If you’re a professional metal detector or someone who have recently developed the hobby of detecting metals, then a good detector is an important purchase. Metal detectors are sophisticated devices but choices can vary according to its usage. A professional detector will go for one with high end features whereas an amateur would select something that is easy to operate.
Since the market is flooded with numerous products, choosing the right one according to your interest can be confusing. But don’t worry! Our comprehensive research on the best metal detectors will surely help you.
Our top 3 picks
Best Metal Detectors – Comparative Table
| Product Name | Product Dimensions | Weight | Price |
Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector, Orange | 9 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | 9 ounces | |
| 24.5 x 11.3 x 6.3 inches | 6.25 pounds | ||
| 28.2 x 10 x 6.2 inches | 3.7 pounds | ||
Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil | 22 x 8 x 5 inches | 3 pounds | |
| 26 x 10.2 x 4 inches | 3.48 pounds | ||
| 48 x 10 x 10 inches | 2.31 pounds | ||
| 11 x 3 x 2.3 inches | 13.6 ounces | ||
| 7.5 x 4.5 x 22.5 inches | 2.3 pounds |
1. Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector, Orange
Product Highlights
Known for its orange color that makes it visible even in the muddiest soil and water, the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT metal detector stands out among the other devices. With dimensions of 9 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches and weight of around 9 ounces, Pro-Pointer AT recovers your target faster and in an easier way.
The operating mode enables both audio and vibration with an operating frequency of 11.5 kHz. Whether you’re a beach hunter, gold prospectors or coin and relic retrievers, Pro-Pointers AT will surely become your best accessory in the hunting expeditions.
Looking for something precious is not only exhausting but also a very time consuming task. But this product zeros down your time and speeds up your recovery in an easy and a cleaner way. Consequentially, if you spend more time detecting, the chances of recovering numerous treasures are more as well. On the upside, the product provides a warranty of two years.
Best Features
The best features of the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is that it is fully submersible and has an adjustable sensitivity. Handy, long battery life, easy to handle and increased depth is what makes it effective and user-friendly as well.
Besides, the Pro-Pointer AT is designed with a special advanced IP68 waterproof design and is fully submersible to a maximum depth of 10 feet or 3 meters. If you’re are a water hunter or get usually caught up in rains during long hunts, a waterproof pin-pointer detector is an absolute necessity.
Moreover, with sensitivity being quite a needed feature for metal detectors, the Pro-Pointer AT is designed to provide maximum sensitivity irrespective of the size of the element. It allows the user to choose the level of sensitivity from three levels.
Another essential feature of the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is its fast retune. For detectors, fast retune makes the recovery faster and more effective, rejecting unnecessary elements such as mineralized ground and other environmental elements. This helps narrow down the search for larger targets.
What we most liked about this product is that it comes with a Lost Pro-Pointer alarm, which allows the pin-pointer to emit periodic warning signals or chirps post five minutes of the button being left un-pressed which results in battery saving. The pinpointing tip comes with a 360 degree detection area along with an LED flashlight to make detection in low light areas easier.
Pitfalls
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT features can be confusing at times, whether it’s the retuning or single button. The product’s retuning can be difficult to understand, which makes it problematic for beginners.
Apart from this, its 9 volt battery life can go up to 30 hours, which is quite low for a detector. Further, the product has several functional settings but only one button to control the setting. It tends to cause inconvenience to the users, as they need to shuffle though six different settings to get the one they require.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof Maximum sensitivity Fast retuning | Low battery life Single button Problematic retuning |
2.SUNPOW Professional Metal Detector
Product Highlights
The SUNPOW Professional metal detector is our second choice among the range of efficient metal detectors. This metal detector uses upgraded DSP chip – which makes it quite likeable – a 10 inch IP68 waterproof coil and an upgraded handle.
Our detailed analysis and trails revealed that it has a commendable ground balance with disc and notch, and pinpoint modes. Apart from these it has a detection depth of 8.7 inches. Additionally, its dimensions are 24.5 x 11.3 x 6.3 inches with a weight of about 6.25 pounds. On the plus side, it provides a two year warranty as well.
As per our trail and comprehension, the product operates based on three modes – All Metal or Non-Motion Mode, Notch Mode and Disc or Motion Mode. These modes improve its efficiency to a great extent.
The ‘All Metal Mode’ enables detection of metals like aluminum, gold, iron, bronze and silver. In the Notch Mode, users can select the fragments of target from the setting. Lastly, in the Disc Mode, valuable metal objects can be segregated from the junk. This is perfect for adults and professional detectors.
Best Features
What makes this metal detector the best choice among customers is its distinct features. The most notable one is its display screen. SUNPOW professional metal detector has a color LCD display screen that combines fixed color patterns with black and white dynamic patterns. It tends to be quite beneficial for users as the screen displays different aspects of the metal targeted – the depth, the SENS setting level, range of disc or notch, detecting mode as well as low battery symbol.
Diving further into other specific features of SUNPOW professional, tone audio discrimination is another feature worth mentioning. With different type of metals being detected by the product, it makes distinctive sounds for each type. This makes identification of targets much easier.
Enabled with two distinct detection system (non-motion and motion mode), the product alarms with a medium tone when held over the target material. Moreover, it detects the target quite effectively by rejecting the junks. So, with the SUNPOW Professional there is no digging out waste or debris.
Apart from these features, the product is designed with a 10 inch waterproof search coil, which makes hunting in damp and shallow waters quite easy. Also, it maintains ground balance by removing traces of metals interfering from the soil and it comes with a headphone jack of 3.5mm.
Pitfalls
Despite its amazing features, the SUNPOW Professional metal detector’s usage is somewhat problematic in few ways. Firstly, the sensitivity of the product needs to be increased in order to detect target materials that are deeply buried. And, in case the target size is large, an appropriate distance is necessary between the target and the coil. In certain cases, the sensitivity of the product is also affected when used in highly mineralized areas.
Apart from these, the detection is majorly affected by interference caused any electronic items or due to humid weather conditions. Extreme weather shortens the span of the product.
Lastly, detecting the target metal can become difficult because the search coil moves quite fast. Often it is due to speed that the user can miss the target spot. Hence, to avoid these problems, the users must be careful with the environment, the weather, and other external elements which tend to affect the product as it quite fragile.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof LCD display screen Three operating mode Upgraded disc chip | Fragile Search coil is fast Lacks high-end sensitivity to detect deep buried targets |
3.Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
Product Highlights
Detecting metals in extreme conditions can be difficult. But after an in-depth research, we found that Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is one such rugged metal detector that is ideal for recovering target materials in extreme ground conditions.
A classic model with sensitivity adjustment, the Bounty Hunter includes three different modes – motion all metal mode, discrimination mode and 2 tone audio modes. It can detect objects as large as up to 3 feet. Besides, it has an operating frequency of 6.7 kHz and an 8 inch waterproof search coil that comes with a ¼ inch headphone jack. The product holds a dimension of 28.2 x 10 x 6.2 inches and weighs about 3.7 pounds. It is definitely quite handy, user-friendly and offers quite the value for money.
The product is warranted against defects in its workmanship in less than five years of normal usage from the date of purchase. However, any damage or misuse of the product is not liable for warranty.
Best Features
The most outstanding features of this metal detector are its automatic tuning and ground balance, but they aren’t very easy to handle. But what makes it credible is its ability to detect elements in varied ground conditions without any damage or effect on its sensitivity control.
The product is quite comfortable as it comes with a padded armrest as well as a detector stand and hand grip. These features make the Bounty Hunter user-friendly. Operating it is quite simple and easy as it comes with two nobs and a switch. These include control settings like on/off, sensitivity adjustment, discrimination control, and mode selection. This makes it suitable for beginners – be it children or adults.
The coil is 8 inch waterproof which enables search even in shallow waters. Besides, the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV has the ability to detect target metals in different grounds or soils such as salt water beaches or black sand deposits. The detector also has the ability to see through the naturally occurring minerals in the earth and find buried metals.
Apart from the adjusting sensitivity and discrimination control, another feature that enhances the search quality of the product is its search modes. The product is enabled with an “all metal” mode that can be used when you want zero discrimination.
Lastly, the product comes with an analog meter used to measure the strength of the signal. This informs the user about the depth and size of the target material. It can be said that the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is a pocket friendly metal detector that can be used for finding all metals.
Pitfalls
Although this metal detector is quite user friendly with flexible and amazing features yet there is a downside to this product as well. What we didn’t like about the Bounty Hunter is the absence of the pinpoint mode. This makes the search for target materials difficult.
Further, the product uses only one tone when detecting the target metal. So, it becomes incomprehensible to identify whether the target detected is a good one unless you dig up. Also, the product does not have a notch discrimination and visual target ID. This adds on to the difficulty of identifying the target metal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic tuning and ground balance Ability to detect in extreme ground or soil conditions 8 inch waterproof search coil 3 Modes of Operation 2 Tone Audio Discrimination Pocket Friendly | Lacks Pinpoint mode No visual target ID Does not have notch discrimination |
4.Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil
Product Highlights
If you are looking for a metal detector that is easy to handle with all high-end features to accurately identify your target object, then Fisher F22 is the one. This is an easy to handle metal detector with fast retune that effectively separates target. Besides, it operates on 2AA, a battery that goes on for 25 to 30 hours. Your long search days will surely not be hampered by low battery.
Unlike other metal detectors which come with 2-3 modes of operation, the Fisher F22 comes with four modes of operation including jewelry, coin, artifacts and customs. It even has an iron indicator button inbuilt to detect iron in order to make the search efficient.
Also, it comes with waterproof search coils and accessories like arm strap, protective cover, and a 9 inch triangulated elliptical concentric search coil. The product comes with dimensions measuring 22 x 8 x 5 inches and a weight of about 3 pounds, which makes it quite easy to carry and handle.
Best Features
What we like about the Fisher F22 is that the search coil is waterproof and it can be fully submerged in water. In addition to this, it is weatherproof and is an all-purpose metal detector.
The feature that grabs our attention is the 9 inch triangulated elliptical concentric search coil that is re-designed into narrower coils. This makes it quite suitable for picking accurate target amongst junk and unnecessary iron. Additionally, it is also capable of moving around closed spaces such as tiny gaps in rocks.
Another feature which distinguishes it from other models is the four search mode that allows you to select and set your discrimination control.
Apart from these feature, the other highlighting aspect of the product is its LCD target screen. The screen includes several indicators such as target category ID numbers, two digit number target ID, iron indicator, current search mode, target depth indicator, battery level indicator and menu category icons. Along with this, the product has four tones for indicating the target metal, which are bass, low, medium and high.
Since iron indication is an added feature of Fisher F22, it has an inbuilt tone to indicate iron. This signals the searcher about unwanted items and prevents from digging unnecessarily.
Pitfalls
Primarily, what we didn’t like about this product is that it lacks manual ground balance. This affects the search as ground balance is essential. Although it can move around in closed spaces but balance is something that one cannot be sure of.
Moreover, the search coil is waterproof but the controlling part of the metal detector cannot be submersed in water. These downsides tend to affect the search of the target metal but only to some extent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Weatherproof control Iron audio indicator Four mode Multi-indicator LCD target ID screen. | No manual ground balance Control cannot be submerged in water |
5.NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Metal Detector
Product Highlights
If you are a budding detectorist and are in search of a handy and pocket friendly metal detector, then the National Geographic Junior metal detector is perfect for you. It is super easy to use and weighs around 3.48 pounds. Although it is built with an advanced technology as well as powerful searching features, it is quite accessible for kids and young beginners.
The product has dimensions of 26 x 10.2 x 4 inches, a 7.5 inch water resistant dual coil and an adjustable sensitivity. This helps in avoiding unrequired materials.
Best Features
Comprehending the features of National Geographic Junior metal detector, all we can say is it is the best choice for kids and beginners. The product comes with a LED flashlight that allows a clear view when locating metals.
One of its most commendable features is that it can detect coins up to 6 inches deep and larger objects till 1 foot. The detector also comes with a comfortable telescoping padded arm strap, which allows little adjustment but the padded arm strap makes it easy for kids irrespective of their age and size.
An essential thing is a learning guide when it comes to kids and beginners. So, the National Geographic junior metal detector has made available a colorful learning guide that engages as well as informs children about the metal detectors and its usage. From the history of metal detectors to the working of search coil, the guide has it all, thus, making it is suitable for children.
Pitfalls
Our research has led to the discovery of few drawbacks as well. The most highlighted one is the lack of good sensitivity. Although the product is known to detect targets 6 inches deep, the sensitivity adjustment control is not that good. Besides, it is also known to make one tone which can be quite confusing sometimes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable telescoping arm Adjustable padded arm strap Colorful learning guide | Lacks sensitivity control |
6.RM RICOMAX Metal Detector for Adults & Kids
Product Highlights
One product that can find everything is the RM RICOMAX metal detector. Known for its versatility, this product is suitable and easy to use both by children as well as adults.
The RM RICOMAX is based on rigorous proceeding technology along with relative tooling. It can detect a variety of metals up to a target range of 7.1 inches deep. In-built with discrimination mode and efficient sensitivity as well as waterproof coil, the RM RICOMAX operates on two 9V alkaline batteries.
With dimensions of 48 x 10 x 10 inches and weight of around 2.31 pounds, this metal detector is ideal for all age groups. It is also cost-effective and is usually found amongst the best range of metal detectors.
It comes with a ten inch search coil and an LCD control box. And all these are available at a pocket –friendly price.
Best Features
The best feature of RM RICOMAX is its three tone audio discrimination. With its versatility in detecting different types of metals, the product produces distinctive sounds for each of it. In case iron is detected, it will produce a low tone. It helps in filtering out the unwanted metal. The discrimination mode is one of the highlights of the product.
On the plus side, it comes with a LCD display screen enabling you to view the probable target metal. Not only does it show the supposed metal but also its depth, range of DISC, SENS level with segment, its operating mode and also indicates the battery life.
The DISC feature of the product enables the metal detector to ignore trash and help find only valuable items as per the setting of the disc mode. In addition to this, the pinpoint mode enables the product to find the accurate positioning of the target metal.
Lastly, the product comes with a waterproof search coil that allows the search to extend even under water.
Pitfalls
Despite these highlighting features, RM RICOMAX has few downsides as well. After analyzing the ins and outs of the product, we found that only the search coil is waterproof and not the control box. You need to be extra careful with it in case of thunderstorms or using it near a waterbody.
On the other hand false signals also occur during searches. This makes identification of the target quite difficult. Unstable grounds or thunderstorms affect the performance of the product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True discrimination mode Three tone audio discrimination Waterproof search coil LCD display screen | Control box not weatherproof False signals and sounds |
7.DR.ÖTEK IP68 Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer
Product Highlights
If you are looking for a waterproof metal detector at a pocket-friendly price, then the DR.OTEK IP68 can be your best purchase.
The DR.OTEK IP68 Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer can work 32 feet under water and can send signal through light or vibration. This ingenious pinpointing metal detector is quite light weight, compact as well as portable which is perfect for interesting treasure hunts, even underwater.
The product dimensions are 11 x 3 x 2.3 inches and its weight is about 13.6 ounces. Usually pinpointers have confusing configuration but DR. OTEK IP68 has upgraded one button design which makes it an effective mini handheld digger.
Best Features
This product stands out in comparison to other pin-pointer models. Its most interesting feature is that it can detect metals up to 32 feet underwater when compared to other pin-pointers that can only detect up to 13 feet. Besides, it is fully submersible which is an added advantage. On the upside, the model comes with a warranty of 2 years.
Another specific feature is its 360 degree detection which locates the target far more rapidly and accurately. It can easily detect metal screws, coins and lost jewelry. Moreover, it even ensures you avoid unnecessary digging.
A feature that distinguishes this product from the others is its one button design which also makes it suitable for kids as well as adults. Furthermore, it is enabled with an automatic battery saving system. In case the product is left unused for more than 5 minutes, it automatically shuts down to save battery life.
Apart from all these, the LED light in it enables the detection of target metal in all environments. Another great feature is that it alarms the user when a target metal is being detected with vibration instead of disturbing sounds.
Pitfalls
Although the product is quite efficient and easy to handle, yet upon our research we came across few downfalls. The model does not incorporate sound or tone indication while detecting any specific metals. It lacks a discrimination mode. So, the chances of coming across trash or unrequired metals are high. Since the discrimination mode is not present, it is not an accurate locator. Also, due to its ineffective accuracy, it gives many false alarms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Submersible up to 32 feet Long lasting battery life LED flashlight Does not consume much energy | Does not incorporate sound indication Only one search mode |
8.NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
Product Highlights
National Geographic Pro series metal detector is one of the best choices to make. It hits the criteria of both portability and easy handling. Manufactured by the company Minelab, it is quite a user-friendly and cost effective metal detector. At an affordable price, it provides high-end features.
With a collapsible design, it is not just portable as mentioned before but also durable. Weighing approximately 2.3 pounds, the product comes with a dimension of 7.5 x 4.5 x 22.5 inches. Built-in with a special telescopic design, the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO is completely adjustable and even convenient for kids. Besides, the design is quite good for its price which makes it popular among treasure hunters.
Also, it includes a rugged arm strap and handle for providing comfort and support. This metal detector works on 4 AA batteries and can detect up to 12 inches deep inside the ground. Plus, the product comes with a waterproof search coil enabling problem free detection under water as well. And, the best thing, this model comes with a warranty of two years.
Best Features
One of its most amazing features is the 3 different detection modes. All these three modes are distinguished by different LED icons that can identify all metals, except iron and aluminum.
Another distinctive feature of this Pro series model is its four-level sensitivity. You can choose the specific level of sensitivity and identify the type of metal being detected. This becomes more effective with the LED icons indicating the type of metal being detected. The sound enabled to mark the detection of target changes in accordance to the type of metal. Diving into another trait is its precise pinpoint feature. This pinpoint enables the metal detector to accurately locate the object and saves you from unnecessary digging. It also has an LED display with enabled backlighting and a headphone jack with a volume adjustment feature.
Pitfalls
Although this Pro series model is quite compact and precise for kids as well as professionals, there are some limitations. One of it being the false alarm that rings in the process of detection enabling you to indulge in dispersing unnecessary earth for no reason at all. Another downfall is that is can wear out easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and Lightweight 4 level sensitivity 4 different modes LED display | False alarms Wears out quickly |
Buyer’s Guide
As you know the market is overflowing with a gazillion of metal detectors both offline and online. The manufacturers claim diverse range of features and customers become super confused. However, as buyers you must consider the following factors or elements before you purchase one.
Size of the Coil
The most crucial part of a metal detector is its search coil as this is what determines the effectiveness of the hunt. The size of it decides the area it can cover; so if there is a smaller coil, you can only cover a small area.
Besides this, the size of the coil also measures the efficiency of detection. If the coil size is small, then it can only detect small objects like coins whereas if it’s larger then something more substantial.
Price
It is essential to look for affordable metal detectors. In case you are a beginner then an inexpensive one would be better. However, if you want one that has a lot of advanced specifications and features, then consider an expensive one.
But you must be careful when buying one because some models tend to be over-priced even if they have no extraordinary feature. So, price is definitely one aspect that you must consider before purchasing a metal detector.
Sensitivity
One of the key features to look out for in a metal detector is sensitivity which differs in every model. However, it is one primary consideration that you must look for when investing in a metal detector.
Too high or too low sensitivity affects the search by either indicating false things or by taking too much of time. The best option would be a model with adjustable sensitivity that can be determined according to the area of search.
Discrimination
This is one of best features in any metal detector. It allows the device to find specific metals and eliminating out trash or unnecessary materials such as nails, screws or bottle caps.
Typically, this feature is inbuilt with sound indication. Once you set the type of object you are searching for, a specific tone will ring to indicate where the object is. So, make sure you check for this feature as accuracy is really important.
FAQs
1. Is it better to buy metal detectors with a bigger search coil?
Each detector comes with different sizes of search coil. Both small and big coils have their own pros and cons. However, smaller coils allow the user to find target objects better than the ones with larger coils. A standard coil size of 8 inch which is quite common in many metal detectors is an ideal choice. The ones with a larger coil work best in areas with minimum trash and low mineralization. Moreover, it covers a larger area and increases ground depth penetration as well.
2. What is sensitivity control and how is it used?
Sensitivity control is typically one of the best and most useful features in a metal detector. Sensitivity controls allow the device to filter out trash and unnecessary elements. As per our research, devices with adjustable sensitivity control enable you to increase and decrease the control level according to the area of exploration.
3. Which detector is best for finding large and deep targets?
There are numerous metal detectors that are capable of finding objects as deep as 32 feet even in water. It is usually said the deeper the detection, the better is the effectiveness. However, it is also important to consider the size and efficiency as well.
As per our research and trial, we would suggest the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector. This one is the best because it can 10 inches deep, and is in-built with automatic tuning, and ground balance. Plus, it is comfortable to handle and is budget friendly.
4. Which is the best detector for children?
We know that treasure hunts are quite interesting for kids and investing in metal detectors suitable for them requires you to consider a lot of factors. The device must be comfortable and easy to use without any complicated handles.
The National Geographic Junior metal detector and National Geographic Pro series metal detectors are most suitable for kids according to us. These are light weight and easy to use detectors.
The Junior Metal Detectors are quite pocket friendly, has LED flashlights and a comfortable telescoping arm. The Pro series metal detectors on the other hand are also lightweight and can detect 12 inches deep. Both these are best suited for children.
Conclusion
We hope that our detailed research and analysis of the best metal detectors turns out to be helpful for you. We have tried to incorporate all the technical elements and other features to provide you with an unbiased and detailed insight about the different types available in the market.
But, if you consider buying one, then we suggest you to go for the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detectors. It comes with some simple yet required features – two nobs and a switch, which makes handling it much easier. Plus with a standard 8 inch waterproof search coil itcan operate in extreme conditions as well. Moreover, it is budget friendly, making it worth the buy.
However, we recommend you to do your research as well in order to understand and invest in a product that best meets your needs.
More to read:
10 Best Gaming Projectors to Make Your Games More Thrilling.
Best Stand Mixers in the U.S. That Are Selling Like Hot Cakes 2021 Acekool Stand Mixer
Best Toasters in the U.S. That Are Worth Buying 2021 Acekool Toaster TA1
Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I hope you love our product recommendations! Just so you know, Protechlists may collect compensation and commission from the links on this page! If there is anything we can improve, please let us know!