Helping divers make informed decisions about training, gear, skills, and safety at every stage of their journey.

Shearwater Tern TX Review

Tern TX

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.

Overall Score: 8.9 / 10

Last updated: July 2025

I've been using the Shearwater Tern TX as my compact backup and travel dive computer for the last few months. With about ten dives logged on it so far, I've tested it in both pool sessions and Midwest freshwater quarry dives. While my main computer is the Perdix II, I chose the Tern TX to carry when doing Divemaster work or traveling light. It's proven to be an impressive companion for simpler dives without sacrificing key functionality.

Yes, especially if you're already in the Shearwater ecosystem. It syncs easily with AI transmitters, uses the same cloud software, and the display feel instantly familiar.

Absolutely. It supports AI, gas switching, and full decompression functionality in Rec mode. For many divers, this would be a perfectly capable primary device. The screen is smaller than the Perdix but still very readable.

Yes. It's lightweight, compact, and has great battery life. It pairs quickly with a transmitter and charges via USB-C puck. The hard case makes it easy to pack without worry. For warm water vacations, it’s ideal.

It's customizable enough for most recreational use. You can choose what shows in the middle two rows, while the top and bottom row is fixed. I use NDL and transmitter PSI and then TTS, temp, and GTR/SAC below that.

The Perdix II still wins for tech dives, redundant profiles, and full screen real estate. But for NDL dives or as a backup, the Tern TX holds its own. It’s faster to charge, lighter on the wrist, and better for casual dives.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Compact, travel-friendly form factorScreen is smaller than Perdix II
Rechargeable USB-C batteryBottom and Top rows are not customizable
Full Shearwater Cloud and AI support
Bright, readable AMOLED display

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:

It may not be ideal for:


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.

Category Score (0–10) Weight Weighted Score
Function & Performance930%2.7
Ease of Use920%1.8
Versatility815%1.2
Durability & Build Quality915%1.35
Value810%0.8
Brand Trust & Transparency1010%1.0
Total8.85

Rounded Display Score: 8.9

Deep Dive Score Explanations


My Shearwater Tern TX screen layout with gas, NDL, PSI, and GTR

My Custom Setup or Configuration

The screen is configured as follows:

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