best travel metal detector

The 9 Best Metal Detectors, According to Experts

Scanning parks and beaches with a metal detector can be a unique and fascinating hobby.

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Whether you want to dig for gold like a prospector or spend hours combing the beach with your fun new machine, there’s a large range of detectors out there, many of which are optimized for different finds and different terrain. After speaking with some experienced users, we’ve compiled a list of the best metal detectors for everyone, from first-time users to aspiring explorers .

The Best Metal Detectors

• Best Overall: Minelab Vanquish 440
• Best Value: Garrett Ace Apex
• Best for Beginners: Nokta Simplex Ultra Metal Detector
• Simple and Portable: Garrett Ace 300
• Best Expert Upgrade: Minelab Equinox 800

The Experts

What to consider in a metal detector, how we selected the best metal detectors, our full metal detector reviews, q+a with our experts.

Steven T. Wright: As a longtime nerd and technology writer, I’ve covered computers and tech products for almost 10 years at publications like PC Gamer, Ars Technica, and Polygon. To assemble this guide, I relied on the expertise of two seasoned metal detecting experts who have decades of experience in the field. I also relied on insights and recommendations from online guides, as well as reviews from both experts and users.

Stan Ross started metal detecting in 1971. In 2012, while living on the beachfront in Seal Beach, CA, he joined The Ring Finders , a directory of metal detecting specialists that help people find lost items for a small fee. He’s helped hundreds of people reclaim their lost keepsakes and sentimental items. Finding lost items for people has become a passion for him and a way to use his years of metal detecting experience.

Jeff Lubbert has been an avid metal detector since 1980 and joined The Ring Finders in 2010. He was named “Ring Finder of The Year” in 2011. In his decade-plus of service, he’s returned over 200 items to their owners, with a total estimated value exceeding $900,000. He is an active officeholder in Denver’s Eureka Treasure Hunters Club and the co-host of American Digger Magazine’s Relic Roundup , a weekly metal detecting podcast.

Before we talk about how to pick a metal detector, we should quickly explain how they work. Consumer metal detectors have a round head known as the "search coil," which is the part that actually does the detecting. There are two parts to the coil, the transmitter coil and the receiver coil.

When you turn it on, the detector sends an electrical current into the transmitter coil, creating an electromagnetic field that reaches down into the ground when the coil is held perpendicular to it. The magnetic field causes metal objects underground to give off their own magnetic fields, which the detector coil can read. The detector can determine how far underground an object is based on the relative strength of the opposing magnetic field.

Many detectors can also determine what kind of metal they’re detecting (within limits) by measuring an object’s phase shift, or the time it takes for the object to react when the transmitter coil changes its current. This technique, called “discrimination” can help you tell the difference between treasure and trash: That said, our experts are quick to note that discrimination is an imperfect technology, and it’s best not to always take it at its word.

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The first thing to look at before buying a metal detector is where you plan to use it, as some detectors are better equipped to scan specific types of terrain. For example, if you live near the coast and plan to sweep your local beach, you may want a different model than someone looking under hard soil in local parks.

There are three major types of metal detectors, in ascending order of cost: Very low frequency (VLF), multi-frequency, and pulse induction (PI).

Very low frequency  detectors operate on one frequency at a time. According to Lubbert and Ross, they’re made for entry-level hobbyists looking for coins and jewelry, but won’t work well for gold prospecting or scanning saltwater beaches. Most VLF models allow users to switch between a number of frequencies, but rarely allow you to input a specific one yourself.

Multi-frequency  detectors detect over a range of frequencies at the same time, making them a good choice for serious hobbyists, especially those who plan to search in wet conditions. They’re generally more expensive than their VLF counterparts, but they can be used in mineralized soil and saltwater beaches. They’re also usually larger than VLF machines, and not as user-friendly.

Pulse induction  detectors are professional-grade equipment used for salvaging and serious gold prospecting. They use a different kind of technology than VLF and multi-frequency detectors, sending out short bursts of powerful current to scan deep under the earth.

While they can detect hard-to-reach metals, pulse induction detectors have more trouble telling one type of metal from another, forcing you to dig up every significant piece of metal they find. Gold prospectors and serious divers use pulse induction detectors on saltwater beaches and other mineralized ground, but they’re not for most hobbyists. They’re heavy and have a high learning curve. Plus, they cost thousands of dollars.

Both experts recommend checking the size of the metal detector coil, which spits out the electromagnetic field and actually finds the metal. If the coil doesn't sweep over the target, it won't detect it. "There's no beeping when you're near something like in the movies," Lubbert says. "You have to actually physically pass over it."

Ease Of Use

If you have a casually curious interest in metal detecting, both Lubbert and Ross recommend starting out with a VLF model, because they are less expensive and easier to use.

"I think it's more important to get a model that's more user-friendly to figure out if you actually like the hobby before you shell out $500 to $1,000 for a multi-frequency detector," Lubbert says. "There are much more important factors to consider than just buying the most expensive one you can afford just because you think it's the best."

The nature of metal detecting means that you'll have to lug your gear around, possibly for hours at a time. Given that, you should always check out the detector’s weight to make sure it's something you can handle. Some of our picks below also have retractable shafts, which makes them easy to stow in a small vehicle.

Battery Life

Most metal detectors last around 10 to 15 hours on a full charge, though it can vary a bit from model to model. More expensive detectors, such as the  XP Deus II , will have a lithium-ion battery with a longer lifespan, while more affordable options stick to  rechargeable AA batteries , which you can swap out or replace.

Most of the metal detectors in this guide were recommended by our experts based on the factors above. We also sifted through dozens of product listings, reviews from consumers and experts, as well as enthusiast guides from MetalDetector.com , UnderCoil , and more.

We looked to highlight a wide range of detectors to suit a variety of needs, from beginners looking to dip their toe in, to hobbyists looking for an upgrade. No matter where you stand, we have you covered.

Minelab Vanquish 440 Metal Detector

The Minelab Vanquish 440 offers a tremendous amount of functionality for less than the cost of some less powerful VLF detectors. For about $300, it’s a little more expensive than true entry-level models, but it offers a lot of features that enthusiasts look for.

Its four find modes support all different types of terrain, from turf to fields, and its multi-frequency technology allows it to search saltwater beaches without any problems. You can set and save your own frequency settings to figure out what works best for your area and search style.

Perhaps best of all, it weighs only 2.6 pounds. The Vanquish 440 is a true hobby-grade machine that you can grab for a great price.

Garrett Ace Apex Metal Detector

Lubbert called the Ace Apex one of the best value machines on the market. The flagship of Garrett’s Ace detector line, the Apex has a large backlit display and six detection modes, including specific finder settings for coins, US coins, jewelry, relics, and a custom setting.

The most interesting option is its “iron audio” feature, which helps you identify complex iron objects that you probably don’t want to dig up, such as bottle caps. Likewise, the notch discrimination feature lets you filter out certain frequencies if you’re trying to avoid metal trash.

The Garett Ace Apex is priced for knowledgeable enthusiasts, so it isn’t exactly cheap—you may notice that it costs more than our Best Overall pick— but you’re getting a lot of detector for the price, which makes it a great value. For a veteran hobbyist or a pro, it’s a great bargain.

One pro tip if you pick one up: Make sure to install the latest firmware update, as reviewers say it really improves the machine’s performance in the field.

Nokta Simplex Ultra Metal Detector

For years, the Nokta Simplex has been the gold standard for beginner-friendly metal detectors, and this new Ultra model continues that legacy. With six search modes, a backlit screen, and notch discrimination, it doesn’t require much fiddling to get it set up. That said, it’s a powerful machine that works well in a variety of conditions.

Those six settings include two multi-tone modes that allow you to use its discrimination to determine what exactly you’re detecting without even looking at the menu, which is a big plus. It’s also waterproof up to 16 feet, which is quite impressive for a model in its price range, making it especially good for freshwater conditions.

Because it is a VLF model, the Simplex Ultra is not as effective on saltwater beaches or mineralized soil as the more professional detectors on our list. As a whole, though, it punches above its weight, making it the perfect machine for anyone interested in learning the ropes of metal detecting.

We name this pick as a great option for beginners due to its simplicity and ease-of-use, rather than its price tag. Indeed, $500 is a lot to spend on a new hobby you may not be sure you'll keep practicing. On the other hand, if you think there's a good chance you'll stick with metal detecting, spending the extra money on a model that's easy and rewarding to use could be the difference that keeps you going back out rather than spending less money on a machine that's challenging to use.

Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector

Considered an "old reliable" by hobbyists, the Garrett Ace 300 is an entry-level metal detector with meat-and-potatoes features. It has a large screen, a water resistant coil, and five search modes suitable for a variety of terrain, including dry beaches. It also has better pinpointing and iron identification modes than several other models in its price range.

Given its relatively low price, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Ace 300 lacks some of the finer flourishes found on premium detectors, such as a backlit screen and specific water resistance. Its default coil is also only 10 inches, though you can upgrade it with a larger one . Garrett is a name that detectorists trust, so it’s an easy recommendation to give to new hobbyists who aren’t too concerned about fancy bells and whistles.

Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector

Described by Ross as the best option for the “dedicated enthusiast,” the Minelab Equinox 800 is a multi-frequency detector capable of doing almost anything you’d want, especially at the beach. Its coil can pick up metal on wet sand, even while wading in saltwater.

Its four detection modes can find coins, jewelry, “relics,” and even gold nuggets on the most mineralized soil. Though it has fewer modes than some similar detectors, such as the Vanquish 440, a machine like the Equinox will likely find more metal and at a greater depth.

Ross uses the Minelab Equinox 800 for many of his jobs, and he’s used it while wading up to his neck in the ocean. Though it is lighter than most detectors, the fixed shaft length may make it hard to carry around, and reviewers say the length may make it hard to use for anyone shorter than 5-feet-6-inches. At double the price of our beginner and best overall picks, the Equinox 800 is definitely made for a discerning detector fan with a lot of experience.

Nokta The Legend Waterproof Metal Detector

If you’re interested in dipping your toe in the world of underwater metal detecting, you should take a look at Nokta’s “The Legend” waterproof detector. It’s up there with the Minelab Equinox 800 as one of the most recommended detectors for beaches and shallow water in the detector community. It’s far more affordable than the Equinox, though, and more beginner-friendly.

With four different detect modes, simultaneous multi-frequency scanning, and robust waterproofing, it's made for both freshwater and saltwater conditions and is an attractive mid-range option for those who are looking to spend a lot of time getting their ankles wet at the beach.

Minelab Excalibur II Underwater Metal Detector

The Minelab Excalibur II is designed for hardcore enthusiasts who want to take a metal detector on their snorkel or (more likely) scuba dive. Equipped with BBS multifrequency technology designed specifically to detect in saltwater or mineralized conditions, the Excalibur 2 detects in 17 frequencies simultaneously. (For comparison, the above Vanquish 440 scans on just five.)

It’s also a powerful piece of gear on land, though it’s heavier than most multi-frequency detectors, so it may not be the best choice out of the water. It also lacks the large screen you’ll find on other models: Instead, you control it with rotary dials that let you control its two detection modes.

The Excalibur II was created and optimized for a specific scenario. If you’re treasure diving, this is one of the best options on the market. If you’re looking for something to use at home and bring on the occasional underwater excursion, it may not be the best choice.

Nokta Makro PulseDive Metal Detector

If you want to bring a metal detector underwater, but you don’t have the budget for a high-end machine like the Excalibur II, the Nokta Makro PulseDive is a solid alternative for beginners. The PulseDive is what detectorists call a "pinpointer," which experts use to determine the precise location of a target after getting a reading with a larger, wide-ranging detector. While it doesn’t have the range for deep sea diving on its, it can still pick up underwater treasures in shallow water.

It isn’t a perfect experience. Since it’s a pulse induction detector, the PulseDive has no discrimination, so it can’t filter out common metals like iron from the gold you might hope to find. Though it can’t compete with a full detector, it is far more waterproof than many machines that cost more than double its price. Plus, even if you buy a higher-end detector later, our experts recommend having a good pinpointers like the PulseDive so you don’t waste time digging in the wrong place, so it’s a win-win. Bring it along on a snorkel, and you’re bound to have a good time.

XP Deus II Metal Detector

Another machine that got high marks from both of our experts, the XP Deus II is the ultimate multi-frequency metal detector, with a price tag to match. Lubbert says the Deus II has the edge over several other detectors he loves in terms of speed and versatility. It features a whopping 12 different detection programs for every conceivable terrain, and has an additional 12 open slots for custom scans. It also has collapsible stems, so it’s more portable than many other detectors in its class.

It also comes with a wireless remote control that lets you adjust settings on the fly, and you can fit it with a special plug to bring it underwater. The Deus II is rated to dive to 66 feet, making it suitable for some underwater expeditions, wet beaches, and mineralized soil. It’s the ultimate upgrade for a veteran, despite its sky-high price tag.

How do I retrieve targets that I find using my metal detector?

Lubbert and Ross say that newcomers to the hobby often underestimate the importance of proper target retrieval equipment. By “target retrieval equipment,” we mean the gear you need to dig up whatever you find. 

You should not plan to bring a large shovel when using your metal detector in public places, as local authorities and property owners generally frown on people digging large holes in parks and yards. (It’s also illegal in some jurisdictions , even when metal detecting isn’t.)

As with other aspects of metal detecting, you bring retrieval gear based on the terrain and soil you plan to scan. For example, sand scoops work well on dry sand, whereas you may need a trowel or Lesche digging tool –also known as a “soil knife”–for hard dirt.

You may also want to buy a pinpointer , which is a handheld metal detector with a tiny search coil that’s designed to help you narrow down the exact location of the target.

Lastly, you should learn proper digging techniques, such as the “flap” method, where you make three sides of a square with a sharp edge and lift the resulting flap with the edge of your tool. When you’re done digging, make sure to use a sod plug to fill in the resulting hole.

Where should I use my metal detector?

Finding a legal place to use your metal detector is not as easy as you might think. It’s illegal to use a detector in U.S. National Parks and historic battlefields. Many cities ban using them on public property, or require you to apply for a permit before using one. Make sure to check local city and county laws to determine if and where you may be allowed to use a metal detector and if you’ll need a permit to do so.

And, of course, if you plan to use your detector on private property, you should obtain permission from the owner, or else you might find a lawsuit instead of a treasure.

What can I expect to find with my metal detector?

Lubbert and Ross emphasize that newcomers to the hobby should not expect to find anything quickly. Locating anything other than rusty nails or worthless old coins takes dedication, practice, and above all, time. If you buy your detector expecting to go out every weekend and find something, you will be disappointed. Ross recommends joining a local hobby group to connect with fellow detector enthusiasts to scan with and discuss finds.

I want to go detecting with a friend. Will two detectors interfere with each other?

Unfortunately, yes. Two metal detectors operating on the same frequency will interfere with each other if they’re within 100 feet or so.

There is a potential solution though. If one of the detectors has a frequency shift function, you can switch to a different frequency and use them together.

That said, I’d say you’re better off sharing one detector and making it a cooperative activity, rather than having two people scan the same ground.

What other equipment do I need for metal detecting?

Lubbert and Ross said there are a large number of accessories that you can buy for your metal detector, though many of them are for more advanced and enthusiastic detectorists. For example, buying a carrying case for your metal detector can be helpful if you plan to use it frequently and it doesn’t come with one, as well as rechargeable batteries so you don’t run out in a pinch. 

Similarly, a set of detector-friendly headphones will likely increase your efficiency, as it’ll allow you to hear the beeping and signals better than a speaker.

Additionally, if you plan to search underwater, proper swim gear and retrieval equipment is essential. Keep in mind that trying to dig underwater is more laborious than on land, so we recommend getting a decent handheld sand scoop . For beachcombers, you can buy a similar one on the end of a rod that works well, too.

Steven T. Wright is a freelance writer based in Miami, FL. He has been a full-time writer of various things for around a decade, especially long-form features about tech and digital culture. He enjoys spending time with his wife and cat, hiking, and reading weird fiction. You can follow him on Twitter @MadCathedral . 

Stan Ross is a hobbyist metal detector and member of the Ring Finders , a collective of veteran enthusiasts that help people find lost items. After searching beaches, parks, and the ocean with his metal detector for over 50 years, he knows as much about the hobby as anyone could.

Jeff Lubbert has been an avid metal detector since 1980 and joined The Ring Finders directory in 2010. He is an active officeholder in Denver's Eureka Treasure Hunters Club and the co-host of American Digger Magazine's Relic Roundup , a weekly metal detecting podcast.

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Best Metal Detectors of 2024

Table of Contents

• Best Metal Detectors
• Things To Consider
• How We Chose

A Norwegian man named Erlend Bore took his brand-new metal detector out into the hills near his hometown of Stola and came across what has been called “the gold find of the century,” per NBC News. Bore unearthed 23 pieces of golden jewelry dating back to the 6th century CE. You may not stumble across 1,500-year-old gold the first time you use your new metal detector, but you just might find something to treasure nonetheless.

Different models are better suited to different users and use cases. In this article, we cover specifications and features to consider, and answer many frequently asked questions. Read on, and surely you’ll discover the best metal detector for your detectorist adventures.

• Best Overall: Minelab Equinox 800 »
• Best Budget: MIYAY Professional Metal Detector »
• Easiest to Use: Nokta Simplex Ultra WHP »
• Best for the Beach: Garrett ACE Apex »
• Best for Kids: RM Ricomax Metal Detector Junior »
• Best for Underwater Use: PI-iKing Pin Pointer Handheld Detector »
• Best for Gold Prospecting: Minelab Gold Monster 1000 »

Best Overall: Minelab Equinox 800

Multiple frequency detection

Submersible down to 10 feet

Multiple detection modes

Expensive option

Heavy coil and light head unit create an imbalance

Many fine metal detectors can be set to different search modes, actively seeking out one kind of metal or another or optimized for one type of terrain or another. By contrast, this superlative metal detector from Minelab can search using five frequencies at the same time, so you can seek out multiple types of metal at once, and move from the beach to the field to the woodlands without stopping to choose a new specific setting. The Equinox 800 may be a pricey unit, but it’s a professional-grade tool that’s nonetheless easy enough for relative amateurs to handle.

When you are searching for one type of metal in particular, you can set the Equinox 800 to one of four modes – beach, park, field, or gold – that can help you avoid false positives and zoom in on your targeted finds. This metal detector comes with Bluetooth headphones and has a large, clear LCD display. Between the audio and visual input you get, you’ll never miss another coin, gold nugget, or piece of history again.

• Price: $949.00
• Max detection depth: 18”
• Battery life: 12 hours
• Unit weight: 2.96 pounds
• Coil size: 11”
• Display type: LCD display
• Multiple detection modes: Yes, 4

Best Budget: MIYAY Professional Metal Detector

Great price point

Six distinct detection modes

Large bright display

Occasional false readings

Heavy piece of equipment

This metal detector from MIYAY costs much less than the most expensive unit on our list, yet it’s still a great option. In fact, this is a well-rated, easy-to-use, and generally reliable metal detector perfect for the person interested in – but not yet committed to – the hobby. With six distinct detection modes, one of which is a general “all-metal mode” that will alert you to the presence of any metal, it makes searching easy and accurate.   That is, the detector is accurate save for the occasional false reading. Some customers report getting a signal and digging, only to have to re-sweep the area and ultimately find the source of the ping up to a foot away from where it was first indicated. Still, overall, the MIYAY Professional Metal Detector is regarded as effective, easy to use, and enjoyable. Its stem length is adjustable from 43 to 60 inches, so users of varied heights can comfortably carry it, and the detector’s large display makes it easy to keep track of its findings.

• Price: $249.99
• Max detection depth: 8.6”
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Unit weight: 4.95 pounds
• Coil size: 10”
• Multiple detection modes: Yes, 6

Easiest to Use: Nokta Simplex Ultra WHP

Built-in LED flashlight

Shaft packs down to just 25 inches

Lightweight and well-balanced

Fewer detection modes than many options

Carbon fiber shaft prone to damage

The Nokta Simplex Ultra WHP Metal Detector is a professional-grade unit that’s easy enough for an amateur to use, so it’s a good deal even though it costs more than $300. With a bright, clear LCD display and multiple alert methods including an audio signal, an on-screen notification, and vibration, this detector makes it crystal clear when you have found something. And you can easily find things after dark thanks to its built-in LED flashlight or up to 16 feet underwater because it is fully waterproof.   The Simplex Ultra WHP is a great choice for people who travel often. It weighs just 2.6 pounds and its carbon fiber shaft can pack down to just 25 inches in length, so you can stash this detector in a suitcase when you’re on the go. (That ability to reach such a shortened length is also great when you are diving or snorkeling.) Ergonomically sound, capable of operating in a few different detection modes, and with reliable detection down to nearly a foot, this is simply an all-around good choice for the hobby detectorist.

• Price: $389.00
• Max detection depth: 10”
• Unit weight: 2.6 pounds

Best for the Beach: Garrett ACE Apex

Long battery life

Suitable for use in shallow salt water

Large, bright display

Settings can be complicated for novice users

Relatively expensive option

On the beach, tides provide a limited window of opportunity each day and the chance to displace objects before they're found; sand often contains lots of minerals that lead to false hits or missed finds, and saltwater can throw off the accuracy of many metal detectors. But the Garrett ACE Apex is up to the challenge.   The ACE Apex produces a much clearer signal than most other detectors, even when faced with mineral-rich sand. It’s also fine for use in shallow water, be it fresh or salt water, and its simultaneous use of multiple frequencies can reduce the “chatter” caused by salt water and mineral-rich sand. (It also works well on solid ground that’s high in minerals, too.) The large display is easy to read. You can customize your search with multiple modes and by reducing iron sensitivity, so you don’t constantly get hits from ferrous targets while you’re searching for gold, silver, or other metals. On the downside, many customers report that getting the detector set up and learning how to use takes a while

• Price: $497.95
• Battery life: 15 hours
• Unit weight: 4.2 pounds

Best for Kids: RM Ricomax Metal Detector Junior

Not complicated

Stem shrinks down to 24 inches

Plastic components break easily

No specialized search modes

No serious treasure hunter has any business with the RM Ricomax Metal Detector Junior in his or her hands. It doesn’t have any options for selecting different modes, it offers minimal penetration depth, it has a small coil that covers a narrow swath of land, and its screen couldn't be much more basic. On the other hand, every serious treasure hunter had to start somewhere. For the budding young detectorist, this metal detector is the perfect choice.   Without settings and modes and such to worry about, a kid can just get out there and start searching the land. The detector beeps and its screen pulses when it detects any metal, and then the hunt is on to see if it's gold doubloons or an old screw or washer. The shaft can be collapsed down as small as 24 inches, so even younger kids can use this RM Ricomax detector. At well under $100, it will fit the budget of most families.

• Price: $69.99
• Max detection depth: 6”
• Battery life: 4 hours
• Unit weight: 2 pounds
• Coil size: 7.4 inches
• Display type: LCD
• Multiple detection modes: No

Best for Underwater Use: PI-iKing Pin Pointer Handheld Detector

Works at depths up to 100 feet

Affordable price point

The wrist strap helps prevent loss

The battery compartment seal sometimes fails and lets in water

The vibration function fails on some units

If you’re an avid scuba diver or snorkeler, you know there’s a fascinating world beneath the waves, but there may be even more that you’re missing buried just beneath the seabed. This fully waterproof, compact handheld metal detector from PI-iKing can help you find it. Submersible in fresh or salt water down to 100 feet, this pin-pointer-style metal detector can detect precious and non-precious metals buried several inches below the bottom of a lake, river, pond, or ocean. Because audio signals don’t work well beneath the water, the metal detector flashes a light and vibrates instead.   While the PI-iKing Pin Pointer Handheld Detector is generally well-liked by verified customers, some people have reported the seal of the battery compartment failing, which allows in water and of course leads to the unit’s demise. Most praise its lightweight and compact size, which make this fully submersible metal detector a great choice for use while you ply the waters in search of sunken treasure. And it works just fine on land, too, though other detectors make more sense for terrestrial use in most cases.

• Price: $89.99
• Battery life: 6 hours
• Unit weight: 1 pound
• Coil size: 4.41”
• Display type: N/A

Best for Gold Prospecting: Minelab Gold Monster 1000

Deep gold detection

Adjustable shaft and grip

Works well even in ground with multiple minerals present

Very expensive

Not well-suited to metals other than gold

If you want to go out searching for artifacts left over from the Civil War, for buckles and buttons left from pioneer days, or silver, copper, or iron, then the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is a pretty poor choice of metal detectors. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for gold, then it’s a superb choice. This metal detector was purpose-built for detectorists prospecting for gold, and it can find even the smallest bits of gold buried deep – gold that other metal detectors would have swept right past.

The Gold Monster 1000 penetrates a good three feet into the earth in ideal conditions, and even when there are lots of rocks, minerals, and other metals present, it can sniff out gold. Expensive but effective, this is a lightweight, balanced metal detector that just might pay for itself if you have a great strike.

• Price: $1133.98
• Max detection depth: 36”
• Unit weight: 2.94 pounds
• Display type: LCD screen
• Multiple detection modes: Yes, 2

The Bottom Line

Metal detectors can be fun to use and extremely useful. They can be used to find gold and silver, search out historical artifacts, recover a lost wedding ring, or detect buried wires or pipes to ensure safety while digging for landscaping or construction. The best metal detector for your use need not cost much; just make sure you consider its detection modes, waterproof rating, and ease of use balanced against its capabilities.

Things To Consider When Buying a Metal Detector

What you’re looking for: It sounds simple, but it’s actually of crucial importance. Much like two vehicles may each have four wheels, a motor, and a steering wheel, yet may be suited to vastly different driving scenarios, metal detectors can be suited to widely varied applications. “Consider what types of things you are looking for,” Smikoski says. “Coin and treasure? Gold?” One detector may be excellent at finding one type of metal but poor for another, and it would be a shame to miss a great find because you were using the wrong hardware.   Unit cost: “Price range is [important] for someone who is unsure if they will like the hobby,” Drayton says. Some metal detectors cost well over a thousand dollars, while others cost many times less than that. While it’s never a good idea to buy a product that’s too cheap and effective for your needs, it’s also best not to overspend, as you can always upgrade later.   Water resistance: Decide if you plan on completely submerging your detector or just putting the coil in the water. Smikoski notes that some metal detectors are safe for use in salt water, while others are best used in fresh. Keep in mind that even if you won’t be conducting underwater searches, a unit rated for such can still be a good idea if you live in an area prone to heavy rains.   Search modes: Many of the best metal detectors can be set to different modes that allow you to search out different types of metals. “Metal detecting has never been easier [for] a novice thanks to preset search modes, taking the controls setting intimidation factor away as you hit the ground running,” Drayton says. Look for models with different mode options if you plan to search for different material types.   Unit weight/size: Using a metal detector can be a great way to get some exercise, but if the metal detector is too heavy or bulky for you to comfortably use, it's probably not a good choice. Also, consider if you may want to travel with your metal detector. “I often travel to detect, so I need a reliable, lightweight metal detector that can fit in my suitcase,” Drayton says. 

How We Chose the Best Metal Detectors

Prior to considering specific metal detectors, our contributor Steven John researched the category in general and we spoke to bonafide metal detector experts. These included Gary Drayton, a professional detectorist and a cast member of the History Channel show The Curse of Oak Island , and Debbie Smikoski , director of tactical sales, events, and training with Minelab. (Note that we spoke to Smikoski about metal detectors in general, not about specific units; Minelab metal detectors were selected for this list based on their own merits.)   Once better educated on metal detectors in general, John dove into the specifics, first identifying several categories of use cases and then researching multiple brands and specific units that would fit into each slot. He then cross-referenced each brand’s stated product specs and performance characteristics against verified customer reviews of the same metal detectors, rejecting any products that seemed prone to having issues. Finally, he arrived at this review of the seven best metal detectors for various uses and users.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Our contributor Steven John has more than 10 years of experience in technology writing and reviews. He has written for multiple national publications including Forbes, Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, New York Magazine, Dad Gear Review, Insider, and many more.

While you can probably find a metal detector for less than $100, the dedicated hobbyist should be looking to spend between $200 and $500 for a quality product. Budgets can exceed that range quickly. Some of the most accurate and sensitive units on the market cost over a thousand dollars.

Yes, metal detectors can detect gold and other precious metals. Many of the metal detectors on this list are capable of detecting minute traces of metal like gold, meaning that if the gold isn’t buried too deep, the detector will help you find it.

Metal detectors can detect all sorts of metals, including gold, silver, iron, copper, and more. You can unearth jewelry like rings and bracelets, accessories like old buttons or buckles, coins, and, just maybe, a gold nugget. Metal detectors do have a hard time finding stainless steel and titanium. Due to the poor conductivity of these metals, a metal detector would have to be pretty close to the item to register it, if it could do so at all.

“Metal detecting to me is still the greatest hobby in the world, even though I turned a hobby into a career,” Drayton says. Not only can detectors help you find coins, jewelry, historical artifacts, and other treasures, but they can also help you unearth and dispose of trash, which Drayton says lets you “repay Mother Nature for spending time in her beautiful backyard.” Their use also encourages people to get outside and in motion, which has both physical and mental health benefits.

Many metal detectors have a harder time detecting stainless steel than other metals because steel has very poor electrical conductivity and thus produces a weak signal. Most can do it, but steel detection requires careful use of the hardware. And, of course, metal detectors can’t detect any nonmetal materials like gemstones, bones, or paper money.

Metal detectors are perfectly legal to use in most parts of the United States, although there may be permitting requirements or other restrictions in some areas. Take extra care checking the rules in public parks, on public beaches, and on tribal lands, and of course, seek permission before detecting on any private property. Permits can often easily be acquired for detecting in areas where the activity would otherwise be restricted.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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• Outdoor gear

The Best Metal Detector

By Tim Heffernan

Tim Heffernan is a writer who covers air and water quality and sustainable-energy technology. He prefers Flare-brand match smoke for purifier testing.

The dream of finding buried treasure is compelling, but the reality of metal detecting is that you mostly find trash—and you spend a lot of time doing it.

This may be the sort of repetitive, mainly solitary activity you intrinsically enjoy … or it may bore you to tears.

It’s best to figure that out before dropping a not-insignificant chunk of change on a metal detector of your own. So before you buy one, try to find a local club or store that will help you go on a trial hunt or two with an experienced detectorist. If the bug catches you, you’ll know it. And at that point, we’d say the Nokta Makro Simplex+ is the absolute best metal detector for a newcomer to the sport.

Nokta Makro Simplex+

High-end features, entry-level cost.

The Simplex+ has versatile features that veteran detectorists prize on pricier machines, yet its affordability and ease of use make it an accessible device that newcomers will enjoy learning on.

Buying Options

May be out of stock

Though it was introduced only in early 2020, the Nokta Makro Simplex+ has already developed a stellar reputation among detectorists—and for good reason. It boasts features that no other detector in its price range offers, and these features make the Simplex+ easier to use and more versatile. So first-timers will find this detector simpler to master and less frustrating to work with. Among those features: The Simplex+ is fully waterproof, so it’s safe to use on the beach, in the surf, and even underwater. Several mode settings (for a beach, park, or field) help filter out background noise; we found no other similarly equipped detectors in this price range. Its display—essentially the command center—is larger and more readable than most, and it can be backlit for legibility at dusk or on nighttime hunts. The Simplex+ is more comfortable to hold than many others, which is a big advantage on hours-long detecting trips. And its user manual is thorough, instructing not only how to use the machine but also how to fine-tune it—to maximize performance in varying conditions. The art of metal detecting takes a fair bit of time to learn, but (as its name suggests) the Simplex+ makes it easier than the other machines we tested .

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: nokta makro simplex+, flaws but not dealbreakers, how metal detectors work, handy accessories, laws and ethics, the competition.

I am a novice detectorist myself. And this guide reflects the expertise of about a dozen sources, including company reps from Garrett, Nokta, First Texas (maker of the Bounty Hunter), specialist retailers like Kellyco and metaldetector.com , as well as input from a whole bunch of dedicated hobbyists.

This guide owes much of its authority to the generosity of Alan and Sandy Sadwin, who took me under their wing and into their world to help me understand the technology, techniques, and ethics of metal detecting. Both are passionate detectorists and longtime members of the Atlantic Treasure Club , Long Island’s oldest metal-detecting club (of which Alan is a former president). They spent hours of their time sharing their knowledge and helping me begin to get a grasp on the hobby as a whole as well as on the specific machines we selected for testing. Many other members of the club also welcomed me when I attended a monthly meeting in February 2020, and they similarly shared their advice and opinions.

For every story like the one about the guy who found an Anglo-Saxon hoard important enough to rewrite history, there are thousands of folks who spend years finding nothing but bottle caps. The actual process of treasure hunting is, quite frankly, time-consuming, monotonous, and rarely rewarded with truly special or valuable finds. That doesn’t mean it’s not fun. And who knows—you just might find some gold in them thar hills. But before you lay out the cash it takes to get started, you’ll want to know whether treasure hunting is right for you.

That’s why our first bit of “buying advice” isn’t about buying anything—not yet, anyway. Contact a local club or store, and ask if you can attend a meeting or be put in touch with a committed detectorist who might take you out for a trial hunt. Many clubs also hold occasional public events to encourage the curious to give detecting a try. If you’re friendly, patient, open about your interest, and willing to learn, you'll likely find someone to give you some hands-on guidance. And be honest with yourself: If the bug doesn’t grab you after a trial hunt or two, metal detecting may not be your thing. If it does grab you, you can look forward to many adventures, including specialized detecting trips—there are specialist tour operators in the US and UK who secure the rights to search farms and other private land. On the night I joined a meeting, one couple at the Atlantic Treasure Club had just returned from England, where they’d found a medieval gold coin and a silver one from the British Roman era.

It’s probably more accurate to describe detecting as a sport rather than a hobby, in that mastering it means mastering the equipment, techniques, and rules . There’s a fairly steep learning curve to the machines themselves, which are complex and fallible electronic devices. It takes time to understand how they work, where and why they can fail, and how to coax the best performance out of them. And though the techniques aren’t terribly complex, you do have to get them right to make your detector work well.

But there’s another way metal detecting is like a sport. The great writer John McPhee once wanted a synonym for the word sport and found this definition in an early-20th-century edition of Webster’s Dictionary: “ a diversion of the field .” Metal detecting is certainly that.

There’s also a general mindset we witnessed when talking to happy detectorists: that they were in it as much for the act of searching as they were for finding something amazing. Alan and Sandy usually search Long Island’s Jones Beach, where not much of great monetary value ever shows up. (Though Alan did once reunite a high schooler with her lost class ring, a discovery that also busted her to her mom—she’d been strictly forbidden from going to the beach.) But instead, they regularly see porpoises, dolphins, and sharks in the waves, as well as the endangered piping plover nesting in the dunes. I loved watching sandpipers darting in and out as they followed the surf, showing intrigued youngsters what I was up to, and simply escaping my apartment’s walls. I once apologized to Alan for taking up so much of his time, and he said, “Don’t. You’re my excuse to get out there and have fun.” No matter what you find—or whether you find anything, period—enjoying the outdoors is an intrinsic pleasure of metal detecting, and not one to discount.

When I began working on this guide, in January 2020, I did the usual Wirecutter thing: I started with basic research. How do these things work? Who makes them? Who uses them? What do they cost? What features matter? The first three questions were fairly easy to answer, but the last two proved thorny. There are metal detectors that cost under $100 and metal detectors that cost $2,000 or more. As the prices increase, so do the features—a bewildering array of them. We wanted to find a machine with features a first-timer would benefit from, but nothing extraneous, for the best value possible. By “value” we mean we wanted to find a machine that included some of those features at a better price than that of its similarly equipped competition.

Calls to manufacturers and store retailers helped me identify a decent handful of promising contenders. But even though I found the people I spoke with candid, I wanted unvarnished advice. So I looked for local enthusiasts and discovered the Atlantic Treasure Club , “Long Island’s oldest metal detecting club.” We got in touch, and soon after I booked train tickets to join the club’s next meeting.

The club members helped me eliminate one detector manufacturer entirely. They also helped me refine my options from another manufacturer. Several independently recommended that I strongly consider a then-new entry from a third manufacturer—a model I’d previously eliminated for its dearth of reviews. In looking for an affordable machine that a novice could handle and also grow into as their skills developed, a few key features came into focus: water resistance or waterproof design, the versatility to adjust the machine for different settings or for the types of materials sought (or excluded), the design of the ground-reading coils, a clear display visible in bright sunlight, and an ergonomic build that’s comfortable to carry for extended periods, among other factors. All of this gets abstract without the ability to compare specific machines, and we’ll go into further detail on how well our pick delivered on these features, compared with the other options available.

All of this reporting, interviewing, and shopping helped us narrow the field to just three models to test: a new model , a veteran model from a different company (both of them in the high sub-$300 range), and the most popular detector on Amazon (which costs under $100).

I began by going hands-on with all three machines in the park across from my apartment. This was technically illegal (more on that below), but because I wasn’t actually digging anything up, just working out the machines’ controls and displays, I figured I was okay. I brought a handful of small objects made of different metals and scattered them on the ground, to see how or even if the machines could differentiate between them—for example, if they could “see” the difference between a steel bolt and a silver coin.

Once I was familiar enough with the detectors, I later did what’s called a seeded hunt. I filled a large food-storage container with sand about a foot deep, buried different objects in it at a depth of about 8 inches, and ran the detectors over the sand’s surface to see whether they would pick up the presence of the objects. This also let me try out each machine’s “discrimination” features: Either using pre-set “modes” or by manually adjusting a detector, you can make it ignore certain metals. That can be useful if you’re hunting in an area with, say, a lot of aluminum pull tabs, but you want to find stuff made only of brass or gold. (I buried my gold wedding ring—tied to a long string—alongside a steel bolt for this test. Found it!)

As a complete novice, I also wanted to spend some time detecting with experts. So—after a 15-month pandemic pause—I reconnected with Alan and Sandy Sadwin, who generously took me on a pair of morning-long outings at Jones Beach on Long Island. They taught me the proper techniques for searching and digging, as well as a dozen other valuable tips from their decades of experience. This guide owes a great deal to their open and giving spirits.

If you’ve decided to take up metal detecting, the Nokta Makro Simplex+ is our pick for a great first machine. Usually selling for about $250, it has features normally found on more expensive machines, including one that makes it unique in this price range: It’s fully waterproof. That means it’s safe to use at the surf’s edge, and it can even be submerged in shallow water. By contrast, other similarly priced machines’ electronics are vulnerable even to stray splashes. The Simplex+’s preset search modes allow you to quickly adjust it to the type of site you’re hunting in (fields, parks, and beaches present different challenges to detectors). Or you can customize the settings manually to tailor the machine to screen out or ping only on specific metals (which is handy if you’re searching for an item of known composition, like a lost earring). This model has a large LCD screen that’s easy to read even in bright sun. And it has a large search coil—the ring-shaped component at the end of the shaft—which helps it search deeper in the ground than machines with smaller coils can. Also, the Simplex+ is comfortable to carry for hours at a time, with a rubberized handle and generous forearm rest. The built-in battery lasts about 12 hours on a full charge, and you can extend that by plugging it into a portable power bank. When I told Alan Sadwin that the Simplex+ was going to be our pick, he said, “Good choice. It’s got a great reputation, and I know a lot of people who use one.”

During our testing, the Simplex+’s direct competitor was the Garrett Ace 300 —another well-regarded and popular detector, from one of the oldest companies in the business—and they’re priced about the same. But time and again, in a head-to-head comparison, the Simplex+ came out on top.

Not all detectorists strictly need a completely waterproof detector: Not everyone lives near a beach or wants to get into the subculture of river-bottom hunting. But since the Simplex+ offers waterproofness for the same price as the Garrett Ace 300 (which is waterproof only to the top of the shaft), it adds a lot more options for where you can hunt without worrying about ruining your machine. (Specifically, the Simplex+ is rated IP68, meaning it can survive 30 minutes underwater at 3 meters, or 10 feet. So it’s not meant for scuba detecting.) Machines that are partially waterproof, like the Garrett Ace 300, can be used carefully at the water’s edge, but Alan and Sandy both recommended against it. “You lay your detector down to dig a hole and a wave comes up and fries the control box,” Alan said by way of example.

And when it comes to beach hunting, the Simplex+ offers another huge advantage over the Garrett Ace 300: The Simplex+ has an automatic “beach mode” setting. The saltwater and (very often) iron-rich “black sand” found at the seashore can create a huge amount of background interference for detectors, since they work by using electromagnetism to find metal objects. The salt ions and black sand react to the electromagnetic waves, too, and essentially create a wall of static that masks legitimate findings. The Simplex+’s beach mode automatically filters out this static; I had no trouble finding coins, bottle caps, and lead fishing weights, even right in the surf. It’s a really useful feature—one that the Garrett Ace 300 lacks.

The ground-scanning search coil of the Simplex+ is an 11-inch circle; the Ace 300’s is a 10-by-7-inch oval. In general, the electromagnetic pulses from larger coils can penetrate more deeply than those from smaller coils. And larger coils also help you cover ground more quickly, since every sweep of the detector goes over a larger area. As well, the Simplex+’s coil is what’s known as a “double D”: It’s formed of two subcoils, shaped like a pair of capital Ds set back to back. The Ace 300’s is the more-common concentric design, shaped like a capital O with a lowercase o inside it. Double D coils produce a wide electromagnetic field, again permitting more ground to be covered in a given amount of time, while concentric coils produce a narrow field. That can allow more-precise pinpointing of the location of a find. But for first-timers, we think the double D’s advantages in depth of search and breadth of coverage will produce more finds and fewer frustrations. (If you’d like to know more, check out this efficient, articulate summary of coil types and their strengths and weaknesses, from detector manufacturer Minelab.)

One of the most important parts of a detector is its display screen. It’s where you toggle between modes (on the Simplex+, these are beach, all-metal, field, and park). It’s where the machine shows you the frequency of an object that’s been detected—a clue to what type of metal it’s made of. And it’s where you get a readout of the target’s approximate depth, adjust the detector’s sensitivity (sometimes lower is better, such as in an area where the soil is iron-rich and tends to produce “static” or false readings), and do things like manually discriminate against certain metals you don’t want the machine to pick up. It’s the dashboard, basically—and the Simplex+’s is far superior to the Ace 300’s. For one thing, the Simplex+’s display screen is about twice as large, so everything’s bigger and easier to read. And it can be set to various levels of backlighting, from zero to bright, allowing the display to be read in varying light conditions. The Simplex+’s control buttons can also be backlit, and it has a built-in flashlight to help you see objects when hunting in the dark. The Garrett Ace 300 has no backlighting on its screen or buttons, and it lacks a flashlight.

Another important aspect of any detector is how comfortable it is to use—you may be carrying it, constantly sweeping the ground in wide arcs, for hours at a time on a hunt. I found the Simplex+ considerably more comfortable to hold, due to the combination of an ergonomic rubberized handle and a long forearm rest; this provides a counterbalance to the weight of the shaft and coil. The Ace 300’s simple, cylindrical rubberized handle took more hand strength to grip, and its shorter forearm rest gave less leverage. That meant the Simplex+ was less tiring to use, especially after some time.

Both machines can be used with headphones , and these make it easier to hear the beeps and whines that indicate a discovery—especially at the beach, where the noise of the waves can drown out quiet signals. Alan and Sandy (and many dedicated hobbyists) prefer wired headsets for their reliability; the Simplex+ comes with an adapter cable for that purpose, or it can be used with wireless headphones (purchased separately). The Garrett Ace 300 comes with a wired headset and has a built-in ¼-inch jack.

Both also have a useful pinpointing feature: Once an object is detected, you press the pinpointer button and move the coil in a cross-shaped pattern over the approximate location. And by sound and/or display, the machine tells you when you’re more or less centered over the object. The Simplex+, which both rises in pitch and shows a narrowing bullseye on its display as you approach the spot, was more intuitive. (Dedicated hobbyists usually buy a separate pinpointing tool, which does the job even better, but it’s more than a newcomer needs.)

Handily, the Simplex+ comes with a coil cover—essentially a sacrificial plastic shroud—that protects the detector coil itself from abrasion. (The Ace 300 comes with one, as well.) The Sadwins emphasized the importance of a coil cover : “You want to wear it out,” Sandy said, meaning that if you’re hunting properly, you’re almost dragging the coil across the surface of the ground. Over time you’ll wear away its housing and expose the wiring—not good. (Alan also said you should regularly remove and rinse out your coil cover—salt and black sand can get in behind it and mess up the detector’s readings.)

Finally, the user manual that comes with the Simplex+ is exceptional. It’s long, detailed, and clearly written. And it provides lots of tips not only on how to use the various settings but why and when to use them. It’s so long, in truth, that it’s initially intimidating. But as you become more familiar with the machine, and as you gain experience, all that detail will help you get the very most out of the Nokta. The Garrett Ace 300’s manual is considerably more basic; you’ll need to learn a lot of its tricks on your own.

When we began working on this guide, the Nokta Makro Simplex+ was brand new to the market, but multiple members of the Atlantic Beach Club encouraged us to put it on our list of detectors to test. It now has over 700 reviews on Amazon and a 4.7-star rating, many from experienced detectorists. Between that and our own experience, we’re confident this is a great choice for an affordable first machine.

A small number of the Nokta Makro Simplex+ Amazon reviewers said they received clearly used machines—some of them arrived with bits of grass and sand in the box. A few other reviewers reported that the speaker (which beeps and whines when an object is detected) crapped out within a short period of time. And Nokta’s customer service does not get great reviews.

The wireless headphones don’t come with a charging cable. Any spare micro-USB cable will do the job, but it would be easy for Nokta to provide one.

This is not so much a flaw as a statement of the model’s context in the wider world of detectors. It’s not the finest machine money can buy. Higher-end detectors usually offer additional features, such as even greater waterproofness, multiple coil options, and multifrequency detection (which makes them even better able to find and identify relics). But as features are added, prices also rise—in most cases, significantly. You could claim the Simplex+ is “missing” these finer touches, but we don’t think a first-time detectorist needs them. (And it’s worth noting that serious detectorists usually have multiple detectors in their arsenal, choosing among them to finely match the terrain they’ll be hunting in—but that’s a really advanced skill.) We think the Simplex+’s versatility and accessibility outweigh this drawback.

All three detectors we tested are of the VLF (very low frequency) type. It is the most common, works well in most ground conditions, and is used on both the cheapest and some of the most expensive machines. (The other main type, pulse induction, is strictly high-end.) A VLF detector works by generating oscillating electromagnetic fields via the coil. The field penetrates the ground and then reverses polarity, and, in a sense, echoes back to the coil. If the field encounters a metal object in the ground, it induces an electromagnetic field in the object. That, in turn, alters the nature of the echo, and the electronics in the control box can interpret the change and indicate the likely identity of the metal—they all respond differently to the electromagnetic field, yielding different echoes. (That said, the interpretation is far from exact: The depth, size, and orientation of an object can all change how the machine “reads” it. In my experience, aluminum pull tabs often registered at frequencies that could have indicated silver or copper. Alan, with 30 years of experience under his hat, said, “I just dig everything” the machine picks up.)

To generate the response from a metal object, however, the coil needs to be in motion. That’s why you see detectorists constantly swinging their machines in wide arcs. There’s a technique to doing it right: You have to keep the coil parallel to the ground and close to it throughout the swing. I found that it takes more of a torso action than an arm one: You twist the hips and spine, keeping your arm and wrist in roughly fixed position. If you use your arm, it forces the detector to swing like a pendulum, rising off the ground at either end of the swing. That means you’re actually getting readings only in the center of the swing, when the coil approaches the ground; if do that, you’ll miss wide swathes, and lots of potential targets.

It takes practice. I heard Alan and Sandy calling out to me time and time again when I was just starting out: “Lower!” “Closer!” “Near the ground!” But I got better quickly.

You also need a tool to dig with, so you can bring up your finds. On beaches, that means a scoop: a cylinder of metal or plastic, pierced with holes to allow sand and water to drain out. Dedicated hobbyists usually opt for fairly expensive ones made of sturdy metal, often with a waist-height handle so they don’t have to stoop to dig. But when you’re starting out, a short-handled plastic scoop will work fine and cost a lot less. This one from National Geographic is $20 and has a 4.6-star rating on more than 3,600 Amazon reviews.

When hunting in fields, parks, and open grounds, most detectorists use a digger like the SE Prospector’s Choice . You can find similar tools in most garden stores (they’re also used by landscapers), but the orange handle on the SE Prospector is easier to find if you lay it down somewhere grassy or twilit. The narrow blade pierces soil easily, and the serrated edges help cut through sod and roots.

One of the chief rules in the detectorist’s code of ethics is: Don’t leave a mark behind. That means filling the holes you dig, including on the beach. In grassy areas, you should preserve the grass as well as filling the hole. Alan’s advice is to make a semicircular cut through the sod, slice horizontally through the roots underneath, and fold the semicircle back like a flap. After you’ve dug (and refilled) the hole underneath, pull the flap of sod back into position and gently tamp it down.

Other parts of the code are just good sense and common decency: Don’t destroy property. Don’t trespass. Do ask for permission to dig on private property (farm fields are popular hunting spots). If you dig up trash (bottlecaps, beer cans), pack it out and dispose of it properly.

Also, be aware of and follow existing laws. There are laws against metal detector use on federal property , so national parks, monuments, wilderness areas, and other enticing places are a complete no-go. (Technically, it’s a felony to even possess a detector on federal property, unless it’s been broken down into its component parts and thus rendered temporarily unusable.)

Most states and municipalities also have restrictions on where you can hunt on public land, like parks and beaches. Try calling the state and local parks departments to find out the rules in your area. You may need to get a license—and sometimes pay for it. (The actual process is rarely more than filling out a form with your name and address—it’s not an FBI background check.)

Generally, you are required by the terms of these licenses to turn in to local authorities any find worth more than a few tens of dollars. In practice, “we don’t know anybody who does,” Alan said. But most detectorists will make a good-faith effort to reconnect a valuable with its owner. A member of the Atlantic Treasure Club once returned a pair of platinum-and-diamond rings to their owner—a story that made the BBC .

The Garrett Ace 300 is a well-regarded, well-priced metal detector, as evidenced by its strong reviews. It was recommended by several shop owners, and by Garrett itself, when we explained our criteria: the best value under $300 for someone new to the hobby. But, as our tests alongside the Nokta Makro Simplex+ proved, the Ace 300 simply doesn’t have a comparable set of features, design, interface, and ergonomics. Since the two detectors cost the same, there’s really no reason not to go with the Simplex+.

The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is the best-selling, most-reviewed detector on Amazon. It typically sells for $100 or less. For that you get a very basic machine, one we found extremely frustrating to use, both on its face and even more so in comparison with the Nokta Makro Simplex+ and the Garrett Ace 300. Most frustrating is the fact that the Bounty Hunter model doesn’t have an electronic display to help identify objects in the ground. Instead, it has an analog display: a needle that moves along a dial, like a speedometer, to indicate the frequency of the signal the machine detected. It is almost impossible to read, because the needle moves too quickly for the eye to follow. Worse, in our testing it registered every metal object (steel bolt, silver quarter, gold ring, copper penny) exactly the same: a wild, off-the-charts reading. Basically, it’ll tell you it’s found something , but not what. And because the needle jumps so fast from zero to off the charts and back, it’s difficult to pinpoint where the object actually is—you’re sweeping the coil at the same time as the readings are taken, so by the time you see the needle jump, you’ve moved the coil another foot or more. As one shop owner told us, “People use it once and put it away in a closet forever.” We think it would turn more first-timers off the hobby of detecting than it would turn on.

We considered but did not test the Minelab Vanquish 440 . Although it’s a very well-regarded machine from a company that many members of the Atlantic Treasure Club consider to be one of the best in terms of technology, almost to a one they also noted that customer service is very slow to respond. As well, we did not get a response after calling the company several times. However, as of 2023 it appears that this issue has been addressed. The company has expanded its customer service arm, and gives its agents training in metal-detector use to help them better answer customer questions and troubleshoot technical problems. This testimony from a detector retailer is frank about how bad it was—and how good it has become. If we test metal detectors again, we’ll confidently include Minelab.

We dismissed any other metal detector we found that, like the Bounty Hunter, used an analog dial rather than an LCD screen; they are simply not helpful. We also stayed away from brands lacking an extensive history of making metal detectors— Sunpow , Pancky , Ricomax , and Ommo are examples that show up in Amazon’s most-popular list. After speaking with the companies of ones we did test, we decided to dismiss their most basic models and move one or two steps up: A small increase in price meant significant increases in performance and user-friendly features.

That was also Alan Sadwin’s advice. In one of our first email exchanges, he wrote of his first purchase, back in the 1980s: “When picking out what I should buy, I tried to figure out the minimum requirements I wanted for a metal detector. I then figured out what model I should look at. However, before I bought one, I figured out the cost of the next better model. Since the cost was not a quantum leap up, that is the one I bought. My theory is that you don’t always understand your needs until you realize why you needed more.”

Meet your guide

Tim Heffernan

Tim Heffernan is a senior staff writer focusing on air and water quality and home energy efficiency. A former writer for The Atlantic, Popular Mechanics, and other national magazines, he joined Wirecutter in 2015. He owns three bikes and zero derailleurs.

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The Best Metal Detectors

Are you looking for the best metal detector for your treasure-hunting adventures? With so many options available, picking the right detector can seem daunting. Various factors influence the overall performance, from operating frequency and ground balance to search coils and waterproof capabilities. Whether you’re metal detecting to find coins, jewelry, relics, or gold, we’ve got a recommendation that fits your needs.

Best Metal Detectors in 2024

• Garrett AT Pro : our top pick overall
• Nokta Makro Simplex : our pick for entry-level users
• Fisher F22 : runner-up for entry-level users
• Minelab Equinox 800 : our pick for relic hunting
• Minelab Excalibur II : our pick for saltwater beach hunting
• Minelab CTX 3030 : our pick for high-end features

Jump to…

• Entry-level
• Relic hunting
• Pulse induction
• Multi-frequency

Entry-level metal detectors

Nokta makro simplex metal detector.

What we like:

• Mid-level detector performance for entry-level price
• Powerful DD coil
• Fully submersible to 10 ft
• Built-in rechargeable battery
• Wireless audio when used with compatible headphones

What we don’t like

• Controls not as basic as other entry-level detectors

Fisher F22 Metal Detector

• Weatherproof
• Fast Recovery (Processing) Speed
• Digital Target ID
• Lighter, easier to use
• 5 Year Warranty
• No adjustable ground balance

The F22 is a great budget pick. We rank the F22 #1 in our list of the best metal detectors under $300 .

Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector

• Fully waterproof and submersible to 10 ft
• Manual and auto ground balance
• Proportional audio

What we don’t like:

• Underwater headphones sold separately

Relic hunting metal detectors

Minelab equinox 800 metal detector.

• All-terrain detector
• Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
• Wireless headphone capability
• Switch between frequencies based on your needs
• Weighs under 3lbs
• Included headphones aren’t waterproof

Minelab CTX 3030​ Metal Detector

• Superior discrimination settings and target ID
• Don’t need to buy separate land machine
• Lots of coils available
• LCD display
• Fully submerisble
• Full-color display
• Can’t be used for diving

Fisher F75 LTD Metal Detector

• More search coil options
• 65 tone ID’s vs the T2’s 6
• Static all-metal mode
• Boost mode for enhanced sensitivity and depth
• Cache mode for deep, large objects

Waterproof PI metal detectors

Fisher cz-21 metal detector.

• Fast response time
• Audio boost mode
• Pinpoint button
• Easy to hip mount
• Clear tone on deep, faint signals
• No threshold adjustment
• Concentric coil

Garrett Sea Hunter​ Metal Detector

• Interchangeable coils and headphones
• Has large 10×14 accessory coil
• Independently sealed battery compartment
• Pulse Delay for heavy iron beaches
• No volume control

Waterproof multi-frequency metal detectors

Minelab excalibur ii metal detector.

• Excellent iron discrimination
• Multiple frequency machine that can also be used for diving
• Very accurate tone ID
• Submersible to 200 ft
• Iron signals null delay can make you miss good targets
• Hardwired headphones
• Requires additional kit to hip mount
• No tone on deep, faint signals. Just threshold change.

• Superior discrimination and target ID

Freshwater metal detector

Nokta simplex+.

• Affordable and user-friendly
• Fully submersible up to 3 meters (10 feet)
• Built-in wireless module for seamless headphone connectivity
• Vibration mode for underwater detecting and noisy environments
• 12-hour rechargeable battery life
• Limited depth capabilities compared to higher-end models
• Less refined discrimination

Garrett AT Max Metal Detector

• Can also be used for gold prospecting
• Better ground balancing options than AT Pro
• “True All Metal” mode
• Wireless headphones included
• Waterproof headphones sold separately
• Single-frequency

Fisher 1280x​ Metal Detector

• Fully submersible to 250 ft
• Volume control
• 75+ hours battery life
• Low 2.4 kHz freq. which is great for coins
• No LCD display
• Not ideal for relic hunting or gold prospecting

All the same rules above still apply when shopping for children. The only real difference is going to be weight and probably budget. Depending on the age of your child, you might want to start with a detector that’s not super heavy. You may also want to get a machine that’s relatively easy to use with not a lot of settings. Stick to the basics.

For young treasure hunters, I typically recommend starting out with Bounty Hunter. Read our complete guide to choosing the best metal detector for kids . You may also be interested in the best metal detectors under $200 .

Buyer’s Guide

This buying guide will explain what to look for when choosing your first metal detector. It’s meant to take the guesswork out of your buying decision. But first, some hard truth. There is no universal “best” detector. The question you should be asking is, “what is the best detector for the type of hunting I want to do, where I live, my experience, and my budget.”

User Skill Level

User skill level is crucial in selecting a metal detector. Beginners should opt for easy-to-use detectors in the $150-300 range, as complicated models may cause frustration. All detectors can find metal, but advanced features like adjustable threshold, custom search modes, and GPS functionality increase their complexity and cost. Detectors below $150 are considered toys and should be avoided.

Price can be a significant consideration, particularly for those new to metal detecting and unsure of their level of interest. It’s not always feasible to invest $800 in a hobby that may not be a long-term passion. Typically, beginners spend between $150 and $300 on their first metal detector, which provides sufficient functionality to pique their interest and foster a deeper appreciation for the hobby.

Application & Intended Use

The type of hunting you plan on doing makes a major difference in what machine you buy. Manufacturers design most detectors as all-around detectors for coins, jewelry, and relics. However, there are also special machines for different uses.

Coin metal detectors are the most popular type of machine. Avoid high-frequency detectors designed for gold prospecting and ensure you stay below 15 kHz for optimal coin detection. Higher frequencies result in less depth for coin-sized targets. Steer clear of pulse induction (PI) machines, which are better suited for saltwater hunting and gold prospecting. For beginners, a single-frequency VLF detector is recommended for general coin and jewelry hunting.

Relic hunting metal detectors can be accomplished with most all-around machines. For a more advanced option, consider features such as a large DD search coil, slightly higher frequency (10-20 kHz), adjustable threshold, Iron Audio, and both manual and auto ground balance. These enhancements optimize performance for relic hunting.

Saltwater beach metal detectors require a special features if detecting in wet sand, surf, or water. A single-frequency detector is insufficient; instead, choose either a PI or multi-frequency machine. PI and multi-frequency detectors have their pros and cons, but both offer better depth and performance in saltwater environments than single-frequency devices. Dry sand hunting on saltwater beaches does not require a specialty machine. For more details, see our guide on the best metal detectors for the beach.

Freshwater metal detectors are comparatively simpler to navigate. When selecting a detector for this environment, ensure it is fully submersible to withstand underwater conditions. Additionally, choose a machine with good discrimination to accurately identify targets and avoid unwanted trash items. These two factors are essential for successful freshwater metal detecting.

Gold prospecting metal detectors can range from $500 all the way up to $10,000. Most of these machines will be PI and should be used in areas where gold is known to be found. If you want the best gold prospecting detector, go with a Minelab. They can’t be beaten.

Detection Technology

There are a few types of metal detectors you should familiarize yourself with when choosing which detector to buy.

• Very low frequency (VLF) is the technology built into most detectors – pretty much any machine under $1,000. These are signal frequency machines used for coin, jewelry, and relic hunting. If you’re just starting out, get yourself a VLF.
• Pulse induction (PI) is a technology used in specialty machines for areas of high mineralization – i.e., saltwater beaches and gold country. These machines will punch through ground minerals like salt and iron and will report on all metal objects without the ability to discriminate.
• Multiple frequency (MF) technology detectors typically go for over $1,000 and are most commonly found in the high-end Minelab detectors. These are best if you’re serious about metal detecting and have the budget to back it up. They’re also great for doing both saltwater and all-around detecting without having to buy two machines.

Key Technology Features Explained

In this section, we’ll cover some essential tech terms related to metal detectors, helping you understand what they mean and how they impact your buying decision.

• Operating Frequency : The frequency at which your metal detector emits signals, affecting the depth and sensitivity of the machine.
• Sensitivity : The ability of your metal detector to pick up signals from targets, with higher sensitivity allowing detection of smaller or deeper targets.
• Discrimination : The feature that allows your metal detector to differentiate between different types of metal objects, such as trash or valuable targets, allowing for more efficient and effective treasure hunting.
• Ground Balance : The ability of your metal detector to adjust for mineralization and ground conditions, reducing interference and false signals for improved target detection.
• Threshold: The continuous hum or sound heard in the background of your metal detector, which can be adjusted for optimal target detection and reduction of background noise.

Search Coils

The stock coil that comes stock with your detector is another important thing to consider. There are a few points you should consider when choosing a coil.

Coil size is vital when choosing a metal detector. Large coils offer more depth but process more ground signals in mineralized soil, causing falsing and missed targets. Smaller coils, however, provide comparable depth in mineralized ground, better target separation, and allow increased sensitivity, enabling detection of good targets among trash. Ground conditions and mineralization should be considered when selecting coil size.

Coil type configurations in most detectors include concentric and double-D (DD) coils. DD coils offer better detection depth in highly mineralized ground and can provide easier pinpointing (with practice), while concentric coils are generally more cost-effective and found in entry-level detectors. Mastering pinpointing with a DD coil, however, requires more experience.

Coil shape also plays a role in detector performance. Round coils are more common, providing a balanced search field and consistent detection depth. Elliptical coils, on the other hand, offer improved maneuverability in tight spaces or around obstacles, with a narrower search field that can improve target separation in trashy areas.

Accessory coils can be valuable for adapting to different detecting environments. Smaller “sniper coils” offer better maneuverability in tight spaces like playgrounds or rocky gold country, while larger coils suit expansive areas like beaches and farm fields. However, consider that larger coils are heavier, possibly requiring a harness for extended use. Ensure the manufacturer offers additional coil options for future needs.

Other Considerations

Detector weight varies, with some being lightweight and others quite heavy. If physical limitations, such as elbow or shoulder issues, are a concern, opt for a lighter detector. Brands like Fisher and Tesoro are known for their lightweight models. Mid and high-level machines like the AT Pro are heavier but manageable. When choosing your first detector, consider its weight, particularly if you plan on extended treasure hunting sessions.

Battery life refers to the duration a metal detector can function before its batteries need to be replaced or recharged. Factors that influence battery life include the type of batteries used, the device’s optimization, and the detector settings chosen by the user.

Battery types : Metal detectors typically utilize AA batteries for their power source. However, higher-end models may incorporate lithium battery packs, which can provide enhanced performance and reliability.

Search modes are discrimination patterns found in metal detectors that assist users in differentiating between valuable finds and unwanted items. Customizable search modes allow for improved target identification and a more tailored treasure hunting experience.

Audio output refers to the settings that control a metal detector’s sound, including volume adjustments. Audio output also encompasses the size and type of headphone jack, which is important for compatibility with a user’s preferred headphones.

Waterproofing describes the level of protection a metal detector offers against water exposure. Waterproofing can range from basic rain resistance to complete submersion capabilities, depending on the design and intended use of the detector.

Ergonomics mainly pertains to the balance between a detector’s weight and coil, which can impact user comfort and ease of use during extended treasure hunting sessions.

GPS integration : Advanced models may offer GPS functionality for location tracking and waypoint marking. This feature streamlines navigation, helping treasure hunters revisit productive spots and manage their search areas more effectively.

Accessories are important to consider when budgeting for a metal detector, especially for newcomers to the hobby. You may eventually need a pinpointer, headphones, digger, pouch, carry bag, and scoop (for beach hunting). However, be cautious of retailers who bundle low-quality accessories with their detectors, such as subpar pinpointers and diggers, which are commonly referred to as “dollar store accessories.”

Brand choice is essential in selecting a metal detector. Top options include Bounty Hunter, Fisher, Garrett, Minelab, Nokta Makro, Teknetics, and XP. Opting for models from these reputable brands guarantees quality and reliable customer support for a better metal detecting experience.

Warranty considerations are crucial when selecting a metal detector brand. Most brands offer warranties ranging from 2-5 years, while waterproof models often have shorter warranties (1-2 years). If purchasing a used detector, verify if the warranty is transferable, as some brands may not permit this.

LCD Screen vs. no screen : Experienced hunters often rely on sound, but an LCD screen (VDI) can provide valuable information, such as target depth, target ID, detector settings, and battery life. While some prefer detectors with screens, others find knob-based Tesoro-type detectors sufficient. Hybrid options, like the Fisher F5, offer both screens and knobs for versatile operation. Detectors without screens are known as “beep and dig” machines, as they lack a display to indicate detected items.

Additional research

YouTube Research : Once you have narrowed your choices down to two or three detectors, watch them in action on YouTube. There is nothing like seeing them and hearing the owners talk about them to give us a great idea of what the machine is like and how it works. YouTube features everything from consumer reviews to testing to actual hunting scenarios and everything in between.

Read reviews : It’s crucial to read reviews on the specific model you’re looking to buy. But take reviews and YouTube videos with a grain of salt, as negative feedback may result from users choosing the wrong detector for their needs. Factors like skill, budget, location, and intended use can significantly impact the suitability of a detector. For instance, the AT Pro may perform well in saltwater near the Gulf of Mexico but not in the more extreme conditions of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Similarly, entry-level detectors might struggle in areas with highly mineralized soil, like the Pacific Northwest.

Final thoughts

Metal detecting is a hobby you can grow into over time. There’s no need to buy the most expensive top-of-the-line detector right away and have no idea what you’re doing. Don’t overthink your first purchase. This article talks about many factors to consider, but it’s not intended to scare you away from your first purchase. The bottom line is to stick to your price point with one of the major brands, you really can’t go wrong. The best metal detector is the one that works best for your budget, skill-level, and intended use.

Our top picks

To recap, here are our top picks:

Our mission is to provide metal detecting enthusiasts with the knowledge and resources necessary to excel in the hobby of treasure hunting, while promoting responsible and ethical metal detecting practices.

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The Very Best Metal Detectors

In this article

• Best overall
• Best for beginners
• Best deep detector
• Best all-terrain
• Best waterproof
• Best for kids
• Best large search coil

Best pinpointer

For most of us, the fantasy of finding buried treasure faded away along with other childhood passions, like my youthful ambition to set a Guinness World Record for building the world’s largest pillow fort. But that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right metal detector, a little patience, and some knowledge of history, anyone can dig up centuries-old jewelry and long-lost coins — or at least have a better chance of finding a lost earring in the grass.

When I asked Emily Chambers , a detectorist living in southwest England, for advice on getting into metal detecting, she said the most important step is getting to know your metal detector. “Experiment on different types of metal to see which readings they bring up,” she says, adding that there are plenty of good YouTube channels to help newbies learn how to use their detectors.

Once you’re out in the field (or beach , or park), the general rule of thumb — according to Chambers as well Matthew Reeves, director of archaeology at James Madison’s Montpelier in Virginia, and Artur Kropiwiec , a U.K.-based detectorist — is that if you’re not digging on your own land, you need to make sure you have the landowner’s (or the state’s) permission first. And because laws differ from country to country and state to state, it’s best to do a little research before you set out. “There are places that people can metal detect and kind of scratch that itch to find things,” says Reeves, noting that beaches are a good place to start. But be sure to avoid any place where digging could do permanent damage. Reeves works with detectorists at Montpelier to recover and preserve the stories of the enslaved Americans who lived and labored on the 2,650-acre plantation. If not properly handled, these sites and the stories of the people who labored there could be lost forever.

We asked Reeves, Chambers, Kropiwiec, and five other experienced detectorists from the United States and Europe about the metal detectors they recommend.

What we’re looking for

Price range.

According to Brad Martin of Green Mountain Metal Detecting , the more expensive the machine, the more it can discriminate between trash and treasure. So while you shouldn’t spend thousands on your first metal detector, you don’t want to go too cheap, either. Martin says that “spending more than $150 from well-known brands like Garrett , XP , Minelab , and Fisher will save a lot of time and disappointment.” To help you get a quick sense of the cost of each item, we’ve included a dollar-sign ranking for each product below: $ for a metal detector that costs less than $500, $$ for one that costs between $501 and $1,000, and $$$ for a price tag of more than $1,000.

Ground type

Wherever you plan to search for buried treasure, your metal detector should match that type of ground. According to Martin, someone searching for gold jewelry on a saltwater beach should choose a different machine than someone searching for old coins in a park: “My advice is to visit a local hobby shop and have a chat. They will know what’s best for your area.” If you don’t have a local hobby shop, Eleanor Hube, detectorist and owner of Cape Cod Metal Detectors , suggests calling one on the phone. This guide will help get you acquainted with the top metal detectors on the market right now, some of which can handle all types of terrain.

Experience level

As with any piece of technical equipment, metal detectors are available in a range of complexities designed for every level of expertise. There are metal detectors meant for everyone from absolute beginners to world-champion treasure-hunters and archaeologists. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to stay away from machines made for experts, as they come with a pretty steep learning curve. That said, some detectors are more intuitive than others and can easily be used when you’re starting out as well as once you have grown into a more experienced detectorist. We’ve listed an experience level for each metal detector below.

Best overall metal detector

Price range: $ | Ground type: Field, woods, dry sand, shallow fresh water | Experience level: All levels

Branko Barisic, a Croatian detectorist who posts his finds on Instagram as Metal Detecting Croatia , started his detecting career with a Garrett Ace 250, which he says is lightweight and simple to use. “For the money, it’s great because it has notch discrimination” — a function that allows you to choose which types of metals to target — plus “five search modes and a host of other features,” he says. This model has a search coil (the flat, round part at the bottom of the detector that does the searching) that is waterproof to a depth of nine inches, which, according to Connecticut-based detectorist Jessie Thompson , who has been passionate about metal-detecting since he was 14 years old, makes it great for practicing in lots of scenarios. If your budget doesn’t accommodate the 250, the Garrett Ace 200 has many of the same features for a slightly lower price.

Best metal detector for beginners

Price range: $ | Ground type: All terrain | Experience level: Beginner

According to  George Streeter , a detectorist with over 50 years of experience who hosts annual  group hunts  in New Hampshire and underwater hunts in the Caribbean, the Minelab Vanquish 440 has everything a beginner could need. It’s lightweight and collapsible, and it uses multifrequency technology, allowing you to search for silver, gold,  jewelry , and more in any type of soil or water. It gives you both ID readings  ( the type of metal it detects )  and depth readings to spare you the time and heartache of digging deep only to end up with nails. And like the Garrett Ace, it has a waterproof search coil (submersible up to three feet) so you can explore beaches, streams, and riverbeds.

Best (less expensive) metal detector for beginners

If the price of the 440 is too steep, both Kropiwiec and Hube recommend the slightly cheaper  Vanquish 340  for beginners. Hube, who lives in Cape Cod, prefers this model over other affordable detectors because it comes with multifrequency technology. Without this feature, she says, the mineral content in saltwater can interfere with a detector’s readings. (In her shop, she mostly stocks models from Minelab because even the brand’s affordable options offer multifrequency, whereas only select models from other brands like Garrett have the feature.) Like the 440, the Vanquish 340 has a waterproof coil (submersible up to three feet) and is lightweight and collapsible. It has three search modes — coin, jewelry, or all metal — so you can get started quickly and easily. Plus it has noise-cancelling lag-free audio with three volume levels to choose from.

Best metal detector for deep detection

Price range: $$$ | Ground type: Field, woods, beach, and deep water | Experience level: Intermediate to expert

Chambers, Kropiwiec, and Streeter are all fans of the Minelab Equinox 800. Streeter describes the interface as intuitive and says it can detect deeper and has more options than the Garrett Ace and the Minelab Vanquish. Kropiwiec says it’s a fairly simple detector to operate and that all you need in order to use it are some YouTube videos and field practice. He also adds that you can often find a used model in great condition for a lower price. The Equinox 800 uses Minelab’s multifrequency technology for supersensitive detection and lets you choose from four detecting modes: park, field, beach, and gold . It has a battery life of up to 12 hours, is waterproof up to ten feet, and, depending on which version you buy, can also come with wireless headphones (to help you hear the search tones without ambient distraction) and a pinpointer to help you find your target close up and through mud.

Best all-terrain metal detector

Price range: $$ | Ground type: All terrain | Experience level: Expert

Three of the experts we spoke to — Martin, Barisic, and Kropiwiec — love this metal detector for its high frequency, which allows for greater sensitivity to small items and items with low conductivity, like alloyed or very thin pieces of jewelry. According to Barisic, who recently switched to using the XP Deus, it’s more precise and can detect items at a much deeper range than his previous Garrett AT Max . And Kropiwiec says the Deus will last a long time and retain its value. It’s an expert-level metal detector with many customizable functions that can be used on any terrain, including search modes for wet sand, dry sand, relic, and coin-hunting. It has a battery life of up to 27 hours and is fully waterproof up to 60 meters. Plus, the company updates its software often and offers free downloadable software upgrades for life.

Best waterproof metal detector

Price range: $$$ | Ground type: Deep water | Experience level: Expert

Thompson has used the Minelab CTX 3030 throughout the Northeast and on detecting trips to England. “Minelab is a manufacturer of military-grade metal detectors on battlefields, and they’ve been making metal detectors for quite a while,” he says. He considers the CTX 3030 to be one of the deepest detectors on the market and says he has used it to find Roman brooches, Spanish silver reales coins, gold rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. Like the XP Deus, this metal detector has many customizable settings and is fully waterproof up to ten feet. It has a full-color LCD screen that allows you to detect multiple objects underground at once (displayed as dots on a grid) to help distinguish the good stuff from the junk. And it comes with wireless headphones and a built-in wireless speaker that you can clip to your belt.

Best metal detector for kids

Price range: $ | Ground type: Beach and shallow water | Experience level: Children ages 4 to 8 years old

If you’ve got a kid who is 8 years old or younger and dying to start digging for treasure, Martin recommends this easy-to-use waterproof metal detector. “I have a 7-year-old myself and bought him a Nokta Makro Mini Hoard, which is very lightweight, short, and has a display that shows a thumbs-up smiley face or thumbs-down frown face to indicate if the metal is worth digging up,” he says. Because the detector is waterproof up to three feet, kids can get used to digging in loose sand on the beach before moving on to more difficult terrain. It also has a retractable wand that makes it easy to pack for traveling, plus it comes with a sand-sifter, a sand scoop, two sets of stickers, and a two-year warranty.

Best large search coil for extra coverage

Price range: $ | Ground type: All terrain | Experience level: Intermediate to expert

The search coil that comes included with the Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector is 11 inches in diameter. But as you gain more experience, you may want to upgrade to a larger coil. “I have a new 15-inch coil from Minelab that gives me more coverage, and the results are surprising. It can find really small pieces of silver, gold, and bronze, even with fast settings,” says Kropiwiec. The larger coil also allows you to increase the depth at which you can detect small pieces of metal. Like the smaller coil that ships with the Equinox 800, it is waterproof while also being excellent for searching in fields and parks. Not all metal detectors allow you to switch out different coils, but most of the expert-level machines do. This particular search coil is only compatible with Equinox-series metal detectors.

Price range: $ | Ground type: All terrain | Experience level: All levels

All of the experts we spoke to said that, in addition to a metal detector, you will need a pinpointer to help locate your treasure once you start digging. Thompson likens it to a smaller version of a metal detector that helps prevent him from digging unnecessarily big and messy holes. “You want to dig what looks kind of like a trapdoor. Basically, you cut three sides and you tilt the dirt over. That way, when you put everything back in, it’s like you were never there,” he says. According to Barisic, the Garret Pro-Pointer is the best one on the market. “It’s waterproof and never makes a mistake,” he says.

Our experts

• Branko Barisic, a Croatian detectorist who posts his finds on Instagram as Metal Detecting Croatia • Emily Chambers , a detectorist living in southwest England • Eleanor Hube, detectorist and owner of Cape Cod Metal Detectors • Artur Kropiwiec , a U.K.-based detectorist • Brad Martin of Green Mountain Metal Detecting • Matthew Reeves, director of archaeology at James Madison’s Montpelier • George Streeter , a New Hampshire–based detectorist who hosts annual group hunts • Jessie Thompson , a Connecticut-based detectorist

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7 Best Metal Detectors of 2024

Whether you're a pro or a beginner, one of these devices are a must-have to up your search.

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Whether you’ve lost a ring outdoors or have a hankering to go treasure hunting on your beach day, a metal detector will likely help you find a few shiny things. This hobby requires patience and a sizable initial investment if you want a device that can accurately spot goods from a few feet away, which is why it's important to find one that's worth the coin. Next, you'll be wanted to study a little history to investigate your newfound goods.

Based on hours of independent research and insight from an expert dectorist, we're confident these are the best metal detectors on the market.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Metal Detector

Garrett ace 300 metal detector.

Best Value Metal Detector

Pancky metal detector.

Best Metal Detector for Beginners

Nokta makro simplex+ whp waterproof detector.

Best Metal Detector for Gold

Garrett ace apex metal detector.

Best Metal Detector for Beaches

Minelab vanquish 440 multi-frequency pinpointing metal detector.

Best for Metal Detector for Pros

Xp deus metal detector.

Best Pinpointer

Garrett garrett pro-pointer ii.

Depending on whether you're hoping to detect gold, jewelry or coins, you’ll want to choose a detector that'll help you suss out what you're detecting and what grounds you’ll be covering. Before heading out, you'll also want to make sure that — if you’re not digging on your own land — you have the permission of the landowner or the state to do some digging. Laws tend to different by stand and by county, so do some research before you buy to make sure it's feasible for you.

Below you’ll find our top picks for metal detectors, the key difference of features, the best places you can go hunting and why you should trust our picks.

For the average hobbyist, the Garrett ACE 300 is loaded with a breadth of features and controls to keep you happy and searching. For the $270 price tag, you’ll get expert pinpointing and your option of specifying the iron identification from foil to gold to silver . You view all the details on a large screen, and there’s also a water resistant coil for beach searching and five search modes suitable for different materials like relics for small iron pieces and jewelry for precious metals.

You’ll also get a few accessories, including headphones with volume control, a cover and search coil cover. It has a 8kHz frequency and a range of 10 inches, though you can upgrade it with a larger one, but that should be enough for finding low and medium targets, like coins and your lost rings.

At $150, the PANCKY Metal Detector gives you the best bang for your buck compared to some of the more expensive models on this list . It still offers five mode (including metal, disc, memory, jewelry and pin pointer) and a waterproof search coil that can detect up to 10 inches below the ground and claims to still function in shallow water, although some reviewers note issues with excessive beeping when it comes near wet ground.

The large LCD displays all your stats from how close an object is to the material. It also comes loaded with useful accessories, like headphones, a detection bag, a backpack and a small shovel to dig up your goods.

Novice treasure hunters will appreciate the easy-to-use Nokta Makro Simplex+ . Users can quickly toggle through four different modes (metal, field, park and beach), it has notch discrimination designed to more accurately pinpoint items and the search coil is said to detect up to 11 inches deep.

The brand also says it's IP68 waterproof, meaning it can be submerged up to 10 feet of water, making it ideal for searching by the shore. If you plan on using it at night, know that it features a LCD backlight, keypad backlight and LED flashlight for some solid illumination. The small screen may be tricky for some to see, but all in all, it’s loaded with enough bells and whistles for newbies to enjoy.

It’s every treasure hunter’s dream to stumble upon a gold mine, and with the Garrett Metal Detectors ACE APEX, that goal might be closer than you think. It has a large backlit display and offers a whopping six detection modes, including coins, U.S. coins, jewelry, relics and a custom setting where you can save a different frequency setting that suits your hunts best as well as a pinpoint setting for more precise location targeting.

It uses Multi-Flex technology that swaps from a low to higher frequency to help you detect larger coins or pinpoint gold nuggets. Targeting certain materials gets more specific with the “iron audio,” which can determine if you’ve just encountered a bottle cap. There’s also the notch discrimination features that filters out certain frequencies in order to avoid flimsy scrap metal. With the amount of features, it might be a bit complicated for the average users, though

Beach trips quickly become an adventure with the Minelab Vanquish 440. Its multi-frequency technology is said to work well searching along saltwater, meaning you’ll quickly discover lost items that scatter the vicinity. However, it’s only waterproof up to a little more than three feet, so you want to be careful not to submerge it.

It also has four find modes that employ different frequencies for the area. For example, park mode is great for helping to cut through high-trash areas while field mode is more suited for coin searching. Once you find the best setting for you, you can save it for future use. Additionally, it weighs only 2.6 pounds, so it’s easy to transport and use for extended periods of time.

If you want to go deeper than a standard metal detector, the XP DEUS Metal Detector detects up to 11 inches deep. It uses 35 frequencies to detect objects of a wide variety of sizes and materials with nine modes to shuffle through .

It’s a bit more expensive than other models on this list, but well worth it if you want to go hunting underground thanks to the extended notch discrimination range. You’ll also get a remote control, a hip-mount case for the remote and full-sized wireless headphones with your purchase. Plus, there’s a 5-year warranty if you encounter any issues.

While not technically a full metal detector, this pinpointer is incredibly useful for pinpointing your treasure before you start digging. When you turn it on, it uses a shrink detection field, which tunes out mineralized ground, wet beach sand and the like that might otherwise interfere with detection, to precisely pinpoint large targets . When used in tandem with your metal detector, you’ll waste less time sifting around the area and add more found goods to your pocket. This model claims to be weatherproof; you can dip the tip in water but not the entire device.

How we chose the best metal detectors

To choose the best metal detectors, our editors did extensive categorical research on different models of different capabilities and price points. When choosing a metal detector, we considered factors such as:

✔️ Type : There are two main types of metal detectors: Very low frequency (VLF) and multi-frequency. VLF transmits lower frequencies and measures the return of the frequency from and object to determine where and how far an object is. This is good for detecting objects close by, but it can get interfered by natural occurring metals in the ground. Multi-frequency have a larger frequency range, which can make it easier to pinpoint smaller objects, while also having the option to use lower frequencies as well. However, these can be more expensive. We considered both kinds when choosing metal detectors.

✔️ Coil size: Typically with coil size, the larger the coil the deeper and more sensitive a metal detector will be. This may seem that larger is better, but large coils tend to be less sensitive to smaller targets and more at risk to electromagnetic interference (EMI), according to MineLab . Smaller coils may not have a deep depth but can track those smaller targets. We choose metal detectors close to 10-inch coils for a happy medium of the two.

✔️ P ortability: We considered both how easy the metal detector would be to transport as well as the weight of each to determine how hard it would be to carry over time. Most metal detectors have a range of adjustable lengths to accommodate people of a variety of heights and make it easier to fold up for storage. Some also come with a carry bag.

✔️ Notch filter discrimination: We prioritized metal detectors that have notch filter discrimination, which allows the device to “notch out” or remove a certain kind of metal or iron from the radar. This means the user can pinpoint what metal they are searching for and avoid more basic metals that you would find in a bottle cap. Turner warns not to discriminate against anything but irons, as you could be missing out on striking gold and other valuables.

✔️ Modes: Metal detectors typically come with several pre-set modes that use a specific frequency based on what you’re looking for and where you're searching to increase the likelihood of finding some goods. We compared the different options and prioritized models with more modes that would make it easier for the average user.

What to look for when shopping for a metal detector

Aside from making the decision to look for treasure, there are a few things to think about before making an investment in a metal detector. You’ll need to think about where you’ll be using it and how often as well as any accessories you’ll need. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a metal detector:

✔️ Location: "Some people are relic hunters who like to look for old coins," Turner says. "Some people like beach hunting," he continues, so depending on your interests, "there’s different ways you want to hunt." You can’t just take out a metal detector and use it anywhere and expect good results. For example, a metal detector that uses VLF would pick up on the minerals on a sandy beach, giving you too many inaccurate results. Make sure that the metal detector you use has a mode or setting allowing you to use it where you plan on using it most at the very least. Beaches where salt water can interfere with detection should use a lower frequency (around 5 kHz). Coins and jewelry that are usually closer to the surface and are of a higher conductivity will benefit from frequencies of about 10 kHz.

✔️ Metals: Metal detectors can pick up on a range of materials from iron to silver and gold. However, some have more specific detection for certain items like coins or jewelry. A metal detector with a larger range of this will allow you to know what you’re getting into before you start digging.

✔️ Duration: Think about how long you will be using your metal detector for. If it’s longer than an hour, double-check that the model of your choice will last for your entire treasure hunt. Most metal detectors use lithium batteries that last for about 20 hours or need to be charged, and you can usually view the remaining battery life on the included screen.

✔️ Pinpointer: Some metal detectors have a built-in pinpointer to help you narrow down the exact location of the target, which Turner recommends having when looking for a target from a plug. These gadgets work by using a combination of beeps and vibration to show a more precise spot of the target that your metal detector has found. If the model doesn’t have one, you can always purchase one separately to make your search a little easier.

✔️ Accessories: Headphones are needed to hear the buzz of the metal detector that will indicate how close you are to an object. Some come with headphones included, as well as carrying cases, a cover-up or a search coil cover.

Where should you use a metal detector?

You can use your metal detector in a variety of spaces . Fields with little interference (i.e. the minerals in the ground that your metal detector can get confused with a solid target) are great for looking for coins and beaches are great for discovering lost items. Just be careful that you can be there. It's illegal to use a detector in U.S. National Parks and historic battlefields, according to the Society of American Archeology , and you should check local city and county laws to determine where you’re allowed to metal detect and if you’ll need a permit to do so.

Tuner also recommends leaving the spot you're hunting in just as good if not better than you left it. That means bringing a separate bag for any trash you may find and covering up and digging marks. "You’re finding treasure for yourself and you’re cleaning up the beach at the same time," he says. "Plus, that way you’re not finding the same trash next time around."

How do I get what I find with my metal detector?

Once you’ve found an object, you’ll need to uncover it. Since metal detectors can’t sense more than a few inches into the ground, you shouldn't need to dig too deep to find your loot. A large shovel might make too much of a dent on public and private property, but using something like a sand scoop on dry sand or trowel on hard dirt is best.

For land, Turner recommends something called a dirt plug, which is essentially achieved by cutting a square with your shovel and then pulling out the earth to inspect. "You lift it up, retrieve your target and put the earth and the plug back," he says. "It should never look like someone has been hunting in a park, so cover it up.

Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!). 

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The Best Metal Detectors of 2024

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Garrett ACE 300

Five search modes and depth adjustments

Can detect treasure up to 8 inches deep

Includes ClearSound headphones

Requires some fine-tuning

Fisher Research Labs F22

Waterproof search coil and lightweight body

Modes for jewelry, coin, artifacts, and more

Up to 30 hours of battery life

Not ideal for certain metals and settings

Garrett AT Pro

Flexible yet intuitive controls

Beginner-friendly presets

Impressive accuracy

None that we could find

XP Deus RCWS5

Variety of high-sensitivity detection modes

Waterproof coil and five-year warranty

Superb quality and performance

National Geographic Junior Metal Detector

Great for kids

Fun and easy to use

Inconsistent with detecting

Updated July 19, 2023

When shopping for a metal detector online, knowing where you’ll be searching for treasure—and what kind of treasure you hope to find—is half the battle. Every detector will offer a unique set of features, search modes, and a different degree of user-friendliness. If you’re a beginner, you probably don’t want something designed and built for a seasoned “metal head.” Start with something simpler; a metal detector that works well can be a serious investment.

Experienced detectorists may want to look into Fisher, Garrett, Minelab, and XP metal detectors because they are trusted brands known for their longstanding quality. You also want to find a detector that can distinguish between junk and a metal object that’s valuable, like gold nuggets and jewelry relics. After hours spent looking at several types of metal detectors at different price points and user reviews, we’ve put together a list of the five best metal detectors you can buy online. Happy hunting.

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

The Garrett ACE 300 has a very reasonable price tag and offers five search modes, depth adjustments, and a good balance of beginner-friendly controls and advanced performance. Its search coil is submersible, so you can safely hunt in the water, and it’s got a range of up to eight inches deep and wide.

It measures for copper, silver, and gold levels, and it comes with a pair of Garrett ClearSound headphones. It’s a popular choice among Amazon shoppers, with hundreds of rave reviews.

This affordable Fisher offers weatherproofing, 25 to 30 hours of battery life (on a pair of AAs), and some useful features. It has modes for coins, jewelry, artifacts, and customizability, and will let you know when it’s found iron.

The search coil is submersible, and it’s extra lightweight at just over two pounds. As for the type of terrain to use it on, reviewers found that it didn’t work well on wet beaches, and it can be a little tricky to dial in what you’re looking for, but most users were thrilled with the value here.

At $599, the Garrett AT Pro is a midrange model from one of the most trusted brands in metal detection. It comes with a pinpointer, a digger tool, and headphones, giving you everything you need to get serious about your new hobby in one handy package.

Reviewers have praised its accuracy, the flexible yet intuitive controls, and the easy-to-use modes for those new to metal and gold prospecting. It runs on four AA batteries, and its all-black design looks fantastic.

The XP Deus is a waterproof metal detector, has flexible controls, and comes with a five-year warranty, offering high-end performance in a sleek, simple package. “This is the one to get,” one reviewer wrote. “It gives you a ton of useful information before you decide to dig.”

The Deus comes with a remote control, a hip-mount case for the remote, and full-sized wireless headphones. It’s got a variety of detection modes with a high degree of sensitivity (across 35 frequencies).

This kid-approved metal detector is great for the little ones who love a bit of mystery and exploration. As a light 1.4 pounds, this detector is easy to handle and great to bring to places like the beach and desert. The waterproof dual coil can be adjusted to dodge false discoveries of things like coins and small metal items. Based on reviews, many note that the detection is inconsistent and only works if objects are very close to the surface.

When an object is found, this detector makes it easy to know. It beeps and illuminates an LED light whenever it hits the prize. The comfortable, padded arm can be adjusted as long as 39 inches. It can also be removed for easy travel, which allows this detector to pack down as short as 24 inches in length.

Sitting at a mid-price range, the Minelab Vanquish 540 is fully adjustable, collapsible, lightweight, and comes with everything you need to dive into your new treasure-hunting hobby. It’s got a pair of wired headphones, a pinpointer, and other accessories, and the coil is waterproof—though you’ll probably want to stay out of heavy rain.

“I was amazed,” one user wrote of “its ability to ID different metals.” It offers three modes tailored for jewelry, coins, and “relics.

Can detect treasure up to 10 inches deep

Adjustable, collapsible, and lightweight

Presents for coins, jewelry, and relics

May have a learning curve

Affordable and user friendly, the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is strong enough to ensure extreme conditions in the ground. Its disc notch makes it easy to determine if you’re hitting a pile of treasure or unwanted metal items. Reviewers find that it’s great for the price and is easy to use, making it more suitable for beginner treasure hunters.

3 mode settings

Great for the pice

Easy to use

Most ideal for beginners only

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the testers

Sr. Editor, Search & Updates

Alex Kane is a senior editor at USA Today ’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic . He has written for Fangoria , PC Gamer , Polygon , Rolling Stone , StarWars.com, and Variety . He lives in west-central Illinois.

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

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Home » Outdoors » Metal Detectors

The Best Metal Detectors

Updated April 5, 2022

O ver 30 hours of hands-on testing with seven top products priced under $250, we found the Garrett – Ace 250 to be the best metal detector in every category we tested. The Ace 250 is superior when it comes to locating coins, relics and gold, both in the sand and in the water. It also has the best look and feel when it comes to ergonomics. The Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV came in as our runner-up.

Our Top Choices

Top Performer

Bounty Hunter

Budget Pick

Gold Digger

Table of contents

The 7 metal detectors we tested, best overall: garrett – ace 250, also great: bounty hunter – tracker iv, budget pick: bounty hunter – gold digger, other products we tested, how we selected, how we tested, important features to consider, the bottom line.

After we completed testing, a clear winner emerged: the Garrett – Ace 250 , which received perfect scores in four of our five tests.

The Garrett’s automatic ground-balancing feature adjusted itself to the mineral content and found every coin, relic, and piece of gold — in sand, underwater, and even buried a few inches deep. It only missed one item during the discrimination test, so it is safe to say that this metal detector is your best bet when it comes to finding those treasures.

As far as the ergonomics on this unit go, it was definitely the most comfortable of any of the detectors. The model is solidly built and sturdy. The foam on the handle and armrest, along with the Velcro strap on the armrest, provide a very secure feel.

Top Pick: Garrett - Ace 250

The Garrett - Ace 250 is on the pricey side, but it's packed with features and it outperformed every other unit we tested.

The LCD display is also in a class of its own. Along with the standard discrimination, sensitivity features and headphone jack, this unit comes with a pinpoint feature (which is also found on the New Home Innovations – Starter Kit ) and many other pre-programmed modes for searching for different types of metals. The screen is easy to read and also displays the estimated depth of the metal it finds. No other detector can compare to this Garrett – Ace 250 in terms of ergonomics.

The only downside to this unit is the relatively high price tag. While there are much more expensive models out there, this one does cost the most of the seven we’ve tested.

Key takeaways:

• The Garrett – Ace 250 is the most reliable metal detector when it comes to locating coins, relics, and gold.
• Its solid frame, padded handle, and Velcro-strapped forearm rest make this metal detector the most comfortable model.
• The LCD screen is top of the line, clearly displaying a wide range of options and data.
• With a depth meter, pinpoint feature, and various other features, the Garrett – Ace 250 has the widest variety of modes.

Coming in second place is the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV metal detector. In two of our tests, this metal detector actually tied with the Garrett – Ace 250 for top place. That is, in both the general detection test and the depth test the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV found every single item. As for the discrimination test and underwater test, this metal detector came up only behind the Garrett. Perhaps it is for this reason that the Tracker IV has also been voted as one of the best beginner metal detectors on some other review sites.

We would definitely recommend this unit to anyone looking for an excellent all-around unit that is inexpensive. Like the Garrett, the calibration feature on this model is automatic, and it had no problems adjusting itself to the soil we were searching. Bounty Hunter is perhaps the most trusted name in the business when it comes to metal detectors, and this Tracker IV is our pick for their best model.

If you are deliberating between getting this model or the Garrett – Ace 250, there are two main points you should consider. On one hand, the price of the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV is much lower than the Garrett: around 50% cheaper. On the other hand, this Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV does not compete with the Garrett when it comes to ergonomics.

Runner-up: Bounty Hunter - Tracker IV

The Tracker IV is one of the best when it comes to locating treasures, both on the surface and buried several inches deep.

The sensitivity feature, discrimination feature, headphone jack, target indicator, and three-position toggle on this Tracker IV are more than enough to detect most items. However, the lack of an LCD screen is worth noting. We think that the variety of extra options that come with an LCD screen would have helped this Tracker IV in the trickier underwater and discrimination tests.

If you plan on detecting in places where there will be metallic trash that might interfere, or you plan on searching for items underwater and you want the absolute best performance under these conditions, you may want to spend the extra cash and go with the Garrett.

• The Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV received our top score for finding metals, both on the surface and buried.
• It was second best when testing amid metallic trash and underwater, only to be beat out by the Garrett.
• Considering how well it functions, the price tag for the Tracker is relatively low.
• The four adjustable modes on its display are enough to suit any type of treasure hunting you might engage in.

If you are more budget-minded and are still looking for an excellent metal detector, the Bounty Hunter – Gold Digger is a good option. Bounty Hunter is a quality product that dominates the market of metal detectors. While other review sites picked the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV as their top budget pick, we think the Gold Digger deserves this honor, as it is priced lower than the Tracker IV and functions almost as well.

In our general detection test, the Gold Digger missed only one item. Likewise, in the depth test and underwater test this detector failed to locate only one item per test. This Gold Digger is therefore very reliable when it comes to locating treasures – both above ground as well as underground and underwater.

Like the top two detectors, the Gold Digger’s calibration feature is automatic and self-adjusted as needed. Also, this detector comes with a pair of headphones that can be plugged into the jack, but we must note that they are on the small side and the quality is not great.

Budget Pick: Bounty Hunter - Gold Digger

Scoring near the top in all of our tests and yet having a very low price tag makes this detector our budget pick.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that, overall, the Bounty Hunter – Gold Digger came in third place in our test results, and yet it is the second cheapest model out of all seven detectors we tested. We admit that this detector does not look special (with only a power level, trash eliminator, and sensitivity meter on the display), but it gets the job done. When all features are adjusted properly, this budget unit finds treasures with the best of them.

• The Bounty Hunter – Gold Digger received an overall third-place score on our five tests and can reliably find treasures in most conditions.
• Though it excelled on our tests, this metal detector is actually the second cheapest model that we tested.
• Power level, trash eliminator, and sensitivity meter features work very well together on the Gold Digger, and it was the only one to come with headphones.

Treasure Cove – TC-3020

The Treasure Cove – TC-3020 had an all-around good score on our five tests, making it worth considering. When we first got our hands on this unit we were excited about the sheer number of options and features on the LCD display. We have to note that this is the second best display of all our seven models, only behind the Garrett – Ace 250.

The options on the LCD screen include a sensitivity meter, discrimination meter, notch adjuster and metal adjuster. Besides these, the display also has a meter displaying what type of metal it has found (such as gold or silver) and even attempts to specify what it is that it has located (such as a nickel, quarter, or trash). It is also noteworthy that this metal detector came with high-quality headphones to plug into the jack.

Because this detector came with such an excellent range of options and features on the display, we were disappointed that it did not score more highly on some of our tests. In particular, this Treasure Cove struggled a bit on our depth and underwater test, so it might not be the greatest at finding metals that are several inches below the surface.

New Home Innovations – Starter Kit

The New Home Innovations – Starter Kit metal detector was a bit low on the overall score for our tests, but the cheap price tag on this unit somewhat offsets that. If you are looking for a budget metal detector outside of the Bounty Hunter name brand, this one will treat you well. There were no glaring defects on this metal detector; on the other hand, there were no amazing qualities about it either.

Overall, we consider this a nice middle-of-the-road unit. It scored somewhere near the mid-range in most of our tests. This means that while using this detector you will be able to find most treasures, including those buried underwater and amid trash, but will likely miss out on a few that other higher-rated detectors would find.

The features on the display include the standard discrimination, sensitivity, and target indicator, along with a headphone jack. Beyond this, the display also includes a pinpoint feature, which is a nice touch on such a budget-friendly model. We do have to note that ergonomically this unit feels a bit on the cheap side due to its weak build and the flimsy forearm rest.

BARSKA – Winbest Pro

As far as functionality goes, the BARSKA – Winbest Pro metal detector operated about on par with the New Home Innovations. In our tests to locate metals, this unit scored around the middle of the road, not doing too poorly or too well on any test. It is comparable to the New Home Innovations in this regard: It will find most treasures but will miss out on a few that other higher-rated detectors would have located. Therefore, if your only concern is finding a decent amount of treasures, this unit will be alright and will save you a bit of cash as well.

Again, as far as ergonomics go, this metal detector did struggle. The display only includes a discrimination feature, sensitivity feature, headphone jack and target indicator — leaving a bit to be desired here. Moreover, the feel of the unit was below our expectations. The forearm rest is small and flimsy, making it feel loose in the hands. The unit itself would also fall apart on us during testing since it did not screw together very securely.

Ground EFX – MC1 Youth

The Ground EFX – MC1 Youth metal detector is made specifically for children, so it’s shorter and lighter than the other detectors we tested, weighing only two pounds with an adjustable length between 26 and 36 inches.

While the Ground EFX does have the weight and length to match a child treasure-seeker, the functionality of this unit was poor, scoring last on four of our tests. In the general detection test, discrimination test and depth test this metal detector had the poorest performance, which suggests that it just cannot find those relics, coins, and gold with any consistency.

Its display only offers the most basic features: a power knob, eliminator knob, and target indicator meter. Also, there does not seem to be a headphone jack, while all of our other detectors had the option to plug in headphones. Moreover, we were not able to verify whether the calibration feature on this unit was automatic, but we suspect that it comes preset, which might explain why it was not able to locate treasures very well.

If your child is very small, then this metal detector may be the only one to fit them, but you might want to consider looking for a non-youth unit that is lightweight and can be shortened down to size. The BARSKA – Winbest Pro will be your best bet here, as this detector weighs only two and a half pounds and can be adjusted to be as short as the Ground EFX.

In deciding which metal detectors to test, we did online research and found out what people are normally using metal detectors for. In particular, we combed through metal detecting subreddits to see what people are concerned with, read articles to learn from more experienced detectorists such as Michael and Daniel Bernzweig, and also drew from other ‘real testing’ review sites.

We found that the top uses for metal detectors are coin shooting, relic hunting, and gold prospecting, which we will describe below. We also found that the top areas people are concerned about while doing their detecting are beaches and water. We therefore looked for metal detectors that specialize in these areas.

Keeping this information in mind, we then went to Amazon and other online retailers, such as Walmart and The Home Depot, in order to find which metal detectors not only met the above criteria but were also reviewed positively by consumers. Of course, the more reviews each metal detector has, the more reliable the information will be. Because of this, we only tested those metal detectors that had a large number of reviews and a positive customer review rating.

Once our seven metal detectors arrived we headed off to the beach in order to begin our hands-on testing. Based on our research of what consumers are most interested in and concerned about, we tailored our tests accordingly. We engaged all seven metal detectors in five tests: a general detection test, a discrimination test, a depth test, an underwater test, and an ergonomics test.

The most popular location for metal detecting is the beach, where we tested our seven finalists with five tests. First, we set up a general detection test in which we searched for relics, coins, and gold that we scattered on the sand. Second, we did a similar test in which we scattered metallic trash around our test items to see if that trash would confuse the detector.

Third, we performed a depth test in which we buried the coins, relics, and gold several inches deep and then tested how well the detectors sensed them. Fourth, we submitted each detector to an underwater test in which we tested how well the detectors sensed the coins, relics, and gold when they were submerged several inches. Finally, while doing all of the above tests, we also considered the ergonomic look and feel of each metal detector.

Basic detection test

For the general detection test, we scattered 12 different objects on top of the sand, separated from one another by several feet. Here, we wanted to test the ability of each detector to find all types of metal. So, we used a wide variety of coins, relics, and gold. In total, we used one yellow-gold ring, two white-gold rings, a silver bracelet relic, a silver belt buckle relic, a silver pocket watch relic, three one-dollar coins, and three quarters.

Once the objects were placed in the sand, we then tested each detector by walking steadily forward, sweeping the detector back and forth over each object one time. We wanted this test to capture realistic results, so we did not pause over any object. Instead, we simply passed over each one time, testing if the detector would alert us to its presence.

All of the finalists had good results for this test, and a few of them had excellent results. The Garrett – Ace 250 and the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV each perfectly located 12 out of the 12 objects. The Ground EFX – MC1 Youth had the worst showing but still managed to locate nine out of the 12 objects.

Discrimination test

Next, we wanted to test the discrimination ability of each of the metal detectors — that is, we wanted to test how well each detector can filter out metallic trash while still being able to locate coins, relics, and gold.

For the discrimination test, we used the above-mentioned general detection test, but first, we scattered several nails and soda can pull tabs throughout the area. We chose these trash items because they seem to be the most common to confuse detectors. We placed these trash objects both next to several of the coins, relics, and gold and in the spaces between them.

We wanted to determine whether each detector was able to accurately locate the coins, relics, and gold, even when metal trash was next to them. Moreover, we wanted to ensure that the detectors would not erroneously pick up a trash item by itself as if it were one of the coins, relics or gold. As we did with the general detection test, for this test we simply walked forward in a steady motion, sweeping each detector back and forth.

All of the detectors that we tested had an adjustable discrimination feature, which we set according to their respective manuals. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the results of this test were very similar to the above general detection test. The Garrett – Ace 250 had the highest score, failing to find only one object. The Ground EFX – MC1 Youth had the lowest score, failing to find several objects and actually erroneously alerting us of one trash item.

For the depth test we wanted to test how accurately each detector could locate coins, relics, and gold that were buried under the sand from between four and six inches deep. We chose this range since we learned that under normal conditions you can expect your detector to read objects with consistency up to six inches underground.

Here we dug six holes, each one between four and six inches. Then, we buried the six following items: a yellow-gold ring, a white-gold ring, a silver bracelet relic, a silver belt buckle relic, a one-dollar coin, and a quarter. We then filled each of the holes with sand. Once all of the items were buried, we scanned the area with each detector, just as we did in the first two tests: walking steadily forward, sweeping the detector back and forth

Again, the results were very similar to the first two tests, so we knew that a pattern was forming. The Garrett – Ace 250 and the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV each achieved a perfect score by locating all six of the items that we buried. Meanwhile, the Ground EFX – MC1 Youth earned the worst score with a three out of six.

In general, we found that the rings were the hardest for the detectors to locate, which makes sense considering how small they are. Also, we noted that the Garrett – Ace 250 not only achieved the highest score here but that it was also the most intuitive. It clearly and accurately marked on its LCD screen the depth of each object that it located.

Underwater test

Next, we tested how well each metal detector worked when attempting to locate an object that was submerged in water. Here we placed various coins, relics, and gold underwater, each one submerged anywhere from four to 12 inches deep. We chose this range in an attempt to mimic what you would normally experience while detecting in the shallow water at the beach.

In total we placed six objects underwater, the same ones we used during the depth test: a yellow-gold ring, a white-gold ring, a silver bracelet relic, a silver belt buckle relic, a one-dollar coin, and a quarter. We then tested each of the metal detectors by submerging their coils under the water and moving steadily forward over each object one time.

We should note here that all seven of the metal detectors are advertised as having waterproof coils, and indeed, we did not have any problems in this regard. However, you should note that some consumers have had their units malfunction when placed in water. Notably, consumers have complained that both of the Bounty Hunters on this list, as well as the BARSKA, have malfunctioned when submerged. We did not have this problem with any of the units.

Once again, in line with our above tests, the Garrett – Ace 250 had the best score in the underwater test, locating with perfect accuracy all six of the underwater items. Surprisingly, here the Ground EFX – MC1 Youth did not score the lowest. Instead, the Treasure Cove – TC-3020, New Home Innovations – Starter Kit, and BARSKA – Winbest Pro Edition all tied for the worst score, locating four out of the six underwater items.

Ergonomics test

While testing, we also took notes on each detector’s ergonomics. We considered the feel and function of each detector in our hands, along with the quality of the display for each unit.

We found that when the different components on a detector snapped together, this provided a sturdier frame than those that were screwed together. Also, the component of the metal detector that rests on your forearm should be large and comfortable, as we found that much of the weight of the detector rests on this spot. Detectors that had a small forearm rest often slipped off our arm and were harder to control.

The displays of metal detectors come in a wide array of options, some better than others. In general, an LCD display is preferable over the old knobs and meter layout, as it gives much more information along with more options for customization.

Most Comfortable: Garrett - Ace 250

Thick padding and Velcro-strapped forearm rest make this the comfiest metal detector.

Keeping the above pointers in mind, we found that the Garrett – Ace 250 had the best ergonomics. The thick padding all over the detector, the secure forearm rest with a Velcro strap, and the fact that the different parts of the shaft connected by clicking together in pre-made grooves, made this Garrett the most comfortable unit. This model also had the best display of any of the detectors. The LCD display on this unit was easy to read and had the most buttons, options, and customization of all the units.

Interestingly, the Treasure Cove – TC-3020 was a close second place, as it is sturdily and also has an excellent LCD display. We found the BARSKA – Winbest Pro Edition to have the worst ergonomics. Not only was the forearm rest on the BARSKA small and flimsy, but the unit itself kept falling apart due its weak screw support.

What is a metal detector used for?

Coin shooting: The most common activity metal detectors are used for is searching for coins or ‘coin shooting.’ It is often mentioned that coin shooting, while fun in its own right, will also pay for your metal detector within several months of detecting. If you go to popular places, such as the beach, you are sure to find quarters, nickels, dimes, and even one-dollar coins. On the other hand, you can also go searching for more valuable vintage coins. If you would like to search for these, it is recommended to go coin shooting in less frequented places.

Relic hunting: Relic hunting, or searching for treasures from a bygone era, is another popular activity you can do with a metal detector. Not only can relics be valuable antiques, but they are also interesting in that they provide insights into past times. When searching for a relic you need to consider the type of ground that you will be searching in. Oftentimes, you will be searching in heavily mineralized areas, and so you want a detector that can filter out the minerals while searching.

Gold prospecting:  Many people get into the hobby of metal detecting with the dreams of finding a big gold nugget. Searching for gold nuggets or flakes is called gold prospecting.  Enthusiasm for the gold rush is still alive and well for some people, and if this is true for you,  then you want a detector that is especially well adept at locating gold.

It seems that gold prospecting is the most difficult of all types of detecting and experienced detectorists suggest that you master coin shooting before searching for gold. From our tests, we found that the Garrett – Ace 250 was best at locating gold, while the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV , Bounty Hunter – Gold Digger , and Treasure Cove – TC-3020 all tied for a close second place.

Beach and water hunting: While coin shooting, relic hunting, and gold prospecting are the most popular activities for metal detectorists, the beach and ocean are the most popular locations for detecting. There are two main terrains to consider here: the sand and underwater.

Of course, you can expect to find valuables left behind by beachgoers on the sand, but don’t forget that there will be things in the water too. If you plan on using your detector underwater, the coil needs to be waterproof. We made sure that all of the models we tested were advertised as having waterproof coils.

Calibration:  Often, you will be using your metal detector in soil full of metallic minerals. When this is the case, you are going to want a good calibration feature, also known as a ground-balancing feature, on your metal detector.

The ground-balancing feature is responsible for sensing the various metallic minerals in the soil and, in turn, clearing out any possible interference from these. If the calibration strength is too low on your metal detector, you may experience frustrating interference from the minerals in the soil.

There are three different types of calibration features that each metal detector may have, including preset, automatic or manual:

• If your detector has a preset calibration , it has been set to a particular range and will not change.
• Detectors with auto-calibration automatically adjust their sensors as they read the minerals in the ground.
• Detectors with manual calibration allow the user to adjust their ground balancing setting as they choose.

Coil:  The coil is the flat sphere at the end of the detector that you hold above the ground. It comes in many different styles and shapes, including the double-D, concentric and spider designs. Each type of coil excels at certain things and struggles with others, so be sure to think about what you will be using your detector for before choosing your coil.

Double-D coils have an excellent range of coverage but cannot read objects buried very deep. Concentric coils, on the other hand, do not have as good of a range, but read buried objects better. Spider coils are the most consistent of all coil shapes and can be used amid bushes and grass.

Depth indicator:  The depth indicator is a rare feature on metal detectors. However, this feature is handy. It will let you know how deep you need to dig in order to pull up your object from the ground. Normally, depth indicators will display how deep the object is on the LCD screen, giving you a range from anywhere between one and 12 inches.

Discrimination:  The discrimination feature on metal detectors is used to specify what objects you do and do not want your detector to locate. Most detectors will have this feature, but the options of this mode will vary greatly.

Different types of metal produce different types of magnetic responses and the discrimination feature on detectors is able to hone in on only those magnetic responses which you choose. This allows you not only to search for the types of metals you are after, but it also allows you to ignore other types of trash metals.

Pinpoint mode:  Pinpoint mode is an option found on a few metal detectors. It is used to help hone in on the object you are detecting. Whereas all detectors give you a rough idea where the object is to be found, the pinpoint mode helps you determine its exact location. The sensor is placed at the center of the coil, while the button to activate the mode is normally up by the hand. Once you know there is an object in the vicinity, push the pinpoint button, and you should be able to precisely locate the object.

Radar type:  While many metal detectors come with a radar that can penetrate the ground, the quality of the radar can vary. Indeed, the quality of the radar technology has a large impact on the total cost of the unit, so if you want high-end technology here, expect to pay top dollar for your metal detector. The better radars can read the density and size of the buried object accurately, so if this concerns you, be sure to get a detector with a high-quality radar.

Sensitivity meter:  The sensitivity feature on a metal detector is used for two different reasons: first, to find objects of varying sizes. When the sensitivity is set to high, you will be able to find smaller metal items; when it’s set to low, you will be able to find larger items.

Second, the sensitivity feature is used to find objects buried at varying depths. Setting the sensitivity to high will allow you to find objects toward the top of the ground, and setting it to low will help you find objects that are buried deeper. While nearly all metal detectors have an adjustable sensitivity meter, the sensitivity range of each detector will vary.

Treasure hunters out there know that those coins, relics, and gold can be hiding in a wide variety of places: in the sand, buried several inches, in the water or hidden alongside trash. Finding that treasure or passing it over may very well depend on the model of the metal detector that you are using.

We subjected the seven best metal detectors to five detailed tests and found that the Garrett – Ace 250 is the king of detectors. Not only did this model come in first place in all five of our tests, but its bright LCD screen also boasts a wide array of features and options. In terms of performance, the Garrett – Ace 250 simply cannot be beat.

The only downside to the Garrett is the relatively high price tag and so our runner-up, the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV , is also worth considering. Coming in at about half the cost as the Garrett, we found that the Bounty Hunter – Tracker IV works almost as well, making it a great option.

But if you want to save as much money as possible while still making sure that you get a great unit, we found that the Bounty Hunter – Gold Digger is the way to go. With great performance, a very low price tag, and the Bounty Hunter name, the Gold Digger is our top budget pick.

A pricier unit that justifies the price tag, the Garrett - Ace 250 outshined others in all tests and was an easy choice for us.

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Bryan Vu , Editor

Bryan is our cooking and kitchen expert, with more than 15 years of experience of cooking and testing kitchen products. When outside of the kitchen, he enjoys woodworking, photography, videography and figuring out how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. He thoroughly enjoys discovering the best, whether it’s ingredients or equipment, and finding products that can stand the rigors of daily use.

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SkyCruiser TX-650 Foldable Metal Detector Review & Test

Disclaimer: The SkyCruiser metal detector was sent to us to test and review. This article is our honest opinion about the product. 

SkyCruiser Metal Detector Overview

Metal detecting can be a fun hobby to get into, especially if you are an RVer or traveler.

We’ve camped in tons of places where exploring with a metal detector would be a lot of fun, and now we have one to test and use wherever we go.

Searching for treasures with a metal detector is a great excuse to get outside and it makes camping in the middle of nowhere a little more interesting.

Related Product: A large portable shovel like the Rhino Folding Survival Shovel (click to view on Amazon) is great for metal detectors and emergencies. 

The SkyCruiser metal detector is a lightweight portable folding detector with waterproof search coils.

We’ve used it around some lakes and in parks. So far we’ve been lucky enough to find a ton of nails and a few coins.

Hopefully, we’ll find more interesting stuff the more we use it and get used to all the different controls and modes it has.

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In this review and test article, I’ll start by listing some of the features and specs.

I won’t get into how to use it because the instructions it came with do a really good job of explaining all of the different adjustments you can make.

There’s a lot of stuff to learn when it comes to metal detectors, and it takes a little practice to understand everything they can do.

I know I still have a lot to figure out, but so far it’s been fun testing it and finding stuff, even if it’s just coins and nails.

Table of Contents show SkyCruiser Metal Detector Overview SkyCruiser Folding Metal Detector Modes & Features LED Screen Portability IP68 Waterproof Search Coil Adjustable Height Included with Purchase SkyCruiser Metal Detector Test & Review

SkyCruiser Folding Metal Detector

Check Price at Amazon

Modes & Features

The main thing that separates the SkyCruiser from lower end metal detectors is the different adjustments you can make for more accurate metal detecting.

SkyCruiser has a metal discrimination feature you can use to manually remove unwanted metals from detection.

I’m still trying to figure out how to fine tune that feature, but it is easy to set up using the buttons under the LED screen.

Like all metal detectors, there’s a pinpoint feature you use to narrow down the area the metal object is in.

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There’s also a sensitivity adjustment you can use to remove small and deep objects from detection.

There are 5 main preset modes: all metal, jewelry, custom, relics, and coins.

You can switch between the modes easily using a button under the screen.

There’s also a non-iron mode you can use to stop the SkyCruiser from beeping when it senses iron objects like nails, bottle caps, and other unwanted iron items.

The LED screen has a lot of information on it, like what mode you are in, sensitivity, object depth, the ferrous scale, and the large numbers that indicate the conductivity of the metal.

It’s powered by 4 AA batteries that are included with purchase.

The screen has a backlight so you can use it when it’s dark out.

It’s pretty easy to see during the day, but I did have some trouble seeing some of the smaller stuff on the screen when it was in direct sunlight.

I also don’t love the angle of the screen. It’s probably better for taller people but for short people like me, it’s angled just a little too far away to look at comfortably.

Portability

The SkyCruiser metal detector folds into a small portable size and it’s very light, weighing around 6 lbs.

When fully folded up it’s only 17 inches long, 6.5 inches wide, and 5 inches tall.

There’s also a large backpack/storage bag included.

It’s perfect for keeping the metal detector protected while in storage and it’s large enough to hold the detector and other gear you might need.

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IP68 Waterproof Search Coil

The monitor part of the SkyCruiser metal detector is not waterproof, but the search foot and handle are.

That means you can use the detector in water so long as the screen/control center doesn’t get wet.

Adjustable Height

To unfold the SkyCruiser metal detector all you have to do is press a button on each joint to release the latch.

It opens easily and can be extended to different angles.

There’s also a height adjustment near the search coil you can use to make the detector more comfortable to use.

It can extend 30 to 42.5 inches long.

Included with Purchase

• SkyCruiser TX-650 Metal Detector
• 4 AA Batteries
• Foldable Metal Detector Shovel Pick Combo
• Headphones with 3.5 mm Jack

SkyCruiser Metal Detector Test & Review

For newbie “detectorists” like us, the SkyCruiser was easy enough for us to start using it right out of the box but it’s also advanced enough for us to keep learning more about the hobby.

We started out by using the different modes to see what we could find.

So far it’s been lots of screws, nails, and coins, but the areas we’ve been in aren’t exactly full of treasures.

I’ve been getting better at using the sensitivity and discrimination adjustments, but so far I haven’t been able to stop the SkyCruiser from sensing large iron objects.

The depth seems to be pretty off, but that’s to be expected with this level of metal detector.

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The large search coil does pick up stuff pretty quickly, but the pinpoint feature has been a little buggy so far.

Sometimes it works well and other times it gets stuck on full and it doesn’t stop buzzing until you turn it off.

I find that the metal detector works best when you give it a second to reset after it has detected something.

It switches pretty slowly from object to object, so you should take it slow for more accurate results.

I think the handle could be more ergonomic and the monitor could be a little more heavy duty but it might be the way it is so it’s as lightweight as possible.

I’m excited to use the SkyCruiser in the different places we camp.

I think the more I use it the better I will get at filtering out the trash and finding the treasures.

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For travelers and RVers who want to get started in the world of metal detecting and have limited storage space, the SkyCruiser metal detector (click to view on Amazon) is a decent entry level option.

We’ve been talking about getting a metal detector for years because we’ve been trying to think of activities we can do that get us outside but keep us close to the RV.

I can’t wait to see what we find in the next place we camp.

Have any more questions about the SkyCruiser metal detector? Leave a comment below. 

2 thoughts on “SkyCruiser TX-650 Foldable Metal Detector Review & Test”

As with most “Review” pages this is slanted toward — click here so I get a commission.

Hi, Not really, this is a review of a product we have tested and we tell you both what we liked and disliked. We’re not telling you to click on our links to buy it.

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best metal detectors you can buy

Gen Z is turning to TikTok and Instagram to find and learn new hobbies. The most recent? Metal detecting. Videos of people treasure hunting, popular sites, and impressive finds have racked up almost 3 billion views. 

If you're interested in getting started with a new hobby, there are lots of options for great metal detectors. While a lot of models are designed for experienced hobbyists and can cost several hundred dollars, there are budget and beginner-friendly versions available with simplified controls and lightweight designs for introducing you to metal detecting. There are even starter kits for small children who want to start metal detecting. 

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Experienced coin hunters and search and salvage professionals can spend thousands on high-end, very sophisticated metal detectors capable of finding objects buried several feet underground and even deep underwater. 

What is the best metal detector right now?

To help you figure out where to start when shopping for a metal detector, I've put together a list of the five best available to buy. Our top pick for best metal detector overall goes to the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV , due to its affordable price point, sound features, and detection depth. However, to help you decide which metal detector works best for your experience level and budget, I've broken down their features and price points to help you decide which is the right fit for your experience level as well as your budget.

Keep reading to find our most recommended metal detectors. 

The best metal detectors of 2024

Bounty hunter tracker iv, best metal detector overall.

• Very affordable
• Different sound tones for different metals
• Simplified interface
• Detects objects up to 2 feet underground
• Not ideal for meteorite hunting
• No coil protector or headphones included

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV tech specs:   Detection depth:  Up to 2 feet | Weight: 4.2 pounds | Adjustable length: 44 to 51 inches | Power source: 2x 9 volt batteries | Coil size: 8 inches | Waterproof: Coil only

The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is an excellent metal detector for beginners and seasoned hobbyists. It has a budget-friendly price of about $85, so if you decide that metal detecting isn't your cup of tea, you won't have wasted a ton of money. With its separate modes for ferrous and non-ferrous materials, you can hunt for everything from scrap steel and aluminum to gold jewelry and silver coins. The 8-inch detection coil is water-resistant, so you can search damp areas, streams, ponds, and beaches worry-free. 

Read also: My 5 must-have gadgets for off-grid adventures

The control box has simple dials and an easy-to-read meter for adjusting sensitivity and metal identification of objects buried up to 2 feet underground. It also uses different tones for different metals to help beginners understand what they're likely to find in an area. The Tracker IV features a ground balance filter to help reduce interference from minerals in the soil or sand and prevent false positives. It's powered by two 9-volt batteries and weighs just over 4 pounds, making it easier to use and maneuver. 

Verified customer reviews from Amazon and Walmart both agree that the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is easy to set up and use for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. They also highlight the lightweight design, which helps with fatigue during long metal detecting adventures.

Garrett Ace 300

Best metal detector for beginners.

• Simplified controls
• Covers and headphones included
• Waterproof detection coil
• On the expensive side

Garrett Ace 300 tech specs:  Detection depth:  Up to 8 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Adjustable length: Up to 51 inches | Power source: 4x AA batteries | Coil size: 10 inches | Waterproof: Coil only

The Garrett Ace 300 is a great metal detector for anyone just starting out the hobby. It has a lightweight and telescoping design, coming in at 5 pounds, and extendable up to 51 inches, so it's easier to handle. It also comes with a coil cover, an environmental protection cover, and a pair of headphones. The 10-inch detector coil is waterproof, allowing you to search for metal items in damp soil, streams, oceans, and lakes. It detects objects buried up to 8 inches deep to help you search for coins, jewelry, and other small items. 

With its five different detection modes, you can search for everything from iron horseshoes and silver coins to aluminum scrap and gold. The simplified, push-button controls let you quickly and easily select detection modes, set sensitivity, and adjust detection frequencies to narrow down your sea4 AA batteries power the Garret Ace 300 Series, so you don't need to keep specialized batteries on hand or remember to charge your metal detector before you go out exploring. 

Verified customer reviews at both Amazon and The Home Depot highlight the Ace 300's easy assembly and operation, which is perfect for anyone just starting out and doesn't want to fuss with a complicated metal detector. 

Minelab Equinox 800

Best metal detector for relic hunting.

• 12-hour battery
• Rechargeable
• 8 user profiles
• Very expensive
• Sharp learning curve

Minelab Equinox 800 tech specs:  Detection depth:  Up to 18 inches | Weight: 2.96 pounds | Adjustable length: 47 to 57 inches | Power source: Rechargeable battery | Coil size: 11 inches | Waterproof: Submersible up to 10 feet

If you're a serious metal-detecting hobbyist or a search and salvage professional, the Minelab Equinox 800 is an almost perfect option. It's a high-end, exceptionally precise metal detector that can sense objects buried up to 18 inches underground so you can hunt for everything from coins and rings to scrap iron, aluminum, and even meteorites. The entire unit is waterproof and can be submerged in water up to 10 feet deep, so you can search rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans for relics. 

With its four different detection modes, you can accurately search terrains like sandy dunes and beaches, grassy fields, and rocky hills. You can also set up eight different detection profiles for faster gold, silver, and iron identification or for multiple users of the same unit. It's powered by an integrated, rechargeable battery that can give you up to 12 hours of use, so you can explore all day worry-free. The Equinox 800 also comes with a pair of headphones for more accurate and distraction-free listening to differentiate between tones for gold, silver, brass, and iron or steel. 

Verified reviews from both Amazon and Walmart both praise the accuracy of the Equinox 800, many showing off photos of some pretty cool finds like coins, jewelry, and even a few die-cast metal toys.

National Geographic Junior Metal Detector

Best metal detector for kids.

• Great for small children
• Waterproof coil
• Starter kit includes replica coins
• Doesn't fold for travel
• Can't differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous material

National Geographic Junior Metal Detector tech specs:   Detection depth:  Up to 6 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Adjustable length: 24 to 39 inches | Power source: 3x AA batteries | Coil size: 7.5 inches | Waterproof: Coil only

If you've got young children who are interested in getting into metal detecting as a hobby, this starter kit from National Geographic is a great option. It features a very lightweight design to be easier for little ones to carry. It can be adjusted up to 39 inches in length so your kids can continue to use it as they grow. The 7.5-inch detection coil is fully waterproof, allowing kids to look for coins and other treasures in sand, dirt, and streams; it can detect metal objects buried up to 6 inches deep. 

The starter kit comes with the metal detector, guidebook, and even five gold doubloon replicas to bury and find. It also includes a small trowel shovel to help dig out found objects. 3 AA batteries power the Junior Metal Detector, so you won't have to worry about keeping special batteries on hand or your kids remembering to charge the metal detector. Verified customer reviews from Amazon highlight the NatGeo Junior Metal Detector's appeal to a wide age range of kids, as well as the fact that it makes a great gift for kids interested in metal detecting, or exploration in general.

Wedigout MD-790

Best underwater metal detector.

• Fully waterproof
• Submersible up to 100 feet
• Vibration detection alert
• LCD battery and detection indicator
• Shallow detection depth

Wedigout MD-790 tech specs:  Detection depth:  Up to 3 inches | Weight: 11.4 ounces | Dimensions: 14.7x 6x 2.6 inches | Power source: 9-volt battery | Coil size: 5.5 inches | Waterproof: Submersible up to 100 feet

Not all treasures are buried on land, so if you want to do a little underwater exploration for coins and other relics, you'll need the Wedigout MD-790. This metal detector is incredibly compact and lightweight, weighing less than a pound and measuring just 14 inches long for easier travel and one-handed use. The 5.5-inch detection coil is filled with resin to protect the electronics from water damage and can detect objects up to 3 inches deep. The top of the coil also has a small LCD screen to show you battery life and signal detection strength. 

The MD-790 also vibrates to let you know when it has detected something, and with the built-in flashlight, you'll be able to use the metal detector in dim environments. It's powered by a single 9-volt battery, so you won't have to worry about remembering to charge it up before you go exploring, and the built-in lanyard keeps the detector from floating away if you accidentally drop it or lose your grip. The entire unit can be submerged in water up to 100 feet deep, so you can take it snorkeling or scuba diving or even just search river banks and shorelines without worrying about water damage. Verified customer reviews from Amazon highlight the compact size of the MD-790, which makes it ideal for exploring underwater areas like tide pools and river banks.

What is the best metal detector?

My pick for the best metal detector is the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. It has a budget-friendly price for beginner hobbyists while still providing plenty of features for seasoned relic hunters to take advantage of. It detects objects up to 6 inches underground with the 8-inch, waterproof coil, letting you search in almost any type of terrain. It's lightweight, coming in at just over 4 pounds, so it won't be a burden or uncomfortable to use on long searches. The simplified interface makes it easy for beginners to learn with and for seasoned pros to quickly dial in specific metals they want to look for.

 *Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which is the right metal detector for you?

If you're looking to get into metal detecting as a hobby or upgrade your current setup for more serious treasure hunting, it can be difficult to know where to start. But you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great metal detector. Beginners and casual hobbyists should look for a metal detector with a decently sized coil for a wider detection range as well as different tones for different metals to help you understand what you're looking for and what you'll find in different areas. 

Seasoned treasure hunters should invest in more high-end and durable metal detectors that can handle being in the water, detect materials very deep in the ground, and allow for pinpoint accuracy when making sweeps with the coil. 

If your young child is interested in metal detecting as a hobby, there are several starter kits like the National Geographic Junior Metal Detector that introduce them to the basics and may even include fun "treasures" for you to bury and children to find.

Factors to consider when choosing a metal detector:

Whether you're just starting out, or an old pro, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for a metal detector:

• Price:  We took into account metal detectors that meet different budgets. In addition to higher-priced models for professionals, we included budget-friendly options suitable for children or adults who want to explore the hobby without breaking the bank. 
• Use cases:  The best metal detector for you will depend on what you want to use your metal detector for and your preferences. We included detectors suitable for different types of treasure hunting, such as coin shooting, relic hunting, gold prospecting, and more. 
• Quality and Performance:  We prioritized metal detectors known for their quality, durability, and reliable performance. We also took into consideration their features, such as depth capabilities, target identifications, and 
• Portability:  There is no point in having a metal detector if you can't take it around where you want to. We considered metal detectors that were lightweight, easy to transport, and comfortable to use during your quests. 

How did we choose these metal detectors?

When selecting the best metal detectors I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind: 

• Ease-of-use: The best metal detector in the world doesn't do anyone any good if they can't figure out how to use it. Each metal detector on this list was selected due in part to customer reviews that highlight ease of use for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
• Dual-metal detecting: A good metal detector should be able to find both ferrous (Iron, steel, etc.) and non-ferrous (aluminum, brass, precious metals like gold and silver). Each metal detector on this list has been ensured to be able to search for both types of metals.
• Size and weight: Metal detecting is a slow process, making it important to choose a model that is comfortable to use for long periods of time. This is especially important for kids. Each metal detector was chosen for its relatively lightweight design.

What are the different types of metal detectors?

There are three main types of metal detectors: The big handheld models you may see people using to comb beaches for coins and relics, pinpoint detectors for precision digging, and submersibles for underwater searching. 

While many metal detectors have water-resistant detection coils and may be able to be submerged in water for a short time, submersibles are specifically designed to be used by divers to look for relics underwater. Pinpoint detectors are great to have on hand with your traditional metal detector to help you figure out exactly where you need to dig when you find something.

How much should I spend on a metal detector?

The price of entry to the metal detecting hobby can get pretty steep pretty quickly. But there are some solid, budget-friendly options like the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, which sells for around $100. If you're more experienced, you can spend between $200 and $500 for a more advanced metal detector that can differentiate between gold, silver, brass, copper, and iron-based metals. Search and salvage professionals easily can spend thousands of dollars on exceptionally precise metal detectors for tracking down artifacts in dangerous environments.

How deep do most metal detectors go?

The vast majority of metal detectors can sense metal objects up to 6 inches deep in the ground, which is where you'd expect to find the most sought-after things like coins, rings, and other jewelry. The more advanced models can sense objects several feet underground, where things like gold and silver nuggets and larger relics may be found.

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The best metal detectors to buy in 2023

• Derek Adams

Whether you're kickstarting a new hobby or tracking down a life-changing haul, these are the best metal detectors we've tested

Metal detectors are no longer the remit of middle-aged men wearing khaki and camo. Even the best metal detectors are now accessible to just about anyone with a keen interest in what’s buried beneath their feet. Today, a wide demographic is taking part in this growing pursuit – and some fortunate individuals have even managed to make a living out of it.

Indeed, a metal detector could turn out to be the best investment you ever make. That was certainly the case for one lucky detectorist who, in 1989, discovered the largest lump of gold in the western hemisphere. Known as the Boot of Cortez, it weighed in at an astonishing 289.4 troy ounces and sold at auction for over $1.5 million. He found it using a budget detector, too.

So, if you’ve ever spotted a detectorist scanning the beach for loot, seen them crouch down and retrieve a diamond necklace/tin can and felt a pang of envy, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve called in a batch of the best metal detectors around and taken them out in the field (as it were) to put them through their paces.

Best metal detectors: At a glance

• Best for beginners and kids:  Minelab Go-Find 22 | £139
• Best intermediate metal detector:  Minelab Go-Find 66 | £229
• Best high-end mid-priced metal detector:  Garrett Ace 400i | £337
• Best all-round, high-end detector:  Garrett Ace Apex HP | £528

How to choose the best metal detector for you

How do metal detectors work.

Consumer-focused metal detectors use a transmitter coil that creates a magnetic field around itself. When you sweep the detector from side to side – with the circular coil section just brushing the surface of the ground – the magnetic field causes an electrical current to flow through any metal object in the vicinity, and it alerts you to the fact with a series of beeps that get stronger the nearer you are to the target. Metal detectors can locate most types of metal, including iron, nickel, copper, brass, aluminium, tin, lead, bronze, silver and gold.

What kind of metal detectors are there?

Metal detectors fall into a few different categories based on their price. Most beginner models start at around £100 and are capable of locating metal up to six or so inches below the surface. However, they will inevitably find more trash than treasure so try and go for a model that’s equipped with a discrimination function. This will help it tell the difference between a rusty iron nail and a silver ring or coin, and save you a great deal of unnecessary digging in the process.

If you have a bit more to spend (between £250 and £400), consider buying a model equipped with a wider level of discrimination and a pinpointing feature, which emits a long tone that increases in intensity the nearer you are to the target. Most mid-priced detectors will spot something of interest up to a foot deep – and possibly deeper if the target’s a big one.

Few budget and mid-priced detectors are suitable for searching beaches below the water-line. Yes, their coils may be waterproof, but their electronics could easily be confused by the salty water and large amounts of natural black iron deposits in the sand. However, there are a few models on the market – like the Makro Multi Kruzer, reviewed here – that are configured for use below the waterline.

If money really is no object and you have dreams of possibly striking gold, consider a specialised gold detector. These prohibitively expensive probes cost as much as £8,000 but they can detect gold up to and occasionally beyond a depth of five metres if the target is large enough. The most tech-laden models can even stream full-colour underground images of the target to your tablet.

Anything else I should consider taking with me?

Most metal detectors run on four AA batteries. It’s a good idea to take a spare set with you because detecting can be a very time-consuming pursuit and you don’t want to run out of juice just before possibly striking gold.

You’ll also need a trowel, small spade or specialised detector digging tool that can penetrate compact earth without making too big a hole. Digging with your hands is out of the question unless you’re on a beach above the wave-breaking line where the sand is soft enough. That said, the best tool to use on a beach is a colander-style sand scoop that you shake from side to side to release the sand and expose the goods.

If you have some extra funds, also consider investing in a hand probe for pinpoint accuracy once the main detector has found its target. These handy gizmos are very sensitive and really good at locating the source of the find: they emit a continuous tone that gets louder as you approach the target. The Garrett Pro-Pointer is an excellent model in this respect, but it’s not especially cheap.

Finally, don’t forget to take a small shoulder bag with you to carry all that lovely treasure you’ve just found.

Where are the best places to start metal detecting?

When it comes to metal detecting, the mantra, “where there are people, there’s treasure” stands fast. Considering Britain’s rich ancient history, our open fields are naturally among the most sought-after places in the world to find valuable relics.

However, there’s every chance you’ll be venturing onto private land, so you will definitely need permission from the landowner first, or you could forfeit anything you find. A recently ploughed field is the best place to start since the topsoil has just been turned and the ground is soft enough to dig. Amazingly, you won’t need to dig too deep either because, as some experts have pointed out, a ring or coin lost on the surface around 100 to 200 years ago will only sink between 3cm and 20cm over time.

If you’re a beginner and want a better chance of finding something possibly very valuable, consider visiting the nearest beach, especially the “towel line” where sunbathers lay out their towels. Given that so many people visit beaches all year round, you have a very good chance of finding something valuable and contemporary, like a ring, watch or bracelet that’s slipped off the owner without them realising.

Whether you feel the need to hand the Rolex watch you just found beneath the sand into the local police station is entirely up to you. Usually, the police will hold it for 28 days and, if no-one claims it, it’s yours. It’s a moral dilemma that every finder faces: do you get off on the pleasure of handing a treasured item back to its ecstatic rightful owner or would you rather have a few thousand extra pounds in your bank account?

It should be stressed that UK beaches are also under ownership. Usually, the area above the high water mark is either privately owned or belongs to a local authority, while the area between the high water mark and the low water mark belongs to the Crown. Clearly, you’d be wise to check first and ask permission if necessary. That said, it seems most beach owners turn a blind eye to the activity while others aren’t even aware you’re doing it.

What are the rules of metal detecting?

While stories of multi-million-pound finds may inspire you to get into serious metal detecting, be aware that there are laws in place governing treasure finds. You can find out more from the Portable Antiquities Scheme . The Treasure Act 1996 states that if you stumble upon a pot of solid gold coins, you’re supposed to report it to the local coroner within 14 days. And don’t expect to keep all the proceeds of the find because you’ll almost certainly be required to share at least 50% of it with the landowner. Still, 50 grand from a £100,000 haul isn’t bad for a single day’s work.

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The best metal detectors you can buy in 2023

1. minelab go-find 22: best budget metal detector for beginners and kids.

The Go-Find 22 comes with an 8in coil and features two find modes offering basic but accurate discrimination between cheap ferrous metals like cast iron and mild steel, and non-ferrous metals like tin, aluminium, copper, gold and silver. It also produces two different audio tones to help you differentiate between a cluster of rusty nails and something more valuable like coins or a gold ring. There will be times when you think it’s detected a high-value target only to discover it’s a screw cap or dreaded ring-pull, but that’s par for the course with any budget metal detector.

If you’re after a keenly-priced treasure finder that is really efficient at locating stuff (even if it’s not always what you were expecting), then give this tidy package some serious consideration. It’s really easy to use, amazingly compact when folded and remarkably light in the hand. Best budget buy.

Key specs –Weight:  1kg;  LCD screen: Yes; Discrimination: Yes (presets); Pinpointing: No; Batteries: 4 x AA

Go-Find Minelab 22 Metal Detector

2. garrett ace apex hp: best all-round, high-end detector.

This model also comes with a pair of wireless headphones and you can program the system so that the warning sound for trash items like iron is at a quieter volume, making it easier to differentiate between different metals. The Garrett Ace Apex is also equipped with a multi-frequency salt mode, so it’s a perfect model for use on a beach, along the shoreline and in the shallows. Expect up to 15 hours of use from a full charge of its built-in Lithium Ion battery.

This model can detect coins 12in to 14in below the surface, which is exceptional; indeed, many users have had amazing success with this metal detector in all terrains. It’s extremely well made, really easy to use and a brilliant choice for those who are prepared to spend a bit more on a set of features that undeniably save time and hassle while out in the field. Highly recommended.

Key specs – Weight: 1.3kg; LCD screen: Yes; Discrimination: Yes (presets); Pinpointing: Yes; Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion

Garrett ACE APEX HP with Headphones Metal Detector

3. minelab go-find 66: best intermediate metal detector.

The high-performance Go-Find 66 collapses like a telescopic camera tripod for easy transport and, unlike the majority of other models, the main cable from the large 10in coil to the onboard processor is hidden from view rather than wrapped around the shaft. To use, simply extend both shafts to your desired length, close the cam lock and start scanning.

The bright, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen has simple icons that tell you roughly what may be waiting down below, plus buttons for coil sensitivity and audio volume. A pair of mini earbuds is also provided for those who don’t wish to attract attention to themselves.

The Go-Find 66 weighs just 1.06kgs and features four find modes for sharper detection and better reliability at sorting the wheat from the chaff, a pinpoint tone for zoning in on a target and five levels of sensitivity (handy when used in areas with lots of distracting metals). It also works in conjunction with an Android/iOS app for added functionality.

Aside from the earbuds, the 66 also comes packaged with a brilliant nylon carry bag, a digging tool, a waterproof smartphone holder and two camouflage skins to help protect the body.

If you’re in the market for a well designed metal detector with excellent stats, then this is the one to go for. It’s easy to use, light in the hand, efficient at finding all types of treasure and we absolutely love the way it folds down into such a compact package.

Key specs –Weight: 1.06kg; LCD screen: Yes; Discrimination: Yes (presets); Pinpointing: Yes; Batteries: 4 x AA

Go-Find Minelab 66 Metal Detector

4. garrett ace 400i: best high-end mid-priced metal detector.

The Ace 440i provides five search modes for specific types of metals: zero-discrimination for all metals (including nails, etc), jewellery, relics, coins and a custom option for dialling in your own preferred settings. The ‘jewellery’ mode, for instance, ignores most iron trash but finds rings, watches and bracelets, while ‘relics’ eliminates most small pieces of iron but detects brass, bronze and lead.

Notch discrimination is another handy asset when metal detecting because it will eliminate most rubbish. For instance, when a bottle top or ring pull is located, simply tap the eliminate button and that type of metal composite will be ignored from then on.

As a further aid, you also get three types of audio tone – low for ferrous objects like nails, a mid tone for stuff like silver foil wrappers and a bell-like tone for more precious metals like silver and gold. The Ace 400i also features an ‘iron tone’ button that can be engaged to discriminate between a bottle top with iron in it and a valuable coin. With the iron tone button deployed, a buzzing tone is emitted on the edges of the target area to let you know a dig ain’t worth a dime. Finally, once you’ve located a target, tap the pinpoint button and it will emit a long tone that increases in volume when directly above the item.

The Garrett Ace 440i comes with a strap-on rain cover for the main unit, a camouflaged swag bag and a pair of cool Garrett-branded headphones to keep all that beeping from bothering others around you. It’s a fairly pricey model, but its practical, time-saving functions will save you a lot of unnecessary digging. Top premium buy.

Key specs – Weight: 1.32kg; LCD screen: Yes; Discrimination: Yes (presets); Pinpointing: Yes; Batteries: 4 x AA

Garrett ACE 400i Metal Detector

How to Travel With Your Metal Detector

Cory Haasnoot

Updated On: April 3, 2022

You’re ready to explore new metal detecting adventures in a new state or country. You want to fly there to maximize your time in the area. But, can you take your metal detector with you on the airplane? And if you can, are there rules and regulations around how you can safely carry it?

You can take your metal detector with you when you travel if you carefully pack it and follow protocols for security, such as transporting it as checked baggage when you are flying.

This article covers the best ways to pack and carry your metal detector when traveling, including how to ensure it safely arrives when you do if you’re flying (or taking a train.) Read on to find out how to pack your metal detector for travel as well as additional tips, such as what to include in a basic metal detector travel toolkit.

Table of Contents

Metal Detector Parts – Quick Overview

Before going into details on traveling with your metal detector, here’s a quick overview of how we’ll refer to the components:

• Search coil: Detects metal objects and is connected to the control box by wiring around the shaft (unless it’s wireless, which some detectors are.)
• Shaft (or handle): Connects the coil and the control box.
• Control box:  This is the heart of the metal detector – all components dealing with signal processing, audio, display, and batteries are housed here.
• Grip and arm cuff: Enable you to hold and swing the metal detector across the surface area of interest. 

Metal detectors work by applying a pulsed current to the search coil which produces a magnetic field. Moving the magnetic field from the coil-over metal causes electric currents in the object, which in turn generates an opposite current in the coil. This interaction causes a signal (audio, visual) that indicates the presence of metal. 

Although there are just a few components to a metal detector, damage to any one of them means that either your metal detector won’t work or will be difficult to use. Keeping your metal detector components remaining safe during travel, especially when checked baggage is handled, will help ensure your metal detector works after arriving at your destination.

Are Metal Detectors Allowed on Airplanes?

The most common travel question is whether or not you can take your metal detector with you when traveling by plane. 

Yes, you can. Commercial airlines allow hobby metal detectors as checked baggage. (And probably the same holds if you’re flying by private jet…) (Just keep in mind that while countries allow metal detectors across borders, not all countries allow metal detecting – so be sure wherever you’re headed, does.)

The official TSA word for what’s allowed in carry-on and checked baggage is “check with Airline.” The TSA website also notes that “the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.” 

How to Travel by Air with Your Metal Detector

Many of the following suggestions can be applied to traveling in general with your metal detector, so keep that in mind as you read through these. 

This list was compiled from several popular online metal detecting resources. We’ve compiled a list of these sites for you towards the end of this article.

Prepare for Travel Before You Pack

Here’s what you should prepare for traveling:

• Consult with your airline first – review their policy online and then call them to confirm that it’s acceptable for your metal detector to go as checked baggage. (And what parts can be carried on.)
• Confirm with the airline how they prefer for you to pack batteries and include them with your carry-on luggage. (More on this in a later section.)
• If possible, get your airline’s approval in writing – for example, a printed email message from the airline that you can show to the TSA/security agent. 
• Provide proof that you own the metal detector (and that this device is a metal detector.) For example, carry the receipt of sale.
• Find your metal detector’s owner’s manual. You’ll want to pack that in your carry-on. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially if you only speak English. (An alternative is to make copies of the owner’s manual page showing your metal detector, you’ll include these copies in both carry-on and checked bags.)
• Get luggage tags – always provide your identifying information both inside and outside both carry-on and checked baggage (just in case your bag is opened by security.)
• Take a photo of your metal detector, assembled, and packed . Photo documentation will be helpful if your metal detector is damaged during travel. (Also take photos of the carrier’s luggage tags once you have them.)

Packing Your Metal Detector

Once you’ve confirmed how your airline (or other transport modes) will accept your metal detector, dismantle it into its components. For example:

• Remove electronics from the handle assembly
• Remove coils from handles
• Break down the handle into sections.

Pack both carry-on and checked baggage (more information shortly on using hard cases.)

Carry-on Bag Contents for Your Metal Detector

Here’s how to pack carry-on bags:

• Sensitive electronic components – wrap these items in bubble wrap or a towel. 
• Pack batteries separately in the carry-on and where you can easily retrieve them in case the flight attendant asks to check them. (Be sure your carry-on baggage meets airline size and weight specifications.)

Now, let’s look at how to pack checked bags.

Checked Bag Contents for Your Metal Detector

Here’s how to pack checked bags:

• This is where a hard case (with wheels) is worth the investment – wrap coil, headphones, handle assembly, and other parts in bubble wrap (or in-between clothing). 
• Place these wrapped items in the middle of your bag. (Again, keep in mind airline weight limits for checked baggage.)
• The more carefully you wrap and pack metal detector items in your checked luggage, the safer they’ll be during loading, flight, and unloading.

Remember, if you’re asked to describe why you’re carrying a metal detector, try not to say you look for treasure, lost valuables, etc. – just say you enjoy looking for artifacts as a hobby.

Digging Deeper: Taking a Metal Detector To Mexico : What You Must Know!

Examples of Airline Protocols for Metal Detectors

All airlines have regulations for carry-on and checked baggage. 

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), “carry-on baggage should have a maximum length of 22 in (56 cm), a width of 18 in (45 cm) and depth of 10 in (25 cm). These dimensions include wheels, handles, side pockets, etc.” IATA notes that airlines may enforce weight limits for carry-ons – usually 11LBS. 

Also, per IATA, checked baggage should weigh less than 50LBS with a maximum weight of 70LBS. And measure no more than 62 inches (calculated by adding height, width, and length together.) 

If your trip involves multiple airlines, be sure and check the protocols for each one. Here are two links to domestic and international carrier protocols as examples.

• Southwest : Does not mention whether or not metal detectors are allowed, but if so, they would be included as “special luggage.” Southwest does have very specific protocols about traveling with batteries and electronic devices .
• New Zealand Airlines : Specific guidelines around what you can carry on and check, including lithium batteries .    

Now, let’s look at traveling with a metal detector on other means of transportation.

Traveling With a Metal Detector on Other Types of Commercial Transportation

For the most part, other modes of transportation have similar protocols and restrictions on what you can carry on and check. If you’re traveling by train or bus, keep in mind that any carry-on items for your metal detector must also fit in overhead bins or under your seat.

Taking Metal Detectors on Trains

Although Amtrak , for example, doesn’t explicitly say whether or not you can travel with your metal detector, Amtrak is clear about battery types. Also, know that not all stations and trains can accept checked baggage.  

It’s likely that metal detectors would be included under “ special baggage ” with other sporting equipment. The best thing to do is contact Amtrak’s reservations and customer service number (1-800-872-7245) for details.

Taking Metal Detectors on Cruise Lines

If part of your metal detecting travels includes a cruise ship or cabin space on a merchant marine ship, again, the best thing to do is contact the company and ask if metal detectors can be brought on board. If you’re considering taking your metal detector with you on a cruise, here’s a good reference for more details.

An additional word to the wise – while handheld metal detectors (such as Garrett brands) are easy to pack and travel with, remember, they also look a lot like a weapon. When traveling, be sure to pack product documentation with pictures confirming your handheld detector is just that.

Other Useful Suggestions for Traveling with Your Metal Detector

Here are some additional suggestions that can help make traveling with your metal detector easier.

Be Aware of Metal Detector Battery Protocol and Travel

You should remove the batteries from the metal detector control box and search coil (if possible) and pack them as carry-on baggage. To prevent short-circuiting, before packing the batteries cover the ends with electrical tape or put them in plastic Ziploc bags.

Airlines are particular about lithium batteries, so ask before you travel if you can pack them in your carry-on baggage. Again, be sure the batteries are accessible so the flight crew can respond in case something does happen with them.

The same protocols hold for rechargeable batteries – pack them and the charger in your carry-on baggage. 

For more on metal detector batteries see this Detect History article .

Use Hard Cases for Your Metal Detector

If you travel frequently, and especially if you fly and check your metal detector, invest in a hard carry case. Ideally, select a case that’s specific to your brand of metal detector. 

Here are some examples to help you get started:

• Nanuk Cases

Now, let’s look at metal detector repair kits.

Take a Metal Detector Repair Kit With You

Just in case, whether your metal detector is damaged during travel or has issues while you’re using it, it’s a great idea to put together a basic repair kit. Especially if you’re traveling where you may not have access to metal detector parts and repair services. 

The majority of your repair kit should fit in a large clear plastic ziplock bag – this makes it easier for TSA or other security personnel to see what you are carrying and why. Here’s a list of items to include, courtesy of Metal Detector Talk : 

• Two Lower Rods (different types)
• Tie Wraps: four & eight inch
• Roll of Black Tape
• Pack of Batteries
• Spare Headphones
• Lower Rod Bolts and Bushings
• Two Stainless Arm Cup Bolts
• Multi-Purpose Tool
• Screw Driver (Common & Phillips)
•  Knife and Set of Small Allen Wrenches
• Spare Knob and Rubber Seal Lubricate
• Two Rod Stainless Steel Spring Clips”

Sources for Traveling With a Metal Detector

These online sites contain a wealth of additional details on traveling with your metal detector:

• Metal Detector SA
• Metal Detecting Hobby Talk
• Metal Detecting World
• Relic Record

Now, let’s move on to the next section.

Digging Deeper: 5 Effective Ways to Improve Your Metal Detector

What Happens if Your Metal Detector is Damaged During Travel?

The carrier (plane, train, etc.) is responsible for providing some level of compensation for items in properly packed luggage (key is “properly packed.”) The Smart Travel site notes that for domestic travel, the Department of Transportation indicates U.S airlines “are liable for up to $3500 in damages on domestic flights.” ($1,780 for international flights.)   

Remember the photos you took of your metal detector before your trip? If your metal detector was damaged during travel, take photos of the damaged items and inventory the damage. Be thorough, after you file a claim you won’t be able to amend it. Head to the in-airport (or in-terminal) baggage service office and speak to a representative to begin the claim process.

If you travel by train, you can expect similar policies and procedures. However, check with the specific carrier for details. For example, Amtrak does not accept liability for damage to carry-on items but does provide compensation (within specified limits) for damage occurring to checked baggage.

How to Travel with Your Metal Detector – Summary

This article has provided you with helpful tips and suggestions to help ensure your metal detector components safely arrive at your travel destination. As always, taking time before you travel to carefully document and pack your metal detector will pay off in protecting your metal detector components during travel. 

Here’s to enjoying the trip and your metal detecting adventure!

Author: Cory Haasnoot

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• Guides & Reviews

The Best Metal Detectors (2024 Guide)

How do you identify the best metal detectors for your intended use, skill level and treasure hunting destinations? With a growing number of detectors on the market and rapidly expanding metal detector technology, a bit of research is needed to ensure your investment will live up to your expectations. We created this in-depth buyer's guide to the best metal detectors of 2021 to help you make an informed buying decision.

Information in this guide is useful for detectorists of all skill levels. Whether you're searching for a fun way to bond with your family and role model a healthy lifestyle to your children or you're a history buff who wants to search for relics and memorabilia, our metal detector reviews and detailed buyer's guide will help you select the right detector for your needs.

Even if you're a pro with years of experience, you may need to brush up on some important advances and the terminology seen in many product descriptions and advertisements. Let's get started learning about the best detectors on the market and answer some of the biggest questions before buying one of these machines.

Top 12 Metal Detectors of 2021

It's difficult to sort through the expansive metal detector market and find the right model for your intended use, skill level, expectations and budget. Whether you're interested in top-of-the-line metal detectors or you need an entry-level machine that performs well, our best recommendations are listed here.

These suggestions should give you a head start on your search. If you're uncertain about any terminology or the value of any features listed in these metal detector reviews, check out our buyer's guide for in-depth information to help you make a better-informed buying decision.

1. Minelab CTX 3030

Minelab is known for making some of the best and most innovative metal detectors with leading edge technology and the Minelab CTX 3030 is no exception. For those that want to find more targets in a variety of soil conditions, the CTX 3030 is an excellent choice . It's designed to transmit multiple frequencies and features cutting-edge technology for data communication between the coils and the detector. The target ID features are among the best on the market today.

• Advanced target ID features
• High-sensitivity GPS system
• High-speed wireless audio
• Color digital menu screen
• Advanced discrimination features
• 9 language options
• Multiple coil options sold separately
• Transfers prospecting maps to a computer
• Price is prohibitive for some metal detectorists
• Steep learning curve, especially for new users

2. White's Spectra V3i

The Spectra V3i is the best metal detector from White's Electronics. It features a full-color screen that clearly reveals the depth and identification of every target identified. You can use it right out of the box and don't have to spend time customizing settings. The dashboard also makes it easy to adjust a variety of settings if you have more experience or want to learn to get the most out of your hunts.

It comes with a 10-inch standard coil, and a 13-inch coil is available as a separate purchase. This is often the second or third metal detector users upgrade to after starting out with a lower-priced, entry-level detector.

• Full-color display screen
• Out-of-the-box functionality
• Rechargeable battery
• Built-in reference guide
• Automatic and tracking ground balance
• Suitable for all types of metal
• Fully adjustable tone ID
• Comprehensive 2-year warranty
• Price is too high for beginners
• Customized settings require more time to understand

3. Minelab Equinox 800

Think of the Equinox 800 as a technologically advanced go-anywhere metal detector. Whether you're hunting for treasure at the beach or an old farm yard, there's a detection mode suitable for most terrains common to metal detecting. This Minelab model is lightweight and features an LCD screen with backlighting that makes it easy to identify targets. It comes with an 11-inch DD smart coil, and you can buy other sizes at an additional expense. This is one of the more affordable Minelab metal detectors.

It is the best-rated metal detector for coins and you can read more about it in our Minelab Equinox 800 review .

• Suitable for all target types
• Designed for all ground conditions
• Multiple frequencies
• Variable single frequencies
• Fast recovery
• Wireless audio
• 3-year warranty only covers the coil and control box
• Some user reviews state it is not as waterproof as claimed

4. Garrett AT Max

The Garrett AT Max is the best metal detector for more extreme weather conditions or environments. It is designed for humid, wet, and dusty conditions. One feature that separates the Garrett AT Max from many competitors is its ability to operate underwater up to 10 feet. Even the control box is waterproof.

When you use the included headphones, you'll enjoy a mere 17 millisecond delay in tones from the detector to your headset. That's faster than most Bluetooth and wireless phone connections.

• Waterproof up to 10 feet
• Tough enough for intense environments
• 8.5″ x 11″ DD coil
• Adjustable arm strap and cuff
• MS-3 wireless headphones included
• Console easy to view at night or in low light
• Adjustable audio threshold
• Iron audio setting
• Some users experience excessive interference or jumping

5. White's MX Sport

The MX Sport is a general-purpose metal detector from White's Electronics. It's designed to go from the beach to jewelry to prospecting. It falls in the MX product lineup and is basically the original MXT metal detector with updated circuitry. The MX Sport comes with a 10-inch standard Sport coil, but different sizes may be purchased separately. We consider it to be the best machine for intermediate hobby users.

• Selectable tone ID
• Auto and manual ground balance
• Audio modulation
• Handles mineralization great
• 1/4″ headphone adapter
• LCD display with backlighting
• More simplistic than some competitors

6. Minelab Equinox 600

The Minelab Equinox 600 is a high-tech metal detector without the shocking price tag. It's designed to adapt to a variety of hunting environments, from the park or an open field to the beach. The lightweight design makes it a great choice for a solid entry-level metal detector for family outings and casual hunts. It comes with an 11-inch Double-D Smart coil that is waterproof up to 10 feet.

• Minelab quality at an affordable price
• Multiple frequency capable (Multi-IQ)
• Variety of single frequencies
• Lightweight design
• Multi-frequency feature can be less than functional for certain types of treasure hunting.
• There is a learning curve when adjusting the features for maximum performance.

7. Teknetics T2 Classic

The Teknetics T2 Classic is great if you are looking for jewelry or relics. It comes equipped with double filter discrimination modes, which allow you to identify something valuable even when hunting in areas filled with trash and debris. With an affordable price tag and an easy-to-use menu system, it could help someone new start treasure hunting quickly.

• Professional grade
• Large LCD screen
• Good discrimination features
• 40+ hour battery life with four AA batteries
• Doesn't feature much advanced technology

8. Garrett Ace 400

We consider the Garrett ACE 400 to be a bargain for the novice metal detectorist. While it may not stand up to hunts at the beach or in wet environments, it does work well for artifacts and jewelry. The 11-inch search coil is submersible, and comes with an arm strap and cuff that adjusts to your arm for comfort. Garrett also provides free accessories, including a cover, headphones and an environmental cover-up.

Some of the more best features on the Garrett Ace 400 are enhanced iron check to identify iron before you start digging and graphic analysis to show the discrimination and conductivity of an object on an easy-to-read screen.

• Adjustable frequency
• Iron discrimination
• Electronic pinpointing
• Comes with free accessories
• Some people experience higher false signals
• Slight learning curve

9. Garrett ACE 300

The Garrett Ace 300 metal detector is perfect for family use or new detectorists. While it doesn't come with the most cutting edge technology on the market, it does offer an enhanced iron check to save you time digging up iron-rich metals that aren't your ideal targets. Garrett also has a pinpointing feature to help you identify the exact location of identified targets. The adjustable frequency will help to eliminate interference in the surrounding environment.

Experienced detectorists or those hunting in more demanding environments may not find what they need in the Garrett Ace 300, but it can be great for detectorists that are new to the hobby.

It is the best metal detectors for beginners and you can read more about it in our Garrett ACE 300 review .

• Budget-friendly
• Enhanced iron check
• Adjustable arm strap, cuff
• Free accessories included
• Speaker volume is loud
• Doesn't work well at the beach

10. Fisher F22

We consider the Fisher F22 to be one of the best budget-friendly detectors. It's also one of the top picks for kid as it is very user friendly. While it is fairly basic, Fisher does offer everything you need for a successful hunt in dry areas or possibly at the beach. It comes with 3 preset modes plus one custom setting.

• Weatherproof
• Up to 30 hours run-time on 2 AA batteries
• Adjustable iron audio
• 10 sensitivity levels
• 20 volume levels
• Budget friendly
• Difficult to set up for some users

11. Garrett Ace 200

Garrett Ace 200 is perfect for out-of-the-box metal detecting and is one of the easiest metal detectors to set up. The 9-inch coil is a bit smaller than what is standard on many competing machines and features are lacking. Garrett does provide a digital ID showing you the depth and size of located targets before you start to dig. The four sensitivity adjustments make it easy to adjust the Ace 200 to a variety of conditions.

It is the best cheap metal detector and you can read more about it in our Garrett ACE 200 review .

• 3 search modes
• Weighs less than 3 pounds
• User reviews have reflected inconsistent hunt results

12. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV

The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is one of the simplest metal detectors to operate. Rather than setting modes based on types of metal, you select from the following three modes: discrimination, all metal and 2-tone audio. You may not get the precise results that are possible with more expensive metal detectors on this list, but you do get the pleasure of taking your Bounty Hunter detector out of the box and hunting without a lot of complicated adjustments.

• Discriminates between treasure and trash
• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Adjustable for comfort
• Stripped down and simple
• Settings aren't specific to metal types
• Can deliver false positives in some environments

Buyer's Guide

It's difficult to select the best metal detector to buy if you aren't familiar with the newest features available on the market today. There are basic entry-level models that are easy to operate right out of the box, and then there are more complicated models that perform at mind-blowing levels when you take the time to understand how they work.

Most metal detectors fall somewhere in the middle. They're easy enough to use and perform to an acceptable level for someone without much experience. If you're more experienced or you want to really understand how your machine works to get the best results from each hunt, you need to understand what the features you see advertised actually do.

Skill Level

Most hunters start out at the novice level, but you may have secondhand experience that allows you to understand metal detecting at an intermediate level. Until you have experience in the hobby in a variety of environments, you should consider yourself at the novice or intermediate skill level. This is an activity requiring hands-on experience to really understand how it works and why it's rewarding.

You're an experienced hunter when you've been out in the field metal detecting for some time and have a good understanding of what most, if not all, of the features on a detector can do. At that point, you will start to inspect and compare your options at a deeper level because you want the most effective and powerful detector within your budget.

With price tags ranging from less than $100 to well over $10,000, it can be difficult to know how much you need to spend.

Intended Use

The best metal detector for you may not work well for someone else. It comes down to why you're buying a metal detector and what you expect it to do for you. If you're new to metal detecting or are purchasing it as a gift, you may not really know beyond a general interest, and that's okay. Let's cover the most common uses of a metal detector to give you a general idea of what features are most important for each one.

Relic Hunting

Do you have an interest in history? Historical events like wars and battles are often of interest to relic hunters who enjoy searching for memorabilia related to past events. If that's your intended activity in this hobby, you will likely spend a significant amount of time researching and selecting your hunting grounds to maximize your chances of finding relics of interest.

Relic hunting often requires searching across varying conductivity ranges, so you should look for a powerful detector with at least some adjustable features. The more you can adjust and program your detector, the greater success you may have hunting at various destinations for a variety of relics.

Saltwater Beach Hunting

Beaches are mineral-rich environments that can cause many metal detectors to deliver false signals or jump around to the point of annoyance. If you want to take your detector to the shores even occasionally, make sure you select one with a very low frequency setting and adjustable ground balance. Without this, you won't get the best results on a saltwater beach.

If you plan on spending a significant amount of time hunting on the beach, or this is your primary intended use, consider investing in a metal detector equipped with pulse induction technology. We'll discuss what that means in more depth later in this guide, but for now it's enough to say this allows you to use your detector without mineral interference and without adjusting settings.

Gold Prospecting

Prospecting for gold nuggets or flakes requires a metal detector with the ability to search at greater depths. The larger the gold piece, the deeper it can be while still being detectable. Small flakes are easily detected within the first couple inches of soil, but you may find larger gold nuggets up to 10 inches deep. Because prospecting equipment is more specialized, we have written a dedicated page to help you find the best metal detector for gold .

If you want to find larger gold pieces buried deeply, you should buy a metal detector with pulse induction. They will tune out other minerals in the ground while searching at greater depths for larger pieces of gold. There are other great features available, and some metal detectors are advertised as excellent options for gold prospecting.

Target Types

Targets are metal objects buried beneath the surface. There are accepted targets like jewelry, and then there are ferrous items like nails and bottle caps that aren't desirable. The control box responds to various known targets by producing different sounds, which are called tones. You can usually adjust settings to eliminate ferrous objects and focus on the things you're most interested in locating.

Detection Depth

Detection depth refers to how deep a detector may accurately identify objects. The best metal detectors on the market today may go down to 10 or 11 inches. There are many factors which may influence the detection depth for various target types and sizes. If you have something specific you want to find, that information may help you select a detector with the most appropriate detection depth.

A manufacturer warranty will tell you whether a company stands firmly behind the quality of their product or not. It may also tell you how long the manufacturer expects the product to last. They're not going to offer a warranty that is longer than the expected lifespan of the product.

Accessories

Metal detecting is becoming a competitive field, and accessories are one way manufacturers can compete with one another. The more accessories included with your detector, the less you will have to spend on separate purchases to get the best performance from your detector and most enjoyment from your hunts.

Some of the metal detecting accessories you may want to consider include:

• Control box cover
• Storage/carry bag
• Rechargeable batteries
• Utility belts

Search Coils

Metal detector coils are the loops that sweep over the ground. The coil is wrapped with wire and produces a magnetic field when electricity is applied. This is what interacts with buried metal. The deeper that magnetic field can penetrate the earth, the more likely you are to find treasure buried at greater depths.

There are different sizes and types of coils on the market today. Some perform better than others, so it's good to have at least a basic understanding of your options when shopping for metal detectors.

Search coils can range from less than 5 inches to 24 inches. The more trash and debris in an area, the smaller coil you may need. You should also use smaller coils when hunting close to fences and other barriers.

Think of smaller coils as options for metal detecting in confined areas, including between pieces of trash and other debris. Larger coils cover a greater area and can speed up your hunt in less polluted areas or when you're hunting for larger objects.

It's often said that large coils of at least 12 inches will penetrate to the greatest depths. While that's true, keep in mind that mineralization and other environmental factors play a role when determining the true detecting depth.

As the popularity of metal detecting continues to expand, new coil types are introduced to the consumer market. The following list will give you a basic understanding of the types currently available and their best intended uses:

Concentric Coils

Also known as coplanar coils, these coils can look like spiderwebs or doughnuts. They have three loops. Two are designed to transmit while one receives. The magnetic field is strongest directly below the detector and gets narrower the further it travels through the soil. They can deliver precise identification when locating objects.

Monoloop Coils

This is a single circular or semi-elliptical loop wrapped with multiple wire strands. It creates a strong magnetic field directly below the detector and this extends downward in a cone shape. You should develop a looping scan pattern which swings back over the same area at least once to ensure thorough coverage. If the soil isn't heavily mineralized, this design is highly sensitive to many types of metals.

2D or DD Wide Scan Coils

These coils get their name from their shape, which looks like two capital Ds connected on the straight edge. One transmits while the other receives. This design can scan a wider area of ground and isn't as sensitive to mineralization. The downside is that identifying the precise location of relics is harder.

Coaxial Coils

These have two receiving loops with one transmitting piece in the center. It creates a uniform, cone-shaped magnetic field and is featured in some of the smallest coils. Larger designs using this pattern would become too heavy and large for comfortable use.

Metal Detector Technology

Research and development are ongoing in the metal detector market. Understanding what the most significant technologies in the consumer market can do for your hunting efforts will help you select the right detector for your intended use, budget and expectations. Not everyone needs advanced features, so think about what you're likely to make use before investing in one of these machines.

Very Low Frequency (VLF)

When you come across an affordable metal detector which is advertised as an all-purpose or general-purpose model, it's most likely designed with VLF technology. There are generally two distinct wire loops that emit a low frequency. This allows you to enjoy hunts in a variety of environments with varying terrains, including your local park or the beach.

Pulse Induction (PI)

Pulse induction metal detectors handle difficult ground conditions and mineralization much better than VLF detectors. A single coil transmits and receives signals in a way that isn't sensitive to salt and other minerals which may otherwise make things extremely difficult. PI is a great if you want to try finding treasure at the beach.

Multiple Frequency (MF)

We've discussed the difference between high and low frequencies in this buyer's guide. You will find some machines featuring multiple frequency settings, and very expensive models will have multiple and single frequencies for different uses. This allows you to hunt for a variety of metals of different sizes and types in a wide array of environments. Multiple frequencies are able to penetrate the ground easier and to hold onto target tones more efficiently.

• An electromagnetic field is created and this penetrates below the surface.
• When the electromagnetic field meets with a metal object, the object is energized and sends out its own magnetic field.
• The target's residual magnetic field is used to determine what type of metal it is and that information creates the corresponding tone.
• Information regarding the depth, location, and identification of the target is then shown to the user.

How Does a Metal Detector Work?

Reading through our buyer's guide may have given you insight into how metal detectors work. However, it may still be helpful to break it down into a step-by-step process that allows you to understand what your machine is doing with each swing of your arm.

Metal Detector FAQ

The questions we hear most often about metal detectors are presented below along with easy to understand answers. You're welcome to ask additional questions if you don't find the information you need in our detailed metal detector buyer's guide above.

What are the Best Detector Brands?

Minelab makes some of the most advanced metal detectors available and they are loaded with the latest advances in the industry. Minelab is known for offering high-tech machines that make hunting for a variety of metals easier, faster, and more fun.

White's and Garrett are two of the leading name brands for mid-range metal detectors suitable for intermediate and some advanced users. These detectors will use complex hardware on durable, high-quality frames that stand up to routine use for many years.

If you're shopping for budget-friendly metal detectors, look to brands like Fisher and Garrett. You can find metal detectors that have all of the basic capabilities you need to be successful in most environments and ground conditions.

What Is Ground Mineralization?

The earth is naturally mineral rich. Some types of soil have greater amounts of minerals than others, and those minerals can give off their own response to an electromagnetic field. That means minerals like salt can interfere with your treasure hunts and result in false positive signals. Modern detectors can now overlook responses caused by minerals to improve accuracy.

Does Coil Size Matter?

Coil size determines the area of ground covered with each sweep. Smaller coils will cover less with each sweep but are beneficial when looking for searching in trashy or cluttered soil. They may also help you find small flakes or grains of metals. Larger sizes will cover more ground and may penetrate deeper.

How Deep Can Metal Be Detected?

The depth limits for each machine depends on a variety of factors, including the quality and size of your search coil. Mineralization and the type of soil presented can have an effect as well. Settings on your detector like sensitivity and discrimination will also play a part. In general, a cheap hobby detector can typically penetrate up to 10 or 11 inches.

What Is A Depth Indicator?

The depth indicator tells you approximately how deep an identified target is buried. The given depth is an estimate, but it should give you an idea of how much digging is required to retrieve the target.

What Are Good Places For Metal Detecting?

You don't have to venture far from home to use your metal detector. You can search your front and back lawn for treasure or venture through your local parks. Look up state and national parks in your area to discover very good potential hunting grounds.

If you go on vacation, consider taking your metal detector to the beach, into a forest or even just around an RV park. If you enjoy history, you may even want to review information about historical events and then travel to related destinations to go relic detecting.

What Can You Find With A Metal Detector?

Metal detectors are great for prospecting, but you may also use them to search for artifacts and historical memorabilia. Some hunters enjoy collecting buried relics while others look for lost jewelry. You can even enjoy the hobby for the sheer pleasure and surprise yourself with random finds.

Do You Need An Expensive Metal Detector?

The amount you spend will depend on your intended use, skill level and expectations. If you're hunting in extreme weather conditions or in heavily mineralized soils, you need durable equipment designed to withstand moisture, salt and other elements. The more advanced technology you want to utilize, the more you can expect to spend on your metal detecting equipment.

If you want metal detecting to be a casual hobby that you enjoy with your family, an entry-level model costing around $200 may deliver satisfactory results. If your passion for metal detecting grows, you can always upgrade to a model with more capabilities later.

What Accessories Do You Need?

You don't necessarily need to buy any accessories for your machine. Most users purchase a carry or storage bag, and some detectors come with a bag. If you would prefer to use headphones, you can invest in a headset or one you already own. However, it's best to use headsets designed for metal detecting because you want to minimize delay in tone transfer to your headset.

Do You Need A Pinpointer?

Pinpointers allow you to do less digging, but they aren't essential. If you're willing to spend a bit more time exploring an area, you can successfully find targets without one. If you would rather be able to go straight to what you have detected, a pinpointer can definitely help.

Are Metal Detectors Waterproof?

Some machines are waterproof up to 10 feet, but most are not operational when completely submerged in a large body of water. One thing to keep in mind is that the control box isn't always as waterproof as the search coil, and this may limit how deep you can go underwater.  To learn more, read our article reviewing the best underwater metal detectors .

How Much Does a Metal Detector Cost?

Metal detectors can cost anywhere from about $100 to more than $8,000. The more expensive models tend to come with a lot of innovation that advanced metal hunters will want to explore.

Metal Detecting Terminology

Ground balance.

In mineral-rich hunt locations like the beach or anywhere with dense red earth, minerals are often picked up as targets. Mineralization can also make it difficult or impossible to pick up on smaller targets. Adjustable ground balance will be able to ignore the minerals and focus more precisely on the things you want to find. Think of it as balancing out the noise so targets are easier to identify.

Adjustable ground balance is essential for beach and underwater metal detecting. In addition, if you live in area where the soil is dense and red, you likely have particles of iron that can interfere with the signal and make your machine less accurate.

Some detectors have manual ground balance, which requires you to make the adjustment yourself on every hunt. Automatic balance allows the detector to make adjustments for you at the start of every hunt, and tracking ground balance will automatically adjust throughout all operations. Tracking balance will save you a lot of time, but it's only available on more expensive models.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity refers to a metal detector's ability to detect particles of certain materials. The more sensitive it is, the better results you will have when detecting. If you're searching for gold flakes, you will need a highly sensitive machine. Less sensitivity limits you to detecting larger targets.

To determine the sensitivity level for a metal detector, test runs are performed and then the results are expressed in diameters. For instance, it may tell you the diameter or size of a piece of aluminum, stainless steel, or non-ferrous metal found during the test.

Discrimination

Think of discrimination as your metal detector's ability to discriminate between identified targets. This picks up on ferrous or conductive properties to determine what type of metal is present and whether it has value or is just trash. Without this, you would be finding a lot more bottle caps, nails, and other items you probably don't consider treasure.

Variable discrimination is what you'll see on an average entry-level machine. You turn a knob to adjust the discrimination, which doesn't allow the greatest precision. If you want greater control over the discrimination, look for a machine with a digital screen that shows conductive and ferrous properties so you can mark out ranges you don't want to detect.

Notch discrimination is found on many affordable metal detectors. It works with target ID's and allows you to eliminate things you don't want to detect. If you're shopping for a metal detector for prospecting, you may want to have an iron reject feature, which is a type of discrimination.

Metal detectors can have single or multiple frequencies. With just one, the level of frequency will determine whether it's more likely to detect small or large objects. A higher frequency can be used to detect smaller items, and lower frequencies are better at detecting items that are buried deeper as well as larger objects. If you will be looking for flakes, nuggets, and pieces of all sizes, you should look at detectors with multiple frequencies to give you more flexibility.

Target Identification (Target ID)

Target ID is one of the most common features you will find as you review your options. You will have a digital screen that displays a grid or bars, each representing different types of metals. Instead of listening to tones and deciphering what you've found, you can look at the screen for visual input. For instance, you may have a section for jewelry, a different section for iron and another for silver.

This works with the discrimination system to accurately identify buried treasure and sort them from trash.

Recovery Time

In order to pick up everything possible, your machine must pick up a signal and then reset fast enough to catch the next object. Detectors with slower recovery times will miss a lot because they may be resetting when you sweep across a new area.

The speed of your swing as you move can impact your detector's recovery time. If you swing too fast, the detector will not have reset before you reach the next target. That's why it's important to develop a rhythmic swing that allows you to cover a large area at a reasonable pace while allowing your detector to keep up with your pace.

Fast Audio or FA allows you to adjust some of the best, and most expensive, metal detectors to the speed of your swing. This setting increases recovery time so you can move faster without missing something.

To determine the correct swing speed, complete a test run. Place quarters in a line, leaving space between them. Run your machine over them at varying speeds. You should hear a tone for each one you laid out on each pass when you have reached the right speed for your detector.

Once your machine identifies a desirable target, you still don't know exactly where to dig. That's especially true for smaller objects. If you have a pinpointer on hand, you can reduce the amount of time you spend digging around. You can dig a small hole and then use the pinpointer to determine a more exact location to dig.

If you've never used a metal detector before or have experimented with one that didn't work well, you may want to read this guide to the best metal detector again after you've enjoyed a few hunts. Many of the newest features are easier to understand after you've spent time trying to find treasure. The manual that comes with your metal detector may also make more sense after a few hunts.

We encourage you to come back to this guide when you're ready to upgrade to a newer model with more power and advanced features. We look forward to helping you grow your skill level and develop a deeper appreciation for the art of metal detecting.

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What is the Best Metal Detector?

by Sondra Bernzweig

Here are some thoughts on equipment selection from a national expert! The best metal detectors are not only able to find metal objects, but they are also easy to use. There is a detector for both beginners and more experienced users, so you will surely find one that suits your needs.

Good Metal detectors that are among the best on the market include:

• Best Overall - XP Deus 2 Waterproof Multi-Frequency Metal Detector
• Best Entry Level Detector- Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
• Best Relic Hunting Detector - Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer Waterproof Metal Detector
• Best Waterproof Detector - Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Metal Detector

Best Gold Nugget Detector - Fisher Gold Bug Pro Metal Detector

When purchasing metal detection equipment, there are many different factors to take into consideration. What you will use the detector for is the first thing you need to decide. If you are looking for a detector to use in your backyard, then you will need a different metal detector than if you are planning on using it for metal detecting on the beach. Let's look at each model to see what places them above the competition.

Where to Begin in Selecting a Good Metal Detector?

Each and every day, I am asked -- "Tell me which detector is the best detector made?" I think that is a fair question, considering that when people buy a metal detector, they will spend considerably more than $1.98! There is, however, a basic flaw in the question. The question should be modified to ask, "Tell me, which is the best detector for me?" This last question is best answered with a series of questions.

Have you ever used a detector before? If this is the first detector for you, then you should consider your usual purchasing habits as they relate to other items. Do you generally buy top-of-the-line products with many features, or do you like simplicity? A good example might be a camera. Do you like a "point and shoot" type, or do you like to be able to make a lot of adjustments? Think of this when looking at detectors.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Metal Detector

Another thing to consider is your budget. Detectors range in price from around $100 to over $2000. The most expensive detectors are not always the best, but they do offer more features than the less expensive ones.

A metal detector's ability to detect different types of metal is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing one. Some detectors are better at finding gold or silver, while others are better at finding relics or coins. You need to decide what type of objects you want to find before you purchase a detector.

Types of Good Metal Detector Features

Metal detectors are divided into two categories: Very-Low Frequency (VLF) and Pulse Induction. VLF detectors are used to find many things, including currency, copper wire, relics, jewelry, and, most importantly, gold. They utilize a low frequency to seek underground objects. Pulse induction or PI metal detectors instead use a reflected pulse of energy to find metal.

The size and weight of the detector are also important factors to consider. If you plan on using your detector for long periods of time or in large areas like national parks, you will want one that is lightweight and comfortable to use. For responsible metal detecting, just remember to submit a metal detector permit application before treasure hunting in these areas.

Which Metal Detector is Good For Me?

How much money have you budgeted for this detector, and how much time do you expect to devote to this sport? These two issues should be considered together. If you plan to detect many hours a week, you probably want a detector with more electronic features than if you plan to spend an occasional few hours at the shore or in a park. The price of a metal detector will increase in relationship to the number of features it has. You can have a lot of fun with a basic detector, but if you expect extensive use and don't get enough features in your detector, you will be out shopping again before you know it.

How Much is a Good Metal Detector?

Have you considered the cost of the accessory equipment you will need for use along with it? Aside from the detector's price, you will need to buy some of the following items, such as a headphone with volume controls, trowels, beach scoops, a coil cover, and a detector bag. Good headphones are especially important since they extend the signal's sound, make your detector's batteries last longer, and keep the beeping from annoying others. There are no better nor more comfortable metal detecting headphones than the Whites Pro Star Headphone .

Where Will You Use Your Metal Detector?

Where do you plan to use this detector? There are different types of detectors for coins and jewelry, for relics, prospecting, and use in the water. Some detectors can overlap in their application, but generally, they are special purposes. Nowadays, the most common type of detector purchased is a general purpose coin, jewelry, and relic detector. This will have a discrimination adjustment and sensitivity control, at the very least. All detectors have waterproof coils. (But remember, if you fall into the drink with a land detector, you're out of luck!) Additional features may include various types of meter displays, a manual ground balancing adjustment, and more sophisticated discrimination adjustments called "notch." Some detectors may be microprocessor controlled.

Some detectors are intended primarily for use at the shore or in the water. This type of detector will not have a meter display, and targets will be found via the audio signal. This allows fewer openings in the control box because the most important fact of life in a beach detector is that it doesn't leak!

Types of Good Metal Detectors

Detectors intended for prospecting gold or silver frequently will have no discrimination and always require manual ground balancing or ground tracking for best results. The frequencies of these detectors are the most appropriate for locating precious metal ores. If you want to have a dual-purpose prospecting/coin shooting detector, look for a prospecting detector with discrimination.

There is one other type of detector which is used for extreme depth situations. These are called "two box detectors," with limited general purpose use. Detectorists who use this type of equipment are looking for a cache, veins of ore, or pipes or cables. These deep-seeking units will metal detect many feet or meters down. Sometimes called deep-seeking treasure detectors, they will find a larger metal object.

Our List of Good Metal Detectors

Best overall detector -  xp deus 2 waterproof multi-frequency metal detector.

This model covers various metal detecting activities, from shallow water treasure hunting to diving. The Gold Field program, for example, is designed for highly mineralized gold-bearing ground. Since gold nuggets are frequently discovered as the ground or ferrous items in these difficult locations, the detector is set to "all-metal" for deeper detection.

Some specifications for the XP DEUS 2 are:

• 4 to 45 kHz operating frequency
• Waterproof detector and 9" or 11" waterproof coil
• Fast multi-frequency technology
• 5-year warranty

Best Entry Level Detector - Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector

The Garrett Ace 400 is a great basic metal detector for the beginner looking for buried treasure. A great detector for finding coins, copper wire, valuable metals, relics, and jewelry, it is easy to use and has many features. This detector is ideal for wide-area and depth detection with its electromagnetic field. The display is bright and simple to read, so you'll know what your targets are before you dig. This Garrett metal detector has many easy-to-use features, so you are successful without going overboard.

Some specifications for the Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector are:

• 8.5" x 11" DD PROformances transmitter coil.
• Discriminate iron targets with Iron audio
• 10 kHz adjustable frequency
• Target ID Legend with 0-99 scale
• Digital Target ID (LCD screen)
• All Metal Mode
• You can search in five different ways (Jewelry, coins, relics, custom, and zero discrimination).

Best Relic Hunting Metal Detector -  Detech Relic Striker

Find jewelry and relics anywhere with the Relic Striker. This lightweight carbon fiber pole features manual and automatic ground balance. As standard, this model includes Detech's patented 18x15" Symmetric Electromagnetic Field SEF search coil ships standard with this model. In addition to providing improved ground balance, pinpointing, and target identification, this coil is also easy to use and effective in finding targets well beyond the range of most relic detectors.

Some specifications of the Detech Relic Striker are:

• Search Coil : Waterproof 18" x 15"
• Operating Frequency: 4.8 kHz
• Audio ID: 2 Tone
• Sensitivity Adjustment
• Ground Balance : Auto or Manual
• Warranty: 2 Year

Best Waterproof Detector Pinpointer -  Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Metal Detector

Charles Garrett founded Garrett metal detectors in the early 1960s, and the company has been producing quality detectors since. The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT underwater metal detector is a key example of a quality Garret metal detector designed for pinpointing targets. It is completely submersible, just like the popular Garrett AT Pro and AT Gold metal detector models. The Garret Pro-Pointer AT is designed for treasure hunters who demand the ultimate in all-terrain pinpointing. The Pro-Pointer AT can be used in any environment, including saltwater and snow.

Some specifications of the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT are:

• Operating frequency of 11.5 kHz
• Manual Ground Balance
• Holster Included
• 9" (22.9cm) Length

The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is a powerful gold prospecting metal detector that offers a high-frequency ideal for finding even small gold nuggets. It has an easy-to-read LCD display for information on ground conditions and potential targets. VLF metal detectors are versatile detectors that can be used to find a variety of objects, including coins, jewelry, precious metals, and, most commonly, gold nuggets. VLF detectors use a frequency that is lower than most detectors, making them a good option for those looking to find a variety of objects.

The key features of the Fisher Gold Bug are:

• An operating frequency of 19.2 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Search Coil
• Receiver coil size: 5"
• Technology: VLF detector
• Warranty: 5 Years

Some honorable mentions include:

• Nokta Simplex
• Bounty Hunter Platinum Pro
• Fisher F22 metal detector

Another mention of a good metal detector and a lower-cost option would be the Bounty Hunter Legacy 2500 . The Legacy 2500 model is a step above entry-level and has the easy-to-use features needed to find treasure detecting - even the first time out. We would recommend the Legacy 2500 over the older Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, sometimes called the Bounty Hunter TK4.

The Tracker IV is less sensitive and has no visual target ID as found on the Legacy 2500. A greater sensitivity level for more depth and better response on different metals make the Bounty Hunter Legacy 2500 the way to go.

What Metal Detector Is Right for You?

What kind of physical shape are you in? Metal detectors can have very different configurations and can therefore be a different physical experience for each person. Some detectors can be taken off the pole and hung from the waist or other body parts, while others cannot. Some people prefer a good hefty solid feel to their detector, and some look for the lightest weight possible. What is best for your friend may in fact, be totally inappropriate for you. Remember to think about how you will feel after several hours of metal detecting.

Sorting the Good from the Bad

Investigate new detectors before you assume that purchasing an older used detector is a good deal. You may be pleasantly surprised at the many features new entry-level detectors have for a very reasonable price. You don't want to end up with someone else's castoff if you could have a new detector for a comparable price. While you are agonizing over the selection of a detector, the following fact should be kept in mind. Don't worry too much. If it turns out you like the activity and gets "hooked," the first detector you purchase will not be your last!

Related Articles

• What are the Best Metal Detectors for Finding Coins?
• What are the Best Metal Detectors for Metal Detecting on the Beach?
• What are the Best Deep Seeking and Two Box Metal Detectors?
• What's The Best Gold Prospecting Metal Detector?
• What are the Best Metal Detectors for Finding Relics?
• What Are the Best Beginners Metal Detectors?

© National Society of Metal Detectorists Vol. 1 No. 3 January 1994 Publication of Tesoro Electronics, Inc. Reprinted with permission of Tesoro Electronics, Inc and the Author Sondra Bernzweig - Revised Detector Electronics Corp. September 2022

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SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional - Waterproof Higher Accuracy 5 Modes Gold Detector with Strong Anti-Interference, Advanced DSP Chip, 11" Detection Depth Metal Detectors - OTMD09

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About this item.

• [Strong Anti-Interference Chip] The gold metal detectors for adults professional features an upgraded chip with automatic ground balance for powerful anti-interference performance.It automatically shields other disturbances during treasure hunting, ensuring more accurate identification even in challenging environments.
• [Easy Operation for Beginners] 1.5 times larger backlit LCD with an intuitive data display makes it perfect for beginners. Gold finder metal detector machine in each mode has a corresponding silicone button, making the operation effortless and user-friendly.
• [Bigger and Deeper Detection] Search a wider detection range with the 10-inch waterproof search coil and experience a remarkable 11-inch detection depth. This IP68-level professional waterproof metal detectors for adults allows you to confidently explore beaches, shallow water, and rainy-day hunting. Enjoy the thrill of outdoor treasure hunting anytime, anywhere (Note: the control box is not waterproof).
• [Upgraded Product Structure] Lightweight metal detector boasts an upgraded telescopic cam lock design, enabling quick assembly in just one minute. With adjustable detection and forearm rods, it caters to both adults and kids, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.
• [5 Modes and 7 Kinds of Target Metals] Unleash the full potential of your treasure-hunting skills with 5 optional modes: ALL METAL, DISC, MEMORY, JEWELRY, and PINPOINT. Easily identify 7 kinds of metals, while the memory function saves your preferred settings, eliminating the need to reset each time you start.

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How to use the multi-functional shovel

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the performance, ease of use, and accuracy of the metal detector. They mention that it works well, is good for kids, and easy to put together. They appreciate the accuracy and waterproofness. That said, opinions are mixed on the value and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the performance of the metal detector. They say it works well, is sensitive, and performs well beyond their expectations. Some customers also mention that the scanning position is very good and the product is very sensitive.

"...But it is THE BEST!Took it to my favorite hunting spot and this thing did GREAT ! Love all the options...." Read more

"Great for kids and adults.. works very well and it's fun.. highly recommend it to anybody that is trying their hand in metal detecting.." Read more

"...The first one I received didn’t work . I tried everything to get it to work. So did my neighbor and my husband...." Read more

"Easy to put together and works well . Good value." Read more

Customers find the metal detector easy to use. They mention that it's easy to put together, manage, and accurate at detecting different metals. Some say the pieces are well made and went together without any tools.

"...Ordered this yesterday and it arrived today!FAST and very easy to assemble .This is not my first metal detector. But it is THE BEST!..." Read more

"...The assembly was really easy , taking less than 5 minutes. All the pieces are well made and went together without any tools...." Read more

"...It is easy to put together . Comes with a shovel and case for the shovel. That's awesome and very handy...." Read more

" Easy to put together and works well . Good value." Read more

Customers find the metal detector good for kids and practical. They also say it's a fun toy with practical use.

"Great for kids and adults.. works very well and it's fun .. highly recommend it to anybody that is trying their hand in metal detecting.." Read more

"...We both use it. It's very fun . We have found some interesting items, lol. Can't beat it for the price, either. Highly recommend." Read more

" good for kids ..." Read more

" Fun toy with practical use ..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the accuracy of the metal detector. They mention that the display is accurate and the scanning position is very accurate.

"...I personally tested it with various coins and the display is accurate , if it says 5c then you can be sure it’s a nickel, 25c is a quarter, 10c and..." Read more

"...Grandson loves it. See,s to be very accurate . Has a nice bag to put everything in." Read more

"...is very good beyond my expectations, very sensitive, the scanning position is very accurate , even if the small metal it can be found accurately, it..." Read more

Customers like that the metal detector is waterproof.

"...The search coil is waterproof so you can’t damage it if you ware walking along the shore and a wave hits it...." Read more

"...I bought this one because it works in water too . We go to the lake a lot in the warmer weather and we walk the river banks when fishing...." Read more

"...The headphones are of good quality.It's waterproof and easy to hold. I bought this for my 7 year old son...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the quality of the metal detector. Some say it's a great product and sturdy, while others say it was broken, doesn't detect gold, and is cheaply made.

"...Love all the options.The shovel that comes with this is very sturdy ...." Read more

"...I tried it upside down. I tried it parallel as suggested. Nothing got it to beep . I tried several different kinds of metal. Nothing...." Read more

"...The build quality is good , with none of the plastic burrs and tags that you often see on similar products...." Read more

"It does work, but it's cheaply made . Mine had a piece break when taking out of box. Little flimsy" Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the metal detector. Some mention it's worth the money, has the best specs and price, while others say it'll be a terrible waste of money.

"... Work ok for the price . I suggest spending a little more and buy a Garret or similar 50-100 dollars more cost." Read more

"So this is pretty disappointing . I ordered this just so we could casually play with it in our yard and at the beach...." Read more

"This metal detector had the best specs and price while doing my metal detector search. After receiving it, so far it has stood up to its description...." Read more

"Easy to put together and works well . Good value ." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the wires of the metal detector. They mention that the wire is not connected, and one of the wire was loose.

"Would have given this 5 stars, but one of the wires were loose that attached to the batteries...." Read more

"...and I and we put them both together the same but one did not connect when plugged into the metal detector device. Although the monitor turned on...." Read more

"It does not work because the wires are not connected 😡..." Read more

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Enjoy a New Hobby With a Metal Detector Designed for Beginners

By Savannah Sher , Jasmine Harding

Updated on Jan 2, 2024 4:56 PM EST

13 minute read

Best Overall

Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector

Best bang for the buck.

Bounty Hunter Quick Silver Metal Detector

Upgrade pick.

Minelab Equinox 600 Metal Detector

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Dreaming of finding coins, jewelry, relics, and other buried treasures? Metal detecting is a fun hobby for folks of all ages that may have a great financial payoff. And luckily there are plenty of metal detectors on the market that are relatively inexpensive and also easy to use for people just starting out. These devices can help you search for metal items in various locations, including shorelines, fields, and parks.

Shopping for the best entry-level metal detector online, however, can quickly become overwhelming since there are so many options available. Where to begin? We spoke to Kevin Erickson, co-owner of MetalDetector.com based out of Southborough, Massachusetts, who explained that ease of use is one of the most important features someone should look for in a first metal detector. “For beginners venturing into the world of metal detecting, choosing the right equipment can make a world of difference in their overall experience,” Erickson says. “Embark on a metal detecting journey with a user-friendly detector that features an intuitive interface and simple operation. Avoid models with overwhelming controls and complex settings that might hinder your progress.”

Keep reading for tips on choosing the best option, and explore our curated picks for some of the best metal detectors for beginners.

• BEST OVERALL: Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bounty Hunter Quick Silver Metal Detector
• UPGRADE PICK: Minelab Equinox 600 Metal Detector
• BEST EASE OF USE: Minelab Vanquish 440 Metal Detector
• BEST WEATHERPROOF: Fisher F22 Weatherproof All-Purpose Metal Detector
• BEST UNDERWATER: Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Metal Detector
• BEST FOR KIDS: Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. Metal Detector

How We Chose the Best Metal Detectors for Beginners

Years of experience covering electronics as well as extensive product research went into creating our guide. We explored more than 30 metal detector options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.

• Weight: A lightweight design is a top priority for most users, so we omitted any models that weighed more than 3 pounds.
• Discrimination features: We prioritized models that offer advanced discrimination features so users can specify the type of metals they’re hunting for.
• Price: Metal detectors are available at a wide range of price points. Aside from our Upgrade Pick, we ensured that all of our recommended products were under $300 in order to be suitable for beginners.

Our Top Picks

Coming right up are our top picks for some of the best beginner metal detectors for people intrigued by this fun pursuit. We selected these products because of their quality construction, excellent performance, and top-notch ease of use. Whether looking for a good yet inexpensive metal detector or a more sophisticated model, shoppers are likely to find the best option among our picks.

Product Specs 

• Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Maximum search depth: 8 inches
• Frequency: 8 kHz (adjustable)
• Adjustable length and lightweight design make it suitable for short and tall users as well as those with various degrees of physical strength
• Multiple search modes are available to make it easier to detect certain items
• Numeric Digital Target ID system allows users to identify a metal’s conductivity to further narrow down item identification
• Display screen is on the small side, and some users may find it hard to view details

The Garrett Ace 300 metal detector is an intermediate-level model that’s suitable for beginners and more experienced users alike. This model features five search modes—Zero (no discrimination), Jewelry, Custom, Relics, and Coins—allowing users to customize what they want to detect. Plus, a valuable pinpointing feature helps narrow down the location of buried treasure.

Additionally, this metal detector offers a numerical Digital Target ID system that ranges from 0 to 99, with high-conductivity metals providing higher readings and low-conductivity metals indicating lower readings. It operates at a frequency of 8 kilohertz (kHz), which is slightly higher than many entry-level models on the market and allows for minor frequency adjustments as needed.

This model is lightweight at just 2.8 pounds, so it’s suitable for younger users and those with mobility issues. The search coil is submersible, so it can be used in shallow areas of water. The length is adjustable from 42 to 51 inches, making this model a good choice for both short and tall users.

Get the Garrett Ace 300 metal detector for beginners at Amazon , Cabela’s , or Bass Pro Shops . 

• Maximum search depth: 6.5 inches
• Frequency: 6.6 kHz
• Affordable but still feature packed, with adjustable settings for a reasonable price
• Features automatic ground balancing to help lower the chance of false signals
• Push-button discrimination makes it easy to eliminate certain items from a search
• Lacks a pinpointing feature; users required to pinpoint objects manually

Those looking to try their hand at metal detecting without making a major financial investment may appreciate the affordable price of the Bounty Hunter Quick Silver metal detector. This simple device has straightforward controls for excellent ease of use, so it can be a great budget metal detector. It offers automatic ground balancing, ensuring that the earth’s natural metals don’t interfere with the detection process. It operates at a low frequency of 6.6 kHz, so it is ideal for discovering metals buried at deeper levels. The depth control is adjustable, and three-tone audio identification alerts users to different types of finds.

The search coil is waterproof, allowing users to explore shallow pools and coastlines without risk of damaging the device. This metal detector also offers length adjustment, allowing for optimal comfort for users of varying heights. A padded armrest makes long hours of searching even more comfortable.

Get the Bounty Hunter metal detector for beginners at Amazon .

• Weight: 2.96 pounds
• Maximum search depth: Over 8 inches
• Frequency: 4, 5, 10, 15 kHz (adjustable)
• Fully waterproof design; made for all weather conditions and submersible up to 10 feet
• Multi-IQ technology allows the detector to simultaneously use several frequencies at once to improve target sensitivity
• User-friendly enough for beginners but with excellent features to grow with hobbyists’ skill level
• Expensive; may be out of budget for many beginner detectorists

Those looking to invest in a high-quality model may appreciate the sophistication of the Minelab Equinox 600 metal detector. It’s an advanced, powerful model that’s still easy enough for beginners to use and offers all the bells and whistles most folks would want from a metal detector, as well as some handy extras.

This Minelab can detect at depths over 8 inches, which means that it’s more powerful than most basic models. What really sets it apart, however, is that it’s fully submersible in up to 10 feet of water, allowing for underwater exploration that goes beyond the shoreline.

There are three detection modes—Park, Field, and Beach—each of which is ideal for exploring that particular environment. This model also offers adjustable frequencies from 4 to 15 kHz, so it is suitable for both deep detections and finding smaller items like gold. The Multi frequency uses Multi-IQ technology, employing simultaneous frequencies to detect more items. Users can also choose from single frequencies, and the adjustable range can make this a perfect gold metal detector for beginners. An accurate target identification system allows users to bypass nails and bottle caps in favor of more high-value metals.

Get the Minelab Equinox 600 metal detector for beginners at Amazon , Walmart , Dick’s Sporting Goods , or Cabela’s . 

Best Ease of Use

Minelab vanquish 440 metal detector, product specs.

• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Frequency: Multiple frequencies (not specified)
• Operation is turn on and go for convenience: frequency and ground balance adjust automatically
• Multi-IQ technology employs multiple frequencies at once for a more efficient search
• Large and easy-to-read screen with user-friendly tactile buttons
• Some reviewers found the wired headphones uncomfortable and a bit of a hassle to use

Packed with user-friendly features for both beginner and more experienced detectorists alike, the Minelab Vanquish 440 metal detector is both simple and powerful. Like the Minelab Equinox 600, this detector also has the brand’s Multi-IQ technology, using multiple frequencies at once to improve sensitivity. Once users have found a hidden treasure, they can employ the pinpoint mode to really narrow down its area.

A waterproof search coil makes it possible to use this detector in shallow water. To fine-tune exploration, there are four search modes: coin, relic, jewelry, and custom. A large and simple screen makes it easy to flip through controls where users can adjust sensitivity and volume settings and view information like the target identification number and its depth.

Get the Minelab Vanquish 440 metal detector for beginners at Amazon . 

Best Weatherproof

Fisher f22 weatherproof all-purpose metal detector.

• Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Maximum search depth: 9 inches
• Frequency: 7.69 kHz
• Lightweight design makes this metal detector easy to carry around
• Weatherproof and completely sealed to protect from rain and dirt
• Numeric Target ID display and 4-tone audio ID system help with item identification
• Only coil is waterproof; the rest of the unit is not submersible

Dedicated metal detectorists venture out in all kinds of weather, so it’s important to choose a model that can handle storms and other hazards. While it’s not rated for underwater use, the Fisher F22 metal detector is completely sealed and weatherproof, making it ideal for wet, windy, and dusty conditions. The coil itself is waterproof, but the rest of the device should not be submerged.

Setup is a breeze—simply turn it on and start detecting. Choose from four operation modes: Jewelry, Coins, Artifacts, and Custom. The target identification system is extremely precise, displaying a number between 1 and 99 to let users know if they’ve discovered iron, foil, nickels, gold, zinc coins, copper, or silver. A four-tone audio ID system lets users know what they’re about to uncover without even looking at the screen. A pinpoint feature further helps folks nail down where to dig for an item.

Get the Fisher metal detector for beginners at Amazon , Walmart , or Cabela’s . 

Best Underwater

Garrett pro-pointer at metal detector.

• Weight: 0.41 pounds
• Maximum search depth: Not specified
• Frequency: 11.5 kHz
• Designed for underwater use; bright orange color keeps it visible and it’s submersible up to 20 feet
• Very lightweight and easy to carry, even while underwater; weighs under 1 pound
• A built-in LED light and a scraping edge help to reach the target item
• A pinpointer; not ideal for searching large areas but useful for pinpointing a target or searching small spaces

Underwater adventures can become even more exciting with the Garrett Pro-Pointer metal detector. This small metal detector is a pinpointer, which means it’s designed to make it faster and easier to zero in on the location of a target treasure. It’s often used in tandem with a larger metal detector, but since divers might not be able to carry both, this pointer may be an ideal solution. It’s submersible up to 20 feet.

The bright orange color helps prevent this detector from getting lost in the water. A built-in LED light helps illuminate the search area. This little detector also has a scraping edge to help sift through sand and soil for the target item. Users can choose from three sensitivity levels to help detect small targets.

Get the Garrett Pro-Pointer metal detector for beginners at Amazon , Bass Pro Shops , Cabela’s , or Garrett . 

Best for Kids

Bounty hunter junior t.i.d. metal detector.

• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Maximum search depth: 5 inches
• Very user-friendly and easy for kids to use right out of the box
• Ideal size and weight for children: weighs 1.5 pounds and has an adjustable length
• Simplified screen uses simple buttons and emoji display to help kids find items
• Coil is only water-resistant and not waterproof, so it can’t be submerged

A metal detector is one of the

best tools for kids

who are interested in exploring a new hobby. Younger children ought to start with an appropriately sized metal detector, such as the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D., which is designed for explorers 6 years old and up. It weighs 1.5 pounds and has an adjustable length to grow with a child.

It’s very user-friendly, with a simple screen that uses emojis to help narrow down target finds. It also includes some extra detection features. Kids can choose from three target identification categories: iron, rings and other, and coins and valuables. Along with the discrimination control feature, this helps to eliminate unwanted items.

Get the Bounty Hunter metal detector for beginners at Amazon , Walmart , Target , or Dick’s Sporting Goods .

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to consider when choosing metal detectors for beginners.

While it’s easy to assume that all metal detectors offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Features like weight, operating frequency, ground balance, search modes, and weatherproofing can make one a better fit for a user’s needs than another option. Keep reading to learn about these important features to consider when shopping for the best entry-level metal detector.

Metal detecting requires hours out in the field—or on the beach—so choosing a lightweight model can be helpful for users who prefer not to haul a heavy piece of equipment around all day. Children and those with back or shoulder issues may particularly appreciate a lightweight model.

Generally speaking, higher-end metal detectors tend to weigh more, while entry-level models are designed to be light and easy to carry. For the most comfortable searching experience, look for a metal detector that weighs less than 5 pounds. Also consider a model that offers height adjustment, which increases ease of use for both shorter and taller users.

Operating Frequency

A key consideration when choosing a metal detector is its frequency, which is the number of times per second that the signal is sent to the receiver. The lower the frequency, the easier it is to find objects buried deep in the ground. High frequency metal detectors are ideal for finding smaller objects that are closer to the surface.

Most beginner metal detectors are all-purpose, offering a low to medium frequency. When searching for gold, however, higher frequencies are used in order to isolate gold from other more common metals.

Ground Balance

One of the issues that people encounter when using a metal detector is that the earth itself contains trace amounts of metals that can set the device off even if there’s nothing to be found. Metal detectors with a ground balance feature ignore these natural metals to avoid false readings.

There are several ways in which metal detectors perform ground balancing. Those with an automatic ground balance feature don’t require any user intervention, whereas those with manual ground balancing must be adjusted based on the object the user is seeking. Typically, entry-level metal detectors offer automatic ground balancing for optimal ease of use.

Discrimination Features and Search Modes

A key feature of more advanced metal detectors is target identification. More advanced models not only alert the user when a metal is detected but also take it a step further by actually identifying what type of object has been found.

Some models allow users to set specific search modes to look for coins, relics, jewelry, and more. Also called “target discrimination,” it’s another important feature that Erickson explains is important for a beginner metal detector. “The ability to differentiate between desirable targets, like coins and jewelry, and unwanted objects, like pull tabs and bottle caps, is essential for efficient searching,” he says. “Opt for a detector with adjustable discrimination settings to tailor your search based on the type of treasures you seek.”

A detector may indicate the type of object found with auditory or visual alerts. Some use an auditory system that generally makes a louder, high-pitched sound when a more valuable object is found and a quieter, more low-pitched sound when a low-value object is detected.

More advanced models have a screen that displays an image indicating the type of object that has been detected. There are also models that have different search modes for types of terrain, allowing users to identify whether they’re working in a field, in a park, or at the beach .

Some metal detectors have pinpointing features, which can make searches even more efficient. “Once you’ve detected a potential target, pinpointing accuracy becomes crucial for precise excavation,” Erickson says. “Look for a detector with a dedicated pinpointing mode and a sensitive probe that can pinpoint the exact location of buried objects, minimizing digging and maximizing your finds.”

Waterproof/Weatherproof

Since metal detectors are designed to be used outdoors, it’s important that they have some level of weatherproofing. Most models are water-resistant, allowing for them to be used in rainy weather or at the beach without users worrying about them incurring damage.

Some models, however, are designed to be fully waterproof so they can be used underwater. The most advanced waterproof models are even capable of exploring the ocean’s depths while scuba diving. Most waterproof entry-level models simply have a waterproof search coil, allowing users to search in shallow water.

Be sure to verify the manufacturer’s specifications before using a metal detector in water to avoid damaging the device.

The guide above offers lots of info on the best metal detectors for beginners, but those with other questions will want to read on. Below, we offer concise answers to some of the most common questions about metal detectors.

Q. What equipment do I need for metal detecting?

A metal detector is the only thing you need to get started with metal detecting.

Q. Which metal detector is the easiest to use?

We recommend the Minelab Vanquish 440 metal detector for optimal ease of use because of its intuitive interface and clear user controls.

Q. Are cheap metal detectors any good?

Prices for metal detectors vary widely, from under $100 to more than $2,000. Higher-end models tend to offer better performance, but inexpensive ones are a great place to start for beginners who are new to the hobby.

Q. Can anyone use a metal detector?

Most metal detectors for beginners are incredibly easy to use. However, newcomers to the hobby may benefit from reaching out to a local club or organization to shadow an experienced detector on a hunt to learn how to get the most out of the tool.

Q. Which metal detector can I use in the water?

Before using a metal detector in the water, it’s important to verify its waterproof rating. While some metal detectors only have a waterproof search coil, others can be fully submerged in water without incurring damage.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

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