Like everything dive related there is an almost endless list of options available for dive computers that come in all shapes and sizes. Most modern computers share the common and essential metrics required to dive safely like max depth, no stop time, ascent rates and so on. If your budget is a little more robust then more complex options become available such as paired Bluetooth tank pods for wireless pressure readouts, additional enriched/mixed gas profiles, GPS dive entry and exit points etc.
What to consider
When thinking about buying what is potentially one of the most expensive pieces of dive equipment you will own, it is worth taking your time on this purchase. Consideration must go into what you need to complete the dives you love, but also where you want your diving to go in the future. Some considerations might be whether you will be using one gas during your dives or switching throughout. Perhaps you want a computer that you can also wear as a pseudo-smartwatch, or simply one that is easily rechargeable away from home. Maybe a compass for underwater navigation is more important to you.
With that in mind, we have brought together what we think represents the five best dive computer for recreational scuba divers! Our picks are;
Garmin G1
Garmin’s G1 is the entry level watch to the Descent series. In addition to multiple dive modes and compass, the G1 also has surface multi GNSS which automatically tracks your entry and exit points for each dive. When paired to your data enabled smartphone, this watch also provides local tide data as well as smart notifications. What I like most about the G1 is that while it packs a punch as a dive computer, it is also a fantastic day to day watch and fitness tracker. Heart rate monitoring, exercise programs, sleep tracking and Garmin pay are among a bunch of other cool features that really make this a good value unit. The G1 also comes in a solar model, that utilises a photovoltaic screen to extend battery life (in some cases indefinitely depending on use) between charges! Check prices here.
Shearwater Peregrine
Shearwater market the Peregrine as a computer for the ‘everyday diver’. Constructed on the premise of simplicity and functionality, this computer has a large and detailed colour screen display with two function buttons. Like most, this dive computer caters for recreational divers on air as well as mixed gas and switching. Intuitive dive planner, wireless connectivity and dive data sharing on the Shearwater cloud make this a pretty handy unit. The thirty hour battery life is twenty percent more than its Garmin competition, however at around the same price point, lacks a substantial number of valuable features. Check prices here.
Suunto Zoop Novo
Aesthetically iconic, the Zoop Novo has probably been on your wrist at least once in your life already. A staple for students and dive shop hire kits, this computer is a good value choice for the recreational diver. Suunto have made this unit robust in design, with big easy to push buttons and a large clear display. It comes loaded with five different dive modes. You can also download and transfer your dives to a PC (sold separately) using the Suunto DM5 software. Unfortunately this computer does not feature a built in compass.
Suunto D5
Being the most expensive computer in the lineup, Suunto delivers a very competitive product in the D5. Designed as a customisable sports watch on the outside, the D5 has mobile connectivity for smart notifications making it useful to wear both above and below the water. The computer also has connectivity for a tank pod (sold separately) to conveniently provide gas pressure indications; something both the Peregrine and G1 noticeably lack for a similar price. With only six to twelve hours of battery life in dive mode, you’ll need to be prepared to charge the D5 between two and four times more than its competition. Also worth noting that this is the only other dive computer in the line up to feature a compass for underwater navigation. Check prices here.
Aqualung i300c
Aqualung has made an ‘uncomplicated, intuitive and rugged’ dive computer with their i300c. A watch type design with an easy to read screen and large buttons, this computer boasts four dive modes and gas switching. The computer has Bluetooth connectivity to download and share dive data; this can also be achieved via a cable sold separately. Oddly enough with that in mind, the i300c is not rechargeable and so you will need to keep spare batteries on hand for those longer or more remote dive holidays. Overall the Aqualung i300c packs more than an entry level punch for those on a budget. Check prices here.