What Budget Actually Gets You in 2026
Budget dive computers in 2026 are better than mid-range models from five years ago. Even the cheapest units now include nitrox support, reasonable logbook capacity, and reliable decompression algorithms. The key trade-offs at this price point are monochrome displays, no air integration, and simpler menu systems. For recreational divers who want a reliable computer without paying for features they do not use, these are excellent choices.
Best Value: Mares Puck 4
The Puck 4 is the best budget computer in 2026 because of one upgrade: the switch from Mares' older RGBM to the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with adjustable gradient factors. This gives you the same algorithm family as Shearwater's premium computers. Add Bluetooth for wireless log sync, a 100-dive logbook, auto altitude adjustment, and a user-replaceable battery, and the Puck 4 punches well above its weight.
Mares Puck 4
Modern algorithm, wireless sync, and a user-replaceable battery at a budget price.
Biggest Display: Suunto Zoop Novo
With a 56mm diameter display and a 140-hour dive log, the Zoop Novo trades style for pure readability. The four-button interface is faster than single-button designs. Suunto's RGBM algorithm with adjustable conservatism presets keeps things safe and simple. The user-replaceable battery means no charging anxiety on remote trips.
Suunto Zoop Novo
The biggest display in budget diving. Proven RGBM reliability in a no-nonsense package.
Cheapest Option: Cressi Leonardo 2.0
The Leonardo 2.0 remains the lowest-priced dive computer you can buy from a reputable brand. One-button interface, air and nitrox support up to 50%, a 70-hour logbook, and a user-replaceable lithium battery lasting around 150 dives. The display is large but chunky. It is the computer rental shops use because it refuses to die. If your budget is absolute minimum, the Leonardo gets you in the water safely.
Cressi Leonardo 2.0
The lowest-cost dive computer from a respected brand. Indestructible and simple.
Best Battery Life: Mares Puck Pro+
The Puck Pro+ boasts a user-replaceable battery rated for 200–300 dives — the longest in the budget category. If you are on a liveaboard or multi-week dive trip and do not want to think about charging, the Puck Pro+ is the practical choice. It runs the older Mares-Wienke RGBM algorithm and has a clean, labeled display that is easy to read at a glance.
Mares Puck Pro+
The marathon runner — a battery that lasts hundreds of dives in a compact package.
Best Rectangular: Cressi Raffaello
The Raffaello's wide rectangular display with oversized digits breaks the mold of traditional round dive computers. Three-button navigation, rechargeable battery via USB, Bluetooth log sync, and Cressi's RGBM algorithm. If you find round displays cramped, the Raffaello's layout puts all your data in a clean horizontal row.
Cressi Raffaello
Wide-screen format with big, readable digits. A modern take on the budget dive computer.
Most Compact: Aqualung i100
The i100 is one of the smallest budget dive computers, with a clean interface and two-gas nitrox support. If wrist comfort and compact size matter to you and you want a no-frills computer from a major dive brand, the i100 fits the brief. The display is smaller than the Zoop Novo or Leonardo, but adequate for recreational depths.
Aqualung i100
Small, simple, and affordable. A clean design from Aqualung for recreational diving.