1. Garrett AT PRO with Pro-Pointer AT – Best Overall Metal Detector

The Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector was chosen as the overall best metal detector during our testing. Although there are some models that have more functions and add on parts that can be used, this metal detector seemed to be the most accurate and easy to use the machine. If you have ever watched the reality show "diggers," you will see that this is the metal detector that they use while searching for relics.

One of the best features of this metal detector is the precision and accuracy of the underwater pointer. Several metal detectors offer this type of technology, but many of them only register "hit or miss" results when they are used underwater. The Garrett AT PRO can be submerged up to 10 feet and has pinpoint precision when it notifies you of a hit.

This metal detector allows you to set the tones to 40 different settings so that you can be discriminating about what you find. The underwater pinpointer comes with a holster for convenience and is ready to use within seconds. Headphones are included with the set.

There are only two real issues that we found with this metal detector, and they both can be easily overlooked. The detector does not come with a cover or carrying case, and the headphones are not considered weather resistant or proof. However, both of these items can be purchased separately if this is an issue for you.

PROS:

• Lightweight at only 7.4 pounds

• Ergonomically designed for convenient use

• Underwater features are best in industry

• 40 settings for accurate metal detection

CONS:

• Headphones are not considered weather resistant or proof

• No carrying case for the detector

2. White's Spectra V3i HP – Best Metal Detector for Experienced Treasure Hunters

White's Spectra V3i metal detector is a very popular choice for experienced treasure hunters. The full color LED display provides exceptional data that is easy to read and understand. The settings are so fine-tuned that you will know exactly what type of metal is being detected before you start to dig.

This metal detector works best with coins and relics. It will detect gold nuggets if the piece is large enough to register. The depth that this metal detector search makes this a great detector to use in any type of ground. It even works in places that have already been scanned at shallower depths.

This set comes with a gun-styled carrying case and baseball hat to help shield you from the sun when you are out treasure hunting. The detector is a little heavier than similar ones, at 12.5 pounds, but this is because of the heavy-duty scanning head.

This metal detector cannot be used for underwater scanning. This device is not weather resistant or waterproof. If you think that you may get caught out in the weather, it is important to have your case accessible.

PROS:

• Exceptional scanning technology that goes to deeper depths

• The display gives accurate information and is easy to read

• Better construction than similar metal detectors

CONS:

• Cannot be used for underwater scanning

• A little heavier than an average metal detector

3. Teknetics Delta 4000 – Best Metal Detector for Beginners

The Teknetics Delta 4000 metal detector is the perfect choice for anyone who is curious about metal detecting but not too sure how it works or if they want to get into the hobby slowly.

For being considered a beginner's metal detector, this device has an 8-inch search coil that can be submerged into water. The detector can be used with or without headphones, and the easy to read display will register up to depths of 8 inches.

This is a very lightweight metal detector that weighs less than 3.5 pounds. It is designed to be easy to carry and has a special arch in the handles so that when you set it down, the display does not get damaged.

This machine does not come with a set of headphones. If you want headphones or a carry case or cover, you will need to purchase these items separately.

PROS:

• Lightweight and easy to manage to make it perfect for anyone to use

• Designed for beginners with basic display readings

• Can reach depths of up to 8 inches in soil or water

• You can submerge the search coil in water for scanning

CONS:

• Does not come with a set of headphones

• Does not come with a carry case

• Does not have many settings

4. Garrett Ace 400 – Best Economy Priced Metal Detector

The Garrett Ace 400 is the best economy-priced metal detector available at this time. We believe that this is one of the best options for anyone who is just starting out metal detecting or who has become a fan of this hobby.

The Ace 400 uses a higher frequency for detecting than many other metal detectors. This allows the machine to find more types of metals with less confusion as to what is being detected. The Ace 400 has also been very good at locating lead and gold sources, which is in common in smaller machines.

This machine is lightweight and weighs less than 5.5 pounds. The armband is very comfortable, and anyone who wants to use the machine for extended periods of time will not be quickly exhausted. The machine comes with headphones and a dust cover for the machine so that you can protect it from excessive dust or rain when you are out treasure hunting.

This machine is waterproof, but it does not say that it can be used underwater. It is our belief that the manufacturer means that this machine can get wet in the rain without damaging the search coil. It is not recommended that you search underwater with this machine.

PROS:

• Ergonomically designed and lightweight making it easy to use for long periods

• The higher frequency used for more types of metal detection

• Large display that is easy to read

CONS:

• Is not for use in underwater situations

• Headphones are not cordless

5. Minelab Equinox 600 Multi-IQ – Best Coin Detector

The Minelab Equinox 600 was our favorite metal detector for finding coins. The smart coil is very good at picking up silver and gold and has even been successful at finding lead. We found that the accuracy of this search head is perfect for anyone searching for coins.

This machine has different sizes of search coils available. All of the search coils are waterproof and can be used underwater to find items up to 10 feet. We recommend using the smallest search coil when using it on the ground in a forest setting because this one seemed to be the most accurate for this type of soil.

The machine comes with wireless headphones that make metal detecting much easier. It is a little heavier than other machines, weighing 6.5 pounds, but is designed for easy use and comfort. It is also very easy to change the search coils when you are in different types of terrains.

The machine only offers six custom search files and does not come with a carrying or storage case.

PROS:

• Best metal detector for finding coins and gold

• Very easy to use and can be used underwater

• Has wireless headphones for convenience

CONS:

• Does not come with a carry case or storage bag

What to Look for When Choosing Metal Detector?

If you are ready to look for a metal detector and start treasure hunting, there are a few things that you should look at before deciding on a machine.

Type of Metal Detecting

You must first decide what type of metal detecting you are planning on doing. If you want to try everything, then you will want to purchase a machine that has a little more features and capabilities than a basic or beginner model. If you are new to the hobby, you may want to start slow and get a basic model so you can learn how these devices work.

Weight of the Machine

Make sure that the machine you purchase is one you will feel comfortable using. If you purchase a machine that is too heavy for your stature, you will quickly become tired and may not get all of the joy you could from treasure hunting.

Headphones

You can use a metal detector without headphones. However, to accurately distinguish the different tones that are made, it is much easier with headphones on. If the detector you are interested in does not come with headphones, then you will need to purchase separately. Always check what type of headphones your device will use. Some can be used with Bluetooth, while others cannot.

Waterproof Features

If you plan to search for metal, especially gold, in moving water, you will want to make sure that the metal detector can be submerged into water. MAKE SURE that the manufacturer states that it can be submerged. Some machines will say waterproof, but it only refers to the fact that the machine can get wet if it starts raining.

ADD- ON Features

Some metal detectors will allow you to upgrade or add or change parts so that you can expand your hobby at your own pace. If you think that you will enjoy treasure hunting, having a metal detector that you can upgrade instead of having to purchase a new machine may be in your best interest.

Conclusion

Metal detecting is a great way to get yourself outdoors and explore the beautiful world in which we live. You will find yourself going to places that you may never have imagined that you would go in search of the next treasure. Metal detecting is not limited to walking the beach and hoping to find some lost change.

There are many different metal detectors available on the market today. Each has its own benefits. To purchase the right one, you will need to take some time to review what these metal detectors can and cannot do and if that will fit your end goal.

Metal detecting can be a very interesting hobby. You never know what you may find. You can search for coins, treasures, and artifacts or even go out to the gold country and search for gold nuggets. All of it is amazing, and all of it is rewarding.

Regardless of which metal detector you decide to purchase, the main thing to remember that this is a way to relax and have fun. Metal detecting has uncovered many measures around the world, so who knows what you will find.