With Covid-19-related recommendations and regulations continually evolving along with the coronavirus itself, masks remain a part of many people’s lives. In 2022, the CDC updated its guidance to clarify that medical-style masks, such as N95s, KN95s, and surgical-style masks, are more protective than cloth ones. Fortunately, these disposable masks, made with nonwoven materials, are now much easier to find compared with early on in the pandemic. Assuming the mask fits well and its filtration has been rigorously tested, these masks are some of the most protective face coverings you can buy.
Still, separating the good options from the bad can be tough. We’ve tried 39 models and confirmed the filtration claims of our favorites with government agencies or our own lab testing performed in collaboration with Colorado State University. Here we recommend legitimate N95, KN95, and surgical masks you can buy from trusted retailers now.
For advice on the best disposable and cloth face masks for children, see our buying guide to kids face masks. To know what masks to avoid, see our blog post on the signs that suggest you have a fake N95, KN95, or KF94.
This odd-looking, oddly comfortable N95 is a NIOSH-approved respirator meant for nonmedical use. Its headbands are soft yet help form a tight seal, and its long nose-bridge wire reduces glasses fogging.
Despite its weird duckbill shape, the Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator is the real deal. Its malleable material and soft headbands form a good seal for most faces, and this mask’s generous cut allows more air to filter in for easier breathing.
Sturdy headbands and ample clearance over the nose and mouth create a snug fit that still allows for easy breathing. But this flat fold N95 is typically pricier than our other respirator picks.
The WellBefore WB-N-200 N95 Respirator Mask feels more heavy duty than the typical disposable bifold respirator. Its adjustable headbands help prevent gaps, but they aren’t so snug as to be uncomfortable. Plus, this respirator tents high and wide off the face, so there’s more room to breathe. However, it usually costs more than twice as much as our other respirator picks.
This easy-on, easy-off KN95 respirator mask has ear loops that stretch well for a wider fit but also knot easily for a snugger one.
If you prefer headbands to ear loops, you may find that this ear-friendly respirator mask provides a better fit.
The Powecom KN95 design comes in both ear-loop and headband versions, so you have a greater chance of finding something that feels right. Its rounded (instead of flat) fasteners are easier than most to knot, should you need to adjust the fit. Both versions come in black, while the ear-loop masks also come in gray, pink, dark blue, and light blue.
Also great for layering, this featherweight surgical mask features notably soft ear loops and foldable edges. It’s costlier than most disposable pleated masks but frequently goes on sale.
The strikingly soft ear loops on the DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask are gentle on the ears. The mask is also FDA-cleared, meeting ASTM Level 3 standards, which means it blocks 98% of particles as small as 0.1 micron in diameter (when worn with a good seal; you may need to knot the ear loops and pleat the mask to achieve this). Besides the typical box of 50, the masks are available in small batches of 10, in both regular and small sizes, and with ties instead of loops.
The most affordable FDA-authorized disposable mask we’ve seen isn’t particularly soft, but it is sturdy, and it has generous ear loops.
Surgical masks with proof of high-filtration efficiency typically don’t cost less than $10 for a box of 50 (before tax and shipping), so we were elated to find this box of Medline ASTM Level 1 masks, which are capable of blocking at least 95% of 0.1-micron particles (when worn with a good seal). The ear loops are slightly wider than most we’ve seen, so they easily fit on larger faces or knot and fold (video) for a more secure fit on smaller faces.
