10 Best Dive Computers Compared: Buying Guide 2022

If you’re looking for the ultimate dive computer for beginners, you simply can’t go wrong with the Suunto Zoop Novo.

The Suunto Zoop features a large, high contrast display that is easy to read even in the low light. And the exceptionally rugged design will undoubtedly last you several years, if not more.

What’s more, is that the 4 buttons actually make navigation much quicker. You can easily go back and forth as needed without having to waste time scrolling all the way through as you would on a 1 button model.

Plus with adjustable safety settings, programmable alarms and 4 different dive modes this dive computer has everything a recreational diver needs and more.

The only downside is how big and bulky this computer is compared to the others on our list.

Check out our full review of the Suunto Zoop and find out why it’s one of our top dive computers for beginners.

The Cressi Leonardo is an excellent option for beginners looking for a low profile dive computer that is super easy to use and looks good at the same time.

This dive computer puts you completely in control of your diving experience. With adjustable safety settings, you can decide exactly how conservative you’d like to be. You can add extra decompression stops as well as program visual and audible alarms for depth, bottom time, ascent rate and more.

The high definition screen, backlight and large numerical display means that you’ll never struggle to read this dive computer underwater. And the user-friendly menu and one-button navigation makes using the Cressi Leonardo a breeze.

The Suunto D4i Novo cannot be understated. It is one of the most versatile and popular dive computers ever produced.

It has an increased functionality of air integration whilst remaining simple to operate and read. The compact, rugged design makes it ideal for frequent travelers and is small enough and stylish enough to wear as a wristwatch with multiple colors.

We believe that the Suunto D4i Novo is the ideal dive computer for beginners and professionals alike. If you want high quality and value for money, the Suunto D4i Novo is a worthy investment.

Plus it looks great!!

If you’re a lover of new gadgets and staying connected then the Cosmiq+ from DeeperBlu might just be your perfect dive computer. Not only does it offer great functionality underwater, but it also integrates seamlessly via bluetooth with a top-quality app complete with a digital logbook and social media connections.

But the app offers more than just a logbook you can share on Facebook, it also allows you to easily adjust and check all your dive settings including nitrox, alarms and other key data before you dive. No more awkwardly holding down buttons and scrolling through settings over and over because you keep clicking past the one you wanted!

Underwater the Cosmiq+ is a dream to use. The LCD screen is super clear in all conditions, displaying all the essential information you need. Plus the audible and visual alarms make it easy to stay within your limits. You can also set the computer to progressive, normal, or conservative mode. While it’s not suitable for tech divers, this computer gives recreational/sport divers all the options they could ever need including accurate dive planning, freedive, gauge and nitrox modes.

Akin to your smartphone, this dive computer has a rechargeable lithium ion battery and magnetic USB charger. Once fully charged, it’ll do around 7 hours worth of diving before you need to recharge.

We love the stylish and slim design, it’s significantly less bulky than most dive computers and you have the option to choose a strap design to suit your style. For less than $400, we were very impressed with the design and functionality!

While there are cheaper dive computers that offer the same underwater functionality, the Cosmiq+ cannot be beaten when it comes to ease of use and out of water connectivity.

The only downsides are that you do need to remember to charge it, there’s no altitude diving option and the LCD screen can be a little tricky to view in bright sunlight. But the other functions, and low price point, more than make up for it!

The Oceanic Geo 4.0 is aimed at recreational divers. It has a sleek design and a large display making it easily readable underwater.

The bluetooth capability make it easy to store your dives on the DiverLog+ App, which is great as you can access all your dive at on any device at anytime.

The Geo 4.0 is extremely comfortable to wear and in fact you will feel like you  are wearing nothing at all.

The only downside to this computer is that it is a little tricky to navigate. Even changing simple settings like the time can be difficult and the manual is not written as well as it cold be.

But overall this is a great dive computer if you have a little bit of patience to work out the interface.

the Suunto D5 dive computer is one of the best offerings to the market in recent years. It combines Suuntos’s classic high-level functionality and reliability with the sleek style of a smartwatch.

It’s easy to use functionality and an accessible price tag makes it suitable for experienced divers and newbies alike.

If you’re looking for a modern, high-quality dive computer that will take you from the dive boat to the office and back again, then look no further than the Suunto D5.

The Suunto D6i is an air integrated diving computer aimed at both recreational and advanced divers. It is small and stylish and the sleek watch design can be worn all day.

It has a long battery life, though it can’t be recharged or changed by the user. It features a tilt-compensated compass, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal display, and can be configured for up to three nitrox mixes.

One downside of this Suunto air integrated dive computer is the high price.

Released in November 2020, the Garmin Descent Mk2i is the dive computer of the future.

Though Garmin are relative newbies in the diving world, they have launched themselves onto the scene with a bang by creating some of the best computers on the market.

The Mk2i builds on the success of the Garmin Descent Mk2 and takes on board all the feedback from expert divers. The air integration offered by the Mk2i is cutting edge. Whilst most computers use a traditional VHF radio frequency to pair the computer and transmitter, Garmin has developed brand-new proprietary technology that uses sonar.

This allows the signal to travel much further – up to 10m – and connect to up to five transmitters. With huge potential applications, this new technology could potentially revolutionize the way we dive, and learn to dive, in the future.

Oh, the Garmin Descent Mk2i also functions as a top-tier Garmin fitness tracker and smartwatch – versatile is certainly the word.

The only downside? The cost. At £1,399 not including the transmitter, this model will be too expensive for many divers.

The Shearwater Teric is our pick for the best air integrated dive computer.

Though it’s made by a company renowned for its technical diving gear, the Shearwater Teric combines all the functionality needed for technical divers with a simple design, sleek enough to be worn every day by a recreational diver.

This Shearwater dive computer has technical diving features like 2 transmitter connectivity, configurable audible and haptic alerts and nitrox, trimix, and rebreather capabilities.

The display is clear, bright, and simple to navigate. It is fitted with Bluetooth Smart technology, making connecting with your phone app easier than ever.

The battery is user rechargeable and it also features a 3D, tilt-compensated compass.

The internet is flooded with fantastic reviews of the Shearwater Teric and it’s easy to see why – everything about it is slick, clever, and oh-so functional.

The only downside we can see is the price – over $1000 without the transmitters, it is definitely at the luxury end of the market.

The Shearwater Perdix is perhaps the most famous air integrated Shearwater dive computer, and the Teric’s technical big brother.

Aimed at technical divers, the Shearwater Perdix is a larger design, incompatible with everyday use. It is fully technically capable – coping with CCRs, trimix, and multiple mixes with ease and featuring Bluetooth connectivity and a 3D compass. Uniquely, it is powered by AA batteries which are easily user-replaceable.

Again, one of the only downsides of the Shearwater Perdix is the price – around $1000 without the transmitters.