Wirecutter

This mask includes a machine-washable filter and was among the best performers in our independent lab test. Our kid testers found the Enro mask—which comes in two kids sizes and provides excellent coverage for most kids—to be lightweight and breathable.

Best for Most

walmart

expert-review

Yes, You Need to Use a Better Mask

Why the Best Kids Masks Are Sold Out (And What You Can Do in the Meantime)

TechGearLab

The Base Camp Cloth 4D fit allows the mask to follow the contour of the face without touching the lips. The top flap fits nicely over the nose, complete with a bendable nose wire, which helps mitigate glasses fog. The bottom flap folds out easily, cupping the chin, effectively avoiding bunching, gaping, and air escaping. The ear loops are stretchy and adjustable, ensuring a versatile fit. This face mask features three layers of 100% cotton and a filter pocket for added protection. Your purchase comes with two masks, so you can wash one while you wear the other. 
Unfortunately, the Base Camp must be washed by hand and hung or laid flat to dry. This isn't too cumbersome, but if machine washability is a must for you, you may want to check out some of our other options. This mask is also somewhat large and stiff, making for a breathable mask, but it may feel a little large on some petite faces. Still, the Base Camp is a great option if you're looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly adjustable mask.

Upgrade Pick

amazon.com

The Enro Tech Mask, available in sizes XXS through XL, has a bendy nose-bridge wire and adjustable ear loops, and it should fit most faces well. In lab tests, this mask filtered 99% of 0.5-micron particles.

Budget Pick

The most affordable FDA-authorized disposable mask we’ve seen isn’t particularly soft, but it is sturdy, and it has generous ear loops.

shopify

The WeddingStar Washable Cloth Face Mask is a well-constructed, comfortable fashion mask that can be worn to the gym, work, or even to a wedding, hence the name. The ear straps and nose bridge wire are easily adjustable and do not deteriorate with washing. This mask comes in many fun patterns like cheetah print and more subdued ones like plain charcoal grey. WeddingStar offers their own disposable filters made specifically for this mask as well as 3-packs if you are looking to stock up. This is a great option for those who wear glasses, as the fit encourages air to escape the bottom of the mask rather than the top, leaving your glasses fog-free. 
This face mask is nicely fitted and seals to the face as it should, but the fabric seems to expand and contract with each breath &mdash; when inhaling, the fabric may touch your lips or nose. This didn't bother our testers as the fabric is quite breathable, but it is worth noting for those who might be less inclined to purchase a mask that does not remain completely off the face. It is also on the smaller side of the spectrum, so if you are looking for a larger fit, you will want to consider another option. Overall, this is a great choice for anyone looking for aesthetic options without sacrificing comfort.

The Perry Ellis Reusable Pleated 3-Pack is a set of lightweight, reusable masks. They are 100% cotton, which helps with their breathability, comfort, and versatility. The multiple layers help protect you and those around you, and the built-in pocket offers the option to add a disposable filter. The lightweight cotton also helps keep the face from sweating, which renders them great for exercising, and the fun color options are sure to match any outfit. The half-inch triple pleats and fully adjustable ear straps help the mask fit a wide variety of faces, and the adjustable nose wire helps keep it in place while mitigating glasses fog. These masks are durable and machine washable, but it is best to air dry them on a flat surface. This ensures that the pleats remain pleated and the mask itself does not shrink in the dryer. 
While the Perry Ellis masks are a good fit for most, we did find that people with particularly small faces felt as though there was an excess of fabric. This can affect comfort and fit. The nose wire helps a lot with glasses fog; however, it does not completely absolve you of this issue. It is also worth noting that the small beads that make the ear straps adjustable can fall off in the wash, so it is best to tie a small knot to ensure they don't slip off. Overall the Perry Ellis is a very versatile option at a great price.

BabyGearLab

The Dropskip Kids Face Masks is hands down the most comfortable mask in this review, especially if you want a maskless feel. This silky smooth mask is two layers and has a bendable nose piece, a small chin shelf, and a filter pocket. It has adjustable elastic ear straps with a silicone end to prevent the adjustable slide from falling off and getting lost. They feel thin, are 100% cotton, and come with a zipper laundry bag for quick machine wash cleaning and dying. This pack includes five colorful masks good for every day of the week, making them great for kids headed to school. While thin, these appear to be of nice quality with even stitching and no loose threads or stretched elastic. These masks look small but fit everyone during testing, from 5 years old to a smaller adult face. Our testers preferred these masks for outdoor activities &#40;tennis, anyone?&#41; where sweating and hot days prevailed.
While this option comes with a filter pocket, it doesn't come with filters. However, you can easily buy filters online for more layers. Also, the fabric is thin and has no structure, so without a filter, the material can suck into your face if you inhale sharply. Despite these minor hiccups, we love these masks. The silky feeling, adjustable features, and filter pocket help ensure that kids will wear them without complaint, even while running and playing. 

This stylish mask has good clearance off the nose and mouth and—thanks to a sewn-in filter—decent filtration efficiency. You can choose between adjustable headbands and ear loops, both of which provide a good fit.

Face Mask Comparison