Tables used to be how everyone dived. At this point, most recreational divers use a personal dive computer and it makes sense.
Your computer tracks your depth, time, additional resources speed of ascent, and no-deco limits in real-time. Tables can't do that. When you change depth partway through, it updates. Tables don't.
Wrist-mount computers are what the majority of divers go for at this point. These are small enough, easy to read, and you can use them as a regular watch as well. Console models are still around but less divers choose them now.
Basic computers run about $250-400 and cover everything a recreational diver would need. They give you depth, time, NDL, log function, and sometimes a simple freediving mode. Stepping up to mid-range adds air integration, improved screens, and additional mix modes.
Something buyers don't think about is how the computer handles. Some computers are more cautious than others. A conservative algorithm means reduced NDL. Liberal algorithms give more bottom time but at reduced buffer. Neither is wrong. It comes down to your style and experience level.
Talk to someone at a dive shop who's used multiple computers first. Staff will have honest opinions on what works versus what's hype. Decent dive shops publish buying guides and honest reviews on their sites too