The Best Budget Wetsuits: Our Top Picks in 2026
If you’re hunting for the best budget wetsuits to level up your diving experience, you’ve landed in the right spot.
Wetsuits are essential when diving in certain conditions and picking the right one can make or break your entire dive.
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!
Need a quick refresher on the types of wetsuits out there? Check this guide out:
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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!
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Cressi Morea
4.6
- Anatomical cuts make this wetsuit adaptable at different shapes of bodies. The knees feature a protection against bumps and scratches.
- One-piece wetsuit made in Premium Quality Neoprene. Arms and Legs in Ultraspan Neoprene for ensure free movements and ease to donning.
- Chest in Rubberized Neoprene to ensure warmth and protection. Back-zip in quality YKK.
The Cressi Morea is a highly comfortable full wetsuit, engineered specifically for outstanding performance and flexibility in warm-water activities, including our favorite: scuba diving. The wetsuit works well in temperatures above 71.6°F (22°C).
The suit is made from premium 3mm ultra-stretch neoprene that gives you light, all-day insulation, and a natural feel. For critical areas requiring maximum mobility, the lower arms and legs use ULTRA-SPAN neoprene panels. This lets the suit mold like a second skin and gives you an unrestricted range of motion.
For better performance, the Morea features a rubberized neoprene chest panel designed to reduce drag. This improves hydrodynamics and makes it easier to move efficiently through the water. Durability is addressed with reinforced knee patches that protect the suit against wear and tear in high-contact areas.
You don and doff the suit through a high-quality rear zip with a secure hook-and-loop neck closure. A secondary tab is included near the zipper base to keep the pull cord neatly secured during use. Finally, the Morea is a truly versatile suit, available in male, female, and junior sizing to accommodate families and divers of all ages.
| Men | Women | Juniors |
| 3XS | ||
| 2XS | ||
| XS | XS | |
| S | S | S |
| M | M | M |
| L | L | L |
| XL | XL | XL |
| 2XL |
Aqualung HydroFlex
4.2
- Ultra-stretchy neoprene makes for easy on/off
- Flatlock stitching means the seams stretch easily, just like the rest of the suit
- Hook-and-loop adjustable neck prevents chafing and permits free movement while remaining secure
The Aqualung HydroFlex is an exceptional choice for warm-water exploration. It combines high-stretch performance with an environmentally conscious design.
The suit’s major advantage is its super-stretch neoprene, which offers an incredible elongation capability. This thing can stretch up to 250% more than traditional neoprene, giving you outstanding comfort both during underwater movement and when taking the suit on or off.
The neoprene is non-petroleum-based and uses a PAH-free formula, aligning with eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
For superior comfort against the skin, the suit uses durable flatlock stitching and a comfortable V-shaped collar. The design is built to withstand dive wear with a laminated chest panel for wind and abrasion resistance, and high-performance Powertex knee panels that give you excellent abrasion protection while maintaining flexibility.
The HydroFlex also includes several dive-specific features for convenience and durability. The printed shoulder designs protect the suit from abrasion caused by the BCD harness, printed wrist designs help to keep your dive computer securely in place during the dive, and the suit uses a heavy-duty #10 zipper with a durable loop for easy opening and closing.
Available in both men’s and women’s styles.
| Men | Women |
| XS | |
| S | S |
| M | M |
| M/L | M/L |
| L | L |
| XL | XL |
| 2XL |
Henderson Thermoprene Pro
4
- Super soft, 250% stretch neoprene provides a “melt in your hand” feel. Aqua Silk lining on all interior panels
- Larger neoprene panel and minimized seams keep cold water out and warm water in
- Double glued and double sewn seams (interior & exterior) provide longevity, durability and performance in the most demanding conditions
The Henderson Thermoprene PRO line represents a professional-level evolution in wetsuit design. It focuses on maximum warmth, flexibility, and decades of patterning expertise. These suits are built for demanding conditions and are constructed to keep you warmer for longer.
A significant upgrade in the suit is its super soft neoprene, which now features an incredible 250% stretch. This “melt in your hands” neoprene contours precisely to your body’s every curve. You’ll get an anatomical and comfortable fit. This fit is further refined by new patterns developed using over five decades of USA grading and patterning knowledge.
To ensure exceptional thermal performance and long-term durability, the Thermoprene PRO minimizes cold water entry with a couple key features. First, cold water entry through seams are minimized through the use of larger neoprene panels. Second, every seam is meticulously double glued and blind stitched. This construction is even applied to their 3mm models, a warmth-focused feature that’s usually not included in entry-level suits.
The suit is finished with an array of premium, professional features. The interior is lined with comfortable Aqua Silk on all panels. An ergonomic DuraTex stretch knee pad gives you superior abrasion resistance without sacrificing flexibility. The suit has a durable YKK #10 zipper with a stainless slider and an integrated self-sealing spine pad. Lastly, the suit features a Velcro-resistant outer fabric and comes with a 10-year Limited Warranty.
Available in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thicknesses for both men and women. You can also pick between back or front zip styles.
| Men | Women |
| XS | 2 |
| S | 4 |
| M (Reg, Short, Tall) | 6 (Reg, Short, Tall) |
| ML | 8 (Reg, Short, Tall) |
| L (Reg, Short, Tall) | 10 (Reg, Short, Tall) |
| XL (Reg, Short, Tall) | 12 (Reg, Short, Tall) |
| 2XL (Reg, Short, Tall) | 14 (Reg, Short) |
| 3XL | 16 (Reg, Short) |
| 4XL | 18 (Reg, Short) |
| 5XL | 20 |
| 6XL | 22 |
| 24 |
Mares M-Flex
4.4
- Crafted from premium ultra-stretch neoprene, providing exceptional flexibility and comfort
- With newly redesigned sizing, this scuba diving wetsuit offers a fit that adapts to a wide range of body types
- Features a new streamlined cut and design that reduces drag in the water
Mares is proud to introduce the newly redesigned M-FLEX wetsuit Line. This line was engineered to deliver an incredible fit and flexibility across a wide range of diving conditions and budgets.
The foundation of the wetsuit is its use of high-quality ultra-stretch neoprene. This material gives you maximum comfort and freedom of movement, both on the surface and during underwater exploration. To make this suit accessible and comfortable for more divers, Mares has implemented newly redesigned sizing to make sure the fit is adaptable to a wide variety of body types.
This line offers versatility for any environment, as it is available in a full range of thicknesses (from 1mm to 7 mm), making it a suitable option for everything from warm-water tropical diving to temperate conditions.
The wetsuit uses a new streamlined cut and design with minimal graphics and logos. This gives off a clean, sharp, and contemporary aesthetic. With its focus on adaptable sizing, quality materials, and a full range of thicknesses, the M-FLEX line has an option to meet nearly every dive need and budget.
Available in both men’s and women’s styles.
| Men | Women |
| S | 4 |
| M | 6 |
| L | 8 |
| XL | 10 |
| 2XL | 12 |
| 3XL | 14 |
| 16 |
XS Scuba Kana
4.8
- Made from premium superstretch fabrics, the Kana suits slide on nicely and peel off easily
- Tailored specifically for a divers or snorkelers streamlined swimming position to prevent binding and chafing
- Patterns were created to minimize seams for maximum stretch and warmth
The XS Scuba Kana wetsuit line is a highly versatile option for both men and women. Available in either 3/2mm or 5mm thicknesses, the suit gives you the necessary thermal protection to maximize your comfort in a variety of conditions.
The core of the suit’s comfort comes from its premium superstretch fabrics, which allow the these suits to slide on nicely and peel off easily after your dive. The suit patterns are tailored specifically for a diver’s or snorkeler’s streamlined swimming position. This prevents binding and chafing while underwater, with patterns created to minimize seams for optimal stretch and warmth.
The 3/2mm suits uses flat-lock stitching for maximum comfort in warmer water, while the 5mm suits are glued and blind stitched for better warmth in cooler environments.
Beyond comfort, the Kana line also includes several smart and durable features. For easy donning, a finger loop at the base of the zipper helps you in zipping up your own suit without assistance. A clever design on the neck closure prevents damage to the suit; before removal, you can fold the hook tab over onto an adjacent loop so the hook will not snag and damage other parts of the suit.
Durability is ensured through Supratex kneepads, which bring extra abrasion resistance to this high-wear area, and a reinforced rubber patch is placed beneath the zipper, strengthening this common weak point.
Finally, the suit is finished with contemporary color combinations, custom zipper leashes, and sharp graphics, making the Kana line as stylish as it is functional.
| Men | Women |
| XS | |
| S | S |
| M | M |
| L | L |
| XL | XL |
| 2XL | 2XL |
| 3XL | |
| 4XL |
Wrapping Up
There you have it. Five of the best budget wetsuits, 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.
- Cressi Morea: For new divers on a very tight budget.
- Aqualung HydroFlex: A great value option.
- Henderson Thermoprene Pro: If you’re looking for specialty sizes.
- Mares M-Flex: If you need a variety of thicknesses.
- XS Scuba Kana: A well-constructed option.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out those links, snag your favorite, and get ready to dive in style!
Why Are These Wetsuits Good?
Superior Flexibility for Comfort: Many of these suits feature ultra-stretch or 250% super-stretch neoprene, significantly improving mobility. This high degree of stretch allows the suit to conform perfectly to the body.
Durability and Abrasion Resistance: Wetsuits designed for diving feature strategic reinforcements to withstand the wear and tear associated with carrying heavy scuba gear. Nearly all models include rugged knee pads to protect against scuffs when kneeling on boat decks or touching the bottom.
Simplified Donning and Doffing: Comfortable and stress-free operation is built into these suits to improve the dive experience. Features like integrated O-ring seals on the wrists/ankles and the high-stretch neoprene itself help to limit water entry and make taking the suit on and off easier.
Optimized Thermal Insulation: The variety of thicknesses offered in these suits, from the 3mm and 3/2mm suits for tropical diving up to the 5mm options for cooler conditions, allows divers to select the precise level of insulation they need.
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