Just about every time I have ever gone to the beach, I have seen some guy with a metal detector. If you have ever dreamed of being that guy, you should invest in a quality metal detector that will ensure you’ll end the day with some booty. Below, we selected some of the best beginner metal detectors to get you started on your treasure hunting journey.
Check out quick reviews below of the top Four metal detectors, then scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of those models.
Our Top Pick
The Best Metal Detectors List 2020
Best Buy Metal Detectors Online Reviews
SaleBestseller No. 1
Robustt High Sensitivity Hand Held Metal Detector (Pack of 1) Leather case on Handle, with Battery Included Alarm Mode -Sound, Vibration & Led Lights for Malls, Airports, Railway Stations, Banks
- The Robustt Handheld Metal Detector provides reliable security. Use this handheld security scanner anywhere – indoor or outdoor events, schools, sport events or anywhere you need dependable metal detection
- The Robustt Metal Detector is very high sensitivity which can detect even small hidden metal objects. Detects concealed weapon, knives and other metal object in baggages.
- The lightweight design and comfortable Leather grip make it easy to use for long periods of time.
- The Robustt Metal Detector let you choose between sound or vibration detection alerts. The LED light is also activated to the detection of metal.
- Size: 4.5cm x 41cm x 8.5cm
SaleBestseller No. 2
R RANSENERS Metal Detector Wand,Security Wand,Portable Adjustable Sound&Vibration Alerts,Detects Weapons Knivers Screw(High Sensitivity,Black)Â…
- ✔ HIGH SENSITIVITY: RANSENERS metal detector hand wand to help you quickly and accurately find even small hidden metal objects such as gold coins, silver coins, cultural relics, jewelry etc.
- ✔ 2 KINDS OF ALERTS: Sound & vibration mode, suitable for all occasions. The LED light is also activated to the detection of metal. Depends on the needs, vibration function should be used in noisy situation or in places where the operator does not wish for the sound to be heard in his surrounding area.
- ✔ ADJUSTABLE SENSITIVITY: Press the low sensitivity switch during detection, detector will only respond to bigger metal objects such as knife, hand gun etc and will not respond to small metals such as ring, key, coin, pin etc. Do not release the low sensitivity switch until you complete low sensitivity detection. Adjustable sensitivity allow pin detection at 4" and a 20mm steel ball at 2.7" depth.
- ✔ POWER OPERATED: Powered by one 9V battery standard (Not included) or rechargeable battery (Not included). With one external charging port, the battery charger is not included. Please avoid charging it when you have no rechargeable battery, otherwise it can't work normally. And please turn off the detector when charging it.
- ✔ COMFORTABLE HANDLE & WIDELY USE: Portable metal detector wand, lightweight design and comfortable handle grip make it easy for long time use. It comes with a belt clip, make it portable and convenient. Good for security, indoor/outdoor events, such as airport, schools, train station, subway, sports events, exhibition center, anywhere you need metal detection. Note that it is not waterproof.
Bestseller No. 3
MINELAB X-Terra Intrepid, All-Terrain Professional Pinpointing Metal Detector for Adults with Waterproof Coil, 2 Detect Modes, and Clear Target IDs
- TARGET IDENTIFICATION — Smart Target Identification helps you quickly distinguish between rubbish and treasure. The X-TERRA INTREPID’s large visual Target ID numbers provide clear insight before you dig.
- KNOW BEFORE YOU DIG — Sort trash from treasure simply and accurately with INTREPID’s large visual Target Identification numbers. INTREPID’s intuitive operation streamlines your metal detecting journey.
- FULLY AUTOMATIC AND ACCURATE — Switch between two hunting shortcuts to tune your detector in to specific types of treasure. Zero-in on a discovery by switching to Pinpoint for even greater precision.
- COMPACT AND LIGHT — INTREPID’s sleek design has a lightweight, rugged and compact construction to ensure comfort, durability and portability. Easily adjust its height to suit both Adults and Kids. Collapsed: 28.3 in (72 cm)
- MINELAB PERFORMANCE — For more than 35 years, Minelab has created the world's best hand-held metal detectors. With cutting-edge tech, military-grade heritage and global support, Minelab is more than a company — it's the ultimate detecting experience.
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY— Built to last and protected by a 1-year warranty.
Bestseller No. 4
Detector Machine Set, High Accuracy Metal Detector for Gold, Detector Machines Portable Detector Includes Protective Sheath and Anti Loss Rope Suitable for Outdoor Activities and Exploration
- High Accuracy Detection: This detector machine offers precise detection capabilities; Ideal for locating gold, coins, and other metal objects; Enhanced sensitivity ensures reliable performance in various environments
- Portable and Lightweight Design: The detector is designed for easy transport; Compact and lightweight, it is perfect for outdoor activities; The included protective sheath and anti loss rope to prevent loss.
- User-Friendly Operation: Simple controls make this detector easy to use; Adjustable anti loss rope allow for customization based on your needs; Suitable for both beginners and experienced users
- Durable Construction: Built with robust materials, this detector machine ensures long-lasting use; Resistant to wear and tear, it is ideal for rugged outdoor conditions; The ergonomic handle provides comfort during extended use
- Versatile Applications: This detector for gold is suitable for various outdoor activities; Use it for treasure hunting, beach combing, or exploring parks; Its adaptability makes it a valuable tool for enthusiasts
SaleBestseller No. 5
Smars® Hand-Held Metal Detector Scanner
- Sound alert LED indiiator
- Low Power Consumption and low battery indication
- Handheld and light weight
- One 9v battery required
- It can be used for public security in airports, Railway stations, docks, prisons, customs and frontier defense as well as Quality control of medicine, food and other commodities.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Metal Detector Pinpointer, 360°Search Treasure Pinpointing Finder Probe with 9V Battery and LED, Waterproof Metal Detector for Treasure Hunting, Metal Detecting Accessories for Adults, Kids--Orange
- High Sensitive Metal Detector: Dmyond metal detector allows you to scan large areas quickly, then use precise positioning tips to narrow and precisely locate the target before excavation. The bar probe design allows you to hand-held metal detector for detection
- Easy Operation: Single button, when the metal object is detected, the LED light will light up. At the same time, there will be 'Bi-Bi' sound as an alarm. When the detector is close to the metal target, the intensity of the alarm will increase. This unique feature helps the user determine the exact location of the target
- Light Weight to Carrying: 1/3 of the weight of traditional metal detectors. Equipped with plastic elastic roll belt, belt sheath and handbag, easy to carry or hang on to prevent falling or losing
- Partial Waterproof: The needle pointer of the dustproof metal detector is partially waterproof. You can sink this part into the water to check for metal in the water. But it can't be used in water, switches and horns are not waterproof
- Widely Application: This metal detecting pinpointer can do various types of jobs like finding coin, gold, silver, relics, jewelry to help you easily find treasures or missing metal objects whether indoors, outdoors, in wall, sand, grass or soil, even in a extreme temperature range of -35ºF (-37ºC) to 158ºF
SaleBestseller No. 7
Moforoco Metal Detector Gold Digger Finder Deep Sensitive Light Hunter w/LCD Display
- Underground Metal Detector, With Multifunctional Control Panel And Accurate , Will Be A Great Tool For Indoor Or Outdoor Treasure Hun.
- Rugged black build with orange accents for high visibility and style.Ideal for detecting various types of metal with good ground coverage and depth.
- Lcd With Light Displays The Battery Condition, Volume Level For Your Convenience.
- Telescopic design for customizable length to suit different user heights. Designed for comfortable and extended use.
- Green backlit screen with needle indicator for real-time signal feedback.Includes tuning knobs and mode switches for adjusting sensitivity and settings.
SaleBestseller No. 8
TRUEROSE Detector for Kids - Lightweight & Waterproof Gold Kids Metal Detectors for Learning to Use a Metal Detector - Kid's Gold Finder Treasure Hunter, for Children's Toys
- [Easy to operate] All you need to do is move this gold metal detector side by side to the ground - when any metal is detected, the LCD will display a dart, and a buzzing vibration will begin - then start digging to get the metal.
- [PREMIUM DESIGN] The children's metal detector is designed by professional industrial designers, has a comfortable telescopic arm design, perfectly fits children's aesthetics, and is made of harmless ABS plastic, making it easy for all treasure hunters to use.
- Clear LCD Display – The built-in screen shows detection results in real time, helping you distinguish between different types of metals and depths with precision.
- High Accuracy Metal Detection – Easily detect a variety of metal objects including coins, rings, nails, and knives with advanced sensor technology and a responsive detection coil.
SaleBestseller No. 9
Garrett 1165800 SuperWand Hand Metal Detector Tool for Security
- Super Wand Metal Detector
- Easy to Use
- Durable detector
SaleBestseller No. 10
TRUEROSE Lightweight & Waterproof, Metal Detectors for Learning to Use a Metal Detector, Kid's Gold Finder Treasure Hunter, Best Gift for Children's Toy
- 【Waterproof Coil for Everywhere】The adjustable bar and the coil (excluding the screen) of the kids metal detector are waterproof. Perfect for metal detecting in gardens, parks, beaches and all outdoor places. Suitable for all seasons.
- 【Upgraded DSP Chip】 The kids metal detector has upgraded tech for better range and sensitivity. Anti-interference. 7.4-inch search coil Higher sensitivity. Finds larger objects deeper. Easier treasure hunting.
- 【Adjustable Stem for Each Families】The Metal Detector for Kids height-adjustable stem from 24 to 35 inches suits both kids and adults. Simple one-press operation. Lightweight and foldable search coil for travel and outdoor activities.
- 【Lightweight Design】The metal detector is made of harmless ABS material, very lightweight and perfect for kids, enjoy the time with your kids. Let them develop skills and curiosity in hunting.
Buyer’s Guide Terminology & Definitions
Like every great hobby, metal detecting is an activity that is filled with special words that outsiders may have a hard time understanding. Here we will define some of the words you may not be very familiar with.
Metal detecting experts, feel free to skip ahead to the next section.
- Ferrous: Metals that contain iron. Non-ferrous metals are metals that are not magnetic, like brass, gold, silver, nickel, tin and lead.
- Frequency: Frequencies vary on metal detectors and the different frequencies are used for different types of detecting. The frequencies are measured in Kilohertz and measure the number of magnetic fields sent to the ground. Different metals react to different frequencies based on the characteristics and conductivity of that metal.
- Mineralization: The amount of iron and salt in the ground. Examples of mineralized ground include black sand on beaches (from iron), redness in dirt (iron), and the salt in the sand on saltwater beaches.
- Interference: Anything with an electromagnetic field, like cell phones or power lines, can interfere with the detector’s signal.
- Control box: Contains the controls, speaker, batteries and processor of a metal detector.
- Search coil: This is what “sees” the metal in the ground. Different search coil sizes and shapes perform differently. Generally speaking, smaller coils are most sensitive while larger coils can penetrate deeper underground.
- Discrimination: You can filter out different types of metal or objects by adjusting your settings.
- Ground balance: Adjustments made to the detector for different types of soil and mineralization.
- Target separation: How well a detector identifies targets that are close to one another.
Evaluation Criteria When Choosing a Metal Detector
There isn’t one metal detector that’s better than all the rest, although there are a few stand-out detectors in multiple categories. This buyer’s guide for the best metal detectors will examine the specific features that make for a good detector in a number of those categories. We will make recommendations based on many category-specific criteria, as well as some criteria that are common between several categories.
We will examine factors like:
- Weight
- Size
- Ergonomics
- Ease of use
- Durability
- Reliability
- Price point
- Customer ratings and reviews
- Warranty length
- Weatherproofing
- Waterproofing
For each category we evaluate, we will recommend three different detectors:
- Best of the best
- Best for beginners
- Best value
In addition to sharing our expertise in each of these categories, we asked our customers to share their opinions as well. We surveyed our customers to find out which detector they consider to be one of the “best metal detectors” in each category. You can see their responses at the end of each category. Some categories had a clear-cut favorite among our customers, but some categories were not so cut and dry. Presenting this data alongside our opinion gives you yet another way to evaluate machines in each category.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, this guide will help you make an informed decision on which metal detector is the best fit to become your next detector. After all, once you’ve been bitten by the metal detecting bug, there is no such thing as owning just one metal detector.
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