Best Snorkel Masks of 2023

JUMP TO: HOLLIS M1 / CRESSI F1 / WILDHORN OUTFITTERS SEAVIEW / TUSA FREEDOM ELITE HD SNORKEL MASK / AQUA LUNG MICROMASK / SCUBAPRO SYNERGY TWIN TRUFIT / AQUA LUNG TEKNIKA DOUBLE LENS / ATOMIC AQUATICS SUBFRAME / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Rose Martin

The Short Version

The Long Version

Snorkeling is an awesome sport that’s soared in popularity in recent years.

And it’s easy to why – it’s great exercise, it’s fun for all ages, and it gives you a unique insight into the underwater world.

What’s more, you don’t need heaps of complicated, expensive gear – just grab your mask, fins, and snorkel and you’re good to go!

But if you’re after a truly stress-free snorkeling experience then you don’t want any old mask, you want one that’s right for you – trust us, there’s nothing worse than missing that dolphin that swam past you because you were fiddling with your mask!

So, how do you know which mask is right for you?

Well, you need to think about several things, like how often you travel, how experienced you are, and whether you’ll use your mask for other sports (like diving or freediving). And, of course, you need to make sure that it’s a good fit too.

But with so many snorkel masks on the market these days, finding ‘the one’ can be a daunting task. So, to give you a helping hand, we’ve put together this list of the best snorkel masks around.

We’ve included quite a mix so, whether you’re a new to snorkeling or are half fish by now, there should be something for you!

If you love reading this review of the best snorkel masks, then you'll likely love reading some of our other snorkeling and diving related content:

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

One window or two? Framed or frameless? If you find yourself asking these kinds of questions, then be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article.

Best Overall: HOLLIS M1

WINDOWS: 1

FRAME: No

VOLUME: Low

MATERIALS: Silicone, Saint-Gobain DIAMANT glass

SKIRT SEAL: Double feathered (narrow)

COST: $$

PROS: High-quality glass provides great optics, wide field of view, easy to clear, portable

CONS: Slightly expensive

If you’re after a snorkeling mask that does it all, then look no further than the Hollis M1.

This mask offers incredible optics thanks to the high-quality glass used for its construction – not only does it reduce distortion and green tints so you can see the marine world in its true glory, but it also optimizes the transmission of light, which means you’ll get popping colors even when the sky is grey. And, on top of that, you also get an awesome field of view thanks to the single pane and low volume.

Plus, the ultra-soft construction makes equalizing in this mask a walk in the park, so it’s a popular mask among snorkelers who love spending as much time below the water as they do on top of it! Its soft and lightweight nature also makes this mask a great option for those who are lucky enough to travel frequently on their snorkeling endeavors.

This is also a great mask for any folk out there with stubborn stubble that’s hard to keep at bay – the double feathered skirt creates a great seal even on semi-stubbly skin. But not only does the skirt provide an awesome seal, it’s also incredibly comfortable, and those of you without stubble will be amazed by how soft it feels.

Finally, this mask, with its simplistic design and sleek matte finish, is hands-down one of the best-looking snorkeling masks out there – perfect for anyone planning on snapping some underwater selfies!

Unfortunately, this mask does come with an above average price tag, but you can rest assured that it’s worth every penny.

Best for Beginners: CRESSI F1

WINDOWS: 1

FRAME: No

VOLUME: Low

MATERIALS: Silicone, single tempered glass

SKIRT SEAL: Double feathered

COST: $

PROS: Easy to clear and equalize, exceptional value for money, travel-friendly, durable

CONS: Not ideal for large noses, adjusting the strap can be a little tricky

Everything is nice and simple with the Cressi F1 mask! This single-pane mask lacks a frame and is constructed from super supple silicone that offers far more than just incredible comfort.

The soft silicone around the nose area, combined with the low volume of the mask, makes it incredibly easy to equalize and clear the mask, so it’s an awesome choice for snorkeling newbies. On top of that, the small size, ‘squishiness’, and light weight make this an incredibly travel-friendly mask too!

The flexible material, mixed with a double feathered design, means that the skirt will mold to your face shape to form an almost impenetrable seal, so you can say goodbye to pesky leaks. However, those of you with large noses beware – the low internal volume and fairly small nose area might not accommodate you (sorry!).

The mask straps aren’t the easiest to adjust in the water, but the good news is that they hold in place incredibly well. So, once you’ve found the perfect position, you probably won’t have to touch the straps for a few years! And speaking of years, this mask is also incredibly durable, despite being one of the most affordable masks on the market.

Intuitive, travel-friendly, durable, and affordable… what’s not to love?!

WINDOWS: 1

FRAME: N/A

VOLUME: N/A

MATERIALS: Polycarbonate lens and frame, hypoallergenic skirt

COST: $$

PROS: Huge field of view, awesome camera mount, high airflow, can breathe through nose and mouth

CONS: Designed for surface snorkeling only, not very travel-friendly

Fullface masks have taken the marketplace by storm in recent years and, if you’re new to snorkeling (or thinking about switching from a regular to fullface mask), then we definitely recommend the Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180°.

As the name suggests, this mask offers incredible unobstructed views of the marine world thanks to its large window and clear sides. On top of that, the breathing chamber is separated from the eye area and features clever one-way valves, which means that you won’t fog up your mask when you breathe out. Finally, the design of this mask lets you breathe through both your mouth and nose for a truly natural breathing experience.

Another cool feature that we can’t get enough of is the removable camera mount that lets you get some awesome footage without even using your hands. The mask is available in three different sizes (S, M, and L), so you can make sure you get the perfect fit – but remember that these are sturdy masks and larger than regular snorkel masks, which can be a pain if space in your suitcase is tight.

You might have heard tales of fullfaced masks not providing enough fresh air, but fear not – the dual chambers and multiple intake valves of the Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180° ensure awesome airflow and keep CO2 levels within safe limits. On top of that, unlike regular masks, fullface masks have integrated snorkels, and this one is angled just right to reduce water intake even when you’re splashing around.

One thing to bear in mind is that full face snorkels are not designed for snorkeling below the surface of the water (AKA duck diving), which more advanced snorkelers may find frustrating. However, newbies to the sport will love the natural breathing, angled snorkel, panoramic views, and anti-fogging design!

Best for Broad Faces: TUSA FREEDOM ELITE

WINDOWS: 1

FRAME: Yes

VOLUME: Medium (despite large frame)

MATERIALS: Silicone

SKIRT SEAL: Round edge

COST: $$

PROS: Fits broad faces and large noses, highly (and easily) adjustable, doubles up as a great scuba mask

CONS: Not ideal for narrow faces

Struggling to find a mask that fits your broad face or large nose? Well, we have good news – the TUSA Freedom Elite might just be the perfect mask for you!

This is one generous mask when it comes to overall space, so you won’t find the edge of the mask pressing on the corners of your eyes, obstructing your views, and causing irritating leaks – what a win. The nose pocket itself is nice and spacious too, and the single-pane design reduces pressure around the bridge of the nose, making this a super comfortable mask for people with large noses.

But the comfort doesn’t stop there – the strap buckle can rotate up to 180 degrees, allowing for multiple configurations that accommodate various head shapes. This also means that strap is less likely to snap, and the adjustment system is super easy to use too.

On top of that, the 3D strap itself has been designed to gently hug the back of the head to reduce pressure as well as to prevent annoying slips. Finally, the edge of the silicone skirt itself is rounded to reduce pressure even more and to prevent those annoying mask marks that ruin all your post-snorkel photos!

Oh, and this mask is available in heaps of different colors, which is great if you like to color-coordinate your gear. Although we wouldn’t recommend this mask for anyone with a particularly narrow face (you’ll probably get some leaks), it has plenty to offer snorkelers with larger features!

Best for Duck Dives: AQUA LUNG MICROMASK

WINDOWS: 2

FRAME: Yes

VOLUME: (Very) low

MATERIALS: Shatterproof tempered glass, silicone

SKIRT SEAL: Texture silicone bands (black and clear models available)

COST: $$$

PROS: Super low volume, great field of view, doubles up as an awesome freediving mask

CONS: Expensive, not ideal for broad faces or large noses

The Aqua Lung MicroMask is our top pick for snorkelers that like to dive down and get up close and personal with marine life.

This mask features an extremely compact design (the clue is in the name really!), which minimizes drag as you dive down into the depths. It also has a tiny internal volume, so you can clear it in an instant and you can easily equalize the space inside your mask as the pressure increases with depth.

The low volume also means the mask sits close to your face, offering an unprecedented field of view, making sure that no exciting sightings will pass you by unnoticed. Unsurprisingly, this mask is great for freediving and scuba diving as well as snorkeling, so you won’t have to lug around several masks if you’re into various watersports.

The buckles move at various angles for a truly unique fit, and we love the broad headpiece that keeps your mask snugly in place. The movement of the buckles also makes them less likely to snap or tear in transit... and, speaking of transit, the small overall design makes this a pretty portable mask, despite the frame.

But a word of warning to anyone with a particularly broad face or large nose – this might not be the mask for you. It’s not the widest mask around and you might feel some pressure build up at the bridge of the nose if you have a broad nose.

It’s also a little on the expensive side… but if you don’t have a broad face or large nose, and are after a mask that meets all of your snorkeling, freediving, and even scuba diving needs, then the Aqua Lung MicroMask should be a serious contender!

Best for Comfort: SCUBAPRO SYNERGY TWIN TRUFIT

WINDOWS: 2

FRAME: Yes

VOLUME: Low

MATERIALS: Silicone

SKIRT SEAL: Ribbed

COST: $$$

PROS: Unique skirt designed for comfort, fits most face types, good field of view despite frame

CONS: Expensive, frame limits portability, not ideal for beginners

If comfort is a top priority for you, then you should definitely check out the Scubapro Synergy Twin Trufit mask.

This mask has been constructed with a novel skirt that’s thick and rigid around the frame to provide support, yet it tapers out towards the edges to provide a barely noticeable, super soft, seal. What’s more, thanks to the thinness, this seal easily conforms to the shape of almost any face, and it’s ribbed for added grip so you can say goodbye to leaks!

The buckles attach to the skirt itself (not the frame) for added flexibility and to further increase comfort. Although we like that the buckles fold down completely flat, making this a travel-friendly option (as far as framed masks go), we wish the buckles were a tad easier to operate – we probably wouldn’t recommend this mask for a total beginner.

Having said that, more experienced snorkelers will love how easy it is to equalize using the super squishy nose area, and mask clearing is a breeze too thanks to the low volume. We also absolutely love that this mask is available with mirrored lenses too, so you don’t have to worry about pesky glare ruining your views.

Sadly, this mask comes with a pretty hefty price tag… but if you’re the kind of person that likes an ‘au natural’ feel in the water, then this incredibly comfortable, glare-reducing mask could be right up your street!

Best for Traveling: AQUA LUNG TEKNIKA DOUBLE LENS

WINDOWS: 2

FRAME: Yes

VOLUME: Low

MATERIALS: Silicone, tempered glass

SKIRT SEAL: Natural

COST: $$

PROS: Shock-absorbing frame, nose area is slightly stiff at first, heavy-duty construction, folds flat

CONS: Not the most stylish mask, not as portable as a frameless mask

If you’re after a mask that can survive being knocked around in a suitcase, on a boat, or en route to your favorite snorkel spot, then you’re in luck – the Aqua Lung Teknika Double Lens has to be one of the most durable snorkel masks out there!

The techno-polymer frame has been designed to withstand some serious abuse – not only is the glass anti-shatter but it’s also shock absorbent. Plus, this mask is held together by heavy-duty AISI 304 bolts and screws that are super strong and corrosion-resistant.

We also love how easy the buckles are to use too – in fact, you won’t have any trouble using them even if you’re wearing gloves, so this is an awesome mask for anyone brave enough to snorkel in cooler water. Plus, the buckles hold very well, so once you’ve found your perfect fit, you’ll rarely have to faff around with them in the water.

The nose area is a tad stiff at first, so be careful on your first few duck dives, but this improves with time, so I wouldn’t let it put you off. While this mask might not be as portable as a frameless mask, the skirt and buckles can be folded flat to save you some precious suitcase space.

The design might not be to everyone’s taste (those bolts are a tad intimidating!) but, if you’re after a robust snorkel mask that you can take with you on your adventures for years to come, you won’t be disappointed with the Aqua Lung Teknika Double Lens.

WINDOWS: 2

FRAME: Yes (internal) 

VOLUME: Low

MATERIALS: Ultra-clear glass, silicone

SKIRT SEAL: Molded silicone (black and clear models available)

COST: $$$

PROS: Lifetime warranty, stylish, internal frame minimizes bulk, anti-reflective coating

CONS: Expensive

The Atomic Aquatics Subframe mask is a super stylish snorkel mask available in a huge range of color combos, but that’s not the only reason we love it so much.

The dual windows are covered in an anti-glare coating to protect your eyes from the harsh glare of the sun while you’re looking around for your snorkel buddy at the surface. Plus, by reducing reflections off both sides of the lenses, more light enters the mask, so you’ll get brighter views.

On top of that, unlike traditional masks, the Atomic Subframe boasts an incredibly durable internal frame (AKA the ‘subframe’) that sits below the silicone skirt and provides support while reducing the need for a bulky external frame – what a win. The lenses are held in place by a sturdy steel retainer, so you can rest assured that this is one robust mask overall. And, in the unlikely event you do run into mask troubles, Atomic Aquatics have backed the frame with a lifetime warranty, so you won’t need to buy a replacement any time soon.

Finally, we love that this mask is available in several sizes (regular, medium, and slim), so you can be sure to get the perfect fit. Stylish, protective, and super durable too… the only thing we don’t like about this mask is the price!

BUYING ADVICE FOR SNORKEL MASKS

Fit

First and foremost, you need your snorkel mask to fit you properly. Ideally, it’s best to try on a mask in store, rent one from your local water sports center, or borrow one from a friend before you buy one. But this isn’t always possible and, these days, many of the best masks are only available online. So, here are a few things to keep an eye on when you’re online shopping:

SIZE: It might seem obvious, but the easiest thing to do if your face is particularly broad or narrow is check the dimensions of the mask you’re looking at. Plus, some masks come in various models catered to different sized faces.

NOSE POCKET: If you have a large nose, then make sure the nose pocket of the mask you’re looking at is a decent size – if you’re looking at it and worrying that it’s too small, then it probably is. If you’re really struggling, you could always consider going for a full-faced mask instead.

FRAMES: Masks lacking frames are generally more flexible, which gives them leeway to mold to the shape of your face. If you have a slightly unusually shaped face, then a frameless mask could be the way to go.

Volume

LOW: Low-volume masks have less air inside them than high-volume masks. On the plus side, this makes them super easy to clear (because you don’t need to breathe out as much ‘fresh’ air to expel the air and water inside the mask). They also create less drag because they don’t extend as far from your face – this is why freediving masks are always low volume masks. Also, because the mask sits closer to your face, you generally get a wider field of view with low volume masks compared to high volume masks.

HIGH: High volume masks have more air inside them, so they aren’t as easy to clear (although this is less important for snorkelers than it is for scuba divers), they’ll create more drag when swimming, and your field of view will be slightly reduced compared to a low volume mask because the protruding frame will block some of your view. This protruding frame, however, has made them popular among snorkelers who like some separation between themselves and their gear (reducing the feeling of claustrophobia).

They also make some people feel more protected, and some people even prefer to view the underwater world through a slight border – ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference (and don’t forget, you can always go in the middle with a medium volume mask too).

Windows

ONE: Single-lens masks have just one ‘window’ that stretches across the whole mask. Because the lenses aren’t separated by a center piece, people with prominent brow areas sometimes find these masks more comfortable. Plus, the lack of a center piece leaves your view wide open without obstruction.

TWO: Dual-lens masks feature two windows that are separated at the nose area. If you want a prescription masks, but each eye needs a requires a different prescription, then a dual-lens mask is the only way to go.

THREE OR FOUR: Although not as common as one- and two-window masks, there are some masks out there with three or four windows. The additional windows are found at the side of the mask, and they extend the wearer’s peripheral vision as well as letting more light in. However, they won’t eliminate blind spots completely, and the distortion makes some divers feel uneasy.

FULLFACE: Fullface masks have heaps of advantages over traditional snorkel masks – less of your face gets wet (this might seem odd, but it’s the reason why some beginners prefer them!), you have unobstructed views, you can breathe through your nose, your snorkel won’t fall off, and your make up will even stay put! But they certainly aren’t for everyone. Some people are simply used to traditional masks and don’t like the feel of fullfaced masks.

Plus, fullface masks are heavier, harder to pack, and typically more expensive than ordinary masks. Crucially, you can’t dive below the surface with them either, which is a huge no for many advanced snorkelers. Generally, fullfaced masks are more popular among beginners and nervous snorkelers, but even some advanced snorkelers enjoy using them from time to time, so why not give one a try and see?

Construction

GLASS: Your typical snorkel mask will be constructed from tempered glass, which is designed to absorb shock on impact and is relatively shatter proof. On top of that, some of the more expensive masks use tempered glass with special properties that can reduce distortion and even prevent fogging. Snorkelers spend far more time on the surface of the water than scuba divers, so it’s a good idea to consider lenses with anti-glare coatings to protect your eyes, especially if you’ll be snorkeling in the sunshine.

FRAMED vs FRAMELESS: A key feature of any snorkel mask is whether it’s framed (with the lens sitting in a hard frame) or frameless (with a lens molded straight onto the skirt). Frameless masks sit closer to your face, so you’ll get a better field of view and the volume is lower, so they’re easier to clear. The smaller size also means they create less drag which, combined with either low volume, is why they’re the go-to mask type for freedivers. The lack of a rigid frame also means that they’re light and flexible, so they’re easy to fit into a packed suitcase.

Alternatively, framed masks are sturdier and can be taken apart for cleaning and maintenance. Some people also prefer to have a mask that sits further away from their face, so that they feel less claustrophobic, and this distance can also help with unusual face types. Personally, I’m a big fan of frameless masks, but it really is a matter of personal preference.

SKIRT SEAL: Although all mask skirts (the part that creates a ‘seal’ between your face and the environment) are constructed from silicone, the design varies considerably across different masks. Thinner skirts are generally more comfortable and will mold to the shape of your face more easily, but they’re more prone to tears than thicker skirts. Some modern masks even use dual skirt designs to ensure a solid seal as well as comfort, and others feature fancy textures to ensure your seal doesn’t slip.

Another thing to bear in the mind is the color – clear skirts allow more light in and can boost peripheral vision, but darker skirts reduce glare (so they tend to be popular among photographers).

BUCKLES AND STRAPS: Although most snorkeling takes place in warm waters, some people do decide to don a wetsuit and a weightbelt and snorkel in cooler places. So, if you’ll be using your mask in cold water, you’ll want one with big buckles that can be adjusted easily even with gloves on. Some buckles can even rotate slightly, which aids removal but also accommodates different facial structures.

The buckles on most framed masks now link to the skirt of the mask rather than the frame, so the buckles can be folded pretty much flat against the lens, making framed masks more portable than they used to be.

MORE INFORMATION

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