The best Wetsuits in 2024

Underwater you want the best scuba diving wetsuit for the job, as it can mean the difference between a great dive and freezing your butt off underwater. With so many options to pick from, however, this may seem like a daunting task, especially as brands are coming up with new models all the time.

Here is our list of the best scuba diving wetsuits in 2024 with suggestions for any budget:

Below, you find reviews for each of them, as well as all the others we have tested so far.

At the end of the post, we have added a scuba diving wetsuit buyer’s guide that takes you through what you need to look for before buying, the different suit types, the temperature ranges they are rated for, and the pros and cons of each.

Few pieces of your scuba gear are as crucial to get right the first time as your wetsuit (also referred to as an exposure suit). They are meant to keep you warm and protected while diving and getting this wrong will make every dive trip awful.

The best scuba diving wetsuits have a snug but comfortable fit, keep you warm throughout your dive, reduce water exchange inside, are easy to put on or off, are durable, and protect you from scratches and cuts.

There are plenty of wetsuit choices for divers on the market in many sizes and designs, with different features and temperature ratings. This can make it hard – especially for beginners – to find the right one at a decent cost. But no worries, we’ve tried them all so we can compare them here for you.

We spend a lot of time underwater and in the real world testing the top ones so that we can compare the leading contenders side by side. With this hands-on experience, we have some expert recommendations on which models truly stand out.

If you need some personalized suggestions, use our FREE Scuba Wetsuit Picker tool!

With strong options available at all price levels, you can either pick from among the top flagships or opt for a solid midrange one with all the features you need at a fraction of the price. We also have super-budget versions that still work great. Our picks for the best scuba wetsuits offer something for everybody, with rankings that reflect both our testing and real-world use, as well as the opinions of other users.

The 10 best Scuba Diving Wetsuits in 2024

These are the best scuba diving wetsuits in 2024 for every budget that we have tested so far:

Best Overall

Bare Reactive II 7mm

4.8 / 5

The warmest and most comfortable 7mm wetsuit for cold water diving that you can buy right now.

Pros

• Really really warm
•  Great quality
•  Very durable
•  Easy to put on & off
• Men's & women's versions

Cons

• No hood
•  Quality has its price

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The Bare Reactive II 7mm is the best scuba diving wetsuit in 2024 and beyond! Bare is an absolute premium scuba brand and all their wetsuits (and drysuits) are top-notch. It is super super warm, ultra-durable, and one of the most comfortable wetsuits we have ever tested. There is also a 5mm version for those who don’t dive in real cold water.

It has zippers on each wrist, ankle, and collar and is great to get into, even if you have a somewhat non-standard body form (short and stout or long and tall). Their sizing chart is very accurate and it’s great also for the big boys and girls out there! Quality comes at a price so this isn’t the cheapest wetsuit around. It’s also missing a hood but many people prefer it this way.

If you want one of the best wetsuits for diving on the market, the Bare Reactive II 7mm should be among your top contenders!

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Hollis NeoTek V2 Semi-Dry

Best Semi-Dry

Hollis NeoTek V2 Semi-Dry

4.8 / 5

A great semi-drysuit that keeps you very warm and looks cool.

Pros

• Super warm
•  Reputable brand
•  Flexible
•  Very durable
•  Includes a hood
•  Quick to put on and off
•  Quality seals
•  Uses some recycled materials
•  Leg pockets with D-ring

Cons

• For the same price you can get an actual drysuit
• Sleeves have no zippers

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The Hollis NeoTek V2 Semi-Dry is our top choice for semi-drysuits in 2024. It is rated at 8/7/6mm thickness which means that you won’t find a thicker wetsuit out there. It will keep you warm even in very cold water and it does so with surprising mobility. Despite the large chest zipper we never feel limited in our movement with the NeoTek.

It comes with a hood attached so water circulation is minimal.That said, it is still not a drysuit with all the pros and cons that come with it. It’s much quicker to put on and if you like getting wet while diving, the NeoTek is great. However, for the same price, you can get a cheap drysuit and stay completely dry (and warm) while diving. We also wish the ankles and wrists had zippers.

If you are in the market for a great semi-drysuit that will definitely keep you super warm, check out the Hollis NeoTek V2 Semi-Dry.

SEAC Sense

Budget Beast

SEAC Sense

4.5 / 5

Aa quality long-sleeve wetsuit that works great for warm water.

Pros

• The price is a steal
• Reputable brand
•  Many different sizes
•  Men's and women's version
• Long sleeves

Cons

• No hood (but it's a 3mm anyway)
•  Only for warm water
• No zippers

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If you want to spend only the absolute minimum on a scuba wetsuit and are fine with 3mm, the SEAC Sense is our 2024 budget beast! It does everything it’s supposed to and you won’t find a cheaper wetsuit. It comes with long sleeves which we really like and SEAC is a quality brand.

There are different versions for men and women and each is available in plenty of different sizes. With a 3mm wetsuit, you already know it’s only meant for warm water diving, snorkeling, and freediving. There are no zippers so getting in and out of it can be a bit tricky sometimes.

The SEAC Sense is a sensible option for those who want to get the cheapest wetsuit out there that still delivers good quality. An absolute budget beast!

Cressi Tortuga 2.5mm

Best Warm Water Shorty

Cressi Tortuga 2.5mm

4.3 / 5

If you are on a super tight budget but plan on diving in cozy warm water, this is a great inexpensive option.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Feels valuable
•  Great quality
•  Both men's & women's versions
• Dries quickly

Cons

• On the smaller side so get at least 1 size up
• A bit tight around the neck
• Women's version can be tight if you have a bigger chest

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The Cressi Tortuga 2.5mm is a good budget-friendly choice for tropical warm water diving and snorkeling. It feels valuable, is pretty comfortable to wear and the seams are great. Like most Cressi suits, it is a bit on the stiffer side but it also looks really good!

As usual with Italian brands, it features a relatively short torso and very flat chest so it’s helpful to buy a size larger. Sorry, ladies, if you have bigger boobies, you might have to make do with buying one or even two sizes up. At least the Tortuga has a very nice-looking women’s version that looks really good.

The Cressi Tortuga is a high-quality shorty that will serve you well when diving in warm waters. It can also double as your surfing or snorkeling suit!

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O’Neill Reactor

Best 3mm

O'Neill Reactor

4.7 / 5

Good 3mm wetsuit that ticks all the boxes.

Pros

• Very snug and comfortable fit
•  Looks really good
•  Reputable brand
•  Amazing value
• Surprisingly warm
• Good mobility

Cons

• No hood
• Neck seal could be better
• Zippers are plastic and fragile

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The O’Neill Reactor is a very popular 3mm scuba wetsuit for good reasons: First off, you will find very few suits that are a better value than this one. It looks cool, fits like a glove, keeps you surprisingly warm, and dries quickly. Despite the snug fit it isn’t too stiff and O’Neill is a reputable brand you can trust.

As with most 3mm suits, it comes without a hood, so buy one if you need it. The biggest issue we found was that the zippers are plastic and too fragile. Our two suits (one for men, one for women) are still in good condition but other users had zippers break after not to many dives. We also recommend buying a size up!

The O’Neill Reactor is a great value 3mm wetsuit that does its job and won’t break the bank. Definitely recommended!

Fourth Element Proteus II 5mm

If you are on the hunt for a new premium 5mm wetsuit, check out the Fourth Element Proteus II 5mm (they also have a 3mm one). It ticks all the boxes in terms of comfort, quality, and warmth, and you will always receive the best-dressed award on your dive trip. All this unfortunately comes at a price so be aware that this isn’t the cheapest suit around.

It is really snug but not too tight when you wear it and that’s the biggest issue we have with it: It can be tricky to get into it because the neck and arm seals are very tight. Granted, this keeps water circulation to a minimum but there are easier suits to don. There is a dedicated women’s version that looks even better and you won’t be disappointed with this suit.

The Fourth Element Proteus II is our 5mm wetsuit pick for 2024 and delivers both quality and style.

Pinnacle Cruiser Full 7mm

Best Budget 7mm

Pinnacle Cruiser Full 7mm

4.6 / 5

A 7mm budget beast that keeps you really warm!

Pros

• Super affordable
• Very warm
•  Good quality
• Very comfortable

Cons

• No hood
•  A bit tight around the chest
• On the smaller side so order 1 size up
• Smelly at first

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The Pinnacle Cruiser Full 7mm scuba diving wetsuit is an absolute budget beast! While 7mm will cost you more than 3mm and 5mm, this one is half the price of some of the other suits on this list. It does everything it’s supposed to and then some. Quality, warmth, comfort, it’s all there.

It is a bit tight so we suggest ordering 1 size up. We also found that the suit smelled weird at first, so we hung it out in a dark corner before putting it into our storage. Maybe that was just the one we got. Please be aware that it doesn’t come with a hood so you will need to purchase one separately. It’s still much cheaper than the competition.

If you are looking for a budget 7mm scuba wetsuit that doesn’t have to win design prices and are fine without the big brand name, get the Pinnacle Cruiser Full 7mm.

O’Neill Youth Reactor 3/2mm

Best for Kids

O'Neill Youth Reactor 3/2mm

4.7 / 5

An inexpensive wetsuit for kids that will keep them warm and comfortable.

Pros

• Very budget-friendly
• Many color options
• Long sleeves
• Warm for 3mm
• Feels comfortable

Cons

• No hood
•  Some quality issues but support is good

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If you are looking for a scuba wetsuit for kids, the O’Neill Youth Reactor is a great option. Inexpensive, but from a quality brand, and true to the size chart. It’s a 3/2mm so not suitable for colder waters, but you wouldn’t dive in harsh conditions with children anyway.

Our young divers did not have any complaints about the sizing and the suit comes in different colors: “Spiderman” and “Transformers” were the preferred ones, as blue looked “too boring”…make of that what you will. 😅 Aside from the look, the Youth Reactor does not come with a hood so if your kids are prone to ear infections, you should buy one!

The O’Neill Youth Reactor is a great wetsuit choice for kids and is affordable enough so that you can buy another one as they grow.

AKONA Quantum Stretch Women’s 5mm

Women's choice

AKONA Quantum Stretch Women's 5mm

4.7 / 5

A great wetsuit for the ladies big and small!

Pros

• Great sizing chart
• Good quality
• Good temperature control
• Easy to put on and off

Cons

• No hood
•  Color options could be more diverse

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The AKONA Quantum Stretch is our Women’s Choice in 2024 and is great for all the (single or not) ladies! We love that it is very comfortable without restricting movement too much. No matter what size you wear, there is a version just for you.

The design is decent but it’s nothing to brag about. It comes without a hood so keep this in mind when shopping for your suit! The wetsuit is easy to put on and take off without too much effort which is especially good on crowded boats.

The AKONA Quantum Stretch has the best women’s version of all the suits that made our shortlist in 2024 and we think you will love it just as much as we do!

Henderson Greenprene 7mm Jumpsuit

Eco-Friendly Option

Henderson Greenprene 7mm

4.7 / 5

Made from eco-friendly materials that keep you nice and cozy underwater.

Pros

• Very warm
•  Sustainable materials (100% Neoprene Free Foam)
•  Stretchy yet durable
•  Dries quickly
• Price isn't too bad

Cons

• Heavy above water
• A bit bulky
•  No hood
•  Seams could be a bit less pronounced

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The Henderson Greenprene 7mm jumpsuit wins our Eco award 2024 for its use of 100% neoprene foam. Greenprene is made from deproteinized natural foam along with other additives such as sugar cane, plant oils, and oyster shells. Not only is it good for the environment, but the suit is also ultra-soft, stretchy, durable, and keeps you nice and warm.

You know where are big on sustainable diving and making eco-conscious purchase decisions at Social Diving. The Greenprene series is a no-brainer for that reason and we were super happy to find out that they also dive great! We aren’t big fans of the very visible seams on the front and the suit is really bulky above water. However, this also helps with added thermal insulation.

For eco-conscious divers, the Henderson Greenprene 7mm jumpsuit is a standout choice that offers great thermal insulation.

Other Scuba Wetsuits We Have Reviewed

Cressi Morea 3mm

Cressi Morea 3mm

4.6 / 5

The new Cressi Morea 3mm is my recommendation for an inexpensive yet quality 3mm wetsuit for both men and women.

Pros

• Very affordable
•  Great quality
•  Typical Cressi high-quality design
•  Both men's & women's sizes

Cons

• Supposedly not for scuba diving but I can attest it's great
•  A little stiff

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Although this suit has relatively short legs, it is another quality product by Cressi. It’s a back-zip suit that is easy to put on or off and will serve its purpose well.

Yes, there are 3mm wetsuits out there that have nicer zippers or a fancier design.

However, I think 3mm suits are usually not meant to be the main suit for heavy diving duties, and as such, I don’t think it’s worth spending 400€ on one.

The lack of ankle zippers means better insulation at the legs and will keep you warm a little longer.

Flushing at the neck zipper is minimal and there really isn’t anything else I can tell you about this suit.

If you are looking for the best bang-for-your-buck 3mm wetsuit for beginners, the Cressi Morea 3mm is my top pick.

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ScubaPro Sport Steamer 5mm

ScubaPro Sport Steamer 5mm

4.6 / 5

The ScubaPro Sport Steamer 5mm is super comfortable, has a great fit, and is among the warmest 5mm wetsuits I’ve dived in.

Pros

• Really warm
•  Great quality
• Very durable
•  Easy to put on & off
•  Men's & women's versions

Cons

• Arms sleeves pretty long
•  No hood

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ScubaPro makes some super solid wetsuits and I especially like the Sport Steamer 5mm.

Not only is it a super comfortable fit, but the Sport Steamer series is also one of the warmest I’ve dived in.

It comes in 3mm and 5mm versions, and this one is the perfect ratio between cost, warmth, and flexibility.

While most other 5mm wetsuits are only suitable for temperatures down to about 20°C, this one is rated for 10°C – 18°C! To be honest, if you do plan on diving in water this cold, get the ScubaPro EverFlex Steamer 7mm, as this will be much more convenient and safe.

Nevertheless, a 5mm wetsuit is super flexible and always a good investment for every scuba diver and is also available as a women’s edition.

The suit features a back-zip with minimal water exchange and the cuffs are easy to get in and out of. Plus, the design is really nice!

The only drawback I found was that it doesn’t come with a hood, so you’ll have to buy your own.

If you want a super flexible, comfortable, and top-rated 5mm wetsuit, you cannot go wrong with the ScubaPro Sport Steamer 5mm!

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ScubaPro Everflex 7mm

Best 7mm

ScubaPro Everflex 7mm

4.7 / 5

Warmer than most other 7mm wetsuits out there and with a great women’s version!

Pros

• Really warm
• Great quality
•  Very durable
•  Easy to put on & off
•  Men's & women's versions

Cons

• No hood
•  The women's edition looks so much better than the men's! 😁

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The ScubaPro Everflex 7mm deserves the top spot for 7mm wetsuits at a decent price. Warmer than many wetsuits out there, you will be well protected against the cold on your next dive. Just like the Sports series, it is really comfortable while offering great insulation and flexibility. They can be worn in cold water, as well as during altitude diving, and in other harsher conditions.

While not technically a semi-dry suit, it has extra layers underneath the cuffs that reduce water exchange immensely. There is a women’s edition out there that will fit the ladies better and looks even nicer, in my opinion. Sigh…those biased design teams… 😄

ScubaPro suits don’t come with a hood, so I get one so your head doesn’t get cold! One last neat feature we really like is the extra zipper on the neck to adjust how tight the suit fits around the neck. If you ever get too warm, you can just open it to let some water in and cool down.

If you want a comfortable, flexible, and extremely durable 7mm wetsuit that has stood the test of countless dive schools around the world, get the ScubaPro Everflex 7mm.

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Bare Velocity 8/7mm

Bare Velocity 8/7mm

4.8 / 5

The Bare Velocity is the best semi-drysuit for beginners who want to dive in cold water, but don’t need a full drysuit.

Pros

• As warm as it gets
•  Front zipper
• Great quality
•  Built like a tank
• Classic design

Cons

• Pricey
• If you plan on diving in really cold water a full drysuit might be better

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Bare is one of the best and most famous scuba manufacturers out there and is well-known for absolute quality scuba gear.

The Bare Velocity is the best semi-drysuit for beginners who want to dive in cold water, but don’t need a full drysuit.

It features a dry zipper on the front which truly will not let any water into the suit. I think front zippers are the way to go when talking about semi-drysuits as back zippers tend to be too stiff and limit your range of motion while diving.

The hood is already attached which means less water exchange in the neck area and a tighter seal. Bare has put some time and effort into designing the cuffs and they are super durable.

It’s not a full-blown drysuit, however, a great pick for anyone looking for a much more affordable option. It is only slightly more expensive than the top-of-the-line 7mm wetsuits and the extra 1mm you get on top, in combination with the dry zipper is worth the money.

Great fit, classic design, and excellent thermal insulation; If you want the best semi-drysuit for beginners out there, get the Bare Velocity.

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Scuba Diving Wetsuit Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or preparing for your first underwater adventure, selecting the right wetsuit is a critical decision that can significantly affect your diving experience! We’ve been freezing our butts off far too many times in our lives and hope we can help you avoid that situation.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand what to look for in a scuba diving wetsuit, and explain the different types, materials, temperature ranges, and essential accessories. Once you know this, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed purchase and pick the optimal wetsuit for your next dive!

Why do we need to wear a wetsuit underwater?

Underwater our body loses heat 25 times faster than on land.

Therefore, we use exposure suits to stay warm and protect ourselves from the environment while scuba diving.

Thermal Protection

Wetsuits provide insulation by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin, which your body warms up, thus helping to maintain your body temperature. It’s basically like sitting in a warm and cozy bathtub!

Environmental Protection

They protect against cuts, stings, and abrasions from marine life or rocky surfaces. They also protect your skin from harmful UV rays on the surface.

Buoyancy and Comfort

Wetsuits offer additional buoyancy and are much more comfortable than wearing a BCD right on your back!

Types of exposure suits

There are several types of wetsuits, each designed for specific water temperatures and diving conditions.

1. Shorty Wetsuits: These have short sleeves and legs and are ideal for warm water conditions (above 78°F / 26°C).
2. Full Wetsuits: Covering the entire body, these suits are perfect for a wide range of temperatures and provide full protection.
3. Semi-Dry Suits: Designed for colder waters (50-60°F), they are similar to full wetsuits but have seals at the wrists, neck, and ankles to minimize water entry.
4. Dry Suits: For very cold conditions (below 50°F), dry suits keep you dry by providing a waterproof barrier between you and the water.

Naturally, the thicker the suit, the warmer you will be.

Semi-Dry Suits

Semi-dry suits are technically wetsuits with extra features to lower the water exchange rate. This includes extra cuffs at the feet and hands, dry zippers, and extra suit thickness.

You will still get wet though, although less than in a pure wetsuit.

Some believe this is just a little marketing gimmick of manufacturers to sell their high-end wetsuits for more, however, many divers do prefer semi-drysuits over wetsuits.

Drysuits

In contrast to the above two types of exposure suits, drysuits will keep you…well…dry. Completely. There are many different types and buying a drysuit is a topic of its own.

Drysuits are much more expensive than wetsuits, and only necessary if you are a really frequent diver who likes to dive in cold water a lot.

Buying a wetsuit

The most important aspects are comfortable fit, the right thickness, as well as the quality of the material.

I am personally a big fan of the Austrian manufacturer Camaro and my first exposure suit was actually their Stingray semi-drysuit.

They have an incredible 5-year “no questions asked” repair policy and their suits fit like a charm. Oh, and they also look super mega cool.

Not affiliated with them by any means, I just really like their stuff.

The right fit

Wetsuits need to be tight without feeling uncomfortable. The tighter they are, the better they will reduce water exchange and the warmer you will feel underwater.

Pay attention to the neck area. Many wetsuit zippers are located at inconvenient places and start to rub after a while. If you can, try the suit on during a dive and see if it feels nice.

The right thickness

You will never be wrong with a 5mm wetsuit if you tend to dive mostly in warmer waters.

They are not too hot in sunny places while keeping you warm even when water temperatures drop to 20-22°C. If you get cold easily, a 7mm might be the better choice.

Semi-drysuits are always a viable option, however, they are not recommended at places with outside temperatures above 30°C.

For anything colder than 16°C, I suggest looking for semi-drysuits or a full-blown drysuit.

1 or 3mm suits are reserved only for the warmest of dive spots and are not recommended at water temperatures below 26-28°C.

Front vs Back Zipper

When buying a wetsuit as a beginner, you have to choose between a front zip and a back zip version.

The following tips are my personal observations, and I have found some other sites that propose the total opposite. In the end, it is up to you which you prefer.

As a rule of thumb, front zippers are easy to get in, however, you will probably need help getting out. They tend to feel more comfortable during the dive, as no zipper presses against your back.

Some argue that they are more prone to flushing, as they do not seal the neck as tight as back zippers, however, I have never had this issue personally.

Back zipper suits often require someone to help you zip the suit, however, are easy to get out of. In addition, they often look a little nicer, as the zipper isn’t visible on the front.

While some argue that they prevent flushing better than front zippers, I haven’t noticed any difference, yet.

I don’t think you should worry about it too much, and instead pick the one that fits best.

Scuba wetsuits for beginners

The best wetsuits for beginners.