Best Dive Computer for Beginners (2023 EDITION)
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These days, there’s many different brands and models of dive computer available; a lot have been designed with beginner divers in mind by being easy to use and low cost.
We’ve reviewed the best dive computers for beginners available in 2023.
We’ll start with the cheapest beginners’ dive computer of all time and review the rest in order of ascending price.
Only high quality dive computers that are currently in stock are presented in this Diving Squad Report!
QUICK LOOK:
#1 BIGGEST SCREEN & CHEAPEST – Cressi Leonardo
#2 SECOND CHEAPEST, MORE COMPACT Mares Puck Pro
#3 FOUR BUTTON INTERFACE Aqualung I200
#4 UPGRADED VERSION OF CHEAPEST Cressi Goa
#5 MOST DURABLE Seac Action HR
#6 NEW RELEASE Aqualung I300C
#7 BIGGEST LOGBOOK Deepblu Cosmiq
#8 BEST VALUE Oceanic OCI Personal Wrist
#9 TOP SELLER Suunto Zoop Novo
#10 AIR INTEGRATION Suunto D4i Novo
BEST DIVE COMPUTERS FOR BEGINNERS - REVIEWS
#1 - BIGGEST SCREEN & CHEAPEST
The Cressi Leonardo is the cheapest dive computer available – it’s also been designed especially for beginners.
The single button interface makes navigating the menu easy and user friendly whilst the 67mm display is bigger than that of any other dive computer making it extra easy to view data. Plus there is a 70 hour logbook which is a decent amount of storage.
There is a backlight to show current depth, time below the surface as well as mode (air, nitrox, gauge) clearly even in low visibility conditions.
It’s available in a variety of colors so you can find the right one to match your style.
We’ve written an entire page of the Best Cheap Dive Computers
PROS:
- Cheapest dive computer out there
- Huge screen for easy viewing
- Simple, one button user interface
- Decent sized logbook
CONS:
- Quite bulky on your wrist – much bigger than a watch
#2 - SECOND CHEAPEST
Mares Puck Pro
The Puck Pro has large numbers that are easy to read, single button user interface for ease of controls, air, nitrox and gauge modes, a massive 400 hour battery life as well as freshwater and salinity settings.
However, it’s a shame that the logbook is so small at 35 hours – that’s the second smallest of any dive computer on this list.
Do note though, that once you are below the surface, you cannot adjust your settings, so prepare beforehand!
It’s much slimmer and more sleek than the Cressi Leonardo; it’s display has a fairly modest diameter of 60mm, which is is partly achieved through using labels around the edge of the case to indicate types of data.
The addition of the graphic tissue loading bar is also a great extra feature, plus it’s bluetooth compatible for uploading dive log data to a Mac or PC.
PROS:
- Huge battery life (400 hours)
- Easy to use single button interface
- Easy to see large number
- Bluetooth compatible
CONS:
- Tiny logbook – 35 hours
- Can’t adjust settings underwater
- Still a fairly basic dive computer that lacks features seen in pricier options
#3 FOUR BUTTON INTERFACE
Aqualung I200
The Aqualung i200 is a small and affordable dive computer with four buttons instead of one; this makes it a little less simple but much faster to navigate through the controls compared to one button dive computers.
In addition to air, nitrox and gauge mode there is also a free dive mode.
It has a truly tiny dive log of only 20 hours; this is less storage than that of virtually every other dive computer but at least you can easily download dive data to the app via bluetooth connection to free up the divelog.
With automatic activation upon immersion in water, a simple user interface and a user changeable battery, it is easy to use for beginners divers.
This is one of the few dive computers where the whole thing – strap and case are available in different colours. Most other dive computer makes only offer different colours for the strap.
PROS:
- Compact size
- Bluetooth app
- Four buttons
- Case available in different colours
CONS:
- Very small dive log
#4 UPGRADE VERSION OF CHEAPEST
Cressi Goa
Newer and a bit more expensive than the Cressi Leonardo, the Cressi Goa is similar to its predecessor in many ways. It has all the same functions – but it’s smaller and has two buttons instead of one.
It has a case diameter of just 35mm, which makes it extremely sleek can be worn like a regular watch, which the Leonardo is too big for.
The new CPU is also a little faster and with greater functionality than that of the Leonardo.
So to summarise: the Cressi Goa is a slightly improved of the cheapest dive computer: the Cressi Leonardo; the Goa has several minor improvements and costs less than a hundred bucks extra.
PROS:
- Third cheapest dive computer
- Easy and simple user interface with two buttons
- Extremely compact
CONS:
- Dive log is only average length
- Limited edition
#5 MOST DURABLE
Seac Action HR
The newly released Seac Action HR operates in air, nitrox, gauge and freediving modes and is operated via four well spaced buttons and with a display diameter of 38mm is one of the more compact budget dive computers available.
It has a logbook memory of 40 hours, which is fairly average – bigger than some and smaller than others.
However, where the Seac Action HR really excels is durability: the HR stands for high resistance because this dive computer is highly resistant to blows, scratches and corrosion as well as temperature swings.
It’s also unusual that you can adjust the backlighitng of it’s display screen, allowing you to see it very easily even in pitch dark.
PROS:
- Highly durable
- Can adjust intensity of backlighting
- Compact
- Fifth cheapest dive computer
CONS:
- Seac are not the most well known scuba diving brand
#6 NEW RELEASE
Aqua Lung I300C Wrist Computer
The Aqualung i300 has all of the standard functions a diver needs.: audible alarms, no decompression stop, air / nitrox mode, free dive mode and gauge mode.
A useful feature not found in many other dive computers is the fact that it also retains data when you swap out the battery.
You can wirelessly interact with you i300 using the latest bluetooth technology using your smartphone device and the free Diverlog+ app.
It has a chic, modern design and is surprisingly large; more so than the Aqualung I200 as it has a display diameter of 43mm.
It’s been designed especially for beginner’s: the screen is easy to read, has a powerful backlight and an extremely easy to operate single button user interface.
PROS:
- Backlight for easy reading in low light
- Automatic altitude adjustment
- Easy-to-use interface
CONS:
- Only one button makes settings a little slow to scroll through
- Quite bulky
#7 BIGGEST LOGBOOK
Deepblu Cosmiq
Stylish and modern, the Deepblue Cosmiq dive computer looks a lot more expensive than it really is. I love the bright, high contrast 2.2 inch display, which is extremely easy to read even in complete darkness.
Whereas most dive computers safety stop and rapid ascent alarms consist of a loud beeping, the Deepblu Cosmiq buzzes and flashes when it’s alarm is going off…personally I would find beeping more noticeable and therefore preferable.
There’s three dive modes: scuba (air or nitrox), bottom timer and free dive. It is operated via two buttons with an extremely easy and simple user interface.
Unlike other dive computers, you don’t need to replace it’s battery – instead you can charge it with a USB magnetic charging device – it carries a battery life of 7 – 12 hours of diving time.
It also has the longest dive logbook of any dive computer at an insane 160 hours storage space
PROS:
- Easiest to read crystal clear display
- Biggest logbook of any dive computer
- No need to change battery – comes with USB charger
- Alarm includes buzzer and LED’s lights in addition to sounds
CONS:
- Alarm only buzzes and flashes – no beeping
- No freedive mode or off mode
#8 BEST VALUE
Oceanic OCI
The Oceanic OCI Personal Wrist Dive Computer is a superb upper mid-priced dive computer that is sleek, easy to read and has many cool features.
For starters there is an advanced digital compass with north, decline, auto home and reference settings.
There’s also wireless air integration technology installed so you can see how much air you have left without needing to look at the pressure gauge – you have to buy the transmitter separately though.
Another cool feature is multiple transmitter capability: meaning you can switch between up to 4 transmitters with different gas mixes for tech diving. You can also use these transmitters to swap dive profile data with your buddy during a dive.
PROS:
- Integrated compass
- Air integrated dive computer (an advanced feature but it is easy to understand and helpful to all levels)
- Buddy check feature (how sweet)
- Free Diving mode
CONS:
- 24-hour dive log is a bit limited
- No user-replaceable battery
- Backlight could be stronger
The Zoop Novo has a display screen with a diameter of 56mm, making it the next biggest dive computer screen after the Cressi Leonardo’s.
Unlike the Cressi’s one button, the Zoop Novo has a four button interface which makes navigating the menus and features quicker.
With 140 hours storage space, it’s dive logbook is also bigger than that of most other dive computers.
Admittedly, the Zoop Novo is quite bulky. It’s not the sort of thing you’d wear as an everyday watch, which you could use some of the more stylish models we’ve reviewed for.
However, it makes up for this by being extremely easy to view data on as well as simple to use, insanely durable and reliable in that it’s very unlikely to malfunction.
PROS:
- Long-lasting battery
- 5 modes (off, air, nitrox, gauge, freediving)
- Compatible with PC and Mac
CONS:
- USB cable bought separately
- The software cannot be updated
- The user manual is a bust (online tutorials are a must)
#10 Air Integration
SUUNTO D4i Novo
Sleek and stylish Suunto D4i is sleek enough to wear outside of diving as a watch, coming in a variety of colours.
It has a built-in dive planner and a dive log storage of 140 hours. The log can then be downloaded onto your PC using a USB cable (both Mac and Microsoft compatible).
The D4i is a fantastic option of mid-range scuba computers on the market. It gives basic, reliable functions with technical options.
There is also a wireless air integration upgrade option which allows you to view tank pressure, air consumption rate and remaining air time.
PROS:
- Wireless air integration (optional upgrade)
- Freedive mode
- Range of color options
CONS:
- No user changeable battery
- Buttons feel small if you’re wearing globes
Diving Squad Debriefing
You might not realize it just yet, but this dive journey is life-changing. It opens up your eyes to an entire world that humans still know so little about.
As you’re drifting through the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean or admiring the rainbowed colored reefs of the Galapagos, it will be difficult not to think how intricately and marvelous life on Earth is.
As explorer Dr. Sylvia Earl said, ”Every time I slip into the ocean, it’s like going home.” The safety and security a dive watch brings its user will get you feeling like the underwater world is yours too in no time.
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Written by:
Emily Craik
