The best Scuba Fins in 2024

Choosing the best scuba fins for your next dive will not only make you faster underwater but also save you a big headache from lost fins to ripping heel buckles! With so many options to pick from, however, this may seem like a daunting task, especially as brands are coming up with new models all the time.

Here is our list of the best Scuba Fins in 2024 with suggestions for any budget:

Below, you find reviews for each of them, as well as all the others we have tested so far.

At the end of the post, you will also find a scuba fins buyer’s guide with handy tips and tricks and an explanation of common jargon.

Scuba fins are an essential piece of our scuba gear, so finding the right ones is super important before jumping into the water! If you’ve ever tried diving without them you will know…it’s no fun!

Using poorly fitting fins underwater can turn any dive trip into a nightmare. They might come off, cause cramps, or just don’t feel right. And don’t get me started on all the times I’ve had a fin strap rip right before going into the water. On the other hand, a good pair of diving fins helps you enjoy your time even more.

The best scuba fins should fit comfortably on your feet, are easy to put on and off, give you plenty of thrust, and allow you to control your movements underwater without effort. As a nice side effect, we can also use our fins when freediving or snorkeling without diving equipment.

There are many different ones on the market, from full-foot fins to open-heel ones, travel fins, full-rubber military ones, and many more. This can make it hard – especially for beginners – to find the right ones at a decent price. But no worries, we’ve tried them all so we can compare them here for you.

With strong options available at all price levels, you can either pick from among the top flagships or opt for a solid midrange one with all the features you need at a fraction of the price. We also have super-budget versions that still work great. Our picks for the best scuba fins offer something for everybody, with rankings that reflect both our testing and real-world use, as well as the opinions of other users.

The 10 Best Scuba Fins in 2024

These are the 10 best Scuba Fins in 2024 for every budget:

Keep reading for our reviews. At the end of this list, you can find all the Scuba Fins we have tested so far!

Apeks RK3

Best Overall

Apeks RK3

5.0 / 5

Some of the best and most precise lightweight fins ever made.

Pros

• They feel great
•  Perfect aerodynamics
•  Lightweight
•  They look gorgeous

Cons

• A bit wide

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The Apeks RK3 scuba fins are our top pick for 2024 and beyond. We have used them on about 1,700 dives and they show no signs of exhaustion or tear. Even the spring strap is as snappy as on the first day. We own the black, white, and pink versions. 😁

They feature a traditional all-rubber design which is standard in military, rescue, and technical diving. Despite their sturdy material, they are super light and perfect for traveling. They come standard with stainless steel spring straps which make putting them on and off a breeze. Backfinning, diving with drysuits, as well as casual reef diving, are no problem with the RK3s.

We are still trying to find something wrong with them for our review, however, there is just nothing we would change about them. If you want to be extremely picky, it would be that the straps are a bit on the stiff side and that these fins can be hard to find in some places.

If you want to dive what the pros dive without the extra weight of other military-style fins, check out the Apeks RK3. They combine the precision of technical diving fins with the light weight of travel fins. They also have a heavier version called the Apeks RK3 HD.

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ScubaPro Seawing Nova

Fastest Fins

ScubaPro Seawing Nova

4.8 / 5

The fastest fins on the market and great for diving in currents.

Pros

• Super lightweight
•  cool colors
•  Ultra fast
•  The foot pocket feels great

Cons

• Not great for back finning
•  Too long for some narrow places

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ScubaPro’s Seawing Nova fins look like something out of a sci-fi movie and are among the most popular fins on the market.

They feature a two-part design in which the foot pocket and the blade are connected through two extra springs in the middle. This makes the Seawing Nova Pro fins some of the fastest I have ever used.

They are incredibly comfortable and their foot pocket leaves you feeling like you are not wearing fins at all.

They perform very well in both flutter and frog-kicking situations, although they are not the best in terms of backward finning or when doing helicopter turns.

Featuring a number of different colors across the spectrum, you will find some that fit your style. I can testify that you will be seen in those pink ones…

Another advantage is that these fins come in both open-heel and full-foot configurations, so you can pick which one suits your style best.

The drawback of their design is that they are longer than others and might not fit into your suitcase as easily.

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Cressi Pro Light

Budget Beast

Cressi Pro Light

4.3 / 5

Durability and classic design at an affordable price.

Pros

• Great price
•  Lots of different sizes
•  Indestructible
• Pretty bendy
•  Can get it fixed anywhere

Cons

• Very big
• Not really pretty
• No special features
•  Doesn't come with spring straps

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As with all Cressi products, the Cressi Pro Light fins give you solid features and durability at a reasonable price. That’s why they are our scuba fins budget beast! They are virtually indestructible and pretty bendy and will fit on any foot. That’s important because some other brands only offer small – medium – large nowadays, whereas Cressi offers 6-8 sizes on their products. Just beware that Cressi’s size chart is on the larger side, so get them a number smaller than you’re used to!

These are full-foot fins which make them suitable for any water temperature and go well with a variety of diving boots! There are three different color options to pick from, although we don’t find any of them particularly appealing personally. They are really big, so be sure to get a large dive bag for them. We recommend these spring straps with them.

Although they don’t offer any special features or fancy colors, for the majority of recreational diving scenarios, the Cressi Pro Light fins are a solid, reliable, and cost-effective choice.

ScubaPro Seawing Supernova

Design Award

ScubaPro Seawing Supernova

4.7 / 5

The first fins that can be taken apart and winners of our Design Award!

Pros

• Can be taken apart for travel & transport
•  Extremely powerful
•  Super comfortable
• Easy to put on and off
• Open Heel & Full-Foot options available
• Amazing for current diving

Cons

• Pricey
•  Only black and white color options
•  Flexible blade design takes getting used to

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The ScubaPro Seawing Supernova scuba fins are a step up from their older brother, the Nova Pros and take the word “modularity” literally. While at first sight, the two look identical with the foot pocket and the blade being connected through two extra springs in the middle, the Supernova fins can be taken apart! You can use the included multi-tool to take apart the foot pocket and the blade which makes them very easy to carry.

They are fast and super super comfy, look great, and their foot pocket leaves you feeling like you are not wearing fins at all. They are really flexible with can be great when diving longer distances but might be a bit too bendy for narrow places like caves. ScubaPro also offers a full-foot replacement part which can simply be connected to the blade with their tool. Unfortunately, they only offer black and white options as of April 2024.

The ScubaPro Seawing Supernova are our favorite luxury scuba fins that take home our Design Award for their modularity. If you already own their modular BCDs, these fins are a no-brainer, in our opinion!

ScubaPro Go Sport

Best for Travel

ScubaPro Go Sport

4.8 / 5

If you are looking for the ultimate travel fins for beginners that are not a tradeoff, you need to check out the ScubaPro Go Sport.

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Cool colors
•  Great for travel
•  Quality equipment

Cons

• Tool right for some drysuits

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While lightweight can be said about many fins, the Go Sport is special. It looks and feels very similar to all-rubber fins like the RK3 and the JetFins, but weighs just above 1kg (2.2lbs) without sacrificing quality.

They are perfect for travel, can be used for warm and cold water diving, and are available in a lot of different colors.

If you are looking for the ultimate travel fins for beginners that are not a tradeoff, you need to check out the ScubaPro Go Sport.

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Mares Avanti Quattro Plus

Most durable

Mares Avanti Quattro Plus

4.3 / 5

An all-time classic fin that’s virtually impossible to break.

Pros

• You cannot break them
•  Powerful
• Excellent bungee straps
•  Useful for any type of diving
•  Different color options

Cons

• Potentially too stiff for some
• Can be tiresome
• Heavy

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For those compiling a shortlist of the best scuba fins, the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus will inevitably come up sooner or later. It’s been around for ages but like fine whine, they get better over time! As usual with Mares products, they come in lots of colors and four different sizes. They received an upgrade to bungee straps a while back which makes them really comfortable to put on and off!

What makes them really stand out, however, is that even after 10+ years, some of our older versions still look like they did in the first year. They are super durable and will survive anything (and anyone 😉). The flip side is that this makes them really heavy and potentially too stiff for untrained legs.

There is a reason why the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus has been one of the most popular scuba fins of all time. They are reliable and durable and do a great job in any environment.

TUSA SF-0110 Travel Right

Travel-savvy divers will appreciate the TUSA SF-0110 Travel Right scuba fins for their compact and nice design (loving the white option here!). They are small enough to go in your carry-on so you have more space available in your suitcase or dive bag. They feature bungee straps which are really easy to put without having to purchase separate spring straps.

They do fall a bit short in terms of propulsion and when wearing heavy technical dive equipment, where we would like something with more oomph. But then again, these are meant for travel and recreational diving.

The TUSA SF-0110 Travel Right scuba fins offer a great bang for your buck and prove that travel-friendly gear can still offer a robust diving experience!

Aqualung Phazer

Best Mid-Range

Aqualung Phazer

4.6 / 5

Great scuba fins with superb design that often go under the radar.

Pros

• Great Design
•  Easy to put on & off
• Many color options
•  Powerful
• Excellent for recreational diving

Cons

• Not super cheap
• Spring straps a bit stiff for large feet
• Big!

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The Aqualung Phazer scuba fins are some of our favorite mid-range offerings on the market that somehow often get overlooked by many. They offer great propulsion paired with very neat design options (mono and dual-colored). They are come with spring straps that works super nice for both experienced divers and beginners. We have used them as teaching fins in our courses for years, and everyone loves them.

They are on the higher mid-range end but you get exactly what you pay for. A drawback is that they are really big and probably won’t fit into your carry-on. Please also study the Aqualung sizing chart carefully, as the strap is hard to put over your boots if they are too big for the pockets.

The Aqualung Phazer are our favorite mid-range scuba fins in 2024 and have been for years. If you want great design paired with a lot of power and ease of use, they will serve you really well!

ScubaPro Jet Fins

Best for Drysuit Diving

ScubaPro Jet Fins

4.8 / 5

Proven quality and precision since 1965!

Pros

• Two words: Legendary fins
• Indestructible since 1965
•  Allows for very precise fin kicking
•  Excellent neutral buoyancy for drysuit diving
•  Fit into carry-on (but heavy)
•  Many color options

Cons

• Heavy!
•  Pricey 
•  Spring strap takes a bit getting used to
•  Not for shorty diving

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There are a few equipment pieces that are pretty much synonymous with a sport or activity. Black Adidas shoes for soccer, Burton Snowboards, Speedo for swimming, and, well, the ScubaPro Jet Fins for any type of technical or cave diving. They have been in production since 1965 and remained pretty much unchanged ever since. They are heavy, but not too bulky, incredibly durable but not stiff, and some of the most precise scuba fins ever made.

If you dive a drysuit with double stages in cold water, explore caves, or enjoy wreck penetration diving, the Jet Fins are probably the best scuba fins you can buy. They come at a price and aren’t meant to be worn underneath a shorty. But whether you are a recreational or technical diver, these are just amazing!

The ScubaPro Jet Fins are some of the best scuba fins ever made and continue to be a staple in the market that has yet to be surpassed. You will never go wrong with these!

Atomic Aquatics Split Fins

Best Split Fins

Atomic Aquatics Split Fins

4.0 / 5

Simply the best split fins on the market.

Pros

• Require little effort
• Great for flutter kicks
• EZ-LOK buckles ensure a secure fit
•  Comfortable foot pocket
•  Excellent quality
•  Great design
• Full-foot and Open Heel version

Cons

• Split fins
•  Not good for frog kicking
•  Not suitable for technical diving
•  Pricey
•  Not the most thrust

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If split fins are your thing, it doesn’t get any better than the Atomic Aquatics Split Fins. Superb design and build quality (as usual with Atomic Aquatics products) meet really comfortable foot pockets for effortless kicking underwater. If you have been following our content for a while you know we aren’t the biggest fans of split fins because they force you to do flutter kicks of the superior frog-kicking technique.

These split fins do a good job at making your fin kicking effortless, although they could use a bit more propulsion. As with all split fins, they are not suitable for any kind of technical diving or with heavy drysuits and double tanks.

The Atomic Aquatics Split Fins are the Rolls Royce of split fins and have been for a long time. While the price will deter many divers, reef divers will find them super enjoyable. Just remember to choose between the Open Heel and Full-Foot versions!

Scuba Fins Buyer’s Guide

Scuba fins, also known as flippers, are more than just accessories. They are your primary source of propulsion in the water. The right pair can enhance your maneuverability, reduce your energy consumption, and help prevent leg fatigue. This is why it’s crucial to find fins that suit your diving style and comfort preference.

There are hundreds of different scuba fins available by dozens of manufacturers. You’ll find them in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but in the end, they all serve the purpose of helping you move underwater.

Materials range from plastic to full-rubber ones and new ones come out all the time.

Types of Scuba Fins

Scuba fins come in two types: Open-Heel and Full-Foot configuration.

Full-foot scuba fins are designed to be worn barefoot or with thin neoprene socks and cover your foot like a shoe. They are typically used in warm waters where the added protection and warmth of booties are not necessary.

Open-heel scuba fins have an adjustable strap around the heel which allows them to be worn with thick wetsuit or drysuit boots, making them suitable for a wider range of temperatures and conditions, including cold water.

Let’s look at them more closely:

Full-foot fins

Full-foot fins enclose your entire foot around the ankle and are usually worn directly on your feet. Alternatively, you can get some thin neoprene socks to make them a bit more comfortable. Similar to your shoes, they must fit nicely, and getting your size right is very important.

This type of scuba fin is great for pool training, freediving, and when diving in very warm water. As they can be worn without dive boots you just slip in and start your dive! This bare-foot approach (no pun intended) means that full-foot scuba fins are usually the cheaper of the two options.

Moreover, full-foot diving fins can also double as your snorkeling or freediving fins so the cost saving is even bigger!

Their main advantage is also their biggest disadvantage: Since you wear them directly on your skin, they are not suitable for cold water diving. Not only that but without the ability to wear boots underneath, full-foot fins limit the locations you can dive at safely. Boots protect your feet from rocks on the ground or your dive buddy putting their tank on your toes.

Last but not least, full-foot fins often give you less propulsion than their open-heel counterparts and can be a bit disadvantageous in strong currents.

Open heel fins

Open-heel fins, as the name suggests, do not cover your heels and instead have a strap to tighten them. There are several types of straps, the most common ones are clipped straps, bungee-, and spring straps.

Usually, divers wear neoprene boots underneath to make their dives more comfortable. In addition, boots will keep your feet warm in cold water and protect you from stepping on rocks at the dive side.

Recommendation:

My recommendation is that you always go for open-heel fins, as they are more versatile and can be used in any diving conditions. I also prefer having dive boots that cover my skin so I don’t get skin irritations or scratches.

Buckles vs. Straps for Scuba Fins

Open-heel fins typically come with either buckles or straps to secure the fin to your foot. Buckles are usually clipped into the fin on both sides and then tightened once your foot is inside. Usually, they come with a quick-release button so that you can fit them once and only clip them in (just like skiing boots).

However, I recommend you use bungee or spring straps that make putting fins on or off about 1,000 times faster. They have an elastic spring inside that you can pull back over your heel.

The best part is that basically, all buckle systems can be upgraded with spring straps for very little money. Here are a few that you can get for less than $75 and they are so worth the money!!! Say goodbye to fiddling endlessly with your fins while everyone is waiting for you!

Fin Blade Styles

Scuba fins come in various blade styles, each with its own design purpose. It’s not super important to know all of them, but you should at least understand how they affect the fin’s efficiency, power, and maneuverability underwater. Here are the main types:

Paddle Fins

These are traditional scuba fins with a flat blade. They provide consistent and predictable thrust and are good for beginners due to their simplicity and control.

Split Fins

Split fins feature a split down the middle of the blade which is designed to reduce water resistance and fatigue. They aim to mimic the propulsion method of marine animals like dolphins and whales and require less effort to kick (using a flutter technique). This makes them popular among divers who want to reduce leg fatigue.

Their biggest drawback is that they are utterly useless for back finning, frog kicking, and any kind of technical or advanced diving.

Jet Fins / Channel Fins:

Channel fins use soft rubber or plastic inserts or channels that act as water channels down the blade for more efficient propulsion with less effort. These channels or “jets” bend and straighten during the kick cycle, helping to direct water flow and increase propulsion.

Jet fins are the most popular type and feature a characteristic short, wide, and stiff design. They provide excellent maneuverability and are also popular with military and professional divers.

Unfortunately, their usually full-rubber material makes them heavy and suitable only for good swimmers.

Vented Fins

Some scuba fins come with vents or slots in the blade near the foot pocket. They reduce resistance on the up-kick and increase power on the down-kick. You can often find this blade style in combination with others.

Hinged Fins

A few modern scuba fins like the ScubaPro Seawing Supernova incorporate a hinge between the foot pocket and blade, allowing the blade to pivot. This effectively increases the angle of attack on each kick which makes them more powerful. We like them a lot because they tend to reduce strain on the ankles and calves.

Force Fins

Force fins are short, often curved, or with wing-like tips and kind of look like whale or dolphin fins. They are meant to promote a natural flutter kick and offer high efficiency in terms of energy to thrust. However, they are REALLY rare and are essentially a niche occurrence.

If you wear a drysuit, it’s advisable to buy a pair that weighs more to even out the buoyancy in your feet.

A word on split-fins

Do not buy split-fins unless you have a really specific reason to! There, I said it.

You’ll find countless discussions on forums and social media on the pros and cons of split fins. If you ask me, split fins are absolutely useless for the majority of divers. I have always taught my students to use a frog kick which offers superior buoyancy, trim, and aerodynamics in comparison to the flutter taught at many places.

Check out the most useful scuba fin kicks for more info.

When are split fins useful then?

If you have bad legs and are only able to perform flutter kicks. In that case, split fins make it easier to move forward and allow you to enjoy diving without pain in your knees and joints.

Materials Used in Scuba Fins

Fins for diving and snorkeling are usually made from a combination of plastic, rubber, and sometimes composite materials like carbon fiber or graphite.

Choosing between plastic and rubber fins depends on the type of diving you do, how much you travel, and whether you use a drysuit or other heavy scuba gear.

Rubber Fins

Rubber fins are rather heavy and sturdy, giving you a lot of forward thrust, as well as excellent maneuverability underwater. They are preferred when diving with drysuits and among technical divers, but they can be heavy.

As a rule of thumb, the thicker your suit or the colder the water, the more a pair of full-rubber fins makes sense. When wearing a drysuit, this is especially true.

I use the Apeks RK3 which are very light despite being made of rubber.

Plastic Fins

Plastic ones, on the other hand, are cheaper and more bendy. This makes them an excellent choice for diving in currents when flutter kicking is preferred. They tend to be more affordable but a bit less responsive.

How to Choose the Best Scuba Fins

When searching for the “best scuba fins” or pondering “which scuba fins to buy” you should first consider what kind of diving you want to do. We have already looked at some technical considerations. Now let’s take what we already know and find the right scuba fins for you:

Where do you dive?

• For Shore Diving: Look for durable, tough fins that can handle rocky entries. Take open-heel fins with dive boots.
• For Boat Diving: Compact fins are easier to manage on a crowded boat. Travel fins are great here.
• For Technical Diving: Stiffer, more powerful fins that can handle currents and heavy gear are a must. Go for full-rubber jet fins.
• Free Diving: Longer, more flexible fins are often preferred for their efficiency over long distances.
• For Snorkeling: Choose very light full-foot fins that are a bit shorter so you don’t scratch any corals.

What’s Your Budget?

Set a budget and stick to it! Yes, great fins do make a difference but it’s not worth spending all your money on fins if you could instead get more diving time.

However, quality fins can last a lifetime and are worth a bit more!

Blade Stiffness

A stiffer blade offers more power and speed but requires strong leg muscles. A more flexible blade is easier on the legs but might not provide the same propulsion.

Comfort and Fit

Scuba fins should fit as comfortably as your favorite shoes! Comfort is also key in preventing cramps and blisters. Ensure a snug fit without pinching or excessive tightness. When picking open-heel

Buoyancy

Some fins are positively buoyant (meaning they float), while others are negatively buoyant (they sink). Your choice depends on your buoyancy control and preference.

Travel-Friendly

If you travel frequently, lighter fins made from lighter materials are convenient for packing. We’ve also seen some fins that can be folded or taken apart for that very reason!

Ease of Use

Quick-release straps over annoying buckles can make a big difference, especially when handling them with thick gloves.

Thrust and Efficiency:

Consider how the fins translate your energy into movement. The best scuba fins give you a lot of power even with minimal effort.

Maintenance and Care of Scuba Fins

Taking care of your fins will ensure their longevity and performance. Rinse them with fresh water after each use, store them flat or hung by the foot pockets to prevent warping, and avoid exposure to extreme heat or sunlight for prolonged periods.

Some other things to consider:

• Rinse Thoroughly
• Dry Properly
• Avoid Heat and Sunlight
• Store Flat or Hang Vertically
• Keep Away from Sharp Objects
• Inspect Regularly
• Use Silicone Treatment
• Avoid Contact with Chemicals
• Transport with Care

Check out our Scuba Fins Maintenance Guide if you want more info!

Should You Buy Scuba Fins as a Beginner?

Beginner scuba divers should definitely buy their own pair of fins! Not only is it an essential part of the ABC equipment, but it will also make diving more comfortable and fun.

Therefore, we have written an extensive guide on the best scuba fins for beginners in 2024, so you can get some more tips and tricks!