Do you want to know what is the best dive computer for beginners? When you start diving for the first time, a good dive computer is usually the first investment you will make. Where do you begin when there are so many dive computers on the market to choose from?
Luckily, I’ve already done the legwork for you! My experience as a new diver has taught me to spend weeks reading reviews and asking dive professionals for advice.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right dive computer for your needs. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the Top 08 best dive computers currently available, along with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
The 8 Best Dive Computers Reviews
With so many options available, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging. That’s where Letsdivehere comes in. I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best dive computers currently available on the market.
1. Shearwater Peregrine Dive Computer
According to our readers, the Shearwater Peregrine has been voted the best dive computer of 2023. The Shearwater Peregrine dive computer is one of the most advanced and feature-packed dive computers available in the market. Designed for recreational and technical divers, the Peregrine is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and user-friendly dive computer that can handle any kind of diving.
With a range of impressive features, this dive computer is the perfect choice for divers who want a reliable, easy-to-use device to help them explore the underwater world. One of the key features of the Shearwater Peregrine Dive Computer is its intuitive, easy-to-navigate menu system.
Specs & Features
Brand: Shearwater
Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion
Display: 2.2 inch
Weight: 4.3 ounces
Size: 77mm x 68mm x 25mm
Display Type: Full-color LCD
Our Overall Review
During the testing process, for your protection, we have read many testimonials from users and experts worldwide. We would like to summarize our thoughts in this way:
4.8
Reasons to buy:
Reasons to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.8 / 05
Shearwater Peregrine Dive Computer
2. Suunto Zoop Novo
The Suunto Zoop Novo dive computer is a reliable and easy-to-use device that is designed to help divers of all levels stay safe and enjoy their dives to the fullest. With its intuitive interface and durable design, the Zoop Novo is a popular choice among both recreational and technical divers.
As a beginner diver, you may be confused by the four buttons on the interface. Despite the multiple buttons, I am sure you will not get bored with the design. In addition, cycling through so many menus is less time-consuming than the single-button display. Furthermore, the buttons are arranged in D-shape to allow you to press smoothly even when wearing thick gloves.
You’ll be able to plan out your dives and set alarms for when you’re approaching your maximum depth. Another key feature of the Suunto Novo Dive is the ability to plug it into a computer. It’s great that you can move the log data across the unit since one of its big selling points is its ability to store a lot of log data at once.
Specs & Features
Brand: Suunto Zoop Novo
Weight: 120 g
Resolution: 1°
Color: Black
Backlight: Yes
Battery: Lithium-Ion Battery
Our Overall Review
4.4
Reasons to buy:
Reasons to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.4 / 05
Suunto Zoop Novo
3. Garmin Descent MK2i Dive Computer
In addition to being a fully technical air-integrated dive computer, the Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer features a full-featured, rugged, multi-sport smartwatch with excellent battery life. The Garmin Descent MK2i dive computer is a highly capable and advanced device that is designed to cater to the needs of technical divers.
It is packed with features and capabilities that make it one of the most versatile and reliable dive computers on the market. A new era has begun, and the future has arrived. It costs a lot to purchase, especially with the Garmin transmitter included. However, if you’re a technology enthusiast, it can replace multiple devices.
Specs & Features
Brand: Garmin
Battery Life: 80 Hours
Display Resolution: 280 x 280 pixels
Weight: 14.1 ounces
Mounting Type: Wrist Mount
Our Overall Review
4.7
Reasons to buy:
Reasons to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.7 / 05
Garmin Descent MK2i Dive Computer
4. Aqua Lung i470TC
Do you enjoy scuba diving? Are you interested in diving deep underwater? It is likely that you have gathered all the necessary gear to cover your journey. Here is a review of the Aqualung i470TC. In addition to recording their dive sites and locations, scuba divers like to keep track of their progress and their dive buddies.
As a result, they can keep track of both their work and their overall diving journey. With four operating modes, three transmitters, and wireless air integration, it has a lot to offer. Aqualung’s Diverlog+ app allows you to manage your dive computer settings as well as track dives with this dive computer, which is Bluetooth-enabled.
The Aqua Lung i470TC is a versatile and advanced dive computer that offers a range of features to help you stay safe and get the most out of your dives. Here are some of the major features of the i470TC:
Specs & Features
Brand: Aqua Lung
Backlight: Yes
Weight: 8.01 Ounces
Number of buttons: 2
Our Overall Review
4.6
Reasons to buy:
Reasons to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.6 / 05
Aqua Lung i470TC
5. Mares Puck Pro Plus
With the Mares Puck Pro Plus RGBM Nitrox computer, you get a powerful, yet user-friendly RGBM Nitrox computer within an extremely budget-friendly price range. This computer comes with an upgraded interface compared to the original Mares Puck Pro. In addition to a new metal button for increased durability, the unit features a three-level salinity setting for freshwater, saltwater, and aquarium diving.
There is also a large display on the device, but it is slimmer. There is an illuminated, oversized digit display on the computer’s mineral glass display. The Mares Puck Pro Plus also stands out from its predecessors thanks to its wireless connectivity. The Bluetooth clip connector on this device makes it easy to connect your smartphone or computer to it.
Specs & Features
Brand: Mares
Battery Life: 36 Hours
Warranty: 1 YR
Weight: 0.1 Kilograms
Size: 77mm x 68mm x 25mm
Our Overall Review
4.6
Reasons to buy:
Reasons to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.6 / 05
5. Mares Puck Pro Plus
6. Shearwater Teric Wrist Computer
If you’re looking for a high-quality wrist computer that can handle all your diving needs, the Shearwater Teric is a device that you should definitely consider. This dive computer boasts a wide range of features that are appreciated by both recreational and technical divers. It has an air-integrated screen, an excellent user interface, and a customizable display metric and color scheme. A good-looking watch option for those who wear computers as watches is the Teric.
You can take advantage of the Shearwater Teric package’s wireless air integration (optional) with a separate transmitter. Air integration is preferable and recommended, as it allows you to see all the important information at a glance underwater. There are plenty of features to test the limits of technical diving, but they are still intuitive for new divers to use.
Specs & Features
Brand: Shearwater
Battery Life: up to 30 Hours
Display Size: 1.39″
Weight: 40 Grams
Display Resolution: 400 x 400 pixels
Our Overall Review
4.8
Reasons to buy:
Reasons to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.8 / 05
Shearwater Teric Wrist Computer
7. Oceanic Pro Plus 4.0
The Oceanic Pro Plus 4.0 is a wrist-mounted dive computer that has a large and easy-to-read display. The display is backlit, making it easy to read in low-light conditions. The computer also features a user-friendly menu system, making it easy to navigate through the various settings.
The Pro Plus 4.0 has a user-replaceable battery, making it easy to swap out when needed. The battery life is approximately 300 dives or 2 years, whichever comes first. The computer also features a low battery indicator, letting you know when it’s time to change the battery.
Specs & Features
Brand: Oceanic
Battery Life: 300 HOURS
Mounting Type: Wrist Mount
Weight: 1.25 Pounds
Dimensions: 33 × 11.43 × 11.43 cm
Our Overall Review
4.5
Reasons to buy:
Reason to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.5 / 05
Oceanic Pro Plus 4.0
8. Cressi Leonardo Underwater Single Button Diving Computer
The Cressi Leonardo is a popular and reliable diving computer designed for both beginner and experienced divers. It is equipped with advanced technology that enables divers to track and manage their dive profiles. The Cressi Leonardo Underwater Single Button Diving Computer has a sleek and compact design.
The display is clear and easy to read, and it provides all the essential information a diver needs, including depth, dive time, decompression status, and ascent rate. It also has a built-in calendar and clock for tracking dive logs and scheduling future dives.
The computer is lightweight and has a durable construction, making it an ideal choice for divers who want a reliable and long-lasting diving computer. The computer comes with a hook that can be attached to a lanyard or BCD for easy access and safekeeping.
Specs & Features
Brand: Cressi
Battery Life: 80 Hours
Color: Black
Weight: 0.4 Grams
Modes: Three
Our Overall Review
4.3
Reasons to buy:
Reason to Avoid:
Where to Buy?
4.3 / 05
Cressi Leonardo Underwater Single Button Diving Computer
How to Choose the Right Dive Computer? Buying Guide
The sport of diving is regarded as one of the best for adventure seekers. You will need a dive computer, regardless of your level of experience, to ensure your safety during your dive.
You also need to consider several important factors when buying the best dive computer since they come in a variety of styles and features.
- Budget
It can be very expensive to purchase sophisticated models. You do not have to purchase the most expensive computer if you do not need advanced features. A good computer can be found for between $200 and $400 if you are just getting into diving. Those who are more experienced and need more features should start looking at models starting from $500.
- Brand and Warranty
Look for established brands with a good reputation for quality and reliability. Also, check for a manufacturer’s warranty, which can provide added protection and peace of mind.
- Display
A clear and easy-to-read display is crucial for underwater visibility. Look for watches or computers with a high-contrast display that is easy to read in different lighting conditions. Some models also feature a backlight, which can be useful in low-light conditions.
In order to monitor important information effortlessly, divers require massive screens with giant digits. By doing so, they can prevent accidents from occurring unexpectedly. Almost all entry-level dive computers have LCD screens in black and white. However, some models nowadays come with full-color displays for giving you a charming view.
- Connectivity
To log your dive data and upgrade your equipment, your dive computer needs to be compatible with electronic devices such as PCs, Macs, and smartphones. A USB cable is currently supported by the majority of popular models. It is unfortunately not included in the purchase price and often requires an additional payment. Today, some dive computers can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, thanks to modern technology.
- Number of Buttons
When it comes to diving computers, the more buttons they have, the more complicated they are for beginners. For this reason, you should choose models with the fewest buttons possible. If you are an experienced diver, though, the number of buttons won’t be an issue.
- Operating Modes
In most dive computers available today, there is an Air mode, a Nitrox mode, and a gauge mode. In addition to freediving, watch, and Trimix modes, additional operating modes depend on the level of experience of the diver.
- Diver’s Level of Experience
A dive computer’s performance is greatly influenced by the diver’s level of diving. You’ll have different requirements when you’re new to the sport compared to when you’re experienced.
Beginners usually prefer basic features such as a clear, visible display. The sophisticated diver, on the other hand, often expects sophisticated features like air integration and a digital compass.
- Wrist or Console
It may be a good idea to use a console computer if you want to keep all the information together. It is difficult to check if you have a camera in them because they are bigger, heavier, and more difficult to carry. The wrist computer is more convenient and easier to read, even when carrying a camera. Because of their cool designs, they can also be worn as everyday watches. In addition to recreational divers and technical divers, they are the most popular choice.
Features Explained
You may be confused by some of the technical terms of the dive computer. So I wrote this section in order to make it easier for you to understand.
- Nitrox Capability
As mentioned, a dive computer with nitrox capability allows you to dive with a breathing gas that contains more oxygen than air, increasing your bottom time and reducing your risk of decompression sickness. Nitrox capability is a must-have for advanced divers who want to take advantage of this gas mixture.
- Decompression Calculations
A dive computer with decompression calculations helps you determine your safe ascent rate and decompression stops, based on your depth and dive time. This feature can help you avoid decompression sickness and other potential health hazards.
- User-Replaceable Battery
Some dive computers have a user-replaceable battery, which allows you to easily swap out the battery when it’s running low. This feature can save you time and money by eliminating the need for a trip to a service center.
- Wireless air integration
A wireless connection is made between the transmitter and the dive computer. This device can tell you how much time you have left at your current depth as well as how much air pressure remains.
Wireless transmitters are available as an option on most dive computers today. The majority of seasoned divers find it worth the additional expense, despite the fact that it’s considered an extra expense.
- Gas-switching
A dive computer usually allows divers to adjust the gas mix for breathing during a dive based on the type of diving they are doing. The gas mixture of oxygen and nitrogen in entry-level models is often customizable.
- Coldwater compatible
There are some outstanding features on the dive computer designed specifically for icy conditions. A long or adjustable wristband is worn outside your scuba wetsuit and features oversized buttons for easy use with thick gloves.
- Adjustable dive profile
Your dive profile can be customized to be more conservative or less conservative using the dive computer. In order to ensure you stay within your limits, you can use an algorithm.
Benefits of Using a Dive Computer
To grasp the amazing benefits of the dive computer, let’s take a look at the part below. As a result, I hope you will be able to take advantage of them to enhance your diving performance.
- Saving Money: Dive operators increasingly require divers to use computers. It is necessary to rent one if you don’t have one, and this costs extra over and above the standard gear hire fee. You should expect to pay GBP5-10 per day. The price of a dive computer can be as low as GBP150, or less if you catch a sale or bargain at a dive show.
- Ease of use: Unlike planning dives with tables, writing them on slates, and monitoring them underwater with depth gauges and watches; using dive computers is easy. Your no-decompression limit is adjusted based on your surface interval for repetitive dives. The only thing you need to do is wear it on your wrist and interpret what it says correctly. You should read the manual!
- Flexible: The flexibility of diving with a computer allows you to change your plans on the fly. Taking a photo of a pygmy seahorse does not require you to descend an extra couple of meters.
- Mistake-proof: Although not 100% foolproof, they eliminate mistakes associated with reading dive tables, calculating pressure groups, and carrying forward theoretical nitrogen loads.
- Ascents and stops: With a dive computer, you can track your ascent speed and safety stops much more conveniently than with a depth gauge and watch.
- Logging and tracking: Your dive can be downloaded to your PC, where you can analyze it and create a dive log. Replace your tatty water-stained paper version with this digital version that allows you to add photos and notes.
- More Time: You will have more time underwater with a dive computer since it accurately tracks your profile. Tables can only plan square profile dives and assume you stay at the same depth throughout your dive. It is not possible for the table to give any credit for ascending to a shallower depth. Multilevel profiles can be planned using table-based calculators. There are limitations to this method, and it will not give you as much bottom time as a dive computer.
- Other gases: Nitrox is becoming more and more common on scuba diving vacations. The majority of computers allow you to set the amount of oxygen you are using and the computer will calculate your no-decompression limit based on that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Words
Choosing the best dive computer can be a daunting task, but by considering the features mentioned above, you can narrow down your options and find a dive computer that suits your needs. A dive computer is a crucial piece of diving equipment that helps you monitor your dive profile, track your remaining bottom time, and ensure a safe ascent. It’s important to invest in a high-quality dive computer that is reliable, accurate, and easy to use.
When selecting a dive computer, it’s also important to consider your budget, as dive computers can range from basic models to high-end devices with advanced features. Ultimately, the best dive computer for you will depend on your diving style, level of experience, and specific needs.
It’s worth noting that a dive computer should never replace proper dive training and planning. It’s important to follow safe diving practices and adhere to the limits and recommendations of your dive computer, as well as to always dive within your training and experience level.
Overall, a good dive computer is a wise investment for any diver, as it can provide valuable information that can enhance the safety and enjoyment of your dive. By selecting a dive computer with the right features for your diving needs, you can gain peace of mind and dive with confidence.
There are many individuals who are passionate about scuba diving, but there are only a few who are equally passionate about writing about scuba diving gear. One such person is Sarah, a scuba diver and writer who is based in a coastal town in Australia.
Shakira’s love for scuba diving started when she was a teenager. She was fascinated by the underwater world and the beauty of the marine life that thrived beneath the surface of the ocean. As she grew older, her interest in scuba diving only intensified. However, it was not until she started working in a dive shop that she began to appreciate the importance of scuba diving gear.
Shakira quickly realized that having the right scuba diving gear could make or break a diving experience. She also noticed that many divers did not fully understand the importance of choosing the right gear or how to use it properly. This realization sparked her interest in writing about scuba diving gear.
Shakira began to write articles for scuba diving magazines and blogs, sharing her knowledge and expertise on various types of scuba diving gear. She covered everything from wetsuits and fins to regulators and dive computers. Her articles were well-researched and informative, and they quickly gained a following among scuba diving enthusiasts.
What set Shakira apart from other scuba diving writers was her ability to explain complex gear concepts in a way that was easy for divers to understand. She had a talent for breaking down technical jargon into simple terms, and her writing was always clear and concise.
In addition to writing, Shakira continued to dive and test different types of scuba diving gear. She wanted to ensure that her articles were based on firsthand experience and that she could provide practical advice to divers.
Today, Shakira is considered one of the leading writers on scuba diving gear. Her articles are highly respected among the scuba diving community, and she continues to educate and inspire divers around the world. Her passion for scuba diving gear is infectious, and she has helped countless divers make informed decisions about the gear they use on their underwater adventures.