ScubaLab tested and reviewed 14 new single-lens masks for 2025. The test dives were conducted in 72-degree water with air temperatures in the upper 80s at Alexander Springs recreation area in Altoona, Florida.

Head To-Head Testing

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?

Dryness

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

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?

What Makes a Mask “Frameless”?

Just what it sounds like—these types of masks are made by bonding the skirt directly to the lens, so there isn’t a traditional frame holding everything together. These masks offer small internal volumes and wide-open views, and can fold flat for stowage. Their skirts are often stiffer to make up for the lack of structure, which makes fit an even greater concern than usual.

Frameless

Fourth Element

Scout

This mask is available with four different lenses, each designed to optimize vision for different scenarios, such as diving deep, dark shipwrecks or swimming over shallow, sunlit reefs. Its frameless construction offers a low internal volume, solid comfort and an unobstructed view. Divers loved the convenience and comfort of the optional elastic strap—made of 100 percent recycled materials. “Quick on and off and easy adjust,” one tester said. The thin skirt edge is very comfy but stiff enough that it doesn’t always follow the face closely enough for a fully watertight seal. The result is some minor leaking over time, and that clearing water can take more effort than expected. Overwhelmingly picked as a favorite of divers, the Scout is our Testers Choice for frameless masks.

MSRP $92, $127 (with elastic strap)

Contact fourthelement.com

"Field of view like a big-screen TV."

Dive Rite

ES 150

This compact mask had testers divided. The stiff, thinedged skirt was uncomfortable and less than effective for some. Other divers described it as “like it was made for me” and “super dry in all positions.” The resulting scores landed somewhere in the middle, highlighting all-around good performance. The mask scored good for ease of equalizing and clearing, but divers noted that it wasn’t as easy to clear as its low internal volume would suggest. The mask provides a good field of view. Large buttons on the buckles make for easy adjustment, even while wearing gloves.

MSRP $59

Contact diverite.com

"Stays put in high flow."

Fourth Element

Seeker

Compact and stylish, the Seeker impressed with its overall comfort, dryness and field of view. A low-volume design puts the lens extremely close to the eyes for a wide-open natural field of view. The lens is available in two options that optimize either clarity or contrast. “Nice and bright,” is how one diver described the view. The skirt is stiff enough to hold its shape in current, but feels soft and light on the face and provides a reliable watertight seal. “Unobtrusive, like not even wearing a mask,” one diver said. A favorite of testers, the Seeker was a top contender in its category.

MSRP $189

Contact fourthelement.com

"Super comfy. Very dry, even in somersault."

Genesis

Sigma

The Sigma’s frameless design puts its big single lens right up against the eyes for a panoramic field of view in all directions. “Wow!” was one diver’s reaction to the view. The silicone skirt is stiffer and has a thin edge. Setting it just right along the face can take some doing, but results in what one diver described as a “very dry” seal that remains stable and secure, even in current. The mask scored good for clearing and equalizing. Easy-to-adjust buckles feature a swivel and quick-disconnect. Divers liked the Sigma’s good all-around performance and appreciated that it is available in both black and multiple highly visible colors.

MSRP $87

Contact genesisscuba.com

"Feels barely there, and great field of view."

Highland

Dark Water

The Dark Water showed good overall performance. Divers felt that its big rectangular lens provided good clarity and, in the words of one tester, “lets in a lot of light.” It scored very good for field of view. The stiffer, thin-edged skirt scored good for both comfort and dryness but requires some work to set the seal in place for maximum effectiveness. Some divers felt the nose pocket was “perfect,” while others noted some leaking at the bottom edge of the skirt. Streamlined buckles use one large release for easy access and let the mask fold flat for easy stowage in a pocket.

MSRP $99.95

Contact xsscuba.com

"Very nice field of view."

Highland

Outer Limits

This mask’s skirt had a much more forgiving fit compared to other frameless masks in our test, which meant most divers could easily achieve a workable seal. “Dry and comfortable” and “bone dry” were typical comments. It earned a very good score for dryness and volume. It scored good for overall comfort—a few divers noted that they could feel the top of the lens against their brow. The low-volume design puts the ultra-clear lens right up against the eyes for a natural, unobstructed view that test divers loved.

MSRP $99.95

Contact xsscuba.com

"Loved the open view and clarity."

Scubapro

Ghost

The Ghost’s soft silicone skirt allows this mask to conform lightly and comfortably to the face. Some divers noted pressure from the top edge of the lens, but the mask earned a very good score for comfort overall and consistent praise. The effective, watertight seal holds up well in current. It scored very good for dryness and good for ease of clearing/equalizing. Swiveling quick-disconnect buckles make for easy donning and doffing. The compact mask folds flat for use as a backup mask, but it’s equally suitable for primary duty. The Ghost was a favorite of several test divers.

MSRP $87

Contact scubapro.com

"Comfy and so easy to clear."

Sherwood

Mimic

The Mimic’s wide, close-fitting lens provides an expansive view. Described as “super comfortable,” the skirt is equally impressive and earned a very good score for comfort. A few divers experienced minor leaking along the bottom of the skirt but otherwise scored it good for the dryness (the mask is offered in a “slim” version, but we only had the regular size during testing). The low-volume interior is very easy to clear and equalize. Boasting impressive comfort and a wide-open view, the Mimic was a favorite of several testers. It includes seven swappable color frame inserts.

MSRP $81

Contact sherwoodscuba.com

Related Reading: Best Scuba Gear of the Year

"Really liked the bright, clear view."

Single-Lens

Cressi

Liberty

This big mask’s wide skirt didn’t fit all our divers, but those who could wear it counted the Liberty among their favorites. Its supple skirt uses an anatomical fit and a doublefeathered edge for a very comfy and effective seal. “So soft” and “super comfortable and dry” were typical tester comments. Some divers noted slight pressure at the brow or around the nose. The sizable lens gives a great view in all directions, a view further enhanced by a highly effective anti-fog film. The mask’s large internal volume clears readily. Ergonomic strap buckles make for easy adjustment

MSRP $49.95

Contact cressiusa.com

"Excellent vision."

Genesis

Realm

“Feels like it was shaped right to my face,” is how one diver described the Realm’s seemingly custom fit and comfort. Many other divers of varying face shapes and sizes had a similar experience. The supple, face-conforming seal earned very good scores for both comfort and dryness. “Tight seal, no leaks” was typical of comments. The swiveling, lever-style buckles scored good for ease of adjustment and incorporate a quick-disconnect. Field of view is very good, especially side to side. The mask’s watertight skirt and small internal volume result in very easy clearing.

MSRP $92

Contact genesisscuba.com

"Perfect fit. Very dry and soft"

Gull

Luvos

This mask’s specially designed UV380 lens treatment provides enhanced anti-reflective properties and infrared protection while maintaining maximum brightness and clarity. “Really nice [and] clear” one diver said of the view. The silky skirt’s curled lip and grippier finish results in a gentle but firm and effectively dry seal. Test divers’ opinions of the nose pocket varied, but the mask scored very good for comfort overall. Low-profile buckles make for very easy adjustment. The Luvos was a favorite of multiple testers.

MSRP $270 (UV380), $240 (UV420)

Contact gull.kinugawa-net.com

"Skirt is very soft. Nice dry, smooth seal."

SEAC

Appeal

The Appeal is available with or without tinted lenses and in a number of sporty colors fitting the panache of its Italianmade design. Divers also have a choice between a narrow or regular skirt—we only had the regular size available during our test. The supple skirt has a curved edge for enhanced grip and cushioning. The frame can ride the nose bridge somewhat. The mask scored good for overall comfort and fair for dryness. Even divers who felt the mask fit better than average reported some leaking. It scored good for volume. “Clears easily and effortlessly,” one diver said.

MSRP $79, $89 (tinted lens)

CONTACT seacsub.com

"Soft skirt. Easy to equalize."

Tidal

Single Lens Tidal Mask

Testers loved the effortless crystal-clear view provided by this mask’s anti-fog film and appreciated how it complemented the mask’s natural field of view. “I’m obsessed,” one diver admitted. The soft silicone skirt has large sealing surfaces, which resulted in a very comfy, dry fit on all our divers—although some felt it was tight under the nose. The skirt holds its shape well in current. Divers felt the optional lens tint on our sample was a little dark, even during shallow, sunny dives. Scoring very good across the board, this mask was a favorite of test divers. It is our Testers Choice.

MSRP $79

CONTACT proshotcase.com

"Comfy, with a good field of view"

TUSA

INO

The Ino is designed for smaller faces, which limited how many divers could test this mask. Those who dived it found a lot to love, especially its convenient, comfy elastic strap,which makes for easy adjustment and seamless donning/doffing. The super soft skirt is watertight, even on larger divers, and scored good for comfort and dryness. Field of view is best when worn by smaller divers who can seat the wide lens closer to their eyes. One tester noted that the tiny mask “practically clears itself.” The Ino may be an attractive option for more petite divers in need of a high-quality mask.

MSRP $99

Contact tusa.com

"Small and comfortable."

Seeing Is Believing

Fit is often the deciding factor when choosing a mask, but functional extras and convenient features can transform a good mask into a great one. Here are some to consider.

SIZING Several masks in the test, such as the Sherwood Mimic and Seac Appeal, are offered in multiple sizes. Usually the alternate size is specifically designed for narrower faces, but sometimes models will have a full lineup of sizes to choose from. If you like a mask but the fit seems off, it never hurts to ask if another size is available!

ANTI-FOG No one likes a foggy lens, but sometimes slathering on defog seems like a never-ending battle. Anti-fog films like the ones utilized by the Tidal Sports single lens and Cressi’s Liberty mask provide a fog-free view without needing to add defog or otherwise prep the mask before diving.

SPORT STRAP Traditional silicone straps are notorious for catching on hair. They also require frequent readjustment. Elastic fabric straps, like those found on the Tusa Ino and Fourth Element Scout, are becoming more common. Similar to the straps found on ski goggles, these straps offer comfort and security, and don’t need to be readjusted when taking on and off. They offer a snug, comfy fit and won’t pull on hair.