Dive computer systems are important equipment for scuba divers, from entry-level leisure diving to deep tech and rebreathers. Right here’s a number of the greatest dive computer systems accessible available on the market at the moment.
This text accommodates Amazon Affiliate hyperlinks, by which DIVE Journal earns fee from qualifying purchases – serving to to maintain us in print and produce high quality content material, largely accessible freed from cost to our readers.
Click on right here for extra info
Dive computer systems date again to the Fifties when analogue ‘decompression calculators’ have been examined by the US Navy. The primary digital dive pc as we all know it at the moment is credited to Swiss producer Divetronic AG, with the discharge of its Hans Hass DecoBrain in 1983.
In 1987, UWATEC’s iconic Aladin Professional took the market by storm, utilizing algorithms based mostly on the work of Albert Bühlmann, the godfather of decompression principle. As know-how quickly superior and scuba diving turned a extra inexpensive leisure exercise in the course of the Nineteen Nineties, divers began to ditch their analogue watches and dive tables in favour of computer systems, which considerably prolonged dive instances by repeatedly re-calculating no-decompression limits all through the dive.
These days, dive computer systems are important items of equipment, however there’s a large selection to select from, spanning a variety of budgets. Listed below are a number of the greatest dive computer systems accessible in 2025, priced (roughly) from low to excessive (Costs correct as of March 2025 and are topic to vary. Please examine rigorously earlier than making your buy).
Extra from DIVE’s gear guides:
Aqua Lung i100
RRP: £220
Aqua Lung’s best-selling entry-level dive pc has been round for some time now, however the i100, a wrist-mounted, single-button pc designed to be as easy and user-friendly as potential, stays the corporate’s high vendor. Unusually for an entry-level pc, it permits for the administration of two gases, with nitrox percentages programmable between 21-100 per cent. The show is a straightforward, segmented LCD show however doesn’t include a backlight. Dive logs are transferable to non-public computer systems through an non-compulsory cable and Aqua Lung’s DiverLog software program (offered individually)
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free
Algorithm: Pelagic Z+ (Bühlmann ZHL-16C)
Max Depth: 100m
Air integration: no
Person-replaceable battery: sure
www.aqualung.com
Suunto Zoop Novo
RRP: £235
One of the recognisable computer systems available on the market, the Zoop Novo is Suunto’s entry-level dive pc and one of the well-liked dive computer systems of all time. Related in design to its Vyper and Gekko predecessors, the Zoop Novo consists of gauge and freediving modes with an up to date, dot-matrix show with backlight and four-button menu system. The Zoop is a single-gas pc, programmable to 50 per cent nitrox, and connectivity to Suunto’s DM5 dive supervisor is through an non-compulsory USB cable.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free
Algorithm: Suunto RGBM
Max Depth: 80m
Air integration: no
Person-replaceable battery: sure
www.suunto.com
Mares Puck 4
RRP: £249
Mares’ entry-level providing has for a while been its Puck fashions, with the most recent Puck 4 following the single-button mode of operation as its predecessors. Though it’s depth-rated to 150m, it’s a robustly leisure pc, however has been up to date to modify between three totally different gasoline mixtures as much as 99% EANx throughout a dive and makes use of a customisable decompression algorithm. The user-changeable battery will final upwards of 100 dives and the 100-dive capability logbook might be synced with the Mares app. A single-gas Puck Lite is accessible for round £80 much less for many who don’t want something greater than the fundamentals.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, backside timer
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with customizable Gradient Elements
Max Depth: 150m
Air integration: no
Person-replaceable battery: sure
www.mares.com
Garmin Descent G1/G1 Photo voltaic
MSRP: £479.99 (Descent G1)/ £569.99 (G1 Photo voltaic)
Like all Garmin’s dive computer systems, the Descent G1 comes packaged with 24/7 well being and wellness options, smartwatch performance and non-compulsory photo voltaic charging, all packed right into a compact, rugged design. The high-contrast show is constructed right into a 45mm watch case and customisable to person choice, with accompanying vibrating alerts conserving the person up-to-date on dive limts. The Descent G1 handles muiltiple gasoline mixtures, together with trimix and 100% 02, with modes for freediving and CCR use additionally accessible. The pc is appropriate with Garmin’s interchangeable QuickFit watch bands and accommodates a mess of built-in sports activities and health apps, and might be paired with smartphones to obtain notifications and satellite tv for pc communications for emergencies. GNSS monitoring is inbuilt.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and CCR
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient elements
Max Depth: 100m
Air integration: no
Person-replaceable battery: no
www.garmin.com
Suunto EON Core
RRP: £689; transmitter: £320
Suunto’s EON Core is a slimline model of its well-liked tech-oriented EON Metal, retaining most of the similar options and the identical sized display, however lower than half the load of the Metal and a considerably decrease RRP. The menu system is extraordinarily intuitive and the brilliant TFT show is user-customisable to show most popular info in traditional or graphical codecs, and the display might be flipped to position the three buttons on both aspect of the show. Out of the field, the EON Core operates in a typical leisure mode, however superior modes for a number of gases (together with helium) and rebreathers (CCR) might be activated as required by the person. As much as ten non-compulsory wi-fi tank PODs might be monitored by a single EON Core, and 17 languages are programmed as customary. Suunto’s DM5 software program permits for dive log switch, firmware upgrades and full customisation of the pc.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, CCR
Algorithm: Suunto fused RGBM
Max Depth: 80m
Air integration: sure, non-compulsory
Person-replaceable battery: no, rechargeable
www.suunto.com
Suunto Ocean
MSRP: £725; Tank Pod (non-compulsory): £320
Suunto’s first new dive pc mannequin for a number of years got here within the type of the sports-watch type Suunto Ocean, which options built-in GPS monitoring and 95 totally different sports activities modes. The ocean has a big AMOLED show with dive modes for air and nitrox based mostly on Suunto’s Bühlmann 16 GF. Underwater the pc might be paired with Suunto’s Tank POD enabling divers to watch tank stress, gasoline consumption and remaining backside time from their wrists, above the ruface the game modes observe a variety of activites plus well being monitoring for steps, energy, coronary heart fee, sleep patterns and extra.
Specs
Modes: single and multigas dive modes with air & nitrox help
Algorithm: Suunto Bühlmann 16h gradient elements
Max Depth: 60m
Air integration: sure, with POD
Person-replaceable battery: no
www.suunto.com
iPhone with Oceanic+ Housing
RRP: $489.95 (housing); Oceanic + subscription from $79.99 USD
The information that hundreds of thousands of divers have been ready for broke in 2023 as Oceanic Worldwide launched the Oceanic+ dive housing for iPhones. Appropriate with any iPhone working iOS 16.0 or above, the housing turns the telephone into a totally purposeful dive pc and underwater digicam. all the usual dive pc featured can be found along with deep stops, 40% nitrox, compass and GPS monitoring, plus computerized adjustment for altitude, all packaged right into a housing rated to 60m. An Oceanic+ subscription is required to unlock all of the options, at the moment priced at $79.99 USD per 12 months. As of January 2024, the Oceanic+ i{Cellphone housing is just accessible in North America, however is anticipated to hit the European market later within the 12 months.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, freediving, snorkelling
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient elements
Max Depth: 60m
Air integration: no
Person-replaceable battery: no
www.oceanicworldwide.com
Apple Watch Extremely with Oceanic +
RRP: from £849 (Apple Watch Extremely); Oceanic + from £81.99 p/a
The Apple Watch Extremely already accommodates a variety of options for well being and health monitoring, on high of its skill to sync with different Apple merchandise. The watch itself is already 100m water-resistant and accommodates a depth gauge with water temperature sensor, however the brand new Oceanic+ app transforms the Apple Watch Extremely right into a fully-functional leisure dive pc. The app features as each dive planner and tracker, offering all of the related no decompression time, adn the watch’s haptic suggestions supplies vibration alerts in addition to audible alarms. GPS entry and exit knowledge is routinely added to the dive log. The Oceanic+ app is free to obtain and consists of fundamental dive features. however entry to decompression monitoring, tissue loading, the situation planner, and a vast logbook capability requires a subscription to Oceanic+ at £9.99 per thirty days, or £81.99 per 12 months, with a £113.99 annual household subscription (for five individuals) can also be accessible.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, snorkelling
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient elements
Max Depth: 40m
Air integration: no
Person-replaceable battery: no
www.apple.com
Ratio iX3M | 2 GPS
MSRP: €849.99 (Professional); €999.99 (Deep); €1199.99 (Tech+)
The Italian Ratio iX3M 2 might be one of the versatile of dive computer systems, and has not too long ago been up to date with built-in GPS monitoring. Each the GPS and non-GPS fashions can be found in Professional (air + nitrox; 3 mixes), Deep (air, nitrox, normoxic trimix; 3 mixes) and Tech+ (air, nitrox, full trimix & CCR; 10 mixes) variations, however are packaged right into a single machine, with the totally different fashions accessible through firmware updates slightly than distinct items of {hardware}, that means you don’t want to purchase a brand new pc in case your diving type advances. The high-resolution color show has a four-button navigation system; as much as 4 totally different algorithms with user-programmable gradient elements and demanding bubble radius settings accessible. Air integration is thru non-compulsory colour-coded transmitters which flash inexperienced, yellow or pink to offer a visible indication of tank stress, with as much as 10 tanks capable of be monitored. The iX3M 2 GPS might be became a nitrox analyser with an non-compulsory accent cable; knowledge switch and battery charging is through USB.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free, trimix, CCR
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-12/16B/16C or VPM-B (relying on mannequin)
Max Depth: 220m
Air integration: sure, non-compulsory
Person-replaceable battery: no, rechargeable
www.ratio-computers.eu
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
RRP: from £1070; transmitter £365
One of the iconic dive computer systems inside the technical neighborhood is the Shearwater Perdix, up to date throughout 2022 to the Perdix 2 Ti. The brand new mannequin’s armoured casing is constructed with a titanium bezel and contact buttons, which the Canadian producer claims makes the Perdix 2 Ti its ‘hardest and most dependable pc but’. An aluminosilicate glass lens guards a big 5.59cm (2.2”) vibrant display with improved readability, influence, and harm resistance. The straightforward 2-button menu system stays, with user-customisable shows and powerful vibrating alarms for vital factors of the dive. 5 open and 5 closed-circuit gasoline mixtures are programmable, with non-compulsory air-integration monitoring as much as 4 transmitters concurrently. The straightforward, user-changeable AA battery ensures straightforward availability of replacements, and desktop connection is through a Bluetooth interface
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, CCR
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C with GF / VPM-B (non-compulsory)
Max Depth: 260m
Air integration: AI mannequin solely, non-compulsory
Person-replaceable battery: sure, AA
www.shearwater.com
Suunto EON Metal
RRP: £979; transmitter £320
Suunto’s EON Metal is functionally equivalent to its EON Core by-product however designed to resist the rigours of technical diving or leisure diving the place situations are more difficult than fair-weather resort-based holidays. The bezel is constructed of brushed stainless-steel with a more durable, Xensation glass display, and the addition of an non-compulsory rubber boot and bungee adapter full the bundle. The intuitive, three-button menu system is user-customisable and designed for ease of use with thick gloves. As with the EON Core, menus for tech or rec or CCR diving might be activated or deactivated on the diver’s leisure, with as much as ten gasoline mixtures programmable, and help for the monitoring of as much as ten non-compulsory wi-fi tank PODs. Connectivity to Suunto’s DM5 and Movescount log-sharing software program is through Bluetooth.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, CCR
Algorithm: Suunto Fused RGBM
Max Depth: 150m
Air integration: sure, non-compulsory
Person-replaceable battery: no; rechargeable
www.suunto.com
Shearwater Teric
MSRP: £1025 (pc solely); £1248 with transmitter
Shearwater’s Teric does every part the Perdix does – and extra. Above the floor, the Teric is a timepiece with a customisable watch face that may look simply as at dwelling within the boardroom as it could within the water, the place it features equally properly as a dive pc for leisure, deep tech, or CCR diving. The show is smaller than the Perdix however is of a a lot larger decision AMOLED design, with the power to extend font dimension to make it straightforward to learn. The entire Perdix options are current, with the addition of a brand new freediving mode, user-configurable audible and haptic alarms, and a wirelessly rechargeable battery. Air integration is customary, with the wi-fi transmitters an non-compulsory further, and Bluetooth connectivity permits knowledge switch to all good units. The Teric is accessible with a wide range of totally different colored bezels and straps, together with the 2022 bronze-faced Journey’s Version.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, CCR, free
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Elements
Max Depth: 200m
Air integration: sure, non-compulsory
Person-replaceable battery: no; rechargeable
www.shearwater.com
Scubapro G3
RRP €1300 (pc solely); €1590 with transmitter
Scubapro’s G3 is a 2023-updated model of the G2 – an important pc however one thing of an unpleasant duckling amongst its friends. The G3, nevertheless, is of a slick watch-style design, nonetheless packing all of the options of the G2 and its personalised decompression profiles, however now with surface-based options included. A lot of the intuitive menu design has been retained, now with a further fourth button and nicer colors. Wi-fi air integration is customary (transmitter further), capable of monitor as much as 8 mixed-gas tanks and one diluent in CCR mode, and the non-compulsory heart-rate monitor priced at €128 provides extra physiological monitoring each above and under the water. Knowledge switch is through Bluetooth or USB to Scubapro’s LogTRAK software program.
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, CCR, free
Algorithm: Uwatec Predictive Multi-Gasoline ZHL-16 ADT PMG, ZH-L16 GF
Max Depth: 300m
Air integration: sure,
Person-replaceable battery: no; rechargeable
www.scubapro.com
Garmin Descent Mk3/Mk3i
RRP £1099.99 (Mk3); £1299.99-£1599.99 (Mk3i)
Garmin’s MK3 and MK3i launched on the finish of 2023, characterize the top of the wearable tech specialist’s scuba diving computer systems. A greater query than asking ‘what does it do’ could be ‘what does it not do’, as it’s most likely probably the most feature-rich watch-style dive pc available on the market. The Mk3 is accessible as a single possibility in a 43mm casing, however the flagship Mk3i is available in each the smaller dimension and a bigger, 53mm casing. As much as eight divers might be networked, with every capable of monitor the others’ tank stress, and a forthcoming (on the time of writing) firmware replace will give divers the power to message one another underwater, or observe divers in want of help. Wellness is on the coronary heart of Garmin’s philosophy and the Mk3 collection comes with a ‘dive readiness’ function monitoring physiological responses and former dive historical past, plus the complete suite of Garmin’s topside sporting apps and maps. GPS monitoring is accessible and the bigger Mk3i even comes with a built-in flashlight!
Specs
Modes: air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, CCR, apnoea, apnoea hunt
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient elements
Max Depth: 200m
Air integration: sure, as much as 8 tanks, Mk3i solely
Person-replaceable battery: no; rechargeable
www.garmin.com
Ideas for purchasing a dive pc
Price range and necessities
Dive computer systems in 2024 vary from round £200 to £1500, and all of them will deal with the wants of entry-level leisure divers, however some are extra suited to tech and will put divers with out advanced-level information at one thing of an obstacle with complicated settings and menus. For simple, leisure vacation diving then just about any finances pc will suffice, however should you’re planning on creating your diving additional, then a extra superior pc that grows along with your expertise could also be a greater possibility – and prevent from having to purchase one other pc a couple of years down the road.
Nitrox and gasoline mixtures
All computer systems available on the market at the moment are appropriate with leisure (21–40%) ‘enriched air’ nitrox, which is all that almost all leisure divers will ever want. Any severe enterprise into tech, nevertheless, would require a pc that may deal with totally different gasoline mixtures, together with helium (eg trimix) and pure oxygen. Most top-of-the-range computer systems cowl all bases in a single mannequin vary, and an rising variety of mid-range computer systems function programmable, gas-switching computer systems that cater to the tech/rec market, however not full-on deep technical diving.
Air Integration
Some individuals like it, some individuals don’t. On the plus aspect, all the knowledge you want is in a single machine, with remaining dive time calculated each by way of nitrogen loading and and remaining gasoline provide. Additionally it is the case that transmitter-integrated computer systems are actually able to monitoring a number of tanks, together with these of different divers – an important security function. On the minus aspect, battery failure in both pc or transmitter means no diving except you possibly can both change or cost your batteries. Having a backup analogue stress gauge is suggested.
Wrist-mounted, wristwatch or console?
Largely down to non-public choice. Consoles can bash into issues, wrist-mounted computer systems can fall off; wristwatch-sized computer systems could also be onerous for some divers to learn. Wrist-mounted fashions with massive shows are most typical. The selection is yours.
Algorithms
Haldane, Bühlmann, RGBM (and others), algorithms are the mathematical fashions used to calculate nitrogen publicity, based mostly in your depth and time underwater. Technical divers might have a choice, however for simple leisure diving – aside from small variations to no-decompression limits and floor interval credit score – it actually doesn’t matter. As we be taught extra concerning the physiological results of diving on the physique, nevertheless, the algorithms are evolving to cater to non-public dive health ranges and the calls for of multi-day, repetitive dive holidays, so adjustable ranges of conservatism are undoubtedly a factor to look out for.
RTFM!
Computer systems don’t make your diving safer. Learn The FULL Guide earlier than you soar into the water, and don’t anticipate that your buddy or teacher will know work your pc. Dive computer systems won’t stop you from doing silly issues, resembling making ‘sawtooth’ dive profiles, a straightforward option to finish your trip within the chamber. Stay conservative, don’t push limits, adhere to protected diving practices.
Crowley (recognized to his mum as Mark), packed in his IT job in 2005 and spent the subsequent 9 years working as a full-time scuba diving skilled. He began writing for DIVE in 2010 and hasn’t stopped since.
