Because the COVID-19 pandemic 5 years in the past, WIRED has continued to replace our masks suggestions as a result of fixed adjustments in availability and evolving steerage. Add to that the specter of poisonous air, not solely from wildfire smoke however, even worse, from burning properties. Now could be the time to buy masks in the identical method one would purchase a primary help package or drugs, simply in case. Some masks—like our prime inexpensive decide, the Honeywell Security DF300 N95 Flatfold ($13 for 50)—are perfect for public transportation or to be used in a theater, and others—like our prime general N95 decide, IQAir’s KN95/FFP ($60 for 10)—are placed on throughout or after a wildfire. With the chance of disruption hitting masks provide chains, together with the problems of counterfeit masks, neighborhood unfold of sickness, an extended and extra lively wildfire season, local weather change, and the sometimes-vanishing steerage pages on authorities web sites, it’s essential to maintain your masks on the prepared.
Most alarming is the Trump administration’s current gutting of the Nationwide Institute for Occupational Security and Well being, or NIOSH. The Facilities for Illness Management (CDC) web site declares, “Due to the reduction in force across NIOSH, no new respirator approval applications can be accepted.” It will influence compliance and security of recent and future manufactured masks. Masks do have expiration dates, however I nonetheless assume now is an effective time to refill on quite a lot of masks that you understand are licensed protected and efficient.
We have additionally included some recommendations on masks care and selecting the very best sort of masks straps on the finish of this listing. Be sure you take a look at our different air high quality guides, together with the Greatest Air Purifiers, Greatest Indoor High quality Screens, and Greatest Followers.
Up to date November 2025: We have added the 1870+, 9205+ and 9211+ N95 respirators from 3M Aura, and masks from Lement and Kimtech. We have additionally eliminated out-of-stock objects and up to date costs all through.
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N95 Masks
N95 masks are made to US requirements for filtering 95 p.c of particulates. The CDC has an enormous listing of authorized N95 masks. Sadly, the availability of many manufacturers is continually fluctuating (even in 2025), so chances are you’ll have to verify again frequently to see that are in inventory. Many shops even have regional inventory primarily based on in-store provide, so remember to verify your native zip code the place relevant.
Greatest N95 for the Subsequent Pandemic
{Photograph}: Lisa Wooden Shapiro
At WIRED, we proceed to check and put on masks from 3M’s Aura collection, and the red-strapped 1870+ is an FDA-cleared surgical masks. The 1870+ carries the best stage of fluid resistance, at 160 mmHg. In line with the CDC, “A primary test for the fluid barrier is a qualitative test in which synthetic blood is projected onto the exterior of the mask at a specific pressure.” (On this case, at 160 mmHg.) If the 1870+ can stand as much as a torn artery spouting blood, it could deal with the coughs and sneezes of a world gone sick. It will probably defend the wearer from “microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material.” Not like 3M’s Aura 9211+, the 1870+ feels much less breathable, however just like the 9211+, it doesn’t fog up my eyeglasses. It has a agency seal and is snug to put on. I’m not a fan of full head straps, although I perceive they’re a obligatory evil. I favor ear loops, however it is a masks I’ll all the time hold in my house.
Nice Safety at an Inexpensive Worth
{Photograph}: Lisa Wooden Shapiro
3M
Particulate Respirator N95
At round $20 for a field of 10, 3M’s Particulate Respirator N95 is a NIOSH-approved masks to put on when the Air High quality Index (AQI) could be very unhealthy or hazardous. That is the masks to maintain in your automotive, subsequent to your emergency bottles of water and granola bars. And whereas hearth season appears to final all yr, having a strong respirator can mitigate a few of the well being hazards of inhaling dangerous air. 3M’s masks just isn’t as snug as IQAir’s soft-fitting masks, beneath, however it does have an adjustable nostril clip together with two rubber-band-like nonadjustable straps that go round your total head, and it boasts 3M’s proprietary Cool Move Valve that claims to maintain the face cool in sizzling climate. That stated, the masks’s barnacle-like match on one’s face does precisely what it’s purported to do: It retains the seal. Whereas it didn’t fog up my glasses, it isn’t made for consolation. Nonetheless, everybody wants a superb respirator N95 of their masks assortment, and 3M has made one that’s each efficient and budget-friendly.
Courtesy of Demetech
DemeTech
Folding N95 Respirator Masks
This fold-style masks makes use of two over-the-head straps to maintain the masks comfortable in your face, whereas nonetheless permitting a good quantity of respiration room in entrance of your mouth and nostril. These are among the many pricier masks on our listing, however members of our workforce have used these and located them snug and durable. —Eric Ravenscraft
A Design That Suits Properly on Most Faces
Courtesy of 3M
3M
Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ N95
3M’s N95 respirators are individually wrapped and have two horizontal folds that create a decent-sized cup in entrance of your nostril and mouth. The masks include two straps that go over your head and neck to maintain a good seal. This is without doubt one of the smaller packs on our listing, however you might have a neater time discovering it in inventory at some shops. —Eric Ravenscraft
Courtesy of Honeywell
Honeywell
Security DF300 N95 Disposable Respirator
The DF300 N95 from Honeywell is a extra inexpensive choice on this listing. With this masks, you may get multilayer absorption (together with a humidity- and moisture-resistant filter), a gentle inside lining, and latex-free head straps. The nostril clip can be adjustable and hidden beneath the masks. It comes full with a gentle foam nostril cushion as nicely, which ought to make it extra snug to put on for longer durations of time. —Eric Ravenscraft
Greatest for Yardwork, Sanding, Fiberglass Set up, and Sawing
{Photograph}: Lisa Wooden Shapiro
We’re followers of 3M’s three-panel Aura masks, and the model’s 9205+ presents an exhalation-valve-free choice for an N95 masks. All N95 masks are made with electrostatic materials to assist seize particulates, and Aura masks are made with 3M’s Superior Electrostatic Media. Additionally of be aware, 3M’s declare of a fog-free expertise for eyeglass wearers doesn’t lie. The adjustable nose-foam nostril clip makes a good seal, and as I write this evaluate, masked up with 9205+, my glasses are fog-free. I like that the masks’s two rubber head straps are latex-free (I’m allergic to latex) and that the masks has a low profile. Whereas the Aura 9205+ isn’t as snug as IQAir’s KN95/FFP2 face masks, for a full head strap masks, it’s snug sufficient. If we discover ourselves in a future pandemic, the 9205+ is a well-sealed masks that’s simple to regulate and put on.
{Photograph}: Lisa Wooden Shapiro
3M
Aura 9211+ N95 Particulate Respirator
There are specific occupations which might be excellent for the Aura 9211+ N95 masks. In case your interest or job requires grinding, sanding, or welding, this may be the best masks for you. The 9211+ is product of three panels with two full head straps that assure a seal. The 9211+ additionally has a gentle cushioning nostril kind to customise the match; 3M recommends sporting the 9211+ to scale back publicity to sure particulates equivalent to coal, silica, iron ore, steel, and wooden. I do know a number of welders and some who do critical woodworking who’re wonderful candidates for the 9211+. The picture on 3M’s 9211+ touchdown web page reveals the wearer on the brink of weld.
I discovered the 9211+ essentially the most snug of all of the Aura collection on account of its gentle elastic material straps, and it was simple to breathe, although there are few instances I’d need a masks with an exhalation valve. I may see myself sporting one for sure house renovations, however I wouldn’t put on one if I am sick. It’s essential to know that the 9211+ exhalation valves make respiration simpler for the wearer, however these valves can launch droplets into the air when respiration. Masks with exhalation valves weren’t really helpful through the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. One examine discovered that an “exhalation valve on a face mask under flow conditions mimics human breathing.” Nonetheless, if you happen to’re searching for a masks with an exhalation valve, the 9211+ is snug and simple to regulate.
KF94 Masks
KF95 masks are Korean-made masks which might be designed to filter 94 p.c of particulate matter; they sometimes function ear loops as an alternative of head straps, which many discover ot be extra snug.
Courtesy of VIDA
Vida’s KF94 masks is each protecting and classy. It is FDA-listed, CE-certified (and manufactured in South Korea), and presents a 94 p.c filtration effectivity. The four-layer masks is available in lovely colours together with Blush, Seafoam, and Glacier Blue. It is also obtainable in quite a lot of pack sizes, from 10 to 10,000. —Brenda Stolyar
Greatest KF94 for Giant Heads
Courtesy of Amazon
The BOTN KF94 masks solely are available giant and extra-large for adults, so these with smaller faces ought to look into the youth dimension, which additionally is available in quite a lot of shade choices together with beige, darkish grey, pink, and yellow. The masks has ear loops and a nosepiece which might be each adjustable, so it ought to assist guarantee a good match if you happen to go for the larger dimension. I favor these when sporting make-up, as a result of the nosepiece stays put and doesn’t damage my basis as a lot as different masks do. —Brenda Stolyar
Courtesy of LG
LG
Airwasher KF94 Disposable Face Masks
This one dips out and in of inventory. LG’s Airwasher masks is a normal KF94 with a three-dimensional design, four-ply material, an adjustable nostril clip, and rounded ear loops. If you need a barely extra elevated choice, it additionally is available in a Black Type design that’ll possible pair nicely with fancier outfits for extra formal events. —Eric Ravenscraft
KN95 Masks
KN95 face masks conform to Chinese language somewhat than US requirements, however are usually thought of to be equal to N95.
{Photograph}: Lisa Wooden Shapiro
IQAir makes wonderful air purifiers, so it’s no shock the model additionally makes a few of the best-fitting and most snug KN95 masks we examined. There are two methods to customise the match. There are ear straps together with a hook with two dimension choices to hitch the straps collectively. For a whole seal, the straps on the masks face will be pulled to regulate the match. The masks additionally makes use of IQAir Masks Tender Seal expertise to evolve to the face. The gentle grey materials does seal to the pores and skin with out being sticky.
Whereas it took a while fine-tuning the straps, I used to be capable of put on the IQAir masks with glasses with out having them fog up. The masks are available 10-, 12-, and 100-packs and arrive with a zippered carrying case for a single masks. IQAir additionally makes child-sized variations. And like IQAir’s air purifiers, its masks will not be low cost. A ten-pack will run you about $60. Nonetheless, I’ve been capable of put on every masks greater than as soon as and the seal is strong. If there’s a new variant of Covid-19, this shall be one of many masks I’ll be sporting.
