Metal detecting is a hobby that appeals to people of all ages from all backgrounds.
The possibility of finding buried treasure fascinates everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
However, beginning this hobby can be intimidating.
The success of a treasure hunt is dependent on two important things.
First, people who treasure hunt need to look in the right place. Second, treasure hunters need to have the right tools for the job.
Understanding where to search for buried treasures and using the appropriate tools to find those treasures can result in successful hunts.
The Best Metal Detector Reviews listed below provide an in-depth comparison for beginner, intermediate, and experienced metal-detecting hobbyists.
The “Best All Round Metal Detector” designation is dependent on the proposed use of the machine and the potential targets of a treasure hunt.
The organization below should make it easier for metal detectorists to determine which detector may best fit their needs.
Best All Round Metal Detector 2024 Reviews & In-Depth Comparison
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Best Advanced or High-End Metal Detector
New metal-detecting hobbyists should ease into this activity as they learn to develop their skill with a beginner metal detector that is inexpensive with few bells and whistles.
As metal detecting hobbyists gain more experience and expand the types of areas in which they want to detect objects, they will need to purchase a high-end metal detector that will be up to the task.
Choosing an advanced, high-end metal detector that excels in different environments and allows users to target a wide range of objects is necessary to get the most out of any treasure hunt.
For expert treasure seekers, an advanced metal detector is a necessary tool for any treasure hunt.
XP DEUS Detector
For the experienced metal detecting hobbyist, the XP DEUS is the perfect upgrade to boost metal detecting to a whole new level.
This metal detector is wireless, which means that the cumbersome wires many detectors use will not inhibit movement or catch on a bush.
All of the pieces of this metal detector use a radio signal to communicate and the digital circuit improves the signal quality and sensitivity of the metal detector.
The XP DEUS is useful for detecting a wide range of objects in different environments with different frequency options (4 kHz, 8 kHz, 12 kHz, 18 kHz, and 25 kHz) and a plus/minus shift.
The user can not only define detection ranges but also has control over the sensitivity, reactivity, discrimination, iron level, and audio response.
Another advantage is that this metal detector allows users to gold prospect while using the setting GOLD FIELD.
This model also has four different environmental modes – Pumping, Tracking, Beach, and Manual.
The excellent reactivity of this detector allows the user to locate multiple objects instead of masking some of them like less-advanced detectors.
Because of the excellent reactivity of this model, previous hunting locations should be reexamined with the XP DEUS because additional objects that less advanced detectors missed may be located.
The biggest downside to the XP DEUS is the price. It is pretty expensive compared to other metal detectors on the market.
Because of that, this model is not a worthwhile investment for beginner metal-detecting hobbyists.
The XP DEUS is also not waterproof, so treasure hunting in water with this metal detector is not possible.
Best Beginner Metal Detectors
Metal detecting can be a fun activity for all ages, but how does someone get started in this hobby?
How can a new hobbyist balance a desire to successfully find coins and other objects without spending an unnecessary amount of money?
Buying the most highly-rated, expensive metal detector on the market does not equal immediate success for a new hobbyist and can lead to frustration and disappointment in treasure hunting.
A variety of beginner metal detectors exist on the market within a wide price range and varying levels of functionality.
For a hobbyist just starting out, it is best to buy an inexpensive metal detector with very few complicated settings and features.
The most appropriate metal detectors for beginners range in price between $200 and $400.
Let’s look at a few options that are great for beginners.
Garrett ACE 300
The Garrett ACE 300 metal detector is a great choice for beginner treasure hunters wanting to learn how to use a detector.
This model has several features that make it easy for a beginner to start hunting immediately such as five pre-programmed search modes.
Another feature is a digital target identification that allows the user to see the type of metal being detected.
In addition, this metal detector allows users to pinpoint a detected object’s location using the All-Metal function mode.
A useful setting on this model is the iron check setting which allows users to avoid missing objects buried with iron trash.
One drawback to the Garrett ACE 300 is the lack of Iron Audio, which is available in the Garrett ACE 400 model.
Because of this lack, users may dig up more junk than they would with a more advanced metal detector
Garrett ACE 400 With Waterproof Coil
For a beginner metal detector, the Garrett ACE 400 is an excellent choice.
This model is very sensitive and users will have more success in discriminating between interesting artifacts and undesirable items compared to cheaper metal detectors.
In addition, this model has an excellent Iron Audio feature which is often not found on cheaper models.
There are five modes programmed into this detector, allowing beginners to get started immediately without having to adjust any settings for different environments.
The biggest downside to this metal detector is the lack of ground balance which could cause problems in highly mineralized soil or wet sand.
In addition, this model may have a waterproof coil, but the metal detector itself is not waterproof.
Fisher F22
The Fisher F22 metal detector is an excellent and relatively inexpensive choice for a new hobbyist wanting to get into metal detecting and find coins, jewelry, and other artifacts.
This weather-resistant, lightweight model has ten sensitivity levels and can detect items up to nine inches underground, depending on soil type.
Several preset modes allow beginners to get started detecting with ease and a digital screen makes it easier to see what is being detected.
Despite the simplicity of this model, important features such as sensitivity, discrimination, and the ability to change the volume of detected iron objects make this an excellent choice for beginner hobbyists.
The biggest trade-off with this beginner metal detector is the inability for users to manually set ground balance, which can be a problem in mineralized soil.
More experienced hobbyists may find better success with a more advanced metal detector model.
Best All Round Detectors For Gold
If gold is the treasure a hunter is seeking, it is important to understand which metal detectors are appropriate for finding gold.
A metal detector that’s specifically designed for gold prospecting is slightly different from those that find other types of metals.
A gold detector is a specialized piece of equipment with greater sensitivity for specifically finding gold because of its low conductivity.
Gold detectors operate above a frequency of 14 kHz and the best models operate much higher, at frequencies above 40 kHz.
Detectors that are designed to find gold typically use a higher frequency VLF circuit.
This allows the metal detector to find gold in an area that has a high mineral content, which is normal for areas where gold is found.
This higher sensitivity for gold, however, often comes with a much higher price tag.
It is important for gold hunters to know their budget and understand the pros and cons of different types of gold detectors to find the one that is best for them.
Let’s look at a few of those options.
Fisher Gold Bug Pro
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro has a full display that allows users to easily toggle between settings, customize a search, or start a program.
It operates at a 19 kHz frequency and has a small-diameter coil which allows the user to detect items in small crevices.
The ground balance settings of the Fisher Gold Bug Pro are automatically determined based on the terrain.
This model shows the amount of mineralization in the soil and users can adjust the discrimination level to more precisely find targets.
In addition, this metal detector is great at finding coins and relics, has a long battery life and is lightweight.
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro operates at a higher frequency than many general metal detectors and will locate large chunks of gold.
However, with an operating frequency of only 19 kHz, this gold prospecting model will not likely find small pieces of gold or flakes.
More experienced gold hunters may want something that operates at a much higher frequency.
Garrett AT Gold
The Garrett AT Gold metal detector is a very affordable model to use when hunting for gold.
This model works in all soil types, terrains, and environments, including freshwater beaches.
This detector is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 feet. It comes with the Iron Audio function and allows the user to both manually and automatically set the ground balance.
This model also has a High Res Discrimination feature that allows the user to choose from 44 different levels of discrimination, making it easier to identify valuable items versus trash.
While the Garrett AT Gold is an excellent gold detector for the price, it cannot be used in saltwater.
Those hunters who want to use a gold metal detector on a saltwater beach should invest in a different type of gold detector.
In addition, the digital display of this model is not backlit, which may make it difficult to see the display in low light.
Fisher Gold Bug 2
The Fisher Gold Bug 2 is one of the most sensitive gold detectors on the market, operating at a frequency of 71 kHz.
This high frequency makes this metal detector very effective for gold prospecting, no matter how small the size, including small flakes of gold.
This lightweight gold detector has an Iron Disc Mode that makes it easy to filter out trash from the search.
The Fisher Gold Bug 2 has a long battery life and allows the user to manually adjust the sensitivity of the detector to the terrain. This durable model is designed to last a long time.
The biggest downside to the Fisher Gold Bug 2 is the lack of a digital display.
The users of this model have to understand the audio output from the metal detector. In addition, it will not accurately find gold deeper than 12 inches.
Finally, the 9V batteries required to operate this model can be expensive and only last for up to 25 hours of continuous use.
Best All Round Detector For Kids
Many kids love the idea of treasure hunting and digging for treasure. With that in mind, metal detecting seems to be a hobby that is a natural fit for children.
However, it can be a challenge to find a metal detector that will meet the needs of a child’s age and size with their desire to find treasure.
Kids require different things from their metal detector than adults.
First, a metal detector for a small child needs to be short and lightweight enough so that it can be easily carried.
Second, a child’s metal detector needs to be user-friendly without a lot of manual settings.
And third, a metal detector that a child uses must be durable enough to withstand a fair amount of abuse.
Let’s look at the top two options for metal detectors designed for kids.
Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D
The Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. is one of the best metal detectors for kids because it has some of the same features found in adult-sized metal detectors but it comes in a compact, lightweight size so that kids can easily carry it.
A digital display uses three emojis to help children determine which detected targets are potential good ones.
This bright, visually appealing metal detector will scan up to 5 inches in depth, which is a sufficient amount of soil to find coins and other things.
In addition, this detector has a discrimination feature that a child can use to filter out undesirable targets.
The biggest drawback to the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. is that it occasionally has inaccurate readings and may not always detect targets.
In addition, because it is only 19 inches long, it may be too short for older children to comfortably use.
Kids aged 11 and older may need a bigger metal detector.
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is the next step up from the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. The Tracker IV would be a great metal detector for older kids.
It is lightweight and has a control panel that allows users to manually adjust sensitivity and discrimination.
By using these knobs, kids can learn how to filter out false signals and eliminate the sounds made by trash.
With its automatic ground balance, kids can detect in areas with relatively high mineralization.
In addition, the waterproof coil helps make this metal detector more durable in many different environments.
A major downside to the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is its analog display, making it more difficult to understand than the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D.
Kids that use this only get limited information about the detected targets. Additionally, the signal strength of this model is not as precise as more expensive models.
These two factors can make this model a bit more challenging to use by kids.
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Best All Round Detectors For Saltwater Beaches
Saltwater beach detectors can be specialized or generalized metal detectors, depending on what the user is hunting.
Many beach hunters look for jewelry and coins that have been lost by people who hang out on the beach or go swimming along the shore.
It is very common for people to lose their rings, earrings, necklaces, coins, and watches. Some of these targets can be worth quite a lot of money.
Because saltwater and saltwater beaches can be highly mineralized, it can be hard to detect targets using a low-frequency metal detector.
Hunters that want to find treasure on the beach should invest in a multi-frequency detector or a pulse induction metal detector.
Multi-frequency detectors are better for black sand beaches but pulse induction detectors may be better if the user is gold prospecting at depths deeper than the multi-frequency detector can detect.
Let’s take a look at two great options for saltwater beach treasure hunters.
Garrett ATX Deepseeker
The Garrett ATX Deepseeker is a pulse induction metal detector with a 10 to 12-inch coil, meaning it can find targets buried up to 18 inches deep.
It is waterproof and completely submersible up to 10 feet in depth. Because it is a pulse induction metal detector, it is also excellent for gold prospecting.
The Garrett ATX Deepseeker effectively finds targets in areas of high mineralization, such as saltwater beaches.
As a result, this model can also be used effectively in other environments to find gold, coins, and other jewelry.
A few downsides to the Garrett ATX Deepseeker should make a potential user cautious before buying.
First, this model is expensive and can cost almost $3,000 (depending on the time you buy it).
Second, this metal detector weighs more than 5 pounds, making it heavier than a normal detector.
And third, while it can be submerged, it is not appropriate for diving and the control box is not waterproof.
Garrett Sea Hunter MARK II
The Garrett Sea Hunter MARK II is a pulse induction metal detector with an 8-inch coil and can find targets buried as deep as 10 inches in both mud and sand.
This metal detector is fully waterproof and can be submerged up to 200 feet, making this a great detector for divers on underwater hunts in lakes, rivers, or oceans.
This detector can automatically cancel out the noise from saltwater and has two discrimination modes that allow users to ignore most trash.
In addition, the Garrett Sea Hunter MARK II has a long battery life of up to 22 hours. Unfortunately, the Garrett Sea Hunter MARK II only comes with a one-year warranty.
In addition, while it can be used on the shoreline in wet sand conditions, it does not perform well in dry, terrestrial environments.
This is a heavy model but does have a way to attach it to the hip to alleviate some of the weight.
Finally, this model is expensive and can cost upwards of $1,000 (depending on when it’s purchased)
How To Choose The Best Metal Detector
Metal detectors come in many different sizes, at a wide range of prices, and with many different features.
Some metal detectors may be great for one person or situation, but completely inappropriate for another.
When searching for the best all round metal detector, shoppers need to know that choosing the best all-round metal detector depends on a few important factors.
First, the skill level of the person using the metal detector should be understood. Beginners likely need a different metal detector than experts may want.
Second, knowing what targets the person is searching for is important. Someone who is gold prospecting may require a different detector than someone who is searching for coins and relics.
Third, knowing the general locations where the person plans to search is also important.
Understanding which detectors perform best in different environments is key to choosing the best detector for each situation.
Finally, balancing the cost of a good metal detector with what it can do is an important part of deciding which metal detector is best.
Let’s take a deeper look at what is needed to choose the best, all round metal detector.
Your Skill Level
The skill level of the person using the metal detector is an important first consideration. Experts who’ve been metal detecting for a while already know what they want in a good metal detector.
This is because they know what works best for them based on the targets they are hunting and where they hunt.
As a result, experts may find more useful assistance in metal-detecting message boards where they can “speak the language” of metal detecting and find the best all round metal detector to fill in the detection gaps in the equipment they already own.
Intermediate users who have some experience with a beginner-type of metal detector may need a bit more freedom to change the detector settings, depending on their needs.
Those users who have decided to include more types of targets in their hunts or want to refine their treasure hunts to exclude more trash may wish to have the ability to change the sensitivity or discrimination on their metal detector.
Intermediate users looking for new targets in a different environment may find it useful to have a little more control over the settings for ground balance to accommodate changes in soil type, mineralization, and environment.
Beginners, on the other hand, have little or no understanding of how metal detectors operate or how to use a metal detector.
It is important to gain experience using a beginner model to hone one’s skills in understanding the target sounds and practicing search techniques in different environments.
Most beginners may find themselves frustrated with metal detecting if they purchase a detector that requires an advanced understanding of frequency, discrimination, ground balance, and sensitivity.
Beginners should purchase a detector that has automatic controls for ground balance and frequency, with few choices about sensitivity and discrimination.
With fewer knobs and controls to play with, beginners can develop a feel for what desirable and undesirable targets sound like in different environments and how to discern the treasures from the trash.
Types of Detectors
There are three different types of metal detectors. The most common and least expensive type of metal detector is a VLF detector or Very Low Frequency detector.
These detectors are typically very good at differentiating between different types of objects. It uses two coils to find metal underground.
One coil acts as the transmitter and the other detects the magnetic field created by the metal object in the ground.
These lightweight detectors can usually detect large objects well, depending on the mineralization of the surrounding soil.
Because these detectors are the easiest to use, they are usually the best type of detector for beginners.
The second type of detector is a multi-frequency detector. These types of detectors can use more than one frequency, unlike the VLF detectors.
Because different frequencies can be used, these are more versatile detectors and can be used in many more different environments than VLF detectors such as saltwater and beach environments.
These detectors, however, are more expensive than the VLF detectors and typically require a more basic knowledge of metal detectors than beginner metal-detecting models need.
Multi-frequency models may be better suited to both intermediate and advanced treasure hunters.
The third type of metal detector is the Pulse Induction (PI) detector. This type of detector is an expensive metal detector but offers advantages that the VLF detectors do not have.
For example, PI detectors are unaffected by high mineralization which makes them excellent detectors at saltwater beaches where the mineral content is typically high.
This is especially true at black sand beaches with their high iron content, where other types of detectors would not work.
In addition, because gold is often found in soil and environments that are highly mineralized, gold prospectors typically use PI metal detectors.
This type of detector can find even the smallest gold flakes in soil up to 18 inches deep.
However, the PI metal detectors are not as useful in areas with high amounts of iron trash, such as urban areas or old homesteads where the farmers used to bury their trash.
What Are You Targeting?
Treasure hunters should know what they wish to target before purchasing a metal detector.
Individuals that live who are going to be metal detecting in public parks and old homesteads, looking for coins, jewelry, and old relics should purchase a metal detector that is appropriate for those areas and those targets.
The VLF and multi-frequency detectors are typically the best types for these areas.
Gold prospectors and treasure hunters who live near the ocean or in a desert area with known gold deposits may find pulse induction detectors to be the most useful for their intended target.
In addition to pulse induction models, detectors with the ability to operate above 14 kHz may also be useful for gold prospecting.
However, to find the smallest gold flakes and jewelry, very high frequencies (above 40 kHz) should be used.
Treasure hunters who live near water and want to hunt treasure in or along a water body such as the ocean should invest in a waterproof metal detector.
In addition to hunting along the water’s edge, those individuals who wish to dive and hunt treasure in shipwrecks and reefs should understand which metal detecting models will help them be the most successful.
Where Is the Best Place for Metal Detecting?
There are many great places for metal detecting expeditions such as parks, historical sites, freshwater beaches, saltwater beaches, shipwrecks, and campsites.
Once a person determines the location they want to search with their metal detector, they also need to decide where to start their search and how to search.
People who want to treasure hunt in a park should start in places where people may sit and rummage around inside their bags or have picnics, such as around trees or picnic tables.
Another popular location for metal detecting is the beach. Many people have had great success finding jewelry and coins on both freshwater and saltwater beaches.
However, just like metal detecting an entire park is not feasible or specific enough to meet with likely success, searching the beach may not be a specific enough location to yield success in a hunt for everyone.
Experienced hunters at beaches know that oftentimes, it is best to look for treasures at the waterline or the area of the beach referred to as the “towel line.”
For those who do not know, the towel line is right above the high tide water level and can easily be observed because seaweed and other debris form an actual line in the sand where the high tide level stops.
Do I Need a Licence to Go Metal Detecting?
An important thing for metal detectorists to keep in mind is to make sure they have the correct permits or permissions required for metal detecting in certain areas.
Many historical sites either prohibit metal detecting or require that any relics found on the property are turned over to the property owners.
Some beaches and even some public beaches, require a permit to metal detect. It is necessary to check the requirements needed to treasure hunt at every location before beginning.
The second thing that determines the success of a treasure hunt is making sure that treasure hunters have the right tools for the job.
Many different metal detectors are available on the market at a wide range of prices.
Deciding which metal detector to purchase depends on what targets treasure hunters are looking for with their metal detector, the experience of the hunter, and balancing the cost of the machine with how well they want it to work.
No matter what is being targeted, beginner metal detectorists can find the correct metal detector with just a bit of research.
What Tools Are Needed for Metal Detecting?
In addition to the metal detector itself, additional tools are available that can increase the success of a hunt.
One of those tools is called a pinpointer, a handheld device that increases the accuracy of a metal detector. Pinpointers detect the precise location of an object once the metal detector has located it.
Another necessary tool is a shovel or trowel that can be used in areas with soil. For sandy areas, a sand scoop can be very useful.
Treasure hunters should be aware of the environment they will encounter and the conditions in which they will be searching.
The tools needed for successful treasure hunts should include anything that a hunter may need so that their day is not cut short by faulty or broken equipment or by being unprepared for the conditions.
Experienced treasure hunters usually prepare for a hunt by preparing a pack of essential items.
Important items to include are extra parts for the metal detector essential to the proper functioning of the equipment such as spare batteries, coils, and headphones.
In addition to the replacement parts for the metal detector, hunters should pack a bag for the finds they want to keep and a bag for the trash they dig up.
Removing trash from the search area is a necessary part of any treasure hunt because it ensures that the hunter will not encounter the same piece of metal trash if they ever decide to search the area again.
Additional gear is necessary for a successful day of hunting and can be dependent on the location of a treasure hunt.
Because metal detecting takes place outside and metal detectorists often focus their attention on the ground, the back of the neck is exposed to the sun.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are useful items for many of the most popular hunting locations. In addition, rain gear is also necessary to have on hand.
Many metal detectors are not waterproof and if a hunter gets caught in the rain, protecting their machine, and their investment in this hobby, is an important consideration.
Hunters that are searching in dry or desert locations need to have plenty of water available.
Metal detecting can be an expensive hobby, but the more prepared a treasure hunter is, the more rewarding this hobby is likely to be.
Beginner metal detectorists would benefit from taking the time to properly research the locations and potential targets they want to search and find before choosing the correct metal detector to fit their needs.
Intermediate and experienced metal detectorists would benefit from researching the metal detectors currently available on the market that best fit the parameters and specifications they need to meet with even greater success on their hunts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Decent Metal Detector Cost?
A decent, entry-level metal detector can cost between $200 and $350. More experienced metal detecting hobbyists can find a decent metal detector ranging in price between $600 and $800.
Are Cheap Metal Detectors Any Good?
Cheap metal detectors, meaning those under $100, can find metal objects underground.
Many people have successfully used a cheap metal detector to find a lost ring or similar items at the beach or in the dirt.
What Is the Best Metal Detector for Depth?
The Minelab GPZ 7000 is one of the best metal detectors for depth. This detector can target up to 4 feet in depth.
This metal detector also uses a Zero Voltage Transmission to detect objects deeper than Very Low Frequency or Pulse Induction metal detectors can.
However, with a high-performing metal detector like this one, the price is around $8,000.
What Is the Best Brand of Metal Detector to Buy?
The best brand of metal detector can be narrowed down to one of two brands. Garrett and Minelab are two of the best brands of metal detectors on the market.
Treasure hunters that use one of those brands will likely be very pleased with their purchase.
The likelihood of having many successful hunts is high with detectors from one of those two brands.
Conclusion
When you’re just starting out with metal detecting, it can be hard to choose the best all-around metal detector.
Many different types of metal detectors are on the market. This can make it hard to figure out which one is best suited for you.
The most important thing is to pick a metal detector that fits your experience, budget, and needs.