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

Since COVID-19 During the pandemic that began five years ago, WIRED has continued to update our mask recommendations due to constantly changing availability and changing guidance. This also includes the threat of toxic air, not only from wildfire smoke but, worse, from burning houses. Now is the time to buy masks the same way one buys first aid kits or medicines. Some masks—like our top affordable pick Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold ($13 for 50)– Ideal for use on public transportation or in theaters, and others—like our top overall N95 pick, IQAir’s KN95/FFP ($60 for 10)-Applied during or after forest fires. Given the risks of counterfeit masks, community spread of disease, longer and more active wildfire seasons, climate change, and issues of sometimes missing guidance pages on government websites, as well as disruptions to the mask supply chain, it is important to have your masks ready.

Most worrying is the Trump administration’s recent dismantling of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website declares, “Due to a reduction in force at NIOSH, no new respirator approval applications can be accepted.” This will impact the compliance and safety of new and future manufactured masks. Masks have expiration dates, but I still think it’s 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 about mask care and choosing the best type 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 November 2025: We have added 1870+, 9205+ and 9211+ N95 respirators from 3M Aura and masks from Lement and Kimtech. We have also removed out of stock items and updated the prices.

N95 mask

N95 masks are made according to US standards to filter 95 percent of particles. The CDC has a huge list of approved N95 masks. unfortunately, The supply of many brands is constantly fluctuating (also in 2025), so you may need to check back regularly to see which one is in stock. Many stores also carry regional stock based on in-store supply, so be sure to check your local zip code where applicable.

At WIRED, we continue to test and wear 3M’s Aura series of masks, and the Red-strapped 1870+ is an FDA-approved surgical mask. The highest level of fluid resistance in the 1870+ is 160 mmHg. According to the CDC, “The primary test for fluid barrier is a qualitative test in which synthetic blood is projected onto the exterior of the mask at a specific pressure.” (In this case, at 160 mmHg.) If the 1870+ can stand up to a burst artery spewing blood, it can handle the coughs and sneezes of sick people around the world. It can protect the wearer from “microorganisms, body fluids and particulate materials”. Unlike 3M’s Aura 9211+, the 1870+ feels less breathable, but like the 9211+, it doesn’t fog up my glasses. Its seal is firm and comfortable to wear. I’m not a fan of full head straps, although I understand they are a necessary evil. I like the ear loops, but this is one mask I will always have in my house.

Great protection at an affordable price

At about $20 for a box of 10, 3M’s Particulate Respirator N95 is a NIOSH-approved mask that can be worn when the air quality index (AQI) is too unhealthy or dangerous. This is the mask to keep in your car next to the emergency bottles of water and granola bars. And while fire season lasts year-round, having a solid respirator can reduce some of the health hazards of breathing bad air. 3M’s mask isn’t as comfortable as IQAir’s soft-fitting mask below, but it has an adjustable nose clip with two rubber-band-like non-adjustable straps that go around your entire head, and it features 3M’s proprietary Cool Flow Valve that claims to keep the face cool in hot weather. That said, the barnacle-like fit of a mask to one’s face does exactly what it’s supposed to do: it maintains a seal. Although it didn’t fog up my glasses, it’s not made for comfort. Still, everyone needs a good respirator N95 in their mask collection, and 3M has created a respirator that is both effective and budget-friendly.

This fold-style mask uses two over-the-head straps to keep the mask tightly held on your face, while still allowing ample amount of breathing space in front of your mouth and nose. These are among the more expensive masks on our list, but members of our team have used them and found them comfortable and sturdy. -Eric Ravenscraft

3M’s N95 respirators are individually wrapped and have two horizontal folds that create a decent-sized cup over 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 find it easier to find it in stock at some stores. -Eric Ravenscraft

Honeywell’s DF300 N95 is the more affordable option on this list. With this mask, you’ll get multilayer absorption (including humidity and moisture resistant filters), a soft inner layer, and latex-free head straps. The nose clip is also adjustable and hidden under the mask. It comes with a soft foam nose cushion, which should make it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. -Eric Ravenscraft

We’re fans of 3M’s three-panel Aura masks, and the brand’s 9205+ offers an exhalation-valve-free alternative to N95 masks. All N95 masks are made of electrostatic material to help capture particles, and Aura masks are made with 3M’s advanced electrostatic media. It’s also worth noting that 3M’s claim of a fog-free experience for glasses wearers is not a lie. The adjustable nose-foam nose clip creates a tight seal, and as I write this review, with the 9205+, my glasses are fog-free. I like that the mask’s two rubber head straps are latex-free (I’m allergic to latex) and that the mask has a low profile. While the Aura 9205+ isn’t as comfortable as IQAir’s KN95/FFP2 face mask, for a full head strap mask, it’s comfortable enough. If we find ourselves in a pandemic in the future, the 9205+ is a well-sealed mask that is easy to adjust and wear.

There are some occupations that are a perfect fit for the Aura 9211+ N95 mask. If your hobby or job requires grinding, sanding, or welding, this may be the ideal mask for you. The 9211+ is composed of three panels with two full head straps that guarantee a seal. The 9211+ also features a soft cushioning nose contours to optimize fit; 3M recommends wearing 9211+ to reduce exposure to certain particles such as coal, silica, iron ore, metal and wood. I know several welders and some serious woodworkers who are excellent candidates for the 9211+. The image on 3M’s 9211+ landing page shows the wearer getting ready to weld.

I found the 9211+ to be the most comfortable of all the Aura series due to its soft elastic fabric straps, and it was easy to breathe through, although at times I wish a mask had an exhalation valve. I can see myself wearing this for some home renovations, but I wouldn’t wear it if I was sick. It is important to know that 9211+ exhalation valves make it easier for the wearer to breathe, but these valves can release droplets into the air while breathing. Masks with exhalation valves were not recommended during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. One study found that “an exhalation valve on a face mask in flow conditions mimics human breathing.” Still, if you’re looking for a mask with an exhalation valve, the 9211+ is comfortable and easy to adjust.

KF94 mask

KF95 masks are Korean-made masks designed to filter out 94 percent of particulate matter; These usually have ear loops instead of head straps, which many people find more comfortable.

Vida’s KF94 mask is both protective And Stylish. It’s FDA-listed, CE-certified (and made in South Korea), and offers 94 percent filtration efficiency. The four-layer mask comes in adorable colors including blush, seafoam, and glacier blue. It is also available in various pack sizes ranging from 10 to 10,000. -Brenda Stolyar

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 brown, pink, and yellow. The mask has ear loops and a nosepiece that are both adjustable, so this will help ensure a tight fit if you go for a larger size. I prefer these when applying makeup because the nosepiece stays in place and doesn’t mess up my foundation as much as other masks do. -Brenda Stolyar

It keeps coming 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 round ear loops. If you want a slightly more upscale option, it also comes in a black style design that will probably look good with dressy outfits for more formal occasions. -Eric Ravenscraft

KN95 mask

KN95 face masks conform to Chinese standards rather than American standards, but are generally considered equivalent to the N95.

IQAir makes excellent air purifiers, so it’s no surprise that the brand also makes some of the best-fitting and most comfortable KN95 masks we’ve tested. There are two ways to customize the fit. There are ear straps with two size options with a hook to attach the straps together. For a complete seal, the straps can be pulled over the face of the mask to adjust the fit. This mask also uses IQAir Mask Soft Seal technology to conform to the face. The soft brown substance seals the skin without being sticky.

Although it took some time to get the straps in place, I was able to wear the IQAir mask with the glasses without them fogging up. Masks come in 10-, 12- and 100-packs and come with a zippered case for one mask. IQAir also makes child-sized versions. And like IQAir’s air purifiers, its masks aren’t cheap. A 10-pack will cost around $60. Still, I’ve been able to wear each mask more than once and the seal is solid. If a new variant of COVID-19 emerges, this will be one of the masks I wear.