Save Money and Stay Safe: The Smart Diver's Guide to Dive Computers

A dive computer is an essential piece of equipment for every diver, and is usually one of the first pieces of equipment you will purchase. A dive computer increases diver safety by continuously monitoring depth, time, ascent rate, and decompression limits. 

Dive computers come in a range of styles and designs with different features that will enhance your diving performance. Understanding your personal needs based on your type of diving, will ensure a smarter purchasing decision. 

Dive Computer Basics

The dive computer provides real-time dive tracking, ensuring your safety on your dive. The device will calculate safe bottom time and ascent rates. Using a dive computer ensures that you don't exceed safe diving limits, and provides signaling for proper safety stops. Dive Computers also serve as log books, keeping a digital record of your diving history. Depending on the model you choose your dive computer might also offer air integration (AI), which monitors tank pressure for more accurate estimated air time underwater. The Garmin models also serve as a compass with GPS Tracking that marks entry and exit points and provides detailed maps of your dives. 

Using a dive computer means escaping from more complicated analogue solutions. Without the assistance of a dive computer, divers are reliant on dive tables and dive planning apps. These methods require manual calculations, and are general guidelines based on a standard diver profile. Relying on dive tables does not allow for adjustments based on actual diving conditions. Using a dive computer provides real time accurate information, specific to the user. While these alternatives work, a dive computer dynamically adjusts to your profile based on actual conditions, reducing decompression risk and maximizing bottom time. Plus, it logs dives and provides safety alerts—something that no manual method can do in real-time.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Dive Computer

The two biggest considerations when buying a dive computer are your diving needs and budget.  Depending on the type of diver you are-recreational, technical, freediver, traveler, cave or cenote diver you will have different needs in your dive computer.  Dive computers range in price with entry level models starting at approximately $300 USD and higher-end models going for upwards to $2000 USD. Some models like Apple and Garmin can also be used as everyday smart watches, they include GPS, fitness tracking and digital payment features. Consider the features that are critical for your needs and choose the style that fits your budget. 

Air Integration 

Another consideration when purchasing your dive computer is Air Integration (AI). Air integration (AI) pods, also called transmitters, connect to your first-stage regulator and send real-time tank pressure data to your dive computer. This lets you monitor air consumption, track SAC (surface air consumption) rate, and estimate remaining dive time. Some models of dive computers come with the AI pod, while others sell the transmitter separately. Not all brands and models are compatible with Air Integration, so if you think you will want to upgrade to the pod air integration system at a later time, ensure the model you are purchasing will be compatible with the pod. 

Garmin & Suunto Air Integration Pods 

If you are considering the Garmin models of dive computers, note that the models that have the (i) means that they are compatible for Air Integration. The Garmin T2 Transmitter which comes in the GARMIN DESCENT™ Mk2i BUNDLE is designed to be compatible with the Garmin Descent MK2i and MK3i models. 

Featured Product: GARMIN DESCENT™ Mk2i BUNDLE

The Air Integration pod uses SubWave™ sonar technology (not standard RF) for a stronger, longer-range connection And it offers multiple tank support which allows divers to pair up to 5 transmitters for sidemount, twin tanks, or group tracking. The Garmin Air Integration pod is best for tech divers, instructors, sidemount,  wreck and cave divers who need multiple tank monitoring. While AI is nice to have, it is not necessary for recreational divers. 

The Suunto dive computers have an Air Integration system that works with Suunto D5, EON Core, EON Steel (but is NOT compatible with Suunto Zoop, Vyper, or other non-AI models). Unlike the Garmin, the Suunto uses standard Radio Frequency (RF) technology for tank pressure transmission. Like the Garmin, the Suunto can pair with multiple pods for sidemount or twin-tank setups. The Suunto Air Integration pod is best for recreational and tech divers but not necessary for beginners or price conscious divers. 

Featured Product: Suunto Tank Pod

While not necessary when purchasing your dive computer the Air Integration Pod is highly useful for monitoring air consumption in real-time (better than checking your SPG manually),  tracking SAC rate to improve dive planning and better gas management for deeper and longer dives. While some bundles sell the pods with the dive computer, it can be purchased separately. It is important to ensure that if you do choose an Air Integration pod that you will require a first-stage regulator with at least one high-pressure (HP) port to connect the transmitter. 

Extra considerations for Air Integration

To use an air integration (AI) transmitter or pod, your first-stage regulator must have at least one high-pressure (HP) port to connect the transmitter. If you want to use both a wireless transmitter and an analog SPG (backup gauge), you need at least two HP ports.

If your first stage has only one HP port, you’ll have to decide between using the pod or an SPG. Some first stages have HP ports placed in awkward positions, causing the transmitter to stick out or be at risk of impact. Choose a first stage with a well-placed HP port that allows the pod to be tucked in safely.

While many transmitters are cross-compatible, some brands (e.g., Garmin, Suunto, Shearwater, Aqualung, Scubapro) may require specific pods to work with their computers. Check if the dive computer’s transmitter is compatible with your regulator and how it pairs (automatic vs. manual pairing).

If you are looking for a first stage that will pair with your Air integration pod we recommend the  Scubapro MK25 EVO and the Scubapro MK19 EVO.

The MK25 EVO offers two high-pressure (HP) ports, and allows you to connect both a wireless transmitter and an SPG for backup. Swivel turret with five LP ports, making hose routing flexible. It is excellent for warm and cold water diving with its EVO freeze-resistant design and provides high airflow which is ideal for deep or demanding dives. The MK25 EVO is best for technical divers, pros, and those who want the highest performance. 

Featured Product: SCUBAPRO MK25 EVO DIN 

The Scubapro MK19 EVO is best for cold and silty water. It offers two HP ports, so you can use both a transmitter and an analog SPG. It is environmentally sealed, perfect for cold water, silty, or dirty environments. As well as compact and lightweight, great for travel divers.

Featured Product: SCUBAPRO FIRST STAGE MK19 EVO

Ultimately, a dive computer is your lifeline underwater, tracking depth, dive time, ascent rate, and decompression limits in real-time. Choosing the right dive computer impacts safety by preventing decompression sickness by calculating safe dive profiles. A well-designed interface makes diving stress-free, ensure that you choose the best model for your type of diving as recreational, technical, and freediving all have different needs. 

A dive computer is one of your most important equipment investments for diving.  A quality dive computer typically lasts 5 to 10+ years, depending on the brand and the quality. Invest in premium brands like Shearwater, Garmin, and Suunto offer durable designs and warranty. Typically choosing a model with rechargeable batteries will last longer than replaceable batteries. In order to extend the life of your dive computer, always remember to rinse it properly after dives, store it properly when not in use and invest in regular maintenance to extend its life span. .

Before you make your purchase here are our top picks for dive computers along with the advantages and drawbacks to consider.

Garmin (Descent Series: G1, MK2, MK3)

Featured Product: GARMIN DESCENT™ Mk3i 43M

Best for: Multi-use divers, GPS users, smartwatch lovers
✅ GPS & smartwatch features
✅ Air integration (MK2i, MK3i)
✅ Solar charging option (G1 Solar)
❌ More expensive than entry-level models

Shearwater (Perdix, Teric)

Featured Product: SHERWOOD SHEARWATER WITH POD

Best for: Tech & professional divers
✅ Best air integration
✅ Custom dive algorithms
✅ Easy-to-read color display
❌ No GPS, no smartwatch features

Suunto (D5, EON Core, D4i)

Featured Product: SUUNTO EON CORE WITH USB AND BUNGEE

Best for: Recreational & freedivers
✅ D5 & EON Core: Rechargeable battery, good UI, budget-friendly options
✅ D4i: Lightweight, freediving mode, user-replaceable battery, optional air integration
❌ No GPS
❌ Limited smartwatch functions

Scubapro (G2, Aladin)

 

Featured Product: SCUBAPRO ALADIN ONE MATRIX COMPUTER

Best for: Traditional scuba divers
✅ Strong build quality
✅ Reliable dive algorithms
✅ Air integration
❌ No smartwatch features
❌ No GPS

Mares (Smart, Puck Pro, Genius)

Featured Product: MARES PUCK PRO + BLACK DIVE COMPUTER

Best for: Entry-level divers
✅ Affordable & easy to use
✅ Simple interface
✅ Good battery life
❌ No GPS
❌ Fewer advanced features

 

Remember, your journey as a diver is continuously evolving, the dive computer you choose as a beginner diver may not be what you need as a more advanced technical diver. You can always upgrade or change your model as your skill and diving advances. It is important that when you make your purchase it aligns with where you are now in your diving journey.

A recreational diver that dives once or twice a year does not have the same needs as a  professional that dives daily. If you are still unsure which dive computer is best for you, visit your local dive shop and speak to a dive equipment expert. As dive computers vary in size and weight you will also want to try them on to ensure they fit comfortably for your arm and wrist size. 

At Xico Dive Shop we have a full range of top brands Mares, Scubapro, Sherwater, Garmin and we currently have a super sale on all Suunto´s. Shop online or visit us daily from 9am-8pm.