You would be shocked by the tremendous number of treasures that are just waiting underneath the ground to be uncovered by both novice and seasoned prospectors. Finding these pockets of treasure can be a little difficult if you don’t have the right kind of detector, so it is recommended to invest in something great. Using some of these metal detectors should give you some of the best results. The right detector can make all the difference in the world in what you can find and where.
While there is a wealth of great detectors on the market to choose from, not all of them will meet your treasure-hunting needs. Your specific needs will largely depend on various factors including needed features, price range, your specific skill level, as well as the type of metal detecting you intend to do.
Still feel a little lost on what detector is the best to buy? Don’t worry we’re going to help you find the most suitable one for your skill level, your search location, and the type of treasures you’re looking to detect.
High-End Metal Detectors
High-end metal detectors come packed with advanced features and cutting-edge technology for outstanding detection performance. While they are a bit pricier than your typical metal detector, they are well worth the investment. We’ve compiled a list of a few that we think are the best high-end detectors on the market.
Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
Garett AT Pro is, hands down, one of the best high-end detectors you can find. It has been praised for its versatility, cutting-edge features, and impressive detection performance, which send it a step above many of the others on the market.
The construction is waterproof so you can hunt for treasures up to ten feet underwater without worrying that it will short out. This device also features an auto and manual ground balance, which allows you to quickly fine-tune the detector accordingly and in real-time to even out ground signals. This not only makes detecting in mineralized grounds easier but also allows you to find targets at much greater depths.
Another stand out feature is the built-in pinpointer, which allows you to identify your target’s location more easily and accurately. There is also an intuitive and easy to read LCD that allows you to view the battery’s status, sensitivity level, operation mode, and the type of metal target detected. This is a suitable option for both professional and beginner prospectors due to its ease of use, high-performance, and all-terrain versatility.
Pros
- Works well detecting small treasures in narrow spots
- It allows searching up to 10 feet underwater
- Easy to operate control display
- It’s lightweight enough for comfortable use
- Accurate target pinpointing and faster recovery
- Great discrimination functionality
- Headphone support and volume control makes weak signals clearer
Cons
- It lacks a back light for easy reading
Garrett AT MAX Waterproof Metal Detector
The AT MAX is Garrett’s most advanced and versatile all-terrain VLF detector. This device is best suited for professional treasure hunters looking to get the most out of their hunts.
It comes jam-packed with plenty of premium features including the Z-Lynk wireless audio. This feature allows the lightning-fast pairing of the detector to your wireless headphones so you can listen for signals without any cumbersome chords. It can be used to detect both on land and in freshwater up to 10 feet deep.
This detector also stands out from the rest as it offers up to 44 levels of iron discrimination and notch discrimination, which helps filter out false signals from bottle tops and other trashy metals.
It also offers an optimized operating frequency of about 13.6 kHz, which gives you the best sensitivity and depths. This ensures you to locate a vast range of targets such as brass relics, silver coins, and gold jewelry.
Pros
- Its adjustable frequency helps eliminate interference
- It has a backlight for improved visibility
- Allows maximum depth detection
- Easy to access and operate controls
- It has volume control so you can hear signals without headphones
- Allows wireless headphone connection
- Comes with a free search coil cover
- Great for professional treasure hunting
Cons
- Not the best for gold prospecting
- You’ll need a different transmitter to use Bluetooth headphones
Minelab 3720-0002 Equinox 800 Metal Detector
Another exceptional high-end detector is the Equinox 800, which allows for detecting different types of terrains and is optimized for locating various targets including gold, relics, and coins.
A little bit of silver from today’s metal detecting session. 👍#minelab #equinox #metaldetecting pic.twitter.com/Bd1vT4nsTG
— TerraEnglandia – Metal Detecting UK (@TEnglandia) October 25, 2020
This detector is designed to be submerged, meaning you can use it for detecting in rivers, streams, and even at the beach. Its lightweight design ensures you won’t be weighed down even after hours of detection, allowing you to enjoy longer sessions.
This detector features ultra-fast wireless audio, so you can hear target signals while being wireless via the included WM 08 or aptX™ Low Latency headphones. It also offers you up to eight search modes, each including two custom search profiles, which allows you to save your best settings in each mode.
It is also equipped to identify your target’s location faster and more accurately amongst the trash, thanks to the accurate target ID.
Pros
- Waterproof coil allows detecting up to three meters underwater
- Comes with wireless headphones for picking up faint signals
- It has multi-frequency operation for more accurate ID targeting
- It allows you to switch frequencies to suit your needs
- It has noise-canceling capabilities
Cons
- The battery may run out quickly due to the powerful features included
Garrett at Gold Waterproof Metal Detector
The Garrett AT Gold is optimized to hunt for gold but is an ideal detector for average use as well. It comes with the unique ability to identify small gold nuggets as well as advanced features to make hunting for gold a breeze. These features are what set this device apart, making it one of the best waterproof metal detectors for gold hunting enthusiasts.
It works at 18kHz, which offers better detection of small gold nuggets, relics, coins, and jewelry than other detectors on the market. Another impressive feature of this detector is the submersible search coil that can go up to three meters, or ten feet deep in water. This makes it easy to hunt gold in lakes, rivers, and freshwater streams.
You can also take advantage of the included multiple tone ID, which helps discriminate between undesirable signals from objects such as pull tabs, nails, and foil.
The only downside of the AT metal detector is that beaches are a no-go because it doesn’t react well with saltwater.
Pros
- Can detect objects up to 10 feet underwater
- Iron audio ensures you don’t miss iron targets
- Lightweight enough to use for prolonged searches
- Great for searching in highly mineralized fields
- Accurate pinpointing of targets
- Simple LED display
- Great for gold prospecting
Cons
- The LED display doesn’t have a back light
Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer Metal Detector
Another excellent metal detector is Garrett Pro Pointer, which can detect gold nuggets and other small hidden treasures due to its three highly responsive sensitivity levels.
One of the highlight features of the Garrett 1140900 is the pro-pointer that pinpoints your target’s location quickly and precisely with a quick button press. It has a waterproof design for full submersion when you’re searching for lost treasures in the water.
One of the most interesting features is the bright orange color of the device, so bright you’ll still be able to see it in the water. It also comes with a flashlight that illuminates the ground, making it easy to detect at night.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- Can detect smaller targets up to 10 feet deep
- Eliminates false signals
- Can be used underwater
- Has two modes, both silent and beeping
- Includes an auto power-off feature
Cons
- It uses more power, thus depleting the battery faster
Best Metal Detectors for Kids
Metal detecting is an unexpectedly great hobby to involve your kids in. It will get them out into the fresh air and give them some excitement as they hunt for buried treasures. They will also get to learn all about local history through the objects they might find while they’re on the hunt.
It can also be an amazing opportunity to bond with your kids as you can experience new places together. So, to get them involved, you’ll need to get them the perfect detector. The ideal one for your kids should be appealing, lightweight, ergonomic, but also have the capability to detect hidden treasures with ease. You can find other great kid options here.
Bounty Hunter Junior
The Bounty Hunter Junior is at the top of our list for its intuitive and easy to navigate dial, remarkable detection performance, and affordable price. This attractive-looking detector boasts plenty of useful features like pre-set ground balance, target discrimination, and improved accuracy, to ensure an easy metal detecting experience.
One feature that makes Bounty Hunter Junior stand out from other kid’s detectors is the simple and intuitive control panel. This simple model has two knobs for easy operation and uses emojis to show the type of target it’s detected. This makes target identification simple for your little ones while also providing them with enticing reasons to enjoy and improve their detection skills.
Weighing only 1.5 pounds, this metal detector is lightweight enough for the young ones to spend the entire day out hunting without feeling fatigued. It is also ergonomically designed with a handle and an adjustable shaft from 20.5 to 31.5 inches for easy handling and super-comfortable use for kids with varying heights.
As far as performance goes, this kid-friendly detector features a 6.5-inch coil that’s weather-resistant and has a 6.6 kHz operating frequency. This way, your kids can easily find buried treasures up to 5 inches deep in the ground. This model also allows the little ones to easily adjust the discrimination settings to filter out iron targets and other trash.
The only real downside to this metal detector is that it lacks headphone functionality, which can make it somewhat difficult to hear signals while searching in noisy fields. However, with its simplicity and outstanding detection performance, it is one of the best detectors on the market for a younger audience.
Pros
- Super easy to use
- Works well discriminating between trash and less valuable iron objects
- Lightweight and ergonomic design allows for comfortable use
- It has an adjustable stem
Cons
- It’s not waterproof
- Lacks headphones functionality
National Geographic Junior Metal Detector
Coming second on our list is the National Geographic Junior, which features a lightweight and ergonomic design and packs lots of useful detecting features that make finding treasures both fun and easy for your kids.
One thing you may like about this detector is its ease of use. It has several easy to use buttons that allow your kid to tune the sensitivity level, volume, and various kinds of metals to target. The stem can be adjusted to suit the height of your kid and folds down into a compact size for easy carrying. It has an ergonomic handle and a balanced weight, making it comfortable to use when out in the field hunting treasures.
Additionally, this detector has a detachable LED light, which provides ample lighting while searching at night in the dark with your kid. This helps to ensure your kid stays safe as they’re searching for treasures outdoors. This detector also provides an audio signal once it picks up metal targets. The LED lights up as you get closer to the target, allowing you to identify the target’s location better.
It uses AA batteries for powering, which provides enough search time even when you’re planning to detect for the entire day.
One main drawback to using this detector is it doesn’t have an LCD for easy reading of detected targets and battery status.
Pros
- A great option for kids and beginners
- Easy to use and understand
- Collapses into a compact size for easy storage and transportation
- It has an adjustable volume control
- Allows precise target pinpointing
- Lightweight enough for kids to carry around
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
- It doesn’t have an LCD
RM RICOMAX Metal Detector
The RM RICOMAX is an amazing detector for both kids and adults. It offers many great features, including an LCD control screen, accurate findings, and varied metal identification for a superb metal detecting experience.
In its endless list of features, one that stands out is the intuitive and simple to navigate LCD. This gives kids over seven years an easy time adjusting and setting the various controls for enhanced detection performance. This also helps your kids hone their treasure hunting skills much faster.
The large 10-inch search coil sets this detector apart by giving your children a wider search range. With this feature, your kid will be able to hunt for treasures on a larger field much quicker in only a few sweeps. The coil is designed to be waterproof, meaning your kid can comfortably hunt for buried treasures in wet sands and shallow waters.
When it comes to detection performance, you’ll find this provides varied detection modes and discrimination control, guaranteeing easy detection of silver, gold, aluminum, iron, and bronze targets with minimal distraction from trashy objects. The included sensitivity control allows your kid to find small metal targets such as gold nuggets buried up to seven inches below the ground.
At 2.31 pounds, the RM RICOMAX is lightweight enough for your kid to easily and comfortably use even during longer search sessions. It also has an adjustable shaft 33 to 40.6 inches, making it a great option that your kids can grow using.
While this detector comes with numerous powerful features, the batteries don’t last very long so you can only search for a limited time.
Pros
- Accurate target identification and depth readings
- Simple to navigate LCD
- It has three search modes for enhanced target discrimination
- It comes with a comprehensive guide book plus bonus tips
- Comfortable to carry, even for long periods
- Offers great value for your money
- The shaft is adjustable
Cons
- It uses up battery faster
- Plastic bolts require replacing over time
Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector
If you’re looking for an all-terrain, easy to use, high-performance detector for your child, then you should consider the Fisher F22. This model comes packed with impressive features like adjustable volume and sensitivity, notch discrimination, and a 4-Tone audio-ID system.
What makes this model unique from the other kids’ metal detectors is its weatherproof design, meaning they can use it on most terrains without worrying about damage.
It’s also pretty lightweight, so your kids can enjoy hours of searching without fatigue.
As far as performance goes, this model offers up to ten sensitivity levels so they can filter out trashy metals. The Fe-Iron mode helps to reduce the volume of ferrous targets’ signals for enhanced accuracy in locating valuables.
They can also easily read the 9-Segment targets via the large LCD, as well as create and save their own via the non-volatile memory save settings. Not to mention, they can quickly and accurately identify the target’s exact location thanks to the static pinpoint feature.
The only downside to using this detector is that it lacks manual ground balance.
Pros
- Weatherproof design allows for increased versatility
- Detects metal targets up to 10 inches deep
- It folds down nicely for easy storage and carrying
- It includes a jack for wired headphones
- Great for searching for lost jewelry and coins
- Faster target recovery and accurate identification
- Easy to use
Cons
- No manual ground balance
- Not suitable for searching in saltwater
Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter Gold Digger is an excellent option as it’s one of the best value children’s metal detectors on the market. This detector is incredibly easy to operate and packed with plenty of kid-friendly features while delivering outstanding detection performance.
This detector separates itself from others on the market with its ease of operation. It is designed with only two knobs, making it a breeze for your little ones to power it on, adjust the sensitivity level, and the discrimination control to filter out false signals from unwanted targets and trash. It also includes an all-metal mode that makes it easy to find things like gold, iron, silver, and other buried metals.
It also features a lightweight design as it comes with a 7-inch search coil, making it pretty easy for your kid to use it for hours without it weighing them down. The stem is adjustable as well so you can set it accordingly to fit their height, and that it will be able to grow with your child as they do.
The only main downside of this metal detector is that it’s not waterproof, so your kid cannot use it for searching in the river, stream, or other wet grounds.
Pros
- Lightweight and ergonomic for kids to carry around comfortably
- It has an adjustable stem length so your child can continue using it as they grow
- Easy to operate controls
- Can detect metal items up to 6 inches deep
- It can detect all kinds of metals
- It has a built-in speaker and can be used with headphones
Cons
- Limited depth detection of only 6 inches
- It’s also not fully submersible
Best Metal Detector for Gold
Hunting for gold using a metal detector is not only a fun and enjoyable experience, but can also be lucrative if you encounter a significant amount of nuggets or gold flakes on your hunt. In addition to finding the best location to hunt for gold, choosing the right gold hunting metal detector will also ensure your success.
Choosing the right detector for hunting gold requires extra consideration you might not take for your average run of the mill detector. You’ll want to look out for a machine that can withstand the harsh terrains where gold is mostly found. Here are just a few that we recommend helping narrow down your search. You can find more gold options here.
Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package
At the top of our list is the Garrett ATX metal detector as it comes equipped with cutting-edge technology and numerous useful features to ensure you can detect even the smallest gold nuggets out there.
This device features advanced pulse induction technology that enables it to penetrate mineralized grounds, which are often gold-bearing. It features a multi-frequency operation of about 73 kHz, which makes it an ideal option for detecting gold in different kinds of terrain and harsh conditions. Conditions such as highly mineralized terrains, and in saltwater up to ten feet deep.
It features a rugged and durable design that can withstand even the most challenging terrain. It comes equipped with an advanced DD SearchCoil that provides maximum sensitivity for improved detection, so you don’t have to worry about missing targets of varying sizes. It makes hunting easier as well, by identifying your target’s location faster and more accurately.
Thanks to the multi-frequency operation, you can effortlessly search for multiple treasures simultaneously and make the most out of your searching sessions. The LED Indicators help to see the signal strength and the current settings for an enhanced detection experience.
It has a built-in waterproof speaker so you can hunt for gold even while it’s raining. It also allows you to plug in your wired headphones to listen closely for signals while you’re in noisy fields or public places.
The main complaint reported by the users of this detector is the poor quality of the battery holder, which makes the batteries pop out easily. Despite its faults though, it’s a high-performance multi-frequency detector that will allow you to detect a vast range of targets in addition to gold pieces.
Pros
- It offers superb depth detection capabilities
- It’s fully collapsible for convenient storing and carrying in a backpack
- Adapts well to extreme ground conditions and terrains
- It has multi-frequency operation
- Simple to operate functions and features
Cons
- It’s slightly heavier than other models
- The battery holder is not of the best quality
- Requires 8 AA batteries to run
Fisher Gold Bug Pro 2
Fisher Gold Bug Pro is a remarkable intermediate level metal detector for gold hunting. Despite its reduced price point, this detector works exceptionally well for gold hunting enthusiasts.
One thing that stands out about this metal detector is its high operating frequency of up to 71khz. This provides optimal sensitivity for easy detection of small gold nuggets found close to the surface of the ground. Its iron discrimination capability enables you to filter out erratic signals, making it easier to find small gold nuggets.
It also has an audio boost feature to help you hear faint signals from gold nuggets located deep in the ground. It offers three mineralization modes, making it easy to detect gold targets in highly mineralized soils.
It is also lightweight and ergonomic, weighing in at less than three pounds. You can conveniently mount it on your waist, enabling you to comfortably use it for extended detecting sessions. It also features a unique Iron Disc Mode, which rejects signals from hot rocks and small iron items that may detract from the gold you’re looking for.
While this is a great and affordable gold hunting detector, it’s not the best for detecting tiny targets located in greater depths. This means that you may have to choose a pulse induction detector for the depth detecting of nuggets.
Pros
- Works incredibly well detecting smaller gold nuggets
- Lightweight design allows for all-day searching
- It can be powered using rechargeable 9V batteries, helping you save money
- Faster target recovery
- It has 10 sensitivity levels for better detecting in mineralized grounds
- Easy to use and effective manual ground balance
Cons
- You may need a Pulse Induction detector for improved depth detection of nuggets
**You can check out my full review on the Gold Bug 2 here
Garrett AT Gold Waterproof Metal Detector
The Garrett AT Gold is such a good detector it made the list twice! If you’re looking for an all-around effective and professional detector that can hunt your average finds as well as gold, you’ll want to invest in the Garrett AT Gold. Not only is it optimized for hunting in highly-mineralized grounds, but it is also waterproof to protect against water damage while you’re hunting.
The coil is completely submersible and will help enable you to find the tiny nuggets you’re looking for. As long as you ensure to avoid saltwater, this detector will help you spot gold or any other treasures you might be looking for. In this bad boy, you’ll find a truly versatile detector that is worth every penny.
Pros
- Can detect objects up to 10 feet underwater
- Iron audio ensures you don’t miss iron targets
- Lightweight enough to use for prolonged searches
- Great for searching in highly mineralized fields
- Accurate pinpointing of targets
- Simple LED display
- Great for gold prospecting
Cons
- The LED display doesn’t have a back light
Garrett GTI 2500 PRO
The Garrett GTI 2500 Pro is an outstanding metal detector designed to be suitable for seasoned detectorists looking to make their hunts more productive. It does just that with its advanced features and latest metal detecting technologies, so you don’t have to worry about your detector falling short while you’re on a big hunt.
This innovative detector comes with top of the line technology, including an imaging feature that measures the size of the detected target before you have to dig it out. It also features a large and intuitive Treasure Vision display that tells you the type of metal that’s been detected.
Thanks to the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, you can filter out the trash and concentrate on finding precious items, making your hunt more productive in the long run. This detector is so specific, it will even tell you the kind of coin it’s detected.
This gold prospecting detector also incorporates DSP technology, which provides 20 percent more depth detection than other gold detectors. This enables accurate hunting in highly-trafficked fields along with ground tracking which will adapt to and optimize your speed.
The included Treasure Hound Depth Multiplier makes it possible to find larger targets located at greater depths of up to 18 feet underneath the ground surface while ignoring trashy objects. It comes equipped with two powerful search coils, including a 12.5-inch and 9.5-inches that have remarkable imaging technology and power Mastery circuitry so you can know the size, type, and depth of your targets before digging them out.
Pros
- It offers awesome depth detection
- Great functional display
- It includes automatic ground rejection
- It allows up to 25 hours of search time
- It comes with hard-wired headphones
- High quality and reliable detector
- Fully submersible allows detecting underwater
- Offers great value
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a DD coil
- Includes only one operating frequency
- Can be heavy for some users
Best Metal Detector For Beginners
As a beginner, you’ll want to research your first detector thoroughly to ensure it meets the kind of needs to have right now, as well as the ones you hope to grow into. Choosing a detector can be difficult with so many amazing features, and with little experience in the field, you might feel a bit lost as to what exactly is right for you. Here are a few of the basic detectors we recommend getting started with to kick start your experience.
Garrett Ace 300
Taking the top spot on our list is the Garret Ace 300, which is a simple yet powerful metal detector that is a real bargain as far as price and features go. It comes with beneficial features, but not all the bells and whistles, making it an excellent option for those just starting.
This affordable detector is designed with many discrimination features to help the beginner prospector separate unwanted targets from valuable items. It has five search modes, including coins, relics, zero discrimination, gold, and a custom setting to help you customize to what you’re looking for.
One specifically unique feature we’d like to highlight in this model is the digital target ID with a numerical scale of 0 to 99. Each number represents a specific type of metal where high-readings indicate the presence of high-frequency metals such as gold, and lower readings are for low-frequency metals like iron. This way, you’re able to identify valuable targets and not waste time digging out the trash.
Its iron discrimination feature also allows you to adjust the discrimination level to suit the ground conditions of where you’re hunting. You can also select the type of metals you want the detector to respond to or reject, thanks to the adjustable notch discrimination. The Target Depth Indicator is also helpful in showing you how deep your target is for more painless extraction.
The Garret Ace 300 uses a massive 7 x 10-inch search coil that operates on an 8kHz frequency for greater depth penetration and improved detection of highly conductive targets such as silver. You can easily adjust the frequency for better detection in highly mineralized soils and filtering out iron targets and other trash items.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- At 2.7 pounds, its lightweight enough and ergonomically designed for easy handling
- It has a submersible search coil, allowing hunting in freshwater and wet grounds
- User-friendly controls for easy operation
- Depth Indicator makes extracting your finds easier
- Five search modes help pinpoint the finds you want
- Multi-tone audio
Cons
- It doesn’t include manual ground balance
- Not ideal for searching in salt waters
Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
The Ace 400 is another great metal detector from Garrett for beginners looking for an easily customizable machine with high-detection performance. While this device costs slightly more than the Ace 300 model, it comes with upgraded features like a larger 8.5 inches coil and Iron Audio capability for improved detection.
The Garrett Ace 400 stands out from other beginner models due to its versatility. It is efficient in a vast range of environments, including dry beaches, freshwater, and rocky terrains. This means that you can use it for coin hunting, competition events, ghost town hunting, relic hunting, gold prospecting, and jewelry hunting.
This detector features a more massive 8.5 inches PROformance search coil that runs on a higher 10 kHz frequency. This improves sensitivity to low and medium conductivity objects and smaller targets like gold nuggets and lead. The 10 kHz frequency is adjustable, so you can easily tune it to achieve different sensitivity levels. This helps eliminate interference from buried power lines, power transformers, as well as other detectors nearby.
It features an Audio Tone ID function with three different tones, to help you identify the conductivity of the targets detected easily. It’s also enhanced with an Iron audio function that gives you a unique audio signal based on your target’s ferrous properties. This helps make your search more productive as it prevents you from digging out trash items.
Like the Ace 300, this model comes with five search modes, including jewelry, coins, relics, custom, and zero discrimination, which allows you to discriminate based on what you’re searching for. There is also a 0 to 99 Scale Digital Target ID that helps you to know what’s underneath your feet even before digging. As well as the target depth feature that allows you to know the exact depth of the detected targets.
Pros
- Stabilizes Itself Using Camlocks
- Can be used in a range of environments
- It has a battery indicator that shows the amount of charge remaining
- The electronic pinpointer allows for precise target location and quick recovery
- Includes five search modes for enhanced target discrimination
- Produces sharp and clear audio signals
- Sensitivity adjustments adapt to your hunting environment
- Improved target identification and depth detection
Cons
- Can be a little bit confusing for a beginner with so many features
Minelab X-TERRA 305 Metal Detector
While Minelab is a brand known for producing some of the best high-end metal detectors in the market, it also has high-performance entry-level detectors such as the X-TERRA 305. This is an affordable VLF detector uniquely designed to offer beginners an easy time in the field searching for treasures.
First off, the X-TERRA 305 comes with a range of exciting and functional features such as the VFLEX technology, which allows switching between different single frequencies by changing the coil. This gives you outstanding sensitivity for reliable performance and enhanced immunity to extreme environmental conditions such as ground mineralization, temperature variations, and electromagnetic interference. It is compatible with search coils with an operating frequency range between 7 and 18.75 kHz for improved versatility.
This detector also features graphic display pinpointing. This allows you to accurately identify your target’s location and dig out your targets with minimal ground disturbance. Besides the graphical display pinpointing, it gives a well-centered signal even from deeper targets, making it suitable for searching in buildings, parks, and even highly trafficked spots.
The detector flaunts a large LCD control display that offers an intuitive and easy to navigate interface, allowing for easier operation and quicker proficiency. Using the pre-set discrimination patterns and multi-notch function, you can easily customize the detector’s settings to suit your search location and the type of targets you’re looking to detect. It also allows you to save your custom settings.
The manual ground balance setting is a great feature, especially if you plan on searching highly mineralized terrains. There is also a noise-canceling feature with three manual settings, enabling you to select the quietest channel to hear faint signals better.
Weighing less than 3 pounds, the X-TERRA 305 is pretty lightweight and comfortable for extended search sessions.
Pros
- It has a noise-canceling function
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Can be used in highly mineralized grounds
- Allows switching between different operating frequencies
- Comes with two pre-set search patterns and three-tone IDs
- Great iron discrimination
Cons
- Comes with a poorly performing stock coil
- Pricier than many other beginner metal detectors
Bounty Hunter DISC11 Discovery 1100
If you are looking for a portable and easy to use a metal detector for coin hunting at an affordable price, then you won’t go wrong with the DISC11 Discovery 1100.
This entry-level detector comes packed with numerous impressive features, including a large LCD, long-lasting battery, and in-depth target. The outstanding target discrimination capability allows you to switch to different discrimination modes easily at the push of a button. This way, you can avoid detecting less-valuable items such as iron and other junk so you aren’t wasting time and effort.
It also has adjustable sensitivity for enhanced depth detection, so you’ll be less likely to miss any deeply hidden treasures. It can help you detect small metal items buried up to six inches into the ground and up to three feet deep for larger metal targets.
It also has three tone audio that helps you identify the type of metal target detected and a depth controller that tells you how deep the target is for easier extraction.
Pros
- It comes with a user guide for an easy learning curve
- It has a three-segment digital target ID indicator
- Depth controller and push-button discrimination for enhanced detection
- Incredibly easy to assemble the sensor
- It has an adjustable stem
- A large, easy to navigate LCD screen
Cons
- It doesn’t include a pinpoint mode and manual ground balance
Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300
Another excellent beginner metal detector from Bounty Hunter, the Discovery 3300, is one of the best deep-seeking machines you can find out there at a bargain price.
This detector separates itself from the rest of the models in its class due to its incredible in-depth detection. It can detect coin-size metal objects up to eleven inches deep and up to four feet deep for larger items. It has advanced ground balance capabilities, featuring automatic and manual adjustments so you can be optimized even in difficult conditions.
The detector has four different search modes, including Notch, All-Metal, Pinpoint, and Progressive Discrimination. This way, you can switch between modes depending on what you’re looking for. Using the progressive discrimination mode, you can easily eliminate unwanted metal objects and only find desirable targets. The notch mode allows you to avoid detecting certain metal types.
Another great thing you may like about this beginner detector is its waterproof stem and search coil, so you can search for lost coins and jewelry on the beach as well as streams and rivers. You won’t have to worry about it getting damaged even when fully submerged in the water. This device also features a whopping eleven-segment target digital ID, so you can accurately identify the type of metal under your feet as well as how deep the target is underground.
Weighing merely 2.5 pounds, this detector is incredibly lightweight and ergonomically designed, which allows you to comfortably swing it for hours without feeling exhausted.
Pros
- Lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfortable handling
- Waterproof design allows for underwater detecting
- Great in-depth detection for both smaller and larger objects
- Includes a Zap Button for iron discrimination
- It has four audio tone IDs
- Works remarkably well in detecting coins
- An outstanding ground balance system
- Pre-set search modes make detecting easy for beginners
Cons
- The control system is not waterproof
Bounty Hunter DISC22 Discovery 2200 Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter DISC22 Discovery 2200 is another excellent option for beginners that offer great value for the money. It includes some of the features you’d expect to find on a high-end model but at a reasonable price point.
The biggest highlight of this detector is inarguably its user-friendly design as it features a touch-pad digital control and an easy to read LCD and coin depth indicator. This allows you to easily adjust the different settings for the best performance. The LCD screen is well-sized and displays the digits clearly so you won’t struggle viewing readings.
The detector is simple and compact enough for easy storage and transportation. At only 2.4 pounds, this machine is ultra-lightweight, so you can hunt for hidden treasures all-day and not get tired.
When it comes to the performance, this detector features a nine-segment digital target ID system that lets you identify the type of metal detected even before extracting it from the ground. It also has a coin depth indicator that tells you how deep the target sits below the ground so you can know how much digging is required.
It has four different tone audio feedback, which helps you to decide what targets to dig and not to extract. There is also a one-touch zap feature that lets you discriminate unwanted targets from valuable ones.
Pros
- The digital controls are super-easy to read
- Great depth identification for painless extraction
- Lightweight and compact design makes carrying and searching easy
- It works well in eliminating undesirable targets
- Enables target identification
- Can be used with headphones
- It has an adjustable stem
- Waterproof coil enables searching underwater
Cons
- The battery holder clips may break over time
Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector
The Garrett ACE 150 is one of the most recommended beginner metal detectors as every feature included offers outstanding value for any beginner detectorist. The detector comes packed with some impressive features that make treasure hunting both fun and exciting for you.
One thing you make like about this detector is its user-friendly operation. It has push-button controls and an intuitive LCD screen, letting you easily power it on, set the ideal sensitivity level, and select the search mode based on what you’re looking to find.
The detector breaks down into three separate parts to easily store it when not in use or for traveling. It offers rugged durability, allowing for use in rough terrains without getting damaged quickly. The arm cuff of this detector is adjustable, so you can get the most comfortable fit for easy handling.
For the performance, this machine features four sensitivity settings, three pre-set search modes, three depth levels, and tone ID for excellent depth and target identification as well as enhanced discrimination. It also comes with a 6.5 x 9″ PROformance ACE Coil that interchangeable for enhanced detecting performance.
Pros
- The built-in speaker produces clear tone signals
- It has an adjustable arm cuff for comfortable use
- The large LCD screen allows easy reading of the target ID
- It comes with interchangeable search coils
- The coin depth indicator helps determine your target’s depth
- It has a battery indicator that helps you to know when to recharge
- Incredibly easy to operate
Cons
- Not ideal for professional detectorists
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter TK4 is another fantastic option for beginners looking for a simple and reliable detector for detecting treasures in extreme ground conditions such as saltwater beaches.
This detector is highly praised for user-friendly design as it features a padded armrest and cushioned handgrip, as well as an adjustable stem for comfortable use and handling. The handling is also optimal as it includes an intuitive knob control interface. The 8-inch concentric coil is waterproof, so you can comfortably use this device for searching in water.
Its three different search modes include tone discrimination, all-metal, and full discrimination. You can easily switch between them for enhanced discrimination and find what you’re searching for faster and without much distraction from unwanted items.
This machine also features an automatic ground balance function, for better searching on highly mineralized grounds. This also helps block out annoying signals from the minerals in the soil and saves you time so you only dig out valuable targets.
Pros
- Great detector for kids and beginners
- Offers great value for money
- Impressively easy to use
- Sensitivity control that works well
- Waterproof coil allows detecting in wet fields and underwater
- Automatic ground balance adjusts to ground conditions
Cons
- The volume cannot be adjusted
- It lacks a pinpoint mode
- Not fully submersible
