The Best KN95 and N95 Face Masks for COVID

Sep 17, 2023

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Quality masks can be hard to find. Try these on for size.

We updated this article in July 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research, including research on counterfeit masks, done by our team. We also consulted medical professionals to speak to the efficacy of each type of mask.

Face masks are no longer required on federal public transportation and in many stores, but the rise of the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 variant has had plenty of people rethinking their personal mask usage. And with the "tripledemic" of COVID, RSV, and flu still circulating, a mask can help keep you and your loved ones safe this season.

As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear a mask "when there is a lot of COVID in your community." But finding out accurate numbers for case counts in your area is tricky, says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. "Many people are testing themselves at home," he points out, which means that the official COVID-19 case count in your area is likely a "dramatic undercount." Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 has been causing a wave of COVID-19 infections and re-infections. Omicron is believed to be "the most contagious COVID-19 variant we’ve seen yet," says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Luckily, you have options. While Dr. Russo points out that the latest variants seem to be able to evade some protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine, he notes that the vaccine is mostly still keeping people out of the hospital when they do get infected. Also, the CDC announced back in January 2022 that everyone can use N95 masks, which were previously restricted to healthcare workers because of supply chain issues. The CDC also now says that KN95 masks "offer even more protection" than surgical and cloth masks. So, if you can, it's really best to use KN95 and N95 masks for maximum protection. If you haven't used either a KN95 or N95 mask in the past, you probably have questions about what, exactly, these are.

We consulted Dr. Shaffner, Dr. Russo, and made sure these masks were certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

N95 masks, which are considered the gold standard of face masks, are particulate respirators that filter out at least 95% of aerosols, according to the CDC. (Worth noting: There's a subtype of N95 masks labeled "surgical" N95 respirators. These provide extra protection against hazards that may be present during medical procedures like blood splatter, and should still be reserved for healthcare workers, the CDC says.)

KN95 masks are the Chinese version of N95 masks, Dr. Russo says. These are certified by the Chinese government and also filter out up to 95% of aerosols.

The main difference between these two masks is that N95s have to meet stricter requirements, including the ability to filter out bacteria and viruses, and be certified by NIOSH. Still, "N95 and KN95 respirators are quite comparable," says Dr. Schaffner.

3M is one of the most reputable names in N95 respirators, and it's Aura masks are still in stock at Home Depot. This mask has a lightweight, three-panel design with a metal nose bridge to help you get a secure fit, no matter your face shape. It also features headband-style elastics to take the pressure off your ears. The masks fold up for easy storage in your bag or pocket.

What reviewers say: "Better fit than any other mask I’ve worn at work or for personal use."

Another great N95 option from 3M, this respirator protects against solid and liquid aerosols that don't contain oil. It has a soft interior foam around the adjustable nose bridge for a comfortable fit and lightweight design that makes it easy to wear.

What reviewers say: "3M knows what they are doing. The 8210 plus is so easy to breathe through and the straps are tight yet comfortable. They are perfectly for reuse. They are just so good, especially if you have to wear something for a few hours or just going to the store."

Powecom's KN95 mask also comes in a sleek black color. This 10-pack features masks with soft ear loops that are comfortable enough to wear for hours. The mask has several layers of non-woven soft and breathable fibers and filters out at least 95% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

What reviewers say: "I bought a cheaper brand and they smelled like chemicals. I went back to Powecom and they are perfect. No smell, fits nicely, and offers good protection. As an R.N., I recommend everybody stock up on these—the pandemic is not over. A good KN95 mask is your first line of defense after getting your vaccine and boosters. It's not worth taking a chance and suffering needlessly when you can protect yourself easily."

HDX's N95 respirators have a medium-to-large coverage, allowing for a good fit for a wide range of face sizes. A cupped design keeps the mask off your face for easy breathing. Headband-style straps and a metal nose bridge allow for a tight fit.

What reviewers say: "Like that it was not over my ears like soooo many others. Give my ears a break people!!!"

Some N95 masks have a "pouch" shape, like this Kimberly-Clark model. It features a large chamber for easy breathing, along with a metal nose bridge and headband-style straps for a secure fit. Another perk of the pouch-style N95: It folds up easily when it's not in use.

What reviewers say: "I found these masks very easy to put on, and I love that they don't hang from your ears. They have a nice soft texture, and fit securely without digging into your face. I found breathing in them to be very comfortable, and I wore one for the entire day."

Well Before's N95 masks offer up adjustable headband straps to let you get that just-right fit and prevent gaps. It also offers a wide and tented design, giving you more breathing space. A nice perk: They come individually wrapped, so you can toss one directly into your bag without worrying about lint.

What reviewers say: "I purchased the N95 masks and they are really good. They are secure, fit great, adjustable, and comfortable. I’ve been able to keep one on for eight hours straight."

Powecom's KN95 masks have been fan-favorites on Amazon for months. These masks have four layers of protection, along with a two-strap headband design for a secure fit. A metal nose bridge allows you to easily mold the mask to your face.

What reviewers say: "This mask feels very safe and high quality, not flimsy like many other masks out there, and it fits snugly to my face. I especially like that it does not fog up my glasses in colder temperatures. The particular rigid, pointed shape of the mask gives my mouth some extra breathing room which is nice."

*This product is currently out of stock.

In a perfect world, you’d be able to snatch up a KN95 mask and know that it performs the way it says it does. But the CDC warns that up to 60% of KN95 masks on the market are counterfeit and do not work as well as they claim. "There are definitely counterfeits out there," Dr. Schaffner says.

That's where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comes in. Earlier in the pandemic, the FDA issued emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for KN95 masks to allow healthcare workers who couldn't obtain N95s to use them and trust that they were legit.

The FDA has since revoked those EUAs now that N95s are more widely available (to healthcare workers, at least). Prior to that, some companies and their masks were taken off the list for producing products that weren't up to snuff, making the whole process pretty confusing. The list isn't updated anymore, and the Federal Travel Mask Mandate has been lifted, but you can generally use it as a buying guide to make sure that the KN95 masks you’re buying are good.

N95 masks, on the other hand, have to be NIOSH-approved, and the government agency has a list online that you can use to look up a mask you’re considering. Keep in mind, too, that if you buy an N95 mask from a reputable retailer, like Target, CVS, Home Depot, or Lowe's, you can usually trust that it's legitimate, Dr. Russo says.

Whether you choose an N95 or KN95 respirator, the CDC recommends that your mask forms a tight seal on your face. You’ll also want to take a pass on masks that have exhalation valves, vents, or other openings, as well as those that you feel like you can't breathe well when you’re wearing them.

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