Using a dive compass underwater saves you stress and confusion in trying to navigate. Knowing your location and preventing vertigo when scuba diving are two important aspects that will help stay calm.
Knowing where you are and where to go becomes even more important when getting separated from your dive buddy so this is an essential piece of scuba diving equipment, especially during emergency situations.
10 Best Scuba Dive Compasses
Many dive computers also have a compass installed but it is still worth it to get a separate (analog) dive compass for situations where you might be disorientated. These are 10 of the best dive compasses that will help you navigate the beautiful underwater world.
1. Easiest to Read: XS Scuba Retractable Supertilt
Don’t be fooled by the small size of this dive compass – it is one of the easiest faces to read underwater thanks to its large vertical interior and luminous dial. It has numbered compass headings for every 30° and marks for every 5°.
This includes a stainless steel retractor cord that you can attach with a split ring or snap hook to your BCD. The retractor cord will snap back into place as soon as you release the tension but you can remove it entirely using the quick release buckle whenever necessary.
This is a great choice if one of your pet peeves is a compass that is no longer accurate or hard to read with tilt.
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Pros
- Includes retractor cord and quick-release buckle
- Very easy to read from almost any angle and with limited visibility
- Purchase includes full warranty
Cons
- Retractor may affect accuracy
2. Best for General Direction: DGX with Hose Mount and Wrist Strap
This DGX model is not the most precise option but it is an affordable alternative for beginners or the occasional recreational diver. Both the 360-degree bezel and face have large numbers in 30-degree increments and bold cardinal directions for a quick read.
The rubber strap can be worn on the wrist or attached to any standard HP hose, depending on your preference. This is an oil-filled design which lets you reach depths of up to 260 feet while still maintaining accuracy.
This DGX design may not be the most advanced model available but it has a very friendly price tag. This is a good budget choice when all you need are general directions.
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Pros
- Oil-filled
- Able to read from a side window
- Multiple mounting options
Cons
- Markings are not precise and so not suitable for more advanced divers
3. Best for Adding to a Dive Computer: Aqua Lung Compass Module
More experienced divers will want to add a compass module to their dive computer or console. If Aqua Lung is your preferred brand then definitely consider this module which fits any of their consoles, too.
The design is focused on readability with large clear numbers. Both the bezel and the interior face have numbers every 30 degrees with markings for every 10 degrees and the 10°, 20°, 30°, and 130° have fluorescent markings.
The interior face is luminescent which helps you to read the bearings in low light conditions making this a great addition to your console or as a handy affordable spare.
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Pros
- Easy to read, even in low light
- Affordable
Cons
- More difficult to read from side view window
4. Greatest Value: Cressi Mini SPG
Cressi is an Italian brand that is very popular among divers and this well made design is a good example of why. There are two versions of this design, one that is a module that you can fit into your console and one that you can mount on an HP hose or wear on your wrist.
This product has great accuracy, even at a tilt, thanks to the powerful magnetic power card. It is also easy to read thanks to the luminous face, red lubber and the addition of a double-pointer on the ratcheted bezel.
The Gun-Sight Accurate window on the side is another great feature on this Cressi SPG. Overall, it is an excellent design that any diver would be happy with.
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Pros
- Several mounting options
- Highly accurate
- Easy to read bezel and face
- Affordable for top quality
Cons
- Numbers could be bigger
5. Best Illumination: Oceanic SWIV Module
What sets this model apart from the others in this top 10 is the Oceanglo luminescent floating card which significantly increases the brightness and how long it glows. According to Oceanic, the use of Oceanglo makes the face glow 7 times faster and 7 times longer.
Oceanic uses their own advanced proprietary technology to make sure that you get accurate and fast readings of the bearings. This design allows for both top and side readings which makes it easier for you to keep track of the direction during your dives.
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Pros
- Oceanglo offers better visibility in low light conditions
- Very accurate and fast response
Cons
- Not compatible with all consoles so check before purchase (be especially aware of magnetized batteries)
6. Best for Wearing on Wrist: Oceanic Wrist Mount
From the same line, comes another great Oceanic product, this time with a wrist band so you can wear this dive compass like a watch. The wrist-mounted option also has the same proprietary design for greater accuracy, the visibility thanks to Oceanglo and easier reading with the bezel, red lubber and side reading window.
If you prefer having your dive compass on a separate hand than your dive computer then this is a solid choice.
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Pros
- Good visibility thanks to Oceanglo
- Accurate and responsive, even when not level
Cons
- Some reviewers expected higher quality strap for the price
7. Best High-End Design: Suunto Sk8 Add-On Compass
This Suunto design is one of the more advanced models which advanced divers will love. This is a module that you can add on a Vyper, Cobra, Zoop or Gekko console.
The SK8 has one of the greatest tilt potentials on the market with +/- 30 degrees. It also has fantastic stabilization for faster and more accurate readings making this one of the most precise compasses available.
Suunto focused on a design that would stay clean, for greater accuracy and smooth operation. One of the features that they have included for this is the firm-grip bezel that has a ratched every 5 degrees.
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Pros
- Suitable for many types of consoles
- Sand and dirt repelling design
- High tilt potential
Cons
- Pricey
- Face material quality could be better
8. Best Budget Add-On: XS Scuba Compass Module
Sometimes all you need is a simple design that is easy to read which is exactly where this XS option comes into place. It has a luminescent face, easy to read numbers and a red lubber.
The ratched bezel is on the larger side which also makes it easier to read. There is an extra side window so that you can see where you are going without having to flip over to the face.
One downside is the design of the face which has a large white empty space in the middle. The numbers and markings on the face could have been bigger instead for more accuracy.
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Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Simple straightforward design
Cons
- Does not have a good tilt
- Not compatible with all consoles, check the brand’s recommendations
9. Best for on BCD: Suunto Sk8 Retractable
Besides the add-on module, Suunto also released a retractable version of the SK8. This is a great alternative for those that prefer attaching the compass on the BCD.
The retractable version has all the same outstanding features such as an updated magnet for larger coverage, big tilt potential and a design that is resistant to dust and sand building up.
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Pros
- Automatic retraction
- Gunsight accurate navigation
- Comes with owner’s manual
Cons
- Bezel is stiffer than usual
- Potential for jamming
10. Biggest Design: Oceanic Side Scan with Clip Mount
If you find yourself having difficulty reading a smaller design then level up with this clip-on version by Oceanic. The face and numbers are bigger making it easier to read underwater.
As you are accustomed to with Oceanic products, this version has amazing accuracy with a quick response, Oceanglo luminescent face and both top and side reading.
This design also has a large north and south marking on the ratcheted bezel which should give you an even better idea of your direction.
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Pros
- Oceanglo face for better, faster and longer visibility
- Highly responsive and accurate
- Super tilt potential
Cons
- Not as durable as some other designs
Dive Compass Buying Guide
Having an analog dive compass is a smart idea for any diver. They tend to be more accurate and are more reliable than the digital one in your dive computer.
But how do you decide which product is the most suitable for you? Here is a quick overview of what you need to know before buying one.
Tilt of a Dive Compass
When you were in school, you were probably taught that a compass should lie perfectly horizontal for the best reading but how would you do this while you are floating in the water? That is where tilt control comes in and it is a vital aspect of a good quality dive compass.
Always check the product description for how much tilt it can handle. You want to make sure that you can get an accurate enough reading no matter your position in the water and the underwater conditions.
Visibility
There are two aspects of visibility that you need to check; the markings and the luminosity. Since you are likely to dive in low light conditions, you need a design that is still visible when you have limited natural light.
For the markings and numbers, make sure that they are large enough. Look for big and bold degree indicators in the color white which gives the greatest contrast against the standard black background. This goes for both the bezel and the interior. However, the interior has the added benefit of being luminescent, in most cases.
A luminescent face means that it is reflective or lights up, even in low light conditions. Different brands have different methods for providing a luminescent face but the Oceanglo used in Oceanic products is one of the more advanced examples.
Certain designs also make the numbers and markings luminescent which might be a good choice for night divers. Also, remember that the further down you go the more likely you are to become disorientated and the more difficult it is to get a good reading. So, more advanced divers that reach deeper depths should opt for a larger clearer design.
Size of a Scuba Diving Compass
Closely related to visibility is the size of the dive compass. How big this piece of dive equipment should depend on how well you can see, what size you are comfortable with and its position. Divers with lesser vision might prefer a larger face and bezel with bigger markings and numbers. This is also useful for night divers.
Your own body type also influences the best size. For example, if you have a smaller wrist you do not want to make yourself more clunky by wearing a wrist-mounted design that is too big for you.
Finally, think about where you want to store the dive compass while you are underwater i.e. on your wrist, as an add-on on your console or clipped on to an HP hose or your BCD?
Those that are clipped on your BCD or HP hose tend to be smaller because you want to remain as sleek as possible. In this case, a retractable model is ideal because you can bring it closer to your face.
Dive Compass Location
Make sure that you get a compass that is calibrated for the side of the world where you will be diving because there is a difference. The newest versions are able to cover a larger area of the world which is why you are most likely given the straightforward option that is intended for either the northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere.
