Your scuba regulator is one of the most essential pieces of dive gear you can own as a diver. It is your lifeline underwater, allowing you to breathe safely and comfortably from the high-pressure gasses stored in your dive tank. Therefore, it’s imperative that you pick the right scuba diving regulator for your needs.Â
Buying a new regulator is not as easy as it sounds. There are hundreds to choose from, as well as many different brands, styles, and features to consider. The whole thing can seem overwhelming at first.
By the end of the guide, you should know what’s a scuba regulator system, its parts, what features work best for you, and our review of the best dive regulators.
Let’s get dive in…
What Is The Best Scuba Regulator?
There is no one single best scuba regulator, the regulator that will work best for you is determined by where you do most of your diving, dive experience, personal preference, and budget.Â
If you don’t know what to look for when selecting a scuba diving Regulator read our detailed buying guide below.Â
For other great scuba regulator recommendations, read these other articles:
Cold Water Regulators | Travel Scuba Regulators | Titanium Scuba Regulators
Best Entry- Level Scuba Regulators
These regulators are generally placed below $400. However, Budget don’ts necessarily mean less performance. The regulators listed here are still high-quality choices and many can perform just as well as most mid-to-high-end regulators.Â
These are an excellent choice for beginner divers or seasoned divers looking for a great regulator for a redundant system.
Mares Rover 2S Regulator
Key Features:
● Great for entry level or rental regulator
● Simple, yet reliable downstream 2nd Stage
● Reliable Unbalanced piston First Stage
● Lightweight at only 34.5 oz. (977 g)
Manufacturer: Mares
Design
A simple and reliable unbalanced design makes for easy operation and maintenance, but sacrifices on performance on deeper dives
Functionality
It delivers very natural and effortless breathing at recreational depths, but may lose performance on deeper divers or low tank pressures.
Ease of Use
The Rover 2S operation is very straight forward. There are no adjustments to worry about. A large purge button also makes it easy to purge in any position.
Cost
The regulator priced just below many of it best competitors will still offering great value to money ratio.
Our Score:
4.0/5
The Bottom Line:
The Mares Rover 2s is a great entry-level regulator that delivers fantastic breathing performance at recreational depths. It’s also available at an affordable price point and offers excellent value for your money.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares Rover 2S at these recommend retailers:
Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195 Regulator
Key Features:
● Simple unbalanced design
● Easy to maintain
● Increase Freezing resistance
● VIVA system for reducing free flows
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Design
The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 uses a classic unbalanced design with modern components to increase reliability and ease of maintenance. However, this simple design does sacrifice performance.
Functionality
It does great breathing at recreational depth but may lose performance on deeper dives. It also has Scubapro’s VIVA system which is great for reducing free flows and increasing breathing comfort.
Ease of Use
Simple to use. There is no overwhelming number of bits and pieces to worry about. The venturi switch is also large, and easy to locate when making adjustments on your dive.
Cost
The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is reasonably priced and offers great value for the money. Making great as a first regulator or a backup reg for a pony bottle.
Our Score:
4.0/5
The Bottom Line:
The Scubapro MK2 Evo R195 is a great choice for beginner divers. It has a reliable unbalanced design, Scubapro’s VIVA system to reduce free flows and increase breathing comfort, and Scubapro's XTIS system for increased freezing resistance. All of these features combined make this a great value for the money making it a great choice for new divers. It is no wonder it is the preferred training scuba regulator at many dive centers and resorts around the world.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195 at these recommend retailers:
Sherwood Brut Regulator
Key Features:
● Pneumatically balanced 2nd stage
● Dry-sealed first stage
● Rugged and Durable Design
● Balanced Piston 1st Stage
Manufacturer: Sherwood Scuba
Design
The new design is more streamlined and allows for better hose routing. However, the first stage is on the heavy side and not ideal for traveling.
Functionality
The Brut Pro offers great air delivery and reliable performance, due to the dry-sealed spring first stage. The pneumatically balanced second stage also makes it easier to breathe in any environment.
Ease of Use
The regulator is easy to assemble and use. There are no venturi levers or adjustments to mess around with, which is great for beginner divers, but can be a draw back for more advanced divers.
Cost
The Sherwood Brut Pro Regulator offers good value for money. It's an excellent entry-level regulator that provides reliable performance and a comfortable breathing experience similar to higher-priced regulators.
Our Score:
4.1/5
The Bottom Line:
The Sherwood Brut Pro regulator is an excellent entry-level regulator for beginner divers. It's built tough and offers reliable performance with consistent air delivery. Its new streamlined design makes it easier to use, while its pneumatically balanced second stage provides easy breathing in any environment. Overall, the Sherwood Brut Pro Regulator is a great buy, offering good value for money.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Sherwood Brut at these recommend retailers:
Best Mid-Priced Scuba Regulators
Moving up from the budget options, these are great if you’re planning on diving more often. In this price range, you can expect a few more features and better performance from your regulator.
Aqua Lung Titan Regulator
Key Features:
● Excellent Value for Money
● Balanced Diaphragm First Stage
● Comfortable Mouth Piece
● Rugged and Reliable
Manufacturer: Aqua Lung
Design
The Aqua Lung Titan regulator combines clever design and reliable performance to give you a top-notch regulator at an unbeatable price.
Functionality
From casual dives to deep explorations, the Titan regulator is reliable and consistent at any depth or temperature. It offers effortless breathing while providing a secure seal and great jaw comfort.
Ease of Use
The Titan regulator's streamlined design and easy-to-use adjustability features make it a great choice for divers of all levels.
Cost
With its unbeatable price point, quality performance, and reliable durability, the Aqua Lung Titan Regulator is an excellent value-for-money choice.
Our Score:
4.3/5
Summary:
The Aqua Lung Titan Regulator is an outstanding choice for budget-conscious divers looking for performance and reliability that won't break the bank. With a comfortable ergonomic design, excellent breathing ability, and reliable durability, the Titan regulator is sure to become your trusted partner in underwater adventures.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Aqua Lung Titan at these recommend retailers:
Mares Abyss 22 Navy Regulator
Key Features:
● Designed for diving in extreme conditions
● Environmentally sealed balanced first stage
● High performance in cold water
● All meatal second stage
Manufacturer: Mares
Design
It's all metal construction is designed to last a life time, while still being fairly compact and lightweight. Its environmental sealing ensures that it works flawlessly between servicing.
Functionality
The Abyss 22 Navy II performs flawlessly in all diving conditions, especially cold water. However, some see no diver adjustments as a drawback.
Ease of Use
Operating the regulator is pretty straightforward. They are no diver adjustments to worry about.
Cost
The Abyss 22 Navy II is not a cheap regulator. However, compare to similar high performance regulators you cannot go wrong with the price.
Our Score:
4.6/5
Summary:
The Mares Abyss 22 Navy II utilizes an environmentally first stage and all metal technology to produce consistent performance in all temperature extremes – especially in cold water. The result is a regulator that delivers high performance and reliability even while diving under the ice.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Mares Abyss 22 Navy at these recommend retailers:
Atomic Z3 Regulator
Key Features:
● High Performing Yet Budget Friendly
● Environmentally Sealed for Freeze Protection
● Comfort Swivel Reduce Jaw Fatigue
● Very Durable and Low Maintenance
Manufacturer: Atomic Aquatics
Design
With an all-titanium comfort swivel, dual material second stage cover, and magnum lever design, the Atomic Z3 Regulator offers a sleek and ergonomically sound design.
Functionality
The Z3 breathing performance is comparable to those of more expensive Atomic models. Breathing is easy, and natural at any depth or tank pressure.
Ease of Use
The Z3 is very user-friendly and offers smooth operation. The purge button is to find and press, and the rapid adjustment knob allows for fine-tuning of the regulator.
Cost
With an affordable price point, this regulator offers great value for the money. However, it's still can be more expensive than other competitors regulator with the same features.
Our Score:
4.5/5
Summary:
The Atomic Z3 Regulator is an excellent choice for divers looking for a reliable and cost-effective regulator. It offers superior performance and ergonomics with the peace of mind that comes with a quality product from one of the industry's most respected brands. If you're in the market for a regulator that won't break your budget but still provides all the features and benefits of a top-of-the-line model, the Atomic Z3 is an ideal option. With its innovative design, superior performance, and unbeatable price, this regulator offers divers an excellent choice for their diving needs.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Atomic Z3 at these recommend retailers:
Aqualung Helix Pro Regulator
Key Features:
● Balanced Diaphragm First Stage
● Patented ACD Technology
● Pneumatically Balanced Second Stage
● Environmental Seal
Manufacturer: Aqualung
Design
The Aqualung Helix Pro regulator has a sleek, modern design with a good balance of features and performance.
Functionality
We found that the regulator provided consistent performance at varying depths and pressures, and was also easy to breathe underwater. The heat exchanger feature was particularly useful for dive sessions in cold waters.
Ease of Use
The regulator is quite straightforward to use, and the Venturi lever offers good control and is easy to find even while wearing gloves.
Cost
The Aqualung Helix Pro is priced in the mid-range, which we believe is an excellent value for a regulator of this quality.
Our Score:
4.5/5
Summary:
The Aqualung Helix Pro is a quality regulator that offers great performance and reliability, along with easy-to-use features. With its environmental seal, Patented ACD technology, and two-year service interval, this regulator an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate recreational divers looking for a reliable mid-range regulator at a good value.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Aqualung Helix Pro at these recommend retailers:
Best High-End Scuba Regulators
These are generally the flagship regulator of their respective brands. They are designed using the best materials and technology to deliver the best performance in any dive condition.
They generally have user-adjustable settings for divers who like to fine-tune their breathing. These are great for technical divers or serious recreational divers who dive in a variety of dive conditions.Â
Scubapro MK17 Evo A700 Regulator
Key Features:
● Environmentally Sealed
● All mental for thermal conductivity
● Diver Adjustable Settings
● Excellent Breathing Performance
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Design
The Scubapro Mk17 Evo A700 regulator has a compact design featuring an all-metal construction which makes it ideally suited for cold-water diving.
Functionality
The air-balanced diaphragm and environmentally sealed first stage provide consistent performance at any tank pressure or depth, while the adjustable second stage provides additional control over free flows.
Ease of Use
The regulator is easy to use, with a simple knob to adjust the inhalation resistance and a Venturi switch for changing airflow.
Cost
Although the Scubapro Mk17 Evo A700 regulator is one of the more expensive regulators on the market, it offers great value for money given its features and performance.
Our Score:
4.8/5
Summary:
The Scubapro Mk17 Evo A700 regulator is a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable and robust regulator that can handle the demands of cold water diving. It features an air-balanced diaphragm, an environmentally sealed first stage, all-metal construction, and an adjustable second stage to provide improved performance as well as greater control over free flows.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro MK17 Evo A700 at these recommend retailers:
Scubapro MK25 Evo S600 Regulator
Key Features:
● Superb Breathing Performance
● Second Stage Adjustments
● Great Cold Water Protection
● Swiveling Turret
Manufacturer: Scubapro
Design
The MK25 Evo S600 is designed to be a high-performance regulator, and it definitely lives up to this expectation. Its' 2 high-pressure ports on either side and 5 low-pressure ports on swiveling torrent allow you to mount the regulator in either direction.
Functionality
A balanced first stage and second stage deliver consistent performance at any tank pressure and depth. The adjustable inhalation knob on the second stage makes it easy to adjust for different divers and environments, while the 360-degree swiveling turret provides excellent hose routing options.
Ease of Use
The MK25 Evo S600 is easy to use, with intuitive controls that make it simple to adjust in any environment. Plus, its rugged construction ensures you will be able to take this regulator on even the toughest dives without the worry of it failing.
Cost
The MK25 Evo S600 is a great choice for any scuba diver looking for performance, reliability, and value. It's slightly on the high side of the price range but is well worth your money given its features and performance.
Our Score:
4.9/5
Summary:
The Scubapro MK25 Evo S600 is an excellent scuba regulator that delivers reliable performance and great features. Its Extended Thermal Insulating System (XTIS) provides extra cold water protection, and its venturi switch and user-adjustable breathing resistance knob make it really easy to use in any condition. If you want a scuba regulator that you can rely on, then the Scubapro MK25 Evo S600 is definitely worth considering.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Scubapro MK25 Evo S600 at these recommend retailers:
Atomic T3 Regulator
Key Features:
● All Titanium Construction
● Exceptional Breathing Performance
● 2nd Stage Comfort Swivel
● Low Maintenance Requirements
Manufacturer: Atomic Aquatics
Design
Manufactured from Titanium, it is designed to be lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it a great choice for dive professionals and traveling Divers.
Functionality
Very responsive, easy to use, and low inhalation resistance make it great for those long dives. Its lightweight characteristics make it easy to carry when traveling and very comfortable during dives.
Ease of Use
The Atomic T3 adjustable breathing knob allows you to easily customize the breathing performance, as well as hands-free venturi assist makes for trouble-free diving.
Cost
The Atomic T3 Regulator is a bit on the expensive side, but it’s worth every penny given its performance, durability, and lightweight.
Our Score:
4.9/5
Summary:
The Atomic Aquatics T3 scuba regulator is an amazing piece of technology with advanced features that make it perfect for serious divers looking to get the absolute most out of their lives. The lightweight Titanium construction, high performance, and corrosion resistance make it the perfect companion for any adventures underwater!
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Atomic T3 at these recommend retailers:
Sherwood SR2 Regulator
Key Features:
● Pneumatically balanced design
● Single adjustment point
● Environmentally Sealed
● Swiveling Turret
Manufacturer: Sherwood Scuba
Design
The Sherwood SR2 regulator is designed to be compact while offering exceptional performance. It has a sleek design that fits comfortably in your hand and in your mouth, but the 1st stage is a little on the heavy side.
Functionality
The Sherwood SR2 functions flawlessly - offering smooth, effortless breathing at any depth. It is reliable and durable, making it a great choice for both recreational and technical divers alike.
Ease of Use
The Sherwood SR2 is incredibly easy to use. With a single adjustment point, you can easily customize the performance of the regulator in just a few seconds.
Cost
The cost of the Sherwood SR2 Regulator can be a bit on the expensive side. However, considering its features and performance, you definitely get what you pay for.
Our Score:
4.6/5
Summary:
The Sherwood SR2 Regulator is an excellent choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line breathing regulator. It offers a balanced piston first stage design and a pneumatically balanced second stage, allowing for smooth and effortless breathing at any depth. Additionally, the single adjustment point helps make things quick and simple. While it can be on the more expensive side, you get what you pay for in terms of performance and reliability.
Read the full review
Where to Buy:
Get a great deal on the Sherwood SR2 at these recommend retailers:
What Is A Scuba Regulator?
Without a scuba regulator scuba diving as we know it wouldn’t be possible. Simply put, it regulates the high-pressure gases stored in the cylinder so you can easily breathe from it underwater. Hence the name, regulator.Â
Together, your scuba regulator and dive tank make up the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA) that allows you to breathe safely underwater. Â
It is also the hub that links many of your dive gear. It links your dive tank to your submersible pressure gauge (SPG) or integrated dive computer, BCD, your alternate air sound, and your primary air source.Â
What Parts Make Up A Scuba Regulator?
To ensure your safety, it is important to know the parts that make up a scuba regulator system as well as how they work.Â
Your standard regulator consists of 5 main parts:
- The first stage – attaches directly to the scuba tank valve (DIN or Yoke), reduces the high pressure in the cylinder (300psi) to intermediate pressure (120 – 150psi), and routes it to several houses via ports.Â
- Primary second stage – breaks down the intermediate pressure and delivers it to your mouthpiece for you to breathe from. It uses a demand valve that only gives you are when you need it (inhale) at a pressure you can breathe comfortably.Â
- Alternate air source – is a spare second state that can be used in case you need to propel another diver. Sometimes, this can be built into your BCD Infarction system.Â
- Low-pressure BCD inflator – connects the first stage to your BCD for easy inflation. If you dive with a dry suit, you will also need to have another inflator hose to connect to it.
- Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) – is connected to the high-pressure port on the first stage and is used to know exactly how much air pressure you have remaining in your dive tank.Â
Check out the video below to get a better understanding of the different parts that makes up a scuba regulator system and who they work.
Note:Â When buying a new scuba regulator often only the first stage and primary second stage are included. You will have to buy the alternate and submersible pressure gauge separately. The inflator hose is normally included when you buy a new BCD or Drysuit.
How to Assemble A Scuba Regulator?
After purchasing your new dive computer you will need to assemble it. The video below will walk you through step by step how to attach your second stages, low-pressure inflator hose, and SPG or wireless transmitter for your dive computer.
Now that you have a good understanding of what makes up a scuba regulator and how it works, lets look as some reviews of the best scuba regulator.
What To Consider When Choosing A Regulator?
Your dive regulator is the most essential dive gear you can own. Â You will be trusting your life to it every time you go below the water. However, due to technical advances in materials and manufacturing, regulators have become pretty much fail-safe.
Regulators today go through rigorous safety testing to ensure they work perfectly every time—especially those from top brands. So,  as long as you stick to the primary brand, safety should not be much of a concern when choosing your reg.
But first…. There are still a few questions you must ask yourself before making a choice.
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What’s The Temperature of the Water?
- Warm water: If you’re planning on doing most of your dives in warm tropical waters, there is not much to worry about. Pretty much all Scuba Regulators will work flawlessly in warm water.
- Cold water: When planning to dive in cold water, dives 50°F (10°C), and below, it is always a good idea to find out if your regulator is rated to perform at these temperatures. These regs are generally environmentally sealed to keep out the cold water from coming in contact with the internal components of the first stage and impeding its performance. Metal second stages are also great for cold water dives because of their thermal conductivity properties.
How Will I Mount My Regulator?
There are only two ways you can mount your dive regulator to a scuba tank, DIN or Yoke. However, almost all regulators on the market today are available in both versions.
- Yoke (A-Clamp): With this system, you mount the regulator over and around the tank valve. It is the most popular of the two mounting options, especially in North America. The only advantage Yoke has over DIN is that it is more popular.
- DIN:Â
![The Best Scuba Regulators [2025 Update] 1](https://pxl.host/j79bqfz3bj18iiuko4.png "The Best Scuba Regulators [2025 Update] 4")
With a DIN setup, you screw the regulator directly into the tank valve. This system makes a more reliable connection, while at the same time being more streamlined. For this reason, they are very popular with tech divers. You will also find this setup more in European countries.
If you do decide to go with a DIN system, there are DIN to Yoke adapters that will allow your DIN Regulator to work on a Yoke valve. This way, you can get the best of both worlds.
What Performance and Breathing Resistance Do I Need?
While all regulators are designed to give you enough air to survive underwater, Not all regulators are created equal, and not all regulators will perform the same.Â
You might want a regulator that gives you air more readily than others or one that can adjust breathing resistance on the fly.
- Unbalanced:Â An unbalanced regulator generally loses performance the deeper you go and when there is less air remaining in the dive tank. However, due to technological advances over the years, these changes are hardly noticeable at recreational depths. Unbalanced systems are commonly found on entry-level regulators, and are generally recommended for warmer, shallower dives.
- Balanced: A balanced regulator system will deliver consistent airflow no matter how deep you are or how much air you have remaining in your tank. These are generally found on mid-range to high-end regulators and can either be a Piston or Diaphragm design.
- Diver Adjustable Setting:Â This feature is generally found on higher-end dive regulators. It allows you to customize your breathing in real time.
- Venturi Switch:Â Prevents free flows on the surface, while enhancing breathing performance underwater.
- Inhalation adjustment knob: Allows you to fine-tune your breathing by increasing or decreasing your inhalation resistance with the turn of a Knob.
Where Will You Be Doing Most of Your Diving?
- Locally: There is not much to consider if you will be doing most of your diving locally. Pretty much any regulator will work just fine.
- Travel: If you plan on traveling for most of your diving, you might want to consider a compact and lightweight Scuba Regulator. Also, braided hoses save more space than traditional rubber hoses.
Adequate Ports For My Peripherals
Lastly, you want to be sure you have sufficient ports for peripherals. A standard regulator setup for recreational diving as a primary second stage, a backup octopus, a high-pressure gauge, and a BC inflation hose. Today most regulators come with four low-pressure (LP) ports and 1 or 2 high-pressure (HP) ports.
Continue Reading
Do you want more scuba diving gear recommendations? continue reading these articles below:
Dive Computer | Scuba Regulator | Wetsuits | Scuba BCD | Dive Knife | Dive Mask | Scuba Fins