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Best Football Facemasks of 2026

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Jason Kiser

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Football facemasks are an essential piece of equipment for any football player, providing crucial protection for their face and head during games and practices. These facemasks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different designs and materials to suit the needs of individual players. Some facemasks offer full coverage for the face and eyes, while others provide more open designs for better visibility and breathability. Many football facemasks are made from durable materials like steel or carbon fiber, ensuring that they can withstand the impact of intense games and keep players safe on the field.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Football Facemasks

#TOP 1

NXT NXTRND VZR1 Football Visor

NXT NXTRND VZR1 Football Visor Cover

Nxtrnd VZR1 Football Visor, Flat Lens Technology, Fits Adult & Youth Football Helmets (Clear Mirror)

The NXT VZR1 Football Visor offers strong, lightweight protection made from polycarbonate with a scratch-resistant surface to keep your vision clear during tough games. Its advanced anti-fog coating helps you see clearly even in humid or rainy conditions, so you never miss a play. This visor fits most popular football helmets, giving you flexibility no matter your gear. Plus, the easy clip system lets you install or remove the visor quickly without any tools, making it simple to get ready or adjust on the sidelines.

9.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Scratch resistant surface
  • No fogging visibility
  • Easy installation
  • Durable construction
  • Perfect helmet fit

What We Don't Like

  • Minor scratches possible
  • Small side gaps on some helmets

What Customers Say

"As a parent, I truly value the outstanding quality and lasting durability of NXTRND's visor. The price is reasonable, and my son absolutely loves it. We previously wasted money on flimsy gear, but this visor, along with their mouthguard, has proven to be built to last. I even compared it with a cheaper competitor, and honestly, NXTRND's fit and ease of use are superior. I feel confident we made the best choice for our young athlete."

"This is hands down the best visor I've used. The sun doesn't bother me on the field, and my teammates can't see my eyes, which is great for practice. It stays clean with little maintenance and fits my Speed Flex helmet nicely. The tinted color looks awesome and it does exactly what I need. Highly recommend!"

"Ordering was simple, shipping was fast, and the quality matches the product description perfectly. The visor fit my Riddell helmet exactly as promised and was incredibly easy to install—unlike my previous experiences with other brands. Overall, I'm very satisfied."

#TOP 2

Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask

  • Schutt
  • 23302006
  • Black
  • One Size
Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask for F7 Football Helmets, Football Gear and Accessories EGOP-NB-VC, Black

The Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask is a high-quality football facemask designed to fit Schutt F7 VTD helmets in S-2XL sizes. Its raised brow design helps deflect impacts away from the helmet, while the tapered faceguard design increases your range of motion and reduces the areas of potential impact. The facemask accommodates all major brands of eye shields and visors, making it very versatile. It is perfect for Running Back, Wide Receiver, Defensive End, and Tight End field positions.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Excellent fit and comfort
  • High-quality construction
  • Includes mounting hardware
  • Fast delivery
  • Custom look and style

What We Don't Like

  • Facemask and helmet sold separately
  • Packaging confusion

What Customers Say

"I was thrilled with the phenomenal fit and performance of this facemask. My son absolutely loved it and it looked custom-made on his helmet!"

"I bought this for my son as a Christmas present and he was so happy with it. He's 10 and really enjoyed using it!"

"I appreciated that this facemask fit my F7 2.0 helmet perfectly and even came with brand-new mounting hardware and clips."

#TOP 3

Schutt F7 EGOP III-NB-VC Facemask

Schutt F7 EGOP III-NB-VC Facemask Cover

Schutt F7 EGOP III-NB-VC Facemask for Schutt F7 Football Helmets

The Schutt F7 Facemask is designed to fit all sizes of Schutt F7 football helmets, ensuring a perfect match for every player. It can accommodate various brands of eye shields and visors, providing flexibility for your gear. Made from popular carbon steel, this facemask offers durability, while the titanium option is 60% lighter, enhancing comfort during play. It's specialized for key positions such as running back and linebacker, giving you the protection and performance you need on the field.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Customizable design options
  • Highly protective for F7 helmets
  • Enhanced facial safety
  • Great for young athletes

What We Don't Like

  • Material description confusion
  • Return process inconvenience

What Customers Say

"My son was absolutely thrilled to personalize his helmet with this facemask, and we’ll definitely be buying another for the next season."

"This facemask offers excellent protection and looks fantastic on all our F7 helmets."

"My 13-year-old grandson feels significantly safer wearing this facemask, which really helps reduce facial injuries during play."

#TOP 4

NXT NXTRND VZR3 Football Visor

NXT NXTRND VZR3 Football Visor Cover

Nxtrnd VZR3 Football Visor, Curved Lens Technology, Fits Adult & Youth Football Helmets (Mirror)

The NXT VZR3 Football Visor offers a curved design made from lightweight, scratch-resistant polycarbonate, giving you clear vision from every angle while keeping your eyes protected. It features advanced anti-fog technology, so you won’t have to worry about your view getting blurry in different weather. The visor fits most popular football helmets, making it easy to find a match for your gear. Plus, with the tool-free NXT Clip system, you can quickly attach or remove the visor without any hassle, letting you focus on the game instead of your equipment.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy installation
  • Durable materials
  • Great sun protection
  • Scratch resistance
  • Stylish appearance

What We Don't Like

  • Minor fogging in mornings
  • Mounting hardware could improve

What Customers Say

"I found this visor incredibly simple to install and clean, plus it fits perfectly on my helmet. Even though it fogs up a bit during early practices (which honestly happens with every visor), I still love it. Midday sun is no problem now, and it looks awesome!"

"My son is a huge fan of this visor for football. Attaching and removing it is a breeze, and the look is what he loves most—it really adds that cool factor to his gear."

"For the price, this visor is outstanding. I have two boys using it, and I’ve been impressed by how scratch-resistant it is. The only slight issue was with the mounting hardware, as the black knobs came off during practice. I just ordered new hardware and that should solve it."

#TOP 5

Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask

Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask for F7 Football Helmets, Black, ROPO-DW-NB-VC

The Schutt F7 Facemask is designed to fit the Schutt F7 VTD football helmets, providing a perfect match for your gear. It supports all major brands of eye shields and visors, so you can customize your protection without any hassle. The facemask features a raised brow design that helps redirect impacts away from your helmet, enhancing your safety on the field. Additionally, its tapered faceguard shape allows you to move more freely while reducing the chance of getting hit in vulnerable areas. This facemask is ideal if you play positions like running back, wide receiver, defensive end, or tight end, offering you both protection and improved mobility.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Color replacement option
  • Serves intended purpose
  • Suitable for team changes

What We Don't Like

  • Minor shipping blemishes
  • Poor packaging protection

What Customers Say

"I bought this to get a red facemask for my new team, since my old black one was too worn out. It does exactly what I need it to."

"The product arrived with some scratches and spots from the box rubbing against it, but it still works fine for its main use."

"If I were a helmet collector, I’d have returned it for the blemishes, but for regular play, it’s good enough."

#TOP 6

Schutt Vengeance Varsity Facemask

  • Schutt
  • 75301502
  • White
  • Varsity
Schutt Vengeance Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt Vengeance Varsity Facemask for Vengeance Pro LTD Football Helmets, V-ROPO-DW-TRAD-NB Facemask, White, Carbon Steel

The Schutt Vengeance Facemask is designed to fit all sizes of the Schutt Vengeance varsity football helmets, ensuring a perfect match no matter your helmet size. Made from carbon steel, it offers a sturdy and popular material choice known for its durability on the field. While not as light as titanium, carbon steel provides solid protection and strength. This facemask is tailored for a variety of football positions such as running back, tight end, offensive and defensive lines, defensive back, and linebacker, giving you reliable coverage suited to your role on the team.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Great for practice
  • Perfect for family use
  • Highly recommended

What Customers Say

"I bought these so my husband and son could practice hitting together, and they worked out perfectly for us!"

"These are exactly what we needed for family practice—I would definitely recommend them!"

#TOP 7

Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask

  • Schutt
  • 23302109
  • Burnt Orange
  • Varsity
Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask for F7 Football Helmets, Burnt Orange, EGOP-II-NB-VC

The Schutt F7 Facemask is designed to fit Schutt F7 VTD helmets in sizes S to 2XL, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for you. Its design supports all major eye shields and visors, so you can easily customize your protection. The raised brow feature helps redirect impacts away from the helmet, offering you added safety during intense plays. Additionally, the tapered faceguard design improves your range of motion, allowing you to move more freely while reducing the chances of getting hit in vulnerable areas. This facemask is perfect if you play positions like running back, wide receiver, defensive end, or tight end.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Fits Schutt F7 VTD helmets
  • Compatible with most eye shields
  • Raised brow for impact deflection
  • Tapered design for better mobility

What We Don't Like

  • Minor adjustment for older F7

What Customers Say

"I really like how good this looks on my helmet and it fits just the way it should."

"For those with an older F7, a small piece needs to be removed for a perfect fit, but after that, it works great."

#TOP 8

Wilson Dyna-Lite Aluminum Umpire Facemask

  • WILSON
  • 734272936
  • Black
  • One Size
Wilson Dyna-Lite Aluminum Umpire Facemask Cover

Wilson Dyna-Lite Aluminum Facemask - Black, One Size

The Wilson Dyna-Lite Facemask offers a sturdy aluminum frame designed specifically for umpires. Its lightweight construction helps you stay comfortable during long games without compromising protection. The sleek black finish not only looks professional but also resists wear and tear, keeping your facemask looking sharp. This one-size design ensures a good fit for most users, making it easy to use right out of the box. If you need a reliable and durable facemask for football officiating, this model provides the essential features you want with the trusted quality of the Wilson brand.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Lightweight metal construction
  • Cost-saving option
  • Easy pad transfer
  • Prompt customer service

What We Don't Like

  • No included pads
  • Misleading product images

What Customers Say

"I appreciate the lightweight build and the fact that I could easily move my existing pads over, which made this a great, budget-friendly alternative for me. The customer service answered my questions quickly, so I’m happy to recommend this to anyone looking to save money."

"When I ordered, I expected a complete umpire mask with pads. Instead, I only received the metal frame. The pictures made it seem like pads were included, which is pretty frustrating. Unless I receive the pads, I’ll be returning it."

"I was surprised to find out that the mask comes without any pads at all. The product images are really misleading, so I’ll be more careful next time before making a purchase."

#TOP 9

Sports Unlimited Universal Football Helmet Visor

Sports Unlimited Universal Football Helmet Visor Cover

Sports Unlimited Universal Football Visor for Helmet, Football Helmet Visor, (Clear, Black and Mirror Options)

The Sports Unlimited Football Visor offers a no-tab design, making it compatible with all football helmets, including popular brands like Schutt and Riddell. This means you don’t have to worry about fitting issues when attaching it to your helmet. It features an anti-fog coating, so your vision stays clear even in humid or cold conditions, helping you stay focused on the game. The visor is made from a special scratch-resistant material, protecting it from damage that could block your view. Plus, it securely attaches to your facemask, shielding your eyes from opponents and harsh weather, giving you extra protection during play.

8.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy installation
  • Good price
  • Fits most youth helmets
  • Clear visibility
  • Customizable decals

What We Don't Like

  • Possible fit issues on small helmets
  • Challenging installation for some

What Customers Say

"My 11-year-old absolutely loves this visor! It looks great on his Schutt F7 youth helmet, fits in several spots on the facemask, and so far, the quality is impressive. We're waiting to see how it holds up during the season, but at the moment, it's a hit."

"I was pleased with how easy it was to install and the affordable price. The visor fits perfectly on the helmet, and the clarity is excellent for my son's youth Riddell SpeedFlex. He also feels the added protection is a big plus."

"I had high hopes because of the price and the included decals, but unfortunately, it didn't fit my son's Xenith X2E+ youth helmet (small size). The cutout at the top was also a bit narrow, causing issues with the interior padding. I ended up needing to return it and look for one that fits smaller youth helmets better."

#TOP 10

Green Gridiron SF-2EG-SW Facemask

Green Gridiron SF-2EG-SW Facemask Cover

SF-2EG-SW for Riddell SpeedFlex + US Flag Helmet Decal (Black) - Green Gridiron

Green Gridiron Facemask is designed for S, M, L, XL Adult and Youth Riddell SpeedFlex helmets. Made of stainless steel, this SF-2EG-SW facemask is suitable for skilled players. The facemask is specifically crafted for the SpeedFlex helmets, ensuring a secure and proper fit. With its stainless steel construction, it provides durability and protection during gameplay. Enhance your style and represent your team with the Chrome US Flag decal. Get ready to elevate your game with the Green Gridiron Facemask.

8.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Secure Fit
  • Durable Stainless Steel
  • Enhances Style

Football Facemasks Comparison Table

#TOP 1 NXT NXTRND VZR1 Football Visor Cover

NXT NXTRND VZR1 Football Visor

#TOP 2 Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt Sports F7-F5 Varsity Facemask

#TOP 3 Schutt F7 EGOP III-NB-VC Facemask Cover

Schutt F7 EGOP III-NB-VC Facemask

#TOP 4 NXT NXTRND VZR3 Football Visor Cover

NXT NXTRND VZR3 Football Visor

#TOP 5 Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask

#TOP 6 Schutt Vengeance Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt Vengeance Varsity Facemask

#TOP 7 Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask Cover

Schutt F7-F5 Varsity Facemask

#TOP 8 Wilson Dyna-Lite Aluminum Umpire Facemask Cover

Wilson Dyna-Lite Aluminum Umpire Facemask

#TOP 9 Sports Unlimited Universal Football Helmet Visor Cover

Sports Unlimited Universal Football Helmet Visor

#TOP 10 Green Gridiron SF-2EG-SW Facemask Cover

Green Gridiron SF-2EG-SW Facemask

Brand NXT NXTRND Schutt Schutt NXT NXTRND Schutt Schutt Schutt WILSON Sports Unlimited Green Gridiron
Color Clear Mirror Black White Mirror Black White Burnt Orange Black Mirror Black, White, Light Grey, Seattle Blue
Size One Size One Size All F7 Helmets Adult Varsity Varsity Varsity One Size - One Size
Material Polycarbonate (PC) Carbon Steel Titanium Polycarbonate (PC) Carbon Steel, Titanium Carbon Steel Blend Aluminum Polycarbonate (PC) -
Sport Football Football Football Football Football Football Football Baseball Football -
FTB Score
9.9
9.8
9.6
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
8.9
8.7
8.6
Where to Buy

Tips for Finding the Best Football Facemasks

To choose suitable football facemasks for different groups of people, consider the following factors:

  1. The position and skill level of the player: Choose a facemask that is appropriate for the position and skill level of the player. For example, a quarterback may benefit from a facemask with a wider field of vision, while a lineman may prefer a facemask with extra protection around the ears.
  2. The size and fit of the facemask: Choose a facemask that fits the player's head comfortably and securely. A properly fitted facemask will provide maximum protection without hindering the player's movement or vision.
  3. The material and design of the facemask: Choose a facemask that is made of high-quality materials and is designed to withstand the rigors of football. Avoid cheaply made facemasks that may break or cause injury during play.
  4. The rules and regulations of the league: Check the rules and regulations of the league to ensure the facemask is compliant and allowed for use during games.

Overall, it is important to choose a football facemask that is suitable for the player's position, skill level, and needs. A well-fitting, high-quality facemask will provide maximum protection and enhance the player's performance on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the masks that football players wear?

Football players wear facemasks as a part of their helmets to provide protection against injuries, such as lacerations or fractures to the face. The masks can vary in size and design and may also be used for burn or compression treatments to lighten scar tissue and protect facial grafts.

2. What was the point for a facemask in football?

The facemask in football is an essential component of the helmet that directly covers the face. It serves as a crucial source of protection for players, typically made of metal with a rubber or plastic coating. The primary purpose of the facemask is to safeguard the player's face from potential injuries during the game.

3. Why are football facemasks different?

Football facemasks can vary based on the player's position to balance protection and visibility. Each position may require a different type of facemask design. Most facemasks have an additional horizontal bar at the top to enhance support and stability.

4. Why did the NFL ban single bar facemasks?

The NFL banned single bar facemasks in 2004 for safety reasons. Although they provided good visibility for quarterbacks, they had an odd appearance. The decision was made to prioritize player safety, and since then, players have been required to wear facemasks with multiple bars.

5. What is the black mask football players wear?

Football players may wear black facemasks for various reasons. These facemasks are typically made of materials like polycarbonate and serve as hi-tech protective devices. They are often used to protect players who have recently had a facial injury or require additional protection during the game.

6. Can you touch the facemask in football?

No, it is against the rules to grasp and control, twist, turn, push, or pull the facemask of an opponent in any direction in football. If a player does grasp an opponent's facemask, they must immediately release it. Failure to do so and controlling the opponent is considered a foul.

7. Why are NFL teams only allowed one helmet?

Since 2013, NFL teams have been allowed only one helmet color to improve player safety. This rule ensures that players practice and play in the same helmet consistently. While teams are now permitted a second set of helmets, they must be identical to the player's primary helmet in terms of make, model, and size.

8. Which NFL helmets are banned?

Red helmets are among the helmets recently prohibited in the NFL. However, over 99% of players wore top-performing helmets last season. According to an NFL-NFLPA policy, helmets that are not recommended or newly prohibited can only be worn by players who used them during the 2022 NFL season.

Editor's Notes

During our football facemask research, we found 24 football facemask products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,948 customer reviews through our big data system to write the football facemasks list. We found that most customers choose football facemasks with an average price of $48.92.

The football facemasks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of football facemasks, including NXT NXTRND, Schutt, WILSON, Sports Unlimited, Green Gridiron. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 353 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by

Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.