This is the first balaclava I have ever owned, so I have no comparison point.
BUT - it keeps my head and face comfortable riding my bicycle four miles in cool weather (around 40 F).
I can breathe through it.  It gets damp - I want to wash it after each wearing.  And my glasses fog up - guess that goes with balaclava territory if you are a grandma.

Kinda fun - I look like Miss Darling Sweetie Pie from Jacob Two-Two (the old lady who was a secret ninja).
I'm buying two more, so that I have a clean one every day.