Shearwater Tern TX Review

Last updated: July 2025

• Compact footprint: Packs easily for travel while staying readable underwater.
• Rechargeable USB-C puck: Charges quickly without proprietary hassles.
• Shearwater ecosystem friendly: Shares transmitters, Cloud sync, and workflow with my Perdix II.
• AMOLED clarity: Bright, high-contrast screen remains legible in low viz or sun.
• Reliable AI integration: Pairing stays solid during Divemaster work and quarry dives.

Overall Score: 8.9 / 10 (Strong)

See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Shop

A compact, air-integrated dive computer that brings Shearwater reliability to travel and recreational diving. The Tern TX has quickly earned its place in my kit with intuitive controls, crisp display, and dependable performance across pool dives and local quarry work. Ideal for Divemaster shifts, warm water trips, or as a streamlined backup to a Perdix, it delivers serious capability in a small, lightweight package.

Pros & Cons

Why I Chose Shearwater Tern TX

I wanted a lightweight, no-hassle computer that could handle my recreational dives, pool sessions, and warm water travel without taking my primary tech rig with me. Since I'm doing Divemaster work and local fun dives that rarely push limits, I needed something AI-capable, durable, and simple. Staying within the Shearwater ecosystem meant shared transmitters, familiar menu logic, and easy syncing to Shearwater Cloud. The Tern TX hit that mark without the size and weight of the Perdix.

Verdict

The Tern TX has carved out a dedicated role in my kit. It now lives in my travel bag and comes with me for warm water trips and pool training. I also use it when assisting on dives where I don’t want to bring my full Perdix setup. It has never glitched, failed to sync, or run out of battery early. It may be my secondary computer, but it doesn’t feel like a downgrade.

Would I buy it again? Yes — for the same reasons I bought it the first time. It fills its role beautifully without compromise.

Who Shearwater Tern TX Is Best For

This item is best suited for:

• Recreational divers who want AI and Shearwater reliability in a compact form
• Traveling divers who want a lightweight and rechargeable computer
• Divers who already own a Perdix and want a streamlined backup

It may not be ideal for:

• Divers who need full tech dive features like Trimix or redundant algorithms
• People who prefer large format screens or maximum customizability

Deep Dive into the Score

Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.

Rounded Display Score: 8.9 / 10 — Strong

Deep Dive Score Explanations

• Function & Performance – 9: Air integration, customizable layout, clear display, and rock solid performance. One point off only for the missing tech mode.
• Ease of Use – 9: Very intuitive. Menu is nothing like the Perdix, but still usable. Syncs and charges without fuss. Slightly less flexible than Perdix for screen setup.
• Versatility – 8: Works great for NDL and simple deco, but not ideal for complex tech dives. Excellent travel option though.
• Durability & Build Quality – 9: Feels solid and well-constructed. Buttons are responsive and case is protective. No wear or scratches so far.
• Value – 8: On the higher end for recreational computers, but the reliability, support, and performance justify the price for me.
• Brand Trust & Transparency – 10: Shearwater’s reputation is second to none. Support, firmware updates, and ecosystem consistency are excellent.

My Custom Setup or Configuration

The screen is configured as follows:

• Top row: Gas type, battery level, current depth and ascent rate (not customizable)
• Second row: NDL and transmitter PSI
• Third row: TTS, temperature, and GTR/SAC
• Bottom row: Dive time (not customizable)

Setup is easy through the menu system. The only thing I wish I could do is swap the dive time to a different location, but that's a small nitpick. Everything else feels logical and useful.

Performance in the Water

• Readability: Clear even in silty quarry water or bright sunlight. Colors and contrast are excellent.
• Battery Life: Lasted multiple dives across several weekends on a single charge. Charges quickly via USB-C.
• AI Reliability: Transmitter synced instantly and never dropped signal. PSI updates are fast and stable.
• Comfort & Wearability: Lightweight and low-profile. Easy to wear with or without gloves. Stays in place during pool work or quarry dives.