Originally posted on September 18, 2019 @ 7:30 am
Have you just started scuba diving and now you’re ready to buy some of your own equipment?
“What’s the best dive computer for beginners?”, you may ask yourself.
This is an important question because it’s probably the biggest purchase you make at the beginning of your diving adventures.
Even if you’re not a beginner, if you only go scuba diving a few times a year, it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune on something you don’t use much.
Dive computers are an essential piece of kit for safe, responsible and, of course, fun scuba diving.
They can vary in size, shape, colors, durability and quite literally everything under the sun. But it can be hard to know which one to buy.
Most purchasing guides you will find online are written by people who aren’t even scuba divers, they’re only comparing features but haven’t used them.
Not this guide. This one is actually a collaboration post.
I had a few of my friends who are divemasters and/or instructors put together their experiences with their dive computers to create a guide for you of our opinions of the top-rated dive computers!
Let’s dive right in and take a look at the Suunto D4i, Mares Smart, and Aqualung i200:
Best Scuba Dive Computer (Value for Money): Mares Smart
So which scuba dive computer should you choose as a beginner?
Let’s take into account: affordability, functionality, and appearance.
For this reason, I would have to say the best scuba dive computer is the Mares Smart.
The price point of $349 is not too high, whilst it operates very well with all the metrics you would need as a beginner as well as for more advanced divers.
It allows for use as a normal everyday watch, with a few color variations, features such as a calendar and a stopwatch- including an alarm to wake up for your diving day.
The simplicity of this computer really tops is one of the best dive computers for beginners.
Also, it’s available in all kinds of colors so there’s for sure a design you will love.
Best Budget Dive Computer: Aqualung i200
Without a doubt, the stand-out of this category is the Aqualung i200 Dive Computer.
It’s leading the best affordable dive computer rating but, at the same time, does not lack essential functions for new divers, and has a few more details for the advanced.
This computer actual won SCUBALAB’s “Best Buy” award in 2017, and I can absolutely see why.
Three computers, three prices, three brands. There we have it, some of the top rated dive computers on the market at the moment.
Hopefully, this detailed guide has helped you to find out a little more about the right diving computer for you.
Best Dive Computers for Beginners – Pin for later:
If you’re a scuba diver, these articles of mine might be interesting for you as well:
- Liveaboard Diving – Ultimate Guide for First-Timers
- Best Dive Computers for Beginners
- Scuba Diving Guide to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
- Scuba Diving Guide to Dahab, Egypt
- Scuba Diving Guide to El Gouna, Egypt
- 35+ Best Gifts for Scuba Divers
- Best Dive Watches under $300
- Best Dive Watches under $1000
