What is the Best Metal Detector?

by Metal Detector Staff

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

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 - Minelab Manticore Waterproof Metal Detector

The Minelab Manticore is an exceptional all-purpose metal detector equipped with advanced features to handle a range of detecting activities, from shallow water treasure hunting to deep-water dives up to 16 feet. The innovative two-dimensional ID map system allows users to differentiate valuable targets from unwanted trash and iron, making it ideal for highly mineralized areas. The Manticore’s multi-frequency technology provides unparalleled depth and accuracy, while its customizable audio settings give users flexibility based on their detecting style.

Key Specifications for the Minelab Manticore:

  • Operating Frequency Range: Multi-IQ+ technology with selectable frequencies (5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz)
  • Waterproof Design: Detector and M11 11" Elliptical DD Coil, fully waterproof up to 16 feet (5 meters)
  • Special Features: Two-dimensional ID Map System with Target Trace, Boosted EMI Immunity, and 3 Audio Modes including Continuous Pitch (VCO) Mode
  • Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
  • Weight: 1.3 kg / 2.9 lbs

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.

Specifications for the Ace 400 Metal Detector:

  • 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.

Specifications of the Detech Relic Striker:
  • 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

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.

Specifications for the DEUS 2:
  • 4 to 45 kHz operating frequency
  • Waterproof detector and 9" or 11" waterproof coil
  • Fast multi-frequency technology
  • 5-year warranty

Best Waterproof Detector Pinpointer - Nokta Makro The Legend Multi-Frequency Waterproof Metal Detector

The Nokta Legend stands out as a top-tier multi-purpose detector designed for a wide range of detecting activities, from beach hunts to gold prospecting. Its simultaneous multi-frequency technology provides stable, reliable performance in challenging environments. With its robust, waterproof build, the Legend offers depth and advanced discrimination capabilities to identify valuable targets while minimizing trash signals, making it an excellent choice for all skill levels.

Specifications for The Legend Detector:

  • Operating Frequencies: Multi(3) with options at 4, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz
  • Waterproof Design: Fully submersible up to 16 feet (5 meters)
  • Special Features: Advanced discrimination settings, customizable threshold and recovery speed, vibration mode, and 60 adjustable target IDs for precise identification
  • Custom User Profiles: 4 profiles with up to 16 different settings for various locations and targets
  • Warranty: 3-year warranty
  • Weight: 1.3 kg (3.0 lbs)

    Best Gold Nugget Detector

    Minelab GOLD Monster 1000

    The Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 is a high-performance gold prospecting detector designed to make finding gold easy for beginners and experts alike. Featuring fully automatic operation, exceptional sensitivity, and adaptability, this detector is perfect for locating even the smallest gold nuggets. Its 45 kHz VLF frequency and advanced processing make it a standout choice for maximizing gold recovery in challenging conditions.

    Specifications for the Gold Monster 1000 Detector:
      • Operating Frequency: 45 kHz Ultra-Wide Dynamic Range VLF
      • Ground Balance: Auto Tracking for consistent performance
      • Detect Modes: Gold (Iron Reject) and Deep All-Metal
      • Sensitivity: Manual, Auto, and Auto+ adjustment for optimal performance
      • Gold Chance Indicator: Pinpoint your target before digging
      • Water Resistance: Coils waterproof to 1m (3'); rainproof control box
      • Weight: 2.94 lbs (1.33 kg) (excluding battery)
      • Warranty: 2 Years Limited

      Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro

      The Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro is a state-of-the-art metal detector designed for treasure hunters seeking versatility and precision. Whether you're searching for small gold nuggets, gold jewelry, or buried treasures, this all-purpose detector delivers unparalleled target separation and advanced discrimination control to uncover what others have missed.

      Specifications for the Time Ranger Pro Detector
      • Operating Frequency: 19 kHz frequency for high sensitivity to small targets.
      • Weight: Lightweight at just 2.5 lbs for extended use.
      • Coil: 11-inch DD waterproof search coil for maximum depth and coverage.
      • Power Source: Operates on a single 9V alkaline battery.
      • Warranty: 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
      • Made in the USA: Proudly crafted with quality and reliability.

        Some honorable mentions include:

        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

        To learn about how metal detectors work, check out our posts and associations links here and here.

        © 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;

        - MetalDetector.com, Revised October 2024.