Upgrade Your Hunt: Unveiling the Best Metal Detectors for Every Budget

Well, I see your confusion – how to choose the best metal detector among those thousands models of already existing ones? How much it is ok to pay for it – 20, 100, 1000 or 5000 dollars? So, if you’ve decided to buy a metal detector but the problem is which one to choose – here you’ll get the answers to all your questions about metal detecting. This article will surely provide you with the most popular metal detector reviews both for beginners, amateurs and professionals. Here you’ll find out about downsides and advantages, technical characteristics, detecting features and peculiarities of modern metal detector models.

It is difficult to choose the best detector among the number of high quality ones. However, I feel that there is an optimal model (as for price-quality ratio) within each price bracket.

Best metal detectors by class

All metal detectors can be nominally divided into three classes: for beginners, semi-pro devices and those designed for professionals.

We’ll overview the most popular models. Starting from the simplest and moving to more complicated ones.

• Best Overall – XP Deus 2 Waterproof Multi-Frequency Metal Detector
• Best Entry Level Detector- Minelab Vanquish Metal Detectors (4 models!)
• Best Relic Hunting Detector – Minelab Equinox 800 Waterproof Metal Detector

Best metal detectors for the beginners

So, you need an entry-level device if you speculate as follows:

I consider treasure hunting as insignificant, but interesting hobby to spend my weekend. It involves taking a nature hike, communication with fellow-thinkers and getting some positive emotions. Possibly I will go treasure hunting for about 5-6 times a season or seldom look for nickels, dimes and pennies in the fields around. The main task of my metal detector is just to to perform properly and find targets. I don’t want to make any complicated adjustments; I just want to get maximum of user-friendliness and simplicity from the device.

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Minelab Vanquish – 4 models for everyone

Minelab Vanquish review

This device is a 2020 novelty in the world of metal detectors designed by Minelab. I’d recommend considering this product line.

Why?

First of all, I think so because this is the first metal detector in the world that uses a multi-frequency technology Multi-IQ and, at the same time, belongs to budgetary and medium price brackets. The technology ensures stable signal detection on any kind of soil (complex soils, sea beaches), and the target is detected through several frequencies at the same time.

Before Vanquish was designed, Multi-IQ was used only for expensive metal detectors.

Secondly, Vanquish belongs to a category of metal detectors that don’t require any special skills to use them (‘turn on the device and go’). They are easy to use, small-sized, and convenient.

Thirdly, there are four models in the product line. They vary from the inexpensive and simple one to the Pro version of the device that has two search coils.

Fourthly, Minelab is a renowned company that has a technical support department, offers warranty for its devices, and ensures high product quality.

In a word, if you are a beginner detectorist, I do advise you to take a closer look at this product line. The quality meets the price almost completely in case of this metal detector. Besides, you can select the device model that fits your budget. Just don’t buy the first model, since its functionality is significantly lower while the price isn’t that low. However, you are welcome to read about this in our detailed review.

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Model	Minelab Vanquish 540
Weight	2.9lbs (1.3kg)
Length (Adjustable)	760 mm (30″) – 1450 mm (57″)
Batteries	Included, 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable
Headphones	Wired 3.5mm (1/8″)
Warranty	3 years
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	V12 12″x9″ Double-D
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	Multi-IQ
Water resistance	Coil to 1m/3-feet
Submersion Depth	No
Search Modes	Coin, Relic, Jewellery, Custom, All Metal
Ground Balance	Auto
Audio Threshold	No
Sensitivity	10 levels
Electronic Pinpointing	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	Yes
Build-in flashlight	Monochrome LCD with red backlight

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Nokta Makro Simplex – best cheap metal detector

Nokta Makro Simplex review

This is another metal detector made in 2020, and this device is a good alternative to the Vanquish product line.

Nokta has been on the market not that long, but it designs metal detectors that can compete with the leading devices on the market, as well as they offer better functionality.

For example, you can compare the functions of this metal detector with those of all other devices given below. Or you can just trust me when I say that metal detector models designed about 3-5 years ago can’t compete with this device at all.

This is Nokta, who dramatically changes the metal detectors market, and even Minelab has to consider this.

Nokta Simplex is an easy-to-use device that will definitely be appreciated by beginner diggers. The metal detector has four pre-set search modes: All metal, Beach, Field, Park.

The device search coil is 11 inches large, and it provides a good response on any kind of soil due to the frequency shift function.

This device model is equipped with a 2300 mAh battery accumulator that provides continuous operation of the metal detector. Due to this, you don’t have to get any extra batteries.

The device package set also foresees and unit by means of which you can connect wireless headset to the metal detector.

The main difference between this device and Vanquish product line is that you can use this metal detector not only for beach hunting but for underwater one as well. The device is designed to have a waterproof shell that is submergible up to 10 feet (3 meters) deep.

The metal detector handle vibrates when the device detects a valuable target in the ground. Such a feature allows underwater treasure hunting without using a display and headphones.

To cut a long story short – are you a fan of beach hunting? This is a device for you. It won’t be a perfect one, but many metal detectors fail during beach hunting, especially on black sand. However, you won’t find anything better for this price.

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Model	Nokta Simplex
Weight	2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
Length (Adjustable)	25″ – 52″ (63 cm – 132 cm)
Batteries	2300mAh Lithium Polymer
Headphones	Wireless
Warranty	2 Years
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	11″ (28cm) DD Waterproof
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	12
Water resistance	up to 10 feet (3 meters)
Search Modes	4 (All Metal / Field / Park /Beach)
Ground Balance	Auto, manual
Frequency Shift	Yes
Sensitivity	6 Levels
Electronic Pinpointing	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	Yes
Build-in flashlight	Yes

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Best amateur metal detectors

You require an MD of middle level if you speculate as follows:

I take seriously everything I do and I’ve got used to work with quality equipment. I’m a demanding user. At that I’m aware of the fact that this is a very exciting hobby, so I have free time and money for it. I’ll go treasure hunting quite often. However, I’m not completely keen on all this stuff, I’m just an ordinary man that likes good metal detectors and appreciates combination of reasonable price and corresponding properties of the goods I buy. Therefore, I’m buying a metal detector and expect I won’t have to buy another one soon if I want a more powerful device.

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Nokta Makro The Legend

Nokta Makro The Legend review

This is a modern metal detector (manufactured in 2022) that combines all search types in it, including underwater treasure hunting up to 3 meters deep. This device will do for beginners since the pre-set search modes (Park, Field, Beach, Goldfield) are quite well-adjusted, and they don’t require any deep knowledge of metal detecting basics.

A significant advantage of this metal detector is its ability to operate both using multi-frequency when all the frequencies work simultaneously and using a single frequency.

• 5 kHz
• 10 kHz
• 15 kHz
• 20 kHz
• 40 kHz
• Multifrequency (3 modes)

Also, we should mention that the device has wireless headphones included in its package set. They use Bluetooth technology.

Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Model	Nokta Makro The Legend
Operating Frequencies	Multi(3), 4kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz
Audio Frequencies	100Hz – 1200Hz Adjustable
Search Modes	4 (Park / Field / Beach / Gold Field)
Custom User Profiles	4
Audio Tones	60
Tone Volume	Yes
Tone Break	Yes
Tone Frequency	Yes
Adjustable Threshold	Yes
Notch Filter	Yes
Ground Balance	Automatic / Manual / Tracking
Pinpoint	Yes
Frequency Shift	Yes
Noise Cancellation	Yes
Vibration	Yes
Sensitivity Setting	30 Levels
Target ID	01-60
Search Coil	The Legend WHP: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) The Legend PRO PACK: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) Waterproof DD Search Coil 15cm / 6″ (LG15)
Display	Custom LCD
Backlight	Yes
LED Flashlight	Yes
Weight	1.4 kg (3.0lbs.) Including The Search Coil
Length	63cm – 132cm (25″ – 52″) Adjustable
Battery	5050mAh Lithium Polymer
Warranty	3 Years

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Minelab Equinox 800

Minelab Equinox 800 review

Minelab Equinox 800 is a multi-purpose metal detector meant for various types of treasure hunting. You can drown Equinox 800 into water up to 3m (10-feet). The device is equipped with three manufacturer’s programs for beach hunting as well as for working in fields and parks.

Minelab Equinox 800 can function both in multi-frequency and single-frequency mode.

When using multi-frequency mode (Multi-IQ), the device scans the ground using 5 frequencies simultaneously (5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz), which increases the search depth and excludes phantom signals occurrence as well as allows to conduct any type of treasure hunting.

800 version of Minelab Equinox has wireless headphones ML 80 in its set as well as an audio unit WM 08 with very low audio delay to connect wired headphones.

In addition, the device control has been completely changed. The manufacturer decided to go back of the complicated user menu and all device settings are now set by means of the main display using control buttons without going though all these sub-menu points.

Adjustment simplicity together with professional functions the device offers allow us recommending Minelab Equinox 800 for amateurs. Several operation frequencies is all that is needed for such a thorough search, that nothing is left behind you. Besides, the device is a multi-purpose one – you can use it for beach hunting as well as to search in fields or parks. At the same time its wireless headphones won’t get stuck in every bush you pass by.

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Model	Minelab Equinox 800
Application	Coin, Relic, Jewellery & Beach
Technologies	Multi-IQ, Wi-Stream, Bluetooth
Weight	1.34 kg (2.96 lbs)
Length (Adjustable)	1440 mm (56.7″)
Batteries	In-built Lithium-ion
Headphones	Included, bluetooth and aptX™
Audio Output	In-built loudspeaker, 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones
Warranty	3 years
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	11-inch Double-D
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	Multi, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40
Water resistance	Waterproof
Submersion Depth	up to 3m/10-feet
Visual Display	Monochrome LCD with backlight
Noise Cancel	Yes
USB Connectivity	Yes (Windows and OSX)
Ground Balance	Auto, Manual
Search Modes	Park, Beach, Field, Gold
Discrimination	50 segment (Ferrous: -9 – 0, Non-ferrous: 1 – 40)
Custom Search Profiles	8 (2 per Detect Mode)
Noise Cancel	Auto, Manual (-9 to 9)
Audio Threshold	Yes
Sensitivity	1-25
Target Volume	0–25
Threshold Level	0–25
Threshold Pitch	0–25
Target Tones	1, 2, 5, 50
Electronic Pinpointing	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	Yes
LCD Backlight	Yes

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Best professional metal detectors

You require the most modern metal detector if you speculate as follows:

I am a professional and whatever I do I try to do it diligently. I can afford buying a really high quality MD. Treasure hunting is a super hobby which I’m obsessed with and this is my lifestyle! I spend (or I will spend) a lot of time traveling for treasure hunting and a metal detector for me is the most crucial device just like a gun for a true hunter. Each additional inch of the depth as well as are essential to me!

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XP Deus II – best all round metal detector

XP Deus II review

Nowadays it is the best metal detector on the market. XP Deus 3 has accumulated all the best groundwork made by XP during all these years.

XP Deus II is a metal detector designed in 2022 that is one of the best multipurpose metal detectors nowadays. It is fast both for ground and underwater metal detecting, with FMF ® technology (fast multifrequency technology), extra lightweight (it weighs just 800 grams), the device is mobile and completely wireless: its control unit, search coil, headset, connection with a pinpointer are wireless. This is the best metal detector model designed by XP.

The most important about this novelty is its own technology, FMF – Fast Multi Frequency. This means the ability of the device operation simultaneously using a multifrequency from 4 to 45 kHz. At that, the frequencies in multi-frequency mode will be selected according to the device operation mode selected.

While XP Deus predecessor was good in many ways but not for beach hunting, XP Deus II can be used not only for beach hunting but the device also can be submerged up to 20 meters deep!

For underwater treasure hunting, there was designed a bone conduction headset that allows for hearing the weakest signals. Vibration mode was also added to the headset features.

Moreover, XP Deus II is a multifrequency device that efficiently searches both large-sized targets and small gold nuggets for which it has a special program, «Goldfield»

XP Deus II is as light weight as possible (it weighs 815 g max), which means that the device is very convenient in use. Since we all know how hard it is to sweep with any other device and then your hand starts aching. Now these issues are settled and you can enjoy using this metal detector.

Deus II is quickly assembled and dismantled and at that there is no chance of loosing or breakage of any device’s components. The metal detector has embedded batteries with at least 2 years term of service and then you should replace them with new ones. The batteries high capacity ensures very long service term without recharging.

XP Deus II can be considered the most light-weighted, ergonomic, and multipurpose metal detector with the highest efficiency when searching for any targets under any conditions. It is obvious that here we have a really new device, not just a veiled upgrade of the previous device model.

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Weight
Total detector weight with batteries	750-815 g
Stem weight	370 g (S-Telescopic) – 305 g (S-Telescopic lite)
Remote weight with battery	150 g
Headphone weight with battery	WS6: 82 g – WSA II: 72 g – WSA II XL: 250 g
Coil weight	22.5 (9’’) – 345 g; 28 cm (11’) – 470 g; 34×28 cm (13’’x11’’) – 570 g
Length
Stem	Fully telescopic, S-shaped
Length of folded stem	58 cm
Length of extended stem	130 cm
Coils
Wireless coils	DD 22.5cm-9’’/28 cm-11’’/34x28cm-13’’x11’’ (fully waterproof 20m – 66 ft)
Temperature
Operating T°	0 to + 40°C
Max ambient T° during charging	0 to + 40°C
Recommended storage T°	25°C
Waterproofness
Coil	IP 68 – 20m – 66 ft
Bone conduction headphones	Waterproof IP68 – 20m – 66 ft (optional)
Wireless Headphones optional	WS6 (rainproof) – WSAII (rainproof) – WSAII XL (IP 68-1m)
Batteries
Batteries	Remote/Coil: 700 mAh – Headphones: 320 mAh
Battery level indicator	Yes: Remote/Headphones/Coil/MI-6
Wireless Remote Control battery life	~ 15 to 30H depending on audio output activated
Wireless Headphone battery life	~ 15H WSAII/WS6
Wireless Coil battery life	8H to 20H depending on programs and frequencies
Mains power charger	Depending on version, Input 100-220V 50/60Hz, Output 5V- 1A max
Charging time	~3 h
Features
Software updates	Yes, by USB/Internet connection
Hip mount remote control case	Yes
Headphones storage case	Yes (WS6, WSA II)
Warranty	Five years parts and labor. Batteries, chargers and connectors have a 2 year warranty
Settings
Detection frequencies	Simultaneous Multi Frequency or between the 49 single frequencies from 4 to 45 kHz
Sensitivity	99 levels
Sound type	Different sound options: PWM, SQUARE
Audio Volume	10 levels for each audio output
Reactivity	9 levels (0/0.5/1/1.5/2/2.5/3/4/5)
Audio Response	8 levels
Iron Volume	6 levels
Multi Tones	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Pitch and Full Tones 1 and 2 + EXPERT modes
Ground balance	Tracking, Grab, Manual
Multi-Notch	Yes, with adjustable window width
Pinpoint	Yes, with and without Autotune – Audio and visual
Discrimination	Audio and visual/ferrous bottle cap rejection on 5 levels/Silencer
Threshold	Threshold and Audio frequency adjustable
Equalizer	4 Bands configurable
Programs	12 factory programs + 12 users
Backlight	20 levels adjustable, very low power consumption

Minelab CTX 3030 – The Outstanding Features

Minelab CTX 3030 review

Minelab CTX 3030 is designed for relics hunting at any weather conditions and on any soil type as well as underwater (up to 10 feet deep). This metal detector has the newest equipment even for nowadays. This device is the only one that has GPS unit integrated with Google Maps.

This is the first time when a color LCD-display was installed on Minelab metal detector. The image on the display can be clearly seen even if the sun is shining brightly.

The improved multi-frequency FBS2 technology has become more efficient. The metal detector performs searching at 28 frequencies simultaneously in the range from 1,5 to 100 kHz. This gives an ability to work on highly mineralized soils, where one-frequency metal detectors are useless. Due to this technology the device shows sufficient results both for small and large targets; it maintains the same searching depth even on complex soils.

The upgraded technology of target identification – Smart Find 2 — now the target is detected not only according to its conductivity, but its inductivity as well. This allows more precise defining of the target type (non-ferrous or ferrous metal), its size and depth. Now apart from displaying the object, when moving the coil above it the image gets animated.

The device ranges targets found according two parameters: iron content and conductivity. CTX 3030 user can set discrimination masks – this way the metal detector will find only targets with these set conductivity and iron content values.

The device has 10 search modes: 5 modes have pre-set ground balance and Fe-Co settings.

• Mode 1 — coins;
• Mode 2 — beach;
• Mode 3 — relics;
• Mode 4 — silver;
• Mode 5 — high level of litter

All these make the device very easy-to-use for those who see it for the first time. The user can choose the appropriate mode and start treasure hunting straight away.

As for modes 6, 7, 8 and 9, 10 – these are for professionals and they can be adjusted as it is required. For example, you can set the device response, target separation, sea water level (for beach hunting) and salt level (for soils), litter level and lots more. In case if the result of your manual adjustment doesn’t satisfy you and you don’t remember the initial settings, you can roll them back to manufacturer’s default ones.

This metal detector has two adjustment modes:

Manual. A user manually adjusts the device to operate where the soil is uniform and this provides hunting at maximum depth.

Automatic mode — is used to adjust the device automatically when hunting on complex soils where searching conditions vary.

If we could compare this metal detector with a car model, then CTX would be a Mercedes. It is the symbol of comfort, high quality standards, functionality and status. Other cars will just take you from point A to point B. There are people who will be quite happy with it though. However, some of them are all about exclusiveness and first class service. CTX metal detector is exactly for these people, for those who can afford it. The device’s functionality allows conducting search in any conditions, detecting both small and large targets and ignore metal-containing rubbish. Minelab CTX 3030 is for those who are seriously keen on treasure hunting and who can afford buying a metal detector of luxury class.

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Model	CTX 3030
Application	Coin, Relic, Jewellery & Beach
Technology	FBS 2, Smartfind 2, GPSi, Wi-Stream
Waterproof	Waterproof to 3m/10-feet
Frequency	Multiple frequencies: 1.5 – 100kHz
Coil (standard)	11-inch waterproof Double-D smart coil
Audio Output	Built-in speaker, standard ¼-inch non-waterproof socket, custom waterproof socket
Headphones Supplied	KOSS UR30 (100 ohm) supplied with detector (non-waterproof)
Visual Display	Full colour LCD with backlight and adjustable brightness (1–10)
Backlight	Yes
USB Connectivity	USB interface for XChange 2 PC software
Memory	Settings saved automatically while detecting and remain until changed or reset
Depth Indication	Accurate gauge active in normal detecting and Pinpoint mode
Detect Modes	10 fully customisable, including 5 preset (Coins, Beach, Relic, Silver & High Trash)
Discrimination	Smartfind 2TM 2 dimensional colour discrimination
Timings	No
Audio Tone	Customisable Tone ID Profiles
Audio Type	Normal, Long, Smooth & Pitch Hold
Ground Balance	Auto Compensation and Auto Ground Balance
Ground Balance Type
Pinpoint	2 modes: normal and sizing
Sensitivity	Auto and Manual (1–30)
Noise Cancel	Manual & Automatic (11 channels)
Threshold	Level adjustment (1–50), Pitch adjustment (1–30)
Target Volume Adjust	1-30
Battery	Li-ion pack with fast charger. 12 V car adapter supplied with Standard Pack only
Low battery alert	Audio & visual indication
Length	Min 37 in. (940 mm) – Max 55.3 in. (1405 mm)
Weight	5.20 lbs (2.36 kgs) including Li-ion battery pack
Warranty	3 years control box & coil

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