Scuba Diving Computers
Jon Whittle
Gear

Best Scuba Diving Computers

By Scuba Diving Magazine | March 30, 2020
The best scuba diving computers from the 2020 Scuba Diving magazine Gear Buyers Guide

Dive computers come in many forms. Whether you are looking for a console, or wrist-mount or wristwatch-style computers you will find the best dive computer that fits your diving style in the 2020 Scuba Diving magazine gear Buyers Guide.  

 

 


CRESSI CARTESIO  

Cressi Cartesio Dive Computer
Watch-sized computer is stylish and easy to use.


The Cartesio combines user-friendly operation and a bold, legible screen. The two-button interface allows intuitive navigation; the screen is compact, but displays data clearly thanks to its bold characters. The computer features a back-light to further enhance visibility. The enriched-air-capable Cartesio can handle two nitrox mixes and includes a freediving mode.
cressi.com  | $399.95 


CRESSI MICHELANGELO  

Cressi Michelangelo Dive Computer
Single-button operation is well-suited for newer divers.


This robust computer features a high-contrast display and one-button operation, has two-tank switching and is nitrox compatible. This clearly separates data and makes it easy to check at a glance; a backlight boosts visibility. The computer is powered by a user-replaceable battery and can connect to Macs, PCs and smartphones with optional interface cables.
cressi.com   | $329.95
 


GARMIN DESCENT MK1 STAINLESS STEEL  

Garmin Descent MK1 Stainless Steel
Smart-watch capability with advanced diving features and surface GPS.


The Descent features multi-gas, trimix, apnea and CCR modes in a full-color smart watch. It also features a three-axis compass, surface GPS tracking, 200-dive onboard log and a heart-rate monitor. In addition, it touts several multisport functions for tracking everything from running and swimming to playing golf and skydiving.
garmin.com  | $999.99 
 


GARMIN DESCENT MK1 TITANIUM  

Garmin Descent MK1 Titanium
Heart-rate monitor with multipart functionality and performance metrics. 


Outfitted with a sapphire crystal lens and titanium band, this computer is nitrox compatible and has modes for multi-gas, trimix, CCR and freediving. The three-axis compass can be accessed by double-tapping the display while diving. Underwater alerts and alarms can be customized, and the computer operates for 40 hours in dive mode on a single charge.
garmin.com   | $1,499.99
 

 

GENESIS CENTAURI  

Genesis Centauri Dive Computer
Simplified setting and function navigation for intuitive operation. 


This new multi-mode wrist computer can handle air, nitrox or free diving duties and is comfortable and stylish enough for daily wear as a watch. Running the Buhlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with a choice of 3 conservative settings, it has audible and vibrating alarms and adjustable font size display. It’s powered by a convenient rechargeable battery.
genesisscuba.com  | $345 
 


MARES GENIUS  

Mares Genius Dive Computer
Customize to your physical condition and dive conditions. 


This flagship computer features
a full-color display in a platform that's surprisingly easy to operate. The high-resolution LCD screen, nearly 2.7 inches diagonally, lets you absorb data at a glance. Its highly customizable deco algorithm has gradient factors and predictive multi-gas functions. It pairs with up to 5 transmitters and operates for 40 hours on a full charge.
mares.com | $1,056 ($1,356 w/ transmitter)  


MARES QUAD AIR  

Mares Quad Air Dive Computer
Large-format screen with air integration at an attractive price.


The generous 1 1/2-by-2 1/4- inch screen lets the Quad Air display data in a layout that makes all the info easy to see at a glance, with large characters and clear titles. The four-button operation and intuitive menu make it simple to navigate, and its powered by a user-replaceable battery. Despite its screen size, its ergonomic design makes it comfortable even on smaller wrists.
mares.com | $526
  

OCEANIC GEO 4.0  

Oceanic Geo 4.0 Dive Computer
Available in a choice of five strap colors. 


With a sporty new design, the Geo 4.0 Geo 4.0 has an updated display with Bluetooth connectivity for quick linking to your smartphone via the DiverLog+ app. Equipped with both DSAT and Pelagic Z+ algorithms, the Geo 4.0 lets you choose the decompression formula that suits your dive style. The 4-button controls allows quick and easy settings and selections.
oceanicworldwide.com | $399.95  
 


SEAC ACTION/ ACTION HR  

Seac Action Dive Computer
Ergonomic, watch-style computer with scuba, free dive and gauge modes.  


This compact package is available in a stainless finish or shock-resistant HR (high resistance) design. Divers can program up to two gas mixes and navigate a four-button interface on an adjustable intensity LCD screen. In freedive mode, you can control dive time and surface intervals, as well as track current and maximum depth during each submersion.
seacsub.com | $319, $329 (HR)  
 


SEAC DRIVER  

Seac Driver Dive Compuer
Value-oriented free diving computer for any breath-hold adventure. 


This budget-friendly freediving computer empowers users to monitor data including including descent/ascent rate, total dive time, temperature and depth on a single screen. It features the MSRT (Minimum Surface Recovery Time) function to increase safety, and there’s internal memory for logging dives. It’s all packed into a convenient, streamlined watch-style case.
seacsub.com | $199  
 

 

SCUBAPRO A1/A2  

Scubapro A1 Dive Computer
Bluetooth interface for quick, cable-free downloads to smartphone or other device.


The new nitrox-comptaible A1 is a simple and versatile recreational computer with an easy-to-read display and intuitive operation. Four-button control allows quick and easy navigation through menus and settings. The more advanced A2 provides additional functionality such as adaptive deco algorithm and 6 dive modes including side-mount, Trimix and CCR.
scubapro.com | Starting at $ 499  
 


SHEARWATER NERD 2  

Shearwater Nerd 2 Dive Computer
Advanced optics make view like that of a 25-inch TV from 12 feet away.


The NERD 2 keeps critical data in your line of sight throughout your dive with its advanced near-eye remote display. With air integration and 3-axis digital compass, the NERD 2 takes just a glance at the magnified micro LCD display to check no-deco time, gas pressure, heading and other info. The highly adjustable mount attaches easily to most regulator second-stage hoses.
shearwater.com | $1,550  
  

 

SHEARWATER PERDIX AI  

Shearwater Perdix AI Dive Computer
Dual transmitter capability perfect for sidemount diving.


Its large screen and simplified operation make the Perdix AI a breeze to read, set up and operate for divers of all experience levels. Features include air integration, customizable screen layout and colors, 3-axis compass and 2-button control with clear, intuitive screen prompts for no-fuss menu navigation. Powered with any standard AA for quick, convenient battery changes.
shearwater.com  | $935
 

 

SHEARWATER TERIC  

Shearwater Teric Dive Computer
Advanced capabilities and easy operation in a stylish watch design.


With a full-color display, watch-sized ergonomics, intuitive operation and advanced capabilities, the Teric is equally at home on the wrist of the newest or the most experienced of divers. Wireless charging and Bluetooth log downloads to the free Shearwater Cloud app make the Teric as convenient as it capable. Now available in new strap and bezel color options.
shearwater.com   | $1,095
  

 

SUUNTO D5 

Suunto D5 Dive Computer
Patented Gas Time Remaining display shows real-time calculation.

 
The air-integrated D5 is so intuitive that you can effortlessly navigate menus before you even glance at the manual. The high-contrast screen has a reflective technology that boosts visibility whether in full sun or pitch black, while the crisp, full color display and programable audible and vibrating alarms let the D5 convey important info at a glance.
suunto.com | Starting at $879.95  
  


TUSA IQ1204 DC SOLAR LINK  

Tusa Solar Link Dive Computer
Now available in new colors.


The DC Solar Link means the end of battery replacements or missed dives because of a dead battery. With a solar panel built into its face, it recharges from sunlight or indoor fluorescent lighting, and has a power-level indicator on its display. It has dive, freedive and gauge modes, and pairs with Bluetooth for quick dive log downloads to smartphone or tablet via Tusa’s free Diving Log app.
tusa.com  | $699
  


SHERWOOD BEACON  

Sherwood Beacon Dive Computer
Patented Gas Time Remaining display shows real-time calculation.


Designed for ease of operation, the Beacon has a simplified, three-button operating system and straight-forward menu for intuitive settings and adjustments. The transistor screen delivers outstanding color contrast for easy reading. Bluetooth allows wireless transfer of dive data to smartphone or tablet via the DiverLog+ app, and the Beacon can be configured for replaceable or rechargeable batteries.
sherwoodscuba.com | $1,150  

 

Text and photos originally appeared in the March 2020 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.
  

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