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  • Our Pick of the Best Overall Scuba Diving Computers for 2023

Last Updated: March 11, 2023

Compare the features and prices of the best selling Dive Computers

If you're about to buy your first dive computer or you're 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 consoles 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'll have gained some familiarity with.

Also, a lot of new divers are unsure how far they're going to take their diving and may not want to spend big bucks on features they may not ever use. 

For the majority of new divers, entry level dive computers are the best place to start.

Scuba Diving

New Divers

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, a quality dive computer will serve you well as a back-up.

One thing worth remembering when considering a backup dive computer, is to make sure you go with the same algorithm so they match.

Scuba Dive Computer Compare

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. You need to keep an eye on the price for the i200 as it jumps around a bit. 

Best Scuba Accessories

How do the Entry Level Dive Computers Compare?

There's two levels of Dive Computers aimed at the entry level market, and this is reflected in both their pricing and functionality.

Preview
Cressi Leonardo, black/yellow
Aqualung i100 Computer - Blue
Product
Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer
Aqua Lung i100 Scuba Dive Computer
Dive Modes
Air, Nitrox, Gauge
Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free
Menu Buttons
Single
4-Button
Log Book Memory
70 Hours
24 Dives
Altitude Adjustment
Manual
Automatic
Gas Switching
Price
$199.95
$199.00
Preview
Cressi Leonardo, black/yellow
Product
Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer
Dive Modes
Air, Nitrox, Gauge
Menu Buttons
Single
Log Book Memory
70 Hours
Altitude Adjustment
Manual
Gas Switching
Price
$199.95
Preview
Aqualung i100 Computer - Blue
Product
Aqua Lung i100 Scuba Dive Computer
Dive Modes
Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free
Menu Buttons
4-Button
Log Book Memory
24 Dives
Altitude Adjustment
Automatic
Gas Switching
Price
$199.00

Recreational Level Dive Computers

Compare Entry Level Dive Computer Functions

Suunto Zoop

The second level in the Recreational dive computer range includes the Suunto Zoop, the Cressi GiottoAqualung i300C, the Oceanic Geo 2.0, and Deepblu Cosmiq+.

These are priced around $270 USD to $360 USD. 

Bluetooth Connectivity

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.

Preview
Cressi Giotto Wrist Computer
Suunto Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer, Blue, Without USB
Aqua Lung I300c Wrist Dive Computer with Bluetooth Black/Grey
Deepblu Cosmiq + Watch Computer
Product
Cressi Giotto Wrist Computer
Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
Aqua Lung i300C Scuba Dive Computer
Deepblu Cosmiq+ Dive Computer
Dive Modes
Air, Nitrox, Gauge
Air, Nitrox, Free and Gauge
Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free
Scuba, Freedive and Bottom Timer
Menu Buttons
3 - Button
4 - Button
2 - Button
2 - Button
Bluetooth Transfer
Altitude Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Automatic
Manual
Gas Switching
Price
Price not available
$299.95
$329.00
$349.00
Preview
Cressi Giotto Wrist Computer
Product
Cressi Giotto Wrist Computer
Dive Modes
Air, Nitrox, Gauge
Menu Buttons
3 - Button
Bluetooth Transfer
Altitude Adjustment
Manual
Gas Switching
Price
Price not available
Details
Preview
Suunto Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer, Blue, Without USB
Product
Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
Dive Modes
Air, Nitrox, Free and Gauge
Menu Buttons
4 - Button
Bluetooth Transfer
Altitude Adjustment
Manual
Gas Switching
Price
$299.95
Details
Preview
Aqua Lung I300c Wrist Dive Computer with Bluetooth Black/Grey
Product
Aqua Lung i300C Scuba Dive Computer
Dive Modes
Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free
Menu Buttons
2 - Button
Bluetooth Transfer
Altitude Adjustment
Automatic
Gas Switching
Price
$329.00
Details
Preview
Deepblu Cosmiq + Watch Computer
Product
Deepblu Cosmiq+ Dive Computer
Dive Modes
Scuba, Freedive and Bottom Timer
Menu Buttons
2 - Button
Bluetooth Transfer
Altitude Adjustment
Manual
Gas Switching
Price
$349.00
Details

Best Technical Dive Computers

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 right now.

Shearwater Perdix AI Dive Computer

Shearwater Perdix AI with Bluetooth & Air

Shearwater Perdix AI Wireless Dive Computer

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.

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Wireless Air Integration
  • Integrated Compass
  • Based on Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm
  • 2-button menu & user changeable batteries
  • Around $1300 USD including Air Transmitter
Shearwater Perdix

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

Read our full review on the Tribord Shearwater Perdix AI now.

Garmin Descent Mk1 with GPS & GLONASS

Garmin Descent Mk1 with Bluetooth and Surface GPS

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.

Garmin Descent Mk1 Dive Computer

This dive computer 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 topside, friends and family members can follow your location and adventures online, in real time using the LiveTrack feature on Garmin Connectâ„¢ Mobile.

Garmin Descent Mk1 Dive Computer Surface GPS
  • Bluetooth Smart, ANT+ and WiFi connectivity
  • Gyroscope and Barometric Altimeter, GPS & GLONASS capability
  • Integrated 3D Compass
  • Supports single-gas, multi-gas, Gauge and Apnea diving, including Nitrox and Trimix
  • Based on Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm
  • Around $1000 USD

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.

Scuba Cave Diving

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

The Teric is a watch sized dive computer
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Wireless Air Integration for up to 2 transmitters
  • Integrated 3D Compass
  • Gases: Nitrox and Trimix 
  • Based on Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm
  • 4-button menu & rechargeable battery
  • Around $1445 USD with Air Transmitter

Everyone who buys any of the Shearwater dive computers raves about them. You simply can't go wrong with these.

Click the link below to read our detailed review of the Shearwater Teric.

Read our full review on the Tribord Shearwater Teric now.

Aqua Lung i450TC Dive Computer

Aqua Lung i450T Wrist Dive Computer
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Wireless Air Integration 
  • Integrated 3D Compass
  • Multiple gas capability - up to 3 Nitrox mixes (with 3 transmitters), each with individual PO2 set points.
  • Automatic altitude adjustment
  • PZ+ algorithm (Based on Bühlmann ZHL-16C Algorithm)
  • 4-button menu & user chargeable battery
  • Around $1200 USD with Air Transmitter

Read our comparison on the Aqua Lung Dive Computer Range.

Suunto D4i Novo, D5 & D6i Novo

D4i Novo

Suunto D4i Novo Black

Suunto has released new colors for the D4i Novo. 


The D4i has all the features divers need at a good price.

D5

Suunto D5 Dive Computer black and lime

The Suunto D5 has many advantages over the D4i and D6i.


This has wireless air transmission, wireless mobile connection and the battery is easily rechargeable. 

D6i Novo & Zulu

The D6i Novo now comes with a range of Zulu straps which really appeals to a lot of people. I 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.

Suunto D6i Novo Zulu Black

Have a look at the table below to see how the 3 different Suunto models compare. These are all great dive watches.

Preview
Suunto D4I Diving Watch Novo Black With Usb
Suunto D5 Wrist Dive Computer W/ Usb Cable Black
SUUNTO D6I Novo Wrist Computer, Stealth
SUUNTO D6i Novo Zulu Scuba Diving Wrist Computer USB Cable
Product
Suunto D4i Dive Computer
Suunto D5 Dive Computer
Suunto D6i Novo Dive Computer
Suunto D6i Novo Zulu Dive Computer
Display
Mineral Crystal
Mineral Crystal
Sapphire Crystal
Sapphire Crystal
Casing
Composite
Reinforced Composite
Steel
Steel
Compass
Wireless Air Option
Maximum Depth
100 Meters
100 Meters
150 Meters
150 Meters
Gas
1 Gas
3 Gases
3 Gases
3 Gases
USB included
Price
Price not available
$879.95
$779.97
$1,099.95
Preview
Suunto D4I Diving Watch Novo Black With Usb
Product
Suunto D4i Dive Computer
Display
Mineral Crystal
Casing
Composite
Compass
Wireless Air Option
Maximum Depth
100 Meters
Gas
1 Gas
USB included
Price
Price not available
Details
Preview
Suunto D5 Wrist Dive Computer W/ Usb Cable Black
Product
Suunto D5 Dive Computer
Display
Mineral Crystal
Casing
Reinforced Composite
Compass
Wireless Air Option
Maximum Depth
100 Meters
Gas
3 Gases
USB included
Price
$879.95
Details
Preview
SUUNTO D6I Novo Wrist Computer, Stealth
Product
Suunto D6i Novo Dive Computer
Display
Sapphire Crystal
Casing
Steel
Compass
Wireless Air Option
Maximum Depth
150 Meters
Gas
3 Gases
USB included
Price
$779.97
Details
Preview
SUUNTO D6i Novo Zulu Scuba Diving Wrist Computer USB Cable
Product
Suunto D6i Novo Zulu Dive Computer
Display
Sapphire Crystal
Casing
Steel
Compass
Wireless Air Option
Maximum Depth
150 Meters
Gas
3 Gases
USB included
Price
$1,099.95
Details

Leisure Pro have recently rebranded themselves as Scuba.com. Click the button below to check the prices on either Amazon or Scuba.com

Click the link or the image below if you want to read more on any of these Suunto Dive Computers. 

  • Suunto D4i Novo Dive Computer Review
  • Suunto D5 Dive Computer Review
  • Suunto D6i Novo Dive Computer Review
4.7/5 - (4 votes)

About the Author

Sharon McKenzie

Sharon McKenzie is an Advanced Certified Scuba Diver who loves to explore the ocean depths. She is an advocate for marine and eco conservation, promoting sustainable products. In her free time, Sharon also enjoys paddleboarding and snorkeling. She has two upcoming diving expeditions to Bali and the Great Barrier Reef, which are destinations she has always wanted to explore.

Author Web Link

Sharon McKenzie - Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Snorkeling

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