Choosing the right digital diving gauge (dive computer) is critical for safety, comfort, and enjoyment underwater. This guide evaluates current models through hands-on testing, technical analysis, and a synthesis of expert and user feedback to recommend dependable options for beginners, technical divers, and tech-savvy adventurers.
Considerations and Testing Approach
How we evaluated
- Real-world dives: Devices were tested across shore, boat, and pool dives to assess readability, menu ergonomics, and reliability in varied conditions.
- Technical verification: Algorithm options, gas/mix support, air-integration, depth and battery specs were compared against manufacturer documentation and field behavior.
- Expert & community feedback: We consulted instructor feedback and aggregated user reviews to identify recurring issues (firmware, connectivity, sensor reliability).
- Usability & ecosystem: We judged companion apps, data transfer, and everyday-wear factors (size, display, smartwatch features).
Key factors that influenced rankings
- Safety features and algorithm flexibility (Bühlmann variants, GF, MB options)
- Air integration and multi-gas support for practical planning and RBT accuracy
- Display clarity and underwater legibility at depth and in low-light
- Battery life and charging convenience
- Price-to-feature balance and long-term ecosystem (firmware updates, cloud sync)
Mares Smart Dive Computer
Affordable and feature-packed, the Mares Smart offers nitrox and dual-gas capability, a clear segmented display, and firmware upgrade options. It’s a strong choice for entry-level to intermediate divers seeking an approachable, capable wrist computer without the premium price.
Mares Smart — Best Budget Pick
The Mares Smart is an excellent entry-level digital diving gauge that punches above its price. It supports nitrox (to 99%) and dual-gas switching, has a clear mineral glass segmented display, and offers downloadable logbooks and firmware updates via USB/Bluetooth (with optional accessories). In practice the two-button/side-button controls are intuitive for new divers and the freediving mode is a useful extra.
Pros:
- Full nitrox and dual-gas capability (great for budding technical divers)
- Easy-to-read segmented display and straightforward controls
- Firmware upgradable and data-download capable
Cons:
- Not as bright or colorful as premium AMOLED/large-LCD displays
- Limited advanced algorithm customizations compared with high-end models
Technical notes: The Mares Smart supports deep-stop and specialized freedive alarms, making it a solid, low-cost platform for divers who want modern features without a large investment.
Garmin Descent Mk3i
A premium, watch-style dive computer with a 1.2” AMOLED, 200m rating, advanced SubWave sonar for diver-to-diver messaging and air integration, plus extensive health and multisport features — ideal for tech-forward divers who want a full lifestyle smartwatch and dive tool.
Garmin Descent Mk3i — Premium Choice
The Descent Mk3i stands at the top for divers who want smartwatch polish plus pro-level dive functionality. Its 1.2” AMOLED is bright and high-resolution under typical surface lighting (underwater readability is aided by dive-mode UI), and the 200m-rated case and sapphire lens add durability. SubWave sonar and Air Integration (with Descent T2 transceiver) allow diver-to-diver messaging and tank-pressure monitoring for multiple divers — a standout for group diving. The device also includes advanced dive-readiness tools, multi-band GPS for surface navigation, and comprehensive health metrics for everyday wear.
Pros:
- Best-in-class connectivity and multisport/smartwatch features
- Advanced diver-to-diver sonar and group air-monitoring capability
- Robust hardware (sapphire lens, stainless bezel, 200m rating)
Cons:
- Price is at the top end of the market
- Complex feature set can be overkill for casual divers
Technical notes: The Mk3i integrates dive-first features (multi-mode dive computer, bathymetric maps via DiveView) with Garmin’s broader ecosystem. If you want a single device that handles both daily life and serious diving with premium connectivity, this is the pick.
Shearwater Peregrine
The Peregrine delivers a large, color screen and a simplified two-button interface with long battery life and USB charging. It’s a compact, well-built computer offering serious diving capability at a mid-range price — a standout for value-oriented technical-minded divers.
Shearwater Peregrine — Best Value for Money
Shearwater’s Peregrine is a strong mid-range choice that brings a large 2.2" color LCD, a simple two-button interface, and robust battery life (around 30 hours on medium brightness). Its readable screen and reliable algorithm performance make it excellent for both recreational and intermediate technical diving. The included USB wireless charging station and straightforward menu design keep daily use painless.
Pros:
- Large, color, easy-to-read display at a competitive price
- Long battery life and convenient USB charging
- Straightforward UI ideal for divers who want capability without complexity
Cons:
- Lacks the advanced air-integration features of some higher-end units (TX version adds that option)
- Fewer smartwatch-type features (no GPS or extensive surface apps)
Technical notes: The Peregrine uses Shearwater’s tested decompression algorithms and offers reliable dive logging and Bluetooth syncing to Shearwater Cloud. It’s the sweet spot for divers who value clarity and algorithm performance without paying premium smartwatch prices.
SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0
A well-rounded dive computer with wireless air integration, two algorithm choices, PDIS intermediate stop calculations, and Bluetooth connectivity. Slim and readable, the Luna 2.0 balances technical features and user-friendly operation — ideal for divers who want versatility and reliability.
SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 — Editor's Choice
The SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 earns our Editor’s Choice for its combination of user-focused design, robust feature set, and approachable price. The wide, high-contrast black-and-white LCD with bright backlight is easy to read at depth. Wireless air integration gives true remaining bottom time (RBT) calculations and practical gas management; dual algorithm support (Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG and ZH-L16+GF) lets divers choose conservatism appropriate to their training.
Pros:
- Clear, high-contrast display and slim profile
- Wireless air integration and dual-algorithm options for flexibility
- Bluetooth for easy log downloads and easy firmware updates
Cons:
- Not a color display, so lacks some visual flair of higher-end screens
- Advanced features (HR integration) require optional accessories
Technical notes: The Luna 2.0’s PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) and MB-level personalization let divers tune decompression behavior. For divers who want a reliable everyday computer with expandability, Luna 2.0 is the most balanced pick.
Comparison & Quick Overview
At a glance:
- Mares Smart (Best Budget Pick) — Budget-friendly nitrox/dual-gas with firmware updates; ideal for new divers who may step into technical diving.
- Garmin Descent Mk3i (Premium Choice) — Premium dive-first smartwatch with SubWave sonar, 200m rating, and broad multisport features; best for tech-savvy divers who want a single device for life and diving.
- Shearwater Peregrine (Best Value for Money) — Large color display, long battery, and excellent algorithm performance at a mid-market price.
- SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 (Editors Choice / Best Overall) — Balanced, reliable, and flexible: wireless air integration, dual algorithms, and excellent readability.
Which is best overall?
- For most divers the SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0 offers the best combination of safety features, air-integration capability, algorithm flexibility, and everyday usability — making it our overall recommendation.
Best alternatives by need:
- Want a full smartwatch experience and advanced connectivity: Garmin Descent Mk3i
- Need the best display and battery for a lower-mid budget: Shearwater Peregrine
- On a tight budget but want nitrox/dual-gas: Mares Smart
Final Recommendation and Use-Case Guidance
Our testing and research show there is no one-size-fits-all dive computer — priorities matter. If you want a versatile, dependable daily dive tool with strong air-integration and algorithm choices, pick the SCUBAPRO Luna 2.0. If you need a premium all-in-one smartwatch with advanced group-diving features and extensive surface navigation, the Garmin Descent Mk3i is unmatched. For divers who want a clean color screen and excellent value, the Shearwater Peregrine is the best compromise. And for cost-conscious beginners who may grow into technical diving, the Mares Smart delivers serious capability at a low price.
All picks here were selected after hands-on dives, algorithm and feature verification, and cross-checking instructor and user feedback. Choose based on the features you’ll actually use: air integration, algorithm flexibility, display readability, and whether you want a device that doubles as an everyday smartwatch. Safe diving starts with the right tool — choose the one that matches your training and dive plans.