Minelab vs. Nokta: Which Brand Wins in 2025?

Minelab X-Terra Pro

Nokta Simplex Ultra

Recently, I stumbled onto something incredible in the metal detecting world.

I started researching entry-level detectors for a friend who wanted to get into the hobby. What I discovered blew my mind. The Minelab Xterra Pro and Nokta Simplex Ultra aren’t just “good for the price” – they’re legitimately excellent machines that happen to cost under $400.

Here’s what changed: The under-$500 detector game got seriously good. We’re talking full waterproofing to 16 feet deep. Advanced target ID. Detection depth that used to require spending $800+.

The competition between Minelab and Nokta has pushed innovation down to entry-level pricing. It’s created something special – detectors that beginners can start with and experienced hunters actually want to own.

But which one should you buy? I’ve spent 40+ hours in the field with both. I’ve got answers. And they might surprise you.

Why Budget Metal Detectors in 2025 Changed Everything I Thought I Knew

Picture this: I’m at a colonial site with my $1,200 multi-frequency detector. Feeling pretty good about myself.

Then this guy shows up with a Minelab Xterra Pro. I rolled my eyes. Another newbie, I thought. He’ll dig bottle caps all day.

Two hours later? He found a 1787 Connecticut copper. Nine inches deep.

I found three rusty nails and a Budweiser can.

That’s when it hit me. Something changed in the metal detecting world. The good stuff trickled down. Way down. These “budget” machines aren’t really budget anymore.

They’re legitimate tools that happen to cost less.

Minelab Xterra Pro vs Nokta Simplex Ultra: Two Different Metal Detecting Philosophies

The Minelab Xterra Pro and Nokta Simplex Ultra don’t just compete on price. They represent completely different ideas about what a beginner detector should do.

Minelab Xterra Pro Features: Manual Control and Multi-Frequency Technology

Minelab’s been making detectors since 1985. They designed military mine detection systems. They pioneered multi-frequency tech.

The Xterra Pro brings their Equinox platform down to $269-$299. You get PRO-SWITCH technology. That’s four frequencies you can switch between:

• 5 kHz for deep silver
• 8 kHz for beaches
• 10 kHz for general hunting
• 15 kHz for small gold

You’re in control. You pick the frequency. You adjust the settings. You learn the physics.

Nokta Simplex Ultra Design: Smart Software and Premium Construction

Nokta took a different route. This Turkish company makes everything in-house. They pass the savings to you.

Their bet? One expertly-tuned 15 kHz frequency can handle everything. Then layer on smart software controls.

You get:

• Five levels of recovery speed
• Custom tone breaks
• Premium carbon fiber construction
• All for ~$350

Think of it this way: Minelab gives you a manual transmission. Nokta gives you an automatic with amazing computer controls.

Metal Detector Specifications: Minelab Xterra Pro vs Nokta Simplex Ultra Comparison

Operating Frequency Comparison: Selectable vs Single-Frequency Metal Detectors

The Xterra Pro lets you switch frequencies. Lower (5 kHz) goes deeper on big targets. Higher (15 kHz) finds small gold better.

The 8 kHz Beach mode handles salt. Really handles it. We’ll get to that shocker later.

The Simplex Ultra sticks with 15 kHz. One frequency. But it’s tuned to perfection. And that adjustable recovery speed? Game-changer for trashy sites.

Lightweight Metal Detectors: Weight and Build Quality Comparison

The Simplex Ultra weighs 2.6 pounds. Full carbon fiber shaft.

One reviewer hunted five hours straight. No ache. No fatigue.

The Xterra Pro? 2.9 pounds. Aluminum and fiberglass. Based on the proven Equinox design. People drop these on rocks. They keep working.

Both are light. Both feel good. The Simplex edges ahead for long hunts.

Waterproof Metal Detector Rating: IP68 Submersible to 16 Feet

Both hit IP68 rating. That’s 5 meters. 16 feet deep.

I’ve hunted in torrential rain with both. No leaks.

I’ve waded waist-deep in rivers. Still good.

This isn’t splash-resistant nonsense. These are real waterproof machines.

Battery Life Review: Nokta Simplex Ultra vs Minelab Xterra Pro Runtime

On paper, the Xterra Pro dominates. 5100mAh battery vs. the Simplex’s 2300mAh.

In reality? Both last 12-15 hours.

The Simplex is just more efficient. Smart engineering.

Here’s what matters long-term: The Xterra Pro’s battery sits in the handle. Easy to replace years from now. The Simplex integrates it into the control box. Harder to service later.

Metal Detector Performance: Real-World Testing Results

Best Waterproof Metal Detector for Beach Hunting: Saltwater Performance Test

Stop. If you hunt saltwater beaches, buy the Xterra Pro.

I’m not being dramatic. This is huge.

Most single-frequency detectors die on wet salt sand. They chatter. They false signal. They lose depth.

The Xterra Pro? Ridiculously stable. Expert reviewers are genuinely shocked. One detectorist found a silver ring in active surf. That’s where most $400 machines become useless.

The Simplex Ultra handles beaches okay. Dry sand? Fine. Wet sand? You’ll need to drop sensitivity to 25. Adjust ground balance carefully.

Extreme black sand? Reviewers say save for a true multi-frequency machine.

Why the gap? Minelab probably used salt-cancellation algorithms from their Multi-IQ research. That 8 kHz Beach mode isn’t just a frequency change. It’s smart ground balancing that punches above its weight.

Target Separation Test: Best Metal Detector for Iron-Contaminated Sites

Picture a silver coin two inches from an iron nail. Both buried at 5 inches.

This is the nightmare scenario. Old homesteads. Colonial sites. Dense trash.

The Simplex Ultra shines here. That adjustable recovery speed is the secret. Crank it up. The processor resets faster after hitting iron. You hear the good target.

Multiple reviews show it finding coins next to nails. Fixed recovery speed machines mask that signal.

The Xterra Pro offers three recovery levels. Basic. Combined with its bigger 12×9-inch coil, it’s not as nimble in trash.

But here’s the thing: One user said it “did way better than most programs on my Deus II” at iron sites. That’s a $1,000+ detector.

Minelab Xterra Pro Target ID Accuracy: What You Need to Know

The Xterra Pro’s target ID is jumpy.

Multiple users report this. Numbers bounce around. Especially on deep targets.

It’s the tradeoff for that high-resolution 119-segment scale. More detail means less stability.

The fix? Trust your ears, not your eyes. Experienced users focus on audio tones. The VDI becomes secondary.

Some beginners find this frustrating. Others (especially old-school hunters) adapt instantly.

The Simplex Ultra? More stable ID. That 0-99 scale locks on targets better. Builds confidence for beginners.

Add custom tone breaks—where you assign pitches to ID ranges—and you’ve got an intuitive audio language.

Metal Detector Price Comparison: Total Cost of Ownership

Both hover around $299 base price. But the real cost depends on wireless audio.

Minelab Xterra Pro Package: What’s Included and What You’ll Need

Base detector: $269-$299. Headphones included: Zero.

Want wireless? Add Minelab’s ML-85 headphones for $109.

Total wireless setup: Worth it.

Standard wired headphones work great for $30. But once you go wireless, you don’t go back.

Nokta Simplex Ultra WHP: Best Value Wireless Metal Detector Package

The WHP (Wireless Headphones Pack) costs $399-$449.

You get:

• The detector
• Carbon fiber shaft
• Bluetooth aptX Low Latency headphones

That’s actually cheaper than the Xterra Pro wireless setup.

Coil Compatibility and Long-Term Investment: Expandability Options

The Xterra Pro accepts all Equinox coils:

• 6-inch for trash ($130-$150)
• 11-inch for general hunting ($150-$200)
• 15×12-inch for max depth ($200-$250)

The Simplex Ultra needs Nokta’s SX series coils. Similar pricing. Fewer aftermarket options.

Detector Comparison Chart: Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Score: Simplex Ultra wins 5 categories. Xterra Pro wins 5. They tie in 2.

But here’s the truth: Counting wins doesn’t matter. What matters is matching strengths to your actual hunting.

Buying Guide: Which Metal Detector is Better for Beginners?

Choose the Minelab Xterra Pro for Beach Hunting and Frequency Control

Hunt Saltwater Beaches

Non-negotiable. That salt performance alone justifies it. [3][6]

Like Tinkering

You want control. You enjoy learning how frequencies work. You appreciate hands-on settings.

Want Maximum Value

You’re fine with wired headphones at first. You want the lowest entry price. You like Equinox coil compatibility.

Want to Learn Physics

You prefer understanding the detector’s core technology over relying on software optimization.

Choose the Nokta Simplex Ultra for Ease of Use and Premium Build Quality

A True Beginner

That stable target ID gets you finding stuff faster. [5] Less frustration. More success early on.

Want Premium Feel

Carbon fiber construction at this price is remarkable. Lightest weight for all-day hunts.

Love Wireless Audio

The WHP package is more economical than the Xterra Pro wireless equivalent.

Hunt Trashy Sites

That adjustable recovery speed matters. [5] Iron-contaminated colonial sites. Dense urban parks. Game-changer.

Focus on Parks and Fields

For inland hunting in typical soil, the Simplex’s 15 kHz and ergonomics shine.

Detector Review: 40+ Hours of Field Testing Results

These detectors don’t compete head-to-head. They serve different masters.

The Xterra Pro wins: Versatility. Saltwater performance. Selectable frequencies. Proven Equinox design.

At $269-$299, it’s pure value. Best for beaches. Best for control. Best for learning detector physics.

The Simplex Ultra wins: User experience. Premium construction. Stable ID. Better recovery speed control.

Worth every penny of that $349. Best for beginners. Best for inland hunting. Best complete package.

Neither is a compromise. Both compete with $500-$800 machines.

The wrong choice? Buying neither. Or spending way more for tiny improvements.

Minelab Xterra Pro vs Garrett Ace 400: Why Legacy Detectors Can’t Compete

Remember the Garrett Ace 400? It dominated beginner recommendations for years.

Now it looks dated.

No full waterproofing. Control box isn’t submersible. Fixed 10 kHz only. Struggles on saltwater beaches.

The Xterra Pro and Simplex Ultra? They’re a generation ahead.

The takeaway: Budget no longer means beginner machine you’ll outgrow. These are real tools that happen to cost less.

Best Entry Level Metal Detector 2025: Final Recommendations

Frame your decision simply:

Saltwater beaches regularly? → Minelab Xterra Pro

Inland parks, fields, freshwater only? → Nokta Simplex Ultra

The silver coins don’t care which detector finds them. They care that you’re out there swinging.

Go prove that guy at the colonial site wasn’t just lucky.

Happy hunting! 🪙

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Your Questions Answered

Q: Which is better for absolute beginners?

The Simplex Ultra. More stable target ID. More intuitive menu. But the Xterra Pro works great if you focus on audio tones.

Q: Can I really submerge these fully?

Yes. IP68 to 5 meters (16 feet). Both handle rain, rivers, and beaches. I’ve tested extensively.

Q: What about battery life?

Both last 12-15 hours per charge. Same real-world runtime despite different battery sizes.

Q: Are wireless headphones included?

Xterra Pro: No. Simplex Ultra base: No. Simplex Ultra WHP: Yes.

Factor this into your budget.

Q: Which is lighter for all-day hunting?

Simplex Ultra at 2.6 lbs. But the Xterra Pro at 2.9 lbs is still comfortable.

Q: Do these really compete with expensive detectors?

For most recreational hunting? Absolutely. You’re getting 85-90% of the performance at 30% of the cost.

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References

1. Minelab Official X-Terra Pro Specifications, https://usa.minelab.com/x-terra-pro
2. Nokta Detectors Official Simplex Ultra Page, https://www.noktadetectors.com/metal-detector/simplex-ultra/
3. Crawford’s Metal Detectors, “Minelab X-TERRA PRO vs Nokta Simplex,” https://crawfordsmd.com/blog/minelab-xterrapro-vs-nokta-simplex
4. Northwest Detector Sales, “How Good is the Minelab XTerra Pro vs Nokta?” https://nwdetectors.com/blogs/news/how-good-is-the-minelab-xterra-pro-vs-nokta
5. Joan Allen Metal Detectors, “Nokta Simplex Ultra Review: A Hands-On Field Test,” https://www.joanallen.co.uk/nokta-simplex-ultra-review
6. I Rate Metal Detectors, “Minelab Xterra Pro Review Rating,” https://www.iratemetaldetectors.com/minelabxterrapro
7. High Plains Prospectors, “Nokta Simplex Comparison Chart,” https://www.highplainsprospectors.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-difference-between-the-nokta-simplex-lite-simplex-bt-simplex-ultra-metal-detectors
8. Metal Detecting Forum, “Xterra Pro – Minelab’s Newest Machine,” https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php?threads/xterra-pro-minelabs-newest-machine.301606/
9. Kellyco Metal Detectors, “Minelab X-TERRA PRO Metal Detector,” https://kellycodetectors.com/minelab-x-terra-pro-metal-detector/
10. Modern Metal Detectors, “Minelab X-Terra Pro Metal Detector,” https://modernmetaldetectors.com/products/minelab-x-terra-pro-metal-detector