When it comes to diving, your safety is paramount, and having the right equipment can make all the difference.
One of the most essential pieces of gear is a reliable diving computer. A quality diving computer can track your depth, time, and decompression status, ensuring you stay within safe limits.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best diving computers for both recreational and advanced divers. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, these devices can significantly enhance your underwater adventures.
Each device offers unique features to enhance safety, convenience, and performance during your underwater adventures.
The SUUNTO Zoop Novo is an excellent entry-level dive computer designed for recreational divers who need a reliable, easy-to-read device.
With its straightforward interface and multiple operating modes, this computer offers all the essential functions you need without unnecessary complexity.
Key Features
Multiple operating modes, including air, nitrox, gauge, and free diving
Programmable for oxygen mixtures between 21% to 50%
Imperial or metric settings, with decompression stop data and audible alarms
A backlit display, perfect for low-light or night diving conditions
Specifications
Material: Composite
Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 inches
Weight: 120 grams
Max Depth: 330 feet (100 meters)
Display Type: Backlit digital screen
2. Garmin Descent™ G1 Rugged Dive Computer
For those seeking a more advanced dive computer, the Garmin Descent G1 is an excellent option. Combining smartwatch functionality with a rugged dive computer, this device offers features well beyond the basics.
It’s suited for recreational and technical divers, with built-in GPS and advanced health-tracking metrics.
Key Features
Rugged, watch-style design with a sapphire lens and durable silicone bands
GPS/GLONASS/Galileo support, allowing you to mark dive entry and exit points
Tracks over 30 sports activities with advanced features like V02 Max
24/7 health monitoring, including wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox, and Body Battery energy tracking
Stores up to 200 dives, which can be uploaded and reviewed via the Garmin Dive app
Specifications
Screen Size: 1.27 inches
Battery Life: 25 hours in dive mode, 21 days in smartwatch mode, 26 hours in GPS mode
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
Included Components: Silicone bands, charging/data cable, documentation
Max Depth: 330 feet (100 meters)
3. SCUBAPRO G2 Wrist Diving Computer with Transmitter
The SCUBAPRO G2 is a top-tier dive computer designed for divers who demand versatility and precision.
It features hoseless air integration, which monitors your tank pressure and calculates your accurate remaining bottom time, factoring in air consumption.
This ensures you stay aware of your dive limits at all times. With a highly readable color display and multiple dive modes, this is a fantastic choice for recreational and technical divers.
Key Features
Multiple colorful screens for high visibility
Hoseless air integration monitors tank pressure and calculates remaining bottom time
Numerous dive modes, including Scuba, Freediving, Gauge, CCR, and Sidemount
Three-button control with an intuitive menu for easy navigation
Customizable data display to suit your diving preferences
Specifications
Material: Stainless steel and rubber
Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Max Depth: 394 feet (120 meters)
Display Type: Full-color digital display
Whether you’re a recreational diver or an advanced technical diver, the SCUBAPRO G2 offers outstanding functionality and ease of use. Its durable build and versatile dive modes make it a reliable tool for various underwater adventures.
4. Shearwater Research Peregrine Adventures Edition Dive Computer
The Shearwater Peregrine is another high-quality diving computer that offers advanced features in a user-friendly package.
Known for its rugged design and modern interface, this computer is favored by divers who appreciate simplicity without sacrificing performance.
With Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging, the Peregrine makes tracking and uploading dive data to your smartphone easy, offering a seamless post-dive experience.
Key Features
Simple two-button interface with an intuitive menu structure
2.2-inch LED display with bright, easy-to-read data
Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with your smartphone
USB wireless charging for convenience
Long battery life of up to 30 hours per charge
Specifications
Material: Stainless steel buttons
Screen Size: 2.2 inches
Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours on medium brightness
Display Type: LED
5. Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a versatile smartwatch designed for endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Built with a rugged titanium case and boasting a super-bright Retina display, this watch is as durable as it is functional. It also includes cellular capabilities, precision GPS, and a customizable action button, allowing maximum control during your activities.
Plus, the device is carbon neutral when paired with the latest bands, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to sustainability.
Key Features
Rugged 49mm corrosion-resistant titanium case
Precision GPS and customizable action button for instant control
Up to 36 hours of battery life (72 hours in Low Power Mode)
Water resistance up to 100m, suitable for water sports
Super bright Always-On Retina display for clear visibility in any light condition
AppleCare+ coverage for repairs and tech support
Specifications
Operating System: iOS
Material: Titanium case with Blue Ocean Band
Battery Life: Up to 36 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Screen Type: Retina Display
6. Shearwater Research Teric Color Wrist Dive Computer
The Shearwater Research Teric is an advanced dive computer designed with a high-resolution color display, making it an ideal choice for serious divers.
Its compact wristwatch form factor hides many sophisticated features, including support for Nitrox and Trimix dives, configurable gradient factors, and compatibility with wireless tank pressure transmitters.
The Teric is built for flexibility, supporting open-circuit, fixed PO2, gauge, and freediving modes.
Key Features
Nitrox and Trimix decompression dive computer
Configurable Buhlmann ZHL-16c algorithm for safety and precision
Supports wireless tank pressure transmitters
Switchable audible and vibration alerts for critical notifications
Color display with easy navigation
Specifications
Screen Size: 31.5 inches
Material: Bronze case
Battery Life: Rechargeable with long life per charge
Wireless Communication: Bluetooth
Dive Modes: Nitrox, Trimix, Gauge, Freediving
7. SCUBAPRO G2 Tek Wrist Dive Computer
The SCUBAPRO G2 Tek is a robust dive computer designed for technical divers who require precision and flexibility in challenging environments.
Built with SCUBAPRO’s proven ZH-L 16 Gradient Factor algorithm, this computer ensures accurate dive data, while the full-color TFT display offers clear readability in all conditions.
Its customizable screen options and full-tilt digital compass provide divers with all the critical information they need at a glance.
Key Features
Pure Gradient Factor ZH-L 16 GF algorithm for safe decompression calculations
Full-color 2.2-inch TFT LCD screen for maximum visibility and energy efficiency
Customizable screen configurations with options like Light, Classic, Full, or Graphical modes
Multiple dive modes: Scuba, Freediving, Gauge, CCR, and Sidemount
Full-tilt digital compass with half-compass rose and bearing memory
Specifications
Material: Polycarbonate
Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.1 x 6.25 inches
Weight: 0.4 kilograms
Max Depth: 394 feet (120 meters)
Display Type: Full-color TFT screen
8. Garmin Descent™ Mk3i Dive Computer and Multisport GPS Smartwatch
The Garmin Descent Mk3i is a premium dive computer that doubles as a multisport smartwatch, making it ideal for divers who enjoy various outdoor activities.
With its advanced air integration, AMOLED display, and SubWave sonar technology, this watch is designed for group dives and monitors multiple divers’ tank pressures in real-time.
It also includes a built-in LED flashlight and dive readiness tools that track your body’s preparedness based on sleep, stress, and exercise metrics.
Key Features
Stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED display with scratch-resistant sapphire lens
Air integration and SubWave sonar technology for monitoring up to eight divers
Built-in LED flashlight for low-light visibility underwater or on land
Dive readiness tool for tracking how lifestyle factors affect dive performance
Multi-band GPS technology for precise surface navigation
DiveView maps with over 4,000 dive sites and bathymetric depth contours
Specifications
Operating System: Android and iOS compatible
Screen Size: 1.4 inches
Battery Capacity: 150mAh, long-lasting
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Material: Titanium bezel with optional titanium bracelet
9. Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer
The Cressi Leonardo is an excellent entry-level dive computer designed for beginner divers who want simplicity without sacrificing essential features.
Its single-button interface makes it easy to set dive modes, while the high-definition screen provides transparent, large numerical displays for easy readability.
With adjustable oxygen toxicity levels and multiple conservatism settings, the Leonardo delivers safety and versatility in a user-friendly package.
Key Features
Single-button interface for easy navigation
Modes for Air, Nitrox, and Gauge diving
High-definition display with large numbers
Adjustable oxygen toxicity levels and deep stop function
Visual and audible alarms for added safety
Specifications
Material: Polycarbonate
Screen Size: 44 millimeters
Connectivity: USB, Infrared
Battery Life: User-changeable battery (CR2430)
Max Depth: 393 feet (120 meters)
10. Shearwater Research Peregrine Adventures Edition Dive Computer
The Shearwater Peregrine Adventures Edition is a high-performance dive computer combining ease of use and advanced features. With its bright LED display, Bluetooth connectivity, and user-friendly two-button interface, the Peregrine is suitable for both recreational and technical divers.
It also comes with a wireless charging station, making it highly convenient for divers who are always on the go.
Key Features
Two-button interface for easy navigation
LED display for clear readability in all conditions
Bluetooth connectivity for syncing dive data with your smartphone
A Wireless USB charging station is included
Up to 30 hours of battery life per charge
Specifications
Screen Size: 2.2 inches
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
Material: 316 stainless steel buttons
Display Type: LED
Best Diving Computers: Final Thoughts
These 10 best diving computers offer a range of essential features, from user-friendly interfaces and customizable settings to advanced air integration and GPS capabilities.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, these devices enhance your diving experience by providing accurate depth tracking, decompression calculations, and visual and audible safety alerts.
With options for extended battery life, durable construction, and easy-to-read displays, these dive computers ensure a safer and more enjoyable underwater adventure tailored to your specific needs.
