Metal Detectors Comparison - February 2026

Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you9.7
1Garrett Metal DetectorsGarrett ACE 300 Metal Detector for Adults - Made in The USA - Waterproof Coil and Headphone Plus Accessories
Why we love it
Lightweight and easy to use.
Includes useful accessories.
Great for beginners and experienced users.
Main highlights- IRON RESOLUTION: Improved discrimination allows better separation of valuable targets from iron trash.
- INCLUDES FREE ACCESSORIES: Comes with ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones, ACE Environmental Cover-Up, and searchcoil cover.
- ELECTRONIC PINPOINTING: Non-motion All-Metal Mode helps accurately locate detected targets.
- DIGITAL TARGET ID: Numeric scale (0–99) helps identify metal conductivity for precise target detection.
- ADJUSTABLE FREQUENCY: Minimize interference in crowded areas for a smoother detecting experience.
9.5
2RIPTICRipTic Metal Detector for Adults with Pin Pointer - Waterproof Metal Detector, Pinpointer with 5 Modes, Headphones, Bag, Dagger,Adults Professional, Beach, ip68 Coil,Gold Detector
Why we love it
Advanced DSP technology eliminates false signals.
Water-resistant coil for diverse environments.
Comprehensive accessory kit included.
Main highlights- UNCOVER TREASURES with the RipTic Metal Detector for Adults Professional Use, offering five metal modes: All-Metal, Disc, Memory, Jewelry, and Pinpoint. From gold rings to ancient coins, this pinpointer metal detector kit is your shortcut to unearthing treasures
- FIT FOR ALL HEIGHTS is the adjustable stock from 19" to a full 50", ideal as metal detectors for teens and adults for comfortable and easy scanning. Enjoy hours of treasure hunting without hurting your back with our gold metal detector professional tool
- EXPLORE WOODLANDS, fields, and riverbanks with our gold detector machine featuring a 10" IP68 water-resistant coil. With a max detection depth of 10", you can have a reliable adult and kid metal detector for gold, relics, lost jewelry, metals parts, badges, and more
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED is in this package: premium headphones for crisp audio cues, a dagger-like digger, a pinpoint device and holster, a backpack, and three batteries. For a gold finder detector with complete metal detecting accessories, click 'ADD TO CART' now!
- ELIMINATE FALSE SIGNALS and maximize your find potential, thanks to the advanced DSP technology of our metal detector for adults. With this professional metal detector pointer, no nugget or coin goes unnoticed, taking the frustration out of detecting
9.4
3DR.ÖTEK29% OffDR.ÖTEK Metal Detector for Adults, Professional Metal Detectors Waterproof with 10" IP68 Coil, Larger LCD Display, High Accuracy for Gold & Silver Detection & Beach Treasure Hunting, Beginner Friendly
Why we love it
Highly accurate with five detection modes.
User-friendly LCD for easy operation.
Lightweight and portable for outdoor use.
Main highlights- 【Metal Detector for Adults-Up to 10" Detection Depth】: DR.ÖTEK metal detector features 5 upgraded detection modes for faster and more accurate target identification: ① All Metal ② DISC ③ Memory Mode ④ Jewelry Mode ⑤ Pinpoint (PP) Mode. Powered by an advanced DSP chip, this metal detectors can detect targets up to 10 inches deep, helping you spend less time digging junk and more time discovering real treasures
- 【Intuitive Larger LCD Display】: Easy to learn, easy to read, clear display shows metal type, depth, sensitivity level, detection mode, and battery status at a glance. Backlight makes it easy to use during early mornings or night treasure hunts. Perfect metal detector for adults and beginners to quickly identifies valuable metals like coins, gold, silver, and copper while reducing false signals from trash
- 【Complete Metal Detecting Kit】: The professional metal detector equiped with premium metal detector accessories: includes anti-noise headphones, durable digging shovel, carrying bag, and battery—everything you need to start detecting right out of the box. A great gift for beginners, families, and outdoor treasure hunting lovers
- 【Adjustable & Ergonomic Design for All Users】: Adjustable stem (42.7"–53.5") fits adults and kids of different heights. Ergonomic armrest and lightweight balance reduce arm fatigue during long treasure hunts. Backed by DR.ÖTEK’s reliable warranty and responsive customer support for worry-free detecting
- 【10" IP68 Waterproof Search Coil 】: 50% Larger coil covers more ground and detects deeper than smaller coils. Perfect for for beach & shallow water, wet sand, riverbanks, creeks, and rainy conditions. (Note: Control box is not waterproof. In seawater, lower sensitivity to reduce interference.)
Metal Detectors Buyer's Guide
Written by Dan GibsonIntroduction to Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are devices that detect the presence of metal in an area or in an object. They are used for a variety of purposes, including treasure hunting, security checks, building inspections, and geological research. Metal detectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each type having its own unique features and capabilities. In this buying guide, we will cover the different types of metal detectors, their features, and how to choose the right one.
Types of Metal Detectors
Metal detectors can be divided into two main categories: handheld and ground-searching. Handheld detectors are small, lightweight devices that are used to scan an area and detect the presence of metal. Ground-searching detectors are larger, heavier devices that are used to scan the ground and detect the presence of metal objects. Depending on the type of metal detector, additional features may be available, such as the ability to set a sensitivity level, adjust the audio response, or distinguish between different types of metals.
Features of Metal Detectors
The features of a metal detector depend heavily on the type of detector. Handheld detectors typically have a display screen, knobs or buttons for adjusting the sensitivity and audio response, and a headphone jack for listening to the audio response. Ground-searching detectors usually have a larger, more powerful search coil, adjustable sensitivity and discrimination settings, and a variety of audio tones for detecting different types of metals. Other features may include adjustable ground balance, pinpointing capabilities, and the ability to discriminate between different types of metals.

Choosing the Right Metal Detector
Choosing the right metal detector depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of metal you are looking for, the size and shape of the object, the terrain you are searching in, and your budget. If you are looking for small, shallow objects, then a handheld detector is your best option. If you are looking for larger, deeper objects, then a ground-searching detector is the better choice. If you are looking for a detector that can discriminate between different types of metals, then you should look for a detector with adjustable discrimination settings. If you are on a budget, then you should look for a detector with adjustable sensitivity settings and a headphone jack for listening to the audio response.
Additional Considerations
When buying a metal detector, you should also consider the quality of the detector, the warranty, and the customer service. You should also make sure that the detector is waterproof, if you plan on using it in areas with water. Finally, make sure that the detector you choose is easy to use and understand, and that it has the features you need for your specific purpose.
Conclusion
Metal detectors are a great way to find hidden objects and treasures. With the right metal detector, you can find anything from coins and jewelry to artifacts and buried treasure. With so many types and features to choose from, there is sure to be a metal detector that is perfect for your needs. With this guide, you should be able to make an informed decision about which metal detector is the best for you.

Our ranking system
At bestchoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.












