Dive Computers

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
• Suunto D6i Novo Dive Computer
• Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer
• Shearwater Research Perdix AI Dive Computer with Transmitter
• Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
• Mares Puck Pro Plus Wrist Dive Computer
• Aqua Lung i300C Dive Computer
• Suunto Cobra 3 Scuba Diving Computer 

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

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

• Best Air Integrated Dive Computer Reviews
• Best Freediving Watch (Computer)
• The Best Dive Compasses Reviewed

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<<

Updated October 17, 2024

A dive computer is almost an essential piece of gear that helps assure your safety and convenience.  It eliminates the need for dive tables to calculate your dive profile throughout the dive to alert you to your depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and no-decompression limits.

As a beginner, it is perhaps a daunting task to consider which model is suitable for your needs. Here I will try to help make it easier by first providing a simple buying guide breaking down the key considerations.  After that, there are reviews of the most suitable models for beginners.  At the end is a table comparing important features.

If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment.  I’d love to know your thoughts.

Best Dive Computer for Beginners Buying Guide

Level of Experience

There are dive computers that are very sophisticated on the market that serve the most advanced, technical, and professional diving that can carry a very hefty price tag matching the level of sophistication.  As a beginner, many of the features offered are not necessary and there is no need to purchase what you have no foreseeable need for.  What’s important is to choose a model that has an easy-to-navigate menu and operating system.  If you develop your skills and interest to the point of wanting an advanced model, this first beginner’s version will make a good backup.

Budget

How much you have available to spend is an important factor.  Fortunately, the computers suitable for beginners are on the low end of the range of pricing.  Dive computers are such an important safety device it is recommended that you have some flexibility and don’t skimp.  You should evaluate how you want to use it, under what conditions, and how often, and make sure to get one that is durable enough.  The warranty offered is worth examining closely.

Screen Size and Brightness

A display that is easy to see is paramount.  Some are larger than others.  Most have some sort of enhancement to make the screen easy to see in the dark, low light, or poor visibility.  Many computers have an LCD display or are backlit to solve this.  Otherwise, you will need a flashlight.

Style

Dive computers are designed to be carried on your wrist or in the console.  The smallest models are watch-sized, often stylish, and suitable to be worn outside the water.  Wrist-style models are larger and heavier and generally easier to see during your dive.  A number of these can also be mounted in your console.  There are also other models designed to be carried in the console which may have advanced features.

Batteries

Some dive computers require a technician to change the batteries, which can be very inconvenient when you are in a remote location.  A replaceable battery system or rechargeable batteries that you can handle by yourself are strongly recommended to make sure you can complete the dives you planned.

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.  Some beginner-level compasses will have this.

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 transmitter screwed onto your first stage.  Keep in mind that this style is not as flawless as your SPG, so it is still wise to continue the use of that.  For my review on air integrated computers, please click here:

• Best Air Integrated Dive Computer Reviews

Modes (Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Freediving)

Air mode is for when standard air with 21% oxygen is used on the dive.  Nitrox mode will calculate different no-decompression limits based on the blend of the nitrox used, usually having between 32 and 36% oxygen.  The gauge mode keeps track of depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and surface interval only.  Freediving mode is designed for the needs of breath-hold diving.

Gas Switching

Gas switching can be done by technical divers when they use different mixes of gas for different depths and decompression stops.  This is far advanced for what you are doing as a beginner diving within the recreational limits and generally won’t be possible on beginner-level computers.

Best Dive Computer for Beginners Reviews

• Oceanic Geo 2.0
• Mares Puck Pro
• Suunto Zoop Novo
• Cressi Leonardo
• Mares Smart
• Suunto D4i Novo
• Aqua Lung i300

Oceanic Geo 2.0

• Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free dive, and watch
• User Changeable Battery: yes, CR2430
• Memory: 24 scuba dives
• Features:  2 algorithms, 2 nitrox mixes up to 100% oxygen, firmware auto-updates, audible alarms, gauge mode with run timer, last dive display for maximum depth and dive time, backlit
• Rating: 4.4
• Price: $$

Pros: PC compatible, durable, stylish, easy navigation through the menus

Cons: many complaints about the poor users manual, suggest checking out the Oceanic tutorial below

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Mares Puck Pro

• Modes: air, nitrox
• User Changeable Battery: yes, user-replaceable CR 2450
• Memory:  36 hours or 50 dives
• Features: stopwatch, fresh and saltwater settings, altitude adjustment, calendar, bright LCD display,
• Rating: 4.3
• Price: $

Pros: out of water “auto-off” saves battery life, large and easy to read face, affordable

Cons: single button interface, no depth alarm

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Suunto Zoop Novo

• Modes: air, nitrox, free dive, and gauge
• User Changeable Battery: no
• Memory:  140 hours
• Features: easy four-button navigation, gauge mode, altitude, and personal conservatism adjustments, integrated apnea timer, bright LCD display
• Rating: 4.5
• Price: $$

Pros: can be used on the wrist or in a modular console, large easy to read display, great performance considering the relatively low price

Cons: computer interface not included, the large size is uncomfortable outside of the water, small buttons harder to use with gloves

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Cressi Leonardo

• Modes: air, nitrox, and gauge
• User Changeable Battery: yes, CR2430
• Memory:  60 hours or 70 dives
• Features: oxygen toxicity indicator, user-adjustable conservatism levels, easy to program single button navigation with large digits, imperial or metric
• Rating: 4.2
• Price: $

Pros: high-definition screen, has a battery save mode, ability to reset, low price

Cons: computer interface not included

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Mares Smart

• Modes: air, nitrox, and free dive
• User Changeable Battery: yes, CR2430
• Memory: 36 hours or 200 dives
• Features: ergonomic design, attractive styling, 7 color combinations, calendar, dual time zones, alarms
• Rating: 4.3
• Price: $$

Pros: easy to read display

Cons: watch straps a little short to fit over some cold water wetsuits

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Suunto D4i Novo

• Modes: air, nitrox, free dive, and off
• User Changeable Battery: yes, Cr2450
• Memory: 140 hours
• Features: has apnea, air, and nitrox timers, optional wireless air integration, compact styling, 9 colors available, has scratch guards, includes a USB cable, audible, visual, depth, and time alarms
• Rating: 4.9
• Price: $$$$

Pros:  versatile, quality construction and features

Cons:  if you find a problem, please let me know

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Aqua Lung i300

• Modes: air, nitrox, free dive, and gauge
• User Changeable Battery: yes
• Features: backlit, 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
• Rating: 4.2
• Price: $

Pros: simple, user-friendly, very affordable

Cons:  very large, computer interface not included

check out the price

Best Dive Computer for Beginners Comparison Table

Picture	Computer	Display Size	Modes	Rating	Price
	Oceanic Geo 2.0	Small	Watch, Air, Nitrox, Gauge, & Free Dive	4.4	$$
	Mares Puck Pro	Large	Air, Nitrox	4.3	$
	Suunto Zoop Novo	Large	Air, Nitrox, Free Dive, & Gauge	4.5	$$
	Cressi Leonardo	Medium	Air, Nitrox, & Gauge	4.2	$
	Mares Smart	Small	Air, Nitrox, & Free Dive	4.3	$$
	Suunto D4i Novo	Small	Air, Nitrox, Free Dive, & Off	4.9	$$$$
	Aqua Lung i300	Large	Air, Nitrox, Free Dive, & Gauge	4.2	$
Picture	Computer	Display Size	Modes	Rating	Price

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

• Best Dive Computers
• Best Freediving Watch (Computer)
• Best Air Integrated Dive Computer Reviews
• The Best Dive Compasses Reviewed

Comments and Feedback

I hope you found this post on the best dive computers for beginners interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<