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 of the most important aspects of orientation and safety that will help you to stay calm.
Knowing where you are and where to go in your surroundings becomes essential when getting separated from your dive buddy. Compass navigation from this essential piece of scuba diving equipment during emergency situations is of the utmost importance.
10 Best Scuba Dive Compasses Reviews
Many dive computers also have a compass installed but it is still worth getting a separate (analog) dive compass for situations where you might be disorientated. Here 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 scuba compass- it is one of the easiest faces to read underwater thanks to its large vertical interior and luminous dial. It has numbered 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 does not have the readability with dive tilt.
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What We Liked
- Includes retractor cord and quick-release buckle
- Very easy to read from almost any angle and with limited visibility
- Purchase includes a full warranty
What We Disliked
- Retractor may affect the accuracy
2. Best for General Direction: Phantom Aquatics Scuba Wrist Compass
This DGX model may not be the most precise scuba wrist compass 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 quick read navigation.
The rubber strap can be worn on the arm for quick and easy use or attached to any standard HP hose, depending on your preference. This features an oil-filled design that lets you reach depths of up to 260 feet while still maintaining accuracy.
This DGX design is not the most advanced model available but it has a very friendly price tag. This is a good budget choice if you are a recreational diver and just want to get a bearing on the direction you want.
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What We Liked
- Oil-filled
- Able to read from a side window
- Multiple mounting options
What We Disliked
- Markings are not precise and 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.
The design of this model is focused on readability with large clear numbers on the display. 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 making it easy to view and find the direction that you need.
The interior face of the device is luminescent which helps you to read the bearings in low light conditions with its glow, making this a great addition to your console or as a handy affordable spare for your scuba gear.
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What We Liked
- Easy to read, even in low light
- Affordable
What We Disliked
- More difficult to read from the 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 dive compass design, a model that is a module that you can fit into your console, or this one where you can mount dive compass on an HP hose or if you prefer this dive compass can be worn with a wrist strap for your hand.
This product has great accuracy, with a good tilt range, thanks to the powerful magnetic power card. It is also easy to read thanks to the luminous face, a very clear and bold red lubber line so no mistaking your course and it features the addition of a double-pointer on the ratcheted bezel so no mistaking North direction and all this puts it on our list of best scuba compasses.
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 for their navigation. Great performance and durability.
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What We Liked
- Several mounting options
- Highly accurate
- Easy to read bezel and face
- Affordable for top quality
What We Disliked
- Numbers could be bigger
5. Best Illumination: Oceanic SWIV Module
What sets this model apart from the others in our top 10 dive compass reviews is it features the Oceanglo luminescent floating card which significantly increases the brightness and for a longer glow allowing easy use of this compass at a greater depth when visibility in the water might be restricted. According to Oceanic, the use of Oceanglo makes the face glow 7 times faster and 7 times longer.
Oceanic uses its own advanced proprietary technology in this device to make sure that you get accurate and fast readings of the bearings. The design of this scuba compass with a strong red lubber line and allows for both top and side readings which makes it easier to use and view to ensure you keep track of your bearing and direction during your dives. This dive compass wrist model is definitely on to be considered.
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What We Liked
- Oceanglo offers better visibility in low light conditions
- Very accurate and fast response
What We Disliked
- 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 as the SWIV model, comes another great Oceanic analog compass dive watch type model. This scuba wrist compass you can wear like a watch and also has the same proprietary features for greater accuracy, visibility (thanks to Oceanglo and a great display for easier reading with the bezel), red lubber line and side reading window.
If you prefer having your underwater dive compasses on a separate hand to your dive computer then this is a solid choice at a reasonable price.
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What We Liked
- Good visibility thanks to Oceanglo
- Accurate and responsive, even when not level
What We Disliked
- Some reviewers expected higher quality strap for the price
7. Best High-End Design: Suunto Sk8 Add-On Compass
This Suunto compass diving design is one of the more advanced compass scuba accessories, that advanced divers will love. This is a module that you can add on a Vyper, Cobra, Zoop or Gekko console.
The SK8 has a great tilt tolerance, in fact, one of the best on the market with +/- 30 degrees. It also has fantastic stabilization for faster and more accurate readings making this one of the best dive compasses available.
Suunto focused on a design that would sand and grit resistant, for greater accuracy and smooth operation. One of the features that they have included for this is the firm-grip bezel that has notches every 5 degrees.
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What We Liked
- Suitable for many types of consoles
- Sand and dirt repelling design
- High tilt potential
What We Disliked
- 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 use and read, as your diving compass. This is exactly where this XS option comes into place. It has a luminescent face, easy to read numbers and a red lubber line.
The notched bezel is on the larger side which also makes it easier to view and read. It features an extra side window so that you can see what direction you are going without having to flip over to the face, easy for your navigation.
If you like a diving compass that has large markings then maybe this is not for you as the center display markings are on the small side.
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What We Liked
- Budget-friendly
- Simple straightforward design
What We Disliked
- Less tilt tolerance than some of the other options
- 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.
These retractable dive compasses have all the same outstanding features such as an updated magnet for larger coverage, a large tilt range and a design that is resistant to dust and sand building up to ensure accuracy.
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What We Liked
- Automatic retraction
- Gunsight accurate navigation
- Comes with owner’s manual
What We Disliked
- The 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, therefore, putting it on our best compass list, 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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What We Liked
- Oceanglo face for better, faster and longer visibility
- Highly responsive and accurate
- Super tilt potential
What We Disliked
- Not as durable as some other designs
Here is a recap of our top Dive Compasses:
- Wrist Mounted Compass
- Top/Side Reading
- High Vis Lubber Line
- Proprietary Design
- Quick Response
- Top/Side Reading
- Large Ratcheting Bezel
- Glows approx 7x Faster
- Luminescent Gauge Face
- Standard & Tilt Designs
- Top/Side Reading
- Large Ratcheting Bezel
Dive Compass Buying Guide
Having an analog compass as part of your dive gear is a smart idea for any diver as they tend to be more accurate and are more reliable than a digital compass 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.
The 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 the tilt range comes in and it is a vital aspect of 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 angle and position in the water or the underwater conditions are.
Visibility
There are two aspects of visibility that you need to check, the markings and the luminosity. Since you are likely to dive to a depth where you will have low light conditions, you need a design that is still visible when you have limited natural light in the water.
The best dive compasses have large markings and numbers as well as the other features that you will want. Look for big and bold degree bearing 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. How big this piece of dive equipment should depend on how well you can see, what size you are comfortable with for movement while diving 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 time 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 dive compass that is too big for you.
Finally, think about where you want to store it 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 scuba diving compass that is calibrated for the hemisphere 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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a dive compass?
You really only need a dive compass if you are planning your own dives with a buddy, at which time they are an essential piece of scuba diving gear. If you are a recreational diver and normally dive with a divemaster then there is no real need for compasses.
However, if you feel safer and calmer with a compass, for the price they cost it is well worth the investment.
What is tilt tolerance on a diving compass?
The tilt tolerance on diving compasses is the degree to which you can tilt the compass before the needle gets stuck. So the higher the tilt tolerance of a compass the better it is, especially if you are reasonably new to diving as your movement in the water could cause the needle jamming to become a problem during use.
Which is best analog or digital dive compass?
Analog vs digital dive compasses, which is best. Although most dive computers have a digital compass included a lot of experienced divers still like to have the older technology of an analog compass with them for ease of use and for peace of mind. The digital compass is good but can tend to be not quite as accurate as an analog version.
