If you have outgrown the hobby part of metal detecting and are looking to pursue it at a professional level, it’s time for an upgrade! You’ll want to up your gear game and get one of the best metal detectors that money can buy. Although high prices are not a guarantee of quality, the most expensive metal detectors come with awesome features and a technical edge that makes your metal detection hassle-free and increases the chances of finding valuable treasures.
Expensive metal detectors find valuables such as gold nuggets easy, and you can use them comfortably on highly mineralized grounds. Also, the most costly equipment tends to be made to last longer and requires less maintenance. This article compiles a list of the ten most expensive metal detectors on the market today.
10 Most Expensive Metal Detectors – Full Breakdown
| Product | Price | Depth Indicator | Discrimination Feature | Overall Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab GPZ 7000 Gold Detector | $$$$$ | Yes | Yes | 4/5 |
| OKM Evolution Detector | $$$$$ | Yes | Yes | 5/5 |
| GER Detect Easy Way Detector | $$$$ | Yes | Yes | 4.6/5 |
| Minelab CTX 3030 | $$$$ | Yes | Yes | 4.8/5 |
| GER Detect Gold Hunter 2019 | $$$$ | Yes | Yes | 3.5/5 |
| Garret ATX Pulse Induction Military Grade | $$$$ | Yes | Yes | 4.3/5 |
| Fisher CZ21-8 Underwater Detector | $$$ | Yes | Yes | 4.3/5 |
| XP Deus Detector | $$$ | Yes | Yes | 5/5 |
| Minelab Equinox 800 All Terrain | $$$ | Yes | Yes | 4.5/5 |
| Minelab Equinox 800 Multi IQ Detector | $$$ | Yes | Yes | 5/5 |
1. Minelab GPZ 7000 Gold Metal Detector
Minelab GPZ 7000 Gold detector 
is one of the most expensive metal detectors on the market right now, but its capabilities makes it worth it. This gold detector can detect small and large gold deposits at the same time, making it one of the best performers in this category.
In addition, it detects deposits deeper in the ground better than most GPX detectors, thus making it suitable for all ground conditions. This one feature makes it the most preferred type by detectorists who go deep into caves and rocky grounds in search of gold nuggets and other metal deposits.
The detector comes with wireless headphones, but these are not waterproof. Everything else, from the LCD display to the coils, is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about needing to get deeper into the water to search for treasure.
Minelab GPZ 7000 has an integrated GPS system for tracking your journey and pc mapping options. You control both settings from the LCD display, which also houses the settings for gold only detecting or general treasures like jewelry and relics. The display is easy to use and read, even for beginners.
It has a discrimination feature for all metals. Just choose your target metal and discriminate all other types. It has an audio tone to notify you when the machine has detected your target metal. It also has an auto and manual ground balance feature that lets you filter out which metals you want to be included in the hunt.
Key features:
- Zero voltage technology that allows deeper detection
- Wireless audio that offers freedom of movement and less strain to the equipment
- LED color display with backlight making it suitable for dark places like caves and night use
- Automatic and manual quick track ground balance
- Low battery alert to notify when you are running out of power
- Noise cancellation feature to keep noises from soil components at bay
Pros
- Advanced performance and over the top gold detection qualities
- At least has 40% more detection power than regular GPX series
- Can detect metals on rocky ground, in the dirt, and other problematic surfaces
- Supports wireless headphones
Cons
- Cannot detect diamond and gemstone
2. OKM Evolution Detector Power
This German-made metal detector 
is best suited for detecting jewelry, coins, relics, and other treasures up to 8 meters deep in the ground. It features an over-the-top detection technology with an accompanying 3D display software that lets you visualize where your treasure is. The whole package includes the metal detector, 3D detection software, and a Windows tablet.
This very low frequency(VLF) detector has a color touch screen with settings such as sound, language, discrimination, and low battery alert. It has great ergonomics with an adjustable height to match your height.
You also get a pair of wireless headphones that makes it easy to move around. In addition, the detector comes with an in-built memory that stores all the scanned data. The live sound notifies you when the machine detects metal, and you can view the exact position of the treasure through the tablet screen.
Key features
- 3D scanner, visualization software, and a tablet to track your treasures
- In-built memory to store scanned data
- Colour touch screen display
- LVF coil
- Live sound
- Excellent ergonomics
- Adjustable height
Pros
- 3D scanning and visualization
- Live sound
- Adjustable height to suit your needs
Cons
- 15 days return policy is limiting
3. GER Detect Smart System
The GER Detect Smart System should
be your go to high end detector if you are looking for an easy-to-carry-around and operate device with a 3D scanner.
This detector comes with a long-range radar system that can detect gold and other treasures up to 500 meters from where you stand. The machine has an easy-to-use 3D imaging system that lets you visualize your treasure from a distance. The radar waves measure the target’s characteristics when the transmitters send electric currents to the ground, then the signals travel through the receiver and are displayed on the screen.
Another thing that stands out in this detector is its detection range. GER Detect Smart System can detect treasures as deep as 18 meters below the ground.
Key features:
- An advanced algorithm radar system and integration that detects even the smallest treasures
- Small, easy to use radar system with advanced detection capabilities
- Android application to keep up with scanned data and customize your settings
Pros
- Easy to carry and operate
- Has the best detection range up to 18 meters below the ground
- 3D radar system detects treasures in rocky and challenging grounds
Cons
- Isolated complaints of scanner errors
4. Minelab CTX 3030 Waterproof Metal Detector
The Minelab CTX 3030 is among its best high-end metal detectors you can buy. The metal detector price may be high for average detectorists, but serious treasure hunters will appreciate the exclusive features that come with the price.
The VLF detector has two coils, a 17” smart coil and an 11” DD search coil. The multi-frequency technology (common in Minelab detectors) improves target detection by ignoring mineralization. This feature gives you precise treasure identification. Precise!
You get other awesome features to match the price tag, such as color display, wireless headphones, high-quality metal discrimination, and a built-in GPS. The detector is waterproof to a certain length allowing you to detect treasures on shallow rivers and lakes.
Note: Some beginners find it hard to assemble the detector initially but after getting the hang of it, it is straightforward. Also, if you are looking for a light detector, this might not be the best option for you.
Features
- Two coils, a 17” smart coil and an 11” DD smart coil
- Wireless headphones
- Ergonomic arm strap
- Built-in GPS
- Color display
- Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Discrimination for all metals
- Adjustable height
- Multi-frequency technology
- Noise cancellation feature
- Automatic ground balance
Pro
- It is waterproof up to three meters, thus suitable for treasure hunting on rivers and shallow beaches.
- Adjustable height to suit your preferences
- Color display for ease of use
- Customizable and downloadable programs
Cons
- Headphones are not waterproof.
- Assembling the detector can be challenging to a novice.
- It is a heavy machine that may slow you down carrying around.
5. GER Detect Gold Hunter 2019
GER Detect Gold Hunter 2019 is an exceptional metal detector that uses geolocator technology to pinpoint where a target treasure is. The device allows you to search multiple terrains, thanks to the GP pinpointer. With this detector, you can choose up to six metal options, including gold, natural gold, silver, diamond, gemstones, and cavity.
The German-made device may be relatively expensive, but it has worthy features. It offers one of the best detection ranges, extending to up to 35 meters deep. From where you stand, the pinpointer can locate treasures around 2000 square meters.
Key features:
- Six customizable treasure search options
- Geolocator technology enhances detection
- It has a long range and depth with dual functions
- Pinpointer case
- Control box
- Portable battery charger
- Three antennae- super antennae, antenna to receive signals and one to boost the detection distance
- GP pinpointer allows you to search multiple terrains
- Customizable settings- languages, metal discrimination, etc
Pros
- Light in weight to carry around
- Easy to use
- Can locate diamonds and gemstones
- Can search multiple terrains
Cons
- None
6. Garret ATX Pulse Induction Military Grade
The Garrett ATX Pulse Induction detector is another high end detector that I vote as one of the best performing treasure hunting devices. It uses the pulse induction method to locate gold and other metals, releasing up to 730 pulses per second.
The device is easy to assemble and use. It has a simple display with bright LED indicators which can be clearly read even under direct sunlight. The buttons on display are big enough to see and push to customize your detection settings.
The metal detector has three search coils to choose from; a 10” x 22”, which is the default coil, a 15” x 20” deep seeker, and an 8-inch search coil. One of the things that set this device apart from its competitors is its ability to detect treasures on all terrains.
Key features
- The device is waterproof up to a length of 3 meters
- Over 20 discrimination modes
- Automatic ground balancing
- Long-Lasting battery-lasts up to 10 hours
- Automatically pinpoints the target metal
- 25 metal settings to customize your search
- It’s collapsible, so it’s easy to transport and store.
- Free land headphones and waterproof ones you can purchase separately
Pros
- It is waterproof, making it submersible for detecting treasures in riverbeds, lakes, and the ocean.
- Simple to use display
- It can be folded, making it easy to carry and store
Cons
- The device is quite heavy
- It lacks an LCD screen
7. Fisher CZ21-8 Underwater Detector
The Fisher CZ21-8 Underwater Detector is what you need if you are looking for a top-notch device specifically made for underwater treasure hunting. This device is suitable for detecting coins, relics, jewelry, and gold nuggets on beaches and underwater. It is a VLF metal detector that is completely submersible, allowing you to dive in the water in search of treasures.
The CZ-21includes a foldable pole assembly and is enclosed in a tough container. When diving, a short pole assembly is ideal, but when standing or wading in the water, you will need a longer pole assembly. This metal detector is submersible to a depth of 250 feet.
This device is regarded as the best saltwater metal detector but it can also be used in freshwater. It is a multi-frequency metal detector with adjustable discrimination. This feature makes it easy to use and get past mineral concentrations found on any salt or freshwater beach.
The CZ-21 also incorporates Audio Tone Target-ID, a popular feature that allows users to discriminate between iron and gold targets.
Key features:
- Dual-frequency Fourier domain signal analysis
- Touch screen button that is easy to use
- An auto-tune mode exclusively made of metal
- Detachable control housing
- 8 inches and 10 inches coil options
- Alkaline batteries(9)
- Foldable pole assembly
- Adaptable discrimination, sensitivity, and volume
- Manual ground balancing
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Multifrequency feature gives you better and precise targets
- It is foldable and compact, making it easy to transport.
Cons
- You can’t use different headphones with the metal detector
- The metal detector lacks interchangeable search coils
8. Deus Metal Detector
XP Deus Detector is one of the most talked-about treasure hunting devices for various reasons. One of the reasons is that this device lives up to its name( Deus is Latin for god), giving you excellent targets and making metal finding an enjoyable hobby.
Its performance can be likened to that of Minelab, offering similar features and capabilities.
Some of its best features include wireless headphones, a waterproof wireless search coil, and manual and automatic ground balance. XP Deus is one of the best gold nuggets hunters, with nine search modes and electronic pinpointing.
Key features:
- A waterproof 9″ x 35 DD search coil
- Wireless headphones and remote control
- Easy to use settings that are beginner-friendly
- Audio response
- Multi-tone metal detector
- Easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to carry and store
- Excellent ergonomics with a rubber strip to hold on
- Light in weight despite the high-quality features
- 9 preset search modes
- Multi frequencies- 35 frequencies
- Great sensitivity to low conductive and small targets
- Manual and automatic ground balance
Pros
- Light in weight
- It’s easy to transport because it’s foldable
- Wireless headphones and remote control to reduce hanging wire accidents
- Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
Cons
- Some of the settings may be challenging for a beginner
- Expensive
9. Minelab Equinox 800 All-Terrain metal detector
The Minelab Equinox 800 has multi-frequency technology and the ability to detect metals in all terrains. Hobbyists who want to advance their treasure-hunting career will find this device to be a game changer!
The device has four pre-set search modes, namely, park, field, beach, and gold. The gold feature lets you locate gold nuggets on all terrains, be it rocky fields, wet beaches, or dirt-filled caves.
Key features:
- Waterproof metal detector
- Wireless Bluetooth headphones with low latency
- Double D 6” and 11” double D smart coil
- A cloth for cleaning the lens
- An audio module that is wireless
- USB charging cable
- Metal detector manual
- Multi-frequency technology
- Accurate and top-notch target ID
Pros
- Excellent target detection on various terrains
- Light in weight
- Waterproof hence can be used to find treasures in wet terrains.
Cons
- The battery is not removable.
- The detection signal is a pinpoint which may take time to get used to
10. Minelab Equinox 800 Multi IQ Detector
The Equinox 800 Multi IQ is completely submersible, thanks to its waterproof qualities, an inbuilt battery, and wireless headphones.
The device has four pre-set search modes, like its Minelab All-terrain predecessor. You can choose between park, beach, field or gold. The settings allow you to customize your search and save favorites in the device’s memory.
Key features:
- Waterproof build
- Four search modes- park, field, beach, and gold
- Multifrequency with six frequency options
- Accurate target ID
- Custom search settings that you can save
- Multi-IQ search technology enables you to detect all metals on any terrain at any time.
- Automatic and manual noise cancellation
- Manual and automatic ground balance
Pros
- Waterproof design that lets you search for targets underwater
- Can detect gold nuggets
- Multi- IQ feature makes it usable on all-terrain types to detect all metals.
Cons
- Does not have a carrier bag
My Personal Pick
If you are looking for one of the best metal detectors that money can buy, check out the Minelab GPZ 7000 . It is specially made for gold hunting enthusiasts with an easy-to-use LCD menu, inbuilt GPS, PC mapping, and is resistant to all weather. The OKM Evolution follows closely, with 3D scanner-enabled VLF technology that lets you store search data in the device’s memory.
