Diver wearing a Peregrine TX

The Best Air-Integrated Dive Computers (According to Our In-House Dive Nerds)

Choosing a dive computer can be overwhelming. Do you need a wristwatch-style computer or a dedicated console? What about air integration? And how many buttons is too many buttons? (Seriously, sometimes it feels like I'm trying to defuse a bomb underwater.)

But fear not, fellow divers! The experts at Dive Right In Scuba are here to guide you through the murky waters of dive computer selection. We've polled our in-house dive nerds (aka our amazing staff) to compile a list of their favorite air-integrated dive computers. These are the computers they trust on their own dives, so you know they're good.

Garmin Descent Mk3i 51mm Smartwatch: The Overachiever

This computer is like the Swiss Army knife of dive tech. It's not just a dive computer; it's a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, a GPS navigator, and a music player all rolled into one. Plus, it makes phone calls and orders pizza (okay, maybe not those last two). 

But seriously, the Descent Mk3i is packed with features that'll make you the envy of every dive boat:

  • SubWave™ Sonar Technology: Share air pressure and other dive data with your buddies underwater. It's like having your own underwater social network (but without the annoying ads and political rants). 

  • Air Integration: Connect up to eight Descent T2 Tank Pods for real-time air pressure monitoring. No more guessing games about how much air you have left! 

  • Customizable Decompression: Dive your way with the user-configurable Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression algorithm. It's like having a personal dive planner on your wrist. 

  • Multi-Gas Support: Plan and execute dives with air, nitrox, trimix, and oxygen with ease. This computer is ready for anything! 

  • Deep Dive Ready: Depth-rated to an impressive 660 feet (200 meters). Perfect for exploring those deep wrecks and underwater caves (but maybe leave the Megalodon encounters to the professionals). 

Shearwater Perdix 2 Dive Computer: The Rugged Workhorse

If you're the type of diver who enjoys exploring shipwrecks, venturing into caves, or pushing the limits of technical diving, the Shearwater Perdix 2 is your trusty sidekick. This computer is built to withstand even the most demanding dives, with a rugged design and advanced features that'll make you feel like a true underwater explorer. 

  • Armored Casing: The titanium bezel and piezo touch buttons can withstand even the most enthusiastic tank-banging (or accidental encounters with coral reefs). 

  • Bright Screen: The 2.2-inch LCD display is easy to read, even in murky water or low-light conditions.

  • Dive Modes: From open water to technical diving, the Perdix 2 supports a variety of dive modes, including Air, Nitrox, Trimix, and Closed Circuit. 

  • Air Integration: Connect up to four Shearwater transmitters for real-time tank pressure monitoring. 

  • User-Replaceable AA Battery: No need to search for specialized batteries – just grab a pack of AAs from the grocery store and you're good to go.

Shearwater Peregrine TX Air Integrated Dive Computer: The User-Friendly Companion

The Shearwater Peregrine TX is like the Goldilocks of dive computers – it's not too basic, not too complex, but just right for a wide range of divers. It offers a user-friendly interface, advanced features, and a sleek design that'll look good on your wrist both underwater and on dry land.

  • Large, Easy-to-Read Display: The 2.2-inch full-color LCD screen makes it easy to see your dive data at a glance.

  • Air Integration: Connect up to four transmitters for real-time tank pressure monitoring.

  • Tilt-Compensated Digital Compass: Navigate with confidence, even in challenging conditions.

  • Wireless Rechargeable Battery: Say goodbye to disposable batteries and hello to eco-friendly charging.

Garmin Descent X50i: The Deep-Sea Explorer

This computer is for those who like to go deep – really deep. With a depth rating of 20 ATM (that's 660 feet!), the Descent X50i is ready to accompany you on those deep wreck dives, cave explorations, and underwater treasure hunts (just don't forget to share the loot).

  • Vibrant Touchscreen Display: The 3-inch color touchscreen is like having a mini tablet on your wrist. It's easy to read, even in low-light conditions, and allows for intuitive navigation through the menus.

  • Air Integration: Pair with up to eight Descent T2 transmitters for real-time tank pressure monitoring. Perfect for those tech dives where you're juggling multiple gas mixes. 

  • SubWave Sonar Data Network: Exchange messages with other divers and monitor their tank pressure, depth, and distance. It's like having your own underwater walkie-talkie system. 

  • DiveView Maps: Explore new dive sites with preloaded maps featuring bathymetric depth contours for over 4,000 locations worldwide. 

Oceanic ProPlus 4.0 Air Integrated Computer: The Bluetooth Buddy

The ProPlus 4.0 is like the social media influencer of dive computers. It's always connected, always sharing, and always ready to show off its latest features.

  • XL Display: The extra-large display makes it easy to see your dive data, even if you're a bit nearsighted (or just forgot your reading glasses).

  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Connect to the DiverLog+ app on your smartphone to adjust settings, view dive logs, and share your underwater adventures with your followers. 

  • Dual Algorithm: Choose between the Pelagic DSAT or Pelagic Z+ algorithm for customized decompression calculations.

  • User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive menu system makes it easy to navigate through the various functions and settings.

Choose Your Dive Companion

Choosing the right air-integrated dive computer is a personal decision. Consider your diving style, your budget, and the features that are most important to you. And if you're still feeling overwhelmed, don't worry! The expert team at Dive Right In Scuba is here to help you find the perfect dive computer to match your needs and your underwater aspirations.