A dive mask will be one of the first and most important scuba accessories that a diver will invest in, along with a scuba dive suit. After all, your dive would not last long if you don’t have them. But choosing the right mask out of all the best scuba masks on the market can be a difficult and daunting task. With many different styles and designs of masks on the market including the recent introduction of full-face masks.
It is really important that you get the fit of your dive mask right because if you don’t you are very likely to end up with fogging, leaks or worse still mask squeeze issues.
Sometimes finding the perfect fit can be tough but don’t worry, that’s why we’re here to help you on your way with our favorite diving mask picks, and should something better come along then we will update them for you!
Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Masks
Remember, finding what you need is much more important than buying what other divers use or a product with the lowest price tag.
Whether you are a novice or a pro diver looking to upgrade your dive gear, we have put together this list of our top 10 dive masks in order to help you find the best model for you and your face. Along with a beginner’s guide to buying, and some frequently asked questions about masks.
1. ScubaPro Spectra Dive Mask
High Quality & Amazing Performance
Our Review Score
The Scubapro Spectra Dive Mask is a high-end model offering amazing performance. Experienced divers know that ScubaPro is a leading brand in the dive industry and this mask doesn’t disappoint with its great field of vision (FoV) from the two tempered glass lenses.
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We’ve opted for this mirrored, orange design as this has an awesome unique look that is designed with divers in mind and helps avoid surface glare for a better underwater experience. Its durability is unquestionable and just a great buy for any serious diver. Featuring push-button buckles that attach to the mask skirt and are easy to adjust for the ideal fit.
2. Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask
A huge FOV & Very comfortable
Our Review Score
The Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba diving masks are a low-volume diving mask, which sits close to the face, making it much easier to clear water if needed. Featuring a huge lens that provides a large field of view that is great for high-quality vision while scuba diving and snorkeling.
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The buckles rotate 180 degrees and are extremely sturdy. The Tusa M1001 provides an extremely comfortable fit and has a really sleek design, making it one of the best on our list as a great value-for-money scuba mask.
3. ScubaPro Solo Scuba Diving Mask
Great lifetime investment & Amazing fitting
Our Review Score
The ScubaPro Solo Scuba Diving Mask is another great single-lens low volume model brought to you by the leading brand, ScubaPro giving a great underwater panoramic view. It features a brilliant double-sealed silicone skirt that will mold to your face creating not only a watertight seal but an extremely comfortable fit. This scuba mask will probably last a lifetime unless you lose it of course!
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Its durability and sturdy build are of the highest quality and therefore it does come in at a slightly higher price but we would definitely recommend this option for those wanting to invest in their dive gear and have one of the best dive masks there are.
4. Phantom Aquatics Panoramic Diving Mask
Great peripheral Vision & Affordable
Our Review Score
The Phantom Aquatics Panoramic Dive Mask is a three-lens model made from tempered glass and boasts an awesome panoramic style for great peripheral vision out of its one window lens.
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The split-style strap helps to keep an even seal around the face to prevent any leaks. Recommended for its anti-fogging and its easy-to-use buckle system which flexes with facial movement, these diving masks make a great buy for anyone on a budget looking for a wide split strap.
5. Cressi Big Eyes Scuba Mask
Exceptional FOV & High Quality
Our Review Score
Looking to allow more light into your dive experience? We have just the thing! The Cressi Big Eyes Scuba Mask comes with raked lenses that provide an excellent field-of-view and allows a large amount of light into the mask. It features well-designed 2 window inverted teardrop lenses for improved downward visibility.
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The downward view is perfect for easy descents and reef dives where the action is happening below you. This is a great intermediate model, perfect for all kinds of scuba diving and snorkeling. The straps work great with snorkel clips too.
6. Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Dive Mask
High Quality & Frameless design
Our Review Score
The Atomic Aquatics Venom frameless design Mask is another example of getting what you pay for. The sleek frameless design edges more towards the pro side of diving gear and as such this does come with a higher price tag. The frameless design means that this low-volume mask comes with a great FOV.
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This frameless mask has a large button style strap making adjustments easier to achieve, while the small skirt provides comfort and fit that sits closer to your face. It’s perfect for those looking to really invest in their dive gear and allow more light into their masks.
7. COPOZZ No Fog Dual Lens Scuba Dive Mask
Affordable & Stylish
Our Review Score
This COPOZZ option is a low-volume stylish mask that offers a wide field of view for a panoramic view underwater. Featuring tempered glass dual lenses with a wide and high-quality soft silicone that will mold to fit all face shapes.
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The durable and easily adjusted silicone straps allow for a good fit as well as giving the comfort we all want while diving. Overall this is an excellent dive mask that will let you dive with style and at a great price for those who are diving on a budget, lets face it not everyone needs or can afford Pro standard diving accessories.
8. Octomask GoPro Dive Mask
Built-in Camera Mount & Good build quality
Our Review Score
The Octomask GoPro Dive Mask is pretty awesome. Let’s face it, between checking dive computers or holding dive lights, you’ve already got your hands full. Having the option to be hands-free during your dive while capturing some first perspective footage can make a really cool dive video.
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That’s why this type of diving mask builds quality and view, is surprisingly good. With a design style to suit most face shapes, these masks are perfect to be used as snorkeling masks too. A great dive mask for the underwater video creators!
9. Cressi Panoramic Scuba Mask
Wide View & Affordable
Our Review Score
If you’re looking for scuba masks with a great wide view, then the Cressi Panoramic Mask is a perfect choice. Having that peripheral wide vision is really what makes these scuba diving masks part of the top 10 list. The extra lens on each side makes so much difference to your dive experience, it’s a real eye-opener!
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Made from a super-strong polycarbonate frame and comes with a nice mid-range price point, making it really affordable for those on a budget. It’s comfortable on the cheekbones and easily lets light into the mask through the sides. Perfect for getting more views out of your dives and for the right price.
10. Mares I3 Sunrise Panoramic Scuba Mask
Affordable & Good Performance
Our Review Score
The Mares I3 Sunrise Panoramic Scuba Mask is great for people with wide faces that can sometimes find it hard to find diving masks that provide both the comfort and fit they are looking for. The Mares I3 comes with an X-shaped strap which is great for creating an even seal alongside the soft silicone skirt.
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It has a quick-adjust buckle on the strap making it super easy to adjust mid-dive around your face. This is a great balanced mask between both price and performance. We also love the curve design around the air space of the mask itself.
How To Choose The Best Scuba Dive Mask
As a recap, here are our 3 most popular picks:
- High-Quality Mask
- Amazing Performance
- Reputable Brand
- Wide Field of Vision
- Low Vol Mask
- Frameless Design
- Easy-Adjust Buckles
- Single Lens Design
- Affordable
- Unobstructed Field of View
- Improved Downward View
- Inverted Teardrop Lens
Should I buy or rent?
Since scuba dive masks need to fit a divers face size and shape we would always recommend that they buy their own masks if you dive regularly. Not only will give constant comfort and fit without having to keep adjusting the straps but, you will also get used to your own mask and become more relaxed during the dive.
Most dive centers will have rental masks and this can be a good option if you are not a regular recreational scuba diver and only plan to dive when on vacation.
Which is best a single or dual-lens scuba mask?
When looking at the best diving masks available on the market you will need to decide on which kind of lens you want. So which is better we hear you ask, a single or dual-lens scuba mask? Many divers tend to ask the same question, and the answer is, it’s entirely down to personal preference. The most important thing about them is that they are comfortable and a good fit.
Many dual-lens models are low-volume masks, which some divers prefer as the glass is closer to the eyes which can give a better field of view, but generally speaking, there isn’t too much difference between one or two lenses except for personal preference.
If you wear glasses then you may require prescription dive mask lenses, in which case you will be restricted to a dual-lens dive mask. This is because each eye can require a different level of lens correction. If you are looking for the best prescription optical corrective scuba masks, check them out here.
Does lens size matter in a dive mask?
Here, size does matter. The size of a scuba diving mask lens can make a huge difference when diving. For example, if it’s too small, it can cause you to feel claustrophobic as the silicone skirt and frame will restrict the peripheral wide vision.
Panoramic dive masks can help alleviate this problem, however, sometimes you can notice the small seam in the corners where the lenses join, causing some distortion. This isn’t a big problem to most, but, some divers don’t like this effect.
What material is best for a dive mask?
Scuba diving masks are typically made from silicone or rubber. Although rubber may be a cheaper material, it’s important to remember that rubber is not as durable as silicone. For this reason, most high-quality diving goggles are now made from silicone.
The silicone makes the skirt much more flexible and gives the durability needed. It also provides a good seal around your face making leakage minimal and wearing experience heightened.
Also very important is that the lense/s are made of tempered glass for scuba diving as other materials may not be able to cope with the underwater pressure caused when descending and could potentially lead to it breaking and causing an emergency situation.
Which is best a transparent or black skirt?
Ultimately, this decision is a personal preference. A clear silicone skirt will allow for more light and is usually a popular option for beginner divers to prevent the feeling of claustrophobia.
Having a clear skirt can provide an open feeling and more peripheral vision. Whereas, black or opaque dark mask skirts are a better choice for underwater photographers as this tends to reduce glare. The general rule of thumb is that a clear skirt is better for darker waters and a black skirt is better for brighter waters.
What About a Silicone or a Neoprene Strap?
Many divers seem to find that a neoprene mask strap is much more comfortable. If however, you do not have problems with your strap slipping or have no hair a silicone strap is the better option.
FAQs Around Scuba Masks
Not only is a diving mask extremely important it is also a very personal piece of scuba diving equipment, therefore when looking for the best diving and snorkeling mask there are some decisions you must make along with becoming familiar with the components of diving and snorkeling masks.
To help you further in your search for the best masks available on the market today, we have put together and answered some frequently asked questions about scuba masks. Some answers may seem obvious and others are through personal preference.
What is the best scuba mask?
There are many brands and many different models available giving you plenty of options, you need to look carefully for the right one. Remember, it is not necessarily the most expensive mask from the best-known brand that will be right for you.
You need to consider whether you prefer the single large lens or dual-lens mask! The smaller and more enclosed or are you after a panoramic design for a more open view.
The size is very important, the silicone or rubber skirt should provide a close seal to prevent misting or leaks, this can be the most difficult factor to achieve. It is also vital that you get the right level of comfort when diving, especially with regard to how tight it is. Check masks before buying for adjustability.
Ask around your diving friends for recommendations, and take your time looking for the one that fits you best.
How much is a diving mask?
The cost of a diving mask depends upon the type, make, and quality and can vary greatly, although as a guide, you should be able to find a good diving mask for around the $30-$40 mark with both panoramic and standard designs in this price range.
For many divers the advantages of a lightweight mask that comes with the more modern frameless scuba diving mask designs are preferable, however, these can cost more. A top-of-the-range diving mask from a respected brand of this type can cost in excess of $150. Is it worth paying? If you are serious about diving and participate regularly it may make all the difference.
How does a scuba mask work?
Scuba masks are quite a simple item when all is considered. The tempered glass lens/s and cleverly designed ‘skirt’ forms a seal around the eyes and nose creating a pocket of air.
This allows you to not only see clearly but enables you to have better control over the hydrostatic pressure referred to as mask squeeze. A good scuba mask can easily be adjusted for tightness and fit allowing you to equalize and also expel any water.
What is the difference between low and high-volume dive masks?
Mask volume refers to the amount of air space within the mask. They each have their advantages. High volume scuba masks offer a feeling of openness and also help to extend peripheral vision.
They do, however, take that little more effort to clear. Low-volume diving masks, also known as low-profile dive masks, sit closer to your face but can be cleared of water a lot quicker.
Is there a difference between scuba and snorkel masks?
What’s the difference between scuba masks and snorkel masks? There are a few requirements in order for a mask to be suitable for scuba diving.
Scuba diving masks will be made with higher quality materials, built to a higher standard, and are subject to testing. A good example of this is that a dive mask should have strong tempered glass so as to withstand the water pressure.
There are various types of snorkeling masks available on the market. These can range from a full-face snorkel mask that also covers your nose to a mask similar to the diving and snorkeling masks listed above.
How to fit a dive mask
It is extremely important to make sure that diving masks fit properly so that you have enough air space to equalize and prevent water leakage.
In most dive shops and dive centers, a dive representative will be able to help you with techniques for finding the perfect size diving masks, but not everyone has a dive shop nearby and are buying online so if this is your why not pop over and check out our blog on how to fit a snorkel or scuba dive mask correctly.
9 comments
Awesome scuba mask reviews. I have had the Spectra mask for a while now and can’t fault it one bit!
Hey Jamie!
Thanks for the comment and for taking the time to read my scuba mask reviews. I also have this dive mask! It’s one of my favorites.
Happy Diving!
I have been looking for a dive mask for some time now, this list of best scuba mask reviews has helped me reach a decision. I get my Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask next week!
Good for you Denis! Make sure to let us know what you think of it!
Hi Kirsty
Just like most of us I think, I love taking underwater videos of my dive. That’s why I am looking for a dive mask that I can mount my GoPro Hero 7 on. Which mask would you recommend using?
Thanks!
Hi Dave!
Thanks for taking the time to ask your question.
I personally use a GoPro Hero 7 when I dive and have used the ScubaPro GoPro mount to attach my GoPro to my Spectra Mask. This is a great mask! What’s good about this GoPro mount is you can use it with most dual lens scuba dive masks without any problems. There is no glue involved, so you can remove it whenever you want to!
I do find that sometimes I am too distracted looking at everything whilst under the water that sometimes my footage is a bit all over the place! lol So more often than not, I use my GoPro pole instead of the head mount. This helps you get better shots too! I’ve written a whole post on the best GoPro accessories, make sure you check it out!
Hope this helps.
Hello! Thanks so much for putting this together.
I’ve been looking for a dive mask for the past couple of months and you’ve really helped me out. I was tied between the Cressi Big Eyes and Spectra, but have decided that the panoramic field of view would be best! Can’t wait to try it out!
Hi kirsty
I have been renting my scuba masks for the past 2 years as I don’t live near the coast and only go away once a year. But since reading your reviews I finally went and bought my own dive mask (the Atomics Aquatics Venom).
BEST DECISION EVER.
Great reviews Kirsty. I am new to scuba diving and have been looking for a dive mask for some time now, your post has really helped me find the right one. Cheers