10 Best Snorkel Masks

It’s midsummer, and it’s no surprise that everybody (and their mother) wants to go for a dip. And one of the best ways to do so is to go snorkeling in the nearest body of water. But as soon as you start looking for a snorkel set, you’ll realize there’s a whole lot more to this leisure sport than grabbing some goggles and jumping in the water. In fact, you don’t want to go with snorkeling goggles at all. Instead, you need a snorkel mask!

Quick Answer: The Best Snorkel Masks

• Best Overall: Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Snorkel Mask
• Best Budget: Greatever G2 Full Face Snorkel Mask
• Best Full-Face: WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V2 Full-Face Snorkel Mask
• Best Frameless: Cressi F1 Frameless Scuba Diving Snorkeling Mask
• Best Anti-Glare/UV: SeaDive Oceanways Superview-HD Dive Mask
• Best for Large Faces: TUSA M-1001 Freedom HD Scuba Diving Mask
• Best for Beards: Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window Dive Mask
• Best for Large Noses: Hollis M1 Frameless Scuba Diving Snorkeling Mask
• Most Comfortable: Atomic Venom Frameless Dive Snorkel Mask
• Best Set: Cressi Panoramic Wide View Mask & Dry Snorkel Kit

How to Choose the Best Snorkel Mask

As soon as you get in front of the snorkel mask options, you’ll realize there is a dizzying amount to choose from. So, let’s get you started on your quest for the best snorkel mask with a breakdown of what to look for:

1. Style

The first step in choosing the best snorkel mask is determining which activity it will be used for as snorkel masks are designed for different underwater activities and typically categorized for snorkeling, scuba diving, or spearfishing. In addition, there are full-face snorkel masks that fall into their own category. The main differences between snorkel masks and diving or spearfishing masks are their durability and cost. Quality scuba diving and spearfishing masks are usually made of higher-quality materials like silicone and tempered glass. But snorkel mask materials can vary quite a bit and may include cheaper, less durable plastic or rubber components.

Full-face snorkel masks are a relatively recent addition to the snorkeling scene. They feature a single pane mask that covers the face from the forehead to below the chin. Full-face masks were created to allow snorkelers to be able to breathe through their nose while wearing a snorkeling mask. The full-face mask is also considered to be more comfortable and convenient because the mask and snorkel are not separate pieces. And, theoretically, a snorkeler should never have to remove the mask after entering the water. For this reason, there is virtually no threat of losing your snorkel or mask from taking it on and off when you use the full-face mask.

2. Fit 

After you’ve decided which style of snorkeling mask you need, the next step is selecting one that fits correctly. First, start by determining what size of snorkel mask you’ll need. Generally, snorkel masks come in sizes from extra-small to extra-large and are designed to account for differences in face shapes. Such adaptations account for common variations like nose size, facial width, cheek fullness, forehead length, and more. Unfortunately, there isn’t an industry standard for these sizing generalizations, so it’s essential to study each brand’s sizing charts and measure your face accordingly before you begin shopping. 

Beyond the sizing, the best way to test the fit of a snorkel mask is by trying it on. First, attach it to your face without the head straps secured in place. You want to feel a good suction but not uncomfortable tightness. Then, inhale and exhale, shake your head around, or even tip your head upside down to ensure that it doesn’t fall off. Testing it like this is a crucial step as the strap is not meant to be used to tighten the mask or make it fit better. The straps are only meant to keep the mask from falling off accidentally. If the mask falls off, slips around, or bumps your nose while testing, you don’t have the correct size. Keep trying different sizes until you find a mask that stays snuggly in place without causing any discomfort.

After you find a mask that passes the first test, put it on again, this time with the straps in place.

Notice how it fits around your nose and ensure there is plenty of air inside the nose pocket. Also, the mask should not be touching or putting pressure on your nose at all. It’s also essential to be able to pinch and release your nose through the mask. Sometimes when you’re snorkeling, you may need to decompress by doing this, so ensure that you can effectively restrict and open your nostrils without any discomfort. 

3. The Skirt 

Next, carefully inspect the skirt of the mask. The skirt is the soft, pliable part on the outer edges of the mask that touches your skin. It’s responsible for providing an effective suction and seal. Skirts are usually either rubber or silicone. Silicone is a better option if you hope to use the mask for a long time, as rubber is more apt to deteriorate over time. Also, opt for the broadest skirt you can find, as the wider the band is, the better the seal will be.

Skirts also come in a couple of different color options, and each of these colors has a specific purpose. The most common colors are clear or black, and occasionally white. Clear masks are designed to let in extra light and are ideal for diving in deep and dark or cloudy water. Black masks have the opposite effect: to reduce glare. They are often better for shallow snorkeling, sunny days, and snorkeling in areas with white sand or white rock seabeds. White skirts have a similar effect as clear skirts and are a top choice for underwater photography.

4. Mask Lens 

Now let’s talk about the mask lens, the glass or plastic viewing part of the snorkeling mask. Choosing a good one is a critical part of choosing the best snorkeling mask. But there are a lot of details to consider. For starters, there are coating options. Just as when you buy prescription glasses, you’ll have to say yes or no to specific add-ons for your mask. These options include anti-fog, vision enhancement, UV protection, reflective coatings, and more.

After that, you’ll have to weigh the differences between single, double, multiple, peripheral, and panoramic lenses. Single lenses are one solid pane of plastic or glass good for maintaining a broad view and accurate depth perception. Double lens masks have a teardrop lens shape that provides an extrawide and extradeep viewing perspective. Double lenses are the preferred lens for snorkelers who wear prescription lenses as it is the easiest lens to have a prescription added to. Many snorkel manufacturers even sell premade prescription snorkel glasses, like premade reading glasses, but designed for snorkeling.

Multiple lens snorkel masks have two small windows on the side of the mask in addition to the primary lens. These are some of the best goggles for snorkeling because they offer the best viewing range and light entry. They are also the best option for snorkelers and divers who feel claustrophobic when wearing a mask. Some snorkel manufacturers have renamed multiple lens masks as panoramic or peripheral lens masks. You will also sometimes see full-face masks listed as panoramic lenses.

While you’re on the hunt for the best mask for snorkeling, you’ll eventually notice snorkel masks marketed as low volume, low profile, or microvolume. These masks are specialty snorkel lenses made with 100-millimeter thickness or less. As a result, they have less air around the eyes and nose pockets because they sit closer to the face than traditional snorkel mask lenses. 

In addition, you will notice that snorkeling masks vary between two types of material: plastic or tempered glass. Basic or cheap snorkeling masks sometimes have plastic lenses. In contrast, most good-quality snorkel masks, scuba diving masks, and spearfishing masks are made with superior materials like tempered glass, resin, or silicone.

Finally, you’ll have to decide if a framed or frameless version should be a part of your snorkel equipment. Framed snorkel masks are naturally more rigid and stable, which makes for a more reliable fit. Frameless snorkel masks are designed to accompany low-profile lenses as they work best with masks that fit closer to the face. The main goal of a frameless mask is to provide a wider field of vision. The lack of a frame also makes them foldable and more portable. Frameless masks are often stowed away as a backup lens just in case a snorkeler’s primary lens is lost or unusable for any reason.

5. Cost

Finally, the cost of a snorkel mask will certainly influence if you’ve found the best snorkeling gear for you. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and big box stores commonly sell super-cheap snorkel masks that can be as little as $10. But good snorkel masks will run a lot more than that and typically cost between $50 to $100, sometimes even more. So, ultimately, how often you snorkel and how serious you are about the sport will influence how much you’re willing to spend on a mask.

Best Snorkel Mask Reviews

Now that you’re armed with all the need-to-know information about buying a snorkel mask, let’s show you the snorkel masks with the best reviews:

Now that you have the lowdown on all the latest snorkel masks available, take your pick and seize the summer out at sea! And don’t forget to check out our list of the best dry snorkels and snorkeling fins to complete your set.