Looking to Buy a Garmin G2 or Suunto Ocean But Can't Decide?

Which is better for you - the Suunto Ocean 'v' the Garmin G2? If you’re buying a new dive computer, the Suunto Ocean and the Garmin Descent G2 sit in the same “watch-style, AMOLED-screen” space — but they take different tacks. Below we break down the key features, where each one shines, and who they’re best for so you can decide quickly.

Quick comparison

• Suunto Ocean — big 1.43" AMOLED, strong battery in dive mode (Suunto quotes long dive hours), native air-integration with Suunto PODs, very dive-focused algorithms and conservative Bühlmann settings. Great if you want a true dive-first smartwatch with tank pressure display and clear underwater visibility.

• Garmin Descent G2 — polished all-rounder: AMOLED display, full smartwatch/fitness features, excellent land navigation and health tracking, very capable dive modes. Historically Garmin’s earlier G-series lacked native air integration, and some reviews mention limited air-integration options depending on the model; it’s a strong multi-sport choice if you want one device for everything.

Main features — what matters to divers

Display & readability

• Suunto Ocean: Large, high-contrast 1.43" AMOLED display designed to be readable underwater; sapphire glass and glove-friendly buttons + touchscreen. Many reviewers praise the clarity underwater.

• Garmin G2: Also uses a bright AMOLED touchscreen (around 46mm watch case). Excellent for day-to-day use and dive screens are crisp, though some users feel the screen area is slightly smaller than the Ocean’s. 

Why it matters: underwater visibility and large digits make quick depth/deco decisions easier — the Ocean’s larger screen gives it an edge if readability is your top priority.

Dive modes & algorithm

• Suunto Ocean: Uses Suunto’s Bühlmann-based algorithm (conservative defaults), supports single- and multi-gas nitrox, freedive modes, snorkel modes, and logs. Suunto is known for conservative, safety-oriented dive profiles. 

• Garmin G2: Full set of recreational and many technical dive modes (air, nitrox, multiple gases availability depends on model and firmware), with configurable screens. Garmin provides a more feature-packed sports ecosystem around the dive modes. Does not support a transmitter.

Why it matters: pick Suunto if you prefer a conservative, straightforward dive algorithm and simple setup. Pick Garmin if you want broader technical mode flexibility and deeper customisation (and you’ll use those extra modes).

Air integration (tank pressure display)

• Suunto Ocean: Supports Suunto’s Tank POD transmitters and can monitor multiple tanks (official sources and reviews note Suunto Tank POD compatibility and tank pressure display). This is native, integrated air monitoring. 

• Garmin G2: Does not support air integration

Why it matters: if you want a single wristwatch that displays your tank pressure, Suunto Ocean’s native Tank POD support makes it simpler. If air-integration is critical, then opt for the Suunto, or upgrade to the Garmin MK3i.

Battery life & day-to-day use

• Suunto Ocean: Suunto advertises long dive mode battery life (many sources quote ~40–60 hours of dive tracking depending on mode) and strong everyday battery performance in watch mode. Great for dive trips where recharging isn’t convenient. 

• Garmin G2: Solid battery life for a colour smartwatch (Garmin lists multi-day battery figures — e.g., many Garmin watches quote up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and long dive durations, though dive runtime varies). Both are good; Suunto often advertises longer continuous dive mode hours specifically.

Why it matters: longer dive-mode battery life means more full days of multiple dives without recharging — helpful for liveaboards and remote trips.

Smartwatch & outdoor features

• Suunto Ocean: Strong sports features, GPS tracking, heart rate and activity monitoring — but Suunto keeps the emphasis on diving. Suunto also highlights eco/sustainability credentials and high-quality materials.

• Garmin G2: One of Garmin’s biggest strengths: full Garmin ecosystem — maps, multi-band GNSS, advanced training metrics, Body Battery, hundreds of sport profiles, music, contactless payments (model dependent). If you want one device for training, navigation and diving, Garmin is compelling.

Why it matters: if you live an all-round outdoor lifestyle (trail running, navigation, training metrics) and want one device for everything, Garmin’s ecosystem wins. If diving is primary, the Suunto’s focus may be preferable.

Durability & comfort

Both use robust materials (sapphire glass options, stainless steel/titanium trims available depending on SKU), and both are designed to be worn on land and in water. Suunto’s strap length and included strap choices have been noted as a minor gripe in some reviews — check that the strap fits over your exposure suit or buy a longer strap if you plan to use it over a drysuit.

Price & value

Both sit in the premium watch-style dive computer segment; Garmin often positions as a value-packed multi-sport smartwatch with diving features, while Suunto positions the Ocean as a dive-first device with top-tier visibility and native tank monitoring. Due to it's air integration capabilities, the Suunto Ocean is more expensive,

You can check the latest prices here:
Suunto Ocean Product Page
Garmin G2 Product Page

Who should buy which?

Choose the Suunto Ocean if:

• You want native air integration with Suunto Tank PODs and tank pressure on your wrist.

• You prefer a larger, ultra-readable dive display and a dive-first design.

• You’re after conservative Bühlmann defaults and a straightforward dive experience.

Choose the Garmin Descent G2 if:

• You want a true multi-sport smartwatch that doubles as a capable dive computer and gives you Garmin’s health, navigation and training ecosystem.

• You value maps, advanced fitness metrics and longer general smartwatch battery life for everyday use.

• You don’t need built-in tank pressure from day one — or you’re happy to confirm the current G2 variant’s air-integration options before buying.

Final thoughts

Both the Suunto Ocean and the Garmin Descent G2 are excellent — the choice comes down to what you prioritise. If diving (and seeing tank pressure on your wrist) is the non-negotiable priority, the Suunto Ocean is the safer, dive-centric pick. If you want the most capable daily-wear smartwatch that also handles diving extremely well, the Garmin G2 is the better all-rounder.