Head-To-Head Testing

How We Test

Test dives were conducted in 72-degree water, with air temperatures in the upper 80s, at Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Altoona, Florida.

ScubaLab test divers evaluated and scored masks for the following factors:

Ease and Security of Adjustments

How simple and effective were the buckles and strap adjustments? Were they easy to adjust? Did they stay in place once adjusted? Did the strap stay where it was placed?

Overall Comfort

Was the skirt pliable and soft? Did the frame or other components rub on the face? Was the nose pocket comfortable when pinching your nose to clear?

Field of View

Both to the sides and up and down, to what degree did the mask frame or skirt block your view? What was your perception of the overall field of view compared to other masks?

Mask Volume

How easy was it to completely clear the mask after intentionally flooding it? Did the nose pocket allow you to easily pinch your nose to equalize?

Dryness

How effectively did the seal and strap system keep out water?

Seac

Chiara

Large, rounded lenses give this mask a distinctive “buglike” appearance. Their elongated shape also provides an open field of vision, especially vertically, and earned a very good score for field of view. Our sample had an optional elastic fabric strap. Some divers noted their misgivings about its security, but overall, testers were very impressed by its grip, comfort and convenience. It holds the mask lightly but securely against the face, offers simple and secure adjustment, and won’t snag on long hair. “Perfect pressure,” is how one diver described the soft skirt combined with the gentle pressure of the strap. Some testers found the mask was more difficult to clear than expected, but that didn’t stop the mask from scoring very good for volume. A favorite of test divers, boasting very good performance, the Chiara is ScubaLab’s Testers Choice for traditional dual-lens masks.

MSRP $87.99

Contact seacsub.com

Comfy, dry and bright view.

Apeks

VX2

This tec-styled mask has a stainless-steel frame and carbon fiber–filled inner frame for rigidity and durability. The heavy-duty frame is surprisingly lightweight and doesn’t affect the mask’s comfort. The skirt uses a mix of matte and glossy silicone for an exceptional fit and outstanding comfort. “Can’t even feel the skirt” and “ fabulous seal” were typical comments. Some divers noted the nose pocket was narrow, but the VX2 still scored very good for comfort. The mask was a favorite of multiple divers, with very good performance across the board.

MSRP $239

Contact us.apeksdiving.com

One of the most comfortable and driest masks [of the test].

Cressi

Naxos

This mask has a series of internal seals around the nose and eyes to redirect warm exhalations away from the lenses and prevent fogging. These specialized channels are effective at minimizing fog but can also cause discomfort if they land too close to the eyes, despite their silky softness. Divers who could use the Naxos were impressed by its very good fit, field of view and watertight seal. “Bone dry, even with a smile” and “never leaked a drop” were typical comments. Divers liked the low-profile pivoting adjustments and scored them very good for ease of use and security.

MSRP $99.95

Contact cressiusa.com

Related Reading: Best New Dive Gear May 2025

Bright, wide view.

Cressi

Prisma

At first glance the Naxos and Prisma look identical. The key distinctions appear to be a change in the Fog Stop membrane surrounding the nose pocket to improve thermoregulation between inside and outside temps, and wider, shorter lenses that are also available with a tinted UV420 treatment. Updates to the nose pocket do appear to have improved the effectiveness of the Fog Stop system. The lenses scored good for field of view but prioritize peripheral vision over verticality. The silky, soft seal appears to be more effective on broader faces compared to the Naxos.

MSRP $99.95

Contact cressiusa.com

Skirt feels seamless and soft against face.

Oceanic

Discovery

Though described as “big” by several divers—especially its nose pocket—this mask appeared to suit larger and smaller faces with equal consistency. Divers who struggled with fit tended to experience leaking at the brows and temples. The mask scored very good for volume and has textured inserts on the frame for a secure grip when clearing. The skirt is very comfy and watertight. Lever-style buckles scored good for ease and security of adjustment. Divers really liked the mask’s “big field of vision,” as one diver described it, and gave it one of the top scores for field of view.

MSRP $75

Contact oceanicworldwide.com

Super comfy and outstanding dryness!

Oceanic

Duo

This mask offers a comfy, effective fit on a wide variety of faces with a good combo of size, view and volume. The stiff skirt can take some effort to seat but provides good dryness once in place. Buckles are streamlined and unobtrusive with ergonomic, accessible releases. Field of view is similar to the Discovery but with a greater emphasis on its broad horizontal viewing angle. The stiff yet comfy skirt and average internal volume make for easy clearing and equalizing. Boasting impressive overall performance despite an inexpensive price tag, the Duo is our Best Buy.

MSRP $65

Contact oceanicworldwide.com

Really wide field of view.

Seac

Symbol

Scoring good and very good scores overall, this mask provided a workable fit for most of our divers. The wide skirt sits the large lenses close to the diver’s eyes for an exceptionally wide field of vision. “Wide open field of view in all directions,” one diver commented. Some testers felt that the center of the frame rubbed their forehead or nose bridge. Beyond that minor pain point, the mask scored very good for overall comfort. The wide-ranging, comfy fit scored good for dryness and volume. Swiveling skirt-mounted pinch buckles are streamlined and easy to operate.

MSRP $69

Contact seacsub.com

Really wide field of view.

Tidal

Dual Lens Tidal Mask

A classic-looking design packed with modern conveniences, this mask has a lot to like. Testers especially loved the replaceable anti-fog film on the lenses, which provides a crystal-clear view without defog and with little effort. The skirt is soft against the face but has just enough structure that divers couldn’t feel the frame against their brow. Frame-mounted buckles use flat, flush lever releases and feature a five-position pivot. The mask earned a very good score for equalization and clearing despite its larger looking dimensions. It scored very good for field of view.

MSRP $99

Contact proshotcase.com

Soft skirt, unobtrusive frame and very comfortable.

Tidal

Aluma Pro Tidal Mask

This mask has an advanced aluminum alloy frame for lightweight durability and rigidity. The ergonomic skirt evenly distributes the pressure and was praised for its fit and comfort. It was described by divers as “buttery soft” and “felt like a hug.” The mask’s low internal volume makes for easy clearing and provides a natural view—further enhanced by a highly effective anti-fog film that testers loved. Large counterposed strap releases make for simple adjustment, even with gloves. The Aluma Pro was a favorite of multiple divers, with very good scores across the board.

MSRP $89.99

Contact proshotcase.com

Light. Like I wasn’t wearing a mask.

Cressi

Rombo

This frameless mask has enough rigidity to withstand general dive duty but can also fold in half for easy stowage. The flexible design provided a workable fit for all our divers but also resulted in some minor leaking. It scored good for volume; clearing is easy, but reseating the seal afterward can be tricky. The big lenses sit close to the eyes for a very good field of view. Smaller faced divers may experience e distortion should the mask bend to wrap around their face. The Rombo showed impressive performance across the board and was a favorite of multiple divers. It is our Best Buy.

MSRP $64.50

Contact cressiusa.com

Super dry with solid view.

Fourth Element

Aquanaut

It isn’t surprising that this mask, described as “super comfortable” by multiple divers, earned excellent and very good scores for fit and comfort. Its soft seal was very effective. “Bone dry in all positions. Soft and supple,” one tester said. Its low internal volume combined with a solid, watertight seal results in very easy equalization and clearing. Field of view is also very good. The mask buckles sport large, ergonomic releases for easy, smooth adjustment. A favorite of test divers, with impressive comfort and performance, the Aquanaut is our Testers Choice for low-volume masks.

MSRP $72.52

Contact fourthelement.com

Very comfortable and a good field of view.

I Can See Clearly Now

A foggy mask can sour even the greatest of dives. Here’s how to minimize this common under water headache.

CLEAN New masks are notorious foggers. This is because silicone residue deposited on the lenses during the manufacturing process provides more surface area for condensation (i.e., fog) to form on. Cleaning the lenses with non-whitening, non-gel toothpaste or a special mask cleaning product will help control runaway fogging and can help reduce fog formation on dirty masks and masks that have been sitting in their case for an extended period of time.

PREP Defogging gels and sprays can be applied to the mask lenses before a dive, creating a barrier to prevent condensation from adhering to the glass. Extreme measures include stick-on anti-fog films like those used on Tidal’s masks to provide long-lasting fog relief.

DESIGN Some manufacturers have taken the battle against fog a step further by including anti-fog defenses into the physical design of their products. Cressi’s Fog Stop uses a system of interior sealing surfaces and heat exchanging ribs to stop fog at its source. It redirects warm, moist exhaled air away from the cold lenses and balances the temperature between the inside and outside of the mask.

IST Sports

Hunter

Equipped with a supple yet firm skirt, this mask provided a dry and very comfortable fit. “Soft” was how multiple divers described it. A few divers noted pressure at their brow or nose bridge but scored the mask very good for overall comfort. Skirt-mounted buckles feature large counterposed releases, which scored very good for ease and security of adjustment. The mask scored good for field of view. “Great overall, but a bit limited horizontally,” was how one diver described it. The lenses include an anti-fog film, but test divers were divided as to its effectiveness.

MSRP $89

Contact istdivingsystem.com

Great overall.

Seac

Raptor

An overmolded design gives the Raptor a sleek appearance and low internal volume. It hugs the temples snugly and provided a workable fit for most of our divers—a few did note discomfort or leaking around the nose. The material is soft and light on the face, but stiff. The rigid seal can irritate where it meets the skin but also makes it easier to seat and clear the mask. Wide, pentagon-shaped lenses sit very close to the eyes for a very good field of view described by divers as “terrific” and “wide open.” The mask is very easy to clear and equalize. Buckles score good for adjustment.

MSRP $84.90

Contact seacsub.com

Light and compact.

Tidal

Freediving Tidal Mask

This freediving mask provides a wraparound fit and panoramic vision. The curved plastic lenses can take some getting used to but offer a super wide view and are fitted with an effective anti-fog film. It scored good for field of view. The silky skirt provides a very comfortable fit, with some divers noting a little water entry at the nose pocket. Frame-mounted buckles sit flush with the frame. They are very hydrodynamic, but it can be difficult to access the lever release while wearing gloves. Testers were divided as to the ease of clearing the mask and scored it good for volume.

MSRP $59.99

Contact proshotcase.com

Felt soft and wrapped my face.

How Low Can You Go?

Low-volume masks provide a number of benefits that make them a go-to for many divers. What are they?

LOW EFFORT Because of their low internal volume, these masks take less air to equalize. They also hold less water should you need to flood the mask, making it easy to clear.

LOW PROFILE Smaller and more streamlined than their full-size counterparts, these masks create less drag when swimming fast and are more stable in strong currents. This makes them a great option for divers who want to be as hydrodynamic as possible.

VIEW Generally the closer the lenses are to the diver's eyes, the wider the field of view. With these types of masks, the low internal volume puts the glass right up to the diver’s face for a natural, open field of view. It should be noted that lenses on freediving specific masks tend to be more horizontal and rounded, which limits vertical vision and causes distortion.

Related Reading: Aqualung Announces New Smart Dive Regulator

STOWAGE These masks are more compact than traditional masks, which makes them easier to carry in a pocket as a backup mask. Some, like the Rombo and Ethos, can even fold in half.

DOUBLE DIP Divers who commonly engage in both scuba diving and freediving may enjoy using a single mask for both activities as it requires less gear to haul and provides consistent performance.

Tusa

Lapis

Designed for freediving, this super-low-volume mask has a velvety skirt that hugs the face very closely. Divers described it as “soft and really comfortable.” Despite its small volume and an effective seal, divers struggled to clear water from the mask, scoring it fair for volume. Simple, tiny pinch buckles provide minimal drag and weight for freediving, but are a bit small for gloved hands. Tiny plastic lenses are reminiscent of swim goggles and have curved edges. They can be disorienting but provide wide peripheral vision. Divers really liked the lenses’ anti-fog film.

MSRP $50

Contact tusa.com

Crystal-clear views. Sparkling.

XS Scuba

Ethos

The spearo-oriented Ethos scored good across the board but is an acquired taste. The ultra-compact mask folds in half, which makes it an attractive, lightweight backup mask for the scuba set. The mask has internal cups around the eyes for structure and to keep the lenses on the same plane—divers who couldn’t wear the mask generally didn’t care for where the cups landed on their face. The tiny mask is dry and easy to clear with practice—there isn’t much space to flood in the first place. Field of view is a bit restricted, especially vertically, compared to the others in the test.

MSRP $83

Contact xsscuba.com

Looks a little silly, but really impressed.