The Finest N95, KF94, and KN95 Face Masks (2025)

Because the COVID-19 pandemic 5 years in the past, WIRED has continued to replace our masks suggestions as a result of fixed modifications 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 manner one would purchase a primary help equipment or drugs, simply in case. Some masks—like our high reasonably priced choose, 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 high total N95 choose, IQAir’s KN95/FFP ($60 for 10)—are placed on throughout or after a wildfire. With the danger of disruption hitting masks provide chains, together with the problems of counterfeit masks, group unfold of sickness, an extended and extra energetic wildfire season, local weather change, and the sometimes-vanishing steerage pages on authorities web sites, it’s necessary 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, “As a result of discount in pressure throughout NIOSH, no new respirator approval functions will be accepted.” This may impression compliance and security of latest and future manufactured masks. Masks do have expiration dates, however I nonetheless assume now is an effective time to top off on quite a lot of masks that you already know are licensed secure and efficient.

We have additionally included some tips about masks care and selecting one of the best type of masks straps on the finish of this record. You’ll want to try our different air high quality guides, together with the Finest Air Purifiers, Finest Indoor High quality Screens, and Finest 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.

N95 Masks

N95 masks are made to US requirements for filtering 95 p.c of particulates. The CDC has a large record of accredited N95 masks. Sadly, the provide of many manufacturers is consistently fluctuating (even in 2025), so it’s possible you’ll must examine again often to see that are in inventory. Many shops even have regional inventory based mostly on in-store provide, so make sure to examine your native zip code the place relevant.

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 very best stage of fluid resistance, at 160 mmHg. In line with the CDC, “A major take a look at for the fluid barrier is a qualitative take a look at wherein artificial blood is projected onto the outside of the masks at a particular strain.” (On this case, at 160 mmHg.) If the 1870+ can stand as much as a torn artery spouting blood, it will possibly deal with the coughs and sneezes of a world gone in poor health. It could defend the wearer from “microorganisms, physique fluids, and particulate materials.” 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 mandatory evil. I want ear loops, however this can be a masks I’ll at all times maintain in my residence.

Nice Safety at an Reasonably priced Value

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) may be very unhealthy or hazardous. That is the masks to maintain in your automobile, subsequent to your emergency bottles of water and granola bars. And whereas fireplace season appears to final all 12 months, having a stable respirator can mitigate among the well being hazards of inhaling dangerous air. 3M’s masks is just not 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 complete head, and it boasts 3M’s proprietary Cool Circulate 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 presupposed to do: It retains the seal. Whereas it didn’t fog up my glasses, it isn’t made for consolation. Nonetheless, everybody wants respirator N95 of their masks assortment, and 3M has made one that’s each efficient and budget-friendly.

This fold-style masks makes use of two over-the-head straps to maintain the masks cosy in your face, whereas nonetheless permitting a good quantity of respiratory room in entrance of your mouth and nostril. These are among the many pricier masks on our record, however members of our workforce have used these and located them snug and durable. —Eric Ravenscraft

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 decent seal. This is without doubt one of the smaller packs on our record, however you will have a neater time discovering it in inventory at some shops. —Eric Ravenscraft

The DF300 N95 from Honeywell is a extra reasonably priced choice on this record. With this masks, you will get multilayer absorption (together with a humidity- and moisture-resistant filter), a smooth inside lining, and latex-free head straps. The nostril clip can be adjustable and hidden beneath the masks. It comes full with a smooth foam nostril cushion as effectively, which ought to make it extra snug to put on for longer durations of time. —Eric Ravenscraft

We’re followers of 3M’s three-panel Aura masks, and the model’s 9205+ affords 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 word, 3M’s declare of a fog-free expertise for eyeglass wearers doesn’t lie. The adjustable nose-foam nostril clip makes a decent seal, and as I write this overview, 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 straightforward to regulate and put on.

There are specific occupations which are excellent for the Aura 9211+ N95 masks. In case your passion or job requires grinding, sanding, or welding, this is perhaps 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 smooth cushioning nostril kind to customise the match; 3M recommends sporting the 9211+ to cut back publicity to sure particulates akin 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 exhibits the wearer on the brink of weld.

I discovered the 9211+ essentially the most snug of all of the Aura collection as a consequence of its smooth elastic material straps, and it was straightforward to breathe, although there are few instances I’d need a masks with an exhalation valve. I might see myself sporting one for sure residence renovations, however I wouldn’t put on one if I am sick. It’s necessary to know that the 9211+ exhalation valves make respiratory simpler for the wearer, however these valves can launch droplets into the air when respiratory. Masks with exhalation valves weren’t beneficial in the course of the top of the COVID-19 pandemic. One research discovered that an “exhalation valve on a face masks underneath stream circumstances mimics human respiratory.” Nonetheless, when you’re searching for a masks with an exhalation valve, the 9211+ is snug and straightforward to regulate.

KF94 Masks

KF95 masks are Korean-made masks which are designed to filter 94 p.c of particulate matter; they usually function ear loops as an alternative of head straps, which many discover ot be extra snug.

Vida’s KF94 masks is each protecting and trendy. It is FDA-listed, CE-certified (and manufactured in South Korea), and affords a 94 p.c filtration effectivity. The four-layer masks is available in cute colours together with Blush, Seafoam, and Glacier Blue. It is also out there in quite a lot of pack sizes, from 10 to 10,000. —Brenda Stolyar

The BOTN KF94 masks solely are available in massive and extra-large for adults, so these with smaller faces ought to look into the youth measurement, 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 are each adjustable, so it ought to assist guarantee a decent match when you go for the larger measurement. I want 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

This one dips out and in of inventory. LG’s Airwasher masks is a regular 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 Fashion design that’ll probably pair effectively with fancier outfits for extra formal events. —Eric Ravenscraft

KN95 Masks

KN95 face masks conform to Chinese language relatively than US requirements, however are typically thought of to be equal to N95.

IQAir makes wonderful air purifiers, so it’s no shock the model additionally makes among 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 measurement choices to hitch the straps collectively. For an entire seal, the straps on the masks face will be pulled to regulate the match. The masks additionally makes use of IQAir Masks Tender Seal know-how to adapt to the face. The smooth 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 in a position to put on the IQAir masks with glasses with out having them fog up. The masks are available in 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 are usually not low cost. A ten-pack will run you about $60. Nonetheless, I’ve been in a position to put on every masks greater than as soon as and the seal is stable. If there’s a new variant of Covid-19, this can be one of many masks I’ll be sporting.