The best snorkel mask will provide you with a crystal clear view of the underwater world, without ever leaking or fogging. It’ll fit you comfortably and will be rugged enough to take on years’ worth of adventures.
But with so many different shapes, sizes, and designs available, buying a mask for snorkeling can be a little overwhelming.
And that’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you.
Whether you’re buying your first snorkel mask or looking to upgrade your old one, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, you’ll find our in-depth reviews of all the best snorkel masks on the market today.
Want to review some different options?
Below we’ve compared and contrasted all our top picks so keep reading to find your perfect fit!
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Best Mask + Snorkel
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Best Full Face
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Great for Beginners
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Budget Option
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Most Comfortable
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Premium Choice
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$59.95
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$59.99
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$49.95
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$34.95
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$121.99
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$99.00
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FREE Scuba Gear Care Tips
Essential gear care knowledge PLUS tips and tricks for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your scuba gear! Created by dive professionals working in the industry.
FREE Scuba Gear Care Tips
Essential gear care knowledge PLUS tips and tricks for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your scuba gear! Created by dive professionals working in the industry.
- Compact
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Price
- Only comes in black
The Tilos Flex Frameless Foldable Mask and Spiral Snorkel are high-quality, versatile set of snorkeling and diving set that offers a wide range of benefits for anyone looking for a reliable and compact snorkel set. The main advantages of this mask is its compact size, which allows it to easily fit into your pocket or purse, making it convenient to carry with you wherever you go. The frameless design of the mask ensures a comfortable, secure fit that won’t slip or slide around on your face, even during prolonged use. The foldable design of the mask also makes it easy to store and transport, while the high-quality materials used in its construction ensure long-lasting durability and effectiveness.
The innovative snorkel features a unique design that incorporates a spiral-shaped airway. This helps to reduce resistance and makes breathing easier and more efficient. The silicone mouthpiece is soft and comfortable, and the adjustable snorkel keeper allows you to easily attach the snorkel to your mask. The snorkel also features a one-way purge valve that makes it easy to clear water from the airway. The Tilos Spiral Snorkel is a top-quality piece of snorkeling, scuba, or freediving diving gear.
- Super soft silicone create extra comfy fit
- Water-tight seal on almost every face shape
- Low volume gives a wide field of vision
- Exceptional clarity thanks to ultra-clear finish on the lens
- Available in different colors and with mirrored lens
- Push-button swivel buckles for easy adjustment
- Finish on the inside of the lens is easily damaged
- Frame may push the bridge of your nose due to it’s low volume design
- It’s quite expensive (but we think it’s worth it!)
If comfort is your top priority then look no further than the ScubaPro Spectra 2. Despite its simple appearance, this is hands down the most comfortable and clear snorkel mask that you will ever use.
Featuring ScubaPro’s ultra-clear lenses, it also offers unrivaled clarity underwater and you can opt for a mirrored lens for additional glare protection.
Although it’s one of the more expensive options on our list, it’s worth the investment. This is a seriously high-quality and high-performing snorkel mask from one of the most trusted diving brands. And if you take care of it well, this mask will last you for a lifetime of ocean adventures.
- Incredible value for money
- Soft & durable 100% silicone skirt provides a reliable seal
- Great fit on small faces
- 2-year warranty
- Huge variety of colors available
- That we couldn’t really find any downsides!
- Tends to fog a little without the use of an anti-fog solution
When it comes to value for money, the Cressi F1 is the best budget snorkel mask on the market.
Designed and manufactured by one of the world’s leading dive and snorkel gear 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.
It’s ergonomic and easy to use design also makes this a great snorkel mask for beginners. As with all Cressi products, this mask comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Fits almost every face
- Excellent anti-fog properties
- Robust construction built to last
- 2 year warranty
- Available in small for kids / smaller faces
- Not the best periphery vision
- More expensive than the Cressi F1
For beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, we love the Cressi Matrix. There’s a reason that this mask has been one of the most popular among both scuba divers and snorkelers for so many years.
It’s reliable, comfortable, and provides a leak-free fit on just about every face. The inverted teardrop lenses provide superb visibility for a low-volume mask and the anti-fog properties are excellent. And with micrometric adjustable buckles, you can fine-tune the strap for a perfect fit.
It’s an affordable option that will take excellent care of you in the water.
- Effortless breathing experience
- Leakproof without having to pull straps super tight
- Stays perfectly in place once adjusted
- Fog-resistant
- Beautifully clear 180-degree views
- Removable snorkel for travel
- Action gopro mount on top
- Sleek and more stylish design
- Variety of colors available
- Quite bulky for travel
- Quite pricey
- Not suitable for duck diving below the surface
- Looks a little dorky
There’s only one place to look if you’re after a full-face snorkel mask. Wildhorn Outfitters is by far the best and most reliable manufacturer of full-face snorkeling masks.
The Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask is ergonomic, user-friendly, and affordable. With a unique breathing system, it’s arguably the safest and most comfortable full-face snorkel mask on the market.
Given it’s a full face snorkel mask, it’ll also have some of the great vision and field of view out there.
The mask is also 100% GoPro compatible, given the camera mount pieces that come with it. The mask is also super easy to travel with. While it’s not foldable, it’s super easy to remove the top snorkel and condense it.
If you’re looking for more full-face options, take a look at our full rundown of the best full face snorkel masks.
- Superior fit & comfort
- Very wide field of vision in all directions
- Easy to adjust rotational buckle system
- Low volume & easy to clear
- Top quality materials & construction
- May leak a little if not adjusted properly
- Expensive
For those of you with a little more budget to spend, the TUSA M-1001 Freedom mask offers a premium snorkeling experience. Created using TUSA’s patented Freedom Technology, this mask delivers superior fit, comfort, and increased performance.
It is a single-lens snorkel mask with an incredibly wide field of vision. Boasting a 180° rotational buckle system, it can comfortably fit a variety of face sizes while maintaining a low profile. It also features an innovative dimpled silicone skirt with varied thickness, stability ridges, and low-friction surface which creates a soft and supple feeling mask with a dramatically improved seal.
While it’s slightly more expensive than most of our list, it’s still very reasonably priced for such a high-quality and performing mask. And thanks to the 5 position strap angle adjuster, this mask fits perfectly on almost any and every face.
FREE Scuba Gear Care Tips
Essential gear care knowledge PLUS tips and tricks for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your scuba gear! Created by dive professionals working in the industry.
FREE Scuba Gear Care Tips
Essential gear care knowledge PLUS tips and tricks for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your scuba gear! Created by dive professionals working in the industry.
How To Choose The Best Snorkel Mask
Struggling to decide?
Here are the key things to think about when choosing a mask for snorkeling.
Different Types Of Snorkel Masks
You’ve probably realized by now that there are a few different types of masks for snorkeling. Which snorkel mask is best for you is mostly down to your specific needs and personal preferences.
2 Window Snorkel Mask
A 2 window snorkel mask has 2 separate lenses that are held together by a frame. With this type of snorkel mask, the lenses can sit closer to the face which reduces the internal volume. This makes it easier to clear and equalize so it’s a good choice for beginners and freedivers.
2 window snorkel masks are the most common, and often the cheapest as they’re relatively easy to manufacture. Also if you wear glasses, a 2-window snorkel mask is the only type that can be fitted with prescription lenses.
If you choose a 2 window snorkel mask, just make sure that the middle frame doesn’t press on the bridge of your nose or you’ll end up with a headache.
Single Lens Snorkel Mask
Single-lens snorkel masks don’t have a frame running down the middle. These tend to be the most popular among snorkelers and scuba divers because they provide a wide and uninterrupted view. However, they do tend to be a bit more expensive than 2 window masks. They also have a higher internal volume which makes them harder to clear and equalize.
Panoramic Snorkel Mask
Panoramic snorkel masks further increase your field of vision, especially in the periphery, with additional glass panels on each side of the mask. These are ideal for snorkelers who want to see as much as possible.
Although the increased view comes with an increase in internal volume, which means these masks are only really suitable for snorkeling at the surface. If you dive down more than a few feet, the pressure will cause the mask to squeeze.
Full Face Snorkel Mask
A full-face snorkel mask covers the entire face and allows you to breathe naturally through your nose as well as your mouth.
These are a great option for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable using a traditional snorkel mask. But are not suitable for swimming underwater.
One thing to note about a full-face snorkel mask, is that equalizing is very difficult due to not having access to the nose.
Get The Right Fit
The most important thing to look for when choosing a snorkel mask is a proper fit.
If the mask doesn’t fit you properly it won’t be comfortable, it’ll leak, fog up and you’ll have a rather miserable snorkeling experience. The best snorkel mask is the one that fits so perfectly that you forget you even have it on!
A good-fitting snorkel mask should form a comfortable seal without needing to be pulled tight. Remember, it’s the skirt that should create the seal on your face, not the strap. The head strap is simply there to stop the mask from slipping out of place.
Equally, the mask frame shouldn’t dig in or put pressure on any part of your face. You want your nose to sit comfortably within the nose pocket without feeling squished. And you should be able to pinch your nostrils shut so you can equalize if you dive down.
Check out this video for a simple way to check if your new mask fits you properly.
Know Your Needs
As with any piece of scuba or snorkel gear you buy, it’s important to take a moment to think about what you need from your snorkel mask, and what exactly you plan to use it for.
Do you just want a mask for snorkeling, or are you do you want to use it for freediving or scuba diving as well? Are you after a wide, panoramic view or a slim, low profile design? These aren’t always mutually exclusive, but it’s good to sort your priorities from the get-go. Otherwise, you’ll waste a ton of time looking at snorkel masks that don’t actually fit your needs.
What kinds of snorkeling masks do you find most comfortable? Are you experienced, or a total beginner? Answering all these questions upfront will help you narrow down your options and quickly choose between our recommendations.
If you want to go freediving in your mask, or enjoy diving down more than a few feet then opt for a low volume design. If the mask has a large internal volume it’ll be difficult to equalize and will cause an uncomfortable squeeze as you descend.
Key Features To Look For
In addition, to fit, the best snorkel masks will feature some, if not all of these features:
- A flexible and wide silicone skirt that has good contact with your skin will create the best watertight anti-leak seal. Plastic won’t create a good or comfortable seal and rubber becomes brittle and cracks over time. So it’s best to avoid these materials.
- Anti-fog properties on the lens help keep your mask from fogging up.
- Tempered glass: The lenses should be made from tempered glass which is super strong and shatterproof to protect your eyes.
Stick With Reputable Manufacturers
We stress this in all our buying guides, but we think it’s worth mentioning again here. Don’t skimp and go for a cheap, knock-off snorkel mask!
Stick with reputable brands that have proven track records for making high-quality gear. It’s not worth buying something cheap that’ll break quickly and put you at risk.
Set Your Budget
Lastly, decide how much you can and want to spend on your new snorkel mask. They can cost anywhere from $15 to over $100 depending on the brand, features, and materials. You can easily find a good snorkel mask on a budget, but don’t go too cheap. As with most gear, you usually get what you pay for.
Remember you’ll also need to set aside some budget for a snorkel and potentially some fins. If you’re looking for the best deal on snorkeling gear, check out our guide to the best snorkel sets. Buying your snorkel gear as a package is more cost-effective than buying each item individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
It really depends on the conditions, and slightly on your own preference for the color of your snorkel or scuba mask. Masks with a black silicone skirt are preferred by photographers and spearfishers because it helps block out unwanted light that reflects on the inside of the lens and makes it a little trickier to see clearly. A black snorkel mask also helps shade your eyes and reduce glare, which is helpful in tropical locations where the sun is bright and the water is clear.
A clear silicone skirt on a snorkel mask offers a very open and airy feel. A transparent skirt can also help extend the field of view and reduces your blind spots.
In destinations where the water is not as clear, or there is not as much bright sunlight, a clear snorkel mask can be more beneficial than a black one as it allows more light in. Some people can find a black snorkel mask a little claustrophobic and feel much calmer wearing a clear snorkel or scuba mask.
So it really depends on how you feel personally in the snorkel mask. But the basic rule is that black snorkel masks are better in bright water and clear masks in dark water.
To keep it simple, the main difference between a scuba mask and a snorkel mask is that a scuba mask is built to withstand the water pressure at depth for an extended period of time. Whereas a snorkel mask is designed for use at the surface or in very shallow water.
You can always use a scuba diving mask for snorkeling, but not all snorkel masks are suitable for scuba diving. Especially the more basic snorkel masks as their features aren’t designed to perform efficiently at depth. This means they may leak, fog up or, even worse, break when scuba diving.
If you plan to scuba dive and snorkel, then it’s worth investing in a slightly higher-quality mask that can be used for both activities. The majority of the snorkel masks we’ve recommended above can be used for scuba diving as well.
The safest full-face snorkel masks come from reputable brands that have a proper circulation system such as those from Seac, Tribord, and Wildhorn. Our recommendation would be the Seaview 180 V2 from Wildhorn as this model has an advanced air circulation system that ensures there is no CO2 build-up, making this one of the safest full-face masks available.
For more info on the safest options, check out our run-down of the best full-face snorkel masks.
FREE Scuba Gear Care Tips
Essential gear care knowledge PLUS tips and tricks for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your scuba gear! Created by dive professionals working in the industry.
FREE Scuba Gear Care Tips
Essential gear care knowledge PLUS tips and tricks for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your scuba gear! Created by dive professionals working in the industry.
Conclusion
So now you’ve got all the information you need to confidently buy a new snorkel mask. It’s time to make your final choice!
Need a snorkel and fins to go with your new mask on your next underwater adventure?
Take a look at our guide to the best snorkels and the best fins for snorkeling.
Or if you want to save time and money, then check out our reviews of the best snorkel sets.
Have you tried any of these masks? Or do you have a favorite we haven’t listed? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
