Screen & controls
Compare screen size, readability and buttons you can use with gloves.
Open guideChoose a dive computer around your diving, your equipment and the information you want to see underwater. Explore watch-style, larger wrist and console computers from Shearwater, Suunto, Cressi, Apeks, Aqualung and more, with dedicated scuba and freediving options across the range.
Compare screen size, readability and buttons you can use with gloves.
Open guideSee who benefits from colour displays, air integration and a compass.
Open guideChoose the scuba, Nitrox or freediving modes that suit your training.
Open guideThink about readability in your usual water conditions and whether you can operate the buttons with your gloves. A watch format keeps the computer compact; a larger wrist or console screen gives you a different display layout. Compare the battery or charging arrangements and how you transfer dive logs.
Check the exact model’s scuba, Nitrox, Gauge or freediving functions. Technical gas settings and rebreather modes vary by computer, and a dedicated freediving watch is not a scuba decompression computer. Choose the supported modes and operating limits that match your diving and training.
Pay for features you will use on your usual dives. A higher price alone does not improve fit or make a computer suitable for a different level of training.
Straightforward Air and single-gas Nitrox
Who benefits: Recreational divers who want clear core information and simple controls.
Current examples: The Cressi Donatello offers single-gas Nitrox and a backlit display; it does not provide wireless cylinder-pressure monitoring.
Larger colour screen and rechargeable battery
Who benefits: Divers who prefer a larger reading area and a charging routine over a compact watch format.
Current examples: The Shearwater Peregrine has a 2.2-inch colour screen. The original Peregrine does not have air integration or a digital compass.
Compact colour watch format
Who benefits: Divers who prefer a smaller wrist computer and want scuba and freediving modes in one device.
Current examples: The Shearwater Tern has a 1.3-inch AMOLED screen. Compare display size on your wrist before choosing.
Wireless pressure monitoring and digital compass
Who benefits: Divers who want cylinder pressure and compass information on the computer, and will buy and use a compatible transmitter.
Current examples: The Peregrine TX and Tern TX add these features to their respective ranges. A transmitter is needed for pressure monitoring; check whether it is included.
Additional Nitrox gas selections
Who benefits: Divers trained to use the supported gas-switching functions.
Current examples: The Cressi Raffaello supports three Nitrox gas selections, while the Donatello is a single-gas model. This does not make either a Trimix computer.
Technical gas and rebreather modes
Who benefits: Divers whose training and configuration require the exact supported modes.
Current examples: Compare technical dive computers only after checking the individual model’s gas and rebreather support.
Dedicated freediving watches serve a different purpose from scuba decompression computers. Include any transmitter, interface or charger you need when comparing the total package.
For wireless cylinder-pressure monitoring, compare air-integrated dive computers and confirm whether the package includes a compatible transmitter. Chargers, download interfaces and protective items can also be optional or model-specific. Find matching parts in dive computer accessories.
Need help choosing? Ask our Hallam team for practical advice, or shop online for delivery across Australia.