Best Air Integrated Dive Computers (2022 EDITION)
It’s all well and good having a regular old dive computer for deco time, depth and safety stop readings…
…but an air integrated dive computer also tells you how much air remains in your tank via a wireless transmitter.
Most air integrated dive computers show how much time remains before you run out of air and the best models measure this based on your breathing rate.
We’ve reviewed the best air integrated dive computers in stock for 2022.
The affiliate links we’ve provided send you to the buying page for packages that include the transmitter, which you’ll need for air integration.
We’ll start with the cheapest air integrated dive computer of all time and review the rest in order of ascending price. Let’s dive in!
QUICK ANSWER:
#1 CHEAPEST: Oceanic VTX
#2 SECOND CHEAPEST: Mares Smart Air
#3 CHEAPEST WATCH-SIZED OPTION: Suunto D4I Novo
#4 BUDGET OLED SCREEN: Suunto Eon Core
#5 OUR TOP PICK: Suunto D5
#6 ALTERNATIVE DESIGN: Scubapro G2
#7 FOR TECHNICAL DIVERS: Shearwater Research Teric
#8 WORKS AS A SMARTWATCH TO: Garmin Descent Mk2i
REVIEWS: Air Integrated Dive Computers:
It’s a simple truth that air integrated dive computers are more expensive than regular ones.
That said, we’ve scoured the seven seas for the cheapest air integrated dive computer available and the Oceanic VTX is the most affordable option by far.
At 8.5 x 6.2 x 3.2 inches and 770 grams, it’s quiet a bit bulkier and heavier than pricier options. Also at only 24 hours long, the dive log is a little short.
However, considering that the Oceanic VTX costs over fifty bucks less than the next cheapest option; a little bulkiness and short dive log seem a fair trade off!
The air integrated tech works in the same way as all the more expensive options: via a wireless transmitter that you plug into your tank. With this, you get tank pressure data via numerical and graphical figures.
This along with all the other standard dive computer info is displayed on a high contrast OLED screen with an extremely easy to understand colour coding system. It’s operated via three buttons. There’s also a 3-axis digital compass!
(We have a main article on the Best Budget Dive Computers).
PROS:
- Cheapest air integrated dive computer
- High contrast OLED screen
- Easy to understand colour coding of critical data
- Air, gauge, nitrox and freedive modes.
CONS:
- Short dive log
- A big heavier and bigger than other models
The Mares Smart Air is only around fifty dollars more expensive than the Oceanic VTX, but the next price jump after these two dive computers is way more significant (think a couple hundred bucks!).
At 7.5 x 5 x 3 inches; the Mares Smart Air is a little less bulky than it’s cheaper counterpart; the Oceanic VTX and at 570 grams it’s also a little less heavy. The result is a somewhat more streamlined, subtler piece of dive gear.
It doesn’t have the fancy colour coded OLED screen like the Oceanic VTX – for some this will be a dealbreaker, but others will prefer a more traditional, minimalist look.
The Mares Smart Air is certainly a very simple and easy to use dive computer with it’s two button interface that makes navigating controls simple and fast, even for beginners.
Make sure you purchase it with the wireless transmitter (just follow the affiliate links we’ve provided) to get the air integration tech.
Ultimately, buyers looking for a cheap air integrate dive computer should choose the Mares Smart Air or Oceanic VTX – both are similarly priced and have more or less the same functions but are quiet different in terms of style and data display.
PROS:
- Second cheapest option
- A little smaller and lighter than the Oceanic VTX
- Simple and easy to use
- Logbook stores up to 95 hours
CONS:
- Lack of colour display or colour coded data
- Still more bulky and heavy than pricier options
Although it’s a significant jump up in price compared to the previous two options, the Suunto D4i Novo is still the third cheapest option that made it to our best air integrated dive computers list.
At 6 x 5 x 5 inches and 230 grams, the D4i Novo is also the first dive computer on this list that’s as compact and lightweight as a watch, meaning you can wear it all day long; knowing that you look damn good!
It’s sleek and comfortable to wear, with a silicone strap that is more flexible and comfortable than cheaper models.
There is a four button interface that allows for decent flexibility when scrolling settings, which more experienced divers will appreciate.
The wireless transmitter air integration tech displays your cylinder pressure on screen and in addition to this can also calculate remaining air time based on current depth.
It has a whopping dive log memory of 140 hours, which is substantially more than most other dive computer models on the market. It would be nice to see an integrated digital compass to but you can’t have everything at only mid-price!
Suunto are an extremely popular brand, well known for making superb mid to high range dive computers…we’ll look at some of their more expensive options next…
PROS:
- Same size and weight as a regular watch
- Comfortable and stylish to wear
- Air integration tech calculates remaining air
- Huge dive log of 140 hours
CONS:
- No digital compass
With it’s backlit LED display, prominent three buttons, 3D, tilt compensated digital compass and sleek design, the Suunto Eon Core is a perfect option for anyone who prefers a more modern style of dive computer.
The 5 x 3.8 cm LED display’s brightens can be adjusted and it’s also possible to flip and even re-program it, in order to have data presented exactly how you want.
Data on the display is presented in an intuitive colour coding system, with large and clear digits. When everything is within normal parameters data is in blue and white; notifications are in yellow and alarms are given in red.
Some users have commented on the display being a bit faded in shallow water but for other divers this isn’t a problem.
Despite it’s futuristic design and appearance, the Suunto Eon Core is a surprisingly easy to use and setup piece of kit. The buttons are easy to press and the setup menu itself is more straightforward than that of most dive computers.
The Eon Core features a magnetic charger with which it takes 5 hours to charge and provides 14 hours at the brightens setting.
PROS
- Large LED display with adjustable brightness
- 3 axis tilt compensated compass
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Easy to use for beginners
- …Yet plenty of advanced features for when you’re ready
- Air, nitrox and trimix modes.
CONS:
- Short battery life (14 hours)
- Screen may appear a little faded when in very shallow water
The Suunto D5 takes the best qualities from the previous two dive computers we’ve reviewed; it’s as light and compact as a watch (at 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.65cm) like the D4i core and has a powerful, colour coded display like the Eon Novo.
With it’s stainless steel bezel, reinforced composite casing and range of colour options; it’s a beautiful looking dive computer – in terms of shape it follows a traditional design but the powerful display is modern and high tech.
Featuring an inbuilt compass, gas-switch compatibility, audible and vibrating ascent alarms as well as the option to adjust the algorithm to be more or less conservative, there’s plenty of features for more advanced divers.
That said, you can keep things simple; this is an extremely intuitive to use piece and with it’s three button menu navigation; it maintains the simple, straightforward usability that Suunto are so popular for.
It features a rechargeable battery that should last you from 6 – 12 hours; this is going to be a feature that’s popular with some divers but less so with those who are more forgetful!
As with all the previous dive computer’s, the Suunto D5 gives your tank pressure when used with the wireless transmitter – however it goes a step further than most by calculating your remaining air based on your current breathing rate. Nice!
PROS:
- Watch sized
- Powerful display with colour coded data
- Advanced air integration tech (shows remaining air based on your breathing rate)
- Inbuilt compass
- Adjustable algorithm
- Simple to use but plenty of advanced features
CONS:
- Battery life could be a lot longer (only 6-12 dive hours)
- You need to recalibrate the compass after charging
I’ll start by saying that I’m not a huge fan of the outward appearance of the Scubapro G2 – the shape seems clunky and whilst it’s rubber construction makes it highly durable, it just doesn’t feel as nice as stainless steel.
That said…this is a very high quality air integrated dive computers with some extremely impressive specs that none of the other dive computers we’ve so far reviewed can compete with.
For starters it has an insane logbook capacity of 1000 hours, can go to 393ft deep and the battery life is up to 50 hours per charge; which is way more sensible than the puny 6 – 12 hours charge offered by some of the Suunto models.
As I’ve said, I’m really not a fan of the shape but it is quite ergonomic and fits comfortably on your arm.
The 2.2 inch TFT display is split into four screens which makes it extremely easy to quickly glance at the info you’re looking for. Also it doesn’t have to be in green! There’s four screen configurations, including a full colour option.
With the wirelss transmitter, you get your true remaining air time based on your current level of air consumption; again a very nice feature, that cheaper dive computers rarely have.
The three buttons feel a little odd being at the top but the user interface is easy to use, even for beginners.
PROS:
- Advanced air integration tech – shows remaining air time based on your breathing
- High in-built quality compass
- Customisable display with colour options
- Rubber construction is highly durable
- Long battery life
- Huge dive log (1000 hours!)
CONS:
- Design and materials may not appeal to some
- Three buttons on top can be a little awkward to operate
The Shearwater Research Teric is a highly sophisticated dive computer that’s been designed specifically with the technical diver in mind.
It features open-circuit and closed circuit Air, Nitrox and Trimix multi gas functionality as well as recreational, gauge, freediving, open-circuit tech and closed-circuit/bail-out modes.
Multiple gas definition preset can be supported with any combo of oxygen, nitrogen and helium. At 500 hours storage, the dive log is rather substantial!
It’s also one of the very few models of dive computer that WON’T lockout after a missed stop or ascent rate violation!
You can configure the settings so that a single press of one of the four buttons will provide access to the many tools it features including a compass, stopwatch, countdown timer.
Data is displayed on the full colour AMOLED display which measures 5.5 x 1.8cm and weighs just 120 grams – the Shearwater Research Teric is as light and compact as a regular watch and it looks damn good on your wrist!
Air integration is optional for all modes from OC Rec to CC/BO. Tank pressure can be displayed to the customizable slots on the main screen or accessed through the underlying info screens.
It may be pretty expensive by recreational dive computer standards, but if you’re a serious tech diver, then the Shearwater Research Teric is probably the cheapest air integrated dive computer option that will suit every last one of your needs.
PROS:
- Tech diving features
- 6 modes (air, nitrox, gauge, freediving, trimix, CCR)
- Full colour sapphire crystal display
- Highly customisable
- Four buttons for rapid settings access
- Doesn’t lock out after missed stop or ascent rate violation
CONS:
- Pretty expensive
- Battery lasts about 30 hours
- No heart rate monitor
The Garmin Descent Mk2i was designed foremost with scuba diving in mind but it also doubles up as a SmartWatch.
Sailing, backcountry skiing, skydiving and kayaking are just some of the many extract activities it can also track with enhanced wrist-based heartbeat estimates and other vital stats info.
With a titanium bezel and backplate for excellent durability and an exceptionally comfortable silicone strap; it’s as compact and light as a regular wrist watch.
The 1.4″, sapphire crystal full-colour display is sunlight readable, setting it apart from other dive computers which can often be hard to read in shallow water or on land.
The colour coded data is intuitive to read and you can select from a range of layouts, including a classical watch style layout with moving hands for telling the time on land.
There’s six dive modes along with multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors along with an underwater compass and a logbook capable of storing up to 200 dives.
Battery life is a whopping 80 hours in dive mode – longer than that of any other dive computer and it can last for up to 16 days in smartwatch mode!
The TI transmitter provides advanced air integration and ultra accurate pressure with remaining dive time and air consumption rate.
There’s no denying that the Mk2i is one expensive air integrated dive computer – but it’s also so much more than that; with it’s smartwatch capabilities, traditional watch screen and gorgeous design.
PROS:
- Longest battery life of any dive computer
- Advanced air integration tech
- Longest battery life (80 hours in dive mode!)
- Sunlight readable display
- Crammed with extra dive features
- Huge log book
- Titanium = insanely durable
CONS:
- Expensive!
Diving Squad Debriefing
Diving is not only about exploration, there is an increasing awareness among divers that we owe it to the ocean to do our part to look after it. Whatever your diving intention may be, our air integrated dive computer reviews will help you find the best dive computer for your journey.
David Attenborough said, “I wish the world was twice as big and half of it was still unexplored.” For many of us, this is true. The world is double its size and the parts that are waiting to be explored by us are under the water’s surface.
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Written by:
Emily Craik
