Looking for the smallest dive computer that won’t look like a brick on your wrist? You’ve come to the right place. As someone with ‘dainty’ and ‘flimsy’ wrists, I personally had the problem of finding a dive computer that would stay in place (without rolling around), and be easy to read underwater. I also wanted something that would look good and not comical when I went through the dive log mode to help my students log their dives!
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Smallest Dive Computer
Small dive computers are popular with all divers, and not just those with more slender wrists! A small dive computer can be used as a traditional watch and worn on a daily basis without looking out of place or too bulky.
A small dive computer will still need to be legible and easy to read underwater despite its size. Here are some of my favorite smallest dive computers that are currently on the market:
Suunto D4i Novo
Oceanic Geo
Aqualung i200C
Suunto D4i Novo
I personally use a Suunto D4i Novo and have used this for diving and teaching since 2015. The small size was my biggest appeal as I wanted to upgrade from my bulky Suunto Zoop, which I loved, but found too large for my wrist.
My D4i is basically on my wrist from morning to night, and in the summer months I even have a tan line from where my computer sits on my wrist! It is small enough for me to wear during my daily errands, and also when I am out to a casual dinner.
The D4i is easy to read underwater and also comes with an optional backlight that I switch off to conserve the battery. I have changed the battery 2 or 3 times since I’ve had the computer, and unfortunately, this means sending it off to the service centre for at least a week each time.
The Suunto computer’s algorithm is fairly conservative and something that I have to bear in mind when doing multiple dives in a day. However, I prefer to have more conservation no-decompression limits, especially when teaching new divers.
There is no digital compass in the D4i, but it is in the newer D5i and D6i computers. The D5i is slightly larger than the D4i but a great option if you prefer a dive computer with a digital compass. The D6i is more similar in size to the D4i.
Oceanic Geo 2.0 / 4.0
My dive buddy underwater and in life, has an Oceanic Geo 2.0 and has had it for as long as I have had my dive computer. We bought them at the same time! It is very similar in size to the Suunto D4i but with a more slightly raised screen and raised buttons. The strap is the same width and length as the Suunto so great for smaller wrists.
Please note: This is the Oceanic Geo 4.0. It seems as if the Geo 2.0 has been discontinued. However, our Geo 2.0 is still going strong so we do recommend this brand!
It has all the features needed for a dive computer, however, no digital compass. It has a less-conservation algorithm for the no-decompression limits, that is only noticeable when we dive together with the Suunto and the Oceanic.
The best feature of this dive computer is that the battery can be replaced at home. The computer comes with a little tool that allows you to open the back yourself. The battery itself is inexpensive and available at the usual shops where you can find watch batteries.
Aqualung i200C
Like the Suunto computers, this Aqualung i200C comes in some pretty bright and flashy colors. Something that I really like about a dive computer.
Again, it is a nice sized dive computer that won’t be too large on-land. However, I do find it is more ‘squarer’ than the other two computers, and the square-ness of the computer and the buttons make it seem slightly bulkier.
The Takeaway
Finding the smallest dive computer that works for you underwater and on-land is easy with these great options. They all look great, they function well as a dive computer, and will keep you safe underwater.
