Shearwater Dive Computer Comparison

Choosing the right dive computer depends on how you dive, what features you need and where you want your diving to take you. Shearwater offers a range of dive computers designed for recreational, freediving, technical, decompression and rebreather diving.
Use the comparison below to explore the key differences between Shearwater dive computers, including dive modes, gas support, display technology, battery type, depth rating, air integration, compass functionality and dive-log capacity.

Shearwater Computer Comparison September 2026 Download

Compare Shearwater Dive Computers

From compact wrist-mounted computers to full-size technical dive computers and heads-up display systems, the Shearwater range offers different options for different diving requirements.
The Perdix 3, Perdix 2 and Perdix AI are full-size dive computers designed around advanced diving capabilities, while the Tern and Tern TX provide a compact option with AMOLED displays. The Peregrine and Peregrine TX offer bright, easy-to-read displays in a compact format, with the TX adding wireless air integration.
For divers looking for a watch-style computer, the Teric combines a compact form factor with a full-featured dive computer platform. The Petrel 3 provides a ruggedised option for demanding environments, while the NERD 2 presents dive information in a heads-up display format.

Shearwater Dive Computers for Different Types of Diving

Recreational Diving

For recreational divers, factors such as display readability, ease of use, battery life, air integration and navigation features can be important when choosing a dive computer. The Peregrine, Peregrine TX, Tern and Tern TX all provide recreational dive modes, with different combinations of features and air-integration capabilities.

Technical Diving

Divers progressing into technical diving may require support for multiple gases, trimix, open-circuit technical diving or closed-circuit bailout configurations. Models such as the Perdix 3, Perdix 2, Perdix AI and Petrel 3 support advanced dive modes, including technical and mixed-gas configurations.

Freediving

Several Shearwater models include dedicated freediving functionality. The Perdix 3, Tern TX, Tern and Petrel 3 comparison data includes freediving modes, while other models in the range are focused more specifically on scuba and technical applications.

Rebreather Diving

For closed-circuit and rebreather divers, the comparison includes models supporting closed-circuit/bailout configurations and advanced gas management. The Petrel 3 is described as a rugged, full-featured computer with rebreather-proven performance, while the Perdix models also offer advanced CC/BO functionality.

Air Integration and Shearwater Transmitters

Air integration is available on a number of Shearwater dive computers. The comparison shows air-integration support on the Perdix 3, Perdix 2, Perdix AI, Tern TX, Peregrine TX, Teric, Petrel 3 and NERD 2 SA/EXT, with compatible models supporting up to four transmitters.
If monitoring cylinder pressure directly from your dive computer is important to you, comparing air-integration capability and transmitter support is an important part of choosing your Shearwater.

AMOLED vs LCD Shearwater Displays

Display technology is another significant difference across the Shearwater range. The comparison includes full-colour AMOLED displays on models such as the Perdix 3, Tern TX, Tern, Teric and Petrel 3, alongside LCD displays with LED backlighting on several other models.
Screen size also varies considerably. Full-size computers such as the Perdix 3 have a 2.4-inch display, while compact watch-style computers such as the Tern and Tern TX use a 1.3-inch display.

Battery Life and Dive Logging

Battery type and battery life can also influence your choice. The Perdix range uses a user-replaceable AA battery, while several of the compact Shearwater computers use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The comparison shows battery life ranging from approximately 18 hours on the NERD 2 to up to 100 hours under specified battery conditions on some Perdix models.
Dive-log capacity also varies throughout the range, from approximately 200 hours on the Peregrine to approximately 1,000 hours on several models.

Which Shearwater Dive Computer Should You Choose?

There isn’t one Shearwater dive computer designed for every diver. The right choice depends on your current diving, the type of diving you plan to do in the future and which features are most important to you.

Look at the dive modes and gas configurations supported.

Check whether the computer supports wireless air integration and how many transmitters it can support.

Look for dedicated freediving modes if freediving is part of your diving.

Consider closed-circuit and bailout functionality where applicable.

Compare AMOLED and LCD displays and the available screen sizes.

Consider rechargeable versus user-replaceable batteries.

Digital compass functionality is included on many models.

A computer that matches your current diving may not necessarily offer the functionality you need as your diving develops.

Shearwater Dive Computers in South Africa

Dive Action is an authorised Shearwater distributor in South Africa, offering Shearwater dive computers and related equipment to divers in Cape Town and across South Africa.
Our team can help you compare Shearwater models based on the way you actually dive, whether you’re looking for a recreational dive computer, an air-integrated computer, a freediving computer, a technical dive computer or a computer suitable for advanced and rebreather diving.
If you’re unsure which Shearwater model is right for you, contact Dive Action before making your purchase. We can help you understand the differences between the models and choose the features that are relevant to your diving.

Not sure what to choose?

With so many options available, choosing the right dive computer can feel overwhelming. Tell us a little about how you dive, and our team can help you find a Shearwater that fits your diving, experience and needs.
Not sure what to choose? We’re here to help.