Beginner dive computers like the Shearwater Peregrine, Aqua Lung i200C, and Mares Smart provide the perfect combination of simplicity, reliability, and affordability to help new divers confidently explore the underwater world.

Here’s the Overall Rating section with the rating table for the Shearwater Peregrine vs. Aqua Lung i200C vs. Mares Smart comparison:

Editor’s Choice

For beginner divers seeking the best all-around dive computer, the Shearwater Peregrine is our top recommendation. Its vibrant display, intuitive interface, and customizable features make it ideal for those starting their diving journey while offering room for future growth.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Image	Product	Rating	Price
	Shearwater Peregrine	★★★★★ (4.5/5)	Click for Best Price
	Aqua Lung i200C	★★★★☆ (4.1/5)	Click for Best Price
	Mares Smart	★★★★☆ (4.3/5)	Click for Best Price

Introduction

As a beginner diver, having the right dive computer is one of the most important investments you can make. A good dive computer not only ensures your safety underwater but also makes diving more enjoyable and stress-free by providing clear and essential information at a glance.

When choosing a dive computer as a beginner, it’s important to look for a device that is easy to use, reliable, and budget-friendly. Simplicity is key — you need something that lets you focus on enjoying your dive rather than navigating complex menus or features.

To help you make the best choice, we’ve reviewed three top-rated dive computers for beginners:

• Shearwater Peregrine: Known for its vibrant display and customizable features, perfect for those wanting a high-quality, user-friendly device.
• Aqua Lung i200C: A stylish and budget-friendly option with all the essential features you need to get started.
• Mares Smart: A durable and versatile dive computer designed for reliability and ease of use.

This guide will walk you through what to look for in a beginner dive computer and why these three models are the perfect choices for new divers.

What Beginners Should Look for in a Dive Computer

As a beginner, selecting the right dive computer can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a dive computer that matches your needs:

Ease of Use

• Simple Interface: A straightforward, intuitive interface with minimal buttons or a clear menu layout is essential for beginners.
• Readable Display: Look for a screen that provides clear, easy-to-read information, such as depth, dive time, and no-decompression limits. Backlighting or a bright display is a bonus for low-light conditions.

Essential Features

• Dive Modes: Air and nitrox modes are crucial for recreational diving, with nitrox support allowing for future progression.
• Decompression Tracking: A reliable algorithm to calculate safe ascent and decompression times ensures your safety during dives.
• Depth Rating: Most beginner dive computers are rated for at least 100 meters, which is sufficient for recreational diving.

Reliability

• Durable Build: Choose a dive computer with a sturdy design to withstand underwater conditions and regular use.
• Battery Life: Look for a long-lasting or user-replaceable battery to avoid interruptions during dive trips.

Budget-Friendly Options

• Affordability: As a beginner, it’s wise to choose a dive computer that balances cost and features, ensuring you get what you need without overspending.

Growth Potential

• Scalability: A good beginner dive computer should offer features that allow you to progress as you gain more experience, such as nitrox mode or multi-gas support.

Why It Matters

A beginner-friendly dive computer simplifies your diving experience, ensuring you can focus on building skills and enjoying the underwater world. By prioritizing these key factors, you’ll find a dive computer that supports your journey without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.

Why These Three Dive Computers Are Ideal for Beginners

The Shearwater Peregrine, Aqua Lung i200C, and Mares Smart are standout choices for beginner divers, each offering unique features and benefits that make them well-suited for those just starting their underwater adventures.

Shearwater Peregrine

• User-Friendly Design: The intuitive two-button interface and customizable display layouts ensure that beginners can easily access the information they need without confusion.
• Vibrant Display: Its full-color, high-contrast screen makes data clear and readable, even in low-visibility conditions.
• Room to Grow: With support for air, nitrox, and gauge modes, the Peregrine allows divers to progress as they gain experience.
  Why It’s Great for Beginners: Offers advanced usability while remaining simple to operate, perfect for divers who value clarity and flexibility.

Aqua Lung i200C

• Affordable and Stylish: The i200C’s watch-style design doubles as an everyday timepiece, making it a practical choice for beginners who want versatility.
• Essential Features: It provides all the basics—air and nitrox modes, clear alarms, and reliable performance—at a budget-friendly price.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: The DiverLog+ app simplifies logging dives and configuring settings, reducing manual interaction with the device.
  Why It’s Great for Beginners: Combines affordability with simplicity, offering everything a new diver needs without unnecessary complexity.

Mares Smart

• Rugged and Reliable: With a stainless-steel bezel and durable build, the Smart is designed to handle the wear and tear of frequent diving.
• Beginner-Friendly Interface: The simple two-button navigation and segmented display layout ensure easy operation.
• Long Battery Life: Its user-replaceable battery lasts up to two years, making it a low-maintenance option for new divers.
  Why It’s Great for Beginners: Provides a dependable and straightforward experience, ideal for divers who value durability and simplicity.

Choosing the Right One for You

Each of these dive computers caters to specific beginner needs:

• Choose the Shearwater Peregrine if you value a bright display and room to grow.
• Opt for the Aqua Lung i200C for its affordability and stylish, everyday design.
• Go with the Mares Smart if you need a rugged, durable option for long-term use.

These dive computers are beginner-friendly and reliable, ensuring your first steps into the underwater world are safe and enjoyable.

Comparison at a Glance

Detailed Dive Computer Highlights

Shearwater Peregrine

The Shearwater Peregrine stands out for its premium features, user-friendly design, and vibrant display, making it ideal for beginners looking for a reliable and feature-rich option.

• Key Features:
  • Full-color 2.2-inch LCD screen with customizable layouts.
  • Supports air, nitrox (up to 100%), and gauge modes.
  • Wireless Bluetooth connectivity for dive logging via the Shearwater Cloud app.
  • Rechargeable battery with a wireless charging dock.
• Best For: Beginners who want a high-quality dive computer with room to grow into more advanced features.

Aqua Lung i200C

The Aqua Lung i200C combines affordability with simplicity, offering beginner divers everything they need without overcomplicating the experience.

• Key Features:
  • Sleek, watch-style design for everyday wear.
  • Air, nitrox (up to 100%), gauge, and freedive modes.
  • Bluetooth connectivity with the DiverLog+ app for logging dives and adjusting settings.
  • User-replaceable CR2430 battery for low-cost maintenance.
• Best For: Budget-conscious beginners who value a stylish design and essential features.

Mares Smart

Known for its rugged design and reliability, the Mares Smart is an excellent choice for beginners who need a durable dive computer for recreational diving.

• Key Features:
  • Stainless-steel bezel and robust build for added durability.
  • Air, nitrox (up to 99%), and freedive modes.
  • Simple two-button interface and high-contrast monochrome display.
  • User-replaceable CR2430 battery with a lifespan of up to 2 years.
• Best For: Beginners seeking a tough, dependable dive computer with straightforward functionality.

Pros and Cons

Shearwater Peregrine

Aqua Lung i200C

Mares Smart

How to Choose the Right Dive Computer for You

Selecting the ideal dive computer as a beginner involves understanding your priorities and diving goals. Here are a few considerations to help you decide which of these three excellent models best fits your needs:

Prioritize Ease of Use

If simplicity and a user-friendly interface are your main priorities, the Mares Smart and Shearwater Peregrine excel with intuitive controls and clear displays. The Peregrine’s customizable layout makes it particularly helpful for divers who want to focus on key data, while the Smart’s compact, segmented display offers beginner-friendly clarity.

Consider Your Budget

For divers who want affordability without sacrificing quality, the Aqua Lung i200C offers great value. Its budget-friendly price and essential features make it perfect for beginners who need reliable performance without unnecessary extras.

Think About Display Preferences

If you value readability and a modern display, the Shearwater Peregrine is unmatched with its vibrant full-color screen. For those who prefer a simpler, monochrome design, both the Aqua Lung i200C and Mares Smart provide high-contrast displays that focus on clarity.

Durability and Long-Term Use

For ruggedness and reliability, the Mares Smart stands out with its stainless-steel bezel and robust design, making it a dependable choice for frequent diving. The Peregrine also offers excellent build quality for divers looking for durability paired with advanced features.

Future Growth Potential

If you see yourself progressing in your diving journey, the Shearwater Peregrine provides room to grow with multiple gas modes and customizable settings. The Aqua Lung i200C and Mares Smart are better for divers who plan to stay within recreational limits.

Who Should Choose What?

• Shearwater Peregrine: Ideal for beginners seeking premium features, a bright display, and flexibility for future growth.
• Aqua Lung i200C: Perfect for budget-conscious divers who value simplicity and an everyday watch-style design.
• Mares Smart: Best for those prioritizing durability and reliability with straightforward functionality.

By considering your needs and preferences, you’ll find the perfect dive computer to support your underwater adventures as a beginner.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Choosing the right dive computer is one of the most important decisions a beginner diver can make. The Shearwater Peregrine, Aqua Lung i200C, and Mares Smart are three of the best options available, each tailored to meet the unique needs of new divers.

The Shearwater Peregrine offers a vibrant color display, advanced features, and room to grow, making it the perfect choice for those seeking premium functionality and long-term usability. The Aqua Lung i200C is ideal for budget-conscious beginners, combining affordability, essential features, and a stylish design that doubles as an everyday watch. For those prioritizing durability and reliability, the Mares Smart stands out with its rugged build and dependable performance.

No matter which you choose, these dive computers will provide the safety, ease of use, and reliability you need to enjoy your underwater adventures.

Best For

• Shearwater Peregrine: Divers seeking premium features like a full-color display, Bluetooth connectivity, and customizable layouts.
• Aqua Lung i200C: Budget-conscious beginners who want essential features and a stylish, everyday design.
• Mares Smart: Divers prioritizing durability, a high depth rating, and long-lasting battery performance.

Final Verdict

• Shearwater Peregrine: ★★★★★ (4.5/5) – Exceptional for those who value advanced features and readability.
• Aqua Lung i200C: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) – Ideal for affordability and everyday versatility.
• Mares Smart: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) – A dependable and rugged option with excellent long-term value.

Editor’s Recommendation

• Best All-Around: Shearwater Peregrine – For its advanced features, vibrant display, and growth potential.
• Best for Budget: Aqua Lung i200C – For affordability and simplicity.
• Best for Durability: Mares Smart – For its rugged build and long-term reliability.

Take the time to assess your priorities, and rest assured that any of these dive computers will serve you well as you begin your diving journey.

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