If you are still flipping through a soggy paper logbook after every dive, you are making your life harder than it needs to be. I have been there. I kept paper logs for years because it felt traditional. Then I lost a logbook on a liveaboard in Indonesia, and that was the end of it. Twelve years of dives, gone.
Digital dive logs solve that problem and a few others you might not have thought about. They automatically download your depth and temperature profiles, let you search for any dive in seconds, track your gear maintenance, and back everything up to the cloud. If you have ever tried to find a specific dive from 2018 in a paper log, you know exactly what I mean.
This article covers the best digital dive log apps available right now. We will look at what each one does well, where it falls short, and who should actually use it. I have tested all of these apps across dozens of dives, and I will give you the practical breakdown so you can pick the right one for your setup without wasting time or money.
Why Go Digital? The Case for Switching from Paper Logs
I get it. Paper logs have charm. They feel personal. But charm does not help you when you are trying to prove a hundred dives for a divemaster course or remember what weight configuration you used at a site you visited two years ago.
Digital logs give you automatic data transfer from your dive computer. That means no more guessing your average depth or max depth from memory. The computer spits out the exact numbers, and the app records them. Temperature, gas mix, descent rate, ascent rate, surface interval—all of it goes in automatically if your computer supports Bluetooth or NFC sync.
You also get unlimited entries. No running out of pages or buying a new logbook every season. You can log hundreds or thousands of dives in the same app without any friction.
Searchability is another big win. Want to find every dive you did in Cozumel? Type it in. Need to check your total bottom time for a technical diving course? It appears instantly. Paper logs require flipping and counting.
Gear tracking is underrated. Most digital logs let you record which regulator, BCD, wetsuit, and fins you used on each dive. Over time you can see patterns. Did your air consumption improve with a different fin? Was your trim better with a different weight distribution? The data helps you make decisions.
And backup. If your phone gets stolen or your computer dies, your logs are in the cloud. Paper logs get lost, soaked, or eaten by creatures. I have seen all three happen.
The main objection I hear is ‘I like the ritual of writing it down.’ That is fair. But you can still write notes on a digital log. Most apps have a notes field. You get the ritual and the backup. Best of both worlds.
What to Look For in a Dive Log App
Not every app is built the same way. Before you pick one, know what matters for your specific dive style. Here are the criteria I use to evaluate them.
Platform Support
Some apps are iOS only. Some are Android only. Some have web companions. If you use an iPhone but also want to review logs on a laptop, you need cross-platform support. MacDive and Subsurface are strong here. Dive Log is iOS and macOS only.
Dive Computer Compatibility
This is the dealbreaker. If an app does not sync with your specific computer, you lose the biggest advantage of going digital. Shearwater, Suunto, Garmin, and Oceanic all have different sync methods. Check the app’s supported device list before buying. Subsurface supports almost everything. Some apps are more limited.
Logging Fields
What do you want to record? Depth, time, temp, gas used, and notes are standard. But some apps also let you log visibility, current, sea conditions, buddy names, dive site GPS coordinates, and equipment details. More fields are better if you plan to analyze your diving later. But if you just want a quick log, too many fields become noise.
GPS Mapping
GPS tagging is useful for remembering exact entry points, especially at shore dive sites. Not all apps have it. If you frequently dive new locations, look for an app that can plot dives on a map.
Photo Uploads
If you take underwater photos or videos, some apps let you attach them to dive entries. Deepblu does this well. Others treat it as an afterthought.
Cloud Sync and Backup
Without cloud sync, your logs are only on your phone. If you lose or break your phone, they are gone. Apps like Subsurface and MacDive sync via their own cloud or third-party services like Dropbox. Make sure the app you choose has a reliable backup method.
Exportability
Can you export your logs to another format? If you ever switch apps, you want to bring your data with you. CSV and PDF exports are standard. Some apps make it easy. Others lock you in.
Social Features
Some apps let you share dives with friends, tag buddies, and build a public profile. This is fun if you are social. But it also means your dive data is public by default on some platforms. Check privacy settings.
Pricing
Apps range from free to around 30 dollars for a one-time purchase to subscriptions. Free apps often have ads or limited features. Paid apps are usually worth the money if you dive regularly. Subsurface is completely free and open source, which is rare for a tool this powerful.
Think about how you dive. If you are a recreational diver who dives a few times a year on vacation, a simple free app might be enough. If you are an instructor or technical diver logging hundreds of dives annually, you need something robust.
1. SSI Dive Log: Best for SSI Divers and Certification Integration
SSI’s official dive log app is tightly integrated into the MySSI ecosystem. If you are an SSI-certified diver, this is the natural choice because it directly links your certifications to your logbook.
The app syncs automatically with supported dive computers. I tested it with a Shearwater Peregrine, and the Bluetooth transfer worked without issues. It records all the standard data plus your certification progress. Every dive you log counts toward your next SSI specialty or advanced certification, which is convenient if you are working through the SSI system.
The interface is clean and minimal. It is not overloaded with features, which makes it easy to use even on a small phone screen. You can add photos, notes, and buddy info easily. GPS mapping is included, and the map view is functional.
Tradeoffs: The app has limited compatibility with non-SSI computers. If you use a computer not on their supported list, you will have to enter data manually, which defeats the purpose. The app also leans heavily into the SSI ecosystem. If you ever switch training agencies or want to use a non-SSI computer, you might find the app less useful.
Best for: SSI-trained divers who want their logbook to automatically track certification progress and who use a supported dive computer.
2. PADI Adventures in Diving (AID) Logbook: Best for PADI Divers
PADI’s official logbook app is free, which is appealing. It displays your PADI certifications right on your profile and lets you log dives with GPS, photos, and notes. For a PADI diver who wants a simple digital log without spending money, it gets the job done.
The app is clean and straightforward. You tap ‘New Dive’, fill in the fields, and save. The GPS map is decent, and you can upload photos from your camera roll. Certification display is a nice touch—you can show your card digitally if you forget your physical one.
Tradeoffs: There is no dive computer sync. Every single dive has to be entered manually. That means no automatic depth or temperature data. You are essentially using a digital version of a paper log, just on your phone. It also lacks advanced features like gear tracking, detailed profile analysis, or export options. If you only dive a few times a year, this might not matter. But if you dive regularly, you will outgrow it fast.
The app is also limited to PADI divers. Non-PADI divers can use it, but the certification integration is PADI-specific. It is free, which is great, but it is also a locked ecosystem.
Best for: PADI divers who want a free, simple digital log tied to their certifications and do not need automatic computer sync.
3. Subsurface: Best for Technical Divers and Data-Heavy Logging
Subsurface is the heavyweight champion of dive logging. It is open source, completely free, and supports more dive computers than any other app I have tested. Shearwater, Suunto, Garmin, Oceanic, Scubapro—if it logs data, Subsurface can probably read it.
The app is actually two parts: a desktop application (Windows, Mac, Linux) that handles the heavy lifting, and a mobile companion app for Android and iOS. You do your detailed logging and analysis on the desktop, sync to the cloud, and view your dives on your phone.
What sets Subsurface apart is the data depth. You can see full dive profiles, gas consumption graphs, SAC rate calculations, deco tracking, and tissue loading. For technical divers who care about every detail, this is invaluable. I used it to track my trimix dives and it handled the multiple gas switches without any issues.
Tradeoffs: The learning curve is real. The interface on both desktop and mobile is not as polished as commercial apps. Buttons are small, layout is dense, and nothing holds your hand. If you just want a simple log, Subsurface will feel overwhelming. It also lacks social features and photo galleries. This is a data tool, not a social network.
Best for: Technical divers, instructors, and anyone who wants full control over their dive data and is willing to invest time learning the app. Also the best choice for Android users who need broad computer compatibility.
4. Dive Log (by MoreMobile): Best All-Rounder for Apple Users
Dive Log has been around for a long time, and it shows. It is mature, stable, and well-supported. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, it offers one of the most complete dive logging experiences for Apple users.
The app syncs with a wide range of dive computers via Bluetooth or cable. I used it with a Suunto D5 and later a Shearwater Teric. Both synced quickly and accurately. It automatically imports depth, temperature, gas mixes, and profiles. You get GPS mapping, photo uploads, and detailed notes. The gear tracking feature is robust—you can log every piece of equipment and link it to specific dives.
One of the best features is the export capability. Dive Log lets you export to CSV, HTML, PDF, and even directly to Subsurface. If you ever switch platforms, your data is not trapped.
Tradeoffs: There is no Android version. If you are an Android user, this app is not for you. The pricing model is a one-time purchase per platform, which can add up if you buy both the iPhone and Mac versions. But there is no subscription, which some people prefer.
Best for: Apple users who want a robust, feature-rich dive log with reliable computer sync and no subscription fees.
5. MacDive: Best for Apple Users Who Want Desktop Power
MacDive is similar to Dive Log in many ways, but it prioritizes the desktop experience. The Mac app is the star here. It can import data from dozens of computers, show detailed profiles, calculate SAC rates, and generate reports. It is a serious tool for analyzing your diving performance over time.
The iPhone companion app is decent, but it is secondary. You sync via iCloud, which works seamlessly if you are in the Apple ecosystem. I used MacDive to track my training dives for a deep air course, and the ability to see my SAC rate trending over weeks was helpful for refining my breathing.
Tradeoffs: Mac only. No Windows or Android support. If you do not use a Mac, skip this one. The iPhone app is sold separately, which feels a bit nickel-and-dime compared to Dive Log. And while the desktop app is powerful, it can be slow to load if you have a large logbook.
Best for: Mac users who want a powerful desktop logging tool and occasional mobile access.
6. Deepblu Cosmiq+: Best for Social Divers and Photo Sharing
Deepblu Cosmiq+ takes a different approach. It is built around community. You can create a public dive profile, tag buddies, share photos, and see a feed of dives from other users. It feels like Instagram for divers, which is fun if you like that kind of thing.
The logging features are solid. You can enter depth, time, temp, gas, and notes. Photo uploads are easy and the photo gallery per dive looks great. GPS mapping is included. There is also a ‘Dive Meter’ that tracks total bottom time and number of dives, which gamifies the experience.
Tradeoffs: The app is less robust for technical logging. There is no automatic computer sync in all versions, and the data fields are more limited than Subsurface or Dive Log. Privacy is also a concern. By default, your dive profile is public. You can change it, but some people do not realize their dive data is visible to everyone until they get friend requests from strangers.
Best for: Recreational divers who enjoy sharing their dives, building a digital dive resume, and taking lots of underwater photos.
Comparison Table: Best Digital Dive Log Apps at a Glance
| App | Platform | Computer Sync | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSI Dive Log | iOS, Android | Selected SSI-supported computers | Free | SSI divers tracking certifications |
| PADI AID Logbook | iOS, Android | None | Free | PADI divers wanting a simple log |
| Subsurface | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Extensive (nearly all computers) | Free | Tech divers and data enthusiasts |
| Dive Log | iOS, macOS | Wide range | One-time purchase | Apple users wanting a complete log |
| MacDive | macOS, iOS | Wide range | One-time purchase | Mac users wanting desktop analysis |
| Deepblu Cosmiq+ | iOS, Android | Limited (app-based entry) | Free with in-app purchases | Social divers and photo sharing |
Which Dive Log App Is Right for You?
If you are reading this and still unsure, here is a simple way to decide.
Are you a technical or advanced diver?
Yes → Subsurface. No question. You need the data depth and computer compatibility.
Are you an Apple user who wants a polished, full-featured app?
Do you mainly log on your phone? Get Dive Log. Do you prefer analyzing on your laptop? Get MacDive.
Are you an Android user who is not technical?
If you dive with an SSI computer, try the SSI Dive Log. If not, Deepblu Cosmiq+ is decent for simple logging. Or use Subsurface mobile.
Are you a PADI diver who just wants a quick digital log without spending money?
The PADI AID Logbook works. Just know you will enter everything manually.
Are you an SSI diver who wants certification tracking?
Use the SSI Dive Log. It makes the process seamless.
Do you enjoy sharing your dives and photos?
Deepblu Cosmiq+ is built for that. Just check your privacy settings.
The best app is the one you actually use. If you download an app that is overcomplicated for your needs, you will stop logging after a few dives. Be honest about how much effort you want to put in.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Dive Log App
I have seen divers waste time and money on the wrong app. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Ignoring computer compatibility. You buy an app that looks great, only to find it does not sync with your computer. Always check the supported device list before you commit. If your computer is not listed, move on.
Assuming free apps are just as good. Free apps like the PADI logbook work, but they lack computer sync, advanced export, and robust analysis. If you dive more than ten times a year, the paid apps are worth the money. They save you time and protect your data.
Not checking export options. Some apps make it hard to export your logs. If you ever want to switch apps, you may lose years of data if you cannot export to a standard format like CSV or PDF. Subsurface and Dive Log are particularly good at this.
Focusing too much on social features. Deepblu is fun, but if you dive rarely and care more about accurate data than likes, it might not be the best choice. Social features should be icing, not the cake.
Committing to a platform that does not sync across devices. If you use an iPhone and a Windows laptop, make sure the app you pick works on both or at least has a web interface. Subsurface works everywhere. Dive Log and MacDive are Apple-exclusive.
Not syncing regularly. I knew a diver who used an app for three years but never backed up his phone. When it died, his logbook died too. Set up automatic cloud sync and check it monthly.
Essential Gear to Pair With Your Digital Dive Log
Your dive log app is only as good as the data you put in. Pair it with the right hardware to get the most out of it.
Dive Computer with Bluetooth Sync. The easiest way to get accurate data is a computer that transfers wirelessly. Shearwater Perdix 2 or Teric are excellent. Garmin Descent series also works well. A computer with Bluetooth saves you from fumbling with cables after every dive. Divers who want a reliable sync companion can browse options like the Shearwater Perdix 2 on Amazon.
Waterproof Phone Case. If you log dives between dives on a liveaboard or at a shore dive, a waterproof case protects your phone from salt spray and wet hands. A good dry bag style case works. For a practical solution, look for a waterproof phone case on Amazon.
Portable Charger. On liveaboard trips, power outlets are limited. A 10,000 mAh or larger portable charger keeps your phone and dive computer charged so you can sync dives without worrying about battery life. I use an Anker power bank. It is reliable and affordable on Amazon.
Paper Backup Logbook (Just in Case). I still carry a small waterproof notebook on major trips. If my phone fails or the app crashes, I write the basic details by hand. A Rite in the Rain notebook is durable. You can find waterproof dive notebooks on Amazon.
Dive Watch. A simple dive watch for timing surface intervals is a good backup even if your computer handles it. Casio and Suunto make reliable options. Having a physical timer is never a bad idea. Look for dive watches on Amazon.
These are not must-haves for everyone, but if you dive frequently or in remote locations, they make the process smoother and more reliable.
Final Thoughts: Start Logging Smarter, Not Harder
Digital dive logs are not a gimmick. They save time, protect your data, and give you insights that paper logs cannot. The key is picking an app that matches how you actually dive, not just the most popular one on the app store.
If you are a recreational diver who logs a dozen dives a year, the PADI logbook or Deepblu will work fine. If you are a technical diver or instructor, Subsurface is the clear choice. Apple users have two great options in Dive Log and MacDive. SSI divers have a tailored solution.
Try one. Take it on your next trip. Sync your dives, add some notes, and see how it feels. After a few dives, you will wonder why you waited so long to switch. Logging smarter means you spend less time writing and more time diving.