The 14 best metal detector brands
Minelab, Nokta and Garrett lead our ranking of 14 metal detector brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Metal Detector brands, ranked
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1
Minelab
Australian-made high-end detectors, with the Equinox and X-Terra lines covering all-round and gold-prospecting use.
Top products: Equinox 800· X-Terra Pro· GOLD MONSTER 1000
Website: minelab.com |Brands like Minelab
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Nokta
Turkish-made detectors with simple controls and waterproof options, popular with beach and relic hunters.
Top products: Simplex Plus· FindX PRO· Pulse Dive
Website: noktadetectors.com |Brands like Nokta
Popularity 8.3/10
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3
Garrett
American maker of beach, relic and gold detectors, with the Ace series as the usual entry point.
Top products: Ace 250· ACE 400· Pro-Pointer II
Popularity 8.3/10
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4
Whites
Oregon-built coin and relic detectors with a long following among American hobbyists and beginners.
Top products: Pulse Scan 2
Website: whitesboots.com |Brands like Whites
Popularity 5.4/10
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5
XP
French-made Deus range offers multi-frequency searching, wireless headphone options and a large accessory catalogue.
Top products: DEUS II· DEUS HF
Website: xpmetaldetectors.com |Brands like XP
Popularity 4.6/10
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6
Fisher
Long-running US detector maker whose gold prospecting models such as the Gold Bug suit beginners.
Top products: Gold Strike· Gold Bug 2· CZ-6a
Popularity 3.9/10
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7
Gold Digger
Starter kits with an LCD display, sealed coils and a bundled shovel, aimed at first-timers hunting coins and jewellery.
Website: thegolddigger.com |Brands like Gold Digger
Popularity 2.7/10
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8
Tesoro
Compact, budget-friendly detectors popular with beginners, with the Silver uMAX and Cutlas as long-running models.
Top products: Silver uMAX
Website: tesorotec.com |Brands like Tesoro
Popularity 2.2/10
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9
VEVOR
Low-cost gold detectors with IP68 waterproof coils in 6, 10 and 12 inch sizes for casual hunting.
Website: vevor.com |Brands like VEVOR
Popularity 1.8/10
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10
Teknetics
Multi-purpose detectors for hobbyists and industrial users, built on classic electronics with fewer frills.
Top products: DigiTek
Website: tekneticsdirect.com |Brands like Teknetics
Popularity 1.6/10
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11
DetectorPro
Detector Pro is a market leader in the metal detecting devices industry. The brand is known for its high-performance and reliable detecting devices and tools that help ease the process for individuals. Whether a treasure or a scientific metal, the...
Website: detectorpro.com |Brands like DetectorPro
Popularity 1.2/10
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12
Tacklife
Tacklife is devoted to the finest quality and to producing products that are both safe and user-friendly. Its mission is to deliver the most significant goods and services that exceed the expectations of its customers. They take pleasure in their...
Website: tacklifetools.com |Brands like Tacklife
Popularity 1.1/10
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13
OKM
Sensors and detectors are of diverse variety and used in many small-scale as well as large-scale applications. These geophysical instruments are vital in many fields, including defense, archaeology, medicine, and others. OKM is a German company known worldwide and is...
Website: okmdetectors.com |Brands like OKM
Popularity 0.7/10
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14
Treasure Products
Treasure Products is a leading supplier of metal detectors for underwater and land treasure hunting. Their flagship product includes the Vibra Pro. Their products are used by treasure hunters, divers, and archaeologists from all over the planet. They have built...
Website: treasureproducts.com |Brands like Treasure Products
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab | minelab.com | /MinelabMetalDetectors | minelabdetecting | @minelab | MinelabDetecting |
| Nokta | noktadetectors.com | /noktadetectors | noktamakrodetectors | @NoktaDetectors | NoktaEngineering |
| Whites | whitesboots.com | /WhitesBootsStore/ | whitesboots/ | @whitesboots | – |
| XP | xpmetaldetectors.com | /XPMetalDetectors | – | @xpdetectors | xpmetaldetectors |
| Gold Digger | thegolddigger.com | /thegolddiggermd | thegolddiggermd | @thegolddiggermd | thegolddiggermd |
| Tesoro | tesorotec.com | /TESORO.USA | – | @tesorotec | Tesoro Technology USA Inc |
| VEVOR | vevor.com | – | – | @vevortools | – |
| Teknetics | tekneticsdirect.com | /TekneticsMetalDetectors | teknetics_detectors | @tekneticst2 | TekneticsT2 |
Metal Detectors Buying Guide
Metal detectors are devices that are used to detect metal objects buried underground or hidden in other materials. They are commonly used in various fields such as archaeology, treasure hunting, security, and construction. If you are planning to buy a metal detector, there are several factors that you need to consider. This buying guide will help you to choose the right metal detector for your needs.
Types of Metal Detectors
There are several types of metal detectors available in the market. Some of the common types include:
Beat-Frequency Oscillation (BFO) Detectors
BFO detectors are the most basic and affordable metal detectors. They work by generating an electromagnetic field and detecting changes in that field. They are less sensitive and accurate than other types of metal detectors.
Very Low Frequency (VLF) Detectors
VLF detectors are the most common type of metal detectors. They work by transmitting a low-frequency magnetic field to the ground and detecting changes in that field. They are more sensitive and accurate than BFO detectors and can detect smaller metal objects.
Pulse Induction (PI) Detectors
PI detectors are more advanced and expensive than VLF detectors. They work by sending short bursts of electrical current to the ground and detecting the magnetic field that is created. They are highly sensitive and can detect metals that are deeply buried.
Multi-Frequency (MF) Detectors
MF detectors are the most advanced and expensive metal detectors. They work by transmitting multiple frequencies at the same time and detecting changes in those frequencies. They are highly sensitive and can detect a wide range of metals.
Features to Consider
When choosing a metal detector, there are several features that you need to consider:
Frequency
The frequency of a metal detector determines its sensitivity to different types of metals. Lower frequencies are better for detecting large metal objects, while higher frequencies are better for detecting small metal objects. So, if you are looking for coins or small jewelry, a high-frequency metal detector would be a good choice.
Depth
The depth of a metal detector determines how deep it can detect metal objects. The depth depends on the size and type of the metal object and the type of soil or material in which it is buried. So, if you are looking for deeply buried treasures or relics, you should choose a metal detector with a greater depth range.
Discrimination
Discrimination is the ability of a metal detector to differentiate between different types of metals. Discrimination can be adjusted to ignore certain types of metals, such as iron or aluminum, and focus on specific metals, such as gold or silver. So, if you are looking for specific metal objects, you should choose a metal detector with good discrimination capabilities.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a metal detector determines its ability to detect small or low-conductive metal objects. Higher sensitivity means better detection of small or low-conductive metals. However, higher sensitivity can also lead to false signals or interference from other sources, such as electrical noise or mineralization. So, choose a metal detector that has adjustable sensitivity levels.
Coil Size
The size and shape of the metal detector's coil affects its detection depth and sensitivity. Larger coils can detect deeper and larger metal objects, while smaller coils can detect smaller and shallower metal objects. So, choose a metal detector with a coil size that suits your needs.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is important if you plan to use your metal detector in wet or underwater conditions. Choose a metal detector that is waterproof or water-resistant if you plan to use it in areas with water bodies.
Usage
The usage of your metal detector depends on your needs and preferences. Some common uses of metal detectors include:
Treasure Hunting
Treasure hunting is a popular activity for metal detector enthusiasts. If you are interested in treasure hunting, choose a metal detector that is designed for this purpose. Treasure hunting metal detectors usually have higher sensitivity and discrimination capabilities than other types of metal detectors.
Gold Prospecting
If you are interested in finding gold, choose a metal detector that is specifically designed for gold prospecting. Gold prospecting metal detectors usually have high-frequency capabilities and special features to detect small gold nuggets.
Relic Hunting
Relic hunting is the search for historical artifacts such as coins, buttons, and weapons. Choose a metal detector with good discrimination capabilities and a wide range of depth to find deeply buried relics.
Beachcombing
Beachcombing is the search for lost items such as jewelry or coins on beaches or near water bodies. Choose a metal detector that is waterproof and has good sensitivity and discrimination to find small metal objects in sand or water.
Price Range
The price range of metal detectors varies depending on the type, features, and brand. Basic entry-level metal detectors cost around $50 to $100, while more advanced metal detectors can cost upwards of $10,000. Choose a metal detector that fits your budget and requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing a metal detector is a personal decision that depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Consider the type of metal detector, its features, and your usage to choose the best option for you. Always read reviews and compare different brands and models before making a purchase. With the right metal detector, you can embark on exciting adventures and uncover hidden treasures!
