Just about every time I have ever gone to the beach, I have seen some guy with a metal detector. If you have ever dreamed of being that guy, you should invest in a quality metal detector that will ensure you’ll end the day with some booty. Below, we selected some of the best beginner metal detectors to get you started on your treasure hunting journey.
Check out quick reviews below of the top Four metal detectors, then scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of those models.
Our Top Pick
The Best Metal Detectors List 2020
Best Buy Metal Detectors Online Reviews
SaleBestseller No. 1
XPSGOLD Metal Detector Pinpointing,Waterproof Pinpointer 360 Degree Search Gold&Treasure Finder with Belt Holster &LED Indicator& Buzzer Vibration, for Adults and Kids (Orange)
- 【360° Side-Scan and Pinpoint Tip Detection】 Quickly locate coins, jewelry, silverware, gold and other metal objects. 360° rapid scanning covers large area，such as indoor, outdoor, lawn, sand, soil or underwater.
- 【One touch control easy to use】To switch the detector on, press and release the power button while holding the detector away from metallic objects. The white LED will illuminate and one brief audio beeps will occur, indicating the detector is ready for use.
- 【Audio and Vibration Indicator】The detector has both audible and vibrating alarms to indicate the presence of metal objects. The alarms increase in intensity as the detector is moved closer to the metal target.
- 【Automatic sensitivity】Microprocessor circuitry allows the detector to operate at maximum sensitivity without any need of adjustments.
- 【Wide Applications】High Sensitivity Pin Pointer metal detector can detect indoors, outdoors, on sand, lawn or in soil, locate coin, silver, jewelry and gold with speed and accuracy Recommended for coin and jewelry hunting, relic hunting, gold prospecting and utility applications.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Robustt High Sensitivity Hand Held Metal Detector (Pack of 1) Leather case on Handle, with Battery Included Alarm Mode -Sound, Vibration & Led Lights for Malls, Airports, Railway Stations, Banks
- The Robustt Handheld Metal Detector provides reliable security. Use this handheld security scanner anywhere – indoor or outdoor events, schools, sport events or anywhere you need dependable metal detection
- The Robustt Metal Detector is very high sensitivity which can detect even small hidden metal objects. Detects concealed weapon, knives and other metal object in baggages.
- The lightweight design and comfortable Leather grip make it easy to use for long periods of time.
- The Robustt Metal Detector let you choose between sound or vibration detection alerts. The LED light is also activated to the detection of metal.
- Size: 4.5cm x 41cm x 8.5cm
SaleBestseller No. 3
Real Instruments High Sensitivity Handheld Metal Detector for Malls, Airports, Railway Stations, Bank Security Check Advanced Metal Detector (MD-3003B1)
- ✅❤【𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆】Metal Detector Safety Bar is made of high quality components, it can detect hidden small metal objects Detect weapons,knives and other metal objects.Ideal for venues requiring security checks.
- ✅❤【𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐒】The security scanner has a mode switch, which can be freely switched between sound and vibration alarm modes according to various detection and use environments.
- ✅❤【𝐀𝐃𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋】If the detection distance does not meet the requirements, the sensitivity can be adjusted. Press the low-sensitivity switch during the detection process, the detector will only respond to larger metal objects, such as knives, pistols, etc., and will not respond to small metals, such as rings, keys, coins, etc.
- ✅❤【𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃】Powered by one 9V battery standard ( included) or rechargeable battery (Not included). With one external charging port, the battery charger is not included. Please avoid charging it when you have no rechargeable battery, otherwise it can't work normally. And please turn off the detector when charging it.
- ✅❤【𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃】This metal detector wand comes with a holster clip making it easy to carry. It can be widely used in airports, stations, docks, school examination rooms, exhibitions, museums and other places where safe metal detection is required. Can be used indoors and outdoors.
- ✅❤【𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄 & 𝐖𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐔𝐒𝐄】Portable metal detector wand, lightweight design and comfortable handle grip make it easy for long time use. It comes with a belt clip, make it portable and convenient. Good for security, indoor/outdoor events, such as airport, schools, train station, subway, sports events, exhibition center, anywhere you need metal detection.
SaleBestseller No. 4
HASTHIP® Metal Detector for All Metal, Waterproof Metal Detector Machine with Indicator, Support Earphone, Adjustable Volume, for Coins, Metal Objects & Gold Rings(Without Battery)
- HIGH ACCURACY METAL DETECTOR: Non-contact accurate metal detector, built in high senstive metal sensor, with 8'' detecting disc, can precisely and high efficiently scan larger area and locate the metal piece or item. Retractable metal detector, can adjust the reaching distance from 30.7''-42.1'', more convenient to use. With 2 detection modes, full metal modes and identifying mode for detecting different metal, including gold, copper, iron, other metal.
- DIAL PLATE DESIGN: High accuracy detecting disc can reach up to sensitivity of US 25 Cent : 180mm. Clear large dial plate design, with 10 levels detection, can more precisely and clearly show you the detecting object situation. The pointer's viberation frenquency will be change with different detection objects.
- SUPPORT 3.5MM EARPHONE: Practical earphone jack design, allow you can connecting any 3.5mm earphone to monitor the metal detection. Once the metal subject is detected, the alarm system will make alarm, practical design for outdoor with crowds or noise. You can also adjust the alarm volume by knob.
- BATTERY OPERATED METAL DETECTOR: Requiring 2pcs 9V batteries(not included) to work, convenient and portable device that is designed to identify metal objects hidden within its scanning range. The absence of power cords also offers greater freedom of movement, allowing users to explore areas where electricity is unavailable or inconvenient to access.
- WIDE APPLICATION: Handheld metal detector, perfect for ground searching. The metal detector kit is perfect for finding metal objects and anywhere that hidden metal needs to be detected. You could enjoy the fun of exploration, cultivate parent-child relationships, and cultivate your children's curiosity about the world, keeping them away from televisions and game consoles.
SaleBestseller No. 5
YAKSH Enterprise Metal Detector Pinpointing,Waterproof Pinpointer 360 Degree Search Gold&Treasure Finder with Belt Holster &LED Indicator& Buzzer Vibration, for Adults and Kids (Orange)
- 【360° Side-Scan and Pinpoint Tip Detection】 Quickly locate coins, jewelry, silverware, gold and other metal objects. 360° rapid scanning covers large area，such as indoor, outdoor, lawn, sand, soil or underwater.
- 【One touch control easy to use】To switch the detector on, press and release the power button while holding the detector away from metallic objects. The white LED will illuminate and one brief audio beeps will occur, indicating the detector is ready for use.
- 【Audio and Vibration Indicator】The detector has both audible and vibrating alarms to indicate the presence of metal objects. The alarms increase in intensity as the detector is moved closer to the metal target.
- 【Automatic sensitivity】Microprocessor circuitry allows the detector to operate at maximum sensitivity without any need of adjustments.
- 【Wide Applications】High Sensitivity Pin Pointer metal detector can detect indoors, outdoors, on sand, lawn or in soil, locate coin, silver, jewelry and gold with speed and accuracy Recommended for coin and jewelry hunting, relic hunting, gold prospecting and utility applications.
SaleBestseller No. 6
SIDDHI EQUIPMENTS Hand Held Metal Detector Model VALIDATOR S-15 (Medium, Black-Blue) with LED Indicator for Malls, Airports, Railway Stations, Banks
- Operates on rechargeable and disposable dry battery, in-built battery charger.
- Ultra-high sensitivity and stability.
- Effectively detects minute quantities of ferrous as well as non-ferrous gold, silver,platinum, brass, copper, mild & stainless steel.
- ABS moulded body, provides high strength, ruggedness and light in weight.
- Uses advanced SMD Technology.
Bestseller No. 7
SIDDHI EQUIPMENTS Advance Gutka Pouch Metal Detector Model VALIDATOR G-20
- Detects Gutka Pouches as well as Ferrous & non-ferrous metal objects
- Operates on rechargeable and disposable dry battery, in-built battery charger.
- Ultra-high sensitivity and stability. Uses advanced SMD Technology.
- Effectively detects minute quantities of ferrous as well as non-ferrous gold, silver,platinum, brass, copper, mild & stainless steel.
- ABS moulded body, provides high strength, ruggedness and light in weight.
SaleBestseller No. 8
R RANSENERS Metal Detector Wand,Security Wand,Portable Adjustable Sound&Vibration Alerts,Detects Weapons Knivers Screw(High Sensitivity,Black)Â…
- ✔ HIGH SENSITIVITY: RANSENERS metal detector hand wand to help you quickly and accurately find even small hidden metal objects such as gold coins, silver coins, cultural relics, jewelry etc.
- ✔ 2 KINDS OF ALERTS: Sound & vibration mode, suitable for all occasions. The LED light is also activated to the detection of metal. Depends on the needs, vibration function should be used in noisy situation or in places where the operator does not wish for the sound to be heard in his surrounding area.
- ✔ ADJUSTABLE SENSITIVITY: Press the low sensitivity switch during detection, detector will only respond to bigger metal objects such as knife, hand gun etc and will not respond to small metals such as ring, key, coin, pin etc. Do not release the low sensitivity switch until you complete low sensitivity detection. Adjustable sensitivity allow pin detection at 4" and a 20mm steel ball at 2.7" depth.
- ✔ POWER OPERATED: Powered by one 9V battery standard (Not included) or rechargeable battery (Not included). With one external charging port, the battery charger is not included. Please avoid charging it when you have no rechargeable battery, otherwise it can't work normally. And please turn off the detector when charging it.
- ✔ COMFORTABLE HANDLE & WIDELY USE: Portable metal detector wand, lightweight design and comfortable handle grip make it easy for long time use. It comes with a belt clip, make it portable and convenient. Good for security, indoor/outdoor events, such as airport, schools, train station, subway, sports events, exhibition center, anywhere you need metal detection. Note that it is not waterproof.
SaleBestseller No. 9
Real Instruments Hand Held Metal Detector GC-101H High Sensitivity Handheld Metal Detector with LED Indication and Variable Audio for Security Check Malls, Airports, Hotels, Railway Stations, Banks
- ✅【𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍】 Ensures precise security inspection with adjustable sensitivity, providing reliable detection of metal objects for enhanced safety.
- ✅【𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐘】 Lightweight and portable design with a wrist strap for easy carrying, making it convenient for security personnel during inspections.
- ✅【𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒】 Features three indicator colors for easy interpretation: green for power, yellow for low battery, and red for metal detection alarm, ensuring efficient operation in various environments.
- ✅【𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍】Simple to use with two alternative alert methods: audible indicator and vibration indication, offering flexibility based on user preferences and environmental needs.
- ✅【𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒】Widely utilized for safety checks and detection of prohibited items in various settings including railway stations, schools, courts, and factories, enhancing security measures effectively.
- ✅【𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐒】Offers various detection modes, including all-metal mode, discrimination mode, and pinpoint mode, allowing users to customize their detection settings based on their needs.
SaleBestseller No. 10
Siddhi Equipments Metal Detector for All Metal, Hand Held Metal Detector for Security with Charger, HHMD Metal Detector
- Worried about your Organizations Security? Now be Worry-Free with Siddhi Security Hand Held Metal Detector Machine
- Effectively Detects Minute Quantities Of Gold, Silver, Platinum, Brass, Copper, Mild & Stainless Steel.
- Dual Battery System & In-Built Battery Charger
- Ultra-High Sensitivity And Stability.
- Operates On Disposable Dry Battery
- Does Not Affect Cardiac Pacemaker And Magnetic Tapes. ABS Molded Body, Provides High Strength, Ruggedness And Light In Weight.
Buyer’s Guide Terminology & Definitions
Like every great hobby, metal detecting is an activity that is filled with special words that outsiders may have a hard time understanding. Here we will define some of the words you may not be very familiar with.
Metal detecting experts, feel free to skip ahead to the next section.
- Ferrous: Metals that contain iron. Non-ferrous metals are metals that are not magnetic, like brass, gold, silver, nickel, tin and lead.
- Frequency: Frequencies vary on metal detectors and the different frequencies are used for different types of detecting. The frequencies are measured in Kilohertz and measure the number of magnetic fields sent to the ground. Different metals react to different frequencies based on the characteristics and conductivity of that metal.
- Mineralization: The amount of iron and salt in the ground. Examples of mineralized ground include black sand on beaches (from iron), redness in dirt (iron), and the salt in the sand on saltwater beaches.
- Interference: Anything with an electromagnetic field, like cell phones or power lines, can interfere with the detector’s signal.
- Control box: Contains the controls, speaker, batteries and processor of a metal detector.
- Search coil: This is what “sees” the metal in the ground. Different search coil sizes and shapes perform differently. Generally speaking, smaller coils are most sensitive while larger coils can penetrate deeper underground.
- Discrimination: You can filter out different types of metal or objects by adjusting your settings.
- Ground balance: Adjustments made to the detector for different types of soil and mineralization.
- Target separation: How well a detector identifies targets that are close to one another.
Evaluation Criteria When Choosing a Metal Detector
There isn’t one metal detector that’s better than all the rest, although there are a few stand-out detectors in multiple categories. This buyer’s guide for the best metal detectors will examine the specific features that make for a good detector in a number of those categories. We will make recommendations based on many category-specific criteria, as well as some criteria that are common between several categories.
We will examine factors like:
- Weight
- Size
- Ergonomics
- Ease of use
- Durability
- Reliability
- Price point
- Customer ratings and reviews
- Warranty length
- Weatherproofing
- Waterproofing
For each category we evaluate, we will recommend three different detectors:
- Best of the best
- Best for beginners
- Best value
In addition to sharing our expertise in each of these categories, we asked our customers to share their opinions as well. We surveyed our customers to find out which detector they consider to be one of the “best metal detectors” in each category. You can see their responses at the end of each category. Some categories had a clear-cut favorite among our customers, but some categories were not so cut and dry. Presenting this data alongside our opinion gives you yet another way to evaluate machines in each category.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, this guide will help you make an informed decision on which metal detector is the best fit to become your next detector. After all, once you’ve been bitten by the metal detecting bug, there is no such thing as owning just one metal detector.
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