A day at the beach would be ten times more fun with the best metal detector in the world. Think about all the things you can find. Or should we say “treasure”? Metal detectors have been used for decades, mostly for professional matters. Now, it has become a part of our leisure time. Lucky for us, we’re now spoiled by cheap and user-friendly metal detectors which, let’s face it, are the best metal detector to buy these days.
How to Choose the Best Metal Detector to Buy
With abundant options comes a great amount of time needed to look for your best metal detector in the world. Our list is here to make it easier for you. That said, there are still some things you need to consider before choosing one particular product and clicking the “Buy Now” button.
In case you’re looking for cheap options, we recommend checking our curated list of best metal detectors under 300 dollars. Or if you’re looking for a specific brand in mind, check if it’s one of our top 13 metal detector brands.
Search coil size
Out of the three parts of a metal detector – machine, control panel, and search coil – the latter is important when it comes to selecting the best metal detector to buy, especially for beginners. The bigger the search coil size, the more ground you can cover. But the smaller the search coil size, the more accurate and deeper your metal detector can detect. Which size you should choose depends on your preference. Which one do you prefer: depth or width?
Waterproof feature
Though it’s common to use metal detectors at the beach, unfortunately not all of them are waterproof. Some are water-resistant, which means you can use them under a short drizzle. But it’s not guaranteed to last without damage if you keep using not under the rain. The waterproof feature is useful to protect the detector’s machine and control panel from water damage, which is likely to happen when you’re adventuring outdoors.
Detector technology
There are three technologies used by most metal detectors. Each one dictates its accuracy, range, and ability to detect even the smallest form of metal. The most common is low-frequency technology, which is the cheapest to find. While the most advanced and usually more expensive one is multi-frequency technology. There’s one in the middle that is called pulse induction. Needless to say, the most advanced one is the best, but it costs more.
How deep do most metal detectors go?
With a standard-size search coil, a metal detector can detect up to 20 cm or 8” deep. But the best metal detector in the world, like the ones we have on this list, can usually go up to 45 cm or 18” deep in ideal conditions. That is without any significant interference to its electromagnetic field.
What metals cannot be detected by a metal detector?
Stainless steel. This type of metal has poor electrical conductivity. As a result, it doesn’t permeate a strong magnetic field and is usually not detected by metal detectors.
Fisher Gold Bug Pro
13
Our first candidate for the best metal detector in the world is the Fisher Gold Bug Pro. If you want to prospect gold but are on a budget that doesn’t exactly fit the gold metal detector range, then this $450 metal detector one is for you. Whether it’s gold jewelry or nuggets, this one is perfect since it comes with VCO audio. So, you can control the volume through your muffs for hearing those deep and weak targets.
What’s also exciting about the Fisher detector is the 5-inch biaxial search coil and the higher frequency of 19 kHz. Together, they help zero in on small nuggets as well as maneuver around awkward and tight spots. Moreover, it even has the Ground Grab feature for calibrating to mineralized soils, a scale, and a Target ID too. So, avoid striking out on your next gold treasure hunt by choosing this metal detector.
Pros:
- VCO audio
- Motion all-metal
- Target ID
- Ground grab
Cons:
- No volume control
Garrett AT Pro
12
Garrett was founded by Charles Garrett, who’s amongst the key figures in the development of the modern best metal detector in the world today. The electrical engineer began metal detecting as a hobby in the 1960s, ultimately developing his own brand of products. As the world moved into the 21st century, the company only improved and bettered its products, including the value-for-money Garrett AT Pro.
This all-terrain metal detector is completely submersible up to 10 feet and comes with 40 varied discrimination settings. Hailed as one of the most versatile modern detectors and the best metal detector to buy from this brand, the AT Pro also comes with an audio mode that allows you to “hear” the target’s properties. What’s more, it also has a digital target ID and even has a nifty Iron Audio which can correctly identify the target.
Pros:
- Can be upgraded using Garrett’s proprietary wireless technology
- Easy to use
- Waterproof up to 10 feet
Cons:
- No backlight
Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
11
The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro can be your best metal detector to buy if you’re looking for a medium-range option. Costing less than 300 dollars, the metal detector comes with VCO audio, so make sure that you pair this with high-quality headphones. Basically, it’s oscillating audio that allows you to train your ear to the varying signals emitted by different targets and is one of the most important skills used by advanced detectorists.
Furthermore, this affordable best metal detector in the world even offers automatic ground balance, which is extremely important if you’re hunting in soils that are noisy. Finally, you can even adjust the break where the VCO takes over and where the detector provides distinct sounds on metal types.
Pros:
- Ground balance
- Enhanced V-break
- VCO audio
- Visual target ID
Cons:
- No accessories included
Quest Q40 Pack Metal Detector
10
Detector meets technology at Quest, which was founded by other ardent designers and manufacturers just like you! The Quest lineup of metal detectors and their accessories is proof of not just cutting-edge technology but of value too, just like the Quest Q40 Pack Metal Detector.
Made from a combination of metal and plastic, this metal detector is one of the few products that’s optimized for saltwater performance too. Three-section rods ensure deep penetration into the earth, while the TurboD coil is perfect for both left and right-handed operations. Besides the water-resistant console, the product also has an intuitive operating system and an in-built USB rechargeable slot. It also comes with a user manual, an arm strap, USB charging cables, a wireless headphone, and a two-year warranty. If only it’s more durable, it could be the best metal detector in the world.
Pros:
- Performs in saltwater too
- Three-section rods and water-resistant consol
- Comes with an entire kit
Cons:
- Not very durable
Fisher F75
9
The Fisher 75 is the best metal detector to buy for more reasons than one. For one, it has all the fixings, and then some, including an 11-inch search coil that covers more ground while you hunt relics. The F75 has a frequency of 13 kHz that’s optimized for both treasure-hunting and coin-shooting. What’s more, it comes with new features such as Digital Shielding Technology that suppresses EMF interference for working successfully with maximum sensitivity. In fact, it even allows you to choose between three ferrous ID volume settings. So, you don’t even need to discriminate; all you have to do is tone down the signal volume. Rounding up the features is the manual/auto/preset ground balance and pinpoint that help you detect your target right away thanks to the last saved settings.
Pros:
- Five-year warranty
- Long battery life
- FA search mode
Cons:
- There’s a learning curve with this metal detector
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
8
Bounty designs a complete range of thoughtfully designed and well-built detectors for deep treasure hunting, coin shooting, relic hunting, and gold prospecting. What’s more, they have a separate line of products for children, beginners, intermediate ones, and even the experts. One excellent metal detector for detecting treasures even in extreme ground conditions is the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV. This is their best metal detector in the world as it is cheaper than the Land Ranger, without compromising quality.
For starters, the preset ground balance neutralizes response to the ground’s mineral content, It has three modes, a two-tone audio mode, discrimination mode, and an all-metal mode. Rounding up the features is the notch/disc control for distinguishing between unwanted metals and targets.
Pros:
- Comes in three modes
- Is available in various kinds of kits with bag, trowel, headphones, and pinpointer
- Preset ground balance
Cons:
- Not for long-distance use
Fisher F44
7
Another best metal detector to buy from Fisher is the Fisher F44, which is a beginner-worthy detector to start with. Firstly, the detector has a digital display, complete with five search modes, adjustable discrimination, depth indicator, and numerical target ID. What’s more, you can even adjust for sensitivity for up to 20 levels, along with having the ground balance feature for yourself. Plus, you can even adjust the threshold for hearing even the deepest and the weakest targets. While ground balance is preset for the discriminate modes, the ground grab feature is automatic in the all-metal mode. Finally, you’ll also find a waterproof 11-inch semi-elliptical search coil as well as a headphone jack with volume control.
Pros:
- Five-year warranty
- Lightweight
- Ground balance
- Iron audio
- Digital display
Cons:
- No included accessories
White’s Treasure Master
6
Though this product is not popular on Amazon, White’s has been designing and producing some of the best metal detectors since 1950. Made in the USA, a strong candidate for the best metal detector in the world, is well-designed, innovative, and cater to the needs of various kinds of metal detecting hobbyists. White’s Treasure Master is a reliable and high-quality metal detector that’s been specially designed with the requirements of newbies in mind.
Besides a smart discrimination mode, the product even has five search modes plus a pinpoint regime. Aside from being very lightweight, you’ll also find an adjustable armrest and length that makes your job even easier. Finally, the metal detector is versatile thanks to the multiple compatible coils and comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros:
- Five search modes
- Large and clear LCD display
- Adjustable armrest and length
- Versatile
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector
5
Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector is our best pick for a cheap metal detector. The metal detector comes with a waterproof search coil, thus being used in areas such as a lake, river, or beach. Operating on a typical 9V alkaline battery, the detector has an operating frequency of 7.8 kHz. What’s more, it even comes with a five-year limited warranty and is extremely lightweight at 2.6 lbs. So, even if you stay out longer looking for treasure, your arm isn’t going to be strained. Moreover, the shaft is adjustable, allowing many users can to use it easily since the height can be adjusted. Finally, this metal detector features an incredible LCD screen that’s easy to read and makes finding your treasure easier. So, this is the best metal detector to buy for casual adventurers.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- The shaft is adjustable
- Waterproof search coil
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Only suitable for beginners
Tesoro Cortes Metal Detector
4
Tesoro Electronics has manufactured the best metal detector in the world for the last 32 years. Undisputed masters of treasure hunting accessories, Tesoro’s metal detectors are also named such – Cibola, DeLeon, Outlaw, and the Tesoro Cortes Metal Detector. The most advanced model in the lineup, the Cortes comes with a manual ground adjust control, a digital LCD display, as well as advanced target identification. Besides being easy to use and deep seeking, the product is designed well too, especially the classic styling and the comfy knobs. Plus, it has four broad categories of target information readouts, complete with lower rows of more detailed data. Rounding up the features is the fully adjustable ground balance that can handle all sorts of soil conditions imaginable.
Pros:
- Digital LCD display
- Classic styling
- Comfy knobs
- Adjustable ground balance
Cons:
- Very expensive
Sunpow OT-MD02
3
Costing just $130, the Sunpow OT-MD02 is the best metal detector to buy that won’t break the bank. However, don’t be fooled by the cheap price tag of this product, for it has a plethora of user-adjustable features. To begin with, the metal detector comes with a six-target category scale that places the detected item within one of the categories. What’s more, the 3-tone audio, DISC, and all-metal modes allow you to find what you’re after.
Above all, what makes the Sunpow OT-MD02 such an excellent buy is the manual ground balance feature. Since most inexpensive detectors come with preset ground balance, they can’t be physically adjusted for high mineralized soils. This one defies the standard for entry-level detectors, more than meeting expectations.
Pros:
- Target categories
- All-metal and disc modes
- Manual ground balance
Cons:
- No target ID
EROSMILE Metal Detector Kit
2
Erosmile makes everything from metal detectors to chainsaws to water dispensers. Costing just $100, the EROSMILE Metal Detector Kit is the best metal detector to buy designed by the brand. The metal detector comes as an entire kit with a headset, carry bag, two batteries, and a shovel. There’s a lot to like about this metal detector, such as the adjustable stem that measures between 41 and 51 inches.
The large backlit LCD screen can be read clearly even in low light conditions. Plus, it shows everything from the volume and battery status to sensitivity level and detection mode. The 10-inch search coil is waterproof and accurate and can search underwater too. Finally, the detector comes in three modes of operation, including a discrimination mode to differentiate between precious stuff and junk.
Pros:
- Large LCD display
- Three modes of operation
- Accurate and precise
- Adjustable stem
Cons:
- Nothing significant
Ommo Waterproof Metal Detector
1
If it’s up to us, this is the best metal detector in the world. Every purchase of OMMO Waterproof Metal Detector. gives you a metal detector, but also a headphone, a shovel, a battery, and a carrying bag. The stem is adjustable from 30 to 43 inches, so it suits a great many people. The simple pointer display design including the armrest makes your session more successful and comfortable too. The waterproof coil is highly sensitive thanks to its length of 10 inches and can detect targets up to 8 inches deep. Plus, you can even search larger targets up to 4 feet. Four different modes allow you to search for all kinds of metal objects, while the pointer screen that displays the battery condition, the sensitive level, and the detection mode. Finally, you can even adjust the sensitivity range between a range of 0 and 10!
Pros:
- Adjustable armrest and sensitivity
- Waterproof coil
- Comes with an entire kit
Cons:
- Fine-tuning the settings takes time
