As the world of treasure hunting continues to gain popularity, we find ourselves searching for the best best metal detector to uncover buried riches. In 2024, with advancements in technology, the market is flooded with a variety of options, catering to beginners and experienced detectorists alike. This article will explore the top 10 metal detectors available on Amazon, accompanied by in-depth reviews and a comprehensive buying guide to ensure you make the right choice.
Buying Guide for the Best Metal Detector
Before diving into the reviews, it’s crucial to understand what makes a metal detector exceptional. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for the best metal detector:
1. Type of Metal Detector
- VLF (Very Low Frequency): These are popular for their sensitivity to small objects and are great for coin shooting and relic hunting.
- PI (Pulse Induction): Better for beach and underwater searches, these detectors can penetrate saltwater and offer excellent depth.
- Multi-Frequency: These models can detect a variety of metals and are suitable for various terrains.
2. Weight and Ergonomics
- Look for a detector that is lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods. A well-balanced design will make a significant difference.
3. Depth Indicator
- Knowing how deep a metal object is buried can save time and effort. Choose a detector with a reliable depth indicator.
4. Sensitivity and Discrimination
- High sensitivity helps in finding smaller targets, while discrimination allows you to filter out unwanted metals, thus saving you time in the field.
5. Headphones Compatibility
- Many detectors come with headphone jacks. Using headphones can enhance your experience by blocking out background noise and allowing you to hear faint signals.
6. Price Range
- Determine your budget. While there are high-end models out there, many affordable options perform excellently for beginners.
Top 10 Metal Detectors on Amazon
1. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
The Garrett AT Pro is regarded as one of the best best metal detectors of 2024. With its all-terrain capabilities, this VLF detector is suitable for beach, land, and even shallow water searches. The AT Pro features a digital target ID, which helps you identify the type of metal before digging.
This metal detector offers two modes: Pro Mode and Standard Mode. Pro Mode is ideal for advanced users, allowing for enhanced sensitivity and target identification. It also boasts an impressive depth range, detecting coins up to 12 inches deep. The build quality is robust, making it a favorite among treasure hunters.
2. Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector
The Minelab Equinox 800 is another excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for versatility. This multi-frequency detector operates at four different frequencies simultaneously, making it perfect for various metal types. Its advanced target separation technology helps detect items even in trashy areas.
This model’s waterproof capability extends up to 10 feet, allowing for underwater treasure hunting. Users appreciate its lightweight design and customizable settings, which make it suitable for both novices and seasoned detectorists.
- SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-FREQUENCY. The Equinox 800 combines the power of multiple detectors into 1. Equipped with our revolutionary Multi-IQ technology, it automatically employs 5 frequencies at once so you can search all metals, all soils, all the time.
- FULLY WATERPROOF. Don't stop your search at the beach or the bank. This metal detector is fully waterproof and submersible up to 10 ft (3 m) so you can find gold, silver, jewelry, coins and other treasures underwater.
- 4 DETECT MODES. Easily select from Park for high-trash recreation areas, Field for fine coins and artifacts, Beach or Gold modes to focus on target types or ground conditions. Save your favorite 2 settings in each mode with custom Search Profiles.
- ACCURATE TARGET ID. Confidently sort trash and treasure thanks to the fast and accurate Target ID. Large Target ID numbers help you see targets at a glance while wireless audio allows for high-speed audio operation (Bluetooth headphones & WM 08 included).
- SLEEK & LIGHTWEIGHT. The lightweight design is easy to operate, allowing you to enjoy long detecting sessions comfortably in any environment. Size: 56.7" (1440 mm). Weight: 2.06 lbs (1.34 kg). Battery Run time: approx. 12 hours; charging cable included.
3. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
The Fisher F22 is an excellent entry-level metal detector designed for simplicity and performance. With a user-friendly interface, this detector is ideal for beginners looking for their first device. It features 4 detection modes and a 10-segment target identification system.
Weighing only 2.3 pounds, the F22 is super portable and easy to handle. It also includes a weather-resistant design, ensuring durability in various conditions. The automatic ground balance feature is a significant advantage, helping beginners focus on detecting rather than adjusting settings.
- ALL PURPOSE METAL DETECTOR: Weatherproof metal detector that can detect Jewelry, Coins, and Artifacts on land and shallow water. Finds metal targets on the surface and buried up to nine inches deep.
- TREASURE HUNT IN ANY CONDITION: This metal detector is weatherproof for use in the harshest weather and environments. Rain or shine, this metal detector can find treasure.
- JUST TURN-ON-AND-GO: A metal detector made for adults but easy enough for a child to operate. Easy-to-use features like discrimination, sensitivity, notch, and pinpoint make finding treasures buried deep underground a breeze.
- ACCURATE ALL METAL DETECTORS: This underground detector distinguishes between valuable targets and unwanted metals. Quickly identify all types of buried targets by Target Categories and a 0-99 numeric Target-ID, enhanced with a 4-Tone Audio-ID System.
- LIGHTWEIGHT ERGONOMIC & COMFORTABLE: This well-balanced weatherproof metal detector weighs approximately 2 pounds and has a padded hand grip and arm cup for comfortable treasure hunting.
4. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is an ideal budget option for newcomers. This affordable detector comes with a straightforward design and simple controls, making it easy to operate. With an impressive sensitivity range, it detects coins, relics, and jewelry effectively.
Its discrimination control allows users to filter out unwanted metals, enhancing its efficiency in the field. The lightweight design ensures comfort during long search sessions, and the device is built to withstand rugged environments.
- 8-Inch Waterproof Search Coil: The waterproof coil allows for searches in shallow water, wet sand, and muddy terrains, making it ideal for beaches, rivers, and lakes. It expands your treasure-hunting possibilities without compromising precision.
- Three Detection Modes: Features all-metal, discrimination, and tone modes to detect a wide range of items or eliminate unwanted metals. Tailor your searches for coins, jewelry, relics, and more with accurate and focused detection
- User-Friendly Controls: Designed with simple and intuitive controls, this metal detector ensures ease of operation for users of all experience levels, allowing you to adjust sensitivity and target preferences effortlessly.
- Rugged, Durable Design: Built to handle tough terrains and outdoor adventures, its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting use, even in challenging environments like forests, beaches, and rocky landscapes.
- Adjustable Sensitivity and Depth: Fine-tune the sensitivity and detection depth to locate targets more accurately, whether they are buried inches or deeper underground, ensuring you never miss valuable finds during your treasure hunts.
5. Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector
The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is one of the most user-friendly metal detectors on the market. It features a fully submersible design, allowing for underwater searches up to 10 feet deep. Its wireless headphones and Bluetooth compatibility also add to its convenience.
This detector offers multiple search modes, including Park, Field, and Beach modes, making it versatile for different terrains. The build quality is commendable, and users report excellent target separation, making it a reliable choice for all levels of expertise.
- Waterproof metal detectors for adults: The Nokta Simplex New Generation series boasts all new aesthetics, enhanced technical performance, and is fully waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m).
- Online Firmware Updates: Stay up-to-date with firmware updates (via USB on PC) and get the most out of your detector.
- Metal Detector with Accessories: Thanks to the Starter Accessory Package, you can meet all your needs. You will have a nice detection experience. Includes: Premium Digger, Finds Pouch, PP Leg Holster, Cap
- Bluetooth aptX: The Simplex BT model is a Bluetooth Enabled product with Bluetooth aptX
- Fabulous Lighting for Underwater & Low Visibility Use: SIMPLEX has it all - LCD Backlight, Keypad Backlight and LED Flashlight. With these features, you can use the Simplex metal detector in low light and even underwater.
6. Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector
The Teknetics Delta 4000 offers an impressive blend of performance and affordability. With an LCD display, this detector features real-time target identification, depth indicator, and sensitivity control. Its 11-inch search coil covers more ground, enhancing detection efficiency.
This metal detector embraces ease of use, catering to both beginner and intermediate users. The adjustable cam lock is a nice feature for customizing the height, ensuring a comfortable fit. Overall, the Delta 4000 sets itself apart with its reliable performance.
- Large LCD Display with Target Identification: The Teknetics Delta 4000 features a user-friendly LCD display that provides detailed information, including target identification, depth readings, and battery status. This clear visual feedback helps you easily determine what metal is buried and how deep it is, ensuring a more efficient and focused search.
- Versatile 8-Inch Waterproof Search Coil: The 8-inch waterproof search coil enables the Delta 4000 to be used in a variety of environments, from dry land to shallow water. This makes it perfect for treasure hunting in parks, beaches, or even near rivers and lakes, giving you the flexibility to explore diverse terrains.
- Adjustable Sensitivity and Discrimination: The Delta 4000 allows you to adjust the sensitivity to detect deeper targets or finer details, while the discrimination feature lets you filter out unwanted metals like iron and aluminum. This helps you focus on valuable items such as coins, relics, and jewelry while minimizing distractions from trash.
- Ground Balancing Controls for Enhanced Performance: The detector is equipped with ground balancing controls that adjust to different soil conditions, ensuring stable and accurate performance. Whether you're searching in mineralized soil or more neutral ground, the Delta 4000 automatically adapts for optimal results, reducing false signals and improving detection accuracy.
- Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: Designed for comfort, the Delta 4000 is lightweight and features an ergonomic armrest and adjustable stem, making it easy to use for extended periods without fatigue. Its user-friendly design is perfect for both beginners and experienced metal detectorists alike.
7. Whites Treasure Pro Metal Detector
The Whites Treasure Pro is a feature-rich metal detector that offers excellent performance for both beginners and seasoned hunters. It comes with multiple search modes and an adjustable discrimination feature to pinpoint valuable targets amid trash.
One standout aspect is its large, easy-to-read LCD screen, which displays depth, target ID, and sensitivity settings. This model provides a 10-inch waterproof search coil designed for various terrains. Users appreciate the comfort of the ergonomic handle, ensuring fatigue-free use.
- TOP METAL DETECTOR FOR ADULTS. This adults metal detector kit is an exciting new addition for both professionals and enthusiasts. Offers 5 upgraded modes including Pinpoint Mode, All Metal, Discrimination, Memory, and Jewelry. Innovative Memory Mode allows you to only detect one metal type that you want. Locate exactly what you want in far less time.
- LARGE METAL DETECTOR LCD DISPLAY has a big clear 3" x 2.2" screen that is easy to read. Backlight lets you work in the dark for a great deal more flexibility. 3 display modes to easily identify the type of metals you are detecting. Displays digital image and sound with multiple settings for customization.
- 9.8" WIDE SEARCH COIL is so powerful it can locate a quarter coin up to 10" underground. This waterproof metal detector can find larger objects at even greater depths. The coil is IP68 waterproof and works well in shallow water.
- ADJUSTABLE STEM & SENSITIVITY. 42.7" to 53.5" adjustable length suits adults of different heights and is also suitable for kids. With 5-level sensitivity, you can adjust the sensitivity to counteract some interference factors and find the target faster. Spend far less time detecting while finding more exciting precious metals and antique artifacts.
- PERFECT GIFT WITH ACCESSORIES. You can get more than an outdoor metal detector and including a premium headset, a heavy-duty digger shovel and a multipurpose carrying bag. Save your extra time for purchase. Not only an excellent choice for travel, vacations, camping trips, and outings but also a great birthday gift, holiday present, anniversary gift or give for Father's Day and Mother's Day.
8. XP DEUS Metal Detector
The XP DEUS is a top-of-the-line option for serious treasure hunters. This advanced detector is wireless, offering exceptional features like adjustable frequencies and a built-in rechargeable battery. Its lightweight carbon shaft design allows for easy transportation and prolonged use.
Users appreciate the high-frequency setting for gold prospecting and the fast recovery speed for identifying targets in dense areas. With customizable programs and settings, this detector caters to advanced users seeking in-depth analysis for their finds.
- World’s first fully wireless Fast Multi-Frequency (FMF) metal detector with unique features and performance to match with all usages and in all terrains.
- Including the MI-6 pinpointer, the first pinpointer on the market to offer wireless connectivity to your XP DEUS II, DEUS or ORX detector. This is the best detector & pinpointer combination available.
- Choose one of the 12 Fast and simultaneous Multi Frequency factory programs or between the 49 single frequencies from 4 to 45 kHz for mono frequency detection.
- Retune: re-calibrate the pinpointer when operating by briefly pressing the button while away from any metallic source and re-calibrate while in contact with the ground on salt water and mineralized ground.
- With wireless headphones, fully rainproof, foldable, compact and lightweight, the WSAII is a sophisticated wireless headset.
9. Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
The Garrett ACE 300 is a beginner-friendly metal detector that has quickly gained popularity among hobbyists. Equipped with a powerful 8.5×11 inch search coil, it offers excellent sensitivity, allowing for effective detection of coins, jewelry, and relics.
This model features five search modes and a clear LCD screen that displays target ID and depth. Additionally, the ACE 300 has a lightweight design, making it a breeze to carry. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for anyone wanting to start their treasure hunting adventure.
- Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector with submersible Searchcoil
- Includes 3 FREE Accessories:
- Volume control Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow headphones
- ACE Environmental Coverup
- 7" x 10" Searchcoil Cover
10. Makro Multi-Kruzer Metal Detector
The Makro Multi-Kruzer is a feature-packed metal detector adaptable for various environments, including underwater. It boasts advanced discrimination, sensitivity control, and several search modes tailored for land and beach detection.
The Multi-Kruzer’s comfortable grip and lightweight construction make it suitable for extended hunting sessions. It also includes a rechargeable battery, offering the convenience of not needing to buy replacements regularly. Overall, it’s an excellent addition for anyone serious about metal detecting.
Conclusion
Finding the best best metal detector may require some input and consideration, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. The top 10 metal detectors reviewed above demonstrate a range of features suitable for any treasure enthusiast, from beginners to veterans.
When making your purchase, consider what environment you will be using your detector in and what specific features are most valuable to you. Happy hunting, and may your next find be exceptional!