Not Sure Which Metal Detector to Buy?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the best metal detector?” The truth is, there’s no single perfect answer. The right detector depends on what you’re searching for, where you’re detecting, and your experience level—whether you’re hunting coins in parks, relics in old fields, gold in mineralized soil, or jewelry in the surf.
“If you’re ready to get started, explore our full range of detectors in the Metal Detectors Collection.”
This guide walks you through the key features that matter most, plus our recommended detectors by goal and skill level— so you can spend less time comparing specs and more time finding treasure.
Why Metal Detecting Is Worth Getting Into
- Adventure & discovery: Every hunt is a chance to uncover something unexpected.
- Outdoor time that doesn’t feel like exercise: Walking, swinging, and digging adds up fast.
- History in your hands: Relics, old coins, and artifacts connect you to the past.
- Fun for any skill level: Modern detectors make it easy for beginners to start strong.
- A hobby that grows with you: Start simple, then unlock advanced settings as your skills improve.
How to Choose the Best Metal Detector
There isn’t a single detector that’s perfect for everyone—but there are standouts in different categories. When you’re comparing models, focus on these essentials:
- Weight & ergonomics: A well-balanced detector reduces fatigue on longer hunts.
- Ease of use: Beginner-friendly machines help you learn faster (without getting overwhelmed).
- Target ID & discrimination: Helps you dig less junk and spend more time on good targets.
- Ground handling: Mineralized soil and saltwater beaches require the right technology and settings.
- Waterproofing: Some are rain-resistant, some are fully submersible—choose based on your hunt spots.
- Value: The best detector is the one that matches your needs without paying for features you’ll never use.
A great metal detector should build confidence—not cause frustration. The detectors featured on this page are proven, hobby-grade machines designed to deliver reliable depth, accurate target identification, and stable performance in real-world conditions—including mineralized soil and challenging environments. Many low-priced detectors commonly found online are essentially toys, often limited to detecting targets just an inch or two deep. We focus on recommending detectors that provide a true metal detecting experience, so beginners start strong and experienced detectorists get the performance they expect every time they hunt.
Quick Comparison: Metal Detectors We Recommend
Here’s a fast overview of our recommended detectors, grouped by goal and experience level. These are all hobby-grade detectors designed to perform in real-world conditions.
| Detector | Best For | Ideal For | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| XP Deus II | High-performance “do-it-all” hunters | Intermediate / Advanced | Coins, jewelry, relics, beach & even underwater |
| Nokta The Legend | Top features at a strong price | Intermediate | All-terrain coins, jewelry, relics + beach (waterproof) |
| Nokta Simplex | First detector buyers who want simple + capable | Beginner | Parks, yards, shorelines (easy “turn-on-and-go”) |
| Minelab X-TERRA PRO | Beginners who want more adjustability | Beginner / Intermediate | Coins, jewelry, relics + beach modes (waterproof) |
| XP XTREM Hunter | Serious deep relic & cache seekers | Advanced | Large, deeply buried relics & caches |
| Minelab GPZ 7000 | Maximum gold performance | Advanced | Natural gold in mineralized ground (depth & sensitivity) |
| Minelab Manticore | High-performance all-terrain detecting | Intermediate / Advanced | Exceptional target separation, depth, and multi-frequency performance for coins, relics, and beach hunting |
| Minelab Excalibur II | Dedicated beach & surf hunters | Intermediate / Advanced | Saltwater, wet sand, surf & underwater detecting |
| Minelab X-TERRA ELITE | Best-value beach performance | Beginner / Intermediate | Beach modes + multi-frequency value (waterproof) |
Recommended Metal Detectors
If you want help narrowing it down, start with where you’ll detect most often (parks, fields, gold country, beach) and your experience level. You can also explore our learning resources and beginner-friendly options:
Choosing the best metal detector isn’t about finding one “perfect” machine—it’s about finding the right balance of performance, ease of use, and long-term versatility. The detectors below are true hobby-grade models built to deliver reliable depth, accurate target identification, and consistent performance in real-world conditions—so you can make real finds today and continue growing as your experience and detecting goals evolve.
