B00OB5A4AQWhether you are deep-water diving off the coast of Thailand or diving in the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, diving is a sport marked by adventure, beauty and just a little risk. It makes sense, too. Part of the thrill is seeing foreign, alien worlds that exist just under the surface of the water. These places have hardly been explored by people outside of the diving community, so every glimpse of this underwater world is like a snapshot of a faraway kingdom. Of course, seeing this beauty can be a risky endeavor, but the whole point of buying diving gear is to make your diving adventures more exciting and safer. Having one tool in particular at your disposal can change the diving game more than any other: your dive computer.

Choosing a dive computer can be difficult, however. Dive computers are complex, nuanced and detailed pieces of machinery to the point that even the most experienced divers need assistance when choosing and often perform massive amounts of research. Lucky for you, we’ve done most of that work for you. Here’s a brief cheat sheet detailing what to look for in a potential dive computer as well as the some of the top brands available.

Product FAQs

B00OB5A4AQWhat Is a Dive Computer?

This isn’t the kind of computer you use at work, although it may be just as complicated. Dive computers are devices that scuba divers take on their dives either in the form of a small waterproof computer or more frequently in the form of a dive watch. These computers keep track of your dive to ensure you know where you are and stay safe at all times.

What Does a Dive Computer Do?

The submarine world is unlike the above-ground one. It’s fairly easy to become completely disoriented. Diving computers change all this by keeping track of your dive, logging your depth, direction, speed and other features. Additionally, dive computers are the easiest and most important way to prevent you from rising too quickly and getting decompression sickness.

Where Can You Buy Dive Computers?

Dive computers are available at nearly any scuba diving store, as well as hundreds of potential online options. Buying online may be the most convenient as you get a host of reviews and writeups to read for research but never have to leave your house to order your new dive computer.

How We Reviewed Diving Computers

To determine the top diving computers, we did a ton of research. We scoured the internet, reading customer reviews, consumer reports and information on various diving technologies in order to figure out in vivid detail the best diving computers for different divers. Plus, we also perused different diving computer websites and brand histories. That way we could calculate other metrics that may not be associated with the diving aspect of the computers such as shipping prices, availability or price ranges.

Overall Dive Computer Price Range

Dive computers can run the gamut in terms of prices. The lowest and most common prices tend to be in the $300-$450 range. At the more expensive end of the spectrum, dive computers can get as high as $1,000-$1,500. These more expensive ones often have more advanced statistics and complex abilities, giving you more advanced diving experience. At the same time these advanced abilities may be too complex and nuanced for a beginning diver. If you’re just getting into diving, a cheaper option might be more ideal.

Top 8 Dive Computers

Oceanic Geo 2.0

One of the best-quality dive computers on the market today, the Geo 2.0 is a sleek and futuristic beast of a machine. The Geo 2.0 offers up to four separate operating modes for easy customization, all the way from an idealized interface to a form-fitting, adjustable band. The screen interface is extremely intuitive and user-friendly for easy underwater navigation no matter how deep you might be. Plus, you’re able to track the number of dives you take, their temperatures and the total dive hours you’ve completed.

Pros

• Easy menu navigation
• Ideal for scuba and free diving

Cons

• Hard-to-read display screen in low light

Pricing

The Ocean Geo 2.0 goes for $279.96.

Where To Buy

Purchase the Ocean Geo 2.0 on Simply Scuba (for EU residents), Leisurepro (for Americans and Canadians) or Amazon (for everyone) where it qualifies for free two-day shipping with Prime.

Perfect For

Both entry-level and experienced divers.

Suunto Zoop Novo

The Suunto Zoop is the most popular dive computer on the market for a reason: It’s extremely safe. It’s a great computer for any scuba diver but especially for beginners who are looking for a secure and reliable option, one with room to grow with them as they advance in their diving abilities. It tracks your descent and ascent, preventing you from going too quickly with programmable alerts. Plus, Zoop Novo’s buttons are also plenty large so that you’re able to use the dive computer with gloves on.

Pros

• Can be used on either a modular console or the wrist
• Great value regarding price and performance
• Large display screen for easy underwater reading

Cons

• Large, bulky build can be bothersome on land
• Integrating with a PC requires purchasing separate equipment

Pricing

The Zoop sells for $329.95.

Where To Buy

You can purchase the Zoop NOVO on Simply Scuba, Leisurepro or Amazon.

Perfect For

Entry-level divers.

Cressi Leonardo

This dive computer may be the best budget computer on this list as well as a contender for best beginner dive computer. Instead of the three-button interface of some other watches, the Leonardo uses a single button interface, making it easier than ever to program. The screen itself is densely compact but with high enough definition to see it easily underwater. With its relatively small size, the Cressi Leonardo also makes for the perfect traveling computer.

Pros

• Low price and reset ability make it a simple rental or borrow
• Battery-save mode
• High-definition screen

Cons

• Extended wristband length
• Large and bulky build

Pricing

Most retailers sell the Leonardo for $247.

Where To Buy

Purchase the Cressi Leonardo from Leisurepro for US and Canada shipping, Simply Scuba for shipping in the EU and Amazon for shipping worldwide.

Perfect For

Entry-level divers.

Shearwater Perdix

This dive computer is complex, nuanced and truly a brilliant technological feat – one of the best dive computers in the game. While its bulky size isn’t ideal outside of the water, there’s no issue once you’re under the waves. It has a large screen that displays full color and can connect with iOS devices via Bluetooth. With rebreather functions and fully customizable dive programming, it’s hard to beat the Perdix. Plus, it has unanimously perfect reviews online.

Pros

• Full decompression diving information given
• Mountable on both wrists
• Rebreather adaptability

Pricing

The Perdix costs $849, rather expensive compared to most of the other computers on this list.

Where To Buy

You can purchase the Shearwater Perdix on Amazon where it qualifies for free two-day shipping through Prime.

Perfect For

Advanced and technical divers.

Mares Puck Pro

This Mares diving computer is a gem to behold. It’s one of the best dive computers available with a huge 2.5-inch screen for easy reading. At .75 pounds it has a fairly lightweight composition, saving you plenty of space for heavier equipment like oxygen tanks. The Puck Pro works great for all levels of diving, and with an extremely comfortable strap you’ll be able to wear it for hours.

Pros

• Dive logbook can store up to 35 hours of dive information
• Maximum depth of 150 meters
• Improved display readability

Cons

• Short strap

Pricing

The Mares Puck Pro costs $249.95.

Where To Buy

You can purchase the Mares Puck Pro from Amazon and take advantage of Prime’s two-day free shipping.

Perfect For

All levels of divers.

Cressi Giotto

No matter where you want to go, the Cressi Giotto Wrist Computer can get you there. With an easily navigable screen that displays depths of up to 120 meters, you’ve got an entire world awaiting your explorations. The Giotto operates on a three-button system with a wide, easily readable 2.6-inch screen as well as standard-issue dive computer indicators and alarms. You’re able to log up to 60 dives or 70 hours of statistics in the Giotto, too, which means you can compare statistics on your various dives simply and quickly.

Pros

• Easy to reset which makes it perfect for renting or diving classes
• Simple navigation menus and configuration
• User-friendly display system

Cons

• Big wrist strap
• Difficult to find battery
• Complex dive programming

Pricing

The Giotto is priced at $299.95.

Where To Buy

You can purchase the Cressi Giotto on Amazon, where it qualifies for free two-day shipping.

Perfect For

Renting or diving classes.

Mares Smart Wrist

The Mares Smart is a great option for both beginners and advanced divers mostly because of the ease with which you can upgrade its software. No longer do you have to worry about updating your diving computer every year as the firmware on the Mares Smart can be upgraded quickly and easily. For a fully customizable dive experience, you can turn on or off its alarm system when you’re diving.

Pros

• Excellent ergonomic design
• Crisp, clear display
• User-friendly gas switching capabilities
• Slimmer than the Mares Puck Pro

Cons

• Quiet watch alarm
• Sleep feature can be faulty

Pricing

The Mares Smart Wrist sells for $335-$349.95 depending on the model and color.

Where To Buy

You can purchase the Mares Smart Wrist on Amazon, and by doing so you’ll qualify for two-day free shipping through Amazon Prime.

Perfect For

Beginner to advanced divers.

Suunto EON Steel

This highly advanced computer system is complex but easy to use. Its large screen displays a number of brightly colored graphs and models, giving you a detailed description of your dive as it’s going on. At the same time, you have three buttons with which you can operate the computer. The buttons have enough space between them to make the computer convenient even when wearing large gloves.

Pros

• Simple and intuitive menu
• Up to 10 tanks wirelessly with Suunto Tank POD accessory
• Easily customizable data screen
• Compass tilts 45 degrees for easy viewing

Cons

• Expensive

Pricing

The Suunto EON Steel is priced considerably higher than any dive computer on this list at $1,879.90.

Where To Buy

For Americans and Canadians Leisurepro is the best option for shipping, while EU residents may want to order their EON from Simply Scuba. Of course, you can always use Amazon for shipping worldwide.

Perfect For

Advanced divers.

Comparison Table

Oceanic Geo 2.0

Price: $279.96

Gases: Air, Nitrox

User-Replaceable Battery: Yes
Average Review: 4 stars

Suunto Zoop Novo

Price: $329.95

Gases: Air, Nitrox

User-Replaceable Battery: No
Average Review: 4.5 stars

Cressi Leonardo

Price: $247

Gases: Air, Nitrox

User-Replaceable Battery: Yes
Average Review: 4 stars

Shearwater Perdix

Price: $849

Gases: Air, Nitrox, Trimix

User-Replaceable Battery: Yes
Average Review: 5 stars

Mares Puck Pro

Price: $249.95

Gases: Air, Nitrox

User-Replaceable Battery: Yes
Average Review: 5 stars

Cressi Giotto

Price: $299.95

Gases: Air, Nitrox

User-Replaceable Battery: Yes
Average Review: 4.5 stars

Mares Smart Wrist

Price: $335-$349.95

Gases: Air, Nitrox

User-Replaceable Battery: Yes
Average Review: 4 stars

Suunto EON

Price: $1,879.90

Gases: Air, Nitrox, Trimix, up to 10 switchable gases

User-Replaceable Battery: No, but battery is rechargeable
Average Review: 4 stars

The Verdict

Determining the best of any product can be a difficult endeavor and is highly subjective for all parties involved. That being said, our research indicates that the best overall-quality dive computer listed here is the Shearwater Perdix. While a tad expensive, it’s not the highest price on the list. Although it’s made for advanced and technical divers, our extensive research indicates universal 5-star reviews and not a single con. With such an advanced piece of machinery you can truly make every dive a special experience tailored perfectly to your own needs. Although new divers may want to look elsewhere, advanced divers may find the Perdix is an especially fun toy. Of course, as always, figuring out your own diving preferences is paramount in any purchase you make. A dive computer fit for your own desires is always going to the best option for you.