Choosing your next dive computer - 6 Things to Consider [Dive computers 2024]

[@noreenwalsh210]

The most important feature for me is that it is user friendly. Thanking you for your fab videos.

[@woutervanrenterghem570]

I like using the gradient factors, even for recreational diving. Eg. you’re more off-gassing at 3 meters depth than at 5 meters (safety stop). You can still do the safety stop at 5 meters for 3 min. and do a 1-2min. stop at 3 meters. You will feel better (eg. less tired) at the surface.

[@MatthewM-m8j]

The most important thing is how user friendly it is and ease of switching to nitrox.

[@pwhatley]

I’m a new diver so I really appreciate your in depth, but not too long, videos. I’ve just completed my PADI Adv. Opep water certification and excited to dive more than just on vacation. As a new diver the DC features I look for most is readability and ease of use. Readability is important to me because I’m hyper focused on all the details of each dive, which can be a distraction to the enjoyment of the dive, so being able to get all of the critical dive information in a quick glance is really helpful. I’ve considered the budget “one button” models but after this video believe that having to press and hold the button would be just as much of a distraction. I’m now thinking that a 2 or 4 button may be right for me. Secondary to me would be daily use for other activities, but that usually comes with a watch style/size screen that may limit readability. Thanks for the insights… keep them coming.

[@capti443]

First, for my 68 year old eyes, being able to see the display is #1. I use contacts to dive with one eye set for reading and the other for distance. Small displays are for young eyes!! After that, #2 is the user interface - it needs to be logical and intuitive for use in the dive. That being said, the Petegrine or Perdix are my top choices!! Keep up the good work!!

[@keithclawson5677]

The most important part to me is how user friendly it is without sacrificing on quality. I want to be able to pick up a computer and see everything I need to right away or easily know how to find it.

[@Stephen-ix2ny]

Going on my first discovery dive this weekend with my wife (who already has a Class C license) off Ishigaki Island Japan and I'm very excited! Because I'm a beginner, I would say if this becomes a hobby, the most important thing I would want in a diving computer is dependability because my life could depend on it. Thank you for this informative video.

[@cust89]

I started diving almost 11 years ago and bought an cressi leonardo. The annoying beeping because of "fast ascending" when I just lifted my arm to let air out of the BCD was the only real downside. This year in February I upgraded to a Garmin Descent Mk3i 51mm + T2 Tankpod and I really love it even it has some really really annoying bugs. I wear it 24/7. I have to say, for +2k€ I expected a much smoother usage and no lags e.g. morning report, starting an activity,... (you know what I mean) and I didn't though that Garmins update release rythm is so incredible bad and slow. The needed 4,5 months to fix the bug with the wrong calculation of the SAC rate.

[@nilsniggemann1661]

Great Video! For me as a recreational diver, who mainly dives on holidays, it comes down to the mix between dive computer and day-to-day features. Hence, I own a Garmin! I also just love , when other divers recognise it as a dive computer, which is a great conversation starter to share diving experiences and this at times when the next dive holiday seems still so far away!

[@fabianherzig1752]

For me, the most important feature in a dive computer is a clear and easy-to-read display. When I'm underwater, especially in low visibility, being able to quickly check my depth and no-decompression limit is crucial. A bright, intuitive interface helps me stay aware of my limits and dive safely.

[@alevey64]

I bought the Garmin Mk3i with transmitter. After buying a couple of the $400 computers and having them crap out 3 days into a 7 day live aboard (oceanic) I decided to go with a watch that did everything from fitness and health tracking, sleep, crazy long battery life, GPS and digital compass and a feature I never thought I would use, integrated flashlight. Being familiar with the operation of the other features makes using the dive computer super easy. Especially when changing gas on dive 2 or 3. So far, happy with the watch, currently in Fiji and on dive 6 of planned 15. I also like being able to adjust how conservative the computer is and easy planning mode.

[@LOUDCoach]

First dive computer for me was a Suunto Zoop, but I found myself moving to a Shearwater Peregrine TX with transmitter within 2 months of regular diving. One of my annoyances was accessing the dive logs and the minimal data provided. Going to the Peregrine, I loved the ease of the user interface, the AI and all of the info it gives, easy reading of the screen, as well as the phone app to keep accurate dive logs. I considered the MK3i, but the difference in price kept me away from it in the end. Not wanting to wear a $1600 watch every day and already having a Samsung watch 6. Overall, the large and easy to read screen, two button simple interface, AI availability, and price point made it an easy choice for me in the end.

[@patrickpiessenberger8195]

Great breakdown of all the key factors to consider when choosing a dive computer! The way you covered price ranges, dive modes, usability, and even extra features like air integration and digital compass was super helpful. I also appreciate the detailed discussion about screens and battery life, which are often overlooked. Thanks for making it easy to compare the options - perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their dive gear in 2024!

[@jaredsaxon4510]

I definitely don’t need most of the features that the higher end Garmins have, but to have a do it all watch is highly attractive. Plus the style and smart functions justify some of the price since it’s usable daily.

[@theependleton]

Thank you! As an athlete I like consolidating my devices if I can so being able to track runs and workouts on my dive computer is exceedingly helpful!

[@rachelbaldwin8031]

I am just starting out in a dive career so being able to use it everyday, have it on my wrist, long battery life is all very important to me

[@Kid_Miyagi]

I’ve always had the philosophy when starting a new hobby and you know you’ll be active in the pursuits, “buy once cry once” but I also appreciate the economic aspect and buy an entry level watch most peoples entry level watch will become there secondary watch at some point in their career

[@atilerken5463]

Thanks for another great video! Most SSI divers I know using the SSI app who want to be able verify dives in the same app they are logging them unfortunately feel imposed to get a Mares dive computer because (hard to believe in 2024 but) there doesn't seem to be any API, protocol or other way to sync data between different dive computers and logging apps. SSI divers I talk to look forward to Mares (which acquired SSI in 2014) launching better and more reasonably priced dive computers. The recently launched Mares QUAD Ci (which claims to have Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm, 8-color MIP display, bluetooth, integrated digital compass and air integration) has almost no online reviews yet so it would be great if @DIVEIN can post a review for the new Mares QUAD Ci. Much appreciated 🤟

[@yancymcvay]

Love watching your videos and updates on the latest and greatest equipment!! Keep them coming!!

[@davidstern6273]

In my opinion the most important thing in a dive watch (after buying one that is reliable )it's easy to use. And a very-very useful feature is air integration to have the ability to always know how much gas you have left.

[@pslykkman]

Definitely the most important point of choosing a dive computer for me is knowing what I plan to do now and in the future. A basic computer will cover most aspects of a new divers training. However you need to consider what type of diver you want to be so your equipment isnt holding you back. Are you a shallow bright water diver who is going to struggle with the display of a basic computer in bright sunlight or wanting to go on night dives or wreck dives where the display needs a torch to illuminate because the backlight is there as a tickbox rather than a useful feature. Consider if your torch fails or you get silted out, do you want the added stress of not being able to read your computer as its a monochrome LCD. Also if you are only being guided on holiday dives, do you need to understand all the extra information that a more advanced computer is showing you? where as if you start to lead dives and plan dives a better computer allows you to plan safely and understand remaining bottom time and time to surface adding to the safety factor. Basic computers dont always make this information clear. Being able to dump the dive information to a smartphone is also a great feature that encourages you to log and monitor your dives but also helps you become a better diver as you can refer back to older dives easier so you can learn that on older dives you user more air and weight and it will encourage you to identify how to improve as well as builds an interest in continuing to dive.

[@lap845]

i have the shearwater peregrine because of its clear and colorful display. all the important information is displayed on the one screen without have to press buttons to get to a different screen.

[@sousa1534]

I think having the possibility to customise the main dive screen is the most important to me. Depending on the dive you are doing you might want different things to be looking at.

[@xevimayster8286]

I dont know what is the most important about a diving computer, but i know that the money we have is what limit us

[@daisydrake7430]

I find that readability and ease of use are most important. However I am very restricted on price. I've just purchased a Mares Quad, which wasn't one I was looking at, but my instructor got me a deal. It does everything I need and as I progress, I can upgrade. I have been told more than once that I should have two computers, so I thought best to start simple then that will become by backup.

[@adrianothomazi]

As a recreational diver for me large screen, bottom time, depth and nitrox are the most important things I look in a computer

[@KianYongBaey]

As always, love the content that the channel is posting! Very informative as always! As a new beginner entry level diver who just gotten his open waters certification. Have never used a dive computer before, but understand the importance of having and using a dive computer everytime that you dive. As a new comer, i would think that the ease of usability of a dive computer is what is most important to me! Being able to easily use and understand all the information that is provided by the dive computer! Would love to win my very first dive computer to help me along my journey of becoming a more experienced diver!!

[@scottholdegraver4274]

I'm brand new to diving. Just got my open water cert a few weeks ago. Toying with the idea of getting a dive computer even though I may only use it on one trip/year. Since that's the case, I'm probably going for cheaper and dedicated, not something that doubles as a smart watch, if I even pull the trigger to get one.

[@ericball749]

as a newer diver, readability and air integration are what I am looking for the most!

[@zoltanszoke2676]

For me, air integration is the most important feature. All the others are pretty much standard. Digital compass is a nice to have.

[@bagleyrussell9422]

Thank you, Great comparison between several different dive computers. Definitely visibly and easily navigable menu

[@JotaVier]

Thanks for the very interesting and clear video! I bought my Shearwater Teric two months before they launch the Tern… I found the teric too technical for me, but wanted the air integration in a watch size. Today I would go for the Tern Tx: it has more than enough features for me and it is more affordable.

[@soloharvey7862]

I think the most important thing is reliability and maybe having some features to grow into as you progress in experience.

[@snierop]

Very informative video. I think readability, both screen brightness and the way information is presented are the main things I look for in a diving computer.

[@wazsup1231]

Clear and easy to read display, also its good if it has some features to warn your if you are asceding too fast like vibrating or blinking.

[@snjutnef7]

Thanks for the overview! for me it was air integration and bluetooth (to sync with the Mac Dive app). Turns out, that AI gave me another level of confidence as well due to the remaining time displayed. My air consumption actually went down because of this :)

[@MGG1933]

Air integration is awesome. One you have it, it’s hard to go back.

[@kylebezuidenhout7997]

Great video. I've been following these explanation/comparison videos and really enjoy this series. I think most important when buying a DC, think about what you want to do as a diver and then consider your budget. If you know you're gonna be diving very often get something nice like the Suunto ocean, or Shearwater peregrine tx or even a garmin mk3i. But if you not gonna dive often, get something that will do what you need while diving. I'm saying this assuming most people already have some form of fitness watch or smart watch.

[@petethehandyman9185]

Being easy to go between screens to program,I have the new Garmin Mk3i and wearing it everyday definitely helps you be more familiar with it. Thanks for the great videos.

[@CK-tn2lf]

I am new to diving and looking into what to get. Leaning towards the smart watch options but also like the Peregrine for their size.

[@Drlogical1]

I like the deco info and I would like the AI feature. Compass would be nice and Long Battery life. I have a Peregrine and now see the Peregrin TX for the AI and it now has a compass. Great review, thank you!

[@ronenelfassy]

Definitely visibility Upgrading now from a 15 year old Suunto vyper to a aqualung i330r to increase visibility

[@thierrykapp6633]

I was looking for a DC with a good readable screen, as I wear glasses to be able to read. And I wanted to have also a ir integration.

[@diogro80]

Great information! Could you provide us with a full review for Suunto Ocean? We still need more info about this computer.

[@curtisleblanc1880]

Great content. Thanks guys. I love my shearwater and a bright screen is super important to me. Of course, the user changeable battery doesn't hurt either :) Cheers!

[@diegocarraro3603]

For me it is really important AI and color customizable screen that I can put just the informations that is important to me. I am going on the direction for Tec dive, side mount and I am looking forward for the Garmin MK3i or Shearwater Teric/Perdix 2. I am not sure yet what I should really choose, but if it wasn’t about the price I would go straight for MK3i about the smartwatch functionality as well.

[@droneandtraveling]

I think if you have enough money you can have one expensive computer and will have it for all your dive career

[@jasonrickert8224]

For a dive computer, I think you really need to take a long hard look at what you truly need for yourself. That should include dive frequency, dive purpose, and if there is a desire to use for more than diving, all followed by budget.

[@sharpshooterslax7361]

For sure the most important feature is the NDL calculation!

[@matijasemenic3543]

I own Ratio iX3m2, but would considere buying watch style DC for travel.

[@jesusalbela340]

I have the apple watch ultra and i picked this one cause it gives me more mobility i can travel in a low budget and have my plane tikets my phone and my dive computer all in it but it also has it own flaws i would say battery and the great point is logs cause they are registered automatically and you never has the doubt where the dive was but i got a lot to talk about this

[@m1ch4Lko]

We need a Garmin Mk3i in the 47mm form factor (similar to the Fenix 8 47mm)

[@robertnorthcottalisonbird59]

Looking to buy a technical and recreational dive computer with transmitter which mainly focuses on recreational diving but can do technical diving and easy display for senior divers

[@tomas75t]

Great video as always. As a quite a new diver, I really enjoy to watch your tests and guide videos. For me I am looking in the dive computer for versality (ability to wear every day), long lasting battery, and some future proof as I want to do advanced open water and Nitrox in near future. Suunto Ocean or something similar will be my consideration to be honest.

[@fimeilleur]

Readability is important... currently own a Suunto Zoop (v1) and I find having to charge the backlight with my torch during a night dive to be a pain in the a$$. A bright display at night that can also be read in bright sunlight is important. The info is no good if you can't read it.

[@briangarrett6264]

Hard to beat a Perdix 2! You should give one of those away!

[@jonathanronsin4417]

Most important to me is how legible the computer is... Beginner might need bigger screen to find relevant infos in stressful situations during learning phases and old farts might need an Amoled screen to enjoy their dive to the fullest... Weather and location ( lake, sea, river ) also dictate one or another screen you choose... Safe dives 🤙🏻

[@__gillie__288]

Great info in this video, thanks! I'm thinking of going for my DM soon and also want to try tech diving so I'm looking for a computer that can wiggle into the tech world but is also affordable. It's always a debate - spend money on dive gear or spend money on dives....I usually go for the latter of course. :) The shearwater tern TX or Garmin G1 look interesting.

[@FL0WER2P0WER]

IMHO size (I am wearing correction glasses), replaceable battery, and affordable price is what matters. Don`t take me wrong: buying really cheap is usually buying twice but for recreational divers buying comp with extras like air integration or other bells and.. is wasting money which can be spent on more dives or better other equipment like regs or dry suit... of course if you have too much money and no ideas how to spend it - well : go for it ;)

[@jaketschida7016]

Thank you! This was actually prefect timing. I've started researching upgrading my console computer to a wireless computer. Any way to get rid of another hose is great. I've always hated clipping my console to my BC and having to look down at it and having to unclip it to use the compass. Question, do they make a computer that will read both single tank and pony bottle at the same time?

[@MarcusKeith-z7b]

I do search and rescue in Tennessee almost all of our dive sites are extremely low visibility water. What’s the best for muddy water? Max depth would be 130feet and that’s almost never. However dive times can be extremely long.

[@mackenzietivendale9191]

I like to see customizeability and simplicity.

[@Hexelcr]

I going to echo a lot of comments, AI and compass functions are a must.

[@ToniValkonen]

Smart watch features that I can use the computer in multiple sports.

[@marygeorge5758]

Thanks for the reminder to buy what I need vs what I want! I really like the Suunto Ocean but it’s too expensive for me. What’s your opinion on the Atmos Mission 2? I like it but wish it had transmitter capability.

[@nickt.169]

I bought the new Suunto Ocean as my First dive Computer. I wanted a new Smart-/Fitnesswatch with Great Features and really good battery life. Before I was using an Apple Watch (Not ultra) and the Bad battery life and the subscription Model for Diving of the AWUltra let me Switch Away from Apple. Garmin was way to expensive for luxury Features I don’t really need in my life…

[@ericball749]

newsletter link?

[@Vulxnyrie]

Mine was off a different place

[@DD-gi6kx]

don't overbuy....this is exactly what you need to do if you don't want to be continually buying new stuff as you gain experience, just overbuy with thought and purpose

[@kepanaa8940]

as I age Big readable screen is important to me. Before that AI was the biggest thing I look at.

[@ZaidSaid]

Price and support for free diving is what i am looking for…

[@DIVEindotcom]

Freediving mode is pretty standard in most dive computers, especially the smaller wrist-watch ones. Are you a scuba diver as well?

[@ZaidSaid]

@@DIVEindotcom the big square DC doesn’t support freediving… yes scuba dive casually and free diving when i’m out of money…

[@ruediger_b]

Aktually the batterie of my Apple Watch 8 came to an end and at first i think of a new Apple Watch Ultra 2. For Diving i use an aqualung 770i (AI) - so i think i will sell the 770 and buy a Garmin MK3i for Diving and Sport. Surely my Credit Card will be whining😢😂

[@maldwyncooper9747]

Readability and compass. AI if you have the money.

[@keitharnold9074]

Air integration

[@jodeci888]

🤞🏻🤿🤞🏻 Nice catches. 😉. The differences were broke down like a fraction! Easy for everyone to understand and informative. 🤞🏻🤿🤞🏻