Best Diving Regulators of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2026

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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

SEAC PX100 Emergency Scuba Diver Regulator Set Cover #TOP 1
SEAC PX100 Emergency Scuba Diver Regulator Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set Cover #TOP 2
Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mares Regulator SXS 62X Underwater Dispenser DIN Cover #TOP 3
Mares Regulator SXS 62X Underwater Dispenser DIN
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Diving Regulators

SEAC PX100 Emergency Scuba Diver Regulator Set

0350097000004A
nero
230 INT
SEAC PX100 Emergency Scuba Diver Regulator Set Cover
SEAC SET PX100, Emergency Scuba Diver Regulator and Octopus

The SEAC PX100 Regulator Set is designed for divers seeking reliability and performance. Its simple piston first stage features one high-pressure outlet and four low-pressure outlets, ensuring a consistent air supply during your dives. You can adjust the breathing effort and the Venturi Effect, which helps optimise your air intake based on your activity level. Additionally, the exhaust duct effectively prevents water from entering the second stage, even in strong currents, enhancing your safety and comfort underwater.

What We Like
Reliable performance underwater
Adjustable breathing effort
Water infiltration prevention
Functional design
Made in Italy quality
#TOP 2

Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set

HY787051
Black
Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Diving Regulator Set Cover
Cressi AC2 Compact Plus Octopus XS Int Diving Regulator - Black

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
#TOP 3

Mares Regulator SXS 62X Underwater Dispenser DIN

Mares
416269DIN
Multi-coloured
standard size
Mares Regulator SXS 62X Underwater Dispenser DIN Cover
Mares, Regulator Sxs 62X, Underwater Dispenser, Multicoloured, DIN, Unisex Adult

The Mares SXS 62X Regulator is an ultra-compact underwater dispenser designed for divers who travel or prefer lighter, slimmer gear. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and handle, ideal for those on the move. The regulator combines a reliable and durable 62x level, ensuring it withstands regular use. It also guarantees a steady and high air flow at any depth, providing you with consistent breathing comfort while diving.

What We Like
Ultra-compact design
Lightweight and slim
Reliable and durable
Consistent air flow
#TOP 4

Cressi Octopus Compact Scuba Regulator

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

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 5

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 6

Cressi AC2 Compact Din 300 Diving Regulator

HX788051
Black
Cressi AC2 Compact Din 300 Diving Regulator Cover
Cressi AC2 Compact Din 300 Diving Regulator - Black

The Cressi AC2 Regulator features a second-stage XS Compact with an elastomer cover, making it lightweight and easy to handle under water. Its piston first stage ensures reliable performance, giving you smooth breathing during your dives. The design emphasises simple maintenance, so you can spend more time enjoying your dive and less time on upkeep. Additionally, it is affordably priced, making it a great choice if you’re a beginner, part of a diving school, or looking for rental equipment.

What We Like
Extremely lightweight
Excellent performance
Easy to maintain
Affordable price
#TOP 7

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 8

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 9

Apeks XTX50 Regulator with Silicone Valve and Swivel Hose

AP0332F
Chrome, Yoke
Apeks XTX50 Regulator with Silicone Valve and Swivel Hose Cover
Apeks XTX50 Regulator, Yoke

The Apeks XTX50 Regulator offers improved breathing performance thanks to its new silicone exhaust valve, making your dives more comfortable and effortless. You can opt for a swivel hose connection, allowing the hose end to rotate and pivot, giving you a better fit underwater. The ergonomic Venturi lever is designed to reduce grit ingress, ensuring smooth and reliable operation every time you dive. Additionally, the second stage features a high-strength composite front cover, enhancing durability where it’s needed most, so you can trust your regulator in demanding conditions.

What We Like
Improved breathing performance
Optional swivel hose for comfort
Ergonomic lever reduces grit
Durable composite front cover
#TOP 10

Cressi MC9/XS Compact Diving Regulator

HX783051
Black
Cressi MC9/XS Compact Diving Regulator Cover
Cressi MC9/XS Compact Regulator - Regulator for Diving, INT, Black, Adult Unisex

The Cressi Compact Regulator features a hyper-balanced diaphragm in its MC9 first stage, which ensures reliable performance at various depths. Its featherweight second stage, made from lightweight techno-polymers, significantly reduces jaw fatigue, allowing you to dive comfortably for extended periods. Additionally, the self-lubricating internal coating enhances durability and efficiency, making your dives smoother. Designed for travel, this regulator packs impressive performance into a compact size, ensuring that it’s easy to transport without compromising on quality.

What We Like
Lightweight design for easy travel
Reduces jaw fatigue while diving
Durable self-lubricating coating
Compact size maximises performance
Reliable performance at various depths
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 137 diving regulator products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,131 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 £267.16.

The diving regulators are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of diving regulators, including SEAC, Cressi, Mares, Apeks.

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.