Garmin has unveiled its latest dive computer, the Descent X30. Positioned as the streamlined sibling of the feature-packed X50i, the X30 delivers a thoughtful balance of essential features, portability, and affordability. With its eco-conscious design, vibrant display, and intelligent dive tools, it is built for divers who want reliability without unnecessary complexity.
But is the X30 the right choice for your diving adventures, or should you consider investing in the more advanced X50i? Read on to discover what makes the X30 special, who it is best suited for, how it compares to its bigger brother, and what this launch means for the future of dive technology.
Key Features and Benefits
Large 2.4″ Colour Display
A vivid, easy-to-read screen ensures you can see critical dive data at a glance. Customisable layouts allow up to three data fields per page, making reading depth, NDL, or gas mix information effortless, even in low-light conditions.
Multi-Gas and Trimix Support
Supports single-gas, multi-gas, and Trimix dive profiles, accommodating both recreational and tecreational divers. Gas-switching features provide flexibility for extended dives without overcomplicating the interface.
Rugged, Dive-Ready Design
Built for challenging conditions with a 10 ATM (100 m) depth rating. Four large, leakproof metal buttons are easy to operate with gloves or thick wetsuits, and flip-screen mode lets you orient the device to suit your dive setup.
Surface GPS and Compass
Mark entry and exit points accurately and navigate underwater confidently with a 3-axis digital compass - particularly useful for low-visibility dives or unfamiliar locations.
NDL Aware™ Depth Metrics
Real-time insights into how depth changes affect your no-decompression limit (NDL) allow divers to extend bottom time safely and make smarter decisions underwater.
Environmental Awareness
An onboard water temperature sensor helps locate thermoclines and anticipate changes in dive conditions, supporting safer and more comfortable ascents.
Smart Alerts
Customisable audible and vibration alerts keep you aware of ascent rates, gas switches, decompression requirements, and safety stops, reducing cognitive load during critical moments.
Extended Battery Life
With up to 30 hours in dive mode, the X30 has the endurance to support multiple dives across a full trip, including high-brightness and night-dive settings.
Comfortable and Adaptable Bands
Hinged silicone straps fit easily over wetsuits, and compatibility with 26 mm QuickFit® bands provides flexibility for alternative straps or bungee mounts.
Dive Logging and Connectivity
Store dive data on the device and sync it to the Garmin Dive™ app for seamless logging and sharing. Pairing with inReach® satellite communicators (with a dive case) allows for SOS messaging above the surface.
Real-World Use Cases
- Night or Low-Visibility Dives: Large screen and vibration alerts improve safety and visibility of critical data.
- Travel-Friendly: Lightweight design and long battery life make it ideal for multi-day diving trips.
- Cold-Water Diving: Oversized buttons and flip-screen mode ensure usability with gloves or drysuits.
- Multi-Gas and Trimix Diving: Supports advanced recreational and tecreational profiles safely and efficiently.
Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Innovation
The X30’s housing and bezel are made from recycled ocean-bound plastics, reducing marine waste while offering high-performance durability. Garmin demonstrates that advanced dive technology can coexist with environmental responsibility.
Who the Descent X30 is For
The X30 is ideal for:
- Recreational divers seeking a dependable, easy-to-use computer.
- Travelling divers who value compact, lightweight equipment.
- New divers making their first serious investment.
- Instructors or experienced divers needing a reliable backup computer.
For those not pursuing CCR or advanced air integration, the X30 provides all essential features without unnecessary extras.
X30 vs. X50i: Choosing the Right Computer
Both the X30 and X50i share Garmin’s commitment to bright displays, rugged construction, and connected features. But the differences are significant:
| Feature | Garmin Descent X30 | Garmin Descent X50i |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Display | 2.4″ colour | 3″ colour touchscreen |
| Dive Rating | 10 ATM (100 m) | 20 ATM (200 m) |
| Air Integration | No | Yes (with Descent T2 transceiver) |
| Diver-to-Diver Messaging | No | Yes (SubWave™ sonar) |
| CCR Support | No | Yes |
| Dive Maps | Basic GPS entry/exit logging | DiveView™ maps with bathymetric depth contours |
Verdict:
- The Descent X30 is compact, sustainable, and affordable - perfect for recreational and tecreational divers.
- The Descent X50i is designed for technical divers requiring CCR support, diver-to-diver communication, and deeper dive limits.
Price Perspective
The X30 is available for £649.99 at Mike's Dive Store, making it an accessible entry point into Garmin’s dive ecosystem. For context, the X50i is typically around double this price, positioning the X30 as the ideal choice for divers seeking essential features at a competitive cost.
Practical Accessories
- QuickFit® bands: Alternative mounting options for comfort and style.
- Bungee straps: Secure fits over thick wetsuits or dry suits.
- inReach® Mini 2 with dive case: Enhanced safety and connectivity for surface emergencies.
These accessories help divers customise their setup for comfort, safety, and versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Descent X30 suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is intuitive, lightweight, and provides all the essential tools for early-career divers.
Can it be used for technical diving?
It supports multi-gas and Trimix but does not support CCR. Its 100 m depth rating covers most advanced recreational dives.
Does it include air integration?
No. Only the X50i supports air integration with the Descent T2 transmitter.
Does it include GPS dive mapping?
The X30 features surface GPS for marking entry/exit points, but full DiveView™ bathymetric maps are exclusive to the X50i.
Can I log and share dives?
Yes. Dive data can be stored on the X30 and synced to the Garmin Dive™ app for review and sharing.
Community Integration
With the Garmin Dive™ app, divers can log dives, track progress, and connect with a broader diving community. Share adventures, compare stats, and plan dives efficiently - turning the X30 into both a personal and social tool.
The Bigger Picture: Innovation for 2025 and Beyond
The Descent X30 represents the next stage in dive technology. By combining eco-conscious materials, smarter metrics, and enhanced connectivity, Garmin is redefining dive computers to be lighter, smarter, and environmentally responsible.
Future models are expected to expand on this foundation, blending performance, usability, and sustainability - shaping the next generation of underwater exploration tools.
Book a Video Consultation with Our Dive Experts
Not every diver can visit our store, but that does not mean you should miss out on expert guidance. We offer live video consultations, connecting you directly with our experienced staff from anywhere in the world.
If you’re unsure which Garmin dive computer is right for you - whether it’s the X30, G2, or Mk3i - this is the perfect chance to get personalised advice. Our experts can help you compare features, find the best fit for your diving style, and guide you through the options to make the right choice for your needs.
Whether you’re exploring your first dive computer, upgrading, or need help fitting drysuits, undersuits, wetsuits, masks, or prescription masks, our team is here to provide tailored recommendations.
Visit our booking page to request your consultation today: Book Your Video Consultation
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Discover More Garmin Dive Computers
The Descent X30 is just one example of Garmin’s cutting-edge dive technology. Explore other models designed to meet the needs of every diver:
- Garmin Descent G2 – Lightweight, high-performance dive computer with multi-gas support, GPS navigation, and smartwatch functionality. Ideal for recreational divers seeking versatility on land and underwater.
- Garmin Descent Mk3i – Advanced dive computer with CCR compatibility, SubWave™ diver-to-diver communication, multi-gas support, and long battery life for extended dives. Perfect for technical divers and tecreational exploration.
Each Garmin model combines rugged construction, smart connectivity, and advanced dive metrics to ensure safety and performance under the water.
