
  •  Fits comfortably
  • Keeps ears dry
Cons
  • Looks a bit goofy
  • Expensive

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Out of all the scuba masks we review, the IST ProEar is a bit different. Instead of aiming for great design or fancy lenses, it is built with the sole purpose of protecting your ears while diving. And it does an amazing job at that!

Design & Fit: The IST ProEar distinguishes itself with its ear protection chambers, designed to keep ears dry and assist in equalization. Yes, the design is a bit…goofy…but it does exactly what it says on the box. Plus I know several dive instructors and dozens of former students of mine who have come to love it!

The extra ear chambers take a bit of getting used to but after a couple of dives it feels very natural.

Lens Clarity: The IST ProEar is as good a scuba mask as any. And while there is no UV protection or extra sharp crystal xyz technology, it is a great scuba mask.

Build Quality: The mask is great and built like a tank. Even after years of heavy use by our dive guides, our model is still as good as new.

Price Point: Yes, the mask is not exactly cheap and comes in at a relatively high price tag. However, if you factor in the time you lose if you have to go to the doctor after an ear infection or ruptured ear drum…it’s actually very decent. In my opinion, this is almost a medical device and as such priced reasonably.

Final Thoughts: If you suffer from frequent ear pain or infections while diving, snorkeling, or freediving, the IST ProEar is a great option to consider at a reasonable price point!

Other Scuba Masks We Have Reviewed

Here are all the other scuba masks we have reviewed.

Oceanic Shadow

The Oceanic Shadow looks cool and its frameless design offers a wide field of vision while diving.

Pros
  • Wide field of vision
  • Neoprene strap
  • Great fit
  • Super comfortable
  •  Cool color options
Cons
  • No prescription lens options
  • A bit on the smaller side
  • Narrow nose pocket

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Oceanic makes some pretty great scuba gear without the high price tag of others. The Oceanic Shadow follows true and trusted design principles that make it a great and modern-looking scuba mask.

Design & Fit: The frameless design of the Shadow is lightweight, and pragmatic but just works. It provides a reduced profile, aiding in reduced drag and a more streamlined dive. The mask adheres comfortably to a wide array of faces, ensuring a secure fit and eliminating the common concerns of water leaking or mid-dive adjustments.

Lens Clarity: The lenses are really wide and offer great clarity underwater. Unfortunately, there are no UV protection or prescription lens options.

Build Quality: Oceanic gear is always durable and the Shadow mask is no different.

Price Point: The Oceanic Shadow is competitively priced and somewhere in the middle of our list. The added neoprene strap and travel case make it a much better deal, however!

Final Thoughts: For both novice and experienced divers, the Oceanic Shadow scuba mask offers the benefits of frameless mask designs without the super high price of others out there. If you are fine without corrective lenses, it will make a great addition to your scuba gear setup.


Aqualung Reveal X1

The Aqualung Reveal X1 sports some unique features that make it very comfortable, as long as your hair fits in the strap!

Pros
  • Super super lightweight
  • High quality
  • Ribbed nose pocket
  • Large field of vision
Cons
  • Design lacks a bit
  • A bit small
  • Color options a bit bland
  • Split mask strap design makes it hard for divers with ponytails or longer hair

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The Reveal X1 is Aqualung’s intermediate scuba mask offering and combines a classic one-lens design with a comfortable fit.

Design & Fit: Aqualung’s Reveal X1 sports a design that is as functional as it is aesthetically appealing. The mask’s contouring ensures it fits comfortably across a broad spectrum of faces, which, in my experience, works for both smaller and bigger features. However, please be aware that if you sport a ponytail or long hair, you won’t be able to fit your hair through the split mask strap!

Lens Clarity: Visibility is paramount underwater, and the Reveal X1’s lens offers great clarity. It isn’t as good as the Plazma with its panoramic view but it’s still wide enough for most divers.

Build Quality: Like other Aqualung masks, the build quality is great but there were some issues in early models. They are fixed now and I have not had any issues with it, so far.

Price Point: Cheaper than the frameless Plazma, the Reveal X1 scuba mask is an intermediately priced mask that cannot quite be considered cheap…but is also much below the price tags of some more premium options on this list.

Final Thoughts: If you like framed scuba masks and wish to go with a proven big brand, the Aqualung Reveal X1 is a great choice. It is super super lightweight and perfect for travel but won’t win any design awards. A very solid choice!

Atomic Aquatics SubFrame

Instructor's Choice

Premium scuba mask with great looks.

Pros
  • Extremely durable
  •  Looks cool
  •  Lifetime frame warranty
  •  Very comfortable fit
Cons
  • A little narrow
  •  No prescription lens option
Atomic Aquatics SubFrame

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Atomics is a well-known high-tier brand that makes premium equipment that’s generally regarded as top of the line in the scuba diving industry.

The Atomic Aquatics SubFrame is another personal top pick and I use it myself frequently.

It is ultra-comfortable, has low volume, and gives me the maximum amount of vision. Atomics is a well-known high-tier brand that makes premium equipment that’s generally regarded as top-of-the-line in the scuba diving industry.

The mask comes in different colors, however, I stick with my black one all the way. You know…black is the color…

The mask has been with me for the last six years and survived thousands of dives, hundreds of students, and dozens of hits, scratches, bends, and careless throwing into my dive bag. 😃

You can see it in action on a bunch of different photos across the Social Diving website and social media.

The SubFrame mask comes in 1 and 2-lense configurations, so you pick which one you like better.

It also comes with the unique Atomics Aquatics lifetime warranty for the frame which shows the confidence they have in their products.

A drawback is the lack of prescription lens options, however, as I don’t wear glasses I don’t need them anyway.

I can recommend it wholeheartedly, and you like it, too.

If you want a premium scuba mask that looks great, grab the Atomic SubFrame!


AquaLung Plazma

A lightweight, frameless scuba mask that feels great!

Pros
  • Great for small heads
  • Frameless
  •  Lightweight
Cons
  • Some quality issues reported
  •  Aqualung's logistics are notoriously shaky
AquaLung Plazma

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I used to only recommend AquaLung for all equipment pieces until the overall quality started declining. I am happy to say the Aqualung Plazma dive mask is a true exception to this and I like it very much.

The Aqualung Plazma dive mask is a frameless scuba mask and I like it for its lightweight, as well as super comfortable fit.

And it looks really really nice!

It will fit on pretty much any head, both adults and children, so it also makes for a great birthday present for aspiring Junior Open Water Divers.

Besides that, it also looks cool and will definitely stand out among the crowd.


ScubaPro Synergy 2

Perfect sealing of your face that comes at a premium.

Pros
  • Very durable
  •  Good fit
  •  Very tight sealing
  •  Mirror lenses
Cons
  • No prescription option
  • Sometimes too tight for bigger heads

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ScubaPro makes great gear and their masks are well-regarded as some of the best.

The ScubaPro Synergy 2 TruFit dive mask is their best fitting model and you won’t be disappointed.

It is not as cheap as the Mares X-Vision, however, it gives you a truly unique experience.

It will seal your face perfectly, making blowing out your mask underwater almost an unheard occurrence.

It looks suuuuuuper cool and I especially love the mirror lenses that come with it.

The mask is available in 11 colors (you know already that my favorite is the black one) and a large number of dive professionals and recreational divers swear by it.

If you want a great mask that will last you for many years, the Synergy 2 TruFit is your pick!

Scuba Mask Buyer’s Guide

A scuba mask (not goggles!) allows you to see underwater and some models offer the option to put in prescription lenses if necessary. They come in different configurations such as mono and dual-lens, and every diver needs one.

It’s much more hygienic to buy your own mask and will make you feel more comfortable underwater.

Here are some tips and tricks for buying the right scuba mask.

Comfort and good fit are the most important aspects to look out for here. Our general advice concerning scuba masks is:

  • Not too tight
  • Field of vision
  • Don’t press it to your face
  • Tempered glass
  • Loosen the strap
  • Low volume
  • No cheap copies
Hand holding up scuba mask
A good mask fits comfortably while giving you maximum field of vision.

Not too tight

The mask should not be too tight or even hurt your nose or cheeks when wearing it.

Field of vision

If the mask frame is distracting or limiting your field of vision, it is definitely not a good fit.

Don’t press it to your face

Every mask will stay on your face if you press it against it. This is NOT how to check if it fits, though. A good mask will stay on your face and feel comfortable even when you’re just putting it on lightly.

Color matters (sometimes). Many people find dark masks give them more focus on the underwater world around them, while light or transparent ones bring out colors more.

Attention

Tempered glass

It’s important to only use masks for scuba diving that feature tempered glass lenses.
Tempering prevents the glass from splintering when it breaks and instead shatters into granular shards which prevents injuries. It also makes the lenses more durable.
Masks usually have “TEMPERED GLASS” or “T” written on them. If not, check the manual or ask the seller.

Loosen the strap

Most people think you need to tie the strap super tightly to your face on a dive. That’s not the case.

The mask will hold underwater just by the water pressure. The strap actually only matters on the surface when you haven’t put the mask on yet.

Low volume

A smaller volume reduces drag underwater and prevents the mask from getting in your way during a dive. The best masks feel like you’re not even wearing one.

No cheap copies

One last piece of advice…stay away from ultra-cheap Chinese copies of well-known brands. Most likely, they are either not certified for diving, are poorly made, or will break within a few years.

A mask is an essential item of your scuba gear so please don’t try to save a few Euros or Dollars if the quality one is not even that expensive.

A good mask can last you for decades.

How to find the perfect fitting scuba mask

Here is how to find the perfect fit for your scuba diving mask:

  1. Hold the mask against your face gently and without pressure.
  2. Don’t use the strap (see above)
  3. Look up to the ceiling
  4. Take your hands away from the frame
  5. Breathe in through your nose gently

If the mask is a good fit, it will stay on your face with no problems, not lower your field of vision, and feel comfortable without squeezing your cheeks or eyes. It should stay on your face without leaking while you keep inhaling through your nose.

Scuba diver face behind mask blowing bubbles
A good mask will make any dive a lot better!

Best scuba masks for beginners

Are you just starting out and want to find something more beginner and budget-friendly?

Read our guide on finding the best scuba masks for beginners for more suggestions and tips.

Oh, and browse our scuba gear hub if you still need the rest of your equipment!

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