LAST UPDATED:
Choosing the best scuba regulator for you depends on several factors such as your budget, level of diving experience and the conditions in which you plan to dive.
You may find it useful to quickly read up on the Types of Scuba Regulators, so you know which features to look out for.
Otherwise, get yourself comfy and prepare for some brutally honest reviews of the absolute best diving regulators on the market this year.
$$$
The most reliable scuba regulator is the ScubaPro MK25/ A700. It’s well suited for seasoned pros, frequent travellers, cold water divers and even beginners looking for a regulator that will never let them down and is straightforward to use. Costing around $957, it’s a fantastic investment for any serious diver.
It’s design consists of an air balanced flow-thru-piston mechanism made from balanced composite/stainless steel. This allows the regulator to deliver more air to the second stage, while being unaffected by the change in tank pressure. The balanced piston results in incredibly fast breathing response, with an instant delivery of on-demand air.
This regulator breathes incredibly smoothly, which is why so many users love it. The diver-adjustable inhalation effort and venturi- initiated vacuum assist are also great features on this scuba set.
The Scubapro Evo also performs very well in cold water due to the full insulation of its internal parts. This is an outstanding brand, however it’s fairly pricey. If you’re going to be diving regularly, in a range of environments and you want to enjoy a flawless air delivery system that is always balanced, regardless of depth or air tank pressure, then go for it! If
$
The Cressi Sub Elipse titanium regulator is similar to the ScubaPro MK25 in many ways except it is noticably more affordable at around $399. It boasts a new valve design for maximum performance. Less breathing effort is required from their patented elliptical shaped design.
This piece of dive gear is also noted for its stellar lightweight technology, which makes it great for travel. Featuring the industry’s lightest second stage, you can expect top quality results from a seriously lightweight and easy to manage setup.
Cressi Sub Elipse is suitable for cold water dives, being environmentally sealed and will have any technical diver happy with the performance. This is a device which seriously delivers for a wide variety of conditions. The airflow remains nicely consistent at all depths, while the tank pressure never seems to get affected.
The mouthpiece does seem to be a little on the small side, so if you have the mouth of a whale shark, you may want to consider ordering a large replacement!
$$
For those looking for the best in tech diving regulators, the Mares Abyss 22 Navy 2 is a superb choice. This phenomenal bit of scuba kit is approved by all US Navy standards and is ideal for long use in all kinds of harsh conditions.
Featuring an all-metal design, it is a seriously tough regulator. There is an oil-filled environmental seal which helps to counteract the effects of cold water conditions. This setup is absolutely ideal for cold water dives through its various thermal transfer properties.
This Mares Abyss 22 features a mesh grid, a fluoropolymer resin finish, and rubber hose. The ease of breathing with this mechanism is not affected by depth. Breathing is both effortless and smooth, no matter how cold or harsh the conditions are.
If you are looking for a regulator that’s built to last, performs in all conditions, and carries the US Navy seal of approval, then this product by Mares is a great choice.
$
If you’re looking to acquire a cheap scuba regulator, whilst still getting a safe and reliable piece of kit, you’re absolute best bet is the Palantic AS103. Despite costing under $150 (!), it still delivers a more than amicable performance.
This is a high-quality yoke regulator with an adjustable second stage. It includes environmental sealing which is great for colder waters, Nitrox compatible silicon mouthpiece (which is super comfortable), and a chromium-plated brass body.
The over-balanced first stage allows for progressively greater intermediate pressure as depth and gas density increases. This means that even under the most extreme conditions, air delivery will not be affected.
Although neither as durable nor as lightweight as more high end regulators, in terms of actual air delivery, the Palantic AS103 is not far behind some of the much more expensive models! Without a doubt, this is the best value for money scuba regulator on the market right now.
$$$$
For the die hard diver, there is no better regulator on the market than the Atomic T3. This particular scuba octopus setup is really only meant for those who are looking for the absolute best quality that money can buy them.
It is most notable for its extremely durable yet lightweight construction. Being made from titanium, this regulator is light enough to travel extremely well but solid enough to last you many years of diving.
As one would expect from such a high-end regulator, this product is well suited to both warm and cold water diving. It performs fantastically at all depths and is fully equipped with a perfect seal system. This gives it its anti-freezing properties.
The automatic flow control included in this bit of scuba kit gives you the easy, unaffected breathing for which Atomic is well known. This is a top of the line regulator for serious divers. If you’ve got the money, you’ll know where it’s going.
$
Aqua Lung remains one of the top brands in the world for scuba diving gear, and this piece of kit by them is no exception. The Calypso QC regulator is ideal for beginners due to it’s reliability and simplicity.
The easy-to-use, lightweight design makes it a practical choice, while the performance is commendable, considering the low cost. This is the fifth generation of Calypso regulators, and we love it for its dependable, simple design.
As a more affordable regulator, this product gives you excellent value. The compact and lightweight design is perfectly suited for traveling.
This product is best suited to warmer waters due to its simple design. It is a reliable and robust regulator that should keep just about every diver happy with its results.
$$
For the diver who wants to get the most out of their scuba octopus setup with a technologically advanced regulator – this is the one for you. The Oceanic Delta 5 EDX is well known and loved for its next level reliability and smooth breathing performance.
The pneumatically balanced all metal valve makes breathing at great depths or in cold waters easier than ever before. This is aided by Oceanics’ patented design of the dynamic adjustment technology, which gives you the perfect airflow at any depth.
In terms of technology, there are loads of pre-dive and post dive controls. The mechanical purge button allows for consistent air-flow pressure during purge. The balanced diaphragm first stage eDX is environmentally sealed. This makes the regulator perfectly suited for cold water diving.
This product is extremely durable, advanced and performs magnificently in a wide variety of conditions. Amazingly, it’s surprisingly affordable to at just over $500! Honestly, it’s hard to say why. Yes the controls are confusing for newbies, but this regulator isn’t for newbies. It’s for pros. So – are you a pro?
Alrighty, Diving Squad! Now you’re ready to make the best possible decision when it comes to buying a scuba diving regulator. We constantly review and update our content, so you can rest assured that what you’ve read today reflects the very latest information on the newest brands of the absolute best scuba diving regulators. Good luck and happy diving!
We are part of the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. If you make a purchase on amazon after clicking a link on Diving Squad, we earn a small commission fee, at no extra cost to yourself.
We are also part of several other affiliate programs so if you click on a Diving Squad affiliate link that results in you booking a liveaboard, booking accommodation, purchasing insurance or buying a product somewhere else, once more we make a small commission, without it costing you a cent extra. Thanks!