Your BCD (buoyancy control device) is the crucial piece of scuba diving kit that allows you to maintain control over your buoyancy levels when you’re beneath the surface. Any seasoned diver will tell you that your BCD is one of the most important aspects of your scuba equipment - you can even tailor your choice to the type of diving you’re doing - so it pays to make sure you get your choice right.
With this in mind, our expert team has come together to outline the very best BCDs available to shop online at Aquanauts right now. This updated round-up builds on our previous guide and highlights our top scuba diving BCD options that will suit all divers in 2026.
Scubapro Hydros Pro
Scubapro’s Hydros Pro scuba BCD maintains its top 5 position because it’s both exceptionally comfortable and incredibly functional with a modular design. In short, this means that its unique Monoprene material moulds to the body, the harness is removable and reconfigurable, and the whole package is built to last, being resistant to UV, abrasion and general wear. It’s tough, comfortable and extremely versatile too. If you want one scuba diving BCD that will cover travel dives, holiday trips and regular local use without compromise, this is a great pick.
Cressi Travelight
If lightweight and easy portability are priorities for you, the Cressi Travelight scuba diving BCD is a natural choice. Perhaps you’ve got a diving holiday planned this year, or want to be able to tick off must-see dive sites in your local area without bulky gear. In which case, you can’t really beat the Travelight BCD from Cressi. It’s significantly lighter than traditional jackets, weighing in at 2.5kg, and it packs down small. Its ultra-light and efficient design allows it to be kept at a minimal weight and size without losing out on too much pocket space and performance capabilities. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a no-fuss travel BCD that still performs exceptionally well.
Scubapro Navigator Lite
Another travel-friendly BCD option is Scubapro’s Navigator Lite BCD. The Navigator Lite is a great option for divers looking for a back-inflation BCD that’s also easy to travel with. Because the bladder sits behind you rather than around your torso, you get great streamlining underwater and a foldable profile for packing. It’s a smart middle ground if you like the feel of a back-inflated diving BCD but still need something compact and convenient for trips.
xDeep NX Zen System
For divers who are leaning toward backplate & wing systems, the xDeep NX Zen is a standout. It’s narrow, streamlined and engineered for reduced drag, which are all qualities that matter in a scuba diving BCD when you’re carrying stages or aiming for technical precision. If you’re planning to progress into deeper, more technical diving, then a wing system like this will serve you well into the future. It’s also exceptionally easy to use, with close grab valves and more optimal hose routing than other wing systems on the market. You can choose from a huge range of colours to express yourself too!
Apeks Exotec-S
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best BCDs for 2026 is Apeks’ Exotec-S scuba diving BCD. Another incredibly comfortable pick, this Apeks design blends a tech-minded wing design with premium comfort features. The adjustable backplate height, articulating harness and strong build quality add up to a fit that feels great to wear for hours at a time. It’s a great option if you dive frequently in mixed conditions and want a BCD that balances comfort, performance and serviceability.
We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect BCD upgrade for the year of diving ahead. If you have any questions or would like any further recommendations, the Aquanauts team are always happy to help. Simply get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find a scuba BCD that will enhance your 2026 dive plans and beyond.