The 10 best DiveComputersin 2023

Are you looking for the best dive computers in 2023?

This article will show you exactly which one to get!

Scroll past the recommendations to get to the dive computer buyer’s guide in which you can find more tips and trips before buying a dive computer.

Best Dive Computers in 2023

These are the best dive computers 2023 for any budget:

• Best dive computer: Shearwater Teric
• Best smartwatch dive computer: Garmin Descent Mk2
• Cheapest dive computer: Cressi Leonardo
• Best advanced recreational dive computer: Shearwater Peregrine
• Best wristwatch-style dive computer: Suunto D5

Scroll down to find all recommendations at every price level.

Best budget dive computers

These are the best dive computers in 2023 for under $300-$400. These are absolute budget beasts and allow you to buy a dive computer without breaking the bank.

My recommendation:

Cressi Leonardo

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

In the ultra-budget section, you will not find many worthy alternatives to the Cressi Leonardo.

It does all you could expect from a basic dive computer, gives accurate accent rate warnings, and even includes Nitrox functionality.

This computer is great if you are not willing to spend more money on scuba diving than about $300.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Suunto Zoop Novo

Rating: 4.4 / 5.0

The Suunto Zoop Novo is a super popular dive computer for beginners and more experienced divers alike

It comes with a ton of features, a hyper-competitive price, and Suunto dive computers are loved all around the world for their absolute user-friendliness.

Despite its low price, it comes with 4 buttons which makes navigating and using it much more fun than other budget dive computers.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Mares Puck Pro

The Mares Puck Pro is similar in features to the Cressi Leonardo with its one-button design, nitrogen reset, Nitrox capabilities, and different colors.

Oxygen blends up to 99% O2 are possible, although I cannot recommend such a budget dive computer to anyone wanting to start technical diving.

It even features a useful altitude diving mode for exploring mountain lakes up to 3,500m and easy recharging.

The Mares Puck Pro is a good choice for scuba divers on a budget and those who only do a handful of dives each year.

Rating: 4.3 / 5.0

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Aqualung i100

The Aqualung i100 is the ultra-budget entry dive computer made by Aqualung and is stripped down to the absolute minimum.

Like other budget offerings, it features a one-button design that just works out of the box and gives you all that’s necessary to dive right in.

I also like that the Aqualung i100 features a freediving mode, different gas blends, and just looks super nicer with its black or black and blue finish.

Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Best dive computers for under 500$

My recommendation

Shearwater Research Peregrine

The Shearwater Peregrine is a budget-friendly introduction into the excellent Shearwater build quality many have gotten used to which still offers amazing features for serious divers.

It features a user-friendly 2 button interface and up to 4 different dive modes, including Nitrox and Gauge mode.

If you are looking for a recreational console computer, this should be on your watch list as it will be hard to find anything better in this price range.

Rating: 4.9 / 5.0

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy from us with personal support

Aqua Lung i300C

The Aqualung i300c is easy to use for beginners and allows for gas switches and entry-level decompression dives (just like all other Aqualung dive computers).

I have used it as a rental dive computer plenty of times and do like it a lot for that.

Priced just below $400, the Aqualung i300c is a good bang for your buck and will last forever. Just don’t hope for a wristwatch replacement or to win any beauty contests with it.

Rating: 4.2 / 5.0

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Best dive computers for under 1000$

My recommendation:

Garmin Descent Mk1

The Garmin Descent Mk1 was the first dive computer released by Garmin and is essentially a smartwatch turned dive computer.

It looks absolutely gorgeous and it comes in a standard version, as well as the more expensive Black Sapphire option with a titanium wrist band.

Bühlmann Z-16 algorithm, bright display, easy to use underwater, a gorgeous compass, super useful logbook with the Garmin map function integrated and many many many more features make this thing a steal at the current price.

Yes, it isn’t the newest version anymore, but you can find it for under 800$ and that is an amazing value for the money.

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Suunto D5 PVD Coated

In the sub $1000 category, Suunto offers a few top contenders for best dive computers for serious recreational divers. The Suunto D5 looks nice, works reliably, and has a gorgeous display.

It features Nitrox compatibility that can be used with air integration and is dirt simple to set up and use. If you want a hassle-free dive computer that looks and feels valuable and can even be worn as a day-to-day wristwatch, this might be it.

If you want a diving Mercedes, look no further than the Suunto D5.

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Best dive computers for over 1000$

These are my picks for the best dive computers in 2023 with no limitations on budget etc.

My recommendation

Shearwater Teric

The Shearwater Teric is extremely well built, features a large display, multiple gas options, a stunning look, and it just works. A full-sized wrist-style dive computer with all the bells and whistles that the name Shearwater brings with it.

It also comes in a variety of colors and even a special edition that looks really fancy.

Whatever kind of diving you are planning to do, the Teric will serve you well. The display is a joy to look at and much better than the close contenders Suunto D5 or Garmin Mk2. Did I mention it looks amazing?

All in all, the Shearwater Teric is the best dive computer of 2023 and way beyond.

Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on from us with personal support

Garmin Descent Mk2 & Mk2i

The Garmin Descent Mk2 is the second version of the popular Mk1 Descent, however, features a few improvements such as air integration, even better battery life, and a great inbuilt logbook system.

Like any other Garmin watch, it features multi-sport and smartwatch capabilities, integrates with the entire Garmin ecosystem, and looks super gorgeous.

The Garmin Mk2 Descent is truly one of the best dive computers on the market and if you are an athlete or need a new smartwatch, this is almost a no-brainer.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

What is a dive computer?

Dive computers are an essential piece of the scuba gear and you need one on every dive. As such, it’s a good idea to buy a suitable computer right after your Open Water Diver course. In essence, they are small, often watch-sized, computers worn around your wrist during a dive and show important information such as current diving depth, time, and remaining non-decompression times.

They (can) serve many purposes, which you should take into consideration before buying.

First and foremost, they calculate your nitrogen saturation in and out of the water and give you the current non-decompression limit (NDL) based on that.

As you learned (or will learn) in your beginner course, this used to be done with dive tables and dive watches, however, nowadays everyone uses a computer.

If you breach the NDL, the computer will display the mandatory deco stops, as well as times, dynamically. Advanced computers for technical diving will be better at this than cheap recreational ones and give you tables, a planning mode, and different decompression algorithms to work with.

Underwater, dive computers also display the current dive time, and depth, as well as optional info such as water temperature, and safety stops.

Dive computers will alert you with blinding and beeping when your ascent rates are too high, which is super useful for beginners.

Last but not least, dive computers serve as a logbook with lots of info on each dive, which I think is a must-have for any beginner and experienced diver alike.

These are just the core functions of any dive computer, and the higher-priced ones will have cool features like multi-sport support, different breathing gases, Nitrox mode, and better displays.

Should you buy a dive computer?

Every scuba diver should have their own dive computer. It is an essential part of the scuba gear setup and you need to use one on every dive. Additionally, it allows you to log your dives and use it for special breathing gases like Nitrox. Buying a dive computer is also cheaper in the long run than renting it every time.

Let me get this out of the way first: Indeed, every scuba diver should have their own dive computer.

There are many reasons why you should definitely have your own dive computer, and why renting them is not recommended.

Expensive to rent

Dive computers are among the most expensive items you can rent with prices between 10-20€ per day. Therefore, buying one will be much cheaper even after only a few diving days.

Logbook included

Dive computers serve as a logbook with all the diving data you accumulate over time. If you rent them, you never get to keep this data to look at later.

They cannot be shared

A dive computer must be worn by you on every dive during a dive trip and cannot be shared with anyone else. The reason for that is that they calculate your current nitrogen saturation based on all the dives you have done in a certain amount of time.

If you give it to anyone else, the computer does not use their personal data but yours.

As such, a dive computer is a personal item, and as such, you should own one yourself.

They can be used as a wristwatch

Most modern computers look very much like wristwatches and can double as such when you’re not scuba diving.

You only have to master one dive computer

Dive computers are among the more complicated items a scuba diver uses regularly. Save yourself the hassle of learning a new one each time and master your own.

How to choose a dive computer

Scuba divers should choose their dive computers based on their budget, the kind of diving they enjoy, and their experience level. For casual recreational divers, a budget computer between $250 – $500 is often all they need. Frequent divers should invest in a better computer to get advanced features like different breathing gases or air integration. Technical divers and instructors need high-end models that are suitable for decompression diving.

In the following, I will give you some more tips and recommendations on how to choose the best dive computer for your needs.

A common question I receive is “what’s the absolute best dive computer right now”. To which my usual answer is “it depends”.

In my opinion as a dive instructor for several training agencies, you should not choose a dive computer based on your level of experience, but three factors which are more important:

1. Do you even need a new dive computer?
2. What is your budget?
3. What kind of diving are you planning to do?

Dive Computers Feature Comparison

Basic dive computers: Features

$200 – $400

Basic dive computers will give you the following features:

• Nitrogen saturation level
• Non-decompression limits
• Dive time
• Dive depth
• Surface interval
• Logged dives (20-70)
• Water temperature
• Recreational decompression stops
• Ascent rate alarms
• Average battery life
• Mono or Dual button layout

They usually only differ in the way they display this info, and in their design.

The cheapest ones have a very limited screen size and resolution, only one button, and are generally suited for basic recreational (fun) diving.

At the same time, they are often rather large, and cannot be worn as a wristwatch.

Still, they should be sufficient for many needs, as long as they feature Nitrox compatibility and a bright enough display.

Advanced Dive Computers: Features

$400 – $700

Advanced dive computers include all the basic features from above, plus extra ones that will make your life as a diver easier.

This often includes:

• Wrist-watch style
• Great design
• Nitrox & Trimix support
• Gauge mode
• Freediving capabilities
• Larger dive log database (100+ dives)
• Good battery life
• Decompresion planer
• LED color display
• Multi-button layout
• USB chargeable

Advanced dive computers are usually a manufacturer’s middle-class offering to anyone who enjoys diving multiple times a year and is interested in wearing their computer as a regular watch.

They feature LED displays, many modern ones in color, and are generally more pleasing to look at and wear.

At the upper price range, starting around $600, advanced dive computers start to feature multi-gas support and light technical diving capabilities, although I would not suggest them as pure technical diving computers, yet.

Premium Dive Computers: Features

$800+

Premium dive computers are the top-of-the-line offerings by manufacturers mostly aimed at dive professionals, very frequent divers, and those who like to invest in classy wristwatches.

They often don’t add new features but enhance the ones from lower-priced models while using better materials and design.

Premium features may include:

• Map & GPS support
• Smart-watch capabilities
• Multi-sport support
• Extensive logbook functionality (500+ dives)
• Techincal diving capabilities
• Multiple decompression gases
• More durable materials (titanium)
• Very good battery life
• Extensive dive planning options
• Touchscreen display

I don’t think premium dive computers are the first choice for newly certified Open Water Divers, or even intermediate ones.

However, if you are an avid diver, these are definitely worth checking out!

Technical Diving computers

Technical divers often use larger, console-shaped dive computers that are easily readable underwater, even in low-visibility environments.

They are not really a separate category but if you are a technical diver, you should look out for dive computers that allow multiple gases, gas changes, decompression planning and gauge mode.

Do you even need a new dive computer?

This might sound obvious, but we are all guilty of suffering from shiny-new-stuff syndrome. To prevent you from spending money on something you don’t need, find which group you belong to.

I don’t have my own dive computer

If you don’t yet own a dive computer, and you dive at least once per year, then the answer is yes. Yes, you do need a new dive computer.

It is always the first item I recommend to every beginner after buying their first mask and snorkel.

Why? Because renting one for even a few dives is almost as expensive as buying a new one altogether, plus it is an essential part of your dive equipment.

I own an old dive computer

If you already own an old dive computer, check how old it is and if it is still applicable to the kind of diving you do.

Just because you own an older version of the same dive computer doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy a new one.

For example, many people swear by the Suunto D4i for beginners. I own one myself from about 2017. Now there is a new version out, the Suunto D4i Novo which also features a compass.

Do you need to upgrade just for that? I don’t think so. Save the money and get something else instead.

However, let’s say you got your dad’s old Aladin from 20 years ago. While this is a nice gesture and it might still function properly, it is best to buy a new dive computer in 2023.

Not only will a new dive computer be much nicer to look at and easier to work with, it will also offer many advanced features like Nitrox capabilities and more accurate decompression algorithms.

Use the old one as a backup, if you must, but really…get a new one.

I own a newer dive computer

If you already own a dive computer that is no older than 5-6 years, I do not believe you need a new one to replace it with.

It’s as simple as that. Save that money, go diving more instead.

However, it is never a bad idea to own a backup dive computer. This way you won’t have to suspend your diving days on vacation if one of them breaks.

I am a dive professional

If you are a professional diver, such as an instructor or Dive Leader/Divemaster, your situation is different from the typical recreational (fun) diver.

You might be required by your dive center to use the newest tech or just run through them too quickly.

I change my personal dive computer every year or two to stay up to date on what’s new.

Using many different computers also helps me give better service and suggestions to our Social Diving students and clients.

If this is you, I believe getting a new computer every 1000 dives or so is not a bad investment.

This equals about two diving seasons for many professionals and you always have the option to sell your old one.

What is your budget?

Just like with anything else in life, you must choose a budget you are willing to spend on a new dive computer.

This is purely personal and I don’t recommend buying something expensive just based on reviews when it doesn’t fit your budget.

“But how much should I spend?!” I hear some of you think.

In my opinion, dive computer and regulator are the two pieces of equipment that you should allocate the largest part of your dive equipment budget to.

Almost any BCD will work, some better some worse, and the same goes for fins or mask, arguably.

On the other hand, a dive computer is responsible for proper decompression in and out of the water and must function at all times.

Therefore, set a budget for dive equipment, and then see how much you can spare for a good dive computer.

I believe if you buy cheap, you buy twice…or even more often. That is to say that although you will find good dive computers at any price point, you get what you pay for.

A Cressi Leonardo will work, there is no doubt about it. I know many students and fellow divers who have used one of these for years and are super happy.

I just don’t think that it’s fun or convenient to dive with it and its options are very limited.

What kind of diving are you planning to do?

This one is important, especially when you become more advanced.

If all you ever want to do is a couple of dives here and there on vacation, almost any computer will work. Yes, even the very cheap ones.

Make sure it has Nitrox capabilities, though, as nowadays it is available at pretty much every dive center in the world.

Especially for vacation divers, who always dive in warm water, this is super important.

The more you dive, the more I suggest going for a higher-priced dive computer.

More diving often equals more difficult or challenging experiences and a better dive computer will help you stay safe underwater while offering advanced options and easier handling.

If you enjoy diving in cold water, I recommend you start looking in the 450$+ range and maybe consider even higher tiers.

My top recommendations like the Shearwater Teric or the Garmin Descent offer technical diving capabilities such as multiple gas switches, smartwatch features, and nice displays that make your life so much easier underwater.

Wristwatch-style yes or no?

Should you get a watch-sized dive computer or not?

In my opinion, this again depends on the style of diving you are planning to do.

However, I usually prefer watch-sized dive computers as I can wear them anywhere.

My go-to computers, the Garmin Descent and the Shearwater Teric both look like a watch, albeit larger ones.

I believe most casual recreational divers will be better served with watch-style dive computers, for two major reasons:

1. You never run the risk of forgetting your dive computer in a bag or suitcase.
2. They serve as your computer, as well as wrist watch and you never need to leave your valuables in a safe or hidden underneath your other luggage.

Naturally, if you don’t like to wear a wristwatch and only dive once or twice per vacation, there is no need to spend the extra money on the smaller size.

Again, I personally dive a watch-style computer all the time, with one exception: Technical and cave diving.

If you belong to one or both of these groups, you might be better served with a console-sized dive computer such as the Shearwater Perdix or the Shearwater Petrel 2.

They give you more screen real-estate and are often easier to handle underwater than watch-style ones.

Should you buy a dive computer with air integration?

Dive computers with air integration allow divers to connect a pod to their scuba tank to display the current tank pressure directly on their computer display. It is a convenient feature that often replaces an additional pressure gauge and can be found on intermediate to high-end dive computers. However, it is not required and especially technical divers should choose an analog pressure gauge instead.

I don’t think air integration (AI) is a must-have feature but surely nice to have.

I personally don’t use it, but most dive computers feature air integration anyway nowadays. At least in the 500$+ range.

However, please don’t buy an air-integrated dive computer that uses an extra hose instead of a transmitter.

They are also referred to as console-style computers.

I cannot find any advantages over the transmitter-receiver combo and they create an extra potential failure point to your setup.

They also add (a little) extra weight to your kit. Especially when packing for your scuba diving trip, you want to stay as lightweight as possible.

Dive Computer vs Dive Watch

Before dive computers were invented, scuba divers used dive watches to measure bottom times, decompression stops, and the current depth. Nowadays, dive computers are capable of doing all that plus calculating non-decompression limits in real-time, serving as a logbook, and have replaced dive watches in all practical regards. However, dive watches are still worn as stylish accessories.

If your goal is to go scuba diving, you need a dive computer. You may or may not want to wear a dive watch for aesthetic reasons, however, they are not required anymore.

If you are looking for a great waterproof dive watch to wear in everyday life, check out the best dive watches of 2023!

Conclusion

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Cheers

Julius