The Shearwater Teric, Garmin Descent MK2S, and Suunto D5 are top-tier dive computers offering distinct strengths in advanced functionality, multi-sport versatility, and user-friendly simplicity, catering to divers of all levels.

Editor’s Choice

If you’re looking for the ultimate dive computer, the Shearwater Teric is our Editor’s Choice. Its vibrant AMOLED display, advanced technical features, and premium build quality make it a standout option for divers who demand precision and durability. With its ability to support multiple gas mixes, air integration, and technical diving capabilities, the Teric is unmatched for those seeking versatility and performance.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)

Image	Product	Rating	Price
	Shearwater Teric	★★★★★ (4.8/5)	Click for Best Price
	Garmin Descent MK2S	★★★★☆ (4.5/5)	Click for Best Price
	Suunto D5	★★★★☆ (4.4/5)	Click for Best Price

Introduction

Choosing the right dive computer can be challenging, especially with feature-packed options like the Shearwater Teric, Garmin Descent MK2S, and Suunto D5 vying for attention. These three models are among the best in the market, each catering to divers with unique preferences and priorities.

Whether you’re looking for a premium dive computer with advanced technical features, an all-in-one device that combines diving and smartwatch capabilities, or a stylish, user-friendly option for recreational diving, this comparison will help you decide which model is the best fit for your diving journey.

Read on to explore how these top dive computers stack up in design, display, features, ease of use, and more, ensuring you make an informed decision for your underwater adventures.

Design and Build

Each of these dive computers offers a unique approach to design and construction, catering to different diving needs and preferences.

Shearwater Teric

• Premium Materials: Stainless-steel bezel and sapphire crystal screen provide exceptional durability and scratch resistance.
• Smartwatch-Inspired Design: Compact and sleek, the Teric doubles as an everyday wearable.
• Customizable Straps: Easily interchangeable straps add personalization options.
• Depth Rating: Rated to 200 meters (656 feet), making it suitable for both recreational and technical diving.
  Score: 5/5

Garmin Descent MK2S

• Lightweight and Compact: Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, ideal for divers with smaller wrists or those seeking less bulk.
• Durable Build: Stainless-steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case, and Gorilla Glass ensure ruggedness.
• Customizable Straps: QuickFit® straps allow easy personalization.
• Depth Rating: Rated to 100 meters (328 feet), limiting its suitability for technical diving.
  Score: 4.5/5

Suunto D5

• Stylish Design: Watch-style form with interchangeable straps for a variety of looks.
• Durable Materials: Stainless-steel bezel and scratch-resistant composite case ensure reliability.
• Compact Size: Lightweight and comfortable for both diving and everyday use.
• Depth Rating: Rated to 100 meters (328 feet), designed for recreational diving.
  Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

• Best for Technical Diving: Shearwater Teric with its robust build and 200-meter depth rating.
• Best for Everyday Wear and Fitness: Garmin Descent MK2S with its compact and lightweight design.
• Best for Stylish Simplicity: Suunto D5 for its sleek and versatile aesthetics.

Display and Readability

The display is a critical aspect of any dive computer, and these three models excel in providing clear and vibrant screens tailored for underwater use.

Shearwater Teric

• AMOLED Display: Bright, high-resolution screen with vivid colors and sharp contrast ensures readability in all conditions.
• Customizable Layouts: Divers can personalize data fields to prioritize key metrics like depth, gas pressures, or decompression limits.
• Always-On Mode: Keeps critical information visible without interaction.
  Score: 5/5

Garmin Descent MK2S

• AMOLED Display: The 1.2-inch vibrant color screen offers excellent visibility underwater and in bright sunlight.
• Customizable Data Fields: Users can configure layouts to display preferred dive metrics.
• Compact Screen: Maintains readability despite its smaller size, ideal for divers with smaller wrists.
  Score: 4.5/5

Suunto D5

• Color LCD Display: Provides a bright and functional screen with excellent clarity for recreational diving.
• Customizable Interface: Personalize the display to highlight key dive information.
• Backlighting: Enhances readability in low-light or murky water conditions.
  Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

• Best for Vibrancy and Customization: Shearwater Teric with its vivid AMOLED display and fully customizable layouts.
• Best for Compact Design with Excellent Visibility: Garmin Descent MK2S for maintaining clarity in a smaller form factor.
• Best for Recreational Simplicity: Suunto D5 for its straightforward, user-friendly display tailored to beginners.

Features and Functionality

These dive computers offer a range of features designed to meet the needs of recreational, advanced, and technical divers, with varying degrees of versatility.

Shearwater Teric

• Comprehensive Dive Modes: Includes air, nitrox, trimix, gauge, freediving, and CCR modes for recreational and technical diving.
• Air Integration: Supports up to four transmitters for real-time tank pressure monitoring.
• Advanced Decompression Management: Uses the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with gradient factors for customizable conservatism.
• Built-In Digital Compass: Accurate navigation for underwater exploration.
• Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth syncing with the Shearwater Cloud app for dive logs and updates.
  Score: 5/5

Garmin Descent MK2S

• Versatile Dive Modes: Includes air, nitrox, trimix, freediving, gauge, and CCR modes.
• Built-In GPS: Allows marking of entry and exit points and surface navigation.
• Health and Fitness Tracking: Includes heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, and activity metrics.
• Wireless Connectivity: Syncs with the Garmin Dive™ app for logging dives and managing settings.
• Customizable Alarms: Visual, audible, and vibration alerts for safety.
  Score: 4.5/5

Suunto D5

• Essential Dive Modes: Supports air, nitrox, gauge, and freediving modes.
• Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth integration with the Suunto app for logging dives and firmware updates.
• Rechargeable Battery: Provides up to 12 hours of dive time on a single charge.
• Customizable Alarms and Layouts: Ensures divers can prioritize critical data.
  Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

• Best for Advanced Features and Technical Diving: Shearwater Teric with its air integration and decompression management.
• Best for Multifunctionality: Garmin Descent MK2S for its GPS and fitness tracking capabilities.
• Best for Recreational Simplicity: Suunto D5 with its user-friendly interface and essential dive modes.

Ease of Use

User-friendly operation is essential for a dive computer, especially when balancing advanced features with accessibility for divers at all levels.

Shearwater Teric

• Intuitive Four-Button Interface: Designed for quick navigation through menus, even with gloves.
• Customizable Menus: Personalize the interface to prioritize important metrics like depth or gas pressures.
• Vibration and Audible Alerts: Keeps divers informed of critical limits without constant screen-checking.
  Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Descent MK2S

• Five-Button Interface: Physical buttons provide tactile feedback and are easy to use underwater.
• Garmin Dive™ App Integration: Simplifies dive logging, firmware updates, and feature configuration.
• Smartwatch Familiarity: For users accustomed to Garmin devices or similar wearables, operation is intuitive.
  Score: 4.5/5

Suunto D5

• Three-Button Layout: Minimalist button design keeps navigation simple and intuitive.
• Straightforward Menus: Designed specifically for recreational divers, the interface is beginner-friendly.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Syncing with the Suunto app makes dive logging and settings adjustments easy.
  Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

• Best for Customization and Technical Diving: Shearwater Teric, offering advanced personalization options.
• Best for Seamless Integration with Fitness Tracking: Garmin Descent MK2S, ideal for users familiar with smartwatches.
• Best for Beginner Simplicity: Suunto D5, with its straightforward interface tailored to new divers.

Battery Performance

Battery performance is a crucial factor for dive computers, especially for extended dive trips or those incorporating advanced features.

Shearwater Teric

• Rechargeable Battery: Offers up to 30 hours of dive time on a single charge with standard settings.
• Wireless Charging Dock: Convenient charging eliminates the need for cables.
• Battery Management: Adjustable brightness settings help conserve battery life during longer dives.
  Score: 4/5

Garmin Descent MK2S

• Versatile Battery Life:
  • Up to 30 hours in dive mode.
  • Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode.
  • Up to 25 hours in GPS mode, making it ideal for surface navigation and multi-use scenarios.
• Proprietary USB Charging Cable: Efficient but requires the specific cable.
  Score: 4.5/5

Suunto D5

• Rechargeable Battery: Provides 6-12 hours of dive time, depending on brightness and settings.
• USB Charging Cable: Convenient for recharging but requires more frequent attention on longer trips.
  Score: 4/5

Comparison Summary

• Best for Multi-Use Scenarios: Garmin Descent MK2S, offering long battery life in dive, GPS, and smartwatch modes.
• Best for Technical and Recreational Diving: Shearwater Teric, with robust battery life and wireless charging.
• Best for Recreational Diving Simplicity: Suunto D5, though its shorter battery life may require frequent recharging.

Value for Money

Each of these dive computers delivers value tailored to specific diving needs and budgets, offering a balance of features, functionality, and design.

Shearwater Teric

• Why It’s Worth It: The Teric offers advanced dive modes, premium build quality, and a vibrant AMOLED display, making it ideal for divers seeking technical functionality and everyday wearability.
• Considerations: Priced around $1,000 USD, the Teric is a premium investment, justified by its versatility and long-term durability.
  Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Descent MK2S

• Why It’s Worth It: Combines diving, smartwatch, and fitness tracking features, delivering unmatched versatility for divers who want a multi-functional device.
• Considerations: At approximately $999 USD, it’s a strong option for those who want more than just a dive computer, though its depth rating limits it to recreational diving.
  Score: 4.5/5

Suunto D5

• Why It’s Worth It: Offers essential dive features in a stylish, user-friendly design at a lower price point, typically around $800 USD, making it a great choice for recreational divers.
• Considerations: Lacks some of the advanced capabilities of the Teric and MK2S, but its affordability makes it appealing for beginners or those focused on simplicity.
  Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

• Best for Advanced Features and Longevity: Shearwater Teric, ideal for divers seeking technical capabilities and premium quality.
• Best for Versatility Across Activities: Garmin Descent MK2S, perfect for divers who want a device that doubles as a fitness tracker and smartwatch.
• Best for Budget-Friendly Simplicity: Suunto D5, offering great value for recreational diving at a lower price.

Pros and Cons

Shearwater Teric

Garmin Descent MK2S

Suunto D5

Overall Rating

Here’s the Overall Rating section with the rating table for the Shearwater Teric vs. Garmin Descent MK2S vs. Suunto D5 comparison:

These three dive computers excel in their own categories, offering distinct features that cater to different diving styles and preferences. Here’s how they compare across key criteria:

Final Scoring

Best For

• Shearwater Teric: Advanced technical divers and those seeking premium build quality with unmatched features.
• Garmin Descent MK2S: Divers who want a multi-functional device combining diving, fitness, and smartwatch capabilities.
• Suunto D5: Recreational divers looking for a stylish, user-friendly dive computer at an affordable price.

Final Verdict

• Shearwater Teric: ★★★★★ (4.8/5) – A top choice for technical and advanced divers.
• Garmin Descent MK2S: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Perfect for those who value versatility across diving, fitness, and everyday use.
• Suunto D5: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) – Ideal for recreational divers seeking simplicity and style.