Best Metal Detectors – Reviews, Ratings, Tips, and Guides in 2024
Looking for the best metal detectors? You’re in luck! We have compiled a comprehensive list of reviews featuring popular and highly-rated models from the best starter metal detectors and best budget metal detectors to the best metal detectors for all-around performance.
Metal detecting has emerged as a popular pastime and a valuable tool for both treasure hunters and relic enthusiasts. Given the wide array of metal detector models on the market, selecting the best metal detectors can be daunting for both novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The choice of metal detector hinges on several factors, including budget, target objects, search terrain, and intended usage.
To facilitate this decision-making process, we conducted extensive research on numerous metal detectors from leading brands. We consulted with experts and individuals boasting over five years of field experience in our community. Additionally, we subjected these detectors to rigorous practical testing to compile our top recommendations.
This article aims to present a range of metal detectors, catering to various budgets and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, our suggestions will assist you in selecting the ideal detector to suit your needs and objectives.
Within this article, we’ll explore reviews of five top metal detector models: the Minelab Equinox 800, Nokta Simplex Ultra, Minelab Vanquish 540, XP Deus, and Garrett ACE 300. We’ll delve into their key features, discuss the ideal user for each model, and provide a comprehensive conclusion to aid you in making an informed decision.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links from Amazon. I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.
Top 6 Best Metal Detectors Update 2024
Minelab Equinox 800
Best metal detectors for all-around performance
The Minelab Equinox 800 is a standout choice for its advanced features. Equipped with Multi-IQ technology, it offers simultaneous multi-frequency operation, ensuring excellent target identification across various terrains. Its all-terrain design, submersible capabilities, and adjustable settings make it suitable for both land and underwater use. The Equinox 800’s discrimination patterns and customizable settings provide precise target identification, making it a favorite among serious detectorists.
Pros
- Advanced Multi-IQ technology for simultaneous multi-frequency operation
- All-terrain use with submersible capabilities
- Precise target identification and discrimination patterns
- Adjustable settings for customization
Cons
- Advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners
- Higher price point compared to some other models
Who should use it: Suitable for experienced detectorists who prioritize excellent depth, accurate target identification, and versatility. This high-performance metal detector boasts advanced features and all-terrain capabilities, including underwater detecting
Who should not use it: Beginners who may find the Equinox’s extensive features overwhelming or those on a tight budget.
XP Deus II Metal Detector
Best metal detector for depth capabilities
The XP Deus is renowned for its exceptional performance and advanced features. With its wireless connectivity, customizable settings, and outstanding depth range, the XP Deus is a top choice for serious detectorists. Its versatility, accuracy, and ease of use make it ideal for various detecting environments
Pros
- Exceptional performance and advanced features
- Wireless connectivity for convenience
- Customizable settings for personalized use
- Outstanding depth range
Cons
- Higher price point compared to many other models
- Beginners may find the advanced features overwhelming
Who should use it: Recommended for experienced detectorists and professionals who prioritize excellent depth, target identification, discrimination capabilities, customizable options, and wireless connectivity.
Who should not use it: Beginners or those on a limited budget who may find the XP Deus’ price point or advanced features excessive for their needs.
If the high price of the Minelab Equinox 800 or XP Deus II meta detector are not within your budget, continue reading for other more affordable alternatives below
Nokta Simplex Ultra
Best budget metal detectors
The Nokta Simplex Ultra is an affordable yet feature-packed metal detector suitable for beginners and intermediate users. It offers solid performance with its waterproof design, adjustable settings, and target discrimination capabilities. While not as advanced as some higher-end models, the Simplex Ultra provides excellent value for its price range.
The Simplex Ultra operates on a single frequency, whereas higher-end models may offer simultaneous or selectable multi-frequency operation. Multi-frequency detectors can provide enhanced target identification and better performance in different soil conditions.
Pros
- Affordable price with good value for money
- Waterproof design for versatile use
- Adjustable settings and target discrimination capabilities
- Suitable for beginners and intermediate users
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models
- The Simplex Ultra has basic ground balancing but may not offer the same level of adjustability or automatic ground tracking as more advanced detectors.
Who should use it: Beginners or budget-conscious detectorists looking for a reliable and affordable metal detector with good performance and waterproof capabilities.
Who should not use it: Advanced users or those seeking the most cutting-edge features and technology.
Minelab Vanquish 540
The Minelab Vanquish 540 is a user-friendly metal detector that strikes a balance between performance and affordability. It offers solid depth range, discrimination capabilities, and adjustable settings. While lacking some of the advanced features of higher-end models, the Vanquish 540 delivers reliable performance and ease of use.
The Vanquish 540 offers good target separation, but if you are looking for detector may have more advanced algorithms and processing capabilities that allow for even better target separation in areas with high target density or complex trash patterns, let move on higher-end models
Pros
- Good balance between performance and affordability
- Reliable target identification and discrimination
- User-friendly interface and adjustable settings
Cons
- Limited depth range compared to higher-end models
- Lacks some advanced features found in more expensive detectors.
Who should use it: Casual detectorists or those new to the hobby who want a reliable and user-friendly metal detector without breaking the bank. Suitable for users who want good depth, target identification, discrimination capabilities, and ease of use, but not for those seeking fully submersible capabilities.
Who should not use it: Experienced users or those seeking the latest technology, advanced features and fully submersible capabilities.
Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
Best starter metal detector
The Garrett ACE 300 offers solid performance at an affordable price. While lacking some advanced features found in higher-end models, it provides reliable target identification, adjustable settings, and a user-friendly interface. However, its lack of waterproof capabilities and limited depth range may be drawbacks for certain users. Remember that the searchcoil is submersible, but the control housing and connectors are not.
Pros
- Affordable price with good performance
- Reliable target identification and adjustable settings
- User-friendly interface and easy to operate
Cons
- Lacks waterproof capabilities
- Limited depth range compared to some higher-end models
Who should use it: Suitable for beginners and casual detectorists who want a cost-effective option with good performance, target identification, and discrimination capabilities, but don’t require advanced features or waterproof/submersible capabilities.
Who should not use it: Advanced users or those requiring waterproof capabilities or extensive depth range.
It’s important to note that while these advanced features may be lacking in the inexpensive metal detectors, they still offer solid performance and may be more suitable for beginners or those on a limited budget. The absence of these features does not necessarily diminish the overall effectiveness of the detectors, particularly for users who do not require or prioritize these advanced functionalities.
What is the most important noticeable difference between above metal detectors?
The most noticeable difference among the mentioned metal detector models is their level of advanced technology and features. Here’s a summary of the key differences:
Technology: The Minelab Equinox 800 and XP Deus stand out with their advanced technologies. The Equinox 800 features Multi-IQ technology, allowing for simultaneous multi-frequency operation, while the XP Deus utilizes wireless connectivity and offers advanced target identification and discrimination capabilities.
All-Terrain Use: The Minelab Equinox 800 and Nokta Simplex Ultra are designed for all-terrain use and are fully submersible, making them suitable for both land and underwater metal detecting. The other models have varying degrees of waterproof or submersible capabilities.
Depth Range: The XP Deus is often recognized for its exceptional depth range, which is considered one of the best in the industry. It is known for its ability to detect targets at considerable depths. Other models have respectable depth capabilities but may not match the XP Deus in this aspect.
Wireless Connectivity: The XP Deus and Minelab Equinox 800 offer built-in wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect wirelessly to compatible headphones or audio devices. This wireless feature provides convenience and freedom of movement during metal detecting sessions.
Discrimination Patterns: The Equinox 800 and Nokta Simplex Ultra provide various discrimination patterns to help users differentiate between different types of targets. The Equinox 800 offers preset discrimination patterns optimized for different environments, while the Simplex Ultra offers search modes tailored for specific target types.
Price Range: There may be differences in price range among the models, with some models being more budget-friendly options (e.g., Nokta Simplex Ultra and Garrett ACE 300) compared to the higher-end models (e.g., Minelab Equinox 800 and XP Deus).
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of different factors that go into picking out the best metal detectors for both professionals and beginners, and each of them plays an important role.
These differences in technology, all-terrain use, depth range, wireless connectivity, discrimination patterns, and price range contribute to the distinct characteristics and performance of each metal detector model. It’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing the right model for your metal detecting purposes.
Minelab Equinox 800 is my best choice, believe me you get what you pay for!
I’m beginner so don’t want to break my bank. This is helpful article. I will go with Minelab Vanquish 540
Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector is Great for beginners!!!!! I received mine today and have never used a detector before, read directions (skimmed). Watched a YouTube video and went in backyard to try. Wife found 2 pieces of aluminum while I was still setting up the pin pointer. Found 10 penny’s buried about 6-8 inches, a big metal hook, an old bottle cap and a nail that was buried ~9 inches in first half hour. This thing is awesome. A lot of fun. Can’t wait to really dig into settings and learn to use it properly.
I can’t Brag enough about this equinox 800! If Your thinking about taking up the hobby This Fella here is going to not only Satisfy you it’s also going to Teach you quite a bit as well, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
After extensive research, I opted for a metal detector that offered the best bang for the buck. While top-of-the-line models are tempting, their hefty price tags deter many.Narrowing down my choices to three models from various manufacturers, the Vanquish 540 consistently outshone the competition in reviews.Testing it out in my own backyard, I was astounded by its precise metal identification capabilities and its ability to distinguish between closely situated metals.
Garrett ACE 300 works as stated. I have found silveer coins and indian head pennies and I’ve only been out a few times. Real happy with this product. I go out detecting every chance I get! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!
Awesome medals detector detects deep easy to use this is my second nokta simplex detector I recommend buying this brand you won’t be disappointed 👍good job simplex ultra.
choosing a user-friendly detector with basic function is my advice for beginners. You can buy advanced feature detector when you are ready to upgrade the game.
I’m considering Minelab Equinox 800 and 600. Thanks for your recommendation.
I’m looking for a starter metal detector for my son. These models seem to be professional.
As a metal detector enthusiast, I find Minelab Equinox 800 has everything you need to hunt any kind of treasure in any kind of environment. I would suggest the coil reinforcers to firm up the connection on the shaft. Hope this helps and happy hunting.
Can a Metal Detector Tell Me What I’ve Found?
No, a metal detector only senses metal presence, not the type of metal or the object itself.
XP Deus Lite is a bit more expensive than the Garrett, but much lighter and offers more features. Excellent for getting used to pinpointing and discrimination modes. Battery life is superb
Nokta Simplex Ultra is very beginner-friendly. Waterproof for beach and shallow water use. Lightweight and affordable
Minelab 800 even has a special mode that ignores things like trash can caps and bobby pins, so you won’t waste time digging those up. But be careful, it might find some cool old stuff too.
What are the benefits of a wireless metal detector?
How does Equinox 540 compare to the Equinox 800?
The Nokta Simplex Ultra is often praised for being an excellent budget-friendly option for metal detecting enthusiasts. It balances cost with functionality, providing many features typically found in more expensive models!!
My son is just 5 years old. I am wondering if he could use this device.
You should refer to metal detectors for kids: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Metal Detector Kit for Kids or Nokta Midi Hoard Kids Metal Detector.
How do the Minelab Equinox 800 and XP Deus metal detectors differ in their technological features? which will be suitable for women?
There may be differences in price range among the models, with some models being more budget-friendly options
Try do this the first