The XP ICON and XP ICONX are XP's simpler FMF multi-frequency metal detectors: fully wireless, waterproof to 5 m (16 ft) with XP's BH-02 bone conduction headphones and the waveguide, and about 735 g for the ICON or 710 g for the ICONX without the remote on the stem. Both use the XP DEUS II FMF ecosystem of coils, ST headphones and the MI-6 pinpointer, with far fewer settings to learn. The ICONX adds programs, a 28 kHz single frequency, finer Reactivity and ferrous resolution, and a stem with a carbon middle part.
What Is the XP ICON?
The XP ICON is a fully wireless, waterproof, multi-frequency metal detector built on XP's FMF (Fast Multi Frequency) platform, the same simultaneous multi-frequency technology used in the DEUS II, with automatic and manual frequency shift. XP's own summary of how it works is short: power on, choose a program, and go.
You get a sunlight-readable LCD with an adjustable backlight, and a coil, remote and headset that talk to each other over XP's digital wireless protocol, with about 4 ms latency on 36 automatic channels. There's no cable to snag in the surf. XP rates the remote, headphones and coil for about 11 hours each, and they charge from any 5 V / 1 A USB mains adapter. XP gives the ICONX as about 830 g (1.83 lb) fully equipped with the remote on the stem.
The range comes in two models: the XP ICON for detectorists who want fast, no-fuss performance, and the XP ICONX for hunters who want extra programs, finer adjustability and an additional 28 kHz single frequency for small targets.
XP ICON vs XP ICONX: Which Model Is Right for You?
Both detectors share the same FMF core, the same waterproof ratings, the 11 inch ICON FMF coil, 25 sensitivity levels and the same wireless system. The differences are in programs, single frequencies, Reactivity, ferrous resolution, audio settings and the stem.
| Feature | XP ICON | XP ICONX |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Simultaneous FMF multi-frequency | Simultaneous FMF multi-frequency |
| Single Frequencies | 4 and 14 kHz | 4, 14 and 28 kHz |
| Programs | 3 factory and 3 user | 6 factory and 6 user |
| Reactivity | 5 levels (1 to 5) | 7 levels (0 to 6) |
| Ferrous Resolution | 1 point | 0.5 point |
| Audio Settings | 3, standard audio curve | 6, including enhanced audio curve |
| Sensitivity | 25 levels | 25 levels |
| Ground Balance | Grab, Manual or Tracking | Grab, Manual or Tracking |
| Stem | Blue S-Telescopic Lite | Blue S-Telescopic Lite with carbon middle part |
| Included Coil | 11 inch (28 cm) ICON FMF coil | 11 inch (28 cm) ICON FMF coil |
| Weight | About 735 g (1.62 lb) with the 11 inch coil | About 710 g (1.57 lb) without the remote on the stem, about 830 g (1.83 lb) with it |
| Waterproof | Remote 1.5 m (5 ft), 30 minutes max, original cap; IP68 to 5 m (16 ft) with the BH-02 headphones and the waveguide | Remote 1.5 m (5 ft), 30 minutes max, original cap; IP68 to 5 m (16 ft) with the BH-02 headphones and the waveguide |
| Wireless Link | XP digital protocol, about 4 ms latency, 36 automatic channels | XP digital protocol, about 4 ms latency, 36 automatic channels |
| Battery | About 11 hours (remote, headphones, coil) | About 11 hours (remote, headphones, coil) |
| Charge Time | About 3 hours (XP range page; XP manual: about 4 hours) | About 3 hours (XP range page; XP manual: about 4 hours) |
| Warranty | 5 years parts and labor when registered with XP; batteries and accessories 2 years; optional extension (see note) | 5 years parts and labor when registered with XP; batteries and accessories 2 years; optional extension (see note) |
Note on XP's own sources: XP's ICON manual gives a 5-year parts and labor warranty provided the detector is registered with XP, plus an optional extension (the manual also mentions extending to 10 years), and 2 years on batteries and accessories (its warranty section says batteries and connectors). XP's ICON range page instead says all products come with a 3-year warranty, extended to 5 years with registration. XP's range page gives about 3 hours to charge and XP's manual about 4 hours.
The short answer: if you mostly hunt parks, fields and beaches and you want a detector you can pick up and use on factory programs, the XP ICON covers it. If you want the 28 kHz single frequency for small targets, twice the programs and finer Reactivity and iron control, the XP ICONX is the upgrade worth making. We would not pay for the ICONX just because it has more settings.
Key Features at a Glance
FMF Multi-Frequency Power
FMF runs multiple frequencies simultaneously instead of switching between them, and XP adds automatic and manual frequency shift to move away from interference. Running several frequencies together helps with target separation in trashy parks and stability over mixed soils. When you want a single frequency, the ICON offers 4 and 14 kHz and the ICONX adds 28 kHz.
Wireless, Waterproof, Ready for Any Site
Coil, remote and headphones all communicate over XP's digital protocol. XP rates the system IP68 and waterproof to 5 meters (16 feet) only with the BH-02 bone conduction headphones and the waveguide, and the coil itself to 20 m (66 ft). With its original cap, the remote is rated to 1.5 m (5 ft) for 30 minutes at most. XP calls the ICON ideal for wet sand and shallow water; for full diving, XP requires the optional BH-02 headset.
Audio You Can Actually Live With
The ICON brings PWM and SQUARE audio with stereo audio morphing, plus Pitch, 2, 3 and 5 tones and Full Tones. The ICON has 3 audio settings on the standard audio curve and the ICONX 6, including an enhanced curve. PWM and SQUARE are the same audio types XP uses on the DEUS II, in a more approachable interface; with the BH-02, only SQUARE is active.
Built Around XP's FMF Coil Ecosystem
XP lists the DEUS II FMF coils for the ICON range: the 9 inch (D22FMF), 11 inch (D28FMF) and 13 x 11 inch (D3428FMF) FMF coils and the HF2 elliptical (DELLFMFHP), along with the WSA ST and WSA-XL ST wireless headphones and the MI-6 pinpointer. That makes the ICON a natural second machine for current DEUS II owners. Coils from the original XP DEUS and the ORX use a different coil system and are not on XP's ICON list. 
XP Go Terrain App with GPS Tracking
Pair the detector with the XP Go Terrain app on your phone to record finds, track routes with your phone's GPS and see real-time data from the detector about the targets you hit. It's a thoughtful upgrade for anyone serious about working a permission systematically.
XP ICON Specs at a Glance
- Technology: FMF Fast Multi Frequency (simultaneous multi-frequency), automatic and manual frequency shift
- Single frequencies: 4 and 14 kHz (ICON); 4, 14 and 28 kHz (ICONX)
- Audio types: PWM and SQUARE, stereo audio morphing
- Tones: Pitch, 2, 3 and 5 tones, Full Tones
- Notch: 28-segment multi-notch
- Wireless: XP digital protocol linking coil, remote and headphones
- Waterproof: IP68 to 5 m / 16 ft with BH-02 headphones and the waveguide; coil 20 m / 66 ft
- Stem: 58 cm (22.8 inch) folded, 130 cm (51.2 inch) extended
- Coil compatibility: XP DEUS II FMF coils and the HF2 elliptical
- Smartphone integration: XP Go Terrain app with GPS
- Optional underwater audio: XP BH-02 bone conduction headphones
Who Should Buy the XP ICON?
The XP ICON range suits a few specific kinds of detectorists:
- Coin and relic hunters who want XP's FMF multi-frequency and tone ID with fewer settings than the DEUS II.
- Beach and shallow-water detectorists who want a multi-frequency machine rated to 5 m with the BH-02 headphones and the waveguide; the ICONX's factory programs include Wet Beach and Beach & Surf.
- Park hunters battling iron, foil and modern trash, where FMF separation, the 28-segment notch and tone control help cherry-pick keepers.
- Travelers and hikers who care about weight, a stem that folds to 58 cm and a fully wireless setup.
- DEUS II owners who want a simpler second machine that takes the same FMF coils.
If you're brand new to the hobby and you want a detector you won't outgrow in a year, the standard ICON is a strong first machine. If you already know you'll dial in custom programs and chase small targets, go straight to the ICONX for its six factory programs, six user slots and 28 kHz single frequency.
How the XP ICON Compares to the DEUS II
The DEUS II is XP's most adjustable FMF detector: 12 factory and 12 user programs, 49 single frequencies from 4 to 45 kHz, and coils and an RC remote rated to 20 m (66 ft), the remote with its red cap. The ICON isn't trying to replace it. Instead, it strips the interface down to what most detectorists actually use day to day and keeps the FMF performance.
Think of the lineup like this: DEUS II for the tuning enthusiast who wants every parameter at their fingertips, ICONX as the upgraded ICON for serious hobbyists who want more programs, more Reactivity levels and the 28 kHz single frequency, and ICON for the detectorist who just wants to grab the machine and go find something.
Buying the XP ICON or ICONX at Serious Detecting
Authorized XP dealer with a showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Full manufacturer warranty, help from our staff by phone or email, free US shipping on orders over $99.
XP's standard packs (ICON-28FMFRC and ICONX-28FMFRC) come with the 11 inch ICON FMF coil, the stem and the remote, plus a remote cover, a quick start guide and a wrist holder for the remote; the WSAST packs add WSA ST wireless headphones. To get set up:
- Choose your model in our XP ICON or XP ICONX collection.
- Add the accessories you need: extra FMF coils, the BH-02 bone conduction headphones for underwater use, and the MI-6 pinpointer.
- Call us if you want to talk through ICON vs ICONX for your specific sites.
Still deciding? Browse the full XP Metal Detectors lineup, including the DEUS II. Have questions about which model fits your hunting style? Contact our team and we'll help you choose.
Detectors in this article
| Best for | Detector | Price today |
|---|---|---|
| Also covered | XP ICON | $569.00 |
| Also covered | XP ICONX | $699.00 |
| Also covered | XP Deus II | $1,399.00 |
Prices are live from our store and update automatically.
