If you’ve ever scrolled through a page of dive computers and wondered which one is right for you, you’re not alone. From casual holiday dives to technical expeditions, the right dive computer is the single most important tool for safety, confidence, and planning underwater.
In 2025, the market offers brighter colour displays, smarter connectivity, eco-conscious options, and more watch-sized designs than ever. But what really matters is matching the right features to the type of diving you do. Below you’ll find our carefully chosen best dive computer picks of 2025.
Key Features & Benefits to Watch For
- Display & readability – Sunlight visibility, colour vs monochrome, and intuitive layouts.
- Dive modes – Air, Nitrox, Freedive, Gauge, and advanced modes like Trimix or CCR.
- Air integration – Wireless transmitter support for real-time tank pressure.
- Battery type – Rechargeable convenience vs user-replaceable cells.
- Durability – Depth rating, casing, and scratch resistance.
- Connectivity – Bluetooth, apps, and logbook syncing.
- Sustainability – Eco-friendly straps, packaging, and long-lasting construction.
Our Top Picks for 2025
- Best Entry-Level – Straightforward, affordable, and easy to use for new divers.
- Best Mid-Range – A balance of modern display, solid features, and everyday reliability.
- Best High-End – Packed with premium tech and safety tools for serious divers.
- Best for Recreational Divers on the Go – Lightweight and versatile for travel and everyday diving.
- Best Watch-Size, All-Singing-All-Dancing – A sleek wristwatch packed with advanced functions.
- Best Technical – Built tough with advanced gas and decompression tools for tech explorers.
- Best Value for Money – Full of useful features without the flagship price tag.
- Best Affordable, Watch-Size & Travel-Friendly – Compact, budget-friendly, and no-fuss.
- Best Freediving Computer – Slim, streamlined, and designed for freedivers.
- Best for Eco-Conscious Divers – Combining performance with sustainability and ocean-friendly design.
Best Dive Computers of 2025
Best Entry-Level – Suunto Zoop Novo
The Zoop Novo remains one of the most trusted starter computers. It’s tough, affordable, and has everything you need for recreational diving.
Key features: Large, clear display | Easy four-button interface | Air and Nitrox modes | User-replaceable battery | Dive log storage.
Why we chose it: It delivers reliable Suunto performance without overwhelming new divers with features they don’t yet need.
Who it’s for: Beginner divers or those who dive occasionally and want a straightforward, no-fuss tool.
Best Mid-Range – Scubapro Luna 2.0
A step up in design and function, the Luna 2.0 combines intuitive menus with a crisp colour screen.
Key features: High-resolution colour display | Nitrox up to 100% O₂ | Bluetooth logbook transfer | Rechargeable battery | Optional wireless air integration.
Why we chose it: It’s a strong mid-point between simplicity and performance, making it ideal for divers who want to grow their skills.
Who it’s for: Recreational divers who dive regularly and want modern features without paying for technical extras.
Best High-End – Garmin Descent X50i Premium Dive Computer
Garmin’s new flagship delivers everything you’d expect from a top-end computer, with cutting-edge design and SubWave™ sonar diver-to-diver messaging.
Key features: 3″ colour touchscreen | SubWave™ sonar comms | Multi-gas & Nitrox | Wireless air integration | GPS & mapping | Smartwatch functions.
Why we chose it: It blends high-level dive technology with Garmin’s proven smartwatch ecosystem, making it as useful on land as underwater.
Who it’s for: Divers who want the most advanced features available today — and a premium build to match.
Best for Recreational Divers on the Go – Suunto Ocean
Suunto’s latest watch-sized dive computer is designed for travellers and everyday wear, with robust dive features tucked inside.
Key features: Full-colour AMOLED display | Air integration ready | Fitness and smartwatch features | 30+ sport modes | Rechargeable battery.
Why we chose it: It bridges the gap between a lifestyle smartwatch and a serious dive computer, perfect for divers who live on the move.
Who it’s for: Recreational divers who want one device for both travel and diving.
Best Watch-Sized “Do-It-All” – Garmin Descent Mk3i
A powerhouse in a compact watch body, the Mk3i offers everything from Trimix support to Garmin health tracking.
Key features: Air integration with Descent T2 transmitter | SubWave™ diver-to-diver messaging | Multi-gas, Trimix, CCR support | AMOLED display | Full smartwatch suite.
Why we chose it: No other watch-sized computer packs this much in. It’s a daily-wearable that can handle the most advanced dives.
Who it’s for: Divers who want one watch to rule them all — from gym to wreck penetration.
Best Technical – Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
The industry standard for tech divers, rugged and intuitive with full Trimix and CCR support.
Key features: 2.2″ vivid colour display | Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors | Multiple dive modes | Bluetooth connectivity | Titanium bezel & buttons.
Why we chose it: Shearwater is trusted worldwide for reliability, accuracy, and customisation — everything technical divers demand.
Who it’s for: Technical and rebreather divers, instructors, or anyone planning advanced decompression diving.
Best Value for Money – Garmin Descent G2
While Garmin’s newer models grab the spotlight, the G2 quietly delivers an impressive package at a far friendlier price.
Key features: Full-colour display | Built-in GPS | Customisable dive modes | Compass | Smartwatch functionality for everyday use.
Why we chose it: For divers who want Garmin’s tech ecosystem and polished design but aren’t fussed about air integration, the G2 hits a sweet spot — it feels premium without demanding a flagship budget.
Who it’s for: Recreational and tech divers looking for a versatile, feature-rich computer that doubles as a stylish daily watch.
Best Affordable Watch-Size Travel Computer – Mares Smart
Simple, compact, and cost-effective, the Smart is a reliable travel companion.
Key features: Slim wristwatch design | Air and Nitrox | Two-button navigation | User-replaceable battery | Clear segmented display.
Why we chose it: It’s a no-frills, travel-ready option that doubles as a casual everyday watch.
Who it’s for: Divers who want a small, affordable, lightweight computer for holidays or backup.
Best Freediving Computer – Suunto D4f
Purpose-built for freedivers with slim styling and freedive-specific data tracking.
Key features: Freedive mode only | Depth, dive time, surface interval | User-replaceable battery | Slim stainless-steel bezel.
Why we chose it: It keeps things simple, lightweight, and focused on freediving performance.
Who it’s for: Freedivers and snorkellers who don’t need scuba modes.
Best for Eco-Conscious Divers – Suunto Ocean
The Suunto Ocean blends serious dive capability with everyday smartwatch versatility — all while being built with Suunto’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and packaging.
Key features: Bright AMOLED display | Full dive computer functionality | Freedive, gauge and nitrox modes | Sports and smartwatch features for surface use | Eco-friendly packaging.
Why we chose it: Few dive computers manage to perform brilliantly both underwater and topside. Suunto adds an eco edge through sustainable design choices — and for those who want to go further, the Project Hiu “Green Glow” strap supports shark conservation with every purchase.
Who it’s for: Divers who care about function and footprint — those who want a modern, stylish computer that reflects eco-conscious values.
FAQs
Q: Do I really need a dive computer if I dive with a guide?
Yes — highly advised. A dive computer tracks your personal dive profile in real time: depth, no-deco limits, ascent rate. A guide can plan the dive, but they can’t monitor your physiology or exact profile underwater.
Q: Can I use the same dive computer for freediving and scuba?
Many modern models include both scuba and freedive modes (e.g. Garmin Descent G1). Still, serious freedivers often prefer slim, dedicated freedive computers with more specialised features.
Q: How long does a dive computer last?
With proper care, expect 5–10 years. Regular software updates, thorough rinsing after saltwater dives, and safe storage all extend lifespan.
Q: Is air integration worth it?
For many divers, yes. It removes the need to constantly check an SPG and lets you see tank pressure directly on your computer. It does cost extra (transmitters are sold separately) — but it’s seriously cool once you’ve tried it.
Final Thoughts
The dive computer world is evolving fast — brighter displays, smartwatch integration, eco-friendly choices, and smarter safety tools. Whether you’re just starting or heading deep into tech territory, 2025’s lineup proves there’s a model built exactly for your diving.
Ready to find your new dive buddy?
👉 Explore the full Dive Computers Collection at Mike’s Dive Store and choose the one that’s right for you.
And remember that if you need any help with the choice, you can always email us at support@mikesdivestore.com, schedule a video consultation, or drop by our Chiswick store for expert, face-to-face advice.
