Expert consulted: From Captain Kidd to The Goonies, buried treasure is a concept that captivates people of all ages. But while metal detecting is a well-established hobby with thousands of dedicated adherents, it can be difficult to get started. Though easy to use, some metal detectors are made to be easy enough for a child to use, while comparing hobby-grade gear can feel confusing and overwhelming.
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 very experienced detectorists, 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
Steven T. Wright: As a longtime nerd and technology writer, I've written about computers and tech products for almost a decade 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 find 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 directory 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.
What To Consider in A Metal Detector
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.
How We Selected The Best Metal Detectors
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
Pros
- Simple, yet full-featured
- Multi-frequency support
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as water-resistant as more expensive models
Key Specs
| Type | Multi-frequency |
|---|---|
| Coil Size | 10 in. |
| Weight | 2.6 lb |
| Waterproof | Yes, up to 3.3 ft |
The Minelab Vanquish 440 offers a tremendous amount of functionality for less than the cost of some less powerful VLF detectors. For just under $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 lbs. The Vanquish 440 is a true hobby-grade machine that you can grab for a great price.
Pros
- Good depth penetration
- Weatherproof
- Large backlit display with six modes
Cons
- More expensive than entry-level models
Key Specs
| Type | Multi-frequency |
|---|---|
| Coil Size | 11 in. |
| Weight | 2.5 lb |
| Waterproof | Yes, "water resistant" |
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, but you’re getting a very powerful detector for a very appealing price. 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.
Pros
- Five search modes
- Notch discrimination
Cons
- Less feature-rich than other models in price range
Key Specs
| Type | VLF |
|---|---|
| Coil Size | 10 in. |
| Weight | 2.9 lb |
| Waterproof | Yes, "water resistant" |
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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Supports all terrains and detecting types
- Good display backlight
Cons
- Some portability concerns
- Not as good at gold prospecting as PI machines
Key Specs
| Type | Multi-frequency |
|---|---|
| Coil Size | 11 in. |
| Weight | 2.06 lb |
| Waterproof | Yes, up to 10 ft |
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 and even while wading in saltwater, and 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 more than 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.
Pros
- Suitable for diving
- Can be used on all terrain, including wet beaches
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Type | Multi-frequency |
|---|---|
| Coil Size | 10 in. |
| Weight | 5.1 lb |
| Waterproof | Yes, up to 200 ft |
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 much 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 very 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 Mini Hoard Kids Waterproof Metal Detector
Nokta Mini Hoard Kids Waterproof Metal Detector
Pros
- Child-sized
- Useful display
- Actually works
Cons
- Only $100 less than true entry-level models
Key Specs
| Type | Multi-frequency |
|---|---|
| Coil Size | 6 in. |
| Weight | 1.7 lb |
| Waterproof | Yes, "water resistant" |
If your kid expresses interest in metal detecting, it might be tempting to buy a really cheap one on Amazon and hope for the best. Lubbert says that kids might enjoy playing with these toys, but they're just that – toys. If you’d like your child to actually get a taste for the hobby, we recommend paying a few dollars more for the Nokta Mini Hoard, which is the rare metal detector for kids that works well.
The Mini Hoard has three tones for different kinds of metal and a display that indicates a good or bad find. It's small enough for children as young as four to use without much trouble. It’s really made for young kids, though, so look into an entry-level model for a tween or teen.
Pros
- 12 detection programs
- Faster than most consumer models
- Waterproof remote control
Cons
- Screen could be better
Key Specs
| Type | Multi-frequency |
|---|---|
| Coil Size | 11 in. |
| Weight | 2.08 lb |
| Waterproof | Up to 66 ft |
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.
Q+A With Our Experts
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.
