The Best Metal Detectors In 2023 And Buying Guide

The attempts to devise machines that pinpointed metals began at the end of the 19th century. The first industrial metal detectors were built in the 1960s. Since then, metal detectors have become part and parcel of industrial complexes, archaeological studies, security screenings, and hobbyists. Early devices consumed a lot of energy and had several concerns in their navigation systems. However, today’s top metal detectors are fully computerized and compatible with wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

These detectors also have built-in G.P.S. navigators and can connect to smartphone applications that enhance their functionality. We will supplement your buying guide with the best metal detectors present today. I have compiled this list of metal detectors you can take in your RV and have fun camping!

Understanding Important Metal Detector Concepts

 DEPTH: It shows how below is your target metal from the ground surface.

SEARCH COIL: The part of the detector that senses the target. It is commonly known as the ‘antenna’ of a metal detector.

FERROUS AND NON-FERROUS: Made of iron and not made of iron.

DISCRIMINATION: A unique feature in metal detectors that enables the users to distinguish between two different targets. It also cancels out the signals from trash objects in the surrounding.

FREQUENCY: It is measured in kilohertz and determines the number of current cycles or magnetic fields sent to the ground surface by the detector.

MINERALIZATION: It is the number of natural minerals in a region, like iron and salt. As a result of excessive naturally occurring minerals in the soil, the depth and discrimination power is poorly affected.

GROUND BALANCE: As the name indicates, this term is used for alterations made in the detector’s control panel to adapt to the type of ground, like soil or mineralized ground.

CONTROL BOX: An essential component of all metal detectors consisting of processor, controls, speakers, and battery.

Best Metal Detectors for Beginners

1. Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector

The best metal detector for beginners is the Garrett ACE 300. It is perfect for detecting coins, jewelry and relics and works best in shallow waters. It has five detection modes; Zero-Disk, Jewelry, Custom, Coin, and Relic, making it competent even for intermediate-level hunters. Other important attributes include

1. A Digital Target that measures the conductivity of the target material. The scale of conductivity ranges from 0-99. This feature sets Garrett ACE 300 apart from other less expensive detectors.
2. An Iron Masking System that masks any iron elements present nearby a useful target object. We simply increase the iron discrimination level on the screen, and we won’t miss the invaluable metal around.
3. The shaft and search coil are Waterproof! It means we can go metal hunting smoothly in shallow streams, being careful with the water-sensitive control box.
4. It also works as a Handheld Pinpointer. Once this mode is on, we just have to locate the loudest audio signal, which will bring us to our target.

Pros and Cons:

• The Garrett ACE 300 is much more advanced than its entry-level ACE 200. However, it bears almost similar specifications concerning the higher ACE 400. This similarity to ACE 400 makes Garrett 300 one of the best metal detectors for money among hobbyists due to its affordable price of under $300.
• Buyers love the sturdy and robust design while not compromising the lightweight benefit.
• First-time users love the easy to use simplified manual. It is also the best detector for kids and youngsters to locate metals in their backyards.
• The only negative reviews received are due to its preset ground balance.

Overall, this cheap metal detector sits at a high 4/5 scale rating.

2. Bounty Hunter Titanium

Bounty Hunter is another best metal detector of 2022 for beginners. Priced under $300, this cheap metal detector is excellent for finding the most in-depth rings, coins, jewelry, and relics. It is currently the best metal detector for kids because of its two elementary preset modes. Its impeccable features include:

1. It is lightweight just over two pounds. This makes it very easy to carry around.
2. Its 3inches by 2inchesLarge LCD helps see metals before even digging them.
3. In addition to normal discrimination mode, it features Notch Discrimination. This mode enables the user to include or exclude targets from detection deliberately.
4. It has an 8 inches wide Search Coilfeaturing concentric rings that cut through iron and aluminum trash with great sensitivity and depth.

Pros and Cons:

• Beginners prefer it because it comes with five-year parts and labor warranty. It is also the best metal detector for money, priced under $200.
• This model is waterproof up to the control box, but the control box is not water-resistant. Besides, Bounty Hunters do not work well in wet sand on beaches.
• For younger children, this metal detector has a version called ‘Bounty Hunter Junior Target ID.’
• This product is highly recommended for beginner detectorists and hobbyists and its overall rating should be 4/5.

Best Metal Detectors for Kids

1. Fisher F22 Metal Detector

The latest metal detector of the Fisher Research Labs is Fisher F22. This is one of the best cheap metal detectors with a price of just over 300 dollars. It is also considered the best metal detector for kids. Its specifications include

1. Its professional Weatherproof Design can withstand harsh wet and dry conditions. This quality makes it the best metal detector for industrial use.
2. Its robust pinpoint discrimination system with 9 Segment Visual and Numerical TargetIdentification enables users to distinguish between trash and target items.
3. It has 4 Modes of Operation; Coins, Jewelry, Artifact, and Custom.
4. It makes a statement due to its 10 Levels of Adjustable Sensitivity and 20 Levels of Adjustable Volume.

Pros and Cons:

• Its 1.36 kg lightweight enables it to be easily swung around for extended periods. It is a good metal detector to be taken to beaches and hunting in wet sand.
• People love Fisher F22’s five-year warranty and a detailed instruction manual, making it easy to set up and use.
• The weatherproof design features a waterproof search coil. However, this feature does not make the entire machine water-resistant. Fisher F22 cannot be submerged.
• This top metal detector has a customer rating of 4.5/5.

2. Tesoro Compadre

Tesoro Compadre is the lightest weight metal detector in the market, weighing only 2.2 pounds. It is also inexpensive. These two qualities make Tesoro the best metal detector for kids. Its other important features are:

1. It has an an8KHz frequency and a search coil with 8-inch concentric coils. This makes Tesoro a suitable detector for reasonably deep metal findings.
2. It also features a Tesoro ED 180 Discriminationsystem for use by professional detectorists. Therefore, this detector is best for all ages.
3. It is best used for coin hunting, competition hunting, and relic hunting.

Pros and Cons:

• Tesoro Compadre comes with a lifetime warranty, a user-favorite features.
• It features a single knob control that is easy to understand for kids and beginners.
• The drawback to this model is the lack of a digital control panel or screen. This can be off-putting for some children and can make hunting confusing.
• It is waterproof up to the search coil. The control box will be damaged if placed in water.

Best Metal Detectors for Gold

1. Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer

One of the best metal detectors of 2022 is the Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer. It is the best metal detector for gold, working at a high 61KHz. It has some high-tech features that make it highly advanced in gold nuggets hunting.

1. It is Waterproof! It is fully submersible up to five meters, making it the best underwater metal detector at an affordable price.
2. It comes with the newU.D. (Extra Underground Depth) system. This system can detect micro gold chips, even those concealed by hard rocks.
3. It can generally detect all kinds of metals with high-grade Discrimination and Unmasking
4. One of the best features of this top metal detector is the built-in Lipo Battery. We can use the battery for up to 19 hours after a single charge. This makes this machine the most reliable on long trips

Pros and Cons:

• Professional hunters are drawn towards the lightest weight, highest frequency, and waterproof design.
• The Nokta Makro comes with built-in wireless headphones and can be firmware updated over the internet.
• Nokta Makro Kruzer is more in-demand than the older Makro Racer due to its submersible feature and taller, thicker coil ears that eradicate the risk of breakage.
• Another favorite feature among professionals is the extra external A.A. battery pack should the internal battery go dead.
• This best all-rounder metal detector would be a 5/5 on the rating scale.

2. Minelab Gold Monster 1000

As the name indicates, this highly automated metal detector specializes in detecting gold. If we are looking to cover a vast ground area with minimum distractions, then Monster 1000 is the go-to choice.

1. It has a whopping 45KHz frequency and a 24-bit signal processor, ensuring that every sized gold nugget is detected efficiently.
2. It comes with an automatic noise-canceling system, and automated sensitivity controls cancel out all fake signals and frequencies, thus improving focus.
3. It comes with a Gold Chance Indicator helping to navigate large areas more quickly and effectively. It comes in two main modes; Gold (Iron reject) and Deep (all metal). These features make it the best detector for gold.

Pros and Cons:

• It comes with a search coil that is waterproof up to 1m and a rainproof control box. This makes it better suited for rainy hunting days.
• It is lightweight, making it easier to carry and pack.
• It is not efficient for those detectorists who work in highly mineralized areas.
• Concerning the customer reviews, I will assign this gold detector a 4/5 rating.

3. Garrett Atx Deepseeker

If we want to find our lost jewelry or gold coins, the first thing that comes to our mind is gold detectors. However, we must determine if we require a surface-level or an in-depth sensor.

If we want to look for hidden treasures, then a Garrett A.T.X. deep seeker metal detector is the machine of choice.

1. It has a high-end pulse performance that can work in all kinds of terrains. In highly mineralized soils, the Garrett A.T.X. extends its depth to look for tiny hidden gold pieces.
2. Its highly effective discrimination system provides maximum detection on all targets at the same time.
3. It features a highly advanced ground-balance that works in saltwater and ironstone lands without switching to unique modes.
4. It comes with a military-grade Garrett hard case, making it extremely resistant and reliable in all weather conditions.

Pros and Cons:

• Garrett A.T.X. is fully collapsible, enabling the users to operate it at any operational angle they like.
• It is an all-time favorite among deep-sea detectorists as it can be submerged up to 10 feet.
• The A.T.X. weighs around 6.9lbs, causing the users to drag it around for land use.
• The price of this deep seeker package makes it an expensive purchase. However, it is best suited for professional gold and relic prospectors, and its stupendous features make this metal detector a worth-buy.

Best All-Rounder Metal Detector

1. XP DEUS Metal Detector

The XP DEUS is the best all-rounder metal detector, with fully customizable controls in the unit. Everything from the multi-tones, volume, frequency to the sensitivity, discrimination, and ground balance can be controlled and customized according to our priorities. It is considered a breakthrough in metal detector design.

1. Its central processing system consists of a coil, remote control, and audio headphone set. A digital radio link connects this central processing system, eradicating a wire’s need and making the entire system wireless.
2. The DEUS continues to work through the Audio Set even if we turn off the remote control. The headphones can control all the functions of ground balance, discrimination, volume, and frequencies.
3. It has 10 Preset Modes with additional eight user-defined fields.
4. A salient feature of this top metal detector is the S Telescopic Stem. Its rubber handles and defined operating angle makes it easier to be deployed or folded away within a few seconds.

Pros and Cons:

• The professional detectorists believe that the X35 coils in the DEUS have improved their stability and signal clarity.
• Another customer-favorite feature is the ability to interact with the machine through its customizable functions.
• I will give this all-rounder metal detector a 5/5 rating due to its best overall performance and price.

Best Entry-Level Metal Detector

1. Minelab Vanquish 540

The best metal detectors in 2022 were the Minelabs with 8, 9, and 10-inch coils. It was introduced as an entry-level metal detector with the famous slogan ‘now entry-level is next level.’ Its revolutionary technical specifications include:

1. The highly advanced Multi I.Q. The technology utilizes the detecting power of several detectors at once. Thus, no terrain, no beach, no mountain is off-limits for Minelab.
2. Vanquish works best even in wet sand and salt waters at the beach.
3. It weighs only 8 pounds and has a snap-lock system, making it very comfortable to carry and pack.
4. Its audio control system consists of an automatic noise-canceling system, thus providing practical audio tuning.

Pros and Cons:

• The iron bias eradicates all the iron trash and other junk.
• The layout of the menu is simple, and navigation is more effortless.
• Because it is an entry-level detector, some users experienced unmasking abilities even with the small five by 8-inch coil.
• Overall, I will give this good metal detector 3.5 on 5.

Best Metal Detector for Relic Hunting

1. Teknetics T2 Limited Edition

For archaeologists and history enthusiasts, relic hunting is something religious and calming. Therefore, relic hunting metal detectors are revamped now and then with improved high tech features. A relic can be anything from a coin, jewelry item, old metal scraps, or even parts or wagons or crockery. However, the experts can differentiate between an invaluable relic and metal junk. The Teknetics T2 is specialized for relic hunting based on its exceptional qualities.

1. It provides a state-of-the-art depth of detection, the lightning speed of detection, and target separation.
2. It has a 5-inch search coil in addition to the standard 11-inch search coil.
3. It filters non-ferrous objects of value in all iron-infested regions through its ExpandedIron Target ID.
4. Its Double Filter Discrimination cancels out all trash objects like nails, can tab, or foil pieces and focuses on the target relics nearby.
5. It is the best cost-effective relic hunting metal detector.

Pros and Cons:

• It gets its five-star reviews for the discrimination system, depth, and sensitivity to target relics.
• If we order all the extra gadgets with our Teknetics, we save over 100 dollars.
• It remains charged for up to 40 hours with A.A. batteries alone.
• The negative reviews are mostly due to its only two modes.
• In this metal detector, only the search coil is waterproof.

2. Minelab Gold Monster 1000

As the name indicates, this highly automated metal detector specializes in detecting gold. If we are looking to cover a vast ground area with minimum distractions, then Monster 1000 is the go-to choice.

1. It has a whopping 45KHz frequency and a 24-bit signal processor, ensuring that every sized gold nugget is detected efficiently.
2. It comes with an automatic noise-canceling system, and automated sensitivity controls cancel out all fake signals and frequencies, thus improving focus.
3. It comes with a Gold Chance Indicator helping to navigate large areas more quickly and effectively. It comes in two main modes; Gold (Iron reject) and Deep (all metal). These features make it the best detector for gold.

Pros and Cons:

• It comes with a search coil that is waterproof up to 1m and a rainproof control box. This makes it better suited for rainy hunting days.
• It is lightweight, making it easier to carry and pack.
• It is not efficient for those detectorists who work in highly mineralized areas.
• Concerning the customer reviews, I will assign this gold detector a 4/5 rating.

Go Through Important Questions and Information While Buying Metal Detectors

What is the best metal detector for my age?

A common confusion while selecting the machine is finding the age-appropriate metal detector. Expert detectorists usually want highly automated and advanced machines. Similarly, beginners prefer something more straightforward, cost-effective, and easy to set up. Therefore, it is better to scan through all the available features online before your purchase.

If a kid wants to explore his backyard and find metal pieces that drive his passion, then Nokta Macro Mini, Tesoro Compadre, and Garrett ACE 200 will be the best options. These all cost within $300 to $350 and won’t cause a dent in your wallet! These have frequencies for all kinds of metal detection and would keep the child busy finding things that might be useful for their elders as well!

Suppose it is a professional hobbyist who wants to traverse the untrodden paths or a history buff passionate about navigating mineralized soils. In that case, XP DEUS and Fisher F75 will be the perfect pick for their expert level. Their instant pinpointing and advanced discrimination system will cancel out all the trash and find valuable pieces even through the mineralized sands.

What is the metal detector that we are about to buy?

The most critical consideration before buying a metal detector is to determine what we will use it for. Is it going to be a coin hunting spree? A relic hunting mission? Or discovering hidden treasures in areas of archaeological importance? Narrowing down your field of focus will land you the best device for that particular work.

For example, if a metal detector is famous for prospecting precious metals, its level of discrimination won’t be perfect. It will consequently require a lot of manual labor to dig through trash and other non-precious metals. Therefore, look for a machine with a high-tech discrimination system like the Garrett A.T.X. Deepseeker Package with dual filter discrimination system, Makro New JeoHunter Deep Seeking metal detector, or the Nokta Makro Invenio Pro Pack.

For simple coin, jewelry, or metal hunting, the affordable Bounty Hunter Platinum Pro, Garrett AT Pro, and Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer will be the best choice, respectively.

Best Budget-Friendly Metal Detectors

While buying metal detectors, the cost should be considered and compared concerning the device’s features. If we want a waterproof set with a wireless audio set and G.P.S. navigator, we should be ready to loosen our wallets more. The list of valuable attributes in a metal detector include:

• A waterproof search coil with cover
• Pinpointers
• Various modes
• A good discrimination system
• Variable pulse inductions
• Wireless headphones are a win-win

If we want something in a lower price range, we should be ready to compromise on some advanced features, especially customizable controls. However, if a tech-savvy detectorist does not care about the money, he will get a few more bells and whistles and a lot more control over detecting!

Metal Detectors for Beach Hunting

Many people take their metal detectors to their beach vacations, and sometimes they end up getting damaged due to the salt waters of the beach or wet sands. Before going for a purchase, the intended uses of the device must be cleared. We should keep in mind that unique metal detectors are not required for dry sand hunting.

We require a metal detector that is either a P.I. or multi-frequency for working in the wet beach sand or saltwater. A single frequency detector will be of no use in these areas. However, even a multi-frequency setup will severely reduce the level of depth.

Moreover, the Garrett A.T.X. Deepseeker is the perfect waterproof device to be used at the beaches and can even be submerged up to 10 feet in the water!

How to choose a metal detector for coin hunting enthusiasts? 

Coin hunting is common among hobbyists. The factors to be considered while choosing a coin hunting metal detector are:

• Weight of the metal detector
• Type and size of the search coil
• Good pinpoint control

A lightweight device will be easy to carry while navigating larger areas. A medium-sized search coil is useful in coin hunting and is affordable for everyone. Larger search coils are more specific for deeper targets, those hidden by artifacts. A reasonable pinpoint control means that the metal detector will pinpoint the exact location of coins or treasure cache, making it easier and more time-efficient.

Some of the best coin hunting metal detectors are:

• Teknetics Delta 4000
• Teknetics T2
• Fisher F75
• White’s Spectra V3i

Awareness of Detector Technology

When it comes to any electronic device, one of the first and foremost things to learn about is the software or technology it is based on. The metal detectors have specific terminologies in terms of technology that are:

1. Very Low-Frequency VLF: This is the most common frequency setting for any detector with a friendly, affordable budget. VLF is best mostly built for coin, jewelry, metal, and relic hunting.
2. Multiple Frequency M.F.:As the name indicates, it incorporates various frequencies to determine and distinguish between different metals. It is mostly found in a bit pricey metal detectors and should be looked out for seriously considering metal detecting. It can also be used in salt waters compared to other detectors, which eradicates the need to use two devices at once. A good example is the Minelab CTX 3030.
3. Pulse Induction: This is an advanced technology that makes hunting easy in high mineralization regions like saltwater beaches.

Are metal detector reviews of any use while buying one?

It is often seen that people buy metal detectors ‘blindly’ by following the marketing campaigns only. It is imperative to note the reviews of a product before purchase, and the same goes for metal detectors. Many websites present authentic details and reviews of metal detectors, and there are online platforms specifically for this purpose.

Is it essential to consider various brands before buying metal detectors?

It is recommended to buy metal detectors from a well-known company. In this way, we do not carry the risk of its malfunction or a fake warranty. Some good brands to consider are:

• Garrett
• Minelab
• Fisher
• Teknetics
• XP

What are the pros and cons of S.T.D. and PRO modes of Garrett AT Pro?

Metal detectors usually come with various modes, and each has a different function in terms of metal hunting. Garrett AT Pro is one type where S.T.D. and PRO modes are featured. It is a common question among users of the famous Garrett metal detectors.

S.T.D. stands for standard, and PRO is the professional mode of operation. The standard model features binary response, which means it gives less target information than the PRO mode. The S.T.D. is quieter due to reduced signals, but the PRO mode causes extra noise due to increased signals from more targets.

The S.T.D. mode gives a single, weak signal for multiple targets, but the PRO model features multiple signals for numerous targets, providing good separation capability. As the name indicates, the S.T.D. mode is for those hunters who want a simplified view, whereas the PRO mode is better suited for expert detectorists.

Are there any laws regarding metal detectors?

Precisely, Yes. Before going out and about metal detectors and metal hunting, it is essential to learn about the local laws. Every country and city has different laws. Metal detecting might not be an issue when we are only navigating within our property. However, in certain areas, we may require a license to do so.

For example, in Austria, registration for metal detecting is regulated by the Austrian Federal Monument Authority. In China, Belarus, and Canada, metal detection is forbidden. Moreover, it is allowed without restrictions in countries like the Caribbean, Denmark, Egypt, and India.

Conclusion

Metal Detecting is a unique hobby. Not only does it allow extra time outdoors, but it can also actually pay us with worthy finds! It is a hobby and a profession that rewards you. In the beginning, this reward can be only a coin, but the passion for hunting for exciting and more significant treasures keeps you aboard.

The detailed review and F.A.Q.s narrowed down some of the best metal detectors in the market. However, there is always a favorite, especially for a professional detectorist. Keeping in mind all the exquisiteness, it is clear that the all-rounder metal detector, the XP DEUS is the clear winner!

The main difference between XP DEUS and other detectors is its ability to function solely on the audio set without its remote control. Moreover, Up to 18 modes with a fully customized control panel give it a 5/5 rating. This combination of preset and customizable modes is scarce among other detectors. The DEUS comes on top when compared against big names like Garretts, Fishers, and Minelabs due to its impeccable wireless technology, extreme depth, and remarkable precision.

XP DEUS is an all-inclusive metal-hunt baby. Mountainous ranges to the saltwater beaches, XP DEUS, works exceptionally well in all terrains and weather conditions. Moreover, the best feature is, buy it once, upgrade it for a lifetime. Up to 18 modes with a fully customized control panel give it a 5/5 rating. A true all-rounder!