There’s more to the hobby of metal detecting than simply finding gold, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t something you want to aim for on your hunt. If you’re going digging for gold though, it is important to have the right detector that is up for the job. Not having the right equipment is likely to be a big waste of your time, and your money. But how do you know which one is the right one?
In this article, we’ve done all the heavy lifting by listing only the best metal detectors for gold so that you can get efficient results. This way you are guaranteed more bang for your buck!
5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me
When I started my hobby I was going into it basically blind. I had no idea what were the right things to look for or pay attention to. So here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I started looking into buying my first metal detector.
1. See What Your Budget Allows For
We’re not going to lie to you; gold metal detectors can be heavy on your wallet. Depending on the model you’re going for, or especially when looking into one with pulse induction (we’ll cover more on that later.) It is imperative to know exactly what your budget can handle.
2. See If The Detector Can Process High Mineralization
Regular detectors can have a hard time getting a read on gold that’s buried beneath high levels of mineralized soil. So you need to be sure the detector you’re putting money down for has the exact processing you need.
3. Take Pulse Induction or High-Frequency VLF Technology
It is highly up to user preference to decide which of these is better or worse. However, we don’t recommend buying a VLF gold with a less than 15 kHz frequency as it doesn’t have enough sensitivity to locate smaller gold nuggets.
4. Do Some Research Around Potential Hunting Areas
To be able to truly start your hobby you should know where to be looking. It won’t yield a satisfying result if where you’re hunting isn’t rich with what you’re looking for. Know before you go.
5. Make Sure Your Detector Has A Manual Ground Balance
Being able to adjust a metal detector’s ground balance is crucial when you’re out hunting. If you can’t adjust it for your specific setting, it will make it harder for you when you’re looking around.
Best Gold Detectors
If you are just starting out and haven’t used this kind of equipment before, we suggest getting your hands on an entry-level model that offers the right balance between detection and price.
They might not have the same type of advanced features that come with some of the other mid- or top-tier models, but they still get the job done in the right type of environment.
So how much are you willing to pay to get an entry-level gold metal detector?
Some of the “regular” gold detectors can cost between $250 to $300. But for a proper entry-level detector, you should be spending no less than $500. Anything below that price range wouldn’t be as effective in some of the tougher environments where gold is typically located.
1. Fisher Gold Bug Pro (Entry Level)
We start off our list with perhaps one of the most versatile beginner detectors you can get your hands on; the Fisher Gold-Bug Pro.
It is highly sensitive, meaning that it can detect even the smallest of gold nuggets. It is a VLF detector that operates at a 19-kilohertz frequency which can also detect other metals like coins. With that level of frequency, the Fisher 
Gold-Bug Pro is capable of locating gold nuggets even in highly mineralized soils.
It is one of the cheapest gold detectors available. It also boasts a fine collection of important features for gold hunting, in spite of its relatively low price rate.
Two of these features are the automatic (real-time)and manual ground balance. Essentially this means, the gold detector device can calibrate itself and inform you about the kind of minerals that are within the soil to help you find your nugget.
Pros
- Can easily locate smaller nuggets
- Incredibly lightweight
- Excellent for beginners to intermediate users
- Comes with an easy-to-understand instruction manual
Cons
- Arm strap needs to be purchased separately
- The only piece that’s waterproof is the coil
Overall Impression:
If you’re just starting out, this is a great product that has a variety of features and a relatively affordable price point for what you get. It is lightweight and easy to use as well which makes it ideal for the beginner beachcomber.
2. Garrett AT Gold Waterproof (Mid-Level)
If you’re looking for a waterproof, budget-friendly detector, try the Garrett AT Gold.
This versatile beast was manufactured to hunt down gold in virtually any type of terrain, but thrives in shallow
freshwater areas. It can withstand a maximum depth of 10 ft in freshwater streams and lakes. The only water to avoid is saltwater.
Unlike the Gold-Bug Pro , the Garrett 80 gold comes with an array of features and adjustments that are easy to understand once you’ve gotten the hang of them.
The AT Pro is a VLF detector that includes an 18 kilohertz frequency that allows the users to not only locate smaller gold nuggets, but other precious items like coins and jewelry. The device’s sensitivity is due to the fact that it comes with a 5×8 DD search coil, which improves detection.
You can hunt for all kinds of precious items at a great depth, all while using the detector’s True All-Metal Mode which will improve your overall search results.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- An ideal all-metal detector
- Can withstand water depths of up to 10 ft
- The state-of-the-art ground balancing system
Cons
- Not recommended for saltwater (Here are our beach options)
- A bit heavier than some of the other models on our list
Overall Impression:
As long as it’s not salt water, the Garrett AT Gold is a commendable waterproof gold detector that is ideal to use while searching for gold nuggets in streams and lakes.
3. Fisher Gold Bug-2 (Mid-Level)
If you’re ready to take things to the next level, we recommend starting with the Fisher Gold-Bug 2.
This is the kind of detector that offers more value for your money. It’s built with a high operating frequency of 71 kilohertz, allowing it to detect gold nuggets at the highest sensitivity levels. The Gold Bug 2 also includes iron discrimination, moisture and dust resistance. Not to mention an audio boost feature that enables it to detect gold through highly mineralized soil.
It’s also slim and relatively lightweight, weighing less than 3 pounds. This means you can keep searching for longer durations without feeling tired or worn down.
Although it is quite easy to use, you do need some practice with the device’s dual knob ground controls (coarse and fine) and the “IRON DISC” mode to get the best result possible.
Pros
- Protected from dust and moisture
- Extremely high frequency
- 5-year warranty
- Powerful discrimination
Cons
- A bit expensive
- It doesn’t come with the display
Overall Impression:
It does have the expense factor that weighs it down a little bit, but the features and the lightweight design make this a great product to consider for any mid-tier hobbyist. You can read my more in-depth review here.
4. Minelab GPZ 7000 (High End Gold Detector)
Minelab GPZ 7000 : Being one of the top-tier models for a more advanced comber, this does come in at a higher 
price point. However, it does come with advanced features that no other model can offer, which helps to make up for the price.
Unlike the other models that we have listed which were built with either VLF or pulse induction technology, the GPZ is built with Minelab’s own proprietary Zero Voltage Transmission (ZVT) technology.
When it comes to regular detectors, depth and sensitivity always seem to have an inverse relationship. Bigger depth reduces sensitivity to small objects, whereas higher sensitivity results in traitor interference and reduces depth.
ZVT technology, on the other hand, reduces this relationship. This means the detector offers immense depth as well as enhanced sensitivity.
Although it looks similar to the CTX 3030 model, the GPZ 7000 is something else altogether. The battery is a bit larger in the GPZ 7000 and offers twice the capacity of the CTX 3030.
The GPZ also comes with an easy-to-understand LCD menu system that features PC mapping and GPS locating options.
One screen option set allows the user to control the settings of the metal detector, whereas the other set grants control of the integrated GPS mapping and tracking system.
5. Minelab GPX 5000(High End Gold Detector)
The GPX 5000 is only fit for the most professional treasure hunters thanks to its extensive detection and 
customizable capabilities. It’s also great for detecting in just about any kind of condition imaginable.
But why is this pulse induction detector so heavily favored in the gold hunting community? This is due to many of Minelab’s exclusive features, including Smart Electronic Timing Alignment (SETA), Multi-Period Sensing and Dual Voltage Technology (DVT).
For discrimination, the GPX 5000 is supplied with a standard 11 Double D coil. This enables the machine to discern unnecessary metals like iron and tinfoil.
There are three smooth timings family settings that come with this device: (Enhanced, Fine gold, or Smooth). Salt/gold timing makes the GPX 5000 ideal for gold hunting at the beach.
It also includes six preset search options, so when you’re switching modes you’ll have to remember the settings.
One thing notable about the 5000 is that it’s lighter than the 7000 and relatively easier to use for longer durations. It even comes with a 15in x 12in elliptical search coil, and LCD backlight, and several other accessories.
Conclusion
It is important when embarking on your gold hunting journey to first consider where exactly you are on the skill-level scale. This can help you easily discern what kind of equipment you should be investing in. This guide should help anyone from the amateur hunter to the advanced, find the best tool for them on their metal detector quest.
Weigh your options and your level of investment and then, happy hunting!
