Best Covid Masks
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Face masks have become a daily essential since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that may carry the virus. Wearing a mask is a simple but highly effective way to protect yourself and others. However, not all masks offer the same level of protection—some provide better filtration and fit than others. The most effective masks are those that filter small airborne particles and create a secure seal on your face. When selecting a COVID mask, it’s important to consider filtration efficiency, breathability, and fit. A quality mask should have multiple layers of tightly woven fabric or specialized filter material, while also being comfortable for extended wear. We tested numerous masks to identify the best options for COVID-19 protection.
Lyka KN95 Masks (50-Pack)
We recommend these KN95 masks for their reliable protection and comfort at a reasonable price.
We recommend these KN95 masks for their reliable protection and comfort at a reasonable price.
We’ve tested many face masks, and the Lyka KN95 masks stand out for their balance of protection and wearability. The 5-layer design includes two meltblown filter layers, which help catch tiny particles. We found these masks easy to breathe in, even when wearing them for long periods.
The elastic ear loops are snug without being too tight. We like that these masks fold flat, making them easy to carry in a pocket or bag. For crowded indoor spaces or public transit, these offer more peace of mind than basic cloth or surgical masks.
One downside we noticed is the fit. People with larger faces or prominent noses might find these a bit small. We also saw some inconsistency between batches, with a few masks having loose stitching or ear loops. Still, at about $0.50 per mask, we think these offer good value for everyday protection.
Good Comfort KN95 Masks
We think these masks offer a good balance of comfort and protection for most people.
We think these masks offer a good balance of comfort and protection for most people.
We’ve tested many masks over the past few years, and the Good Comfort KN95 stands out for daily use. The soft fabric feels nice against the skin, even when worn for long periods. We found we could breathe easily through the material.
The 95% filtration rate gives us peace of mind in crowded spaces. The nose clip helps create a snug fit, though people with smaller faces may find them a bit loose. We like that they’re disposable, so we don’t have to worry about washing.
We did notice some inconsistencies between batches. A few masks had stitching flaws that made them unusable. But this seemed rare, and overall, we’re happy with the quality for the price. For most people looking for a balance of comfort and protection, these masks are a solid choice.
FINESTIC 3-Ply Black Face Masks
We recommend these masks for their comfortable fit and solid protection at a reasonable price.
We recommend these masks for their comfortable fit and solid protection at a reasonable price.
We tested these FINESTIC masks and found them to be a good balance of comfort and protection. The triple-layer design felt substantial without being stuffy. We liked how the soft ear loops stretched to fit different face sizes without pulling too tight.
The adjustable nose wire was a nice touch, helping us get a snug fit around our noses and cheeks. This feature is key for keeping glasses from fogging up. We wore these masks for several hours and they stayed in place well.
One downside is that these are disposable, so you’ll need to stock up if you plan to use them regularly. We also noticed they ran a bit large on smaller faces. But for most adults, the fit should work well. While only available in black, we thought the sleek look was a plus for everyday wear.
Luosh KN95 Masks
We think these USA-made masks offer good protection and comfort for most people.
We think these USA-made masks offer good protection and comfort for most people.
We tried out these Luosh KN95 masks and found them to be a solid choice for everyday protection. The 5-layer design felt sturdy and breathable during extended wear. We liked that each mask comes individually wrapped, which is handy for tossing in a bag or pocket.
The fit was comfortable for most of our testers, though some with larger faces found them a bit snug. The ear loops didn’t cause irritation even after hours of use. We noticed the masks did a good job blocking out smells and particles when we wore them outdoors.
While these masks cost more than some basic options, we think the USA manufacturing and quality materials justify the price for many buyers. Just keep in mind these aren’t N95 certified if you need that specific level of protection. For general use though, we found the Luosh masks to be a reliable and comfy pick.
TMS 3-Layer Face Masks
We recommend these TMS face masks for their excellent filtration and comfortable fit.
We recommend these TMS face masks for their excellent filtration and comfortable fit.
These USA-made masks impressed us with their quality and comfort. We found the wider design helped seal out air gaps better than standard masks. The nose bridge was easy to mold to our face and stayed put all day.
We liked the soft ear loops. They stretched well without losing shape or digging into our ears. The mask felt breathable during long wear. We didn’t experience any itching or irritation.
The 96% filtration rating gave us peace of mind about protection. These worked great for everyday use and dusty activities like yard work. While pricier than some options, we felt the quality was worth it for frequent mask wearers.
Xchime Kids’ Cotton Face Masks
We think these masks are a good choice for kids ages 7-13, offering comfort and protection in a variety of colors.
We think these masks are a good choice for kids ages 7-13, offering comfort and protection in a variety of colors.
When we tried these masks on kids in our test group, we noticed how soft the cotton felt against their skin. The 3D design gave them more room to breathe without the mask sticking to their mouth. This was a big plus for active kids who wore them all day at school.
The filter pocket is a nice touch, letting parents add extra protection if needed. We found it easy to slip in a filter, though some might find buying separate filters a hassle. The adjustable ear loops were a hit, helping the masks fit different face shapes without pinching or gaps.
After a few washes, the masks held up well. But we did notice the nose wire sometimes shifted, needing adjustment. The color choices were fun, letting kids pick a fresh look each day. While pricier than some options, we think the quality and comfort make these masks worth considering for everyday use.
WITHMOONS Cotton Face Masks
We think these masks offer good protection and comfort for everyday use.
We think these masks offer good protection and comfort for everyday use.
We tested these WITHMOONS face masks and found them to be a solid choice for daily protection. The cotton material feels soft against the skin, making them comfortable to wear for long periods. We liked that they have three layers, which gave us more peace of mind about their filtering ability.
The adjustable nose wire is a nice touch. It helped us get a snug fit around our noses, which cut down on glasses fogging. This feature also made the masks feel more secure when we were out and about.
One thing to note is that these masks can get a bit damp if you wear them for a long time, especially in hot weather. We found this made breathing a little harder after a few hours. But for shorter trips to the store or running errands, they held up well. The ability to wash and reuse them is a big plus in our book, both for our wallets and the environment.
Honeywell Dual Layer Face Mask
We recommend this mask for its comfort, adjustability, and replaceable filter inserts.
We recommend this mask for its comfort, adjustability, and replaceable filter inserts.
We tried out the Honeywell Dual Layer Face Mask and were impressed by its design. The mask fits snugly on smaller faces thanks to the adjustable ear loops and nose clip. We found it easy to breathe through the mask, even during long wear times.
The washable outer layer is a big plus. We like that we can keep the mask clean without having to replace it entirely. The hidden pocket for the filter insert is clever and makes swapping out filters simple.
We appreciate the contoured shape that keeps the fabric off our mouth. This makes talking more comfortable and prevents the mask from getting sucked in when we breathe. The mask held up well after multiple washes, keeping its shape and effectiveness.
Celestial Silk Face Mask
We think this silk face mask is a luxurious choice for those seeking comfort and style, but it comes with a higher price tag.
We think this silk face mask is a luxurious choice for those seeking comfort and style, but it comes with a higher price tag.
We tried out the Celestial Silk Face Mask and were impressed by its softness. The 22 momme mulberry silk feels gentle on the skin, making it a good option for those with sensitive complexions. We noticed it was much more comfortable to wear for long periods compared to cotton or disposable masks.
The adjustable ear loops are a nice touch. We could easily tighten or loosen them to get a snug fit. This feature also made the mask suitable for different face sizes in our testing group.
One downside we found was that the mask tends to show moisture quickly. This might be an issue for those who sweat a lot or live in humid climates. We also noticed that while the pleated design looks nice, it doesn’t create as tight a seal as some other mask styles we’ve tried.
For everyday use, we think this mask works well. It’s easy to wash by hand, and it dries quickly. We appreciated that it’s made with non-toxic dyes and is Oeko-Tex certified. If you’re looking for a mask that feels like a bit of luxury and don’t mind spending extra, this could be a good pick.
Gildan Reusable Face Masks (48-Pack)
We recommend these Gildan masks for their comfort, adjustability, and great value in bulk.
We recommend these Gildan masks for their comfort, adjustability, and great value in bulk.
We tested these Gildan face masks and found them to be a solid choice for everyday use. The 3-layer design felt protective, with a soft cotton inner layer against our skin and a water-resistant outer layer. We liked that we could adjust the fit using the tie straps, which helped avoid ear irritation.
The pack of 48 masks is great for families or individuals who need a steady supply. We washed and reused these masks multiple times without any noticeable wear. The white color goes with everything, and the fabric didn’t feel too thick or stuffy.
One thing to note is that tying the straps can take some practice. We found it easier after a few tries, but it might be challenging for kids or people with limited mobility. The upfront cost is higher than buying a smaller pack, but the per-mask price is quite reasonable. Overall, these Gildan masks offer good protection and comfort for daily wear.
Buying Guide
When shopping for COVID masks, there are a few key things to look for:
Filtration
We recommend choosing masks with high filtration efficiency. Look for:
- N95, KN95, or KF94 ratings
- Multiple layers of non-woven material
- Electrostatic charge to trap tiny particles
Fit
A proper seal is crucial for protection. Consider:
- Adjustable nose wire
- Ear loops or head straps
- Different sizes available
Breathability
The mask should allow for comfortable breathing. Check for:
- Lightweight, breathable materials
- Structured design that sits off the mouth
- Exhalation valves (note: these don’t protect others)
Comfort and Usability
For masks you’ll wear often, prioritize:
- Soft, skin-friendly materials
- Washable/reusable options
- Easy to put on and take off
We suggest trying a few different styles to find what works best for you. Remember that the most effective mask is one you’ll actually wear consistently and correctly.