The best dive computer; our top 12

You are looking for the best dive computer within your budget. The expectations and wishes are different for beginning divers or advanced divers and technical divers. Beginning divers probably can go for an entry-level dive computer but a technical diver would need a high-end dive computer. We researched different dive computers and have a lot of experience with them and made a top 12 scuba diving computers.

To help you find the best dive computer that fits your needs we divided this blog into the following topics:

• Entry-level
• Mid-level
• High-level

Entry-level dive computers

By an entry-level dive computer, you are buying a basic dive computer with all the necessary functions on board. A computer like this will meet all demands of a beginning Scuba diver. To give you an idea of what entry-level dive computer to buy we research several models for you and came up with the best Entry-level dive computers. It does not matter what kind of diver you are if you are planning to buy a good and simple dive computer without extra technical specifications these are the ones to buy.

Most entry-level dive computers are big wrist-top models that only can be used during scuba diving, some can even be used as a daily watch because they are small with great design to wear during the day.

1. Suunto Zoop Novo

The Suunto Zoop Novo is a big wrist-top dive computer with a dot matrix display with a backlight so you can read your dive computer during a night dive. The Suunto Zoop Novo can also be used for nitrox use and is running on Suunto RGBM Algoritme. This dive computer is available in three different colours (black, yellow, blue).

Pros and cons for the Suunto Zoop Novo:

View the Suunto Zoop Novo

2. Mares Puck Pro +

The successor of the successful Mares Puck Pro, the Puck Pro + is easy to read with an even more attractive, sleek design and perfect fit. The Mares Puck Pro + has a Bluetooth option in combination with divelink 2 and is a bit thinner than the previous Puck Pro. The Mares Puck Pro is available in grey and blue. For only €189  you are buying a fully equipped entry-level dive computer with a bottom timer function, nitrox function, backlight and many more. It is even possible to change the battery yourself. This makes it one of the best entry-level dive computers!

Pros and cons for the Mares Puck Pro+:

View the Mares Puck Pro +

3. Mares Puck 4

As the newest model in the Puck line, the Mares Puck 4 gives you an amazing experience for an entry-level computer. After all, the Puck 4 is easy to use and feature-rich, offering versatile modes, user-friendly controls and a crystal-clear display. Like the Puck Pro + you can replace the battery yourself. Personalize your dives with the the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm and adjustable gradient factors and stay connected via Bluetooth. All in all, the Puck 4 is a simple yet feature-rich dive computer.

Pros and cons for the Mares Puck 4:

Want to read more? Read our blog: Explore underwater life with the Mares Puck 4

View the Mares Puck 4

The best mid-level dive computers: For advanced scuba divers with specific demands

Our Mid-Range dive computers are specially designed for Scuba divers demanding more from a dive computer than starting Scuba divers. At the mid-range dive computer, you often have the option to perform a gas switch during the dive or that the computer has an integrated compass. A few examples of Mid-range dive computers are Mares Quad, the Mares Smart, or the Suunto Vyper Novo.

4. Mares Quad

De Mares Quad dive computer has a bright and clear dot matrix display. The nice big screen makes this computer very suitable for divers wanting a big-screen computer. Even the display can be adjusted to your demands and can be personalized. The four press buttons offer a very rich user interface. The Mares Quad offers an option to view your diving time in seconds. Available in the colours black, white, blue and yellow.

You can connect the dive computer to your PC or Mac by using a divelink. When there is a software upgrade available you need the divelink as well, this can be done at home and the computer does not have to go back to Mares.

Pros and cons for the Mares Quad:

View the Mares Quad

5.    Mares Smart

De Mares Smart is een slimme wrist-top duikcomputer met een indrukwekkende batterijduur van 2-3 jaar. Hij is verkrijgbaar in zes verschillende kleurcombinaties en beschikt over een free dive functie, waarbij de duikcomputer belangrijke informatie, zoals je resterende duiktijd, voor je berekent. De Mares Smart is niet zwaar om de pols en heeft een moderne uitstraling, waardoor je deze ook zeer goed tijdens dagelijks gebruik kan dragen.

Pros and cons for the Mares Smart:

View the Mares Smart

6.    Suunto Vyper Novo

De Suunto Vyper Novo is verkrijgbaar in zwart en wit en is voorzien van een digitaal 3D kompas. Met deze duikcomputer kun je duiken met meerdere soorten gas, zoals perslucht en nitrox. Er zijn vijf verschillende duikmodi beschikbaar (air, nitrox, gauge, free en off). Je kunt de Suunto Vyper Novo aansluiten op een zender, zodat je vanaf je pols direct je resterende duiktijd – berekend volgens het slimme Suunto RGBM algoritme – en berekende dieptestops kunt inzien.

Pros and cons for the Suunto Vyper Novo:

View the Suunto Vyper Novo

7.    Aqualung i330R

The Aqualung i330R is a good dive computer for mid-level and advanced divers. The Aqualung i330R has an IPS ultra-bright colour display that is readable at any time, even in bright sunlight. It has 4 operating modes: Air, Nitrox, Gauge (with run timer) and Free Dive. It comes with a wireless Bluetooth connection which makes it possible to share your dives via the Diverlog+ app from your mobile device.

Thanks to the Intuitive interface and easy 2-button navigation you can easily change settings and makes updating easy. The battery on the Aqualung i330R is rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about buying the next battery.

Pros and cons for the Aqualung i330R:

View the Aqualung i330R

8.    Shearwater Peregrine

The Shearwater Peregrine is a simple and easily dive computer that offers great value for the money. It is a multi-gas dive computer with a nice full-colour display. The Shearwater Peregrine has 4 diving modes (Air, Nitrox, 3 gas Nitrox and Gauge). It is a dive computer that is usable for divers of all experience levels.

The display is customizable with information that is important to you. One of the great things is the rechargeable and uses wireless charging. Like other dive computers in our top 12 best dive computers, it comes with a Bluetooth connection. This allows you to share information on multiple devices such as your smartphone. When using the free Shearwater Cloud app, the diver can review, edit and synchronize dive logs. Divers can also update the firmware or change the language on the go.

Pros and cons for the Shearwater Peregrine:

View the Shearwater Peregrine

High-level dive computers: For those that want the best of the best.

High-end dive computers are very suitable for those demanding more from their dive computer. If you want to make deep dives, cave diving or Trimix dives, you want to take the best computers on the market with you during your dive.

With the latest technology, you are fully prepared to make that specific dive you are planning. Some examples of a High-end Computer are Suunto EON Steel Black, Scubapro G2 or the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti.

9.    Garmin Descent MK3i

The Garmin Descent MK3i is the newest generation in the descent MK line, with all kinds of improvements and new technologies. This dive computer and smartwatch is filled to the brim with innovation and will help you achieve the best diving experiences. In addition to that, its a great buddy out of the water too! 

The Garmin Descent MK3i contains Subwave sonar-based diver messaging, Diveview™ colour maps and a build-in flashlight. Add the customizable dive modes and many more features, and you got a great air intergrated dive computer. Not feeling up for a dive? The Descent MK3i also has multisport training, music, smartphone notifications and Garmin Pay™ contactless payment! All in all, a computer worth having!

Pros and cons for the Garmin Descent Mk3i:

View the Garmin Descent MK3i - 43 mm

View the Garmin Descent MK3i - 51 mm Black Silicone Strap

View the Garmin Descent MK3i - 51 mm DLC Titanium Strap

10.  Suunto EON Steel Black

The Suunto EON Steel Black is the latest model in the Suunto range. It is the successor of the previous Eon Steel. This is the first technical computer that has two different algorithms build in. First for recreational use the Fused RGBM2, and for technical use the Bühlmann algorithm to be adjusted for personal preference.

With this new Eon Steel Black, you can connect up to 20 different tank pods and has a battery life of 40 hours of diving and logbook storage of 200 dives or 400 hours whatever comes first.

After connecting the Eon Steel Black to your smartphone using the Suunto app, you can download your dives to your phone for backup and even share your experience to social media adding pictures and location.

Pros and cons for the Suunto EON Steel Black:

View the Suunto Eon Steel Black With USB

11.  Scubapro Galileo G2

When making some serious dives you want to take the Scubapro G2 with you, this computer is one of the most advanced dive computers on the market with five different Dive modes.

The internal logbook can store up to 1000 Logs. The Scubapro G2 shows you all the necessary details you need during your dive. The bright colour display can be personalized with 4 different colour options.

A nice feature in the Scubapro G2 is that all options are included the diver can select any feature upgrade to be activated or deactivated. By activating a feature (trimix, free-diving, side-mount etc.) the 5Gig hard disk can store all features.

The Scubapro Galileo G2 can monitor the human condition: heart rate, breathing rate, skin temperature, and even water temperature with the help of wearable tech, something most dive computers cannot.

Pros and cons for the Scubapro Galileo G2:

View the Scubapro G2

12.  Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti

The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti has a bright colour display and is easy to use with the 2 buttons on the side of the computer. The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is very popular under Technical divers due to the fact they can add different gasses and adjust the PPO2.

The Shearwater Perdix runs on one AA battery and has a battery life of approx. 40 dives. When it runs out of power you can replace it yourself.

Pros and cons for the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti:

View the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti

Need advice? We are glad to help!

When you are a starting scuba diver you can go with an entry-level dive computer or Mid-range dive computer, depending on your wishes. The entry dive computer does what it needs to do without needing extra functions for dives you are not certified of.

When diving with multiple gasses you want to go for a mid-range or high-end computer. The high-level dive computer is very suitable for technical use.  We are happy to provide you with personally tailored advice. Take a look online at our extensive selection or contact us!