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 scuba diving you do.
Do you want an air-integrated dive computer? Hoseless? 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 to answer. To help you in your search, I have chosen what I consider to be the best scuba diving computers at various price points - beginner or entry level (budget), mid-range, high end and top end or luxury. I have also highlighted dive computers with specific features such as 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.
I have updated this list of best dive computers as of November 2011. This list will be updated about every 6 months so you know your getting the most up-to-date recommendations. If you are looking for a dive computer for the 2011-2012 winter diving season, these picks are for you.
I have added more choices to this list than last year so you will have a range of diving computers to pick from in all categories. Most on the list are making an appearance for the first time. There is sure to be something that will fit your needs.
Note: To decide which category the top dive computers would go into, I based it on price. So the beginner/entry level is defined as dive computers under $400, the mid-range is priced between $400-$600, high end is from $600-$1,000 while the luxury or top end is $1,000+.
To jump to the category you are interested in, just click on the link:
Our first pick in this category is the Atomic dive computer.. Out for about a year now, it has won kudos from many users. This computer is nitrox programmable (21-100%), has illumination that can be adjusted by the user and has algorithms that can be chosen by the diver (choose whether you want a conservative or liberal profile). It also has a track back digital compass to help in your navigation. Don't get lost again!
The screen display looks awesome and it has a very easy to use navigation setup. For older divers that may have trouble seeing some of the numbers on some other dive computers, this would be perfect.
User reviews of the Atomic Cobalt dive computer include:
"I work at a dive store and have had the opportunity to try out many different dive computers. The Atomic Cobalt surpasses them all. Being from Michigan, all my dives are cold, dark & deep. The colored screen makes reading my computer at depth quick and easy. Computers that use a backlight to illuminate dark numbers and letters are almost impossible to read in the Great Lakes at depth, and if you can read them you're almost never certain you read them correctly....I've been diving this computer for almost 5 months now and has been a wonder! I highly recommend it for those divers that will be diving deep and dark as well as those divers that are coming up on an age where reading those tiny digits on a dive watch just isn't happening anymore."
"I have been diving and teaching since 2001, I have over the years owned and used many dive computers that are on the market, this computer is INSANE. I have been extremely happy with its ability, ease of use and students and customers review of this computer. I am a Junkie for any new product on the market and when I bought this I was hesitant as in my past experience not all products perform as advertised... This computer not only performs as describes it was even more than described... I would recommend this computer to any diver from new to seasoned as it does exactly as it says it does :) I give this item a five star as it really is that great!"
Choice #2: Our next choice for best dive computer in this category is this Suunto model.While this has been around for a while, it is a proven winner and still gets high marks from users.
This model is wireless so you can monitor your tank pressure and air consumption from your wrist. It is nitrox compatible and you can preset three different gas mixes (with between 21% and 99% oxygen). This computer has 3 dive modes (standard air, nitrox and bottom timer) and also show a graphical compass rose with the current bearing to help with navigation. All this on your wrist. It also comes with PC software so you can transfer data to your computer and analyze it to your heart's content.
User reviews on this dive computer include:
"This is far and away the nicest and best dive computer I have owned to date. I find the menus to be straightforward to navigate now that I have spent some time with the unit. Not only is the computer extremely functional and easy to use, but it is also very nice aesthetically. I wear the computer during dive trips but also leisurely from time to time."
"I have two of these d9's for myself and my wife. We love them and they are much better than anything on the market. It's great to cut down on having to have another hose."
You will also get a free online digital class to learn how to get the most out of your purchase. Read more about this pick for best dive computer - the Suunto model here. If you are interested, you can also get this model in a titanium version.
Best Dive Computer: High End
Our first choice for best dive computer in the high end category stays on the list from last year. It continues to get good reviews and gets our vote again - it is an Oceanic model.
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 include:
"This is just a great computer, I could ask for anything more. IT has a great display with large easy to read numbers, easy to use to button touch, with a great light for night dives. I just wouldn't fell safe without it..."
"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."
Get all the detail of this best dive computer pick - the Oceanic model here.
Choice #2: Our next choice for best dive computer in the high end category is this Suunto model.. While is has been out awhile it is still a winner and should suit most divers' recreational needs. Not everything has to be new to be good.
It is an air integrated dive computer and has 3 diving modes - air, nitrox and gauge. You can also choose a personal conservative setting (3 steps) to make it more tailored to your diving profile. It also comes with a compass and a quick disconnect fitting to make it easier and safer to handle/store.
Divers reviews include:
"User friendly. Very adjustable. Middle of the road conservative. Was reluctant for years about air integrated computers, but this changed my mind."
"Great computer. I'm very happy with this purchase. The ascent monitor is very conservative (33ft / min) vs. recommended limit of 60ft / min. Be a SAFE diver though - so the slower the better. The recommended and mandatory safety stops are great. No fly countdown is great. Deco mode functionality is very good too. Definitely go with the QD option so you can take the unit off your BC for logging dives, travel, security, etc."
"This computer is very easy to use, especially during a dive. It provides all the information you need in easy to digest form without having to learn how to work it. The computer download is amazing - follow your dive, air consumption to fine tune how you dive."
Find out more about this best dive computer pick - the Suunto model here.
Best Dive Computer: Mid-range
Choice #1: Our choice for a mid-range dive computer is this Mares model. This is a wide wrist model which is especially designed to be easy to read and operate. The display is large and backlit and there are just 4 buttons making it easy to use.
This Mares dive computer has 3 operating modes - air, nitrox and bottom time - and you can adjust to more conservative dive profiles if you want.
User reviews of this best dive computer model include:
"This is the second dive computer I've owned, but this one will last for years to come. It's easy to navigate, easy to view, excellent alarms (some say it may be to conservitive, but I'd rather be safe than anything else). I love this unit, and for the price, it can't be beat. The firmware can be upgraded via the usb cable, download and save all data, graphs, etc. Great visibility day and night, true readings, altitude settings, air/gas mix, just an all out awesome product for the price!"
"Just back from a Cozumel where I used it for the first time, and I've been very impressed with it. It's a very nice dive computer, easy to use and got a number of enquiries from other divers who complained about their computers been difficult to operate, with small buttons that were tough to press underwater, etc. The Nemo Wide has great visibility underwater, and operating the buttons is easy."
Get all the details on this best dive computer pick - the Mares model here.
Best Dive Computer: Entry Level or Beginner (Budget)
Our first pick for the best dive computer in the budget or beginner level category is a Suunto model. This is a wrist model design that has 2 operating modes - air and Nitrox.
It is simple to use and gets high marks for ease of reading. It has audible alarms and gives decompression data. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, it has everything you need for a safe recreational dive.
User reviews for this model include:
"I got this computer over Christmas and have done 4 dives since then and it worked perfectly. Really takes the guesswork out and lets you focus on the dive. Everything you need for recreational diving. Highly recommend the free class to use the computer."
"Overall, this is a rock solid beginner computer. Although it has no backlight the display is bright and large enough to be viewable in every light condition. The menuing is friendly and intuitive. It is the easiest to use computer that I have ever encountered. I would HIGHLY recommend this computer for recreational divers."
Choice #2: Our next choice for a beginner level dive computer is also the most economical one - coming in at under $200. If you have a limited budget, you may want to try this wallet friendly Mares model.
This model is a wrist mounted computer but you can also put it ina compatible console if desired. This computer has 3 dive modes - air, nitrox and bottom time. The display is fairly large and easy to read and has a backlight on demand. It has audible alarms (which can be turned off) and user replacable batteries (saving you even more money in the future).
User reviews for thsi budget beginner dive computer include:
"I am a new diver and wanted a reliable computer that didn't cost an arm and a leg. I have used this watch on 20 plus dives, at 110 plus feet, night, nitrox and multi dive days. It is a great and safe first computer. It keeps up with my buddies advanced watches. Easy to use once you play with a couple times. The 1 button function is perfect. The memory holds enough basic information to fill my log book at the end of the day. At the end of dives it provides the needed safety information as the primary screens. The only minor complaint I have it the ascent alarm is a little sensitive. I really don't see myself getting an upgrade computer for a long time, if ever."
"Love this Computer. It is simply to use and has all the functions I need. It is small and not bulky, but the numbers are easy to read and the display is clear. The one button is easy to get used to and now I use it with out thinking about it. The best thing about it is the price. You get a air and EAN computer for half of what some cost, and it is a Mares so you know the quality and workmanship in it will make the computer last..."
Read more about this pick for best dive computer in the entry level category - this Mares model here.
I hope our picks for best dive computer will help you make the best choice for you. There are alot of choices out there and we tried to narrow down the categories so you can get a feel for what you will get for your money.
Why don't you let us know what you think of your new computer (or your current one for that matter). You can leave your scuba gear review here. Hey, you might even win a $50 gift card from Amazon - so you can buy more scuba gear! It is easy and free so why not give is a try?
Looking for more scuba diving equipment? Check out our other picks for best scuba gear.
We give you our picks for best dive computer, dive watches, regulators, masks, snorkels and more.
Good luck picking the best dive computer for you. Let us know how it goes!
. Out for about a year now, it has won kudos from many users. This computer is nitrox programmable (21-100%), has illumination that can be adjusted by the user and has algorithms that can be chosen by the diver (choose whether you want a conservative or liberal profile). It also has a track back digital compass to help in your navigation. Don't get lost again!
