If you’re hunting for the best dive computers for beginners to level up your diving experience, you’ve landed in the right spot.
Dive computers are one of the most helpful pieces of equipment and picking the right one can completely change your dive experience.
Whether you’re a vacation diver or an aspiring future instructor, we’ve got the details on our top picks that you can check out today.
So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!
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Quick Comparison
Before we get into the depths, here’s a quick look at how our top picks stack up. Peek at the table below to see if any catch your attention, then dive into the full reviews for all the spicy details. Click those links if you see something you like!
| Computer | Display | Buttons | Battery | Compass | Air Integration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mares Puck 4 | Segmented | 1 | CR 2450 | No | No |
| Cressi Leonardo 2.0 | PCD | 1 | CR 2430 | No | No |
| Suunto Zoop Novo | Matrix | 4 | CR 2450 | No | No |
| SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 AI | Black & White LED | 2 | CR 2450 | No | Yes |
| Shearwater Peregrine | Full Color LCD | 2 | Rechargeable Li-ion | No | No |
Mares Puck 4
- CUSTOMIZABLE DIVE ALGORITHM – The Puck 4 diving computer features the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with adjustable gradien…
- VERSATILE MULTIGAS CAPABILITY – Adapt to various dive scenarios with multigas support for up to three gases (air, nitrox…
- CLEAR AND DETAILED DISPLAY – Equipped with a crystal-clear segment display made from advanced chip-on-glass technology, …
The Mares Puck 4 is an entry-level dive computer that uses the advanced Buhlmann ZH-L16C algorithm. It’s easy to use and feature rich. There are versatile modes, from air to nitrox and bottom timer, as well as user-friendly controls and a crystal-clear display.
The segmented display is created with chip-on-glass technology and is capable of 800 segments. You’ll be able to stay informed with just a quick glance at the dive watch. Within the display, you’ll see everything from depth and dive time to no deco time and ascent rate.
Mares kept it simple with this dive computer. It uses a single button for hassle-free operation. It’s adaptable straps can be customized and even replaced with a bungee for added comfort flexibility. They also opted for a user-replaceable CR 2450 battery with a lifespan up to 100 dives.
The Puck 4 has integrated Bluetooth, so you can transfer data directly to your smart device using the Mares app. Its internal memory can store up to 100 dives. You can also keep the watch up-to-date with the latest firmware delivered through the app.
Color options include:
- Black / Orange
- Black / Olive
- Black / Blue
- Black / Black
- Black / Aqua
- Black / Yellow
Click the link to see what all the hype is about!
Cressi Leonardo 2.0
- A single button dive computer makes effortless to set Air, Nitrox and Gauge modes. Ideal for beginners in Scuba Diving. …
- FO2 adjustable between 21% and 50%. PO2 adjustable between 1.2 bar and 1.6 bar. CNS oxygen toxicity graphic indicator.
- Three levels of user-adjustable conservatism. Visual and distinct, easy-to-hear audible alarms.
The Cressi Leonardo 2.0 was built with simplicity and safety in mind. It can easily manage your dive plan from start to finish.
The dive watch features a large edge-to-edge display that lets you check important dive data quickly and an intuitive single-button navigation that makes even first-timer feel comfortable accessing their dive data.
The Leonardo uses the advanced Cressi RGBM Algorithm to calculate time on the surface, no-fly intervals, and desaturation. It’s got a replaceable protective screen cover that keeps the display clear and easy to read. It also uses a user-replaceable CR 2430 battery to minimize downtime.
The Cressi app lets you analyze and store your dive data. You upload the data via Bluetooth to your Mac, PC, or smart device.
If you’ve ever used a rental computer, it was likely this one. Dive schools and rental operations love this thing because of its full data reset option, letting each new diver start with a fresh profile.
Color options include:
- Black / Black
- Black / Grey
- Black / Yellow
- Black / Blue
- Black / Pink
- Black / White
Click the link to learn more!
Suunto Zoop Novo
- Operating modes: air, nitrox, gauge and freedom modes
- Programmable for 21% to 50% oxygen mixtures
- Imperial or metric programmable, decompression stop data, audible alarms
The Suunto Zoop Novo offers everything you need, whether you’re just starting your dive journey or exploring new underwater horizons. Key dive data is clearly displayed on its large, super-bright backlit screen that’s made of acrylic. The data is easy to read at a glance, even in low visibility.
This dive computer is intuitive and features full decompression capabilities and five versatile dive modes (Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free, and Off). It uses the Suunto RGBM algorithm. You’ll easily navigate through Suunto’s menu-based interface. No fuss, just gear up and dive in.
The watch is powered by a CR 2450 that’s user-replaceable and will last up to two years in time mode. Its internal logbook memory holds up to 140 hours of dives. Unfortunately, there’s no wireless capability, so you’ll have to transfer the data to the Suunto app through a USB cable.
To end on a positive note, this dive watch has air integration capabilities when you pair it with the optional Suunto Tank Pod.
Color options include:
- Black
- Lemon Yellow
- Wildberry
- Aqua Blue
Click the link to get yours!
SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 AI
- Easy to Read Screen: Wide, high contrast black and white LCD display screen with large characters and a bright LED backl…
- Thin, Low Profile: Slim thermoplastic housing utilizes oil fill technology for reliable performance.
- Simple Two Button Control: Intuitive menu and control makes it straightforward to operate
The SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 AI was obviously designed for readability. This wrist-mounted dive computer features large, high-contrast display screen and bright LED backlight. It’s never been easier to see all your dive data.
The dive watch uses a simple two-button control and intuitive menu for straightforward operation. There are three dive modes (Scuba, Gauge, and Apnea) you can choose from and the watch is also nitrox compatible. You also get to choose between Buhlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB or ZH-L16+GF algorithms.
The silicone wrist strap is flexible and comfortable. It’s secured using a stainless clasps. The display is protected by a silicone housing case cover and a pre-installed screen protector. Bungee mounts are also available on the corner of the housing for if you want an alternate way of securing the computer.
The Luna uses Bluetooth LE to transfer data from the watch to the SCUBAPRO LogTRAK app. Oddly, SCUBAPRO doesn’t mention how many the computer can start on its internal memory. They do mention that the user-replaceable CR 2450 battery can last up to 300 dives, though. There’s also air integration when paired with the SCUBAPRO Transmitter Smart + Pro
Only one color available.
Click the link below to check it out!
Shearwater Peregrine
- Multiple Diving Modes – Air, Nitrox, 3 Gas Nitrox, Gauge
- 2.2″ LED LCD display with vivid, enhanced colour range and saturation
- Uses Buhlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors. Shearwater dive computers never lockout for dive plan deviations.
The Shearwater Peregrine features a 2.2″ LCD with vivid, enhanced color and saturation, and a 320 x 240 QVGA screen resolution. There are two 316 stainless steel buttons located on each side that help you easily navigate its state-aware menu structure. They sit just above where the 26 mm silicone band connects.
Its display is fully customizable so you can show the information that’s most important to you. Its got support for multiple languages and even comes with a screen protector.
The dive watch has full decompression support and uses the Buhlmann ZHL-16C+GF algorithm. Shearwater notes that the dive computer will never lockout for dive plan deviations.
Unlike the other computers on this list, the Peregrine doesn’t have a user-replaceable battery. Instead, it uses a Li-ion battery that can be charged on its included wireless stand. The battery is factory-replaceable.
The watch has a dive log capacity of 200 hours or 96 dive entries. You transfer the dive data to the Shearwater Cloud app through Bluetooth.
Unfortunately, no air integration.
Color options include:
- Black / Cyan
- Adventures Edition Light
- Adventures Edition Dark
Click the link to get yours today!
Wrapping Up
There you have it. Five of the best dive computers for beginners, each with its own perks.
Whether you’re fresh out of your PADI class, a seasoned diver, or just want something sleek for your setup, there’s something here for you.
- Mares Puck 4: The “no-frills” option that does what you need.
- Cressi Leonardo 2.0: For divers on a budget.
- Suunto Zoop Novo: For divers on a budget that want more than one button.
- SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 AI: Air integration on a large screen.
- Shearwater Peregrine: Colored display for those sick of monotone.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out those links, snag your favorite, and get ready to dive in style!
Why Are These Dive Computers Good For Beginners?
Simple Interface: Beginners can get overwhelmed by complex menus and multiple buttons. These computers are designed with a few buttons and a logical menu structure, allowing new divers to quickly find the information they need without fumbling.
Clear, Large Display: Readability is paramount underwater. These computers feature large, high-contrast, and often backlit displays that make it easy to see critical data like depth, time, and no-decompression limits, even in low-visibility conditions.
Essential Features: They provide all the necessary safety features for recreational diving, including a decompression model, ascent rate alarms, safety stop prompts, and a dive log.
Durability and Reliability: These computers are built to be robust and reliable. They are trusted by dive schools and rental fleets, which means they can withstand the rigors of frequent use.
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