Best Scuba Masks 2024 : Tested By Divers!

One of the most important pieces of dive gear is your mask. Without it, you’d be unable to see clearly underwater and everything would be incredibly fuzzy. Unlike our fishy friends, we cannot see through water, only through air, and a mask allows you to do just that.

A dive mask is a deeply personal choice and many experienced divers (like me!) use the same model of a particular mask for decades once they have found the perfect fit and function. Somehow, rental masks just don’t seem to cut it, and I for one, would never go on a dive trip without my mask!

If you’re looking for the best scuba masks, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share some tips on choosing an ideal mask and share with you some of our favorites that we’ve been using for decades, both on the boats and at the dive center!

1. 🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Dive masks are categorized by types such as single, dual, and full face, with top-rated options rigorously tested and endorsed by diving experts for their comfort, ease of use, and clear vision, accommodating a variety of diving needs and preferences.
• When choosing a scuba mask, key considerations include comfort and fit, lens material and quality, skirt seal and color, and mask volume and visibility, all contributing to a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
• Scuba masks are specialized for different types of diving, with recreational, technical, and traveling for diving each having preferred mask types that cater to the unique requirements and conditions typical of these diving categories.

2. 🌟 Top-Rated Scuba Masks: Expert Tested

Selecting the right scuba mask can make all the difference between an awesome dive and an uncomfortable, distracting experience. There’s nothing I hate more than having an ill-fitting mask flood every few minutes or one that hasn’t been defogged right.

Fret not, we’re here to help. Here are some of our favorite masks, tried and tested numerous times over thousands of dives! 

Hollis M1 Frameless Mask

This great all-around scuba mask has a clear lens that provides incredible visibility with a distortion-free view. We love the high volume and frameless design that gives a larger point of view.

The lens has high light transmittance and reduced green tint. A frameless mask is great for those looking for a comfortable fit, and the silicone material feels soft and leak-free. The simple buckle also makes it easier for me to take on and off.

Key Features

Brand: Hollis

Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 3 inches

Material: Silicone

Weight: 0.3 pounds

Framed or frameless: Frameless

Lens type: Single Lens, reduced green tint

Best for: Beginner and experienced divers

Aqua Lung Infinity Scuba Mask

A framed mask that gives you a comfortable low-volume fit. The mask has unique polymer side lenses that open your view and give you a better diving experience. The frame has shock-absorbing techno-polymer material that can stand the wear and tear of saltwater. 

All bolts and screws are made of stainless steel AISI 304, making them durable and corrosion-free for years. I like the low volume which makes it easy for my students to practice mask clearing skills, and this mask is easy to operate even with gloves on. 

Key Features

Brand: Aqua Lung

Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 4 inches

Material: Steel. Stainless steel bolts and screws

Weight: 0.1 pounds

Framed or frameless: Framed

Lens type: Dual Lens

Best for: Beginner and occasional divers

TUSA M-1003 Freedom Elite Scuba Diving Mask

This mask gives you a wide field of view and minimal internal volume for maximum comfort. It’s equipped with a 180-degree rotational buckle system that you can easily put on and take off. There’s a five-position strap angle adjuster, so it’ll fit almost any face.

The Freedom Technology gives you a dimpled skirt for reduced leakage, stability ridges to minimize cheekbone compression and a low friction surface for a softer feeling mask. The only downside is that this mask is a little heavier than most so I don’t take this particular one on dive trips.

Key Features

Brand: TUSA

Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches

Material: Plastic

Weight: 2 pounds

Framed or frameless: Framed

Lens type: Single Lens

Best for: Budget-conscious

Atomic Venom Frameless Mask

A mask with a striking design for divers who want to make a statement with their gears, this mask is made with “Gummi Bear UltraSoft” silicone material for a soft and reliable seal. The lenses are ultraclear, giving you excellent vision and a maximum viewing area that allows 96% of light to go through. I found the skirt material to be a little rigid so it is less comfortable than other frameless masks.

Key Features

Brand: Atomic

Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 4 inches

Material: Nylon

Weight: 0.5 pounds

Framed or frameless: Frameless

Lens type: Single Lens, Ultraclear

Best for: Experienced divers

Mares X-Vision Liquidskin

Ta-da! This is my go-to mask that I have been using for almost 20 years. Mares updates this award-winning mask every year, and this new one has a molded bi-silicone facepiece. I find the fit phenomenal, and Mares is constantly improving their silicone for even more comfort.

A unique selling point for this mask is that they’re available for prescription lenses, so divers with any eyesight can enjoy the view. 

It’s fairly robust and durable for its price and can be your go-to mask for every trip. Some downsides to this mask are its large mask volume and tightness for people needing an extra-large fit.  Because of the large volume, many of my students also find it difficult to clear

Key Features

Brand: Mares

Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 3 inches

Material: Silicone

Weight: 0.41 pounds

Framed or frameless: Frameless

Lens type: Single Lens

Best for: Divers with prescription lenses

Octomask Frameless Dive Mask with Camera Mount

Description

My students who use GoPro’s love this mask. The Octomask dive mask is compatible with all GoPro models, including the newer ones. It’s also very affordable compared to other masks equipped with a mount.

The silicone skirt is extra soft and fits comfortably on your face. The downside to this mask is its large volume and not very snug, so it can be prone to leakage. Just make sure to keep the strap tight to avoid issues. 

Key Features

Brand: Octomask

Dimensions: 5.61 x 7.3 x 2.5 inches

Material: Silicone

Weight: around 0.6 pounds when assembled

Framed or frameless: Frameless

Lens type: Single Lens

Best for: Budget-conscious divers and underwater photographers

Award Winning Sherwood Cruz Mask

This award-winning low-profile and low-volume mask offers a rigid frame for enhanced stability underwater. I often use this particular mask for confined water sessions as students seem to enjoy the ease of clearing and handling.

The skirt is textured for extra friction and will give you a perfect seal. It has Quick Connect swivel buckles that snap directly into the frame for optimum position on your head. It’s also corrective lens compatible, so people with glasses can customize theirs. 

The lenses are made with CE-certified tempered glasses but lack anti-fog treatment and protection from UV rays. They are also very durable, and the ones that we use on our courses seem to last decades, even with rough use. Students can be clumsy!

Key Features

Brand: Sherwood

Dimensions: 8.5 x 4 x 4 inches

Material: Silicone

Weight: 0.7 pounds

Framed or frameless: Frameless

Lens type: Dual Lens

Best for: Beginner and experienced divers

Single Lens Masks

Single lens dive masks offer the following advantages:

• Wide field of view, essential in situations where visibility may be limited
• More streamlined design
• Improved peripheral vision
• More compact design

Dual Lens Masks

Dual lens masks provide a more comfortable fit around the nose bridge and are especially well-suited for individuals needing corrective lenses. Higher volume may be more difficult to clear of water as they have an increased air space. They would suit those that dive deeper or those requiring prescription lenses. 

Full Face Masks

Full-face scuba masks offer enhanced protection and comfort, as they:

• Fully shield the diver’s face from water, creating a barrier against water ingress
• Provide reassurance
• Improve breathing
• Offer a wider field of vision
• Allow the diver to breathe through the nose

However, full-faced masks don’t allow equalization, so you can only use them for snorkeling and not scuba diving. Our dive boat keeps a few of these on hand for non-divers who want to go snorkeling while the other divers are down below.

3. 🤿Key Factors to Consider When Choosing A Scuba Mask

Choosing the right scuba mask goes beyond just picking one that looks good. It’s about finding a mask that fits well, provides a clear view, and meets your specific diving needs. A well-fitting mask will prevent leaks and fogging, ensuring you enjoy a clear view of the underwater world. 

The skirt seal serves a vital function by keeping water out of the mask, ensuring clear vision and enhancing the overall comfort. It is an essential component that ensures divers can maintain a clear line of sight and remain comfortable during their dives.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit are two fundamental elements of a scuba mask. A properly fitting mask prevents leaks and fogging, ensuring you enjoy a clear view of the underwater world. It also reduces the necessity to excessively tighten the strap, which can result in discomfort and potential leaks.

The most commonly utilized material for ensuring comfort and fit is crystal or black silicone, known for its soft and comfortable seal. High-quality silicone skirt seals are essential for a durable and snug fit that contours well to the face.

Lens Material and Quality

The quality of a scuba mask lens is paramount to achieving clear underwater visibility. High-quality lenses are designed to optimize light transmission underwater, enhancing vision even in low-light conditions. Additionally, tinted lenses with color-correcting filters can improve the perception of colors below the water’s surface.

Tempered glass is highly recommended for scuba lenses due to its resistance to breaks and scratches, which enhances safety and durability underwater. This stands in contrast to other materials like polycarbonate, which may not provide the same level of resistance. A tempered glass lens is the ideal choice for scuba divers seeking optimal performance and longevity.

Skirt Seal and Color

The skirt seal is instrumental in establishing a reliable seal around the mask edges, warding off water penetration and securing a snug fit. It’s typically constructed from synthetic rubber or silicone elastomer. Silicone is favored due to its softness, flexibility, and its ability to provide an effective seal to prevent mask leaking.

The color of the skirt seal can have a significant impact on the performance of scuba masks. Many divers prefer black as it eliminates reflection, glare, and light disruption during dives, contributing to better focus and visibility underwater.

Volume and Visibility

The volume of a scuba mask significantly influences visibility. High-volume masks may provide a slightly broader view, but low volume masks place the lenses closer to the eyes, resulting in better peripheral vision and potentially a more immersive viewing experience.

High-volume masks may feel more open, but low volume masks are also easier to clear due to their reduced air space. Therefore, while high-volume masks may feel more open, low volume masks can offer a more responsive and comprehensive field of view.

4. 🌊 Scuba Masks For Those With Beards

My bearded students can sometimes struggle with keeping the water out, especially if they have a full, bushy beard which can prevent the silicone skirt from sealing correctly. Without airtight sealing, water leaks in, and the student ends up fussing with the mask and constantly clearing it throughout the dive.

If you’re looking for the best scuba mask for beards, that’s usually when I break out the Atomic Venoms mentioned above or the Tusa Freedom Elite. Divers with beards should use something with a soft, pliable skirt to fit snugly over the facial hair. Low volume masks are also preferable as they tend to fit more precisely.

If that doesn’t work, silicone grease might help. I get students to apply silicone grease to the parts of the mask skirt that touch facial hair and that might help seal any gaps. A word of caution, don’t use Vaseline or any petroleum-based product as this can weaken silicone.

5. 👓 Scuba Masks For Those With Glasses

For those who wear glasses, the prospect of maintaining a clear underwater view while scuba diving might seem challenging. Fortunately, there are masks designed specifically for glasses wearers. These masks can accommodate corrective lenses or be used with contact lenses for improved underwater visibility.

Individuals who wear glasses have the option to choose diving masks that can accommodate glasses or they may consider prescription masks designed for snorkeling and diving. These corrective lenses are securely attached to the interior of scuba mask and are individually tailored to address nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, thereby improving the visual acuity of divers underwater.

Contact lenses can also be worn safely with scuba masks, offering a viable option for individuals who wear glasses and seek to maintain clear vision underwater.

6. 🖼️ Comparing Frameless and Framed Scuba masks

The choice between frameless and framed scuba masks is another key consideration in the selection of the ideal scuba mask. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice largely depends on your personal preference and diving needs.

Frameless masks feature a glass faceplate molded directly into the mask, while framed masks have a separate frame surrounding the glass.

Advantages of frameless scuba masks include:

• Reduced volume
• Enhanced flexibility
• Decreased weight
• Improved sealing as a result of the mask closely conforming to the diver’s face

However, frameless masks are less durable and more susceptible to scratches.

On the other hand, framed scuba masks offer several advantages, such as:

• Providing a great seal
• Feeling light and comfortable
• Reducing bulk
• Increasing comfort
• Being easily stowed as a backup mask

7. 🛠️ Tips for Proper Scuba Mask Care and Maintenance

Diligent care and maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your mask and guarantee their peak performance. Here are some easy tips to keep your mask in top shape.

When handling your scuba mask, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid any contact with alcohol, oil, gasoline, aerosols, or chemical solvents.
• Avoid exposing any part of the mask to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
• Ensure that the mask is properly centered on your face.
• Cleaning your mask can be done using household items like baby shampoo, dish soap, or toothpaste. However, avoid abrasive toothpaste as it may scratch the lenses.

Lastly, when storing your masks, keep them in a cool and dry environment, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight. Also, keep them separate from other dive equipment to prevent scratches or damage.

8. 📝 Summary

In conclusion, the best scuba mask for you will largely depend on your personal preferences, diving needs, and whether or not you wear glasses. Whether you choose single lens, dual lens, or full-face masks, remember to consider key factors such as comfort, fit, lens quality, skirt seal, and volume. 

Also, proper care and maintenance of your masks can ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Dive in with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the right mask for your underwater adventures!

9. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is a black or clear mask better for scuba diving?

It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and diving conditions. For enhanced visibility and a vibrant underwater experience, a clear mask is recommended, while a black mask may reduce glare and distractions in bright conditions.

What are the benefits of using single lens masks for technical and cave diving?

Using single lens masks for technical and cave diving offers a wide field of view and low volume mask design, making them suitable for situations with limited visibility. 

What are the advantages of using full face scuba masks as opposed to traditional masks?

The advantages of using full face scuba masks include enhanced protection, increased comfort, improved breathing, wider field of vision, and the ability to breathe through the nose, ultimately providing reassurance during diving.

What are the top-rated scuba masks recommended for recreational divers?

The X-Vision LiquidSkin by Mares is a hot favorite with divers of all levels. Other great masks include the Atomic Venom, Hollis M1, and Sherwood Cruz.