Shearwater vs Suunto
Tern TX vs Suunto Ocean All Black
Which one would we buy?
Shearwater
Suunto
Scores are our editorial opinion of these models, based on features, suitability and ownership trade-offs—not hands-on test results. How we chose →
We’d pick the Suunto Ocean All Black.
Our pick is Suunto Ocean All Black. Our choice if the same watch needs to cover diving and sports. The AMOLED screen, compass and Tank POD support make that a compelling brief.
Which one suits you?
Shearwater Tern TX
We prefer Tern TX when a compact watch shape matters but you still want tank pressure and a compass. The 1.3-inch screen is smaller than Peregrine TX's, so check readability at wrist distance.
Get to know this model →Suunto Ocean All Black
Our choice if the same watch needs to cover diving and sports. The AMOLED screen, compass and Tank POD support make that a compelling brief. A dedicated dive computer is the cleaner choice if sports features do not matter to you.
Get to know this model →Specifications side by side
The details that matter, side by side. “Check with the brand” means we have not confirmed that detail.
| Detail | Shearwater Tern TX | Suunto Ocean All Black |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.3-inch AMOLED | 1.43-inch AMOLED |
| Weight | 100 g | 99 g |
| Battery | Rechargeable; wireless charging | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Wireless tank pressure | Yes; up to 4 optional transmitters | Yes; optional Suunto Tank POD |
| Digital compass | Yes | Yes |
Showing all 5 specification rows.
What the differences mean when you buy
Display and control format
Shearwater Tern TX
- Display
- 1.3-inch AMOLED
- Weight
- 100 g
Suunto Ocean All Black
- Display
- 1.43-inch AMOLED
- Weight
- 99 g
Look at the main information at normal wrist or console distance, with your usual vision correction. Display technology and diagonal size are useful facts, but they do not predict your ability to read smaller secondary information. Try menu navigation and controls with gloves. A feature upgrade within one family may retain exactly the same screen size.
Pressure monitoring and compatible accessories
Shearwater Tern TX
- Wireless tank pressure
- Yes; up to 4 optional transmitters
- Digital compass
- Yes
Suunto Ocean All Black
- Wireless tank pressure
- Yes; optional Suunto Tank POD
- Digital compass
- Yes
Identify whether pressure comes from a compatible wireless transmitter, a direct hose connection or a separate instrument. Optional support does not mean the accessory is included. Confirm the exact transmitter generation, number supported and installation requirements. A shared radio concept or brand family is not enough to assume cross-model compatibility.
Battery, modes and ownership
Shearwater Tern TX
- Battery
- Rechargeable; wireless charging
Suunto Ocean All Black
- Battery
- Rechargeable lithium-ion
Check the current manual for supported modes and settings rather than relying on the computer’s price tier. Rechargeable and replaceable batteries create different travel routines. Confirm approved battery types, charging hardware and the supported logging workflow. An algorithm name is not a promise of identical behaviour across computers or firmware versions.
A closer look at both
Tern TX
A compact AMOLED dive computer that adds wireless tank-pressure monitoring and a tilt-compensated compass to the Tern format. It accepts up to four transmitters and supports air, nitrox, three-gas nitrox, gauge and freediving modes.
What we like
We prefer Tern TX when a compact watch shape matters but you still want tank pressure and a compass.
What would make us think twice
The 1.3-inch screen is smaller than Peregrine TX's, so check readability at wrist distance.
More about the Tern TX →Suunto Ocean All Black
A dive computer and sports watch with a sapphire-covered AMOLED display, rechargeable battery and digital compass. It supports air and nitrox diving, freediving and wireless tank pressure through a compatible Suunto Tank POD.
What we like
Our choice if the same watch needs to cover diving and sports. The AMOLED screen, compass and Tank POD support make that a compelling brief.
What would make us think twice
A dedicated dive computer is the cleaner choice if sports features do not matter to you.
More about the Suunto Ocean All Black →Four checks before you place an order
- Try the display and secondary information at the distance you will actually read it.
- Confirm required diving modes and the exact model or wired-system variant against the current manual.
- Identify compatible transmitters, chargers and any separately purchased installation parts.
- Review battery procedures, firmware support, logging compatibility and local servicing before paying.
Ask for a quote for the complete kit, including the accessories you need. That makes the price comparison much more useful.
Price, accessories and owning the equipment
Request a computer-only and complete-system price if pressure integration is part of the decision. Transmitters, charging accessories and installation can change the apparent upgrade cost substantially. The price of replacing accessories you already own belongs in the comparison as well; do not assume cross-brand or cross-generation compatibility.
Upgrade for a feature you will actually use: a clearer display, tank pressure on the wrist or a mode your diving calls for. We would rather have a readable everyday screen than a long menu of functions we never open.
How we scored these models & further reading
These are our subjective buying scores out of 100. We weigh the usefulness of the features, the intended diving or carrying job, and the compromises involved in owning the gear. They are not laboratory measurements, safety grades or customer averages. The verdict applies to the two named models, not everything either brand makes.
90–100: one of our first choices for the stated job. 80–89: a strong option with trade-offs. 70–79: a more specific fit. A different fit, camera, valve or dive plan can change which one you should buy.
Questions worth settling
Can I make the simpler model equivalent by adding a transmitter?
Only if that exact computer supports the compatible transmitter. Optional accessories cannot supply a capability the base computer does not have. Check the model-specific manual and the full compatible package before buying either component.
Which is the better buy for this particular comparison?
A dedicated dive computer is the cleaner choice if sports features do not matter to you. We prefer Tern TX when a compact watch shape matters but you still want tank pressure and a compass.
Our pick is where we would start. Choose the other model if its fit or features better match your setup—especially where a camera, valve, boot or exposure suit needs an exact match.
