The Best Dive Computers in 2024

Updated on September 23, 2024

Diving is an exciting and fascinating activity, where a relatively unresearched and unknown portion of the planet is explored. But when in the underwater world it is easy to become disoriented in terms of direction, depth, and execution of the dive plan. A dive computer can make things simpler and provides a useful aid in the prevention of decompression illness. It is much easier to use than dive tables and instantaneously and continuously does all the calculations without guesswork and keeps you safe without complications.

Selecting the best dive computer in 2021 for your diving style can require substantial research. To help cut that process down to size, some of the best models over the range on the market have been selected as an introduction. There is a buying guide to start, followed by reviews with photos and videos and a comparison table.

If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.

The Best Dive Computers – Buying Guide

Shopping for a dive computer, though, can be tedious, confusing, and complicated. The development of dive computers has advanced rapidly recently to a very high level that adds greatly to diver enjoyment. Since its introduction in the 1960s, it has decreased substantially in size while simultaneously increasing in functionality. Few divers today are without one relying on them to provide accurate depth readings, dive time, and ascent rates.

Features to Consider

There are numerous dive computers available on the market today. It is important to consider which features are most important for the diving that you will do. Here are 6 key factors to keep in mind when shopping for your next computer.

1. Your Level Of Experience

What is your skill level? Technical and professional divers have different technological requirements than a beginner. Novices have no use for some higher-level features. If they won’t be used, there is no need to pay for them, so the top-of-the-line dive computers may not be for them. But, on the other hand, it is good to think ahead and plan for the level of diving you will advance to in the foreseeable future. More experienced divers will want to choose a model that meets their skill level and has the features that they require, such as air integration, for example.

2. Your Budget

You will need to think about how much can you afford to spend. This will help reduce the number of dive computers to be considered. A dive computer is such a great safety device, it is recommended to have some flexibility in your budgeting as this is not an item to skimp on. Also, it is important to select the model you want to be based on your skill level in order to maximize the efficiency of use. If your budget isn’t a concern, then you can consider the full range of devices available.

3. Nitrox Compatibility

You may not be diving with nitrox now, but being able to use it in conjunction with your computer, later on, would be good to plan for. I suggest choosing a nitrox-integrated dive computer. It would allow you the option to dive with or without nitrox, giving you the freedom to choose.

4. Data Transfer Option

Keeping a digital record of your dives is useful and popular. A data transfer option would give you the capability to safely upload the log of your dives to a personal computer where you can track them in terms of dive time, depth, air consumption rate, ascent rate, and percentage of oxygen.

5. Digital Compass

A digital compass is more ergonomic than having a dedicated analog setup and will allow you to see which direction you are going without having to carry an additional device.

6. Replaceable Batteries

A replaceable battery system is strongly recommended. If for some reason you run out of power, planning ahead you could bring a replacement to make sure you can complete the dives you planned.

7. Air Integration

This allows you to monitor air consumption on your dive computer. There are two styles, wrist and hose-mounted. A hose-mounted computer attaches to your high-pressure hose and directly measures gas levels in the tank. These generally will be a little heavier and bigger than wrist-mounted models. Wrist-mounted models access wirelessly using a screw-on transmitter to your first stage. Keep in mind that this style is not as flawless as your SPG, so it would be wise to continue the use of that.

The Best Dive Computers

Oceanic Geo 4.0 Air/Nitrox Dive Computer Wrist Watch

Considerations:

Best For: Recreational & Advanced
Gases: Air, Nitrox
User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
Features: 4 modes including watch and freediving modes, audible alarm with flashing led light, two algorithms, Bluetooth connectivity to all smartphones through the DiverLog+
Pros: Great watch-style computer for scuba and free diving with easy navigation through menus, affordable
Cons: Can only store 24 dives
Price: $$
Overall Rating: 4.2/5

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Suunto D6i Novo Dive Computer

Considerations:

Best For: Recreational and Advanced
Gases: Air, Nitrox to 99% Oxygen/3 Gases
User Changeable Battery: No
Features: Steel casing, tilt-compensated 3D digital compass, free dive mode, anti-reflective coated glass face, hoseless air integration option
Pros: Can be worn as a watch out of the water thus keeping your dive info with you, strong and durable steel case, wireless air integration option
Cons: Dive algorithms are conservative, the strap is not metal like the computer housing, expensive
Price: $$$$
Overall Rating: 4.6/5

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Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer

Considerations:

Best For: Recreational
Gases: Air, Nitrox
User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
Features: Oxygen toxicity indicator, user-adjustable conservatism levels, easy-to-program single-button navigation with large digits
Pros: High-definition screen, has a battery save mode, ability to reset, low price
Cons: Large with a super long wristband
Price: $
Overall Rating: 4.2/5

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Shearwater Research Perdix AI Dive Computer with Transmitter

Considerations:

Best For: Advanced, Technical & Rebreather
Gases: Air, Nitrox, Trimix
User Changeable Battery: Yes, standard replaceable AA battery, the transmitter uses a 3V CR2 lithium
Features: 5 open-circuit gas switch presets, full-color screen, 850 ft operating depth, Bluetooth connectivity with iOS devices, capable of displaying tank pressure in all modes, 2.2-inch display with a vivid, enhanced color range and saturation, simple to navigate, state-aware menu structure, hoseless air integration
Pros: Mountable on either wrist, features for use with a rebreather, full information provided for decompression diving
Cons: Expensive
Price: $$$$
Overall Rating: 5/5

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Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer

Considerations:

Best For: Recreational and Back-up
Gases: Air, Nitrox
User Changeable Battery: No
Features: Easy four-button navigation, gauge mode, altitude, and personal conservatism adjustments, integrated apnea timer
Pros: Can be used on wrist or in modular console, large easy to read display, great performance considering the low price
Cons: PC integration is a separate purchase, the large size is uncomfortable outside of the water, the small buttons are harder to use with gloves
Price: $$
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

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Mares Puck Pro Plus Wrist Dive Computer

Considerations:

Best For: Recreational and Back-up
Gases: Air, Nitrox
User Changeable Battery: Yes, user-replaceable CR 2450
Features: Backlight, stopwatch, fresh and saltwater settings, altitude adjustment, calendar, bright LCD display, audible alarms
Pros: Out-of-water “auto-off” saves battery life, large and easy-to-read face, affordable
Cons: Single button interface
Price: $
Overall Rating: 4.3/5

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Aqua Lung i300C Dive Computer

Considerations:

Best For: Recreational
Gases: Air, Nitrox
User Changeable Battery: Yes
Features: Backlight, switch between scuba and free diving on the same day, gauge mode when using it for a timer, audible alarms, and additional high-visibility LED warning light for additional safety
Pros: Simple, user-friendly tw0-button design
Cons: Very large
Price: $$
Overall Rating: 4.4/5

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Suunto Cobra 3 Scuba Diving Computer

Considerations:

Best For: Recreational
Gases: Air, Nitrox
User Changeable Battery: Yes
Features: Hose-mounted air integration, matrix display, electronic 3D compass tilts to 45 degrees and is still readable, 4-button operation
Pros: Quick disconnect, reliable
Cons: Accessing different menus is a bit difficult
Price: $$$
Overall Rating: 4.8/5

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Best Scuba Dive Computer Comparison Table

Dive Computer	Air Integrated	Nitrox	Gas Switching	User Changeable Battery	Integrated Compass	Price	Rating
Oceanic Geo 4.0	No	Yes	2 Mixes	Yes	No	$$	4.2
Suunto D6i Novo	Hoseless	Yes to 99%	3 Mixes	No	Yes	$$$$	4.6
Cressi Leonardo	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	$	4.2
Shearwater Research Perdix AI	Hoseless	Yes	5 Mixes	Yes	No	$$$$	5
Suunto Zoop Novo	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	$$	4.5
Mares Puck Pro Plus	No	Yes to 99%	2 Mixes	Yes	No	$$	4.3
Aqua Lung i300C	No	Yes	3 Mixes	Yes	No	$$	4.4
Suunto Cobra 3	Hose Mounted	Yes	2 Mixes	Yes	Yes	$$$	4.8

For other reviews regarding dive computers and compasses, please check these three:

Feedback and Comments

I hope you have found this review of dive computers to be useful. If you have any questions, ideas, or personal experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<

Comments

John Turco says

at 7:12 pm

I grew up on Cape Cod as a child and Southern California later in life, so I have always loved the ocean.

I hope that the price does come down to make them affordable for all divers. That would be a good safety feature if a diver gets tired or if he or she needs to get out of the water quickly.

- Joe says
  
  at 12:32 am
  
  Thanks a lot for your comments, John. I believe you are referring to dive scooters. I guess you went over to my page describing them, Best Underwater Scuba Scooter – Adding Speed to the Dive.
  The prices are coming down all the time as they gain in popularity. I have recently posted again comparing and reviewing a range of dive scooters regarding their technical features as well as price. You can find it by clicking here.
  
  Joe
  
Gnekoda says

at 5:03 am

Hello Joe

I didn’t know the dive computer was so young compared to other products [but still older than me -.- ].

Hmm… I like the Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive computer since it has the bright LCD display and one button for all functions. I have some questions. Does the bright LCD display keep the same brightness even in very clear sea water and on sunny days? I am concerned that it will be sort of whited out.

Also, the alarm, what kind of sound does it make? Is it easily noticeable?

Joe says

at 4:56 am

Thanks a lot for your comments and questions.
The Mares Puck Pro is a great choice. The one button for all functions is convenient. I don’t think you need to be concerned with being able to see clearly the computer display in unusually clear water conditions on a very bright and sunny day. The digital readings are in stark contrast to the bright background and will remain clear.
As to the alarm, I guess I can describe it as a sort of digital sound not unlike alarms on other electronic devices. It is very clear. Of course, sound travels more quickly through water so will appear louder than it would out of the water.
Are you planning to go diving soon? Let me know if you have any other questions or comments.
Joe