A scuba diving mask is one of the first pieces of scuba gear that divers buy for themselves.
The right scuba diving mask ensures a fog-less diving experience, extra comfort, and most importantly, style points.
Between all the major scuba brands and their multiple product lines, it’s tricky to know the best scuba diving mask to buy.
As a PADI Divemaster working in the South Florida diving industry, I’ve learned what to look for in a scuba diving mask.
I created and condensed my list of the best scuba diving masks down to just five options.
When creating this list, I considered:
- Mask comfort
- Affordability
- Fields of vision
- Style
- Material quality
- Manufacturer reputation
- & More!
I’ve included notes about what each mask is best for, and what type of diver should get it.
Below, we’ll jump straight into our product recommendations and reviews, followed by a scuba mask buying guide and FAQ list at the end.
Sound good?
Table of Contents
Best Scuba Diving Masks
- Best Budget Option: Tilos Titanica
- Luxury Frameless Mask: Tusa Paragon S
- Budget Frameless Mask: Cressi F1
- Most Fog Resistant: Cressi Quantum
- Lowest Volume Mask (Freediving): Tilos Spawn
Best Single Lense Masks
Single-lens masks offer a wider, uninterrupted field of vision. Without a frame bisecting the view, divers and snorkelers have clearer sightlines and better peripheral vision. Many single-lens designs sit closer to the face, which can reduce internal volume and make equalization easier.
Budget Single Lense Mask: Tilos Titanica
- Adult and Junior Sizes
- Lots of Colors options
- Comfortable
- Single Lens
The Tilos Titanica is a single lense scuba diving mask that’s a popular choice for both recreational and professional divers.
The single lense design of the Tilos Titanica provides a large and unobstructed view of the underwater environment. The lenses of the mask are made out tempered glass, which is more resistant to scratches and makes the mask more durable and long-lasting.
The mask is designed with a soft silicone skirt that creates a comfortable and watertight seal against your face. The silicone material is also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. The Tilos Titanica has a low-volume design, which means that it holds less air than traditional masks which makes it easier to clear the mask of water, and reduces the mask weight. The strap is also made of a durable material that won’t easily break or deteriorate over time.
If you ask me, the TUSA Paragon S is the best scuba diving mask on the market. I just don’t recommend it for everyone as it comes in at a pretty steep price point. The reason we placed this mask in our article over its brother (or sister?) the Tusa Paragon, is that I strongly prefer and recommend frameless masks.
Here’s what makes this mask so special:
TUSA’s Anti-Reflective Lens Treatment technology greatly increases a divers visibility by decreasing reflected light, thereby improving clarity, color, and contrast. The mask lense is also extremely durable as it’s made out of three layers of Polycarbonate, Polyurethane (PuRiMaX) and metal. Lastly, the mask has TUSA’s patended mask strap technology, making it fit properly on almost any divers head shape.
- Lense: Single
- Lense Material: Crystalview Glass
- Strap: Silicone
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Skirt Material: Silicone
- Volume: Medium
Cressi F1 Frameless
- Great value for money
- Soft & durable silicone
- Great fit for most faces
- 2-year warranty
- Plenty of color options
- Can be prone to fogging without Anti-Fog
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 with features such as the buckles anchored on so they don’t break off (this is usually a weak point on the mask). This means this mask is exceptionally comfortable and will last a long time even if it takes a beating.
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. My favorite part is the colors as well, it comes in 9 different colors including clear.
Product Specs:
- Lense: Single
- Lense Material: Tempered Glass
- Strap: Silicone
- Sizes: Adult
- Skirt Material: Silicone
- Volume: Low
Beginner Dual Frame: Tusa Freedom CEOS
- Great for beginners
- Can fit many different face shapes
- Super soft silicone skirt
- Great for prescription lenses
- Good for a variety of budgets
- Bridge can sometimes cause discomfort
- Mask strap can cause longer hair to get entangled
This is a great mask for beginners that is accessible to a variety of budgets. The low profile means that you can equalize faster and easier. The field of vision is also thought out well so you can see everything you need and where you are going.
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. If not you can change these lens for different tint as well.
The solid part of the frame comes in different colors and the skirt also comes in 12 different colors this is endless combination.
Product Specs:
- Lense: Dual
- Lense Material: Tempered Glass
- Strap: Quick Adjust Buckle System
- Sizes: Adult
- Skirt Material: Silicone
- Volume: Low
Most Fog Resistant - Cressi Quantum
- Very comfortable
- Innovative anti-fog system
- Multiple colors
- Excess silicone in some places
- Expensive
The Quantum is a top-of-the-line scuba diving mask made by Cressi. It is designed to give you better vision when looking downward with its teardrop lenses so you can see all the little creatures when diving.
This mask has a new feature that should prevent it from fogging. The system of membranes allows air to be channeled out around the eyes and nose. Another feature is that the skirt has a cooling system built in that will help to regulate the temperature so the inside of the mask is the same as the outside.
The Quantum mask is made from rubber, silicone, and plastic weighing only half a pound (.25 kilos). The dual lenses are not treated chemically so be sure to clean the lenses before use.
The buckles swivel system is easy-to-use so you can adjust the strap length quickly. You can choose one from 8 different color combinations to match the rest of your gear.
Product Specs:
- Lense: Dual lense
- Lense Material: Tempered
- Strap: Rubber
- Sizes: Adult
- Skirt Material: Rubber
- Volume: Mid
Best Freediving Mask: Tilos Spawn
While this is a guide to scuba diving masks, and not freediving masks, we wanted to include one option that’s considered a “freediving mask.” If you’re a freediver who occasionally goes scuba diving, and just want to use one mask, then the Tilos Spawn makes a lot of sense.
What makes the Tilos Spawn a great pick for freediving is that it’s extremely low volume, allowing you to use the least amount of air when equalizing.
The mask is designed with comfort in mind, via a soft silicone skirt that molds to your face, providing a comfortable and watertight seal. The tempered glass lenses on the mask provide a clear and unobstructed view of the underwater world.
Lastly, the camo design of the mask and snorkel can help you blend into your surroundings, making it easier to approach fish or other marine life.
Product Specs:
- Lens Material: Shatter Proof Tempered Glass
- Anti-fog Coating: Yes
- Volume: Low
- Strap Material: Silicone
- Color: Camo
- Skirt Material: Silicone
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!
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 comfort, which has a lot to do with 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 and worsen below the surface!
Now, colors may seem solely like 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 (if that is something that bothers you).
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, do remember certain color fade as they go deeper starting with red.
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). The other issue you may run into is that you need a prescription mask. This is a whole other category and you will not have as many choices depending on your prescription. This is a personal preference and you can find both among top-rated dive masks.
Low profile and low volume models are generally regarded as the best scuba masks as they are easy to clear (if you get water inside) 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, and if so congratulations.
If not, don’t be disheartened there are a million other masks out there, 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, and 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 Sizing
There is 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 joining 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.
