Best Diving Regulators of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Diving regulators are essential pieces of equipment for scuba divers, allowing them to breathe underwater by reducing the high pressure of the air in their tanks to a level suitable for human respiration. These devices typically consist of a first stage that attaches to the tank and reduces the air pressure, a second stage that delivers air to the diver through a mouthpiece, and a hose connecting the two. Diving regulators come in a variety of designs and configurations to suit different diving conditions and personal preferences. They are crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of divers, making them a must-have item for anyone who enjoys exploring the underwater world.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set Cover #TOP 1
Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cressi Octopus Compact Scuba Regulator Cover #TOP 2
Cressi Octopus Compact Scuba Regulator
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Cressi AC2 Compact Diving Regulator - Black Cover #TOP 3
Cressi AC2 Compact Diving Regulator - Black
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Diving Regulators

#TOP 1

Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set

HY787051
Black
Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set Cover
Cressi Unisex Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Octopus XS Int Diving Regulator Black, Black, XS UK

The Cressi AC2 Compact Regulator is an excellent choice for divers, offering maximum performance in a compact design. This regulator features a first stage AC2 and two second stages, making it suitable for beginners, diving schools, and rental use. Its octopus model has a distinctive yellow front cover, ensuring easy identification under water. Additionally, the longer hose length of 100 cm provides greater flexibility and comfort during dives, enhancing your overall diving experience.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Ideal for beginners and rentals
Easy identification with yellow cover
Longer hose for added comfort

Cressi Octopus Compact Scuba Regulator

HX789000
Yellow
Standard
Cressi Octopus Compact Scuba Regulator Cover
Cressi Octopus - 2nd Stage Scuba Diving Regulator High Quality, Yellow

The Cressi Octopus Regulator features a compact design with a distinctive yellow front cover and a longer hose, measuring 100 cm for added convenience. This longer hose allows for greater flexibility during dives. Also, it channels a flow of pilot air to the mouthpiece, enhancing your breathing performance underwater. Additionally, the upper part includes a flow deviator that optimises the Venturi effect, giving you better control over your inhalation efforts with a dive/pre-dive function. This means you can adjust your breathing with ease, making your diving experience more enjoyable.

What We Like
Enhanced breathing performance
Longer hose for flexibility
Easy dive/pre-dive adjustment
Compact and lightweight design
#TOP 3

Cressi AC2 Compact Diving Regulator - Black

HX787051
Black
Cressi AC2 Compact Diving Regulator - Black Cover
Cressi AC2 Compact Int Diving Regulator - Black

The Cressi AC2 Regulator is designed for both beginners and experienced divers. Its lightweight construction ensures that you can dive without feeling weighed down, enhancing your overall experience. The excellent performance means you'll have reliable air supply underwater, allowing you to focus on the dive itself. Maintenance is straightforward, making it easy for you to keep your equipment in top shape. Additionally, it comes at an affordable price, making it a great choice for diving schools and rental purposes.

What We Like
Extremely lightweight
Excellent performance
Easy maintenance
Affordable price
Multiple colour options
#TOP 4

Cressi AC2 XS2 Int Diving Regulator

HX780000
Black
Cressi AC2 XS2 Int Diving Regulator Cover
Cressi AC2 XS2 Int Diving Regulator - Black

The Cressi AC2 Regulator is designed with the diver in mind, featuring a traditionally sized second stage made from high-tech polymers for durability. You will benefit from a pilot air flow that is injected directly to the mouthpiece, enhancing your breathing performance underwater. The flow deviator utilises the Venturi effect, allowing for seamless transitions between dive and pre-dive functions. Additionally, the regulator is built on the trusted Cressi AC2 piston model, ensuring reliability as one of the strongest first stages available.

What We Like
Durable hi-tech polymer construction
Enhanced breathing performance
Seamless dive/pre-dive function
Reliable Cressi AC2 piston model
#TOP 5

Cressi Compact Pro MC9/SC Diving Regulator

HX782100
Metallic
Cressi Compact Pro MC9/SC Diving Regulator Cover
Cressi Compact Pro MC9/SC DIN Hiper Balanced Regulator-Made in Italy

The Cressi Compact Pro Regulator is designed for divers seeking a lightweight and efficient option. The hyper-balanced diaphragm in the MC9-SC first stage ensures smooth airflow, making your dives more enjoyable. Its featherweight second stage, crafted from techno-polymers, helps to reduce jaw fatigue, allowing you to focus on your underwater experience. The self-lubricating internal coating enhances durability and performance, ensuring you can rely on this regulator during your adventures. Ideal for travel, it packs maximum performance into a compact design.

What We Like
Lightweight and travel-friendly
Reduces jaw fatigue
Durable internal coating
Smooth airflow
#TOP 6

Mares ULTRA ADJ 82X DIN Diving Regulators

Mares
416250
Multicolour
One Size
Mares ULTRA ADJ 82X DIN Diving Regulators Cover
Mares ULTRA ADJ 82X DIN Diving Regulators Unisex-Adult One Size Multicolour

The Mares ULTRA ADJ 82X Regulators are designed for divers seeking reliability and ease of use. Featuring a swivel turret on the first stage, these regulators allow for better hose positioning, enhancing your comfort during dives. The unisex-adult design ensures they are suitable for a wide range of users. With a one-size-fits-all approach, these regulators offer convenience, making them a practical choice for both novice and experienced divers alike.

What We Like
Swivel turret for comfort
Unisex-adult design
One size fits all
Reliable performance
#TOP 7

Apeks XL+4 DIN Regulator with Advanced Features

RG124118
White
Apeks XL+4 DIN Regulator with Advanced Features Cover
Apeks XL+4 DIN Regulator/White

The Apeks XL+4 Regulator boasts several innovative features designed to enhance your diving experience. Its over-moulded first-stage endcap and environmental diaphragm prevent ice build-up, ensuring reliable performance even in extreme conditions. You will appreciate the large surface area heat exchanger diaphragm clamp, which increases gas temperature for better cold water performance. The unique over-balanced diaphragm design allows for faster medium pressure gas increase as you descend, providing superior performance at depth. Additionally, the compact second stage reduces jaw fatigue during long dives, enhancing your overall comfort.

What We Like
Prevents ice build-up
Improves cold water performance
Superior performance at depth
Reduces jaw fatigue
#TOP 8

Dive Rite RG5400 O2 Decompression Regulator

RG5400
Green/Black
One Size
Dive Rite RG5400 O2 Decompression Regulator Cover
Dive Rite RG5400 O2 Decompression Regulator

The Dive Rite RG5400 Regulator is a compact and lightweight option designed specifically for shallow water decompression. You can use this regulator with higher concentrations of oxygen without the need for extra preparation, making it convenient for your diving needs. Its unbalanced piston first stage features multiple ports, providing flexibility in set-up. The pneumatically balanced second stage ensures smooth airflow, while the Venturi assist enhances your breathing experience, allowing for effortless inhalation at depths of up to 50 feet.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
High oxygen concentration use
Smooth airflow performance
Venturi assist for easy breathing
#TOP 9

Palantic SCR-01-DIN-207 Dive Regulator Combo

SCR-01-DIN-207
Black
One Size
Palantic SCR-01-DIN-207 Dive Regulator Combo Cover
Palantic SCR-01-DIN-207 As101 Din Diving Dive Regulator and Octopus Combo - Black, One Size

The Palantic Dive Regulator boasts a high-quality first and second stage, ensuring reliable performance underwater. The over-balanced first stage adapts to varying depths and gas densities, providing you with optimal gas delivery even in extreme conditions. With a 36" yellow hose for the octopus and a black hose for the second stage, you will enjoy convenience and ease of use. The environmental sealing protects the first stage from corrosion and contaminants, enhancing durability and reliability during your dives. A large purge button further simplifies operation, allowing for quick adjustments when needed.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Effective gas delivery
Durable environmental sealing
Convenient hose lengths
#TOP 10

Cressi MC9/XS Compact Diving Regulator

DHX 784151
White
Cressi MC9/XS Compact Diving Regulator Cover
Cressi MC9/XS Compact Regulator - Regulator for Diving, DIN, White, Adult Unisex

The Cressi MC9/XS Regulator is designed for divers who seek reliability and performance. Its balanced diaphragm offers stable airflow, ensuring you can breathe easily underwater. With two high-pressure outlets and four medium-pressure outlets, you have ample options for connecting your gear. The downstream system enhances safety by ensuring that air only flows when you need it, providing peace of mind during your dives. This combination of features makes the Cressi MC9/XS an excellent choice for both novice and experienced divers.

What We Like
Reliable balanced diaphragm
Multiple high and medium pressure outlets
Enhanced safety with downstream system
Family-owned brand since 1946
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does cressi make good regulators?

For newbie divers the Cressi XS2/AC2 is budget friendly, breathes easy and is lightweight enough for travel – Definitely one of the best scuba regulators for beginners.

Editor's Notes

During our diving regulator research, we found 83 diving regulator products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,545 customer reviews through our big data system to write the diving regulators list. We found that most customers choose diving regulators with an average price of £300.87.

The diving regulators are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of diving regulators, including CRESSI, Mares, Apeks, Dive Rite, Palantic.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.