The best ScubaMasksin 2023

A scuba mask is arguably the most important part of your scuba gear, apart from tank and regulator.

Wearing a bad mask underwater makes every dive awful, while a good one can make it so much more pleasant.

There are plenty of scuba mask choices on the market, but not all of them are suitable for scuba diving.

The best scuba masks in 2023

These are the best scuba masks in 2023 for every budget.

• Best scuba mask: Atomic Aquatics SubFrame
• Best scuba mask for prescription lenses: Mares X-Vision Chrome Liquid Skin
• Best frameless scuba mask: Aqualung Plazma

Atomic Aquatics SubFrame

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

The Atomic Aquatics SubFrame is my personal top pick as the best scuba mask in 2023 and I use it myself.

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.

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

• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Mares X-Vision Chrome Liquid Skin

Rating: 4.2 / 5.0

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

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.

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

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

ScubaPro Synergy

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

The ScubaPro Synergy 2 TruFit dive mask is my recommendation if you are looking for an outstanding scuba mask that will last you for years to come.

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

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

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

AquaLung Plazma

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

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

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.

• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Buying a scuba mask

Most people start out by picking a scuba mask they like that fits well.

Comfort and good fit are the most important aspects to look out for here.

My general tips concerning scuba masks are:

• Not too tight
• Field of vision
• Don’t press it to your face
• Tempered glass
• Loosen the strap
• Low volume
• No cheap copies

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.

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

Less 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.

Best scuba masks for beginners

Read my guide on the best scuba masks for beginners for more suggestions.