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

For the reason that 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 steering. Add to that the risk of poisonous air, not solely from wildfire smoke however, even worse, from burning houses. Now’s the time to buy masks in the identical method one would purchase a primary assist package or medication, 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 danger of disruption hitting masks provide chains, together with the problems of counterfeit masks, neighborhood unfold of sickness, an extended and extra energetic wildfire season, local weather change, and the sometimes-vanishing steering pages on authorities web sites, it’s vital to maintain your masks on the prepared.

Most alarming is the Trump administration’s latest 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 drive throughout NIOSH, no new respirator approval functions will be accepted.” This may impression compliance and security of recent and future manufactured masks. Masks do have expiration dates, however I nonetheless assume now is an efficient time to replenish on quite a lot of masks that you understand are licensed protected and efficient.

We have additionally included some tips about masks care and selecting the perfect type of masks straps on the finish of this listing. Remember to try 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 gadgets 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 an enormous listing of authorized N95 masks. Sadly, the provide of many manufacturers is consistently fluctuating (even in 2025), so it’s possible you’ll have to verify again often to see that are in inventory. Many shops even have regional inventory based mostly on in-store provide, so you should definitely verify 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 best stage of fluid resistance, at 160 mmHg. In response to the CDC, “A main check for the fluid barrier is a qualitative check during which 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 may deal with the coughs and sneezes of a world gone in poor health. It may possibly shield the wearer from “microorganisms, physique fluids, and particulate materials.” In contrast to 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 comfy to put on. I’m not a fan of full head straps, although I perceive they’re a crucial evil. I favor ear loops, however this can be a masks I’ll all the time maintain in my house.

Nice Safety at an Reasonably priced Value

{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) may 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 fireplace season appears to final all yr, having a stable respirator can mitigate among the well being hazards of inhaling dangerous air. 3M’s masks shouldn’t be as comfy as IQAir’s soft-fitting masks, under, nevertheless it does have an adjustable nostril clip together with two rubber-band-like nonadjustable straps that go round your whole head, and it boasts 3M’s proprietary Cool Circulation 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 very good 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 respiratory room in entrance of your mouth and nostril. These are among the many pricier masks on our listing, however members of our crew have used these and located them comfy and durable. —Eric Ravenscraft

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 likely one of the smaller packs on our listing, however you’ll have a better 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 possibility on this listing. 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 also be adjustable and hidden beneath the masks. It comes full with a smooth foam nostril cushion as effectively, which ought to make it extra comfy to put on for longer durations of time. —Eric Ravenscraft

{Photograph}: Lisa Wooden Shapiro

We’re followers of 3M’s three-panel Aura masks, and the model’s 9205+ presents an exhalation-valve-free possibility 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 observe, 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 comfy as IQAir’s KN95/FFP2 face masks, for a full head strap masks, it’s comfy 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 particular occupations which might be excellent for the Aura 9211+ N95 masks. In case your passion or job requires grinding, sanding, or welding, this is likely to 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 smooth cushioning nostril type to customise the match; 3M recommends sporting the 9211+ to cut back publicity to sure particulates comparable to coal, silica, iron ore, metallic, and wooden. I do know a number of welders and some who do severe woodworking who’re glorious candidates for the 9211+. The picture on 3M’s 9211+ touchdown web page exhibits the wearer on the point of weld.

I discovered the 9211+ essentially the most comfy of all of the Aura collection on account of its smooth elastic cloth straps, and it was simple to breathe, although there are few occasions 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 vital 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 advisable in the course of the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. One examine discovered that an “exhalation valve on a face masks underneath move situations mimics human respiratory.” Nonetheless, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a masks with an exhalation valve, the 9211+ is comfy and straightforward to regulate.

KF94 Masks

KF95 masks are Korean-made masks which might be designed to filter 94 p.c of particulate matter; they sometimes characteristic ear loops as a substitute of head straps, which many discover ot be extra comfy.

Courtesy of VIDA

Vida’s KF94 masks is each protecting and fashionable. 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 lovable 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

Courtesy of Amazon

The BOTN KF94 masks solely are available in 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 colour 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 spoil 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 regular KF94 with a three-dimensional design, four-ply cloth, an adjustable nostril clip, and rounded ear loops. If you need a barely extra elevated possibility, it additionally is available in a Black Model design that’ll seemingly pair effectively with fancier outfits for extra formal events. —Eric Ravenscraft

KN95 Masks

KN95 face masks conform to Chinese language reasonably than US requirements, however are usually thought-about to be equal to N95.

{Photograph}: Lisa Wooden Shapiro

IQAir makes glorious air purifiers, so it’s no shock the model additionally makes among the best-fitting and most comfy 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 an entire seal, the straps on the masks face will be pulled to regulate the match. The masks additionally makes use of IQAir Masks Gentle Seal know-how to evolve 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 capable of 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 capable of put on every masks greater than as soon as and the seal is stable. If there’s a new variant of Covid-19, this might be one of many masks I’ll be sporting.