9 Best Budget Dive Computers Available Online in 2023

Diving equipment is so expensive, and a dive computer is no exception. That’s a reason why the best budget dive computers should be your first consideration.

The most significant advantage of them is the ability to pack all basic features into a single gear with an inexpensive price point.

You might refer to items with low prices as inferior models. However, thanks to modern technology, entry-level dive computers today can own some premium functions previously included in high-end ones. Therefore, having a model of your dreams is completely realistic.

In case you have no idea where to start, I have done the research and listed my top nine choices below. They are the best budget dive computers that can make your desire to explore the underwater magic world come true.

My Top Picks

Dive computers now come in a wide range of colors and styles. And, you might find selecting the most useful one sometimes quite challenging.

Therefore, I would like to suggest some best budget dive computers that are perceived as the finest items on the market today as well as all available in online and offline shops.

• Best Overall: Cressi Leonardo
  “Single button design, three levels of conservative dive profile, deep stop function.”
• Best Under $500: Mares Puck Pro Plus
  “Simple interface, easy-to-navigate menus, wireless Bluetooth connectivity.”
• Best Under $300: SUUNTO Zoop Novo
  “Backlight display, a matrix screen, enlarged four buttons, programmable unit of measure.”
• Best for Beginners: Aqua Lung i200
  “User-replaceable battery, 2 nitrox mixes, data retention function.”
• Best Value for the Money: Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox
  “Dual algorithms, user-friendly interface, 2-minute countdown timer, history mode.”
• Best for Technical Diving: Cressi Giotto
  “70-hour logbook, built-in calendar and clock, 3-year battery life.”
• Best for Advanced Divers: Mares Quad
  “Bottom timer and plan mode, upgradeable software, scratch-resistant glass.”
• Best With Compass: ATMOS Mission One
  “Integrated with a digital compass, five levels of depth alarms, using Buhlmann ZHL-16c algorithm.”
• Best for Dive Travel: Oceanic B.U.D. Backup
  “Air and Nitrox mode, customizable altitude, backup dive computer.”

Comparison Chart

Are you busy now? Take a glance at each selected device in the comparison table below. It gives you all the primary features which the best budget dive computers should have.

However, I highly recommend that you still read the comprehensive reviews of all the models on my list for better choice-making accuracy.

The 9 Best Budget Dive Computers Reviews

All imperative information of the top 9 best budget dive computers has been offered in the paragraphs below.

From these reviews, you can determine which is an affordable gear that works for you. What you need to do now is read and understand the following knowledge thoroughly.

1. Cressi Leonardo

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

See the Price on Amazon

The Cressi Leonardo features a user-friendly interface with only one button to quickly access, making it effortless to use for divers of all levels.

Besides, its high-definition screen enables you to read crucial information such as max depth, dive time, temperature, etc., smoothly, even in dark water. This is because all the data is displayed in huge digits.

The deep stop function of the Cressi Leonardo is adjustable as well. This is so useful for technical divers because they help release the nitrogen stored during your dive. Thanks to that, your body is protected from illness caused by decompression.

Although having an inexpensive price point, the dive computer’s colorful options take me by surprise. It comes in up to 13 colors for selection, helping you to own a favorite-style tool with great ease.

However, I find the Cressi Leonardo’s strap a little short, making it less ideal for cold water where you have to wear thick gloves and need a large wristband.

Key Features:

• Single-button design
• Three dive modes
• Top-quality screen
• Obvious numerical display
• Three levels of conservative dive profile
• Audible alarms
• Deep stop function

Product Specifications:

Here is a video review of the Cressi Leonardo. Watch it and see how you can use the equipment on a normal dive.

2. Mares Puck Pro Plus

(Best Under $500)

See the Price on Amazon

The Mares Puck Pro Plus is a solid dive computer for its cheap cost. In spite of its massive screen, the dive watch is still slim and not too bulky to be worn daily. The intuitive menus combined with single-button access make it simple enough to best fit with first-time divers.

Moreover, the vital information is organized logically in three separate sections, which helps you easily read and understand.

The ability to connect to electronic devices is worth consideration by people who prefer simplicity. With the wireless Bluetooth capability, you can upload your dive data directly to your phone.

This enables you to save an amount of money spent on buying a USB cable. Besides, the upgradeable firmware will make your dive computer always be up-to-date.

Key Features:

• Simple interface
• Easy to navigate menus
• Slim design
• 35-hour logbook
• Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
• Upgradable firmware

Product Specifications:

3. SUUNTO Zoop Novo

(Best Under $300)

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With the price of less than $300, the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer has enough features to make it become a fantastic choice for recreational divers. It possesses four buttons arranged in a D-shape, including mode, select, down, and up.

All of them are enlarged for easily pressing even when you are wearing thick gloves. Besides, the matrix screen combined with a constant backlight helps to get the information quickly and effortlessly.

The SUUNTO Zoop Novo provides four operating modes to meet various requirements of divers. It permits you to dive with 21% to 50% oxygen mixtures, giving you the freedom to dive with air or nitrox.

Connectivity is another advantage of the dive computer. Despite lacking wireless connections, you can still transfer your data to your PC through a USB cable.

Storing personal data in a reliable device such as a desktop computer or a mobile phone will create your peace of mind against data loss risk between batty changes. Moreover, you find it easier to see your dive progress as well.

Key Features:

• Four operating modes
• Backlight display
• A matrix screen
• Enlarged four buttons
• Programmable unit of measure
• Audible alarms
• Maximum depth rating up to 330 feet

Product Specifications:

The video below shows you the way to switch between different dive modes on your SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer.

The Nitrox mode can be unfamiliar with entry-level divers. But by watching the following video, you will know how to set up that mode for you.

4. Aqua Lung i200

(Best for Beginners)

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If you are a novice in diving, you will need to buy lots of tools to support your dive more smoothly. Therefore, owning an inexpensive dive computer with the most vital features like the Aqua Lung i200 will save you a great amount of money on other things.

Furthermore, because this might be the first time you dive, a pricey dive computer with too many complicated functions is not only useless but also makes you frustrated if you don’t know how to control them.

The Aqua Lung i200 comes with four dive modes. They are air, nitrox, gauge, and free dive – an infrequent function offered by affordable choices. Besides, this model enables you to switch between two nitrox mixes that are up to complete oxygen.

One benefit that divers can expect at the Aqua Lung i200 is its user-changeable battery. This is so influential because you need to guarantee that your gear always has enough power during the day. Luckily, the Aqua Lung i200’s standard battery is sold globally and available in any supermarket.

Hence, your exploration under the deep blue won’t be interrupted just because of silly reasons as you cannot find a second set to replace the dead battery, or you forget to pack the charging cable in your suitcase.

See other great dive computers for beginners here.

Key Features:

• Four-button design
• User-replaceable battery
• Easy-to-see LED alarm light
• 2 nitrox mixes
• Data retention function

Product Specifications:

With the easy-to-follow steps in this following video, you can quickly learn how to change the Aqua Lung i200’s battery on your own.

5. Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox

(Best Value for the Money)

See the Price on Amazon

The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch makes it well-known among similar models by its compact size, which can be used as a wristwatch. It has a stainless steel accent ring accompanied by a rubber wristband.

These materials help the dive computer be durable and withstand the rigorous environment underwater.

The safety of divers is also the manufacturer’s top priority. Therefore, the Oceanic Geo 2.0 uses dual algorithms as well as enables you the flexibility to switch between them. If you are a beginner in diving, changing the setting to be more conservative is necessary.

Luckily, you can do that by using a deep stop function with a countdown timer plus an audible alarm integrated with a flashing LED light.

History mode will also equip you with necessary information such as the number of dives, max depth, total dive hours, etc. Through these practical statistics, it’s a piece of cake for you to track your progress and plan for improvement if needed.

Key Features

• Using Oceanic’s Exclusive Dual Algorithm
• Having watch mode with minutes and seconds display
• User-friendly interface
• 2-minute countdown timer
• Last Dive display
• Audible alarm with flashing LED light
• History mode

Product Specifications:

See how to customize basic settings of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 to fit your preference through the video below.

6. Cressi Giotto

(Best for Technical Diving)

See the Price on Amazon

The Cressi Giotto Scuba Diving Computer impresses tech divers with its intuitive interface, including three buttons. Although the single access will make it easier to use, it still has some drawbacks compared to the multiple buttons design.

For example, you can go to the mode you want straightforwardly, thanks to the forward and back buttons. But you will have to cycle through all the menus in single press dive computers just because they have no back switch.

In addition to a high-visibility display, the Cressi Giotto’s screen also contains large-sized digits. All of them are sectioned by thin lines to make it simple for divers to get critical data rapidly.

The Cressi Giotto memory capacity is a good point as well. Its logbook can store up to 70 hours or 60 dives. Besides, during your dive, the data will be refreshed every 20 seconds, so your calculations will always be up-to-date.

However, since the dive computer has a wrist-mounted style, it’s impossible to be worn as a wristwatch despite built-in calendar and clock functions.

Key Features:

• Three dive modes
• Deep stop function
• User-changeable battery
• 70-hour logbook
• Built-in calendar and clock
• Two unit systems
• 3-year battery life

Product Specifications:

7. Mares Quad

(Best for Advanced Divers)

See the Price on Amazon

The Mares Quad Computer is definitely a choice you shouldn’t skip. It can bring divers in different levels a variety of great features than the other items in this affordable price range. Super clear display plus two customizable fields are something you can recognize at a glance.

A user-friendly interface with four buttons enables you to adjust settings and grab urgent information effortlessly. In addition, the display is also made from mineral glass for superior scratch resistance so that it will be durable for long use.

One advantage that makes the Mares Quad Computer match with advanced divers is holding the bottom timer and plan mode. Moreover, the dive computer has a maximum depth display of 492 feet available in very few items at an inexpensive fee.

The long battery life that can last up to five years before replacing is also my favorite thing at the Mares Quad. Additionally, as a new diver, you don’t need to consider buying another when becoming an intermediate diver, thanks to its upgradeable software.

Key Features:

• Four-button design
• Bottom timer and plan mode
• The battery can last approximately 200-300 dives before replacing
• Using the RGBM Mares-Wienke algorithm
• Upgradable software
• Scratch-resistant glass

Product Specifications:

8. ATMOS Mission One

(Best With Compass)

See the Price on Amazon

The ATMOS Mission One is a smart watch-style dive computer that will make you content with its appealing aspects. At a glance, you are effortless to be impressed by the dive computer’s fancy design.

I’m sure that you cannot find the second piece of equipment with excellent functions commonly expected in high-end models at an affordable price like this gear.

First of all, the ATMOS Mission One offers you the first-rate screen, which is high-resolution. Also, it’s designed to facilitate your visibility in direct sunlight, which allows you to use the dive computer in outdoor activities conveniently.

The ATMOS Mission One is also equipped with a digital compass for better navigation underwater, as well as the ability to synchronize the dive site’s GPS location.

By recording dive sites into ATMOS’s dive log app, divers can mark an undersea place’s entry and exit point and plan for the next dives to improve their performance. These are really two selling points of the dive computer that you hardly find in this cheap price range.

Key Features:

• Four dive modes
• High-quality display with backlight
• Integrated with digital compass, ascent rate monitor, and dive planner
• Five levels of depth alarms
• Buhlmann ZHL-16c algorithm

Product Specifications:

The Nitrox mode can be unfamiliar with entry-level divers. But by watching the following video, you will know how to set up that mode for your ATMOS Mission One Smart Watch Dive Computer.

9. Oceanic B.U.D. Backup

(Best for Dive Travel)

See the Price on Amazon

The Oceanic B.U.D. Backup Dive Computer offers you two basic modes, which allows you to have more selections to dive with. Besides, the dive computer also uses dual algorithm technology as well as conservative adjustments, keeping you secure during your dive time.

One leading benefit of the Oceanic B.U.D. is data storage capability, making it an excellent backup device.

Additionally, the small and lightweight design without a wristband helps the dive computer fit snugly into any pocket. Furthermore, its convenient mounting clip can be attached to other gear with great ease.

Related: Top 10 Best Travel BCDs

Key Features:

• Air and Nitrox mode
• Two-way patented algorithm
• Customizable altitude
• Backup dive computer
• Conveniently mounted clip
• User-replaceable battery

Product Specifications:

Picking the Right Budget Dive Computer

With the best dive computers, you will be excited about exploring the underwater world. To help you opt for the cheapest equipment matching your needs entirely, I have compiled a straightforward buying guide below.

In this section, I have discussed the decisive criteria that should be considered before making any purchase.

1. Design

Dive computers come in three main styles: wrist, watch, and console. Each of them has unique features as well as best for divers in different levels.

Wrist-style dive computers are the most popular among divers as they are easy to use. They often have huge screens and look bulkier than watch-style models. If you are a beginner, you should consider buying wrist-mounted gear.

Watch-style dive computers’ design is similar to normal wristwatches. They feature a smaller screen, making it more suitable to be worn daily. These models are the best fit for intermediate divers.

Console-style dive computers are usually more expensive than wrist-style models. Furthermore, they are also quite bulky, and as a result, they are less popular than the previous two.

However, they generally include air integration, digital compass, and other premium functions because of the high price, making them become perfect choices for advanced divers.

2. Diving Level

Experience level has a great effect on deciding which type of dive computer is the best for you. As someone new to this sport, you need to own a tool as simple as possible.

This means that your ideal dive computer should have an intuitive interface for easy to use and large digits for easy to read. Try to remember that complicated features are likely to make beginners run into trouble if they don’t know how to use them.

In contrast, advanced divers will love sophisticatedly designed models with modern functions such as air integration, digital compass, multiple gas mixes, etc.

3. Display Type

The cheap dive computers often offer an LCD screen with a backlight display. You are easy to find that the crucial information is presented in bold and sizable numerical.

That’s because you usually find it hard to see in underwater conditions due to your mask or prescription lenses. Additionally, a backlight system will give you better readability in the darkness as well as in strong sunlight.

4. Number of Buttons

It’s obvious that the fewer buttons you have, the more simple navigating your dive computer will become. Therefore, the single button design might be the best option for beginners.

However, in case you are an advanced diver or technical one, I think the number of buttons won’t be your problem.

5. Operating Modes

Luckily, most dive computers on the market today offer at least two dive modes. These common modes often built-in an inexpensive choice are air, nitrox, and gauge. In my opinion, they have enough features for an entry-level diver to enjoy.

In addition, technical divers also benefit from advanced modes like freediving and watch now added in some affordable models.

Missing Features of a Cheap Dive Computer

Everything has pros and cons. Cheap dive computers bring you some key features while still ensuring that you have money for buying other gear. However, there are a few unavailable factors that the dive computer at this price range can’t have.

Don’t worry because these elements don’t affect your underwater experience. But if you want to have technical diving, they are worth your consideration.

1. Dive Planner

Although most dive computers with low prices don’t support the dive planner function, you can effortlessly upload your data to the electronic devices and then make a plan by using apps always available on your phone.

2. Air Integration

Budget dive computers are unlikely to offer you air integration. However, for recreational divers, it’s not their top consideration.

Besides, in case you still want to own a dive watch with an air transmitter included, my advice is that you can rent your favorite model instead of spending a lot of money on buying it.

3. Digital Compass

Digital compass is a notable feature that is commonly found in the higher price range. With dive computers under $500, there are very few choices available. But this function is not the most important factor that helps new divers decide whether to buy or not.

Final Thoughts

To get an ideal inexpensive dive computer, you need to focus on the critical factors, as I mentioned above. It would be best if you also read online reviews thoroughly before making the final decision.

For the best overall cheap dive computer, my recommendation is the Cressi Leonardo. User-friendly, high-definition display and deep stop function preventing divers from decompression injuries are the two biggest outstanding benefits of this model.

Besides, my preference model is the ATMOS Mission One because of its fancy design. Additionally, it’s equipped with a digital compass, making the dive computer remarkable compared to others in its class.

These are my thoughts, however. If you have owned or used any of these affordable dive computers, it would be highly appreciated to leave your comments and experiences below. Also, I hope you hit the share button as a way to motivate me to write more reviews.