Compare the Features and Prices of the Best Selling Dive Computers
If you're about to buy your first dive computer, or on the hunt to upgrade to one with more features, then hopefully my list will take some of the hard work out of comparing these for you.
Products, and especially dive computers, don't become best sellers unless they offer good value for money. . The dive computers below are all good quality and reliable Scuba equipment.
Listed here are wrist mounted dive computers only - no console dive computers are included.
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Click on the line below to go to the section your most interested in, or keep scrolling to see the entire list.
Best Beginner & Recreational Dive Computers
Most divers will start looking to buy their first dive computer shortly after completing their Open Water Diver Certificate. It's generally easy to go with whatever dive computer you used during your training. This is common and understandable, as it's the first one you will have gained some familiarity with.
It can be a bit daunting selecting a new dive computer shortly after completing your training. A lot of new divers are unsure how far they're going to take their diving.
For the majority of new divers, entry level dive computers are the best place to start.
Even if you think you'll move towards a more technical style of diving, entry level dive computers hold their value well. These are always in demand if you decide to upgrade later on.
If you do decide to upgrade later on, a quality dive computers will serve you well as a back-up dive computer. One thing worth remembering when considering a backup dive computer, is to make sure you go with the same algorithm so they match.
How do the Entry Level Dive Computers compare in Price and Functionality?
There's two levels of Dive Computers aimed at the entry level market, and this is reflected in both their pricing and functionality.
Entry Level Dive Computers
The first level are priced around the $200 USD mark and have all the basic functions, which cover everything new divers need. Some of the best in this range are the Cressi Leonardo, the Mares Puck Pro and the Aqualung i100 and i200.
Recreational Level Dive Computers
The second level in this range include the Suunto Zoop, the Cressi Giotto, Aqualung i300C, the Oceanic Geo 2.0, and Deepblu Cosmiq+. These are priced in the $270 USD to $360 USD range.
The Deepblu COSMIQ+ and Aqua Lung's i300C are well worth considering if your dive computer budget is around the $350 USD mark. The advantage these two have other other Recreational dive computers in this price range is that they both have Bluetooth connectivity.
Best Technical Dive Computer
One of the great things about both ends of the dive computer spectrum, is that both the entry level DC's and the high end dive computers are always in demand.
These generally hold their resale value really well. This is something worth knowing if you're considering buying a dive computer at this end of the price spectrum, but aren't sure if it's 'too much' dive computer for you.
Shearwater Perdix AI with Bluetooth & Air
The Shearwater Perdix AI is by far the best dive computer for Technical divers and Recreational divers alike. If you're a recreational diver and money is no object, then this is the dive computer for you. This is a top of the range of dive computer.
Everyone who buys the Shearwater Perdix AI raves about this being the best purchase they've made. You simply can't go wrong with this dive computer.
Click the link below to read our detailed review of the Perdix AI
Garmin Descent Mk1 with GPS & GLONASS
The Garmin Descent Mk1 provides real time data for Recreational, Technical and Free Diving. This water activated dive computers supports up to 6 different gas mixes, and has configurable conservatism settings.
As a guide, battery life between charges is up to 40 hours in Dive mode, up to 19 days in Watch mode, up to 10 days in Smartwatch mode, and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. Longer QuickFit straps are included to use over thick wet suits or dry suits.
This dive computer is does not have wireless air capability, but is more than just a dive computer. When paired with a compatible smartphone, the Descent Mk1 can receive text messages, emails and smart notifications on the watch face. It also gives you access to automatic uploads with Garmin Connect, audio prompts, and music controls.
While on topside, friends and family members can follow your location and adventures online, in real time using the LiveTrack feature on Garmin Connect™ Mobile.
Best Watch Sized Dive Computer with Air Integration
There's usually a bit of a compromise when it comes to watch-sized dive computers. These dive computers aren't big and bulky and most can easily pass as an everyday watch during vacation. To fit into the watch-size category though, the display is smaller so these may be more suited to younger eyes.
Being 'watch sized' though, also means they're more expensive than other wrist mounted dive computers. If you're ok with this extra expense, then the dive computers listed below might be just what you're looking for.
These watch-sized dive computers have more features than their entry-level counterparts, plus the option for wireless air integration.
Shearwater Teric with Bluetooth
Click the link below to read our detailed review of the Shearwater Teric AI
Aqua Lung i470TC Dive Computer
Suunto D4i Novo & D6i Novo
Suunto has released new colors for the D4i Novo. The D6i Novo now comes with a range of Zulu straps which really appeals to a lot of people. I personally like the look of the D6i Novo with a Zulu strap. These really hit the mark when it comes to having both the functionality and the look of an everyday watch.
Have a look at the table below to see how the Suunto D4i Novo compares with the Suunto D6i. These are both great dive watches.
