Find Your Perfect
Metal Detector
Expert reviews from real treasure hunters. We test in the field so you can make the right choice.
Most Popular Detectors
Based on expert reviews, user ratings, and field performance. These are the detectors hunters trust.
Garrett ACE 400
The ACE 400 hits the sweet spot in Garrett's lineup with a 0-99 Digital Target ID scale and adjustable frequency that helps reduce interference. Iron Audio lets you hear masked iron targets, preventing false digs. The included 8.5x11" DD coil covers ground efficiently while the USA-made build quality ensures years of reliable use.
Price may vary
Garrett ACE 300
Garrett's ACE 300 bridges the gap between toy detectors and serious machines with 0-99 Digital Target ID for accurate identification. Five preset search modes eliminate guesswork for new hunters, while the 7x10" DD coil provides solid depth. Made in USA with Garrett's proven reliability at an accessible price point.
Price may vary
Garrett ACE 200
Garrett's most affordable ACE strips detecting to essentials with just 3 search modes and graphic Target ID. The 6.5 kHz frequency finds coins reliably, and up to 40 hours of battery life means more hunting between changes. Made in USA with Garrett's backing—a solid first detector.
Price may vary
Garrett ACE 250
The Garrett ACE 250 delivers proven performance for beginners and hobbyists at an accessible price point. Its 12-segment target ID and 5 search modes make coin, jewelry, and relic hunting straightforward. The lightweight design and simple controls let you focus on finding treasure rather than learning complex settings.
Price may vary
Fisher F22
Fisher's weatherproof entry-level detector with numeric Target ID for easier identification. The Iron Audio feature lets you hear iron signals for better discrimination decisions. Runs on 2 AA batteries for 25+ hours, making it practical for day-long hunts without worrying about recharging.
Price may vary
Fisher F2
Fisher's most affordable detector strips detecting down to the essentials. Simple turn-on-and-go operation with basic discrimination makes it ideal for absolute beginners or as a backup machine. The 7.8 kHz frequency handles coins and jewelry in typical park conditions.
Price may vary
Find Your Perfect Match
Not sure where to start? We've organized our top picks by use case to help you find exactly what you need.
Best for Beginners
The best starter metal detectors and entry-level machines for new hobbyists. These first metal detectors prioritize ease of use, clear target identification, and forgiving learning curves. Perfect as a beginner detector that won't limit you as your skills grow.
Best for Gold
Gold metal detectors and gold nugget detectors optimized for finding gold jewelry, gold rings, and small gold items. These high-frequency detectors excel at detecting low-conductivity gold targets that standard detectors miss. Can a metal detector find gold? Yes—with the right frequency.
Best for Beach
Saltwater metal detectors and beach hunting detectors with salt-handling ground balance and waterproof construction. These wet sand detectors handle challenging beach conditions without false signals. Essential for surf zone and shoreline detecting.
Best Under $500
Mid-range metal detectors under $500 that bridge the gap between entry-level and professional. These intermediate detectors offer multi-frequency technology, better depth, and enhanced discrimination at the sweet spot price point.
Best Underwater
Fully submersible scuba metal detectors and dive detectors rated for underwater depths. Perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and underwater treasure hunting in freshwater and saltwater. These underwater metal detectors maintain full functionality even when completely submerged.
Best Waterproof
IP68 waterproof metal detectors and rain-proof detectors for hunting in wet conditions. From weather-resistant electronics to fully submersible units rated for shallow water, these waterproof detectors keep working when conditions get wet.
Best for Kids
Lightweight childrens metal detectors and junior detectors designed for young treasure hunters. These kid-friendly metal detectors feature simple controls, child-sized designs, and durability for enthusiastic young adventurers.
Best for Coins
Metal detectors for coin hunting and coin shooting optimized for finding old coins, silver coins, and rare coins. Fast recovery speed, accurate target ID, and reliable discrimination help you find coins while skipping trash.
Best Pinpointers
Handheld pinpointer metal detectors and probe detectors for precise target location. Once your detector finds a target, the pinpointer probe helps you locate it exactly in the hole for fast target recovery.
Best Value
Best metal detector for the money delivering maximum features and performance for your budget. These affordable detectors and budget-friendly machines prove you don't need to spend a fortune to find great treasures.
Best for Gold Prospecting
Specialized gold prospecting detectors and nugget hunting machines designed to find gold nuggets in highly mineralized ground. Features include high operating frequencies, pulse induction technology, and advanced ground balance for placer gold detection.
Best Under $300
Cheap metal detectors and budget detectors priced under $300. Perfect affordable entry points into the hobby with proven performance. These budget-friendly options deliver quality without breaking the bank.
Best Under $1000
Advanced mid-range metal detectors under $1000 with professional-grade features. Semi-professional multi-frequency technology, full waterproofing, and competition-level performance for serious hobbyists.
Best for Relics
Relic hunting metal detectors and Civil War detectors designed to find historical artifacts and antiques. Deep detection capability, excellent iron discrimination, and target separation help you recover history from challenging sites.
Best for Finding Property Pins
Metal detectors optimized for locating buried property markers, survey pins, and boundary stakes. Iron survey pins (rebar, iron stakes) require specific detection capabilities - all-metal mode, good iron response, and depth for buried markers.
Shop by Brand
From American classics to Australian innovation—explore the world's most trusted detector makers.
Real Field Experience
Detectors tested in the field
Hours of hands-on testing
Combined experience
We test every detector in real-world conditions: trashy parks, saltwater beaches, and highly mineralized soil. Our reviews aren't based on spec sheets—we dig the targets and report what actually works.
— The DetectorFinder Team
Ready to Find Treasure?
Whether you're hunting for coins in the park or gold in the hills, the right detector makes all the difference.