15 Best Dive Computers for Beginners in 2023

The best dive computers for beginners are one of the first gear you should buy if you intend to participate in this ocean-conquering sport.

Not only are they something made from metal for you to wear, but they also make it safer and easier for you to explore the deep sea. The dive computers for beginners are often easy to use and not too many unnecessary technical functions.

With dozens of brands and options available, choosing the right one may be overwhelming. I compiled a list of the top 15 best dive computers for beginners to give you some help.

My Top Picks

After researching on the Internet carefully plus my knowledge, I listed the top 15 best dive computers for beginners with their short descriptions. Let’s check it!

• Best Overall: Cressi Leonardo
  “ingle button, three different modes, battery saving syste.”
• Best Budget: Oceanic Geo 2.0
  “our modes, 3-minute countdown timer, a data retention system, flashing LED light alar.”
• Best Air Intergrated Dive Computer: Suunto D5
  “aterproof dive computer, an electronic compass, rechargeable battery, adjustable wrist stra.”
• Best With Compass: Mares Matrix
  “ull-dot matrix screen, tilt-compensated compass, 35-hour memory capacit.”
• Best Wrist Dive Computer for Beginners: Aqua Lung i300C
  “ireless interaction, backlight display, compact desig.”
• Best under $500: Mares Smart
  “wo ergonomic buttons, upgradable dive log, altitude settings, battery power indicato.”
• Best under $300: SUUNTO Zoop Novo
  “our button design, widened matrix screen, max depth display up to 330 fee.”
• Best For Technical Diving: Garmin Watch-Sized Surface GPS
  “esigned as a wristwatch, integrated sensors, surface GPS tracking system, Garmin Elevate heart rate technolog.”
• Best Under $1000: Shearwater Research Perdix
  “.2 inches screen, customizable information display, 1000-hour logbook memor.”
• Best for Freediving: Deepblu Cosmiq+
  “enewed version, updated memory capacity and depth alarms, built-in clock and calenda.”
• Best for the Money: Aqua Lung i200C
  “lobal standard battery, data backup ability, intuitive interfac.”
• Best Quality: SUUNTO Eon Core Wrist USB
  “enu organized logically, 20-hour dive time, on-board digital compas.”
• Best Durable: Mares Puck Pro
  “6-hour logbook, plan mode, max depth display up to 492 feet, 24 months warrant.”
• Best Comfortable: SHEARWATER RESEARCH Teric
  “urable dive computer, 30+ hours dive time, configurable color, air integrate.”
• Best Fashionable: SUUNTO D4i Novo
  “nnovative timers, updatable firmware, silicone wrist strap, comfortable to wea.”

Comparison Chart

The table below summarizes some key features which the best dive computers for beginners should have. Let’s take a look before going into detailed reviews!

The 15 Best Dive Computers for Beginners Reviews

I guess you have known more about some of the best dive computers for beginners, thanks to the comparison table above. However, everything has pros and cons. Therefore, I attached the following complete review to help you make the right decision.

1. Cressi Leonardo

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

See the Price on Amazon

The Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer has a display system that is friendly to divers. Large numbers show all the information on a high-definition screen.

Besides, the screen features light lines to categorize important information into groups, helping you easily get necessary information under emergencies.

It’s a piece of cake to set mode (air, nitrox, gauge), navigate the menus, or reset your options. Also, battery life can be lasting thanks to battery saver mode. And, you can replace the battery by yourself without any supporting tools.

Key Features:

• Single-button
• Large digits display
• Battery saving system
• User-replaceable battery
• A USB cable

Product Specifications:

2. Oceanic Geo 2.0

(Best Budget)

See the Price on Amazon

The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Wrist Watch Computer features up to 4 modes, including watch, norm, gauge, and free. Although it has a single button, it’s accessible with a user-friendly interface. This basic display allows divers to navigate forward or backward through menus and settings.

The most interesting thing I like is history mode. The mode enables me to review the number of dives, maximum depth, and total dive hours. Thanks to that, I can see my diving improvements and have plans to practice in the future.

The Oceanic Geo 2.0 has an audible alarm that will warn you when running out of oxygen. Its flashing LED light is an additional signal in case you cannot hear the alarm went off.

See my review on other top budget dive computers here.

Key Features:

• “Step Back” interface design
• 3-minute countdown timer
• The screen displays the last dive with max depth and time
• A data retention system
• Flashing LED light alarm
• History mode
• Firmware Auto-Update system

Product Specifications:

The user-changeable battery is one of the advantages that divers can expect at the Oceanic Geo 2.0. However, not everyone knows how to change the battery despite the simple process. Hence, let the following video guide you to some basic steps.

3. Suunto D5

(Best Air Intergrated Dive Computer)

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The Suunto D5 Air Integrated Wrist Computer impresses you with a gorgeous design for maximizing your dives’ comfort and enjoyment. Waterproof is a dispensable feature in any dive computers, and the Suunto D5 is not exceptional.

Its water-resistant capability is up to 328 feet, going with plentiful modes. The Suunto D5 offers a digital compass, making it possible to navigate more accurately underwater.

I favor its clear and large interface with an indicator showing the proportion of battery left. This number is important because I have to ensure my dive computer is always full of battery before a dive.

See other great air integrated dive computers here.

Key Features:

• Waterproof capability
• A tank pressure available for air integration
• A warning alarm
• A better navigation electronic compass
• Rechargeable battery
• Adjustable dive computer’s strap

Product Specifications:

Learn how to pair and unpair a tank POD of the Suunto D5 with this video.

4. Mares Matrix

(Best With Compass)

See the Price on Amazon

With so many outstanding features packed into a compact dive computer, the Mares Matrix Dive Computer should be an ideal option for novice divers. The stainless metal bezel, which comes in white and silver, makes the dive computer durable for long use.

Although the Mares Matrix battery can be changed, its rechargeable capability is still a good point. In addition, it holds a bearing compass, making it easy against water pressure and external damaging effects.

I like altering the time display. Setting digital or analog time-of-day displays and changing the time zone is uncomplicated thanks to buttons and a menu, enabling me to use the Mares Matrix as a wristwatch.

See also: Top 10 Best Dive Watches Under $2000

Key Features

• Full-dot matrix screen
• Tilt-compensated compass
• Four varied modes
• RGBM algorithm
• 35-hour memory capacity
• Rechargeable battery

Product Specifications:

Below is a YouTube video of the Mares Matrix which can fully function as a wristwatch. Check it out and see how you can set up the dive computer.

5. Aqua Lung i300C

(Best Wrist Dive Computer for Beginners)

See the Price on Amazon

The Aqua Lung i300C Wrist Dive Computer is a great option for new divers since it’s designed to improve your diving skills rather than external gear. Basic design with an intuitive interface and flexible changing between modes makes the dive computer effortless to use.

The Aqua Lung i300C switch is automatically on when you are submerged and off when you get out of the water. Thanks to that, the battery is saved, and its life can last.

Besides, Bluetooth Smart technology helps your dive computer be versatile to connect with your mobile phone. Therefore, you can download dive-log apps to share your adventures with friends.

Key Features:

• Wireless interaction thanks to Bluetooth Smart technology
• Four different operating modes
• User-changeable battery
• Automatically switch on underwater

Product Specifications:

The ability to connect with electronic devices is a fabulous benefit of the Aqua Lung i300C. Watch this video and see how to do it!

6. Mares Smart

(Best Under $500)

See the Price on Amazon

The Mares Smart is a watch-sized dive computer. I like owning a dive computer instead of a normal watch because of its unique benefits. One of them is checking the time conveniently in the cinema where the lights are off.

On top of that, the Mares Smart has an LCD screen with a scratch-resistant mineral lens. Hence, you even can read the information displayed under the strong sunlight.

The Mares Smart’s screen is divided into three separate parts. The section on the top shows max depth and your current depth. Decompression information is always in the middle, and dive time is placed on the bottom.

Key Features:

• Two ergonomic buttons
• Upgradable dive log for pre-dive planning
• Altitude settings
• 40-hour logbook capacity
• Battery power indicator

Product Specifications:

7. SUUNTO Zoop Novo

(Best Under $300)

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If you are bored with a single or dual button, the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Diving Computer’s four-button design will satisfy you. Four buttons corresponding to four functions are select, mode, down, and up. All of them are smooth to press and provide you with better navigation.

One thing you should consider is diving on nitrox mode. To allow you to do this, the SUUNTO Zoop Novo is programmable for 21% to 50% oxygen mixtures. In addition, your personal preferences are the manufacturer’s priorities.

Unit of measure as well as audible alarms is self-adjusted. The 140 hours memory capacity of the SUUNTO Zoop Novo is perfect for entry-level divers who want to improve their performance in the future.

Key Features:

• Backlight screen
• Maximum depth display up to 330 feet
• Four-button design
• Widened matrix screen
• Nitrox diving mode

Product Specifications:

8. Garmin Watch-Sized Surface GPS

(Best for Technical Diving)

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The Garmin Watch-Sized Surface GPS Dive Computer offers additional tools to provide exceptional navigation underwater and topside. When you are in the water, high-sensitivity GPS tracking combined with a map-based surface allows you to mark entry and exit points for a dive.

In contrast, when you get out of the water, a wide range of sensors such as altimeter, barometer, and compass are available for use as well.

Besides, the Garmin dive computer can measure your heart rate thanks to Garmin Elevate technology. Hence, you always know your current health status and, from that, create your suitable diving plan.

Battery life won’t become your problem because it may support 40 hours in dive mode and up to 19 days in watch mode. So, just put the Garmin on and enjoy your underwater world.

Key Features:

• Wristwatch design
• Integrated sensors for better navigation
• A surface GPS tracking system
• Huge storage space up to 200 dive logs
• Garmin Elevate heart rate technology
• Easy to be paired with a smartphone through Garmin Connect

Product Specifications:

Check out this video of the Garmin Watch-Sized Surface GPS Dive Computer and look how effective it works.

9. Shearwater Research Perdix

(Best Under $1000)

See the Price on Amazon

The Shearwater Research Perdix Dive Computer is thin and light enough for you to wear it day-to-day. In spite of compact design, it still has all vital functions for technical divers thanks to modern manufacturing technologies.

One of its selling points is customizable displays. If you are overloaded with too much information, let’s only choose your important indicators to see. The battery is replaceable, which means you can bring a spare one and use it if needed without interfering with your diving.

The Shearwater Research Perdix has max depth display ability up to 850 feet, compared to 328 feet in most other dive computers.

See also: Top 15 Best Dive Watches Under $1000

Key Features:

• 2 inches screen
• Two buttons design
• Customizable information display
• 1000 hours logbook storage

Product Specifications:

The following video will give you some tips for putting the belts or the bungee cord in the Shearwater Research Perdix.

10. Deepblu Cosmiq+

(Best for Freediving)

See the Price on Amazon

If you find a dive computer for technical divers, you shouldn’t skip the Deepblu Cosmiq+ Dive Computer Watch!

Innovative designs integrated technology is the most attractive feature of the Deepblu. The manufacturer updated larger memory and more depth alarms from an original version, helping the Deepblu dive computer meet various divers’ needs better.

The dive computer enables you to transfer the data through wireless synchronization. Let’s use Bluetooth in your dive computer to upload and save your logbook into Deepblu’s app. Moreover, you can make remote adjustments through syncing.

Key Features:

• New version
• Updated memory capacity
• Additional depth alarms
• Free firmware updates
• Integrated clock and calendar
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Product Specifications:

11. Aqua Lung i200C

(Best for the Money)

See the Price on Amazon

Wonderful values brought by the Aqua Lung i200C Wrist Computer will make you have a sense of comfort and safety. Its highly visible LED alarm light is added to make sure that divers always stay within their dive limits.

The Aqua Lung i200C provides four dive modes to meet diverse needs and allows divers to switch between two Nitrox mixes. The battery is produced according to global standards and easy to change. Therefore, you easily buy a new battery in any supermarket if you forget to bring a spare one.

Key Features:

• Four operating modes
• Global standard batteries
• Data backup capability
• Clear to see alarm light
• Intuitive interface

Product Specifications:

12. SUUNTO Eon Core Wrist USB

(Best Quality)

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The SUUNTO Eon Core Wrist USB Dive Computer’s key feature is clear to read even in the darkest water. It has a clear display with customizable colors, large numbers, and a menu organized logically.

Moreover, the SUUNTO Eon Core is comfortable to wear thanks to a composite case designed as compact as possible, plus an elastomer strap suitable for both large and small wrist.

The dive computer has up to five operating modes, including gauge, air, nitrox, trimix, and CCR. In addition, its new functions can be updated through USB. Hence, you don’t need to buy a new dive computer when you become advanced.

Key features:

• Menu organized logically and intuitively
• Provides up to 20-hour dive time
• Five particular modes
• Replaceable Lithium battery
• On-board digital compass

Product Specifications:

13. Mares Puck Pro

(Best Durable)

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The Mares Puck Pro is a full-featured dive computer but at a competitive price. Its strap is made from rubber – the material is famous for durability and premium comfort. To simplify all things, the manufacturer designed it with only one button.

However, you easily get the information you are looking for by scrolling the menu. The Mares Puck Pro’s basic design is perfect for people who aren’t good at technology.

Its memory capacity is remarkable with a last 50 dives storage system, accompanied by plan mode. With two years warranty, you will feel secure when using the dive computer.

Key Features:

• 36-hour logbook
• Super intuitive interface
• Plan mode
• 24 months warranty

Product Specifications:

14. SHEARWATER RESEARCH Teric

(Best Comfortable)

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Beginners using the SHEARWATER RESEARCH Teric Wrist Dive Computer will become comfortable with a high-resolution screen, which is extremely useful if you have to wear glasses.

The SHEARWATER Teric’s window is made from sapphire crystal, combined with stainless bezel, keeping it durable for extended use. Air integration is one of its selling points because the dive computer can connect with two transmitters.

The dive computer comes in 15 color choices in configuration to fit your style, making it a perfect item you can wear every day.

Key Features:

• Reliable dive computer
• 30+ hours dive time
• Configurable color
• Stainless bezel and buttons
• Customizable timer, alarm, and stopwatch
• Air integration

Product Specifications:

15. SUUNTO D4i Novo

(Best Fashionable)

See the Price on Amazon

I’m sure you will like the SUUNTO D4i Novo USB in case you are looking for a lightweight dive computer and can be used as a fancy wristwatch as well. Moreover, it has an innovative apnea timer and a timer in air or nitrox mode, which will give you warnings when your oxygen is used up.

The SUUNTO D4i dive computer also offers optional wireless air integration and freediving mode. Besides, you can keep your dive data safe by using a USB cable to transfer it into your mobile phone and PC.

For beginners, immersing themselves in the water for a long time will make them annoyed. Therefore, the SUUNTO D4i possesses a wrist strap made from soft silicone for bringing you a perfect fit plus ultimate comfort.

Key Features:

• Innovative timers
• Updatable firmware
• Silicone strap
• Integrated plan mode

Product Specifications:

See how to attach the SUUNTO D4i’s USB cable to upload your dive data to other devices with this video below!

Choosing the Right Dive Computer for Beginners

Always keep in mind that a dive computer is one of the key tools for better diving, especially for beginners. However, you are likely to be bogged down in fancy models, which is only helpful for advanced divers.

Therefore, I have investigated thoroughly to list some factors you should consider before purchasing.

1. Design

If you are a first-time diver, the best dive computer for you should be easy-to-use. So it would help if you bought a model which has an intuitive interface.

In addition, easy-to-press buttons need to be considered since they decide whether you can quickly access various functions such as history mode, plan mode, dive log, or not.

The way information is displayed on the screen is also an important point. You need to ensure that you can clearly understand these numbers as well as how to look for them in case you are in emergencies.

You don’t need to buy a dive computer with too many technical features as well. These functions are usually very complicated and even make you more frustrated if you don’t know how to use them.

2. Screen

The dive computer in the market today is becoming smaller and smaller so that divers can use it as a wristwatch on land. However, a small screen means that the digits get smaller too.

This won’t cause problems when you are in places having enough light. Light conditions will change when you dive deeper, and it becomes hard to read necessary information in the darkness.

Hence, if you want to own a dive computer that sounds like what I described above, its screen should be high-contrast, colorful, and integrated with a backlight. Furthermore, the screen has to use OLED technology, which helps you read the data underwater more easily.

For people wearing glasses or something like that, I still advise you to buy an oversized screen.

3. Comfort

For entry-level divers, diving into the water with some support equipment may make them a little challenging for the first time. Therefore, they need a comfortable dive computer to help them move underwater more easily instead of making them bulkier.

Luckily, most dive computers today are designed to be compact and lightweight. One thing you should consider is the wrist strap. It should be made from rubber or silicone, making it durable and fit with different wrist sizes smoothly.

However, if the wrist strap is worn on top of your wetsuit, rougher materials can be accepted because your skin doesn’t contact it directly.

4. Style

Among thousands of dive computers constructed in distinct ways, the most popular as well as best designs for beginner divers are wrist styles and watch ones. Each of them has its unique features.

On the one hand, wrist dive computers make it easy to read and use during your dive, but you will feel them a little bulky to wear. On the other hand, watch styles usually have more compact designs for wearing daily.

However, because these models focus more on the fashionable aspect, they are less durable than wrist computers. Even they are also difficult to operate with some divers who have never owned a dive computer before.

The wrist style will be suitable underwater, while the watch counterpart will be best on land. As a new diver, you should consider where you tend to spend most of your time using the dive computer to make the right decision.

Learn more about How to Use a Dive Computer here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In the previous part, I gave you a few factors and tips about how to choose a dive computer for beginners. Now, I know that you still have some queries making you confused. Hence, I wrote down answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you a lot.

Do Beginners Really Need a Dive Computer?

If this is the first time you dive into your life, safety may be your top priority. Hence, it would be best to have a dive computer with plan mode, which allows you to make exact calculations before every dive. Also, the dive computers sold in the market today are built-in many useful features as well.

Two of them are air integration and digital compass. The former shows how much gas is left and gives dangerous warnings if you are about to run out of oxygen. The latter provides you with better navigation when you are below the surface.

How Deep Can You Dive as a Beginner?

Beginner divers have a common depth between 30 to 67 feet. However, for non-certified divers, I suggest that the maximum depth should be 40 feet. If you have received a certification, the standard depth is 60 feet for open water and 100 feet for advanced open water.

As a new diver, you should never dive deeper than the prescribed depth. Because the greater the depth is, the more safety risks you are likely to encounter. Even the most experienced divers can not deal with these unexpected problems as well.

How Much Does a Dive Computer for Beginners Cost?

The price of a new dive computer today is often from $200 to $1,500. The more premium the dive computer is, the more expensive it is.

Because you begin to dive for a short time and need to buy additional gear, you can consider entry-level dive computers under $500. I think it is an average point and it’s good enough to provide you all the crucial features.

How Long Should a Dive Computer Battery for Beginners Last?

Battery life depends on many factors such as the number of dives per year, water temperature, materials used to make the battery, or technical functions you often use. In general, a battery’s life expectancy is usually 12 months, with around 100 dives in one year.

However, suppose you connect your dive computer with too many smart devices. In that case, the battery can deplete more quickly because these wireless links unintentionally make unnecessary hardware run and consume more power.

But most of the batteries can be replaceable at an affordable price for every change, so you don’t need to worry.

Final Thoughts

As a beginner, a dive computer deserves your investment. It will protect you from underwater dangers and contribute to improving your diving performance. Hope with my list above, you can pick out one great partner for all your adventures in the deep blue.

And if you still wonder, let’s choose the best overall one: the Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer for its simple interface and excellent navigation.

Besides, I highly recommend the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Wrist Watch Computer because it’s reliable and affordable for most divers. Its ability to auto-update new features enables you to save a lot of money.

Which one do you want to become your first dive computer? Let me know in the comments below. Lastly, if you find something interesting, please share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for reading!