The best diving computer reviews | dive computer for beginners and professionals

If you are starting to create your own diving equipment, one of the essential pieces is a diving computer. In this article, you will find the 10 best diving computer of today and a guide with all the information to choose the computer that best suits your needs. Let's go there!

Having your own dive computer is one of the best decisions you can make when you start taking scuba diving seriously. Why? Because we want to enjoy our dives, but always thinking about safety. It is the best tool to avoid decompression syndrome. Today, we will see the best diving computer in the world right now.

All diving lovers will agree that a good dive computer is the best friend we can have. However, we often have the uncertainty of whether we will make a good purchase when choosing a new one, as its specifications can sometimes be too complex ... How to know which is better? In this article, we will advise you on what you should look for in a diving and diving computers on a comparative and how to find the most suitable according to price-quality.

Scuba computer, computer immersion clock, depth gauge or apnea computer?

Nowadays, the computer is completely part of the diving equipment. The idea of designing a dive computer to inform divers about their situation in terms of nitrogen saturation is not recent. It is deduced from history and its evolution thanks to pioneers such as Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Georges Beuchat, André Laban, Octave Léandri and many others. In the 1950s, there were prototypes of unreliable decompression meters, but they were soon abandoned. The rebirth of these devices took place in the 80s and continues to improve until today. Parallel to the development of these first devices, the main diving federations have updated their decompression table to train the divers in the use of a depth gauge.

How to choose the best dive computers

Here we must verify a series of characteristics, levels and knowledge, qualities and the economic budget that we have to be able to buy coherently and at a reasonable price. What to consider before buying the best diving computer? Let’s see them below.

Also, take a look at other guides to find the best diving fins, masks and cameras.

Your level of diving

The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to choosing an appropriate dive computer is our experience. For beginners, we recommend getting a simple computer, a scuba computer with a large and easy to use the screen. Keep in mind that when you are starting in the world of diving, we will be too busy trying to be comfortable underwater and we do not have to complicate ourselves with a high-tech equipment. Do not worry if you will soon fall short because it will always be good for you in the future. For the more experienced divers, the situation is different. You have to choose a computer with additional functions such as Trimix capabilities. In our selection, we highlight the most suitable equipment for this style of diving.

Readability

The screen of the dive computers should be easy to read. This means with large numbers, high contrast colors and backlit screens. The Suunto EON Steel computer is very popular with divers who prefer a large screen, due to its BrightSee wide angle and quality.

Easy to use

Some equipment for divers is easier to use than others. If you want to spend more time in the water and less reading the manual, this is something to consider. Another aspect to consider would be in which medium we will use the computer to dive, whether in hot or cold waters. In cold water we put on thick gloves, so make sure you buy a computer with large buttons. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to use underwater.

Budget

For a basic equipment of a dive relog with advanced technology, the price can range from $ 150 to $ 400, while the most advanced are from $ 600. If you have just entered the world of diving or scuba diving and do not have a big budget, you are in luck because there are a lot of offers of computers to dive with qualities that offer all the modern features. Remember that we also provide an interesting comparison in prices on diving regulators that may interest you. If the price is not a problem, you can try to get a computer with advanced features such as air integration, a digital compass and multiple gas capacity.

Style and configuration

Computers for diving are wrist or console. Wrist computers allow us to have all the important data in our arm. The advantage of this style is that it is more aerodynamic and easy to read. There are two types of wrist computers, the basic one that looks like a hockey puck for its size and the one that looks like a normal watch that can be carried on the ground comfortably. The latter tends to be much more expensive. Divers who prefer to have all their instruments in a single set should opt for the console version. Also, many of the classic doll models come in this version.

Air integration

The integration of wireless air is fashionable in the world of computers for diving. This feature allows control of air consumption with the use of a transmitter. Some models of high range, even allow you to control the remaining air of a whole group of divers. This is extremely useful for technical diving equipment, although a bit excessive for recreational divers.

Care of the dive computer

A dive computer can last for years if treated properly. It is essential to rinse it with fresh water after each dip, preferably warm, as it helps dissolve the salt particles. Make sure that once washed it is completely dry before storing it in a place out of the sun, as it can damage the belts. It is also highly advisable to take it to a technician every few years for a full cleaning.

Our reviews of the top 10 best scuba diving computers of 2018

This is the listing of several of the best dive computers currently available. All have an excellent quality/price ratio and highly contrasted results. Are you ready? Let’s start then.

Suunto D4i Novo Dive Computer

One of the computers with more features within an intermediate range of prices. Ideal for those who do not mind spending a little more money to bring a great computer with the quality and guarantee of one of the best brands currently on the market, as well as for people who start their career in professional diving. It incorporates 4 diving modes (air, nitrox, apnea and deactivated), upgradable firware and the possibility of integration of the wireless air monitoring system (current bottle pressure and remaining air time), in addition to the recognized and guaranteed RGBM algorithm of Suunto. It is made of high-quality materials, including a new flexible silicone strap that optimizes the fit to your wrist.

+ PROS

4 diving modes (air, nitrox, apnea and off)
Wireless air integration
Upgradeable firware
Very comfortable silicone strap

- CONS

Allows 1 single gas during the dive
It does not have a digital compass
Discover more and the price here

Suunto D6i Novo with UBS Wrist Scuba Computer

This is currently the best diving computer for professional divers. This is a top class computer with great versatility, highly resistant materials and great durability for a reasonable price. It is a robust device with a stainless steel housing and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. In addition to the features already discussed in the Suunto D4i Novo, it incorporates a 3D compass with tilt compensation and the possibility of wireless air integration. In addition, it allows change between a maximum of 3 gases and has 5 diving modes: air, nitrox, apnea, manometer and deactivated.

+ PROS

5 diving modes (air, nitrox, apnea, manometer and deactivated)
Wireless air integration
Allows 3 gases during the dive
3D digital compass

- CONS

High price (although its benefits deserve it)
Discover more and the price here

Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch

This model of the Oceanic brand has established itself as a very good option for regular recreational divers, thanks to its technical and aesthetic characteristics. With its watch size, it is comfortable and versatile to use in and out of the water. The quality of this device is out of the question if we take into account that Oceanic offers a lifetime warranty for possible manufacturing defects and device failures. It stands out the technology of dual algorithm, exclusive of Oceanic, that allows you to vary the restrictivity of the computer, being able to do longer background times without penalty. In addition, it presents an easy-to-read screen. The main inconvenience that this watch can have is that it only stores 24 dives. So if you want a longer registration and you are a regular diver, you will have to download them periodically on your PC.

+ PROS

Quality of materials (lifetime guarantee)
Allows 2 gases during the dive
Dual algorithm technology

- CONS

It only stores 24 dives
Discover more and the price here

Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer

Outstanding quality / price ratio. Mares has optimized in this new model all those small "buts" that could have other previous models of the brand. Recommended to enjoy recreational diving in all its facets. Ideal for those who want a computer with wristwatch size and with a very reasonable price. Some relevant features are the possibility of using it in apnea mode, with nitrox or a mixture of two gases. In addition, it has a dive planner outside the safety curve with an extra surface interval function. It is also important to note that you can replace the batteries yourself, avoiding having to send them to the technical service every time they run out. On the other hand, it has the main functions of a digital clock: date, alarm clock, chronometer and the possibility of viewing two time zones.

+ PROS

Clock size
Apnea and nitrox mode
Allows 2 gases during the dive
You can replace the pile yourself

- CONS

Does not have wireless air integration
Discover more and the price here

Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer

Designed for those who do not want to spend a large amount of money, without losing the quality of a good brand like Mares. Ideal for beginners, although very worthy even if you have some time in the world of sports diving. It is very useful also as a second computer (backup). It is an extremely intuitive and easy to use computer, without this meaning that it is incomplete. Like its cousin Smart, it has the possibility of using several gases and with an upgradeable firmware, thus preventing it from becoming obsolete. In addition, you have the possibility to change your batteries when they are exhausted.

+ PROS

The best diving computer for beginners.
Easy to use
Price
Allows 2 gases during the dive
Nitrox mode
You can replace the pile yourself

- CONS

Something bulky
It has no apnea mode
Discover more and the price here

Cressi Newton Wrist Computer

This computer is an elegant and versatile proposal. Its appearance of modern and attractive watch is combined with a complete diving computer that stands out for its versatility. It is perfect to use it daily both in and out of the water. Ideal for the advanced diver or for technical diving but simple enough for the average diver for his information supply in a clear and simple way, thanks to his UFSD screen. It has a sturdy stainless steel case and anti-impact ABS. The crystal of the screen is made of sapphire mineral crystal, giving it high resistance against scratches. However, it has no specific mode of apnea. If you are looking for a computer to perform lung diving, and you like this model, I recommend Cressi Drake.

+ PROS

Sturdiness
Clock size
Nitrox mode
Allows 2 gases during the dive

- CONS

It has no apnea mode
Discover more and the price here

Cressi Drake Titanium Spearfishing Freediving Computer

If you like the Cressi Newton but what you want is to use it to do apnea, here is what you were looking for: specific for this variant of diving and suitable for all types of freedivers and underwater fishermen, from people that startup to very experienced Its watch aspect joins an elaborate software with four different programs of apnea (static, dynamic, free and pro). The box is made of a combination of stainless steel and titanium that makes it light and highly resistant. The body of the computer is completed with a mineral crystal anti-scratch that will prevent loss of sharpness of the screen with the passage of time.

+ PROS

4 apnea programs
Clock size
Lightweight and very resistant

- CONS

Not suitable for diving
Discover more and the price here

Oceanic OCi Wrist Wireless Air-Integrated Dive Computer

This computer is a perfect choice for advanced recreational divers and for free diving (comes with 2 specific modes for free diving). The quality of this device is out of the question if we take into account that Oceanic offers a lifetime warranty for possible manufacturing defects and device failures. It has some advantages such as the possibility of changing the battery at home, built-in digital compass, wireless transmitter and the possibility of using up to 4 different sequential gases in the dive. The only thing that some very advanced divers can miss is the possibility of using trimix. However, this will not be a problem for most, unless you're thinking about engaging in technical diving. Unfortunately, the last 24 dives are saved, so if you dive frequently and you like to keep track of your dives, you will have to download the info to the PC periodically.

+ PROS

Quality of materials (lifetime guarantee)
Allows 4 gases during the dive
2 specific modes for apnea
Wireless air integration
Digital compass

- CONS

It only stores 24 dives
Does not allow you to use trimix
Discover more and the price here

Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer

Great results guaranteed by years in the market and with a very affordable price. It is a robust computer with widescreen UFDS (user-friendly display system). Highlights the ease of navigation between the different menus and clarity of the data you see on the screen. It has Nitrox management and depth meter mode. In addition, it has RGBM algorithm and deep stop.

+ PROS

Wide UFDS screen
Easy to use
Nitrox mode Price

- CONS

Does not allow gas change during the dive
It has no apnea mode
Low-power screen illumination
Discover more and the price here

Some extra tips

The dive computers are designed to last for many years if you take care of them properly. You should clean your personal computer with fresh water after each dive and store it in a dry place protected from the sun.
Do not turn off your computer and do not share it with your colleagues. Diving computers track nitrogen levels in your body. This includes the nitrogen you accumulate during a dive and the nitrogen you lose between dives. Therefore, it is important that you do not share it with other divers because you would lose those records.
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