There are many different kinds of snorkel masks on the market, and each type has its own reputation.
When those new to snorkeling think of gear, they usually think of a standard goggle and snorkel combo, but that isn’t the only type of gear that can be used.
In recent years, full-face snorkel masks have gained a certain level of fame for both good and bad reasons.
Still, they remain a popular choice for many people due to the ease and simplicity that using them can afford.
This comparison guide looks at the best full face snorkel masks of 2020 and offers a useful buyer’s guide to help you decide which of these masks match your preferences and needs.
Aside from that, it also answers some of the most important questions that people have about full-face snorkel masks and how safe they really are to use.
Best Full Face Snorkel Masks: Brief Reviews
1. Aegend Full-Face Snorkel Mask
The first full-face mask to consider is the affordable Aegend Full-Face Snorkel Mask, which offers an updated design that might be an excellent fit for your needs.
Product Highlights
This full-face snorkel mask from Aegend is specifically designed to ensure that it is as safe and easy to use as possible.
The updates to the mask’s pipe and outlet design allow for higher oxygen levels and lower CO2 concentration while the mask is in use, and this is a significant benefit.
This mask has a dry-top, wave guard design, which ensures that water is kept out when the snorkel is submerged and when it is splashed by passing waves, as well.
The mask has high-quality silicone sides that seal completely to prevent water leaks.
Finally, this mask is also equipped with a removable camera mount.
Thanks to this, it would be easy to mount GoPros and similar action cameras to your mask to get beautiful underwater footage minus the hassle.
The Good
Aegend has taken concerns about full-face snorkel mask safety very seriously, so they updated their designs to ensure that these masks can be used as safely as possible.
The snorkel pipe on this mask is three times wider than most other full-face masks, and there are two separate carbon dioxide outlets to improve breathability.
The Bad
Unfortunately, we find that the fit of this product is not as straightforward as it might seem to be.
It only comes in two sizes, which might not be enough to accommodate many.
Thankfully, most people found that if they simply adjust the straps and properly secure the mask to the face, they won’t have any problems with how it worked or fit.
Pros:
- Clear, 180-degree field of vision
- Anti-fogging design
- Easy breathing
- Increased safety measures
- Three unique colors
Cons:
- Only two sizes available
- Need to learn how to secure it properly
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2. Knit Bonbons Outdoor 180° Panoramic View Snorkel Mask
Next up, we’ll take a closer look at the Knit Bonbons Outdoor 180° Panoramic View Snorkel Mask.
This is an affordable option that includes some unique bonus accessories, giving you more value for your money.
Product Highlights
The Knit Bonbons Outdoor 180° Panoramic View Snorkel Mask is a great affordable option that is available in four adult colors, two kids’ colors, and various sizes for each design type.
The design of this full-face mask offers a 180-degree sea view thanks to the unrestricted field of vision, so you can get a good look at everything around you.
Full-face masks like this one allow for easy breathing without needing to hold onto a mouthpiece.
What’s more, the dry-top snorkel makes breathing easy, even when the snorkel submerges a bit.
Knit Bonbons incorporated a separate breathing chamber to ensure that CO2 is properly released as well as to prevent any fog from building up.
Finally, this mask is easy to put together, too; you simply attach the tube to the mask before you head out to snorkel, and that’s it!
The Good
This full-face mask includes some added accessories that are not very common but very useful.
In particular, this set includes a carrying bag, earplugs, and a screw kit to attach an action camera to your snorkel mask.
With all of these add-ons, you are sure to have the best experience that you can both in and out of the water.
The Bad
Some people have had trouble with this mask sealing properly at the top of their head.
This could be because of a fit problem or because they did not know how to correct this issue.
If you have this problem, it can usually be resolved by washing the silicone edges with dish soap to ensure there is no build-up from the manufacturing process.
Pros:
- Multiple color options for adults and children
- Includes accessories
- Keeps water out
- Action camera ready
- Wide field of vision
Cons:
- Takes time to adjust to using
- Minor leak problems
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3. EAZY2HD Snorkel Mask Full Face
The EAZY2HD Snorkel Mask Full Face is another interesting option at a low price point that might be the right snorkel mask for your needs.
Product Highlights
The EAZY2HD mask is another mask that puts heavy emphasis on breathability.
It has two different snorkels to ensure that air is properly filtered while using the mask.
The mask is available in two different sizes, which should be based on the measurement of your face from the chin to the bridge of your nose.
Fortunately, most people will be able to fit these sizes easily.
EAZY2HD has equipped this mask with a removable action camera mount, and the field of vision is an impressive 180 degrees.
Finally, this mask has a comfortable silicone edge and adjustable straps.
These two things ensure that you can get a snug but comfortable fit as you put the mask on.
The Good
The real standout feature of this mask is the unique two snorkel design that allows air to be inhaled through both sides.
CO2 is then released through the front valves.
This design is very different from most full-face masks, and it offers a different approach to ensuring that you get enough air circulation.
These dual snorkels make breathing much easier.
The Bad
Though the dual-snorkel design is great, it can be awkward and bulky to use because you will have a tube on both sides of your head while using it.
Still, this is easy to adjust to with just a few uses and should not pose a long-term problem.
Pros:
- Dual snorkels for better breathing
- Anti-fog coating
- Unique design
- Multiple sizes available
- Soft silicone sides
Cons:
- Hefty price
- Awkward
- Bulky to pack
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4. Bestlus Full-Face Snorkel Mask
The Bestlus Full-Face Snorkel Mask is a unique mask that can be easily packed away due to its foldable design.
Is this feature enough to make it the best full-face snorkel mask for you?
Product Highlights
Bestlus created a unique full-face mask with this foldable design.
Most options separate into multiple pieces to be stored; this one stays in one piece but can be folded down.
The view on this mask is a 180-degree panoramic view that enables you to get a good look around you.
The design uses a flat lens with minimal distortion despite the wide viewing angle, making your snorkeling experience more enjoyable.
The snorkel is a dry-top style that will prevent any water from coming in, and the mask has a separate breathing chamber to help prevent fogging.
The Good
The foldable aspect of this mask is a very unique feature, and it’s also very helpful.
If you’ve ever lost part of your snorkeling set before, you know how frustrating it can be to try to find a replacement for what you need.
With this foldable mask, you will never have that problem again since everything stays in one piece.
The Bad
While the foldable design is a big plus, it’s also a potential problem point.
If the foldable functionality of this mask fails, you may not be able to use it again or have it replaced without buying a whole new mask.
Thankfully, the mask is very durable.
Pros:
- Wide field of vision
- Flat lens prevents distortion
- Easy to use
- Adjustable straps
- Comfortable
Con:
- Foldable area may be weakened by folding motion
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5. MADETEC Full-Face Snorkel Mask
The MADETEC Full-Face Snorkel Mask is a mid-range surface snorkeling mask that is a favorite among vacationing snorkelers.
Product Highlights
MADETEC’s Full-Face Snorkel Mask is an updated mask from their earlier designs, which ensures better visibility, airflow, and fit.
These updates have made this mask safer to use than ever, and that is part of why it has made today’s list.
The mask has an anti-fog forward design to help ensure that you can snorkel for longer without any fogging.
The soft, food-grade silicone on the edges is very comfortable and provides a water-tight seal.
A detachable camera mount is included, as well.
The Good
The updated version of this mask has ensured that air intake and output are being regulated in the right way for easy breathing and anti-fogging.
There are air outlets on both sides, which ensure that the gases aren’t mixed or caught up in the mask, and that is very important for safety and comfort.
The Bad
Though this maks has a foldable design, it is still very bulky for those who are planning to travel with their snorkel sets.
This, however, may be the case with many full-face masks and is part of the choice you make when choosing this type of design.
Pros:
- Soft, comfortable silicone edges
- Improved airflow system
- Wide viewing angles
- Easy to put on
Cons:
- Foldable but bulky
- Not easy to pack
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Buyer’s Guide
Not all gear is created equally, and choosing sub-par options could mean endangering yourself while in the water.
For that reason, you must pay close attention to each of these factors while choosing your gear.
1. Depth
Not all snorkel masks are made to be used at the same depths.
With full-face masks, in particular, you want to be sure that it is rated for the depths that you want to try to free dive down to.
Full-face snorkel masks are not intended for any type of scuba diving, so you should not expect to be able to go too deep.
Most full-face masks could not be used more than three feet deep because the water pressure will cause it to secure too tightly to your face, which can be dangerous or uncomfortable.
2. Size
Size is incredibly important when choosing a full-face snorkel mask.
If the mask does not fit properly, you might be putting yourself in danger unintentionally.
Hence, you want to take heed and buy the right size.
Most masks come in at least three sizes:
- S/M
- L/XL
- Child
Before you assume what size you are, however, it is best if you check the size chart for the mask.
The best full-face mask suppliers will share what measurements work best for each mask size.
Usually, you should measure from the bridge of your nose to the tip of your chin to determine your size, but confirm what measurements are used for each specific size chart.
3. Vision
How well you can see out of a mask is going to depend on the type of lens that is used to make it.
First is the spherical lens. It gives a great, wide field of vision but can cause distortion because of how the light hits it.
Another type is the flat lens. With a flat lens, the field of vision is more limited, but you have a less distorted view of the world around you.
4. Use
While full-face masks are all generally used in the same way, there may be some small variations.
For example, some may have elasticized sides, while others may have snaps that need to be put into place.
How you use the mask will determine how much you enjoy using it, so you’ll want to take a look at exactly how it needs to be put on and used.
5. Fog
Many standard style masks fog easily, but full-face masks are less likely to fog.
This is because full-face masks usually have a separate breathing chamber, so the fogging doesn’t happen as quickly.
Still, full-face masks that aren’t properly divided or sealed may have issues with fog, so you will want to check this as much as possible.
6. Field of View
The field of view of a mask refers to how wide of a view you can get.
With standard goggle mask varieties, any dividers or separation between lenses can cause your field of view to be split.
Additionally, the sides of a mask can block your view so that it is not as wide or as panoramic as you might like.
Many full-face masks have very wide, panoramic views because they don’t have any dividers or separation.
These masks, however, can also cause some distortion, so you will want to decide whether you want a wider view or a less distorted one.
7. Wave Guard
A wave guard is a piece at the top of a snorkel that prevents water from coming in if a wave goes over it.
Most full-face masks come with dry-top snorkels that keep water from going in whenever the snorkel is submerged.
Wave guards keep water from splashing into the snorkel even when it is not submerged.
This is important because dry-top protection doesn’t usually engage until you go underwater.
Full-Face Snorkel Mask FAQs
1. Are the full face snorkel masks dangerous?
Like all gear, full-face snorkel masks can be dangerous in the wrong situation.
Specifically, there are a few things that can cause a bad experience while using full-face snorkel masks:
- Mask not made properly
- Mask not used properly
- Mask not fitted properly
- Mask used for too long
- Mask not properly cleaned and maintained
If a full-face snorkel mask fails any one of these tests, it could cause CO2 to accidentally build up in the mask while you are wearing it.
Usually, full-face snorkel masks are designed so that CO2 is forced out of the mask through a valve as the oxygen is drawn in.
When that feature fails, however, CO2 could potentially build up in the mask, though this is not a common problem, and you can easily monitor this risk.
First, keep an eye out for fog. If your mask begins to fog up, this means that the CO2 is not being properly released, and you should remove the mask.
Second, pay attention to how you’re feeling. If it becomes hard to breathe or you feel at all dizzy, remove the mask immediately as there could be a CO2 problem.
When used correctly, however, full-face masks can be safe to wear as long as you choose a high-quality option with safety checks.
2. Is full face mask better for snorkeling?
There isn’t one type of face mask that is better than another for snorkeling.
That being said, full-face masks have some benefits that can make snorkeling very enjoyable.
For example, it is easier to breathe naturally when using a full-face mask than a traditional snorkel because you do not have to hold the snorkel mouthpiece in place.
Additionally, the field of view and overall visibility are usually better when using a full-face mask because of the overall design.
For those reasons, some people prefer to use full-face masks.
3. Are full face snorkel masks banned in Hawaii?
Full-face snorkel masks are not outright banned in Hawaii.
Local tourism departments are trying to do more research to confirm how to ensure the safety of this type of mask.
Still, some tour companies have banned full-face snorkel masks from their tours for fear of the risks that low-quality knockoffs can incur.
If you are going to go snorkeling there, it is best to check with your tour company before you make any purchases.
4. Can you breathe underwater with full face snorkel mask?
No snorkel mask gives you the ability to breathe when fully submerged underwater.
Snorkels work by allowing you to breathe air through your snorkel tube that is sticking out of the water, and this is not possible once you are fully submerged.
Full-face snorkel masks work the same; you are breathing the air above the water through the tube and will no longer be able to breathe once underwater.
5. Why can’t you wear snorkeling masks in swimming pools?
Many swimming pools ban any goggles that have the airways covered because they can create difficulty if there is an emergency.
If, for example, a swimmer has a spinal injury while swimming and a lifeguard wants to help them, the goggles would need to be removed.
Removing the goggles might require you to move the head, which is not good when a spinal injury is suspected.
Additionally, snorkeling masks can cause distracted swimming if people are swimming around without looking ahead of them, causing pool accidents.
Still, not all pools ban snorkeling masks.
If you want to practice with your mask at your community pool, reach out to them and ask how you might do so without breaking the rules.
Most pools will make exceptions!
Final Verdict
As you can see, there are a lot of pros to using a full-face snorkeling mask, and there is a wide variety of options available.
The key thing that you do is to ensure you are buying a high-quality mask from a reputable seller.
This is because full-face masks, like all snorkeling gear, can be dangerous when they are not made properly.
If you ask us, the Aegend Full Face Snorkel Mask stands out as one of the best full face snorkel masks from this list.
It offers an updated design that ensures that potential dangers are managed as much as possible, and that can help you feel even more secure while using the mask.
Another great choice is the MADETEC Full Face Snorkel Mask, which snorkelers have applauded for its updated airflow system that ensures comfort and breathability.
Remember to pay attention to the key features outlined in the buyer’s guide when selecting your mask to guarantee that you are happy with any full-face snorkel mask that you choose!