Are you itching to start a thrilling and fruitful adventure to find a valuable buried underground? Maybe a couple of gold coins or a long-lost artifact?

A local beach or a historic site could hold these valuables. If you’re lucky, you may even find some valuables in your own backyard. All you need is a reliable and affordable metal detector to find them.

Metal detecting is a kind of unhurried, solitary activity that offers a sense of tranquility.

As with birdwatching or hiking, even if you do not come across a rare item, you’ll have spent some relaxing time in the great outdoors. However, with the best metal detectors, you can 10x your chances of finding a valuable item.

So, let’s look at some top metal detectors so you can choose a machine that meets your needs without blowing your budget.

 5 Best Metal Detectors

Want to add an element of excitement, fun, and anticipation to your outdoor metal-detecting adventures?

To make sure you don’t drop a not-insignificant sum on a shoddy metal detector, go through our recommendations and discover the top picks for 2024.

1.  Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector

The Garrett AT Pro is one of the best metal detectors for 2024, and that’s why takes the top spot on our list. If you aspire to be the next Kevin Hillier who discovered the Hand of Faith near Kingower, Australia, this metal detector is a must-have.

It is a reliable and multi purpose metal detector that offers excellent performance for both newbies and experienced hunters.

You can easily adjust the amount of iron discrimination to identify specific types of metals. Also,  the notch function lets users easily set discrimination ranges for their search, which helps eliminate false positives.

Key Features and Benefits

• The AT Pro is completely submersible up to ten feet (3 meters). This waterproof design means you can use it in shallow water and wet conditions, making it ideal for beach and river hunting.
• This metal detector boasts advanced audio features to improve your search. With Pro Audio modes, you receive nuanced and clear audio feedback. You can better identify targets based on subtle changes in sound.
• The detector also features a nifty automatic ground balance function. Adapting to various soil conditions, especially in mineralized environments, is much easier.
• The metal detector has a numeric identification scale. You can use it to identify the type of metal detected and make prudent decisions before digging.

Looking for the Garrett AT Pro metal detector best price? Make sure you check online retailers to get the best deal. The AT Pro is an excellent choice for hunters looking for a well-rounded, affordable detector and is available on Amazon at around $700.

2.  Kaiweets KGM01

This entry-level metal detector is designed for new hunters and features an intuitive LCD display, a waterproof search coil, and an adjustable shaft, making it a solid choice for beginners.

This affordable metal detector includes a fixed ground balance ideal for normal ground conditions. This helps minimize the effects of mild ground mineralization.

The KGM01 is lightweight, which makes it simple to handle during extended use. You cannot go wrong by picking one of these up!

You can purchase the Kaiweets KGM01 here for 15% off here when you use this code!: DFM15.

3.  Nokta Simplex BT Metal Detector

Nokta has a solid reputation for developing feature-rich and versatile metal detectors at an affordable price, and the lightweight Nokta Simplex BT exemplifies it.

Fully waterproof up to 16 feet, the Nokta Simplex BT is a user-friendly metal detector that provides exceptional value for its price. You can safely use it on the beach and in the surf.

Nokta Simplex BT’s Bluetooth connectivity means you can control this metal detector from your smartphone, making it simple and hassle-free to adjust settings and monitor your search.

These features make it one of the best metal detectors.

Key Features and Benefits

• Preset search modes for environments like parks, beaches, and field hunts help filter out the type of background noise peculiar to each environment.
• Bluetooth connectivity means you can use it with wireless headphones.
• Weighing only 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg), it is lightweight and comfortable to hold over extended periods, two big advantages as even a short hunt often means sweeping your metal detector dozens, if not hundreds of times.
• You can discriminate against unwanted metals, boosting the likelihood of finding rare, valuable targets.

With a rechargeable built-in lithium battery and LCD with backlighting, the Simplex BT is an ideal choice for beginners and those looking for a portable and affordable option. Amazon lists the Simplex BT for $299.

4.  Minelab Vanquish 440

As an entry-level and affordable metal detector, Minelab’s Vanquish 440 is ideal for hobbyists and beginners who are starting their metal detecting journey and want to follow in the footsteps of Eric Lawes and Terry Herbert. One of the remarkable features of the Minelab Vanquish 440 is its multi-frequency technology.

Using a multi-frequency metal detector is like having a powerful floodlight in your hands. This allows you to detect a wide array of metals in different soil conditions.

Key Features and Benefits

• Vanquish 440’s lightweight and ergonomic design makes it simple to carry around. You can use it for extended periods without getting tired.
• The detector offers 4 pre-programmed search modes: Relic, Coin, Jewelry, and All Metal. Minelab experts have optimized these modes for different environments, such as fields, parks, and beaches.
• The Vanquish 440 detector boasts a waterproof search coil (V10 10″x7″ DD coil) and a water-resistant control box, making it ideal for beach metal detecting.

Vanquish 440’s affordability is its key selling point. It’s challenging to find a top-notch detector with multi-frequency capabilities and a waterproof design at such a low price.

This definitely makes Vanquish 440 a perfect option for people who are starting and do not want to break the bank. It is available on Amazon for $299.

5.  Gold Monster 1000 Metal Detector

Looking for the best metal detector under $1000?

If you are searching for a high-performance and sophisticated metal detector specifically designed for gold prospecting, you won’t go wrong with Gold Monster 1000. Best prices vary based on the retailer and time of year.

Boasting fully automatic operation, this metal detector is designed for ease of use. If you are not familiar with your metal detector’s features and settings, learn more about how a metal detector works here.

Automatic noise canceling, sensitivity adjustments, and ground balancing make it perfect for experienced users and beginners alike.

Key Features and Benefits

• Operating at a 45 kHz frequency, the detector offers exceptional sensitivity. It can detect the tiniest gold nuggets.
• User-friendly controls make the Gold Monster 1000 ideal for beginners: The metal detector includes a touchpad interface with a unique Gold Chance Indicator. This will help you assess the likelihood of finding rare gold items in a specific region.
• Another feature that makes the Gold Monster 1000 one of the best metal detectors is that it is equipped with a sturdy waterproof coil (up to one meter or 3 feet). The rainproof control box and waterproof coil make it suitable for wet conditions.

You can make the most of multiple detect modes, such as Gold (iron reject) or Deep All-Metal. If you are in the market for a highly sensitive gold metal detector at a reasonable price, the Gold Monster 1000 is a top choice. It is priced at around $999 on Amazon.

Hit the Ground With the Best Metal Detector!

Choosing the right metal detector is a complex and tricky decision that often overwhelms people. Prioritize your individual needs, preferences, and budget, as it will simplify the decision-making process.

We have looked at some of the best metal detectors for every budget, including best-value gold detectors and detectors under $1000.

With some research, beginners and experienced hunters can surely find a detector that will help them find rare items and hidden treasures.