Having your own scuba dive computer is extremely important for anyone who wants to have the ultimate diving experience while keeping safety in mind. With one, you can easily plan your dives with full knowledge of the suggested decompression stop, remaining time of the dive and your nitrogen levels.
The advancement of technology has led to dive computers that are super easy to operate, with many of them having one main button that provides a simple interface to provide the information you need at a glance. And while no one will judge what you wear down under, these computers are very stylish.
Overview of the 10 best scuba dive computers
Sooner or later, a serious diver will want to purchase a new scuba dive computer. Choosing which computer to purchase is a process that calls for extensive research. Scuba dive computers have become an integral part of divers’ lives with many demanding products from the following industry veterans
Here’s our pick of the best:
Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best scuba dive computer brands
- Aeris: This company stocks a wide variety of scuba dive computers designed for all skill levels ranging from novices to pros. Aeris is credited with designing and manufacturing reliable, elegant and multifunctional computers in small packages for the avid diver.
- Mares: Scuba dive computers by Mares are popular all over the world and occupy a big niche within the scuba diving industry. Mares has so far unveiled many innovative computers with unique features that make the company one of the most popular scuba dive computer brand in the industry.
- Cressi:This company is known for some of the best sporting scuba diving computers that are designed with user friendliness and ease of use in mind. Whether you do free diving or use Air, Cressi has a range of computers that suit various scuba diving scenarios.
- Oceanic: In addition to diving computers, Oceanic is also known for a whole lot of scuba diving equipment that are designed with versatility and high quality in mind. The Oceanic OC1 and OCS prove that this brand is the most popular brand worldwide.
- Suunto: Scuba diving computers by Suunto are known for multi-functionality, reliability, elegance and precision. From the sophisticated Suunto D9tx to the little Gekko, Suunto offers a great step in innovation, design and technology.
- Sherwood: If you are a novice, intermediate or pro diver with Nitrox Certification, consider investing in a Sherwood scuba dive computer.
- Tusa: Since its inception, Tusa has been dedicating to bringing the best of Japanese excellence and finesse to the scuba diving community. The company is known for a full range of quality diving, swimming and snorkeling equipment for all skill levels.
- ScubaPro: You may know this company by another name, UWATEC, and is credited with dive computers that combine personality and style excellently. It is one of the leading manufacturers of scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling equipment.
With so many options available on the market, it’s hard to know which ones offer value for money and which are a waste of your cash. The good news is that we did all the hard work and did extensive research to bring you reviews of the best scuba dive computers that you can find on Amazon.
Best Scuba Dive Computers: Our Top Picks
Below you can read extensive reviews of the best picks on the market and choose the product that will suit your needs the most:
Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer
Features:
- Compatible with Windows PC and Macs
- Changeable battery
- Single-button computer
- Top-quality product
First on the list is this dive computer from the classic Cressi brand and is by far the most cost-effective scuba wrist computer on this list. It’s a great beginner’s dive watch. It comes with an easily adjustable rubber wrist band, one single button below the button as well as a large, easy to read the display on the watch.
It also comes with Gauge, Nitrox and Air modes. It has nine saturation Hemi-phases that go between 2.5 and 480 minutes as well as a CNS oxygen toxicity graphic indicator. It is equipped with a logbook for 60 dives/75hours of info and an ascent rate alarm.
With this package, you also get a Metric or English Backlit display built-in clock and calendar. It can be reset fully after each making it suitable for rental purposes.
Pros:
- Perfect product for first-time divers
- Very easy to ease and has color options
- Very affordable product
- Has a good quality strap and buttons that are very easy to press
- Can be used with gloves on
Cons:
- Most customers find the straps too long
- The alarm on this product is very loud
- Not suitable for daily use
SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer
Features:
- Four operating modes
- Has backlight display
- 100 meters maximum depth
Anyone who is looking for something affordable and easy to begin their underwater adventure should look no further than the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer.
It has air, freedom, gauge and nitrox modes which make it very simple and easy to read thanks to the backlight display feature it has. It has a maximum depth display of 100 meters and has other features such as audible alarms.
Pros:
- Very easy product to use and learn
- Can be used at night or in low visibility areas
- Very versatile
Cons:
- A bit uncomfortable because of the large face
- The dive table algorithms can be confusing for some people
Shearwater Research Perdix AI With Transmitter
Features:
- Full-color display
- Has a logbook of divers last 1000 hours
The Perdix boasts the same features of the Shearwater Research Petrel computer, only that it’s smaller, more compact, has a longer battery life and has a slimmer profile. It comes with a 2.2-inch widescreen that displays all the relevant information for the diver.
It features four settings – CC INT for closed circuit rebreather diving, gauge mode, OC technical that allows the use of up to trimix gasses and OC Recreational that allows the use of up to three oxygen/nitrogen gasses.
The modes can be customized. Two buttons placed on either side of the dive computer control everything. It is powered by two AA batteries that are interchangeable and don’t require specialized tools.
Pros:
- Very good customer service team
- Impressive features, ruggedness, and display
- User-friendly
Cons:
- A very expensive product
Oceanic Geo 2.0 Wrist Computer
Features:
- Has a CR2430 Lithium battery
- Has audible alarms
- Shows last dive display
- Very powerful
The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Wrist Computer is an amazing dive computer that has 4 operating modes. These are a gauge, free dive, watch and norm. It is powered by a CR2430 lithium battery and has an operational depth of 100 feet which is a good thing.
It has a very nice user interface that allows you to see the date, time and temperature while you are wearing plus it has audible alarms. There are not many products that perform as good as this one. While the menus do take some time to get used to, you can easily learn how to use them in no time.
Pros:
- Top-quality product
- Offers easy navigation
- Easy to read the menu for newbies
Cons:
- Can be hard to read in low visibility areas
Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer
Features:
- Incredibly sharp and clear display
- Has perfect ergonomics
- User-friendly and gas switching
- You can upgrade the software
The Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer has a very amazing interface that anyone can adore. It is big but it is perfect for anyone new to diving because everything on display is very easy to read.
One of the reasons why people like this dive computer is the price. It is very affordable and one doesn’t have to break the bank to afford it. It has a changeable battery which is a very useful feature for people who enjoy diving.
Pros:
- Ideal for first-time divers
- Adjustable algorithms
- Displays everything clearly
- Affordable
- A quality product that comes in multiple colors
Cons:
- A very heavy watch to wear daily
- Most people are not fans of the one-button menu
- A few connection issues
- Does not have a built-in compass
- Does not have a depth alarm
Garmin Descent Mk1
Features:
- Dive log
- Has built-in sensors
- Sleek design
- Include an elevate wrist heart rate technology
If you are looking for a very innovative dive computer, you need to buy the Garmin descent MK1. It has a very sleek design with an incredible 1.2-inch color display. It is one of the best dive computers on the market because it lets you monitor your heart rate as well as check your emails.
The dive log feature allows you to store data of up to 200 dives via its app and has built-in sensors. These sensors include a barometric altimeter, gyroscope and 3 axis compass. While this appears to be a very attractive dive computer on the surface, it does have a few pros and cons.
Pros:
- The battery lasts 40 hours in dive more and 19 days in watch
- Very sleek design
- User-friendly
- Perfect for divers of all levels
- Has a GPS feature
- You can monitor your heart rate
- Allow you to check emails
Cons:
- It has no air integration feature
- Issues when it comes to updating the software
Cressi Giotto Wrist Computer
Features:
- Logbook
- Has a dive program
- Has three buttons
At just 6.4 ounces, the Cressi Giotto is a 3-button, wristwatch computer that many users agree is the simplest to use. This model comes with a visible battery life indicator as well as an integrated alarm system that beeps loudly to relay important information that’s crucial to safe diving.
It also has a high-definition screen that gives large numerical displays. It can reset after each dive, making it particularly likable by rental establishments. It has nine saturation halftimes that range from 2.5 to 480 minutes. Additionally, the package comes with an aluminum stand on which you can put your dive computer when not in use or during data transfer to a PC
Pros:
- Has a logbook
- Can be connected to a PC
- Has three buttons
- Top-quality product
Cons:
- Expensive dive computer
Aqua Lung i300 Dive Computer
Features:
- Easy to read
- Large numbers
- Can be used in the dark thanks to the luminescent light
The Aqua Lung i300 Dive Computer is a really easy and simple dive computer to get used to. It is worth every penny because it is very reliable and perfect for someone new to diving.
It meets the needs of new divers because it has large numbers which make it easy for you to read as well as an easy to read scale of up to 5,000 PSI. It has a luminescent gauge face which makes it easy for you to use it in the dark or areas of low lights. A major drawback of this diver computer is it doesn’t include a compass.
Pros:
- Has multiple diving modes
- Very easy to change the battery when needed
- Bluetooth access
- Very easy dive computer to use
- Perfect for beginners
Cons:
- Some customers don’t like the screen because it is too small
- When underwater, the buttons can be hard to press
Suunto D4i Novo Dive Computer
Features:
- 4 modes
- Updatable software
The Suunto D4i Novo Dive Computer is a very versatile dive computer that can be used in different situations. Since it is small and lightweight, it will not wear your hand down when you are wearing it plus it is air integrated.
If you are traveling you can put this in rental reg if you don’t want to take it aboard plus it is perfect for beginners and recreational divers. You have a variety of colors to choose from and it has 4 modes. These modes are air, off, free and nitrox which come in handy when you are underwater.
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners and recreational divers
- Reasonably sizes
- Can be used for snorkeling
- You can use it with a wireless transmitter
Cons:
- The display is very small and can be difficult for some people to read
- Very expensive dive computer
Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer for Scuba Diving
Features:
- Sleek design
- Logbook
- Updatable software
Last on the list is the Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer for Scuba Diving and what makes this product wonder is its size and weight. It will not restrict your movement when you are underwater plus it is one of the most reliable dive computers on the market.
The digital compass is an amazing feature and it has full watch capabilities which include a daily alarm. Despite the wonderful features mentioned above, it does have a few pros and cons.
Pros:
- A very easy scuba dive computer to use
- Perfect size
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The rubber straps feel cheap
What to look for when buying a dive computer
Some of the factors to consider when in the market for a dive computer include:
Data transfer
Many computers come with an integrated computer interface. This technology varies from manufacturer to manufacture. In some cases, a USB cable connects to the computer while other computers utilize an infrared interface. Some models come with dedicated software that connects to social media and eliminates the need for ‘logbooks.’
Gas
There are four main gas types used in scuba dive computers. Compressed air is made up of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Trimix is a mixture that contains nitrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.
Dive computers with Trimix are mostly used for deep dives greater than 50m. Nitrox mixture is the most widely used for exploration and is made up of 32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen. Some manufacturers are known to integrate helium into computer management, particularly where recreational diving is involved.
Console or wrist mounted
These are the two main mounting possibilities of scuba diving computers, each of which has its pros and cons. Console mounted computers are usually connected to a regulator hose and as such, losing them isn’t easy.
However, playback and control of different parameters can prove difficult if the diver’s hands are caught in the camera.
Wrist mounted dive computers, on the other hand, are available in a plethora of models and operation is hands-free making them ideal for daily use. They’re also great for beginners or those on a budget.
It’s easy to forget to bring along your wrist computer when going underwater due to its small size.
Air management
A scuba dive computer can provide indications on the pressure of the tank when underwater.
Such information is usually transmitted through a high-pressure hose and as such is only possible with console dive computers.
Battery life
Many scuba dive computers come with replaceable computers. Ensure that the battery of your scuba dive computer is easy to find. Some models can be charged via a USB cable.
Conclusion
Diving can be an amazing adventure but it’s important to make sure that you are safe every time you descend. A scuba dive computer can help you determine how long you should stay underwater and when you should come up.
If buying the right scuba dive computer sounds a little too complicated for you, this guide seeks to make that easier as you may have already realized.
Whether you are a new or experienced diver, this guide provides all the information that you need to make the right purchase.
