Best Dive Computers for 2025
This comprehensive guide reviews the best dive computers available in 2025. Dr. Simon Pierce is a marine biologist co-founding the Marine Megafauna Foundation, leading the Global Whale Shark Program with 20+ years diving experience and thousands of logged dives worldwide.
Top Picks Summary
| Category | Model | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | Shearwater Perdix 2 | Air-integrated, titanium | $$$ |
| Most Popular | Shearwater Peregrine | Intuitive, great screen | $$ |
| Watch-Style | Shearwater Teric | AMOLED, wearable | $$$ |
| Smartwatch | Garmin Descent Mk2i | Full smartwatch + 5 tanks | $$$$ |
| iOS Smartwatch | Apple Watch Ultra | Touch-screen, Oceanic+ | $$$ |
| Best Looking | Suunto D5 | Excellent aesthetics | $$$ |
| Budget Air-Integrated | Aqua Lung i470TC | 3 transmitters, ~$500 | $$ |
| Budget | Aqua Lung i300C | Entry-level, Bluetooth | $ |
Overall Winner: Shearwater Perdix 2
The Shearwater Perdix 2 is the top pick for 2025, featuring air integration, a color LED display, and titanium construction.
Key Features:
- Bright 2.2-inch color screen
- Excellent user interface
- 100+ hour battery life with replaceable AA battery
- Titanium bezel construction
- Full technical diving support
Best For: Underwater photographers, technical divers, and anyone wanting the best overall dive computer.
Most Popular: Shearwater Peregrine
The Shearwater Peregrine is praised for its intuitive interface and readable display, making it perfect for beginners at around $500.
Key Features:
- Slate-style design with large 2.2” color LED screen
- Intuitive two-button navigation
- Supports 3-Gas Nitrox mode
- ~30 hour battery life
- Wireless charging
Best For: Beginners and recreational divers who want an excellent display and user experience.
Read Full Shearwater Peregrine Review
Best Watch-Style: Shearwater Teric
The Shearwater Teric combines air integration with a beautiful AMOLED color display in a wearable watch-style design.
Key Features:
- Air-integrated with wireless transmitter support
- AMOLED color display
- Wearable as everyday watch
- Dedicated freediving mode
- 3-axis digital compass
Best For: Divers who want a watch-style computer with full technical capabilities.
Read Full Shearwater Teric Review
Best Smartwatch: Garmin Descent Mk2i
The Garmin Descent Mk2i offers full smartwatch capabilities with air integration supporting up to 5 tanks.
Key Features:
- Full smartwatch functionality
- GPS, music, and fitness tracking
- Air integration for up to 5 tanks
- Excellent topside watch
- Comprehensive dive logging
Best For: Divers who want a do-everything smartwatch that’s also a capable dive computer.
Best iOS Smartwatch: Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra with Oceanic+ app integration brings touch-screen dive computing to the Apple ecosystem with haptic feedback.
Key Features:
- Touch-screen interface
- Oceanic+ app integration
- Haptic feedback
- Excellent everyday smartwatch
- Depth and temperature logging
Best For: iPhone users who want a capable dive computer in their everyday smartwatch.
Best Looking: Suunto D5
The Suunto D5 combines air integration with a color LED display and excellent aesthetics.
Key Features:
- Beautiful design
- Color LED display
- Air integration capability
- Customizable watch faces
- Good app integration
Best For: Style-conscious divers who want a good-looking computer.
Best Budget Air-Integrated: Aqua Lung i470TC
The Aqua Lung i470TC offers watch-style design with a grayscale display at around $500, supporting up to 3 transmitters.
Key Features:
- Air integration at budget price
- Supports 3 transmitters
- Watch-style form factor
- Grayscale display
- Bluetooth connectivity
Best For: Budget-conscious divers who still want air integration.
Best Budget: Aqua Lung i300C
The Aqua Lung i300C is an excellent entry-level option with Bluetooth connectivity.
Key Features:
- Entry-level price point
- Bluetooth connectivity for dive log downloads
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Reliable performance
Best For: New divers on a budget.
What Makes a Good Dive Computer
According to our testing, quality dive computers should feature:
- Intuitive user interface - Easy navigation and settings
- Bright, readable screens - Color recommended for advanced models
- Air integration capability - Optional but convenient
- Reliable battery life - Easy charging or replacement
- Customizable display settings - Adapt to your preferences
- Bluetooth connectivity - For dive log downloads
- Digital compass integration - Navigation assistance
Key Features to Consider:
“An easy-to-read, full-color backlit screen, air integration to monitor tank pressure, the ability to change oxygen levels for nitrox compatibility, freedive mode, ascent speed monitoring, and simple menu navigation.”
Dive Computer Styles
Console-Style
- Attached to regulator first stage
- Large, easy-to-read displays
- No risk of losing
- Traditional design
Watch-Style
- Wearable on wrist
- Can double as everyday watch
- Compact and portable
- Most popular style today
Slate-Style
- Larger screens than watches
- Better readability underwater
- Worn on wrist with bungee or strap
- Popular with technical divers
Air Integration Explained
Air-integrated computers connect via transmitters attached to regulator first stages, displaying real-time tank pressure and calculated remaining dive time on one screen.
Benefits Include:
- Consolidated dive data display
- Customizable pressure alerts
- Remaining dive time calculations
- No need to check separate SPG
Transmitter Types:
- Broadcast - Frequency-based pairing
- Permanent Pairing - Serial number entry required
Dive Algorithms
All major brand recreational computers use safe algorithms:
- Buhlmann ZH-L
- VPM
- RGBM
- DSAT
Conservative algorithms suit beginners and instructors conducting repetitive dives. The specific algorithm matters less than proper dive planning and conservative diving practices.
FAQs
Do beginners need dive computers?
Yes - “your first shopping spree should include a dive mask and dive computer.” A dive computer is essential safety equipment.
Best for beginners?
Shearwater Peregrine - intuitive interface and beautiful display make it perfect for new divers.
Best for advanced divers?
Shearwater Teric or Garmin Descent Mk2i - full features for technical diving.
Is air integration necessary?
Convenient but not essential. Many experienced divers still use separate SPGs successfully.
Does price equal safety?
No - expense doesn’t correlate with safety. All major brands use proven algorithms.
Related Shearwater Reviews
- Shearwater Showdown Comparison
- Shearwater Teric Review
- Shearwater Perdix 2 Review
- Shearwater Peregrine Review
Related Dive Gear Guides
Dive Gear:
Snorkel Gear:
- Best Snorkel Gear 2025
- Kids Snorkel Sets
- Snorkel Fins
- Snorkel Masks
- Prescription Snorkel Mask
- Full Face Snorkel Mask
About the Author
Dr. Simon Pierce is a marine biologist co-founding the Marine Megafauna Foundation, leading the Global Whale Shark Program with 20+ years diving experience and thousands of logged dives worldwide. His photography and research appear in BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and New York Times.