Best Freediving Watches of 2023

JUMP TO: SUUNTO D4F / OMER UP-X1R / AQUALUNG I300 / OCEANIC F10 / GARMIN DESCENT MK1 / MARES SMART WRIST DIVE COMPUTER / SUUNTO D6I / OMER SPORASUB SP1 / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Tim Severino

The Short Version

The Long Version

No matter what your sporting passions are– these days there is always a way to capture the data relevant to your sport! And as handheld devices continue to shrink, more and more technology is finding its way into the wrist watch.

Whether it is tracking your speed on a downhill mountain bike run, or finding your way across a barren desert, there is a wrist watch to help you do it. And the sport of freediving is no different.

SCUBA dive computers have been on the market for many years now and offer a wide range of options for your different types of SCUBA. In fact, most SCUBA watches and computers have a ‘free dive’ mode installed.

But it’s now the 2020’s and the sport of freediving is leaps and bounds ahead of where it was a decade or two ago. There are now dedicated freediving watches with sport-specific functions that truly capture relevant data and allow you to use this data to improve your abilities.

Dedicated freediving watches prioritize your ability to set different alarms at different depths or based on time, while a SCUBA watch will usually only have a time and depth function (in free dive mode) along with a load of other functions not specific for apnea.

The additional alarms found on freediving watches is generally what separates them from your average all round SCUBA computer. And while we have prioritized these watches in our review below, we would be remiss if we didn’t include some truly amazing SCUBA based watches with free dive functions as well.

All the watches listed here have the ability to download data to a computer with a cable. So whilst their free dive features primarily support you underwater, they also give you the opportunity to organize your data and learn from it when back above water too.

So whether you are new to the sport, looking for a dedicated freediving watch, or want something that does about everything you can think of underwater – read on and see our exciting list of potential new wrist buddies.

If you love reading this review of the best freediving watches, then you'll likely love reading some of our other diving related content:

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Not all dive watches are created equal and purchasing one can be a big investment! So if you are unsure of the features and factors to look out for, be sure to read our buying advice.

Best Overall: SUUNTO D4F

MODES: Free dive (SCUBA functions available on a separate model D4I)

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Composite, stainless steel, mineral crystal

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Quality brand, affordable, easy to use, multiple free dive functions

CONS: Battery change must be done at a dealer to maintain warranty

Suunto are one of the great diver computer brands in the world. Unlike other companies that produce equipment across a spectrum – Finland’s Suunto makes dive watches.

Suunto have a wide range of watches to cover all price ranges, but each with the same algorithmic base computer. Often the differences are the quality of the materials, the number of specific functions, memory, and battery life – meaning if you know how to use one Suunto model, you will know how to use them all.

The D4 series is Suunto’s most popular series of dive computers, primarily due to the affordable price tag (compared to the D6 or D9 series) and wide use amongst SCUBA professionals all over the world. The D4F is Suunto’s dedicated freediving watch and it has everything you need in a free dive watch (although you can purchase the DF Novo for added SCUBA functions, albeit for a little more cost).

It’s made from quality materials and has an easy to use base computer. It offers Apnea timers with multiple alarms for both depth and time along with the ability to select different samples of data at different depths, for example water temperature or time taken to reach a specific depth – giving this computer a technical lead over SCUBA watches with a free dive function.

To top it off, the Suunto D4 comes in different colors, has the ability to change straps, and looks and feels like a nice stylish fashion accessory on your arm out of the water. Given its mid-range price tag – this watch is the one to look out for.

Best for Detailed Analysis: OMER UP-X1R

MODES: Free dive

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Composite, silicone, mineral glass

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Dedicated freediver design, multiple freediver functions, rechargeable

CONS: Price

The Omer UP-X1R is another dedicated freediving watch with loads of functions that allow you to observe your data in real time or allow you to view multiple aspects on you laptop at the end of the day.

Unlike other watches that may have a heart rate monitor built into them, the UP-XR1 has a dedicated heart rate monitor you can strap around your chest, thereby allowing you to get more accurate information.

This watch also has another function unlike many others, in that you can re-charge the battery whenever you need (although there is also a version without this feature – the UP-X1). So if your battery is running low and you are a long way from a dealer or licensed repairman – you will still be able to keep this watch going.

The Omer UP-X1R was designed with input from Italian freediver champions, specifically Umberto Pelizzari. And with that in mind the watch itself is a good looking stylish wrist computer that you will be happy to wear anywhere.

Best for Beginners: AQUALUNG I300

MODES: Free dive, SCUBA (Air and enriched air)

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Plastic

PRICE: $$

PROS: Affordable, easy to use

CONS: Reduced free dive functions compared to other watches

While we are focused on freedive computers, it has to be said that some all-around or SCUBA watches do offer great functionality for freediving along with their other functions.

The Aqualung I300 is one such example – plus, it is available at a very modest price and from a maker of great underwater equipment, including everything from buoyancy control devices to a wide range of fins.

While this is definitely a SCUBA watch with free dive functions, its quality, performance, and very reasonable price point make it a great choice for beginners. In fact many SCUBA shops use the Aqualung I300 for customer rentals and it’s easy to see why. Stylish, easy to use and reliable the Aqualung I300 has been very popular for many years now.

It offers the freediver all the usual functions, however there are not as many options as some of the dedicated computers. As a beginner this isn’t really a problem, and the additional functions for SCUBA make this watch versatile and therefore an ideal purchase for those starting out.

Aqualung is a brand found around the world, so if you do have any technical issues help isn’t too far away. Lastly you can actually change the battery on this watch yourself without voiding any warranties, which is a good thing if you use this watch regularly. For the price – and its level of functionality and quality control – the Aqualung I300 is a great choice for beginners or all-rounders.

Best for Dedicated Freedivers: OCEANIC F10

MODES: Free dive

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Plastic, mineral glass

PRICE: $$

PROS: Multiple free dive functions

CONS: Can only be used for freediving

The Oceanic F10 is a watch that – like the Omer UP-X1R – is dedicated to freedivers and freedivers only.

Slightly less expensive than the Omer option, the Oceanic F10 still has loads of alarms for depths, time, and number of dives that can be set at different intervals, making this watch ideal for the dedicated freediver.

Static breath hold, competitive or competition, fun diving or spearfishing – this is the watch that many freediving pros and serious competitors often opt for. While Oceanic doesn’t bring up the same idea of quality and durability testing that say Suunto does, this watch nevertheless is reliable, has a long battery life, and like all computers – allows you to download your data after you’ve finished diving.

The alarms are loud and can be changed to have different tone or sequences so you can acknowledge how deep you are or how much time has passed without having to physically look at your arm while diving ever deeper. The LED also flashes when the alarms go off.

You can also set the activation manually instead of automatic like most watches giving you even more flexibility with its uses. Overall, a great watch for the dedicated freediver.

Best for Everything: GARMIN DESCENT MK1

MODES: Free dive, SCUBA (Air, enriched air, multiple gases)

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Stainless steel or Titanium, mineral glass

PRICE: $$$$$

PROS: Does everything you want for underwater sports, multiple free dive functions, hiking and mountain biking uses too

CONS: Price

Garmin are another world-renowned company that has been producing computers of all sorts for many years. One of the world leaders in hand held GPS innovations, Garmin moved into the underwater world with the Garmin Descent Mk1 – a watch that can do just about everything you will need under the water (and above it).

Specifically for freediving, the watch features heart rate and pulse estimates from your wrist to provide you with a more complete set of data for your analysis afterwards. It also features dive alarms for depth and time, just like other free dive specific watches.

It also has all the necessary functions for SCUBA, along with enriched air and Trimix modes so you can use this for multiple underwater activities. It has above ground GPS, and in conjunction with the heart rate monitor this means it’s useful for almost any sport. With a stylish analog look, compact size and comfortable feel – this watch is one of the best you can find that literally ticks all the boxes.

MODES: Free dive, SCUBA air

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Plastic, silicone, mineral glass

PRICE: $$

PROS: Large screen, group session function

CONS: Not as intuitive as other brands

Mares are another company that has a huge range of equipment for all types of water use. So they would be remiss if they didn’t include dive computers.

The Mares Smart watch is a stylish dive computer with a range of freediving functions extending beyond just depth and time. It has multiple alarms for both depth and time, but also has a ‘group session’ function that allows further dissection of the data when downloaded to your computer after a day in the water

It is made from quality materials and is a popular choice amongst many divers and freedivers. The face is slightly larger than other watches making it easier to see underwater. Plus, it comes in a range of colors and looks good on your arm at any out-of-water occasion.

Best for Quality: SUUNTO D6I

MODES: Free dive, SCUBA (Air, enriched air, multiple gasses)

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal, silicone strap

PRICE: $$$$$

PROS: Does everything, looks stylish, very durable

CONS: Price

Like its cousin the D4F, the Suunto D6I is one of the best dive computers on the market. With the retiring of the even more expensive D9 series (mostly materials like titanium set them apart), the D6I is Suunto’s flagship model of late.

It has all the freediving abilities as the D4F mentioned above (e.g. multiple alarms, surface timers, changeable tones), however this watch is made with higher quality materials designed to help it last much longer than the average timepiece. Plus, it is rated down to 150m and like all Suunto is ISO rated for all aspects.

The D6I can support all types of SCUBA, including technical diving with three gas blends for Trimix deep diving. It also has air integration for SCUBA, where you put a transmitter on your tank and it tells your watch how much air is left and how long it will last. It also has a digital compass for under and over water navigation.

While not at all cheap, if you want a super durable option for all your underwater sports and activities – and don’t mind when other divers point and say ‘ooh ahh, they have a D6!’ – then this long-lasting watch is the one for you.

Best on a Budget: OMER SPORASUB SP1

MODES: Free dive

MATERIALS AND DURABILITY: Plastic and silicone

PRICE: $$

PROS: Relatively inexpensive

CONS: Lacks the features of other watches, prone to breakdown over time

Omer’s budget watch, Sporasub SP1 is basically a bottom timer – it works like the average free dive function in a SCUBA watch, offering depth and time (and temperature) functionality, but lacks the multiple alarms found on other watches listed here.

The Omer Sporasub SP1 is therefore best suited to freedivers who have budget as the main factor in their purchasing decision. Having said that, Omer is a quality brand that manufactures lots of different freediving equipment and this watch will give you the information you need to push your freediving at a basic level.

BUYING ADVICE FOR FREEDIVING WATCHES

What do you need it for?

As you will have already seen, there tend to be two types of watches out there for freedivers: dedicated freediving watches or SCUBA watches with free dive functions.

ALL DIVING SPORTS: If you love being in the water for multiple different types of activities, including SCUBA, then you really should purchase a SCUBA watch with free dive functions.

FREEDIVING ONLY: If, on the other hand you shun SCUBA and love nothing more than freediving and spearfishing – and don’t ever intend to use your watch for SCUBA – then a dedicated freediving watch is for you.

Brands

SUUNTO: Many outdoor activities have a brand name that is synonymous with the sport. And for a long time Suunto was the leader in all dive computers. Even now a brand like Suunto remains focused on diving and uses the same interface and algorithmic computer across its product range, thereby making it easy to use different models – something that helps build a loyal customer base and something that most other brands don’t do (since they often only have one or two dive-specific models).

GARMIN: Garmin also fits into the category of dedicated computer making and the Mk 1 is simply superb in terms of quality and range of functions. Garmin are known as a leader in sport watches and their diving watches are no exception.

OMER & OCEANIC: Omer and Oceanic are dedicated to freediving and their products reflect this.

MARES & AQUALUNG: Mares and Aqualung are all-rounders, but that allows for a wider market and potential package deals with other equipment.

Ease of use

We are all different and how our brains can readily perceive information changes from person to person. Pay close attention to the interface and screen display on your potential watch and make sure the buttons and functions make sense to you – that way you can easily learn how to make the most of it.

Alarms

It should go without saying that when you are freediving, bringing your watch to your face to see the depth or time is going to ruin your dive – your kicking will slow, your streamlined posture will change and you won’t perform like you want to.

Freediving alarms are the most innovative function of late – by setting multiple alarms with different sounds or tones you can dive without changing your posture. Make sure the watch you purchase has the right amount of alarms that you will need. This is often where the average SCUBA computer falls down.

Memory requirements and data downloads

All the diving watches on this list have the ability to download data to your PC, however they don’t all have the same amount of memory space. This may or may not be a factor for you. Often when a watch reaches its memory level it will warn you or it will tick over and start again.

Some people love to download and analyze their data every day, whilst others hardly at all. The amount of memory you require might depend on how much data you like to store, whether you will want to save it, and how often you plan to plug it into a computer.

Battery life

One of the more controversial issues is battery life, including battery replacement or recharging. On average a dive watch will require a battery change every two years with semi constant use. But there are differences across brands in terms of your ability to replace the battery when it fails.

DEALER REPLACEMENT: Some brands – like Suunto – state that you must send your watch to an authorized dealer for a battery replacement or you lose your warranty. The downside is that in some countries this can take weeks, leaving you without a dive computer or watch for everyday use.

SELF REPLACEMENT (OR RECHARGE): Others like Aqualung, allow you to purchase spare batteries and change them yourself. Whilst some watches, such as the Omer UP-X1R, allow you to recharge your watch at any time.

Durability and materials

Not everything is created equal – and the same can be said for watches, even under the same brand. For instance, as the model numbers go up with Suunto, so does the durability of the materials.

If durability is a concern, then look out for non-scratch glass and metal frames and straps. Garmin and Suunto use Titanium for their higher end watches with sapphire or mineral quality glass faces. At the cheaper end, watch components will be mostly plastic – which will mean a much lower price tag but at the sacrifice of durability.

MORE INFORMATION

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