Scuba Diving Computers Buyers Guide
Console, wrist-mount or wrist-watch style. Find the dive computer you are looking for in our 2021 scuba diving Gear Buyers Guide.
AQUA LUNG i330 R
Jon WhittleBluetooth connectivity for easy saving and sharing via the free DiverLog+ app.
$359 | aqualung.com
An intuitive two-button operation makes this new computer from Aqua Lung a breeze to navigate and set. It has four dive modes and is nitrox compatible for up to three different mixes from 21 to 100-percent O2. The vivid color display is readable in all conditions, even bright sunlight, and has an adjustable brightness to conserve the computer's rechargeable battery.
CRESSI DONATELLO CONSOLE 2 GLOBAL FLUO
Jon WhittleInstruments are arranged at a slight tilt for greater readability.
$379.95 | cressi.com
Advanced materials like Desmopan and polycarbonate make this console lightweight and thin, with compact displays. With four operating modes and a single push-button, the Donatello is easy to operate. The Global Fluo SPG has a luminous dial and presents pressure in Bar and PSI. It weighs 13.9 ounces (395 grams) and measures 2.5-by-1 inches (65-by-25 millimeters).
GARMIN DESCENT Mk2
Jon WhittleLong-lasting battery provides up to 80 hours of dive time.
$1,299.99 | garmin.com
Featuring trimix and closed-circuit rebreather modes, the Mk2 provides plenty of functionality for advanced divers, but its well-organized display, easy operation and seamless synching to Garmin’s free dive log app make it friendly to divers of all stripes. With multisport functions, fitness apps, GPS mapping and smartwatch functionality, this impressive piece of arm candy is useful in and out of the water.
GARMIN DESCENT Mk2i
Jon WhittleSophisticated air-integrated dive computer with smart-watch and fitness functionaility.
$1,499.99 | garmin.com
The next generation of Garmin dive computers has arrived, featuring wireless air integration with up to five of Garmin’s T1 transmitters (sold separately). The Mk2i shares many features with its predecessor, including its well-organized, sunlit-visible display, advanced dive modes, and robust multisport capabilities. Can be used with the Garmin inReach Mini to send and receive text alerts and send a surface SOS.
SCUBAPRO A2 DIVE COMPUTER
Jon WhittleCapable wristwatch computer for advanced recreational divers.
$699 | scubapro.com
This compact computer uses a high-resolution hybrid matrix display with large characters to present data clearly and legibly. Aimed at advanced divers it has modes for scuba, gauge, apnea, trimix, sidemount and CCR. With wireless air-integration and digital compass, biometric sensors incorporate workload, skin temperature and heartbeat (heart rate monitor sold separately) into deco calculations.
SEAC ACTION/ACTION HR
Jon WhittleThree-mode capability in an attractive, ergonomic watch design.
$299 | seacsub.com
A four-button interface and adjustable-intensity LCD screen make the Action simple to set and adjust and easy to read in any light conditions. With two-gas capability, the Action has scuba, watch and gauge modes. In freedive mode, it tracks current and maximum depth, and it lets you control surface intervals as well as your dive time.
SEAC SCREEN
Jon WhittleAvailable with blue, red or white highlights.
$269 | seacsub.com
The Screen’s wide LCD display with adjustable contrast and bright backlight makes it easy to read in any conditions. The two-button operation allows easy menu navigation, with a range of programmable features including safety stop depth and time. The Screen has scuba, freedive and gauge modes; two-gas compatibility (including O2 up to 99%); and operates with a user-replacement battery.
SEAC SCREEN CONSOLE
Jon WhittleProvides all your dive data in an easy-to-read package.
$369 | seacsub.com
This console combines the display of the Screen computer with a pressure gauge in a rugged, compact package; an ergonomic design with multiple attachment points keeps it secured while diving. The Screen has scuba, freedive and gauge modes; the console design allows easy replacement of the computer battery without removal from the protective boot.
SHEARWATER NERD 2
Jon WhittleAdvanced optics create view like that of 25-inch TV from 12 feet away.
$1,550 | shearwater.com
The NERD 2 keeps critical dive data always in your line of sight with its advanced near-eye remote display. With wireless air integration and three-axis digital compass, the NERD 2 offers at-a-glance reading of no-deco times, gas pressure, heading and all critical dive info. The NERD 2’s highly adjustable mount quickly attaches to most second stage fittings and hoses.
SHEARWATER PERDIX AI
Jon WhittleDual transmitter capability is perfect for sidemount use.
$935 | shearwater.com
The spacious screen and simplified operation of the Perdix AI make it a breeze to read, setup and navigate for divers of all experience levels. It features air-integration, three axis digital compass, customizable screen layout and two button interface with clear, concise screen prompts. It operates with any standard AA for simplified battery replacement anywhere the world.
SHEARWATER PEREGRINE
Jon WhittleDesigned for the diver who wants top-notch features with simplified operation.
$450 | shearwater.com
With a 2.2-inch full-color display, haptic feedback and Bluetooth connectivity, the Peregrine offers premium features with an operating system so simple that it’s a snap to use for even the newest recreational diver. The display and alerts are highly customizable, and clear on-board screen prompts make the two-button navigation easy to set and adjust.
SHEARWATER TERIC
Jon WhittleAdvanced capabilities and simple operation in a wristwatch design.
$1,095 | shearwater.com
The Teric’s full-color display, highly intuitive operation, advanced capabilities and stylish, watch-sized ergonomics make it perfect for the newest scuba diver to the most experienced. Features include wireless air integration, onboard Bluetooth and wireless charging, for convenient recharges and downloads. Available with bezel and strap color options.
TUSA TC1 IQ1301
Jon WhittleNitrox-capable wrist computer with adjustable backlight and vibrating alert.
$329.95 | tusa.com
Nitrox-compatible, this wrist computer has modes for scuba, gauge and freediving. Its intuitive operation is user-friendly and the clearly labeled display has an adjustable backlight for easy reading. In addition to audible and visual alerts, users can enable noise-free vibrating alarms. The computer is based on the ZHL- 16C algorithm and can automatically adjust for altitude diving. The TC1 uses a long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion battery and offers a replaceable nylon wrist strap.
GARMIN T1 TRANSMITTER
Jon WhittleWireless tank transmitter can communicate with paired computers up to 10 meters away.
$399.99 | garmin.com
With the T1 transmitter, you can get tank pressure, air time remaining, air consumption and battery level sent directly to a paired compatible Descent dive computer—the Descent Mk2i can pair with up to five transmitters. SubWave sonar technology allows the T1 to communicate with computers within a range of up to 10 meters, so you can dive with multiple tanks or monitor a buddy.