In terms of diving safety, a dive computer is one of the main components in safely executing your dive. My dive computer often signals to me, "Hey buddy, I know you enjoy these schooling sharks, but it's time to come up shallower" - to some extent, it is a guardian angel wrapped around your wrist. But which computer to choose? There are so many of them, and almost all major brands produce a full range of dive computers for beginners, advanced and technical divers. If you are planning to purchase your first dive computer or arrange a perfect gift for Xmas, we gathered a list of the best dive computers of 2022.
Best Dive Computer for Beginners
When it was first launched, the Suunto Zoop Novo aspired to be the best value dive computer, and it is precisely that. With a retail price of around £230, it is the best value-for-money entry-level dive computer on the market. A clear, easy-to-read, and phosphorescent LCD with air and nitrox modes and a user-replaceable battery is all beginner divers will need from this quality instrument from Suunto.
We love Suunto Zoop because:
- Best quality for money option for a beginner
- Clear, segment display
- Air and nitrox support
- User changeable battery
If Suunto has its Zoop, Mares offers a neat package in the body of the Mares Quad Dive Computer. The large three-segment LCD screen is super easy to read and is one of the most popular choices for divers wearing prescription masks. Mares Quad computers come in two versions - with and without air integration (Mares Quad Air).
We like Mares Quad Dive Computers because:
- Multigas capable (3 gas mixes)
- Long battery life, user replaceable
- Large, segment display
- Mares Quad Air has air integration.
The Suunto D4i Novo Dive Computer is easily the most popular watch-style dive computer we have ever sold. The D4i Novo has everything a recreational diver needs, and it looks fabulous on your hand. Lightweight, robust, and comfortable for diving and everyday use, an easy-to-read screen with a dot matrix segment screen and optional wireless air integration. The dive modes of the Suunto D4i Novo include an innovative apnea timer, and a timer in air/nitrox modes for those of you with a multidisciplinary approach to diving.
We love Suunto D4i Novo for the following:
- Compact, stylish watch-type package
- Multiple modes, including air, nitrox, freediving and off
- Optional wireless air integration – current cylinder pressure, remaining air time
Best Dive Computers for Advanced Divers
Like entry-level dive computers, Suunto offers one of the best computers for advanced and extended-range diving - Suunto Vyper Novo. Many divers love this wrist-mounted dive computer with multiple air and nitrox functions and the option to switch gases underwater. It is the number one choice for many extended-range divers out there. The Suunto Vyper Novo is also one of the most cost-effective computers and the only one in this price range offering an integrated tilt-compensated 3D digital compass.
We love Suunto Vyper Novo dive computer because:
- Gas switching
- Air integration
- User-replaceable battery
- 3D tilt-compensated compass
Shearwater Research is a well know Canadian dive computer manufacturer producing high-quality technical diving computers. And only recently, they made a grand entry into more affordable tecreational diving with their Shearwater Peregrine model. The Shearwater Peregrine is aimed at recreational and advanced divers. It offers gas switching for up to three gases, so if you are an advanced diver or looking into extended-range diving, this is one of the best options on the market.
We love the Shearwater Peregrine dive computer because:
- Full colour 2.2" LCD
- Air, Single-gas Nitrox, and multigas Nitrox modes
- Rechargeable battery
- Buhlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors
A legend of a watch, the Suunto D5 is a watch-type dive computer with an ultra-crisp LCD full-colour display and multiple dive modes. Still, it also has the wireless ability, a vibration alarm, a rechargeable battery and a 3D tilt-compensated compass - a pretty fabulous package that almost every dive would love to have.
We love the Suunto D5 dive computer because:
- Low profile but very stylish contemporary look
- Vibration alarm
- Wireless integration
- Multigas switching
- 3D tilt-compensated compass
Best Dive Computers for Technical Divers
Technical diving computers are the most advanced dive computers and support multiple gas mixes and allow closed and open circuit decompression calculation. The top ones will allow gradient factor adjustment.
Enjoyed by many technical open circuits and closed circuit divers are considered one of the best technical dive computers on the market. One of the sleekest tools on the market considered by most technical divers are the flagships from Shearwater Research, such as Perdix and Perdix 2. Shearwater Perdix 1 and Perdix 2 come in two versions - with and without integration. Both models have a fantastic ultra-crisp colour-coded display that is a beacon for safe diving!
We love Shearwater Perdixes because:
- Logical and intuitive two-button navigation
- Colour-coded LCD backlight
- Vibration alarm in Perdix 2
- AI models with air integration
- Gradient Factor adjustments
- Rebreather diving support
- Various user changeable AA batteries
The Suunto EON Core is one of the best-selling advanced and technical dive computers at Mike's Dive Store. Cool looking, with different colour options, compact size, and a possibility to set fixed ppO2 for rebreather diving, EON Core and EON Steel are excellent for any advanced diver looking for a quality diving instrument that is almost as good as having a wingman!
What we love about EON Core:
- Compact size
- Rechargeable battery
- Air integration
- Gradient Factors adjustment with EON Steel
The Scubapro G2 Dive Computer is the evolution of the Galileo range (G2 stands for Galileo 2). It is a high-specification computer capable of supporting a diver from their first dive to CCR rebreather diving. It is smaller, lighter, more advanced and fitted with a high-resolution TFT colour screen.
Why we love Scuba G2 Dive Computer:
- CCR and Sidemount modes
- Preset screen layouts
- Display colours change depending on the alert level to get your attention to important information
- Digital compass
- Eight nitrox/trimix gas mixes
- Compatible with up to 11 wireless transmitters
- Supports Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) belt
Best Technical Diving Watch-Type Dive Computers
Technical dive computers such as Shearwater Teric, Garmin Mk2i and Garmin G1 SOLAR - super practical and functional units became diving icons since they were released. They are also one of the most popular products suited for all levels of diving - from recreational diving to full rebreather diving and anything in between.
Shearwater Teric, with its ultra-bright OLED display, offers the best visual clarity in all diving conditions.
The Garmin G1 Solar computer may have a monochrome screen. Still, it can go without cable charging for a substantial amount of time and is the most compact, technical and fitness dive watch available on the market.
Last bet not least, the Garmin Mk2i, with its different versions, is the most advanced dive computer - the number of functions packed in this unit makes it a bit of a marvel!
Why we love particular technical watch-type computers:
- Shearwater Teric - ultra crisp, colour AMOLED screen and easy navigation
- Garmin G1 SOLAR - can go without cable charge for months
- Garmin Mk2i - tap screen and a fantastic amount of fitness functions
We’re Here to Help
There is a wide variety of dive computers out there in the market that’s designed for every scuba diver’s needs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what dive computer will best suit your needs, please email us at support@mikesdivestore.com where we have a team of scuba diving professionals. Or if you live locally or in the surrounding areas of London, pop in and come visit us in-store where you can take a look at our range yourself and find the perfect dive computer for you.
