Since the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, WIRED has continued to update our mask recommendations due to the constant changes in availability and evolving guidance. Add to that the threat of toxic air, not only from wildfire smoke but, even worse, from burning homes. Now is the time to purchase masks in the same way one would buy a first aid kit or medicine, just in case. Some masks—like our top affordable pick, the Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold ($23 for 50)—are ideal for public transportation or for use in a theater, and others—like our top overall N95 pick, IQAir’s KN95/FFP ($70 for 12)—are put on during or after a wildfire. With the risk of disruption hitting mask supply chains, along with the issues of counterfeit masks, community spread of illness, a longer and more active wildfire season, climate change, and the sometimes-vanishing guidance pages on government websites, it’s important to keep your masks at the ready.
Most alarming is the Trump administration’s recent gutting of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website declares, “Due to the reduction in force across NIOSH, no new respirator approval applications can be accepted.” This will impact compliance and safety of new and future manufactured masks. Masks do have expiration dates, but I still think now is a good time to stock up on a variety of masks that you know are certified safe and effective.
We’ve also included some tips on mask care and choosing the best kind of mask straps at the end of this list. Be sure to check out our other air quality guides, including the Best Air Purifiers, Best Indoor Quality Monitors, and Best Fans.
Updated April 2025: We’ve added IQAir N95/FFP2 Mask, ChicoBag Reusable 3-Layered Cloth Mask, 3M Particulate Respirator N95 (8511), and Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece with Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridges. We’ve also removed out-of-stock items and updated prices throughout.
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Table of Contents
Wait, Which Kind of Mask Should I Get?
Back in 2022, the CDC’s guidance on masks was updated to say that N95 masks offer the “highest level of protection.” However, the agency still says that the best mask is one you’ll wear correctly.
The best kinds of disposable face masks to wear haven’t changed a lot:
- N95 masks are your best bet. The federal National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health regulates N95s to meet a certain standard of quality. N95s are sometimes referred to as “respirators.”
- KN95 and KF94 masks are also effective, and likely comfier. KN95s are governed by a different set of standards specific to China and are sometimes easier to find. KF94 masks are similar to KN95s but governed by a Korean standard. These are also sometimes referred to as “respirators.”
- Surgical-style masks (three-ply) are the next best thing you can wear. They aren’t as effective as the above masks, but if they have a good, tight fit they can still be effective in less risky settings. We have tips on how to improve your fit in our guide to our favorite masks.
- Cloth masks are not as effective. If you can’t get your hands on the masks listed above, at least wear a cloth mask. They’re better than nothing but likely far less effective, depending on their material makeup.
It’s incredibly important to get a mask that fits your face. A big part of the reason cloth or even surgical masks can be less effective is due to the gaps between the mask and the face. These areas can allow unfiltered air to get through and enter your nose and mouth. N95 masks are generally designed to fit snugly, which is why they’re safer. However, the CDC advises those with heart or lung problems to talk to their doctor before using an N95, since wearing these masks can make it harder to breathe.
What Are Workplace Performance Masks?
Most of the CDC and Food and Drug Administration’s mask guidance and standards were initially designed with medical settings like doctors’ offices and hospitals in mind. However, Covid-19 made it much more common and necessary for people to wear masks in nonmedical contexts. To help with this, the ASTM International standard makes it easier to classify masks for everyday work.
Under this standard, masks can be labeled as either Workplace Performance or Workplace Performance Plus. The NIOSH recommends using these masks in a workplace environment but, crucially, does not recommend them as a replacement for N95 or other respirators. If you or someone you interact with regularly is a high-risk individual, or if you work in a medical setting, you should stick with N95s.
This standard rates masks based on filtration, breathability, and an optional leakage ratio. The CDC has a list of masks here, and it tells which masks pass enough of these criteria to qualify for either of the Workplace Performance labels (as of writing, there are only three that earned the label), but this is all based on data reported by suppliers and manufacturers. If you can’t find N95 masks but don’t work in a high-risk setting, these are also decent masks to pick up.
Also, note that ASTM refers to the agency that classifies standards, but this workplace standard is not the only ASTM standard that governs masks. This standard is technically ASTM F3502-21, which only has the two Workplace Performance levels mentioned above. You may also see other masks that use labels like “ASTM Level 3,” which refer to different ASTM standards for medical masks. For our purposes, all of this means that if you’re looking for low-risk masks for the office, look for the Workplace Performance labels.
How Do I Avoid Counterfeit Masks?
There are several ways to spot counterfeit N95 masks, such as by looking for markings on the mask itself or by avoiding N95 masks marketed to children (since the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health doesn’t approve any type of respirators for kids). These markings include the manufacturer’s name, TC (testing and certification)-approval number, model number, lot number, and filter designation. The CDC offers much more thorough guidance on how to avoid N95 counterfeits on its site.
We don’t recommend buying just any mask you see on Amazon, since Amazon allows third-party sellers on its platform that may not vet products as well as those sold by Amazon.com. You should know that Walmart, Target, and other retailers may also sell third-party masks—make sure you always look at the seller. The masks on this list are legitimate, as are many masks you’ll find in major retail chains, like CVS, or from US manufacturers.
Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, the CDC authorized the emergency use of KN95, KF94, and other non-N95 masks in health care settings, and that order was revoked in June 2021. Still, many KN95 or KF94 masks are more than adequate for everyday use for low-risk individuals, and they’re far better than no mask at all. When shopping for a mask, keep in mind what your needs are and how you plan to use the masks you buy.
KN95s must be stamped with GB2626-2019 if the masks are made after July 1, 2021 (which means they’re in accordance with new quality control standards by the Chinese government). If the mask is stamped with a GB number ending in 2006, it was made based on the previous standard and is still fine to use so long as the expiration date hasn’t passed. KF94 masks, on the other hand, won’t have the stamp but should include “Made in Korea” on the packaging, along with the product name, manufacturer and distributor name, expiration date, and lot number.
Can I Reuse Disposable Masks?
If you stop into a doctor’s office for two minutes to make an appointment, do you need to throw it out? Not exactly.
For specific instructions and information on your N95 mask, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions. But if you can’t find data from your mask manufacturer on how many times you can take a mask on and off, the CDC’s guidelines state that N95 masks will become less effective the more times they’re taken on and off. Part of the reason for this is that the elastic bands wear out and result in a less tight fit. You should throw away your N95 mask when the straps are stretched out and no longer fit snugly on your face, or when the mask becomes dirty, wet, or damaged. You also shouldn’t put your N95 in the oven or microwave to sterilize it.
Removing a mask also requires touching it, which can mean particles transfer from the mask to your hands and then back to your face. It’s a very good idea to wash your hands effectively after removing or replacing a mask. Try to avoid touching the mask itself and use elastic bands.
Do Disposable Masks Expire?
Yes. According to WellBefore, “many N95 masks have a shelf life of 2-5 years, but you should check the expiration dates on them to be sure.” That’s because, with time, the materials and elastic bands used in the mask can deteriorate. The expiration date is typically printed on the mask or the filter. However, according to the CDC, the Occupational Safety and Health institute doesn’t require the shelf life to be printed on the product packaging. You should contact your manufacturer for more information if it’s not printed on the mask or you can’t find it. All KN95 and KF94 masks, on the other hand, should have the expiration date printed on the packaging (otherwise, they’re counterfeit).
What to Know About Masks in 2025
Different masks protect you from different kinds of bad air. There is a difference between a surgical mask and an N95 respirator. And then there are the very different reusable respirators that one might associate with home contractors, but are recommended protection in areas of wildfire. And how you wear a mask is just as important as wearing the right mask for the right situation. We now know that the burning of a residential building, as in the case of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, produces dangerous levels of volatile organic compounds known as VOCs. And to keep yourself safe, you’ll need more than an N95 in that environment. You’ll need a respirator. And choosing the right respirator is one more step everyone should know, including the color-coded system to help consumers understand their level of protection. Some respirators keep you safe from unhealthy levels of PM 2.5, and others have the added protection of filtering out toxic vapors.
While cloth masks have been found to be less effective than surgical masks, they continue to be the mask I can tolerate best for all-day wear. And as studies suggest, the cloth mask efficacy depends on the number of layers and materials used. Another issue with masks is proper wear. I can’t be the only person to witness people wearing masks covering only their mouth but not their nose. A mask that is not sealed and fit to the face properly will lose its full range of protection. One of the CDC’s more creative web pages is their infographic of approved facial hair for masks. The soul patch, villain, and walrus facial hair all work with masks while mutton chops and chin curtain don’t.
N95 Respirator Face Masks
The CDC has a giant list of approved N95 masks. Unfortunately, the supply of many brands is constantly fluctuating (even in 2025), so you may need to check back regularly to see which are in stock. Many stores also have regional stock based on in-store supply, so be sure to check your local zip code where applicable.
Best Overall N95
IQAir makes excellent air purifiers, so it’s no surprise it also makes some of the best-fitting and most comfortable N95 masks we tested. There are two ways to customize the fit. There are ear straps along with a hook with two size options to join the straps together. For a complete seal, the straps on the mask face can be pulled to adjust the fit. The mask also uses IQAir Mask Soft Seal technology to conform to the face. The soft gray material does seal to the skin without being sticky.
While it took some time fine-tuning the straps, I was able to wear the IQAir mask with glasses without having them fog up. The masks come in 10-, 12-, and 100-packs and arrive with a zippered carrying case for a single mask. IQAir also makes child-sized versions. And like IQAir’s air purifiers, its masks are not cheap. A 10-pack will run you about $60. Still, I’ve been able to wear each mask more than once and the seal is solid. If there is a new variant of Covid-19, this will be the mask I’ll be wearing.
Great Protection at an Affordable Price
At around $20 for a box of 10, 3M’s Particulate Respirator N95 is a NIOSH-approved mask to wear when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is very unhealthy or hazardous. This is the mask to keep in your car, next to your emergency bottles of water and granola bars. And while fire season seems to last all year, having a solid respirator can mitigate some of the health hazards of breathing in bad air. 3M’s mask is not as comfortable as IQAir’s soft-fitting mask, but it does have an adjustable nose clip along with two rubber-band-like nonadjustable straps that go around your entire head, and it boasts 3M’s proprietary Cool Flow Valve that claims to keep the face cool in hot weather. That said, the mask’s barnacle-like fit on one’s face does exactly what is supposed to do: It keeps the seal.
While it didn’t fog up my glasses, it isn’t made for comfort. Still, everyone needs a good respirator N95 in their mask collection, and 3M has made one that is both effective and budget-friendly.
An Upgrade Pick
This fold-style mask uses two over-the-head straps to keep the mask snug on your face, while still allowing a fair amount of breathing room in front of your mouth and nose. These are among the pricier masks on our list, but members of our team have used these and found them comfortable and sturdy. —Eric Ravenscraft
A Design That Fits Well on Most Faces
3M’s N95 respirators are individually wrapped and have two horizontal folds that create a decent-sized cup in front of your nose and mouth. The masks come with two straps that go over your head and neck to keep a tight seal. This is one of the smaller packs on our list, but you may have an easier time finding it in stock at some stores. —Eric Ravenscraft
An Affordable Option
The DF300 N95 from Honeywell is a more affordable option on this list. With this mask, you’ll get multilayer absorption (including a humidity- and moisture-resistant filter), a soft inner lining, and latex-free head straps. The nose clip is also adjustable and hidden underneath the mask. It comes complete with a soft foam nose cushion as well, which should make it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. —Eric Ravenscraft
KF94 Masks
A Stylish Option
Vida’s KF94 mask is both protective and stylish. It’s FDA-listed, CE-certified (and manufactured in South Korea), and offers a 94 percent filtration efficiency. The four-layer mask comes in adorable colors including Blush, Seafoam, and Glacier Blue. It’s also available in a variety of pack sizes, from 10 to 10,000. —Brenda Stolyar
A Mask for Large Heads
The BOTN KF94 masks only come in large and extra-large for adults, so those with smaller faces should look into the youth size, which also comes in a variety of color options including beige, dark gray, pink, and yellow. The mask has ear loops and a nosepiece that are both adjustable, so it should help ensure a tight fit if you go for the bigger size. I prefer these when wearing makeup, because the nosepiece stays put and doesn’t ruin my foundation as much as other masks do. —Brenda Stolyar
A Popular Option
This one dips in and out of stock. LG’s Airwasher mask is a standard KF94 with a three-dimensional design, four-ply fabric, an adjustable nose clip, and rounded ear loops. If you want a slightly more elevated option, it also comes in a Black Style design that’ll likely pair well with fancier outfits for more formal occasions. —Eric Ravenscraft
KN95 Face Masks
A Trendy Option
Evolvetogether’s masks are trendy among celebrities because they’re both protective and stylish. The Rio De Janeiro is made of six-ply fabric (complete with activated charcoal to reduce odors), double filtration, and a water-resistant exterior. Each mask also has an adjustable nose bridge and gentle ear loops, making it ideal to wear for long periods of time. Of all the KN95s we’ve tested, this is our favorite one for smaller faces. While pricey, these masks are not only lightweight and comfortable but super durable as well. —Brenda Stolyar
A Colorful Mask
This mask from Halidodo comes in several color sets—one of the options includes eye-catching orange—and is similarly affordable. —Eric Ravenscraft
A Mask With Different Style Options
The white Powecom masks come with a multi-filtration system and an adjustable metal nosepiece. You can also choose between the standard KN95 ear loops or the N95 headband style, depending on what you find more comfortable. —Eric Ravenscraft
Best Cloth Mask
The ChicoBag Reusable Three-Layered Cloth Mask has been third-party tested and boasts a PFE rating of 0.3 microns. A good surgical mask has superior filtration compared to a cloth mask. As per the FDA, disposable, loose-fitting surgical masks worn by medical professionals are made to protect against splashes and large droplets, but they do not offer adequate protection against aerosol particulates. Still, the ChicoBag Mask has a built-in metal nose bridge and adjustable ear straps with a plastic hook to create a tighter seal than the surgical masks I’ve used in the past. I wore my mask with my glasses and did not experience fogged lenses. There are three layers of fabric to ChicoBag’s mask. The outer layer is a knitted sports polyester reminiscent of my kids’ soccer shorts, there is an inner washable filter, and the layer that touches my face is an upcycled cotton.
ChicoBag claims that a single one of its masks replaces 547 single-use masks. I washed my mask to see if it would retain the same fit, and it actually hugged my chin a wee bit better after I washed and dried it. And while I doubt I’ll get 547 wears out of my ChicoBag Mask, it comes with its own pouch and is my current go-to mask for the subway.
Highest Protection for Wildfire and Burned Areas
I am not sure I would have thought to include a P100 Multi Gas Respirator with Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridges in my mask gear before this year, but now this is a must-have for my entire family. This past year brought New York City’s second-worst drought since record-keeping began, and that led to unprecedented wildfires within the city itself. Both Upper Manhattan and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park burned. My neighborhood smelled like a campfire for several days. That was nothing compared to what Los Angeles went through in early 2025, but it was enough to make me realize that air purifiers alone were not going to keep me healthy.
3M’s Rugged Comfort is more wearable than 3M’s cheaper Half Facepiece. If you’re heading back to a residential area after a fire, this is the face mask to wear. Its high electrostatic woven filter prevents harmful PM 2.5, and its activated carbon protects from toxic vapors like the ones created when residential buildings burn.
I tested the medium, and it fit well. It took me a couple of adjustments to get the fit right, and I placed my hands over the filters to ensure it was sealed. I also appreciated the quick-release chin latch to unseal the mask.
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