Garrett Vortex VX5 vs VX7 vs VX9: Which One Is Right for You?

The three Garrett Vortex detectors are one platform at three feature levels. All three use Garrett's MD-MF multi-frequency technology, are waterproof to 16 ft (5 m), weigh 3 lb and run about 15 hours on the internal battery. The Vortex VX5 gives you 13 kHz plus Multi-Frequency and fixed settings. The Vortex VX7 adds 5 kHz, Multi-Salt, a Beach mode and adjustable recovery speed. The Vortex VX9 adds 9, 18 and 25 kHz, Fast and Thin Coins modes, adjustable iron boundary and bottlecap reject, and the most recovery settings. For most people who will use a Vortex regularly, I'd recommend the VX7, particularly if saltwater beaches are part of their detecting. The VX9 is for hunters who will actually use its extra target information and iron controls.

Garrett Vortex VX5, VX7 and VX9 side by side

Rows where the three detectors are the same are summed up under the table.

The same on all three: waterproof to 16 ft (5 m), 3 lb (1.38 kg), internal lithium-ion battery rated about 15 hours depending on settings, backlit LCD, 8 interference channels per frequency, the 8.5 x 11 inch DD Raider search coil, and Garrett's 3-year limited warranty. The VX5 costs the least and the VX9 the most, with the VX7 in between; current prices are on each model's page.

What the VX5 does well, and where it stops

The Garrett Vortex VX5 runs Multi-Freq. for general hunting and 13 kHz when you want a single frequency. With fixed recovery speed, fixed iron settings and four search modes, there is very little to set up, which is exactly what a first detector should be. Garrett lets you unlock VX7 or VX9 features later with a paid code through Garrett's update software on a computer, so the VX5 does not lock you in. Be clear on what that means: a software upgrade unlocks features, it does not change the coil or the electronics. Before you count on it, know how the code is bought and activated, and which detector it applies to; it is not a one-click process.

For someone who hunts Michigan parks and freshwater beaches, the VX5 may be all they need.

Where it stops: the VX5 has no Beach mode and no Multi-Salt. On dry sand and fresh water that does not matter. On wet saltwater sand, where salt makes the ground conductive and noisy, those are the two settings that keep a detector quiet. If that same customer vacations at the ocean every year, I'd steer them to the VX7, because Multi-Salt is better suited to conductive wet sand.

What the VX7 adds

The Garrett Vortex VX7 is the model for anyone who splits time between parks and the beach. Multi-Salt and the Beach mode handle wet salt sand. The extra 5 kHz frequency suits larger, deeper targets such as relics. Two recovery speeds let you tune for a trashy park instead of living with one fixed setup. Garrett also lists increased sensitivity on the VX7 and VX9 compared with the VX5, and the VX7 adds Z-Lynk wireless audio.

What the VX9 adds

The Garrett Vortex VX9 is for hunters who want the most detailed target information and adjustment, and it earns its price only if you will actually use them. Four things set it apart in use:

• Five single frequencies. The 25 kHz option is the one that matters for small, low-conductivity targets such as thin gold jewelry and small nuggets. The 9 and 18 kHz options fill the gaps between.
• Fast mode and three recovery speeds. Separating a good target from iron next to it is a recovery speed problem. The VX9 gives you the most room to work in heavy trash and iron.
• Iron boundary and bottlecap reject. The VX9 is the only Vortex where you can set both, which helps you decide on a borderline iron target instead of digging it.
• Three-tier Target ID and Thin Coins mode. More information on screen about each target, and a mode aimed at thin, low-conductivity coins.

Garrett Vortex VX9 vs AT MAX

The Garrett AT MAX is the other Garrett detector people weigh against the VX9. The AT MAX runs a single 13.6 kHz frequency with four frequency shifts, is waterproof to 10 ft (3 m) and runs on four AA batteries. The VX9 adds multi-frequency with Multi-Salt, five single frequencies, a 16 ft (5 m) waterproof rating and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The Vortex is the more modern platform, with simultaneous multi-frequency and a different approach to target identification. The AT MAX still appeals to someone who knows Garrett's traditional audio, likes its True All Metal mode and prefers familiar controls, or who wants AA batteries they can swap in the field. I wouldn't claim the Vortex finds every target deeper than the AT MAX; it is a different tool, not simply a deeper one.

Vortex software updates

Garrett updates the Vortex with free firmware through its updater software, which needs a registered Garrett account and the data cable. As of October 2026 the current versions are 5.06 for the VX5, 7.06 for the VX7 and 9.13 for the VX9, released in February 2026. Garrett lists better iron unmasking of low-conductive targets, sensitivity adjustments, an adjustable backlight, a longer wireless pairing distance, better target ID with the 5 x 8 inch Ripper coil and more stability in heavily mineralized ground; the VX7 and VX9 updates also raise Multi-Salt sensitivity. Garrett also sells paid upgrade codes from VX5 to VX7 or VX9, and from VX7 to VX9.

Which Vortex for which hunter

• Beginners on a budget: the VX5. Few settings to learn, and the upgrade code is there if you outgrow it.
• Saltwater beaches: the VX7 or VX9. Multi-Salt and the Beach mode are the deciding features, and neither is on the VX5.
• Trashy parks and iron-heavy home sites: the VX9, for Fast mode, three recovery speeds and adjustable iron boundary and bottlecap reject. The VX7 is a reasonable middle ground.
• Relics in fields: the VX7 or VX9, both with 5 kHz for larger, deeper targets.
• Gold jewelry and small gold: the VX9, the only one with 25 kHz.
• Wireless audio: the VX7 or VX9 with Garrett Z-Lynk headphones.

Shallow water is the same story on all three. They are waterproof to 16 ft, but radio does not pass through water, so Garrett's manual says to use wired waterproof headphones when the detector goes under. Below 6 ft the manual also says to lock the buttons.

Our recommendation

The VX7 is my recommendation for most customers who plan to use a Vortex regularly, particularly if saltwater beaches are part of their detecting. It has the saltwater settings and the adjustability the VX5 lacks. The VX5 suits simpler recreational use, like Michigan parks and freshwater beaches. The VX9 makes sense for customers who will actually use its advanced target information, on trashy, iron-filled sites or for small gold.

All three are in our Garrett metal detectors collection. If you are still deciding between brands, our best Garrett metal detectors guide shows where the Vortex sits next to the ACE and AT lines, and the metal detector comparison guides cover cross-brand matchups.