Metal Detectors

Metal detectors for sale from Minelab, Garrett, Nokta, XP, Fisher and the other brands we carry, from beginner kits to professional gold machines, for parks, beaches, relic sites, underwater hunting and gold prospecting. Every metal detector comes with the full manufacturer warranty and help from our staff by phone or email. Serious Detecting is a family-owned, authorized dealer for every brand on this page, with a showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where you can handle the machines before you buy. Not sure which one fits? Our metal detector finder matches a detector to what you hunt, where you hunt and your budget. Use the filters to narrow your search, or jump straight to a category below.

New to detecting? Start with a beginner metal detector.

Metal Detectors by Use

UseWhat mattersModels to start withShop
Parks and yardsVLF or multi-frequency; a waterproof coil for wet grassGarrett ACE 400, Nokta Simplex ULTRA, Minelab X-TERRA PROBeginner and intermediate detectors
Beach and saltwaterMulti-frequency with a beach mode for wet salt sand; a fully waterproof detectorMinelab EQUINOX 900, XP DEUS II, Nokta Legend 2Beach metal detectors
Gold prospectingHigh-frequency VLF for small gold, pulse induction for depth in mineralized groundMinelab GOLD MONSTER 1000, Garrett Axiom, Minelab GPX 6000Gold detectors
RelicsIron handling and clear target detail on iron-heavy homesites and fieldsMinelab MANTICORE, Garrett AT MaxRelic and treasure detectors
Underwater and scubaA control box rated for your dive depth, not just a waterproof coilMinelab EXCALIBUR II 1000, Fisher CZ-21, Nokta PulseDiveWaterproof and scuba metal detectors
KidsLight weight, simple controls and a shaft that adjusts as they growNokta Midi Hoard, Minelab GO-FIND 22, Minelab GO-FIND 11Kids metal detectors

Not Sure Which Metal Detector to Buy?

Start with three questions.

  1. Where will you hunt? Parks and yards, salt beaches, lakes and mineralized gold ground each call for different technology. Our location research guide helps you find places to detect near you.
  2. What do you want to find? Coins and jewelry, relics on old homesites, or natural gold nuggets.
  3. What is your budget? Beginner detectors and starter kits cost far less than a professional gold machine; the price table shows what each step buys.

Our metal detector finder, linked at the top of this page, turns those answers into a short list, and our metal detector buying guide has longer reviews.

What to Look for When Buying a Metal Detector

  • Ground balance: Mineralized soil, hot rocks and wet salt sand call for adjustable ground balance, like Auto, Manual and Tracking on the Minelab EQUINOX 900.
  • Target ID and discrimination: A numeric target ID (0 to 99 on the Garrett ACE 400) and notch discrimination help you skip iron and trash before you dig.
  • Weight and fit: The Nokta Simplex ULTRA, Minelab EQUINOX 900, Garrett ACE 400 and Minelab MANTICORE weigh 2.6 to 2.9 lb. An adjustable shaft and good balance matter as much on long hunts.

Metal Detectors for Sale by Price Range

How much does a metal detector cost? The metal detector price depends mainly on the technology inside, how waterproof the detector is and what you plan to hunt for, and the table below shows what most detectors in each price range offer. Our metal detector pricing guide explains what drives the cost.

TierPrice bandWhat you getExamples
StarterUnder $200Cheap metal detectors and starter kits for kids and first-time huntersNokta Midi Hoard, Minelab GO-FIND 22
Beginner$200 to $400Full-size beginner metal detectors with numeric target ID, several search modes and waterproof coils or IP68 buildsGarrett ACE 400, Nokta Simplex ULTRA, Minelab X-TERRA PRO
Mid-range$400 to $1,000Waterproof all-terrain and multi-frequency detectors for parks, fields and beachesMinelab EQUINOX 900, Garrett AT Max
Flagship$1,000 to $3,000Flagship multi-frequency detectors for coins, relics and beachesMinelab MANTICORE, XP DEUS II
Gold and 3D$3,000 to $5,000Pulse induction gold detectors for mineralized goldfields, plus 3D ground scannersGarrett Axiom, Groundtech A2
ProfessionalOver $5,000Professional gold detectors and 3D ground scannersMinelab GPX 6000, Minelab GPZ 8000, OKM ground scanners

Metal Detector Technology Explained

TechnologyWhat it isWhere it fitsShop
VLF (very low frequency)Transmits one frequency at a time, such as 10 kHz (Garrett ACE 400) or 45 kHz (Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000)Parks, fields and fresh water; high frequencies for small goldVLF metal detectors
Simultaneous multi-frequencyTransmits several frequencies at once (Minelab Multi-IQ, XP Fast Multi Frequency, Nokta's simultaneous multi-frequency)Varied ground, salt beaches and all-round hunting with one detectorMulti-frequency metal detectors
Pulse induction (PI)Built for gold, small targets and harsh, heavily mineralized groundGoldfields and mineralized ground; scuba detectors like the Nokta PulseDivePulse induction metal detectors
Hybrid SMF-PICombines VLF sensitivity with a pulse induction soil-handling engine (Minelab Multi-Au on the GOLD MONSTER 2000)Gold prospecting with one detector across normal and difficult groundHybrid SMF-PI metal detectors

Metal Detector Brands We Carry

BrandKnown for
MinelabAustralian maker of the VANQUISH, X-TERRA, EQUINOX and MANTICORE detectors and the GOLD MONSTER, GPX and GPZ gold detectors
GarrettDetectors since 1964: the ACE series, the waterproof AT series, the Axiom gold detectors and Pro-Pointer pinpointers
NoktaBuilt in Istanbul, Turkey: the Simplex, Score and Legend 2 detectors, gold detectors and the PulseDive
XPFrench wireless detectors, led by the DEUS II with Fast Multi Frequency and coils waterproof to 20 m (66 ft)
FisherDetectors since 1931, made by First Texas Products: the F-Series, the Gold Bug series and the submersible CZ-21
QuestLand, beach and underwater detectors and XPointer pinpointers
TekneticsMade by First Texas Products: the Omega 8500, Gamma 6000 and Eurotek Pro
OKMGerman 3D ground scanners that image the ground before you dig

We also carry AlgoForce and Falcon gold detectors, Groundtech 3D ground scanners and Treasure Products pinpointers.

Where to Buy a Metal Detector

Looking for metal detectors for sale near you? Serious Detecting sells metal detectors online and ships them across the US from our store. To see Minelab, Garrett, Nokta and XP detectors side by side, visit us at 3901 Bestech Dr #100, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Call (844) 771-0707 or email support@seriousdetecting.com.

Why Buy Metal Detectors from Serious Detecting?

  • Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your metal detector ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
  • Authorized Minelab, Garrett, Nokta, XP and Fisher Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full manufacturer’s warranty and product registration support.
  • Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and model questions by phone or email.

Customer Questions & Expert Answers

Get real answers from outdoor explorers and our product experts. Browse questions about performance, features, and setup —or ask your own to make sure this gear fits your next adventure.

Who makes the best metal detectors?

The metal detector companies we recommend most when buyers ask who makes the best metal detectors are Minelab, Garrett, Nokta, XP and Fisher. Each has its own strengths, so the right brand depends on how and where you hunt:

Minelab: Multi-IQ detectors such as the EQUINOX and MANTICORE, plus the GOLD MONSTER, GPX and GPZ gold detectors. See Best Minelab Metal Detectors.

Garrett: the ACE series for coins and relics on land, the waterproof AT series and the Axiom pulse induction gold detectors. See Best Garrett Metal Detectors.

Nokta: waterproof detectors from the Simplex to the Legend 2, plus gold detectors and the PulseDive for diving. See Best Nokta Metal Detectors.

XP: fully wireless detectors led by the DEUS II. See Best XP Metal Detectors.

Fisher: the F-Series for coins and relics and the Gold Bug series for gold. See Best Fisher Metal Detectors.

For the best metal detector on the market by model, our top all-around picks are the Minelab MANTICORE and XP DEUS II, with the Minelab EQUINOX 900 and Nokta Legend 2 close behind. For beginners we recommend the Garrett ACE 400 and Nokta Simplex ULTRA, and for gold the Minelab GPX 6000, a pulse induction detector built for gold nuggets in mineralized ground. To compare models across brands, see our Metal Detector Comparison Guides.

Answered by John W. · September 2026

How deep can a metal detector detect?

How deep a metal detector can detect depends on the size and shape of the target, your soil, the coil and the detector itself. A large object is found deeper than a small coin, and mineralized ground cuts depth on many detectors. Multi-frequency detectors are built to work across varied ground, and pulse induction detectors are designed for heavily mineralized soil. For typical depths by target and detector type, see How Deep Do Metal Detectors Go?

Answered by John W. · April 2026

What is the easiest metal detector to use?

The easiest metal detectors to use are turn-on-and-go machines with preset search modes, a clear target ID and simple menus. Our top picks are the Garrett ACE 400, Nokta Simplex ULTRA and Minelab VANQUISH 360. The ACE 400 has five search modes, the Simplex ULTRA six, and the VANQUISH 360 keeps it to Park, Beach and All Metal, so you can pick a mode and start detecting. Browse more in our Beginner & Intermediate Metal Detectors collection, or read our Best Metal Detector for Beginners guide.

Answered by Richard T. · April 2026

Can metal detectors detect gold?

Yes, metal detectors can detect gold, but not all equally. Gold rings, chains, and coins show up on most coin-and-relic detectors. Small natural nuggets need a dedicated gold detector: a high-frequency VLF like the Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 for small gold, or a pulse induction machine like the Minelab GPX 6000 for depth in mineralized ground. Browse our gold detectors or read The Best Gold Metal Detectors guide.

Answered by Dan P. · April 2026

Do I need a license to use a metal detector?

No, in most US locations you do not need a license to use a metal detector. You do need landowner permission for private land, and public land has its own rules: many city parks and beaches allow detecting, some require a permit, and national parks are off-limits. Always check local rules before you dig. Our Metal Detecting Laws, Regulations & Code of Ethics guide covers what to know.

Answered by John W. · April 2026

How much does a good metal detector cost?

A good metal detector costs under $200 for most kids' and starter detectors and $200 to $400 for most full-size beginner detectors with numeric target ID and a waterproof coil or fully waterproof build. From $400 to $1,000 most choices are waterproof all-terrain or multi-frequency detectors such as the Minelab EQUINOX 900. Most flagship multi-frequency detectors run $1,000 to $3,000, and the top professional gold detectors and 3D ground scanners go past $5,000. Shop by budget in Metal Detectors $200 to $400 and the other price collections, read our metal detector pricing guide for what drives the cost, or see our Best Cheap Metal Detectors guide for value picks.

Answered by John W. · April 2026

Where can I buy a metal detector near me?

You can buy a metal detector near you at the Serious Detecting showroom at 3901 Bestech Dr #100, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. If you are not near Michigan, we ship metal detectors across the US.

Answered by Dan P. · October 2026

What is a professional metal detector?

A professional metal detector is a high-end machine built for demanding ground and experienced users, with more control over settings and target information than a beginner detector. Buyers who search for one usually mean one of three kinds: a flagship multi-frequency detector such as the Minelab MANTICORE, a pulse induction gold detector such as the Minelab GPX 6000 or Garrett Axiom, or a 3D ground scanner from OKM. Browse our Professional Metal Detectors for Advanced & Expert Hunters collection, or see our Metal Detectors Over $5,000.

Answered by Richard T. · October 2026

Still have a question?

Ask our detecting specialists. We answer most questions within one business day, and publish the useful ones here so other detectorists benefit too.

0 / 1200

Your question and our answer will be published on this page, shown with your first name.

Protected by reCAPTCHA. We only use your email to send you the answer.