With a simple operation, watch-sized convenience and an affordable price, the Cressi Cartesio was our Best Buy for dive computers. See full ScubaLab dive computer review here. We tested it at the University of Southern California Hyperbaric Chamber on Catalina Island. We also tested it in the field at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Central Florida.

We put through a series of simulated dives alongside other computers to gauge the performance of its decompression algorithm. We also simulated dives with rapid ascents and missed deco stops to assess the effectiveness of its alerts and warnings. We evaluated how easy it was to set up and use, how well we could see the screen in different conditions, and how well it presented important data during our dive.

Test divers appreciated the Cartesio’s sensible two-button navigation, with short presses to toggle and long to select or back out, and scored it very good for intuitive operation. Many testers, especially female divers, also liked its compact size, which doesn’t look out of place even on smaller wrists.

The high-contrast display with large characters tied top score for ease of reading on the surface – even in direct sun -- and was rated good underwater. The backlight illuminated the display well enough, but only remained lit for a few seconds at a time, and more than one tester wished the computer had an adjustable backlight timer. The dive display is clear and as simple to understand as the Cartesio is to operate. Combining performance and affordability, the Cartesio is our Best Buy for dive computers.

Price: $449.95 | Contact: Cressi