If you’re in the market for a new dive computer, this article is for you. Since your computer is such a vital piece of safety equipment, it’s probably one of the first gear purchases you’ll make. And, it’s without a doubt one of the most important. The best dive computers are durable, dependable, and packed with diver friendly features. Plus, they offer all the essential functions you need and none of the bells and whistles you don’t. Not sure where to begin? No worries!
Whether you prefer a console, wrist, or watch style computer; there’s a model that’s perfect for you. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best options available for divers of all budgets and skill levels, handpicked by our diving experts at The Adventure Junkies. And, we’ll lay out all the features and considerations to keep in mind for worry-free shopping.
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Air Integrated Dive Computers | Dive Computers for Beginners | Watch Style Dive Computers
Quick Answer - The Best Dive Computers
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Mares Puck Pro
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Suunto Zoop Novo
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Cressi Leonardo
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Suunto D4i Novo
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Sherwood Vision
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Mares Quad
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Aqua Lung i450T
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Suunto D5
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Scubapro Galileo 2
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Garmin Descent Mk1
Comparison Table - Best Dive Computer
| Picture | Name | Buttons | Memory | Battery | Compatibility | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Mares Puck Pro | 1 | 50 Hours | User Changeable | PC | $ | 4.8 |
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Suunto Zoop Novo | 4 | 50 Hours | User Changeable | PC | $ | 4.6 |
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Cressi Leonardo | 1 | 70 Hours | User Changeable | PC and Mac | $ | 4.8 |
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Suunto D4i Novo | 4 | 80 Hours | Requires Service to Change | PC | $$ | 4.4 |
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Sherwood Vision | 2 | 24 Hours | User Changeable | PC and Mac | $$ | 4.6 |
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Mares Quad | 4 | 38 Hours | User Changeable | PC | $$ | 4.8 |
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Aqua Lung i450T | 4 | 24 Hours | User Changeable | PC and Mac | $$ | 4.4 |
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Suunto D5 | 3 | 200 Hours | User Rechargeable | PC and Mac | $$$ | 4.8 |
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Scubapro Galileo 2 | 3 | 1,000 Hours | User Changeable | PC, Mac, Android, iPhone | $$$ | 5.0 |
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Garmin Descent Mk1 | 5 | 1,000 Hours | User Rechargeable | PC, Mac, Android, iPhone | $$$ | 5.0 |
| Picture | Name | Buttons | Memory | Battery | Compatibility | Price | Rating |
Reviews - The Best Computers for Scuba Diving
Mares Puck Pro
Specs
- Buttons: 1
- Capacity: 36 Hours
- Depth Rating: 492 Feet
- Memory: 50 Hours
- Battery: User Changeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, and Bottom Time
- Oxygen Blend: 2 Gasses, up to 99% O2
- Display: LCD Backlit
- Compatibility: PC
Features
- Oversized, Easy to Read Display
- Can Be Used As A Stopwatch
- Residual Nitrogen Reset for Use by Multiple Divers per Day
- Can Use Multiple Gas Blends in a Single Dive
BEST FOR: BUDGET SHOPPERS
Some divers say that the Mares Puck Pro was named for its “hockey puck” appearance. And, it’s true that this model isn’t exactly stylish. But it’s one of the best budget computers on the market, and sturdy enough to last for years to come. This computer offers three basic operating modes, easy to navigate menus, and an oversized display, making it a great choice for new divers.
The Puck Pro also allows you to adjust your diving limits by choosing a more conservative profile for added safety. This model’s rugged rubber and plastic exterior can stand up to the abuse of daily diving and use in challenging conditions. Plus, it will make an excellent backup computer someday when you enhance your skills.
Suunto Zoop Novo
Specs
- Buttons: 4
- Capacity: 50 Hours
- Depth Rating: 328 Feet
- Memory: 50 Hours
- Battery: User Changeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge
- Oxygen Blend: 2 Gasses, up to 50% O2
- Display: LCD Backlit
- Compatibility: PC
Features
- Highly Conservative Dive Profile for the Safest Immersions Possible
- Rugged Exterior Can Withstand Intense Wear and Tear
- Cold Water Compatible
- Phosphor-Luminescent Display Retains a Glow After Shining a Dive Light on It
BEST FOR: BEGINNERS
The Suunto Zoop has been a top pick among newbie divers for decades, and its new upgraded Novo model is no exception. This is one of the most basic models on the market, with four easy to use operating modes. The oversized, easy to read display, and intuitive menus make this dive computer perfect for beginners and divers who wear prescription lenses.
The Zoop Novo offers a highly conservative preset dive profile, so more experienced divers might feel a bit limited underwater. But, this added safety feature is ideal for newly certified divers and students. If you’re hard on your gear, take note. This model has a super tough exterior, a user-replaceable battery, and a sturdy dry suit compatible wrist strap.
Cressi Leonardo
Specs
- Buttons: 1
- Depth Rating: 393 Feet
- Memory: 70 Hours
- Battery: User Changeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Gauge
- Oxygen Blend: 2 Gasses, up to 50% O2
- Display: LCD Backlit
- Compatibility: PC and Mac
Features
- Adjustable Dive Profile for a More or Less Conservative Experience
- Residual Nitrogen Reset For Use By Multiple Divers Per Day
- More Compact Than Similar Models
- Sold in a Variety of Colors
BEST FOR: JUST THE BASICS
If you’re looking for a dive computer that does everything you need and nothing you don’t, the Cressi Leonardo might be your best bet. This budget-friendly model uses a single button for all its menus and settings, making it super easy to navigate. Its low profile design fits more like a watch than a diving computer, so it’s more stylish than other options in its class. And, it’s easy to reset between uses, so it’s a popular model for shop rental equipment and divers who share gear. Keep in mind that the Leonardo’s smaller face and shortened wristband make it best for warm water use only.
Suunto D4i Novo
Specs
- Buttons: 4
- Depth Rating: 328 Feet
- Memory: 80 Hours
- Battery: Requires Service to Change
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge, Watch
- Oxygen Blend: 3 Gasses, up to 50% O2
- Display: ELD Backlit
- Compatibility: PC
Features
- Doubles As A Wristwatch
- Sold In A Variety of Colors
- Wireless Air Integration Monitors Tank Pressure
- Optional Added Deep Stop For A More Conservative Ascent
- Phosphor-Luminescent Display Retains A Glow After Shining A Dive Light On It
BEST FOR: OVERALL VALUE
Dollar for dollar, the Suunto D4i Novo is one of the best values on the market. It features more operating modes than competing models, gas blending, and easy to customize diver profiles and alarms. And, all these diver friendly details are packed into a compact wristwatch style.
It should be noted that this computer isn’t a good fit for newbies. Its four button design and more complex menus make it a better fit for intermediate to advanced divers. The D4i Novo is also one of the more stylish options available, with plenty of colors and straps to choose from. Plus, it doubles as a wristwatch for daily wear, so it’s a popular choice among working dive professionals.
Sherwood Vision
Specs
- Buttons: 2
- Depth Rating: 328 Feet
- Memory: 24 Hours
- Battery: User Changeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Gauge
- Oxygen Blend: 4 Gasses, up to 100% O2
- Display: LCD Backlit
- Compatibility: PC and Mac
Features
- Displays Tank Pressure
- Quick Disconnect Hose for Cleaning, Storage, and Travel
- More Compact Than Similar Models
- Can Use Multiple Gas Blends in a Single Dive
- Cold Water Compatible
BEST FOR: COMPACT CONSOLE
These days, more and more divers are switching to wrist and watch style dive computers. But, consoles are an excellent option for new divers, and they don’t have to be bulky! The Sherwood Vision packs all the features of a traditional gauge and dive computer into a highly compact housing. This computer monitors air consumption as well as depth and can support a gas blend of up to 100% oxygen. So, it’s a great fit for advanced divers and those who want to dive with a second computer for redundancy. The Vision also uses a quick disconnect hose, so the console is easy to remove and store or pack.
Mares Quad
Specs
- Buttons: 4
- Depth Rating: 492 Feet
- Memory: 38 Hours
- Battery: User Changeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, and Bottom Time
- Oxygen Blend: 3 Gasses, up to 99% O2
- Display: LCD Backlit
- Compatibility: PC
Features
- Oversized, Easy to Read Display
- Can Be Used As A Stopwatch
- Residual Nitrogen Reset for Use by Multiple Divers per Day
- Can Use Multiple Gas Blends in a Single Dive
- Cold Water Compatible
BEST FOR: EASY TO READ SCREEN
The first thing you’ll notice about the Mares Quad is its size. And, while it’s true that this is hardly the most fashionable model on the market, its supersized screen is a major perk. This computer is an excellent option for divers who wear prescription lenses or struggle to read small displays. And, it’s jam-packed with features for intermediate and advanced divers. The Mares Quad lets you switch gasses during a dive, and can support an oxygen blend of up to 99%. Plus, it’s easy to reset in between dives fully, so it’s a great option for rental equipment or divers who share gear.
Aqua Lung i450T
Specs
- Buttons: 4
- Depth Rating: 328 Feet
- Memory: 24 Hours
- Battery: User Changeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge
- Oxygen Blend: 3 Gasses, up to 100% O2
- Display: LCD Backlit
- Compatibility: PC and Mac
Features
- Doubles As A Wristwatch
- Wireless Air Integration Monitors Tank Pressure
- Optional Added Deep Stop for a More Conservative Ascent
- Can Use Multiple Gas Blends in a Single Dive
BEST FOR: DIVE TRAVEL
If you’re an active diver or avid traveler, you’ll want a computer that is lightweight and compact. The Aqua Lung i450T combines all the features you need into a very tiny package. And, it’s tough enough to withstand the abuse of air travel and multiple dives per day. This model supports wireless air integration via Bluetooth transmitter and allows you to switch between three different gasses per dive. So, it’s great for technical applications. The i450T also features a user changeable battery, so you’ll never have to search for a service center during your dive holiday. Plus, this model offers an extra freediving mode for snorkeling and apnea enthusiasts.
Suunto D5
Specs
- Buttons: 3
- Depth Rating: 328 Feet
- Memory: 200 Hours
- Battery: User Rechargeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge
- Oxygen Blend: 3 Gasses, up to 99% O2
- Display: MIP Full Color
- Compatibility: PC and Mac
Features
- Doubles As A Wristwatch
- Changeable Band
- Wireless Air Integration Monitors Tank Pressure
- Can Use Multiple Gas Blends in a Single Dive
- Vibrating and Chiming Alarms
- Charges via USB
BEST FOR: DAILY USE
If you’re working in the water, or just want a dive computer that’s up to the challenge of everyday use, the D5 is a great option. This brand new model has all the features of similar Suunto designs, plus a few surprises! A rechargeable battery makes this computer ideal for divers in remote regions. And, it allows you to set alarms to vibrate, rather than chime for a more peaceful underwater experience. Other perks include wireless sync to your smartphone, optional air integration, and the ability to communicate in 18 languages. The D5 also doubles as a wristwatch and features a changeable band for fashion-minded divers.
Scubapro Galileo 2
Specs
- Buttons: 3
- Depth Rating: 394 Feet
- Memory: 1,000 Hours
- Battery: User Changeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge, Sidemount, CCR, Trimix
- Oxygen Blend: 8 gasses, up to 100% O2 and 92% Helium
- Display: TFT Full Color
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Android, iPhone
Features
- Oversized, Easy to Read Display
- Wireless Air Integration Monitors Tank Pressure
- Adjustable Dive Profile for a More or Less Conservative Experience
- Can Use Multiple Gas Blends in a Single Dive
- Monitors Breathing Rate, Skin Temperature, and Heart Rate
BEST FOR: TECHNICAL DIVERS
ScubaPro’s newest model in the Galileo line, the G2 is their most impressive dive computer yet. Though it won’t win any points for style, this easy to read and use option comes loaded with features for recreational and technical diving. The G2 allows wireless air integration for up to nine different tanks, with color codes (red, yellow, and green) to indicate air levels. And, it comes with modes for rebreather, sidemount, and Trimix divers, as well as freediving. Even with all that going on, this model’s full color screen and three button design make it a breeze to use underwater. Plus, its custom menus allow you to view as much or little detail as you want during your dives.
Garmin Descent Mk1
Specs
- Buttons: 5
- Depth Rating: 328 Feet
- Memory: 1,000 Hours
- Battery: User Rechargeable
- Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge, CCR, Trimix, Watch
- Oxygen Blend: 6 Gasses, up to 100% O2 and 92% Helium
- Display: MIP Full Color
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Android, iPhone
Features
- Doubles As A Wristwatch
- More Compact Than Similar Models
- Wireless Air Integration Monitors Tank Pressure
- Adjustable Dive Profile for a More or Less Conservative Experience
- Can Use Multiple Gas Blends in a Single Dive
- Multisport Functions Include Running, Biking, Hiking, and Swimming
- GPS Tracking
- Monitors Heart Rate
BEST FOR: BEST OF THE BEST
This Garmin Descent Mk1 has more functions than any other model, packed into design stylish enough for everyday wear. So, it easily claims its title as the top of the line. This computer features modes for multiple sports (swim, bike, hike, and more), monitors your heart rate, can support up to 6 gas mixes including Trimix, and uses GPS technology to track your location above and below water. The Mk1 also includes a rechargeable battery and charging station, so you’ll never have to find a service center during your dive holiday. This computer’s full color screen is incredibly easy to read and allows you to display a photo backdrop. And, it syncs to your smartphone to make logging dives a breeze.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A DIVE COMPUTER
OXYGEN BLEND
Are you Nitrox certified or planning to complete your specialty course? More divers than ever are using higher blends of oxygen (O2) to enhance their performance underwater and fight fatigue after diving. If you’re interested in taking on these new challenges, you’ll need a computer that can manage multiple gas blends. For most recreational divers, two gasses with a maximum of 50% O2 is plenty. But, technical divers will want a model that can handle six to eight gasses and up to 100% O2 as well as Trimix.
DISPLAY TYPE
Most entry level computers use a black and white LCD or ELD backlit screen. These displays use bold, easy to read numbers, making them easy to read in low light as well as direct sun. Most backlit screens use phosphor-luminescent technology to light up and retain a glow after you shine a dive torch on them. So, even if your backlight fails, you’ll be able to read your screen.
Full color screens are gaining in popularity thanks to their visual appeal and ability to display in great detail. But, these screen types are more fragile, and harder to read in bright light and direct sun. If you’re new to diving, you’ll be happier with a more basic model.
NUMBER OF BUTTONS
Newly certified divers should choose a computer with as few buttons as possible. While there are plenty of high quality models that come with four or more, newbies may find that many buttons confusing and hard to use underwater. A more basic design will be easier to navigate, and won’t leave you feeling frustrated mid-dive. This consideration is less important for advanced divers or those who are already comfortable using a more sophisticated computer.
OPERATING MODES
Most entry level dive computers include basic modes like air, Nitrox, and gauge (monitors your depth and bottom time without calculating your no-decompression limits). Intermediate models may incorporate options like freediving, and watch (allows your computer to double as a timepiece). And, high end designs will typically add more advanced functions like rebreather and Trimix.
If you are planning to take on challenges like technical diving, you’ll need more than one computer for safety and redundancy. So, it’s fine to buy a basic model for starters. You’ll be happy to have a backup later on!
BATTERY TYPE
If your diving plans include travel to exotic and remote destinations, a computer that requires professional servicing for a low battery can create stress. Choose a model with a rechargeable battery or one that you can change on your own to avoid this issue.
COMPATIBLE TECHNOLOGY
PC, Mac, and smartphone compatible computers sync with your electronic devices to log and plan dives. Some basic models use a cabled connection or USB link, while more high end designs utilize Bluetooth technology.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
WIRELESS AIR INTEGRATION
Computers that use wireless air integration sync to a Bluetooth transmitter mounted to your regulator’s first stage. This external sensor relays tank pressure to the wrist-mounted display, where you can read it. Wireless transmitters are generally sold separately from their corresponding computers, so they are an extra expense. And, they are delicate pieces of gear that require special care. But, most experienced divers agree that they are well worth it!
ADJUSTABLE DIVE PROFILE
All dive computers calculate your no-decompression limits by using formulas called algorithms. Some computers allow you to customize your dive profile using a more or less conservative mathematical model based on your comfort and experience level. Even the most liberal diving profile will keep you safe and diving well within your limits. Plus, it may help you score a few extra minutes underwater.
OPTIONAL ADDED DEEP STOP
If you’re new to diving, you won’t have to worry much about deep stops. But, if you’re planning to go deeper, your dive computer may suggest additional stops during your ascent. Adding extra stops to your profile’s recommended “safety stop” at 15 feet (5 meters) for 3 minutes gives your body more time to release the nitrogen stored in your tissue. This helps prevent decompression illness and injury and results in a safer trip to the surface. Some dive computers allow you to add or remove these stops, resulting in a more or less conservative dive profile.
RESIDUAL NITROGEN RESET (can be used by multiple divers in the same day)
Some dive computers allow you to reset their memory fully between dives. This function allows one computer to be used by multiple divers on the same day, without accounting for previous dive profiles. If you’re sharing equipment or purchasing a dive computer to rent to students or clients, this can be an important feature.
MULTIPLE GASSES IN A SINGLE DIVE
If you’re planning to make decompression stops while diving, you may need to use more than one gas blend while underwater. Adding a second gas with a higher percentage of oxygen allows your body to release its excess nitrogen more quickly. This faster “offgassing” reduces the amount of time needed to make a safe ascent.
COLD WATER COMPATIBLE
Dive computers designed for cold water incorporate special features for easy use. If you’re planning to take the plunge into an icy climate, be sure to select a model with oversized buttons, for easy use with thick gloves. You’ll also need a long wrist strap to fit over a thick wetsuit or drysuit.
READ MORE
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