Best Dive Mask: Budget or Inexpensive Categories (we may even say cheap!)
Buying the best dive mask that fits your budget can improve your scuba diving or snorkel experience.
We give you our picks for the top rated and reviewed masks in the budget or inexpensive category (you could even call them cheap - in price, not in quality. An important distinction).
There are a ton of choices out there for scuba diving and snorkeling masks. It can get overwhelming. So we searched through all the choices and have picked the top rated and reviewed products that won't bust your budget.
(If you need more general information on what to look for when buying a diving mask, see our free guide to scuba diving masks.)
All of our choices get high marks from the vast majority of users. We figure if it works for most people, it should have an excellent chance of being a good choice for you too.
Note: To decide which category the top diving masks would go into, I based it on price. So the top end/high end level dive masks are defined as masks over $70, the best moderately priced dive masks are priced between $30-$70 while the budget/inexpensive scuba masks are those priced under $30.
Below you will find our pick for the best scuba masks in the budget or inexpensive category. The links will open in a new window at our partner's website.
Best Dive Mask: Budget or Inexpensive
Our first pick for best dive mask is a Cressi model. This one is called the "battlehorse of the Cressi line" and is a very popular model.
This particular mask has a standard two-lens design that is capable of accepting corrective lenses if you need a prescription mask. It is also a low volume mask, giving you an increased field of view.
It gets high marks from users for lens quality, field of vision and snug fit. User reviews include:
"We purchased three of these masks for a Caribbean vacation. [...] No problems at all, very comfortable fit, no fogging up. Enjoyed some great snorkeling. Can't beat the price."
"The Cressi Focus is so snug that it actually requires just a bit more effort to clear the mask, and I'll take that over a leaky mask anyday! I'm so pleased with this mask, that I've ordered a set of corrective lenses to use with it."
"Awesome mask, easy to clear and has no problems what so ever! I have a medium to small sized face and finding a mask that fits well is not easy, there always too big or they leak, straps loosen up and so on but this mask is bullet proof!"
Our next pick for the best dive mask in the budget, cheap, inexpensive (whatever you like to call it) range is a Genesis model.
This is a somewhat unique mask as the lenses are angled downward, giving you a much expanded view especially in the downward direction. It is a low volume mask and is lightweight which would be a bonus if traveling with this mask.
User reviews for this best dive mask pick include:
"Great mask, I wanted a mask with a black skirt and didn't want to pay a fortune for it at a LDS. Just got back from Cozumel and used it for five days of diving, also installed the optx readers in it. Didn't fog didn't leak very comfortable loved it. might buy one with the clear skirt."
"Used for multiple dives and rarely had to clear. Tried 4 or 5 other masks and had problems getting a good seal but this mask basically never leaked. Fits larger faces well and clears easy when tested, although clearing wasn't required due to great fit. Vision is good for a basic two window mask."
"First time in use was diving and snorkeling in the Philippines. I probably had it on for more than an hour at a time and the fit was just great. It almost didn't feel like you have a mask on. Range of view for me was excellent. I barely saw the outline of the frame and it was so clear! No leak at all as well. My friends tried them on and some of them wouldn't even give it back until i begged them to. lol. all in all, a great item and the price is was even better. Will be buying more as gifts and extra for me."
The other pick for the best dive mask or snorkel mask is another Genesis model.
This is a four window model with two front view and two side view panes. This scuba mask also features a one-way purge valve for easy clearing and a low profile for enhanced viewing field.
User reviews include:
"This is the first mask I've purchased since I started scuba diving & snorkeling, and I can't imagine if it gets any better. My instructor recomended this mask because it's the only one he uses and I completely understand why! I've even recomended this mask to my friends who are getting into diving. I don't think I'll need to get a new mask for quite some time!"
"It's a great mask that fits perfectly and doesn't leak. The range of vision is also a huge plus!"
"Bought this as an upgrade to US Divers mask I've used for 6 years. This fits great, great visibility, and purges well. I kept loosening up the strap to see how loose before it started leaking. I almost had to undo the strap before it leaked in. I'm glad I bought it. Would definitely recommend it. I'm taking it with other new equipment...for a 4 country Caribbean snorkel."
Hopefully these recommendations for best dive mask or best snorkeling mask will make your choice a little easier. It's alot to wade through, we know. Let us know how these masks work for you.
