Best Dive Computer: Top Rated and Reviewed Scuba Diving Computers
Choosing the best dive computer isn't easy. Alot depends on preference and what type of diving you do.
Do you want an air-integrated one? A wrist or console mount? What features do you need/want in your scuba diving computer? What price can you afford? And this is just the beginning of questions you will need too answer.
Nevertheless, I have chosen what I consider to be the best scuba diving computers at various price points - entry level or budget, mid range and high end - as well as ones with specific features - air integrated and hoseless.
To this end, I have read many ratings and reviews of various dive computers. I have only chosen those models which have received many top reviews from lots of different users. If it has universal good marks, chances are you will be happy with it too.
Personally, as I have discussed on previous pages, the computer I use is VERY basic and is no longer available (it's about 15 years old now). Suffice it to say it won't be winning any award for best dive computer. However, I am still very happy with it but, after reading about all these scuba computers, I won't cry when it dies so I can replace it with one of these models!
Here are my picks of the best dive computers - from entry level to midrange to top of the line (recommendations will open in a new window on our partner's website).
Best Dive Computer: Top End and Air Integrated
This one gets our vote for two categories. If money is no object, why not get it all?
The model I chose as best dive computer in this category is this Oceanic model. This unit comes with compass and quick disconnect but you can get it without the compass and disconnect for a cheaper price here. It has lots of great reviews with repeat customers buying it for family members, recommending it to friends, etc.
This model comes ready to use with air or Nitrox mixtures up to 50 percent. The Pro Plus 2 has alarms for:
High 02
High and maximum PO2
Turn around time tank pressure
Ending tank pressure
Maximum depth
Elapsed dive time
Maximum nitrogen
Dive time remaining
User reviews, from LP customers, include:
"This has got to be one of the BEST computers that I have ever owned. It better be since I have 3 of them 2 with quick disconnect and 1 without. It does it all. Nitrox and Air. User set controls for max depth turn air psi ascent rate end dive psi etc etc. Highly recommend it to all levels of divers."
"I have purchased this computer for myself and other family members. We all love it. Used it for over two years with no problems."
If you want to go even higher tech (of course this translates into a higher price as you would suspect), why not get the best hoseless and air integrated dive computer? Check out this Suunto Hoseless Air/Nitrox Computer with Transmitter?
Best Dive Computer: Mid-Range
For clarification, we have defined mid-range computers as ones with a price in the $400-$600 range.
I had my work cut out for me on this one as there are lots of contenders in this category. However, we had to pick a winner and we chose this Suunto model as the best dive computer in the mid-range category. It has gotten an overwhelming number of great reviews.
This is the only air-integrated dive computer with air, Nitrox, and gauge modes complete with profile memory on the market. It also displays cylinder pressure and estimated remaining air time.
Users rate it as having lots of functions, easy to operate, easy to read and reliable.
Some reviews of this computer, from customers of LP, include: "I have had two Suunto ski watches (I am a ski instructor) and they have functioned well beyond all expectations. When it came time to shop for a dive computer, Suunto started at the top of my list, and all the additional research I did confirmed their position.
The dive computer I decided on was a Cobra. The Cobra is a great computer both in function and versatility, as a recreational diver I should never out grow it capability.Suunto Cobra dive computer features: air integration, imperial and metric, programmable altitudes, nitrox and compressed air use, multiple fitness levels for safer diving, dive planning for maximum dive time, the ability to download dives into your computerized dive log, and so much more.
When I started to zero in on the Cobra, I thought it had too many bells and whistles? As I thought about it, I came to the conclusion this computer will grow with me as I grow as a diver. Every Dive Master I have worked with all have glowing praise for Suunto, and the Cobra is a very reliable unit."
"I am very pleased with this computer.I first saw it being used by the divemasters in Vanuatu while diving on the Coolidge. They were all happy with it. A friend recommended too and let me have a close took at his, then recommended Leisure Pro.
This computer is easy to use and also easy to flick between functions.It is great to be able to use the quick disconnect and sit down at the desk with just the computer to scroll through the dive history to fill in my log book. I look forward to getting to pc software kit to view my performances on the computer screen."
Best Dive Computer: Entry Level/Beginners
If you don't have alot of money to spend, you can still get a very good computer for a relatively cheap price. The one I have chosen as the top entry level unit is another Suunto model. This is a wrist unit but it is also available in a console unit.
This models gets high marks for being easy to read and operate, reliability and having alot of functions. It can be used with both air and nitrox. It has extensive memory to keep track of your dives and has a user replaceable battery which can save you money down the line.
Users reviews from include:
"After several weeks of research I chose this computer for it's features, price, and Suunto reputation. If you can figure out dive tables you can operate this computer".
"Excellent product, easy to operate & read, the alarm sound is very loud. Keeps track of everything to include temperature in and out of the water, time in/time out, great product."
Hopefully, these recommendations will make your search for the best scuba diving computer a little easier. Please let us know which computer you use and how you like it. You can leave your scuba gear review here. Hey, you might even win a $50 gift card from Amazon.
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