The Best Budget Scuba Regulators Under £500 / $600 in 2025

Scuba diving regulators are the beating heart of your dive kit. Without one, that shiny cylinder on your back is just a heavy lump of compressed gas. Regulators have a simple job, to convert that high‑pressure gas into breathable air on demand, and their evolution has been central to making scuba diving safer and more enjoyable. Early regulators were heavy, basic, and prone to free‑flow; the best budget scuba regulators now balance precision engineering with user‑friendly features like adjustable second stages, dry‑sealed first stages, and lightweight hoses.

What Is A ‘Budget’ Regulator

For divers working to a budget, the choices can be daunting. The best overall regulators of 2025 include models designed for technical or extreme cold‑water use, but they can very quickly exceed £800 – £1,000. Here, we’re focusing instead on value‑driven regulators under £500. This doesn’t mean ‘cheap’ regulators, or even the lowest price ones we can find. This means regulators for those working to a lower budget. These are ideal for relatively new divers looking for their first purchase beyond rental gear, or for those who just want a reliable set of regs without draining their bank account.

It’s worth noting that many regulators at this price point are best suited to warm or temperate waters, but not all. If you’re planning serious cold‑water diving, or need environmental sealing, extra ports, and premium adjustment features, you’ll need to stretch your budget. Consider this list the gateway to the world of regulators: affordable, serviceable, and capable for everyday diving. 

Let’s dive in.

Best Budget Scuba Regulators 2025 – The Product List

Scubapro MK2 EVO / S270 / R095 Octo Dive Regulator System – £469 / $600

The Scubapro MK2 EVO paired with the S270 second stage is a workhorse setup designed to deliver consistent performance across most conditions. The MK2 is Scubapro’s classic unbalanced piston first stage, updated with EVO technology for improved cold‑water resistance. The S270 second stage is solidly mid-range with an air-balanced design and the bonus at this price is the R095 octopus stage: robust, easy to service, and built for durability.  

This combo is a great combination of simplicity and reliability, but it still offers good breathing comfort for recreational divers moving beyond rental gear and will even support you in colder water. While the MK2 first stage lacks some of the balance and extras of higher‑end models, its straightforward design means fewer failure points and easy maintenance. For a diver who values reliability and a strong global service network, this package is a sensible choice under £500.

Pros:
Happy in cold water
Trusted brand with easy servicing worldwide
Great value with the octo

Cons:
Unbalanced first stage
Does not come with the octo in the US

Mares Dual 15X Regulator – £304.99 / $399.95

Mares is known for producing regulators that balance performance and affordability, and the Dual 15X is a prime example. The 15X balanced diaphragm first stage comes with Dynamic Flow Control for smoother air delivery and includes four low‑pressure ports for flexible hose routing. Paired with the lightweight Dual second stage, this regulator offers a good breathing experience for recreational diving.

The polymer build of the second stage keeps weight down, making it comfortable on long dives. While not designed for technical extremes, it’s a versatile option for the budget‑conscious diver who wants a reliable first regulator without compromising too much on features.

Pros:
Balanced first stage
Lightweight
Good port options

Cons:
Not environmentally sealed
Mid-level cold‑water performance

Aqualung Helix Compact Regulator – £413 / $699

The Helix Compact is Aqualung’s way of offering divers a smaller, lighter alternative to their standard Helix line. The balanced diaphragm first stage provides smooth and consistent airflow, while the compact second stage is ideal for travel divers looking to shave weight from their luggage. Despite the smaller size, it still delivers a satisfying breathing experience, and its build quality reflects Aqualung’s reputation for durability.

The Helix Compact sits comfortably under the £500 ceiling, though in the US you wil have to dig a little to come in under the $600 mark. This set is well suited to divers who want a travel‑friendly regulator without making major sacrifices. Just note that its compact form factor may feel less robust in colder or more demanding conditions.

Pros:
Lightweight and travel‑friendly
Smooth breathing
Strong brand support

Cons:
Not ideal for very cold water
Smaller build may not suit everyone
No octo for your money

Dynamic Nord 1st + 2nd Stage Essential CS-30 – £254 / $345

The Essential Regulator set is designed for divers who want a simple, dependable setup without unnecessary extras. The first stage features a compact balanced diaphragm system, offering steady airflow throughout the dive, while the second stage is lightweight with a large purge button for easy operation. It’s available in both DIN and yoke fitting so covering your favourite or required fitting either way. 

With a single high-pressure port and three low-pressure ports, hose routing is straightforward but a little limited. This regulator is aimed squarely at budget-minded divers who need something reliable for warm and temperate waters, whether for their first set of personal gear or as a solid backup. Affordable, serviceable, and functional, it covers the essentials, as the name suggests.

Pros:
Simple and solidly built
Well priced starter set

Cons:
Lacks advanced adjustments
Not sealed for cold water

Cressi MC9-SC + Compact Pro – £329.99 / $419.90

Cressi’s MC9 XS Compact Pro is one of the most affordable regulators on this list, yet it delivers performance that satisfies many entry‑ to mid‑level divers. The over-balanced diaphragm first stage provides steady airflow, and the second stage is designed to be as lightweight as possible, reducing jaw fatigue. 

Compact and travel‑ready, this regulator appeals to divers who want a no‑nonsense setup that still works well in varied conditions. While it isn’t necessarily aimed at cold‑water specialists, it does more than hold its own in cooler water. We also think it’s one of the best looking second stages on the list!

Pros:
Excellent value, can still come under price with the addition of an octo
Very lightweight
Balanced performance

Cons:
Limited adjustability
Best suited to recreational diving only

Zeagle Envoy II Regulator – £389.95 / $449.95

The Zeagle Envoy II has earned a reputation as one of the best-value regulators on the market, combining solid engineering with features normally seen in higher price brackets. Its balanced diaphragm first stage is environmentally sealed, giving it strong performance in colder or silty conditions, while also reducing the need for frequent servicing. 

The second stage is compact and lightweight, with both a venturi control switch and an inhalation adjustment knob, allowing divers to fine-tune breathing effort. Zeagle is known for rugged, US-engineered dive gear, and the Envoy II continues that tradition while staying firmly under the £500 ceiling. For new divers who want something that won’t need upgrading too quickly, it’s a standout option.

Pros:
Environmentally sealed
Adjustable breathing controls
Excellent value for performance

Cons:
Service availability can be regional
Slightly bulkier than travel-focused regulators
Octo is extra

TUSA RS-790 Regulator (R700 First Stage + S90 Second Stage) – £415 / $529

The TUSA RS-790 combines high-end engineering with a price that keeps it comfortably in the sub-£500 bracket. The R700 first stage is a balanced diaphragm design that’s environmentally sealed, giving it consistent airflow and strong cold-water resistance. It features two high-pressure and four low-pressure ports for flexible hose routing, and its compact form makes it a good fit for both travel and home diving. 

The S90 second stage offers smooth, low-effort breathing, with a venturi control to reduce free-flows at the surface and an adjustable inhalation knob for fine-tuning underwater. Built to TUSA’s precise Japanese manufacturing standards, the RS-790 delivers refined performance, reliability, and a touch of style that stands out from typical options in this price range.

Pros:
Balanced and sealed
Excellent build quality
Suitable for cold or warm waters

Cons:
Slightly higher servicing costs
Less common in smaller dive shops

Oceanic Alpha 10 + CDX Regulator – £447 / $479.95

The Oceanic Alpha 10 in combination with the CDX first stage is a strong mid-range option that comfortably fits under the £500/$500 ceiling. The Alpha 10 second stage is pneumatically balanced, delivering smooth and consistent airflow with minimal breathing resistance, while its lightweight build makes it easy on the jaw during longer dives. The paired CDX first stage is environmentally sealed, which helps protect against cold-water free-flows and reduces corrosion in silty or salt-heavy conditions.

Together, they form a regulator set that performs well in both warm tropical seas and the cooler waters often encountered outside the tropics. Oceanic has a reputation for user-friendly designs, and the Alpha 10 + CDX package is an appealing mix of affordability, durability, and versatility, ideal for divers buying their first serious regulator set on a budget.

Pros:
Balanced second stage
Sealed CDX first stage
Versatile for warm and cold waters

Cons:
Slightly bulkier first stage
Fewer advanced adjustments than some at the price

Seac Sub IT500 ICE – £409 / $579

The Seac Sub IT500 Ice set is designed, as the name suggests, with cold-water performance in mind, making it a standout option in the sub-£500 range. The balanced diaphragm first stage is environmentally sealed to prevent free-flows in icy conditions, and its robust build ensures dependable performance dive after dive. The second stage offers smooth breathing and includes a venturi control for surface adjustment, while the bundled octopus (not in the USA unfortunately) adds excellent value by giving divers a ready-to-use backup regulator straight out of the box. 

With four LP ports and two HP ports, hose routing is flexible enough for most configurations. While many budget regulators focus mainly on warm-water diving, the IT500 ICE is a regulator that cold water divers can confidently take into colder environments without stepping into premium pricing territory.

Pros:
Cold-water ready
Comes complete with octopus
Good value package

Cons:
Slightly heavier setup than some
Fewer fine-tuning adjustments than higher-end models
No Octo on the US pricing

Dive Rite FT1/XT2 DIN Regulator (28″ Hose) – £489.95 / $439

The Dive Rite FT1/XT2 package blends technical-grade reliability with a price that still squeaks under the £500 mark in the UK (and sails under the $600 mark in the US). The FT1 first stage is a compact, balanced diaphragm design, machined from a single piece of brass for outstanding durability and corrosion resistance. It features four low-pressure ports on a fixed turret plus two high-pressure ports, giving optimal, if fixed, hose routing. 

Paired with the XT2 second stage, divers get a pneumatically balanced regulator that delivers smooth, consistent airflow with an adjustable inhalation knob and venturi switch. The included 28″ hose makes it ready for standard recreational setups straight out of the box. While Dive Rite regulators are often associated with technical diving, this set offers new divers a chance to step into robust, high-spec performance without breaking the bank.

Pros:
Rugged first stage
Goodport options
Tech-grade features at budget price

Cons:
More limited servicing options
Possible overkill for purely warm-water divers

Summary

Best Budget Scuba Regulator Under £500 / $600

This was a tough one… so we took the easy route and split it into two…

Cold Water – SEAC SUB IT500 ICE – Environmentally sealed and designed to resist free-flow in icy conditions, the IT500 ICE is a rare fully cold-water-ready regulator under £500. Bundled with an octopus, it’s exceptional value for regular cold water divers.

Warmer Water – Dynamic Nord 1st + 2nd Stage Essential CS-30 – Short and simple, Dynamic Nord have created an easy to service, well priced, well built warm water reg aimed squarely at newer divers. Essential – it does what it says.

Best for Travel

Cressi MC9-SC + Compact Pro – Lightweight, streamlined, and built with portability in mind, the Helix Compact is ideal for divers hopping between warm-water destinations. It saves luggage weight without sacrificing balanced performance.

Best Value

Mares Dual 15X Regulator – At just over £300, the Dual 15X delivers solid breathing, compact design, and great usability at an unbeatable price. A dependable entry point for divers on a budget.

Final Word

Choosing your first, or indeed any, scuba regulator is a big milestone. While budget is often a deciding factor, remember that this is life‑support equipment. All of the regulators on this list will serve recreational divers well in warm and temperate waters, but you should carefully consider your diving goals. If you plan to explore colder waters, look for environmentally sealed models or be prepared to step up in price. Servicing is another crucial element so choose a regulator from a brand that has reliable support in the regions you live and/or dive. Even budget regulators require annual or biannual servicing to remain safe and effective.

A budget scuba regulator under £500 / $600 can absolutely provide years of reliable diving, as long as it is looked after properly. Always rinse thoroughly after use, store it dry, and avoid unnecessary knocks or drops. As your diving career progresses, you may outgrow your first regulator and invest in a more feature‑rich or technical model. But as an entry point, the options above balance safety, value, and performance, so you can focus on the underwater world instead of your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions