Headphones are one of the most important accessories in metal detecting. In this article, we’d like to take a closer look at what headphones are better to use with a metal detector: wireless or wired ones, what characteristics they should have, what you should pay attention to when selecting them? Also, the article includes several reviews of the most popular and successful models.
Contents
Introduction
You’ll need headphones for your metal detector when working at windy weather and when it is noisy. All experienced detectorists use headphones during their treasure hunting trips. Since, in this case, it is always easier to hear the target signal.
The main reason for using a headset is that it ensures that you hear even the weakest signal from a prospective target, and this way, the device productivity increases. Besides, headphones are also blocking unnecessary sounds from the background.
Also, not all metal detectors have audio volume control (for example, Ace 250). In this case, there is no way you can do without headphones.
As well as any weak signal obtained at maximum detection depth is easier to hear.
As for disadvantages, there are some chances that you won’t hear what is going on outside and won’t notice the presence of other people around.
Wired vs wireless
I have used both, and I must say that wireless headphones are much more convenient. If you use wired headphones, it is less convenient. The wire can tangle or get stuck in bushes or grass as well as it can wear down and break down after a while. Wired headphones are always pulling you somewhere. You moved the device shaft, and the wire starts to pull headphones.
Things are completely different with wireless headphones – nothing distracts you, or pulls your head. You don’t have to switch off your headphones when you put a metal detector on the ground, and the wire starts pulling your head down.
Though I agree that wireless headphones have disadvantages, I don’t consider them to be essential.
Wireless headphones have a self-contained supply; thus you should charge them from mains or have an additional set of batteries with you.
Wireless headphones are heavier, because the accumulator battery or power component, processor, Bluetooth-receiver increase their weight.
So, if you can afford buying wireless headphones, don’t even think about getting wired ones.
Best wireless headphones for metal detecting
| Feature | Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Headphones | Nokta 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones | Minelab ML 80 Headphones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Technology | Z-Lynk Wireless | 2.4 GHz Wireless | Wired/Wireless (Bluetooth) |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | Wired (Can be used wirelessly) |
| Audio Quality | High | High | High |
| Battery Life | Not specified | Not specified | Up to 15 hours (Rechargeable) |
| Controls | On/Off, Volume Control | On/Off, Volume Control, and Frequency Adjustment | On/Off, Volume Control, and Bluetooth Pairing |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Cushions | Padded | Padded | Padded |
| Additional Features | Z-Lynk technology for minimal signal delay | 2.4 GHz technology for minimal signal delay | Bluetooth capability for wireless operation |
Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Headphones
Wireless headphones unit Garrett Z-Lynk can be used with metal detectors. It works using the transmitter and receiver principle. The transmitter is attached to the metal detector headphone output, and then it is fixated to the metal detector shaft. The headphones offer minimal audio delay, ensuring that you hear target signals from your metal detector in real-time. This is crucial for quickly identifying potential targets and optimizing your metal detecting experience.
The headphones are connected to the receiver, and this way, you get a metal detector with wireless headphones.
Garrett Z-Lynk has an internal battery. You can charge it using a USB cable; it ensures up to 30 hours of continuous operation. Garrett Z-Lynk set includes receiver, transmitter, USB cables, rubber gasket to fixate the transmitter on the shaft. The MS-3 Z-Lynk headphones come with rechargeable batteries, offering decent battery life for extended use in the field.
Garrett Z-Lynk has two package sets: a standard and an advanced one. The latter has an adapter to enable using it with Garrett AT PRO or Garrett AT Gold metal detectors.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Nokta 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones
Wireless Nokta headphones ensure maximal comfort while metal detecting. They suppress background noises and allow treasure hunting even in very windy weather, crowded places, and in the fields.
The total device weight doesn’t exceed 170 gr, due to which you don’t feel any discomfort even after many hours of using them.
You can adjust the headband and fix it in the most comfortable position. At that, if it’s necessary, you can connect the device to any old model using a wire. For this reason, the device has a 3.5 mm jack.
These headphones have a Li-ion battery that provides about 20 hours of continuous device operation.
The device set includes micro-USB cable to charge it from a 5V adapter at 1A electric current. The process takes not more than 3 hours.
The headphones work using WiFi, which means that the speed of sound transfer and its quality is rather high. They are of the same quality as Garrett Z-Lynk both as for sound transfer speed (minimal and unnoticeable delay) and the sound quality. Like other wireless headphones designed for metal detecting, the Nokta 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones typically offer minimal audio delay. This ensures you receive real-time audio feedback when detecting targets.
This model is perfect for such metal detectors as Racer 2, Kruzer, Anfibio, and Impact.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Minelab ML 80 Headphones
Headphones come with regular Bluetooth technology, but also have enhanced, super-fast apt-X Low Latency technology for minimal time delay. Can also be connected directly to the detector’s 3.5mm (1/8-inch) headphone socket for wired use, via the included aux cable.
The headphones are designed to deliver high-quality audio to the user, allowing them to hear faint target signals and differentiate between different types of metal targets.
The Minelab ML 80 headphones are designed to be compatible with various Minelab metal detectors. However, it’s essential to check the specific compatibility of these headphones with your Minelab metal detector model before purchasing.
Compatible with the Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector.
- Compatible with the Minelab Equinox 600 & Minelab Equinox 800 metal detectors.
- Includes: Minelab ML 80 Bluetooth Wireless Low Latency Headphones, Black…
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best wired headphones for metal detecting
| Feature | Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL Headphones | Garrett MS-2 Headphones | Garrett Treasure Sound Headphones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| Jack Size | 1/4″ (6.35mm) | 1/4″ (6.35mm) | 1/4″ (6.35mm) |
| Compatibility | Universal | Universal | Universal |
| Design | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Ear Cushions | Padded | Foam Cushions | Soft Foam Cushions |
| Cable Length | Approx. 8 feet | Approx. 8 feet | Approx. 8 feet |
| Adjustability | Adjustable headband | Adjustable headband | Adjustable headband and earcups |
| Foldable | No | No | Yes |
| Noise Isolation | Moderate | Moderate | Enhanced noise isolation |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight |
| Price Range | Affordable | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL Headphones
The Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL headphones are a popular accessory designed for use with Bounty Hunter metal detectors. Bounty Hunter is a well-known brand that produces metal detecting equipment suitable for hobbyists and beginners.
They will perfectly do for most metal detectors. Volume control is integrated inside them, and it will be a great benefit in case if a metal detector doesn’t have one. You will be able to adjust the volume to your preferences and needs quickly. These headphones have volume control and a mono-stereo switch.
The long spiral wire will not hang loose and bother you during metal detecting. The device is equipped with an adapter that will allow using it with any metal detector.
The Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL headphones are equipped with a 1/4″ (6.35mm) jack plug, which is the standard size for most metal detectors and audio devices. It allows for easy and secure connection to compatible devices.
- Compatible with Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors excluding Bounty Hunter Junior
- Utilizes a 1/4-inch stereo plug
- Headphones extend metal detector battery life
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Garrett MS-2 Headphones
The MS-2 headphones are wired, meaning they connect to the metal detector using a cable. This wired connection ensures a reliable and continuous audio signal from the metal detector to the headphones. The Garrett MS-2 headphones are equipped with a 1/4″ (6.35mm) jack plug, which is the standard size for most metal detectors and audio devices. It allows for easy and secure connection to compatible devices.
These were designed to be used with Garrett AT Pro and AT Gold. Besides, Garrett MS-2 can be used with any metal detector that has a standard 1/4″ jack. As for the device features, we can mention – these are volume control, insulated wire, and a switch between mono and stereo modes.
- Volume control. Adjust signal levels to suit individual hearing requirements and…
- Comfortable headband and ear cushions.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Garrett Treasure Sound Headphones
These headphones are designed to deliver clear and amplified audio feedback, allowing detectorists to hear target signals more effectively, even in challenging environments.
These small-sized foldable headphones will ensure comfortable and productive metal detecting with any metal detector made by Garrett. The volume control is located on the device wire, which will help you to adjust the signal volume received from the control unit.
- Instruments & Compact Pouch Designed To Be Worn On A Belt For Target Retrieval…
- Reduces Background Noise While Metal Detecting
- 6-Ft Cord Wit .25″ Plug
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Best waterproof metal detector headphones
| Feature | Garrett Submersible Headphones | Garrett Submersible Headphones | Minelab Waterproof Headphones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submersible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cable Length | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Connector Type | 1/4″ (6.35mm) Jack Plug | 1/4″ (6.35mm) Jack Plug | 1/4″ (6.35mm) Jack Plug |
| Earcup Design | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Volume Control | Integrated on the Cable | Integrated on the Cable | Integrated on the Cable |
| Ear Cushion Material | Padded Foam | Padded Foam | Padded Foam |
| Water Resistance Rating | Up to 10 feet (3 meters) | Up to 10 feet (3 meters) | up to 200 feet |
| Weight | Approximately 0.8 lbs (363 g) | Approximately 0.8 lbs (363 g) | Information not available |
Garrett Submersible Headphones
The Garrett Submersible Headphones are fully waterproof, ensuring they can be used in wet environments, including underwater. This feature makes them ideal for beach hunting, shallow water hunting, and other water-related metal detecting activities.
These are waterproof headphones for Garrett AT Pro, AT Gold, Sea Hunter Mark II, Infinium LS metal detector product line. This model is completely waterproof and will be a perfect choice for those who enjoy scuba diving underwater treasure hunting. Complete waterproofness and high sound quality allow the user to enjoy the treasure hunting process and ignore all the rest. The device has a spiral wire 3 m long.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Minelab waterproof headphones
These waterproof headphones were designed especially for Minelab metal detectors: CTX 3030, Equinox. They have a sealed connector and speakers that let submerging the device up to 3 m deep.
These headphones are built to withstand the harsh conditions of underwater use, including exposure to water and saltwater. They are made from durable materials to ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion.
Specially designed construction allows covering your ears completely and excludes the influence of any background noises – you will hear only the sounds you need.
- Waterproof headphones with EQUINOX connector.|Fully submersible in both fresh…
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
DetectorPro Gray Ghost Amphibian II Headphones
Waterproof headphones designed by a famous company DetectorPro – Gray Ghost Amphibian. DetectorPro headphones are known for their durability, designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and underwater conditions. They are often made from high-quality materials that are resistant to water and corrosion.
A sealed jack allows connecting them to Garrett AT Pro and AT Gold metal detectors. They don’t have a volume control, and DetectorPro designers have takes this issue into account. They’ve installed a volume control on one of the earphones. Long spiral wire won’t hang loose and bother you during the metal detecting process.
These headphones are designed to be comfortable for extended wear during metal detecting sessions. They often feature padded ear cups and an adjustable headband for a secure and personalized fit.
Gray Ghost Amphibian II headphones come with dual independent volume controls for each ear. This feature allows users to customize the volume levels for the left and right ear cups independently.
You’ll be able to use these headphones both on the ground and under water. They’re designed to be completely waterproof and can be submerged up to 200 feet deep.
- Radical redesign of the traditional method of waterproofing wired connections on…
- Quality, comfort, fit and finish you expect from Gray Ghost: Once worn, you…
- Attention to details: We read the user forums to learn everything we could to…
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
What headphone manufacturers are there on the market?
Actually, there are many of them – from the world-famous Koss to Chinese noname companies. Moreover, quite often, metal detector manufacturers don’t design headphones for them. They just take a headphones model and draw their logo on it.
There is nothing wrong with such an approach. As you’ll find out later, requirements for these headphones aren’t that high. Since it’s not music, you’ll be listening.
If you have a metal detector of some specific brand, it’s better to get headphones of the same brand for it. For example, Garrett MS-2 headphones will suit Garrett AT Pro, AT Gold, and AT Max best. At that, Garrett ClearSound was designed for the Ace product line.
Correspondingly, Minelab has rather good headphones models Koss UR 30 and RPG, while XP has WS5, which are considered to be the best.
What to pay attention to when selecting headphones
If you take a look at headphones used when writing music, you’ll see that there are quite many important parameters for them. But if you need them just to use with a metal detector, quite simple models will do for this purpose.
Moreover, metal detector manufacturers don’t state any requirements for headphones in their device manuals.
Nevertheless, there are several aspects that you should pay attention to first of all.
Jack
When selecting headphones, you should look at their jack. More often, they have 6.3 mm (1/8 inches) jack, but there are models with Mini-Jack 3.5 mm (1/4 inches). Sometimes you may need an adaptor to switch from 6.3 to 3.5 that may be included in the device package set.
Wire
It is advisable to choose a device with a spiral wire, and it makes using the headphones more convenient. The advantage is that the wire can wind around the metal detector shaft and doesn’t distract the user. Due to its spiral shape, the wire can stretch, and in an idle position, it takes little space and doesn’t tangle much.
Besides, long not spiral wire can be accidentally damaged by stepping on it or cutting it with a spade.
Size and density of earpads
Sometimes it happens, that when getting some advanced cheap headphones, a digger doesn’t think about his comfort. In summer, when wearing some cheap Chinese headphones, you sweat more than when using some ‘summer’ models.
If you go treasure hunting in areas where it is hot in summer, it’s better to get open headphones. Maybe you’ll hear the signals a bit worse, but your ears will feel much better.
Volume control
It’s desirable to buy headphones that enable manual volume setting. It is more comfortable to go treasure hunting with this kind of device.
Impedance
Impedance value is important only for wired headphones (since they have a wire), while for wireless ones, this is useless information (since the signal is sent through another kind of medium).
The higher the impedance is, the more quality sound you get, and the device battery discharges less. And vise versa, the less is the impedance value, the more distorted sound you receive, especially at the high volume level.
However, since a metal detector sends low voltage to headphones, there is no point in using high-impedance ones (more 100 Ohm). In this case, headphones volume will decrease, but it won’t affect the sound quality at all.
Thus, the conclusion we get is that any low-impedance headphones (that are sold as the ones for metal detectors) will do to use them with this device.
Sound damping
This is the way of protecting you from background noises. It is not a crucial feature since, quite often, you need to hear what is happening around you (for your safety).
Besides, when it is hot outside, your ears will sweat when wearing headphones with a high noise-proof level.