Thinking of buying your first dive computer? Great decision! A dive computer is one of the most essential pieces of equipment a diver can own—second only to your regulator and maybe your mask. Whether you’re fresh off your Open Water certification or planning your next warm-water getaway, having a reliable and user-friendly dive computer helps you dive smarter, safer, and more independently.
But with dozens of options and features out there, how do you know which one’s right for you?
We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explain what a dive computer is, why every beginner diver should use one, and reveal our handpicked list of the Best Beginner Dive Computers of 2025, ranked from most beginner-friendly to more feature-rich models you can grow into—all available at Mike’s Dive Store.
What Is a Dive Computer and Why Do You Need One?
A dive computer is an electronic device that monitors your depth, dive time, ascent rate, and no-decompression limits (NDLs) during a dive. It replaces dive tables with real-time data and alerts, helping you dive within safe limits. Most computers today also include features like nitrox compatibility, dive logs, and Bluetooth syncing.
Why beginners need a dive computer:
- Real-time dive safety: Calculates NDLs based on your actual profile.
- Ascent monitoring: Helps you avoid dangerous rapid ascents.
- Dive planning and review: Stores your logs and helps you track progress.
- Confidence booster: Lets you focus more on the experience, less on the math.
If you’re a beginner, using a dive computer helps you dive smarter, safer, and with more confidence.
Here are the best beginner dive computers available at Mike’s Dive Store, ranked for ease of use, value, and features. Let’s dive in.
1. Mares Puck 4 Dive Computer
Price Range: Entry-Level / Budget-Friendly
Display & Interface: The Mares Puck 4 features a classic “hockey puck” shape with a large, high-contrast segmented LCD screen. This design keeps essential dive info front and centre with a simple, no-frills display and a straightforward 4-button interface — perfect for beginners who want something intuitive.
Features: Includes air and nitrox modes (up to 50% oxygen), audible and visual alarms, no-decompression limit (NDL) tracking, ascent rate monitoring, and safety stop countdown.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s rugged, reliable, and offers everything you need without complicated menus or excessive features, making it a fantastic starting point.
Explore Mares Puck 4 at Mike’s Dive Store
2. Cressi Leonardo Diving Computer
Price Range: Affordable Entry-Level
Display & Interface: The Leonardo has a large dot-matrix LCD that’s easy to read underwater, combined with a simple button layout for quick navigation.
Features: Supports air and nitrox (up to 50%), gauge, freediving and apnea modes, audible alarms, and backlight for low-light dives. It also offers a dive planner and detailed dive log storage, which is great for tracking your progress.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s robust, offers multiple diving modes if you want to explore beyond recreational scuba, and has a clear, uncluttered display. It’s an excellent balance of affordability and functionality.
3. Cressi Neon Diving Computer
Price Range: Entry-Level Wristwatch Style
Display & Interface: The Neon is a sleek wristwatch-style dive computer with a bright, colourful display and straightforward button controls. It’s designed for divers who want a lightweight, stylish, and practical companion on their wrist.
Features: Nitrox compatible, supports freediving and scuba, with easy-to-read data including depth, dive time, NDL, and ascent rate. It also includes vibration alerts alongside audible alarms.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: For divers who prefer a wristwatch look over bulkier puck-style units, the Neon offers simplicity without sacrificing essential safety features.
4. Cressi Donatello Diving Computer
Price Range: Mid-Entry Level
Display & Interface: The Donatello sports a larger, high-contrast screen with an easy-to-use interface and 4-button navigation. It offers excellent underwater visibility with backlighting and a crisp display.
Features: Includes nitrox up to 50%, gauge, freediving modes, no-fly time calculator, residual nitrogen tracking, and air integration compatibility (with optional transmitter).
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Ideal for divers who want a step up from the basics — it’s user-friendly but packs a bit more versatility and future-proofing with optional air integration.
Learn more about the Cressi Donatello
5. Cressi Raffaello Dive Computer
Price Range: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate
Display & Interface: The Raffaello offers a sleek, ergonomic design with a large, segmented display that’s highly legible even in murky conditions. It has an intuitive button layout that makes menu navigation easy.
Features: Multi-gas switching, air and nitrox support, deep stop function, comprehensive dive log with detailed profile data, and Bluetooth connectivity for easy data syncing.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Perfect for divers who want a device to grow into — it covers all basic needs but offers advanced features and connectivity for more serious dive planning and review.
Explore the Cressi Raffaello
6. Mares Smart Dive Computer
Price Range: Mid-Range / Tech-Savvy Beginners
Display & Interface: Features a bright, clear LCD screen with a user-friendly interface and multiple buttons for effortless menu access.
Features: Air and nitrox modes, multi-gas support, Bluetooth for wireless dive log syncing to smartphones or PCs, customizable alarms, and a dive planner.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: If you like tech and want to easily keep digital dive logs and analyze your dives via an app, the Mares Smart offers convenience combined with solid safety features.
Discover Mares Smart Dive Computer
7. Scubapro Luna 2.0 Air Integrated Dive Computer
Price Range: Upper Mid-Range / Beginner to Advanced
Display & Interface: Stylish, compact, and wristwatch-style with a crisp display, illuminated for night or low-visibility diving. It features a simple menu system that’s beginner-friendly.
Features: Air integration via optional transmitter, air and nitrox modes, multiple gas switching, dive log, Bluetooth connectivity, and safety alerts including ascent rate and no-fly time.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Ideal if you want an air-integrated computer with room to grow into more technical diving. It’s a great combination of style, functionality, and user-friendliness.
See Scubapro Luna 2.0
8. Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
Price Range: Beginner to Intermediate
Display & Interface: Large, bright matrix display with excellent readability and simple button navigation. Backlit screen enhances visibility in all conditions.
Features: Supports air and nitrox, gauge mode, freediving mode, audible alarms, residual nitrogen tracking, and no-fly time advisory. Offers a built-in dive planner and detailed dive log.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: A trusted workhorse with a solid reputation among dive instructors, the Zoop Novo is durable, straightforward, and dependable, perfect for building confidence underwater.
Check out Suunto Zoop Novo
9. Suunto Vyper Novo Dive Computer
Price Range: Intermediate / Advanced Beginner
Display & Interface: Larger and more detailed than the Zoop Novo, with an ultra-clear colour screen and simple menu system for ease of use.
Features: Air integration, multi-gas support, nitrox and trimix compatibility, wireless connectivity, vibration alerts, and extensive dive log with profile analysis.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: For divers wanting to explore tech diving, this computer offers advanced features while remaining accessible enough for those still building experience.
Explore Suunto Vyper Novo
10. Garmin Descent™ G2 Dive Computer
Price Range: Premium / Tech Enthusiasts
Display & Interface: Full-colour smartwatch-style display with touchscreen and physical buttons for flexibility. Waterproof and ruggedized for diving and daily wear.
Features: GPS, multiple dive modes including scuba, apnea, gauge, and technical; air integration; wireless syncing to Garmin Connect; customizable watch faces and smart notifications above water.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: If you want a dive computer that doubles as an everyday smartwatch with premium dive features, the Garmin Descent G2 is an investment in both lifestyle and safety that will last for years.
Discover Garmin Descent G2
Choosing the Perfect Dive Computer for Your Journey
Your first dive computer will be your most trusted companion underwater, helping you stay safe, monitor your dive profile in real time, and grow your diving skills. When choosing, consider factors like:
- Ease of use: Is the interface intuitive for you?
- Display readability: Can you read it clearly in various conditions?
- Features: Do you need nitrox, air integration, or multi-gas support?
- Budget: Entry-level units start around £230, with advanced models offering more features at higher prices.
- Connectivity: Want to log and analyse dives digitally? Look for Bluetooth or USB syncing.
- Battery: User-replaceable or sealed batteries, and availability of quick service.
At Mike’s Dive Store in Chiswick, we not only stock these fantastic beginner dive computers but also offer expert advice and a Dive Computer Service Centre to keep your gear ready for action. Swing by or shop online to find your perfect match, because your dive computer is an investment in your safety and enjoyment beneath the waves.
Dive smart. Dive safe. Dive with confidence.
