Best Metal Detectors: Find More, Dig Less
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If you’re new to detecting, focus on stability (especially in saltwater or mineralized soil), target ID accuracy, and comfort. If you’re upgrading, you’ll care more about simultaneous multi-frequency (for mixed sites), waterproofing, and warranty/support.
How I researched
I compared late-2025 manuals and maker spec sheets plus reputable hands-on reviews, prioritized target ID accuracy, detection depth on coins/relics, saltwater stability, weight/ergonomics, and warranty length. I verified IP ratings, waterproof depth, frequencies, and support terms on manufacturer sites, checked coil/pack variants for US availability, and noted recent model updates. I weighed raw performance against ownership costs (coils, batteries) and long-term reliability.
Top picks
Nokta The Legend — Best for most people (all-terrain value)
A do-everything, simultaneous multi-frequency (SMF) detector with IP68 sealing and a 3-year warranty—without the premium price.
Why it wins: Stable SMF performance on parks, fields, and beaches; fully submersible to 5 m.
- Waterproof with IP68 rating: Fully submersible up to 10ft (3 meters) and protected from total dust ingress. Thanks to this feature, you can also use this product as an underwater metal detector.
- Multi-Frequency: Nokta's first simultaneous multi frequency metal detector The Legend is loaded with features that makes it the best multi-purpose detector, adaptable for all types of targets and ground conditions.
- Gold Detector: The Legend is equipped with specifications that are suitable also for gold prospectors to be able detect those small gold nuggets in highly mineralized gold fields.
Pros
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SMF handles trashy, mineralized sites well
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IP68, submersible to 16 ft (5 m)
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Fast recovery options for dense targets
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3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
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Stock audio has a learning curve
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Heavier than ultra-light carbon rigs
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App/updates required for latest tweaks
Social proof
Consensus praises stability and value; some mention a short learning curve. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
Beach-only hunters wanting top saltwater depth may prefer a premium beach specialist below. Ultralight hunters could lean XP’s wireless rig.
Scores: Performance 4.6/5 · Target ID accuracy 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 4.1/5 · Value 4.8/5
Minelab Equinox 900 — Best for saltwater & surf
A proven beach/relic machine with Multi-IQ, submersible to 5 m (IP68), vibration feedback, and excellent target separation.
Why it wins: Superb stability and depth in wet salt while remaining versatile inland.
- SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-FREQUENCY. Choose between 6 single frequencies when you have a specific target in mind, or use our revolutionary Multi-IQ technology to automatically employ 5 frequencies at once. All metals, all soils, all the time.
- FULLY WATERPROOF. Don't stop your search at the beach or the bank. This metal detector is fully waterproof and submersible up to up to 16 ft (5 m) so you can find gold, silver, jewelry, coins and other treasures underwater.
- 4 MODES. Easily select from Park for high-trash areas, Field for coins and artifacts, Beach or Gold modes to focus on target or ground types. Features like a built-in flashlight and Handgrip Vibration mean you can power on long after the sun has gone.
Pros
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Multi-IQ is excellent on wet salt
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Submersible to 16 ft (5 m), IP68
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Useful red backlights, flashlight, haptics
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3-year warranty on main components
Cons
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Premium price tier
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Collapsible rod can flex for tall users
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Audio nuance takes practice
Social proof
Beach hunters highlight stable IDs in surf; relic hunters like separation in iron. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
Shallow freshwater-only users can save with The Legend or SIMPLEX; deep divers may want Deus II’s 20 m rating.
Scores: Performance 4.7/5 · Saltwater stability 4.8/5 · Ease of Use 4.2/5 · Value 4.3/5
Nokta SIMPLEX Ultra — Best budget starter
New-gen SIMPLEX gets lighter (~2.6 lb), fully waterproof to 5 m, and adds quality-of-life features at entry level. 3-year Nokta warranty.
Why it wins: Easiest waterproof detector to recommend for beginners; simple menus and real growth headroom.
- WATERPROOF metal detectors for adults: The Nokta Simplex Ultra boasts all new aesthetics, enhanced technical performance, and is fully waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m).
- FULLY CARBON FIBER: Simplex Ultra is a solid product with its carbon fiber Shaft. The Simplex Shaft is very durable besides its aesthetic appearance. Shaft retracts down to 25'' (63 cm). Great for easy transport, storage as well as diving!
- ONLINE FIRMWARE UPDATES: Stay up-to-date with firmware updates (via USB on PC) and get the most out of your detector.
Pros
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Truly beginner-friendly interface
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Waterproof to 16 ft (5 m)
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Light and packable carbon shaft
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3-year warranty support
Cons
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Single-frequency; less versatile than SMF
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Fewer advanced tone options
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Coil upgrades add cost later
Social proof
Owners praise ease of use and waterproofing at the price. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you hunt saltwater beaches often, SMF models above track salt better.
Scores: Performance 4.0/5 · Learning curve 4.7/5 · Ease of Use 4.8/5 · Value 4.7/5
XP DEUS II (WS6 Master) — Best ultra-light premium rig
Fast, fully wireless multi-frequency with extensive single-frequency options, submersible to 20 m and backed by a 5-year XP warranty (core components).
Why it wins: Class-leading ergonomics and speed for long hunts, plus the deepest waterproof rating here.
- The lightest version of the world’s first fully wireless Fast Multi-Frequency (FMF) metal detector with unique features and performance to match with all usages in all terrains.
- Including the WS6 module with a 10 Times faster wireless technology compared to Bluetooth low latency technology using the XP patented radio protocol system.
- The WS6 backphone module of your rainproof wireless headphones become the remote control of your metal detector with an intuitive interface to offer the most compact configuration of the DEUS II metal detector.
Pros
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20 m waterproof rating for diving
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Featherweight, fully wireless design
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Extremely fast recovery/iron handling
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5-year warranty (core components)
Cons
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Premium learning curve
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Accessory ecosystem can add up
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Audio profiles need dialing-in
Social proof
Experienced users highlight separation and comfort on all-day hunts. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If budget’s tight, The Legend offers similar versatility for less; if you rarely water hunt, 20 m may be overkill.
Scores: Performance 4.8/5 · Separation speed 4.9/5 · Ease of Use 4.0/5 · Value 4.2/5
Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 — Best for gold prospecting
Purpose-built high-frequency VLF with automatic ground balance and a 2-year control box/coil warranty. Includes small-nugget friendly coils.
Why it wins: High sensitivity to tiny gold with straightforward, mostly automatic setup.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. The 45 kHz VLF and 24-bit signal processor greatly boosts sensitivity to gold over a wide range of nugget sizes, without any excess noise or false signals.
- FULLY AUTOMATIC. The GOLD MONSTER turns beginners into professionals with fully automatic operation in an easy-to-use, high performance metal detector. It's equipped with automatic noise canceling, ground balance and sensitivity to do it all for you.
- PRECISE DISCRIMINATION. Improved identification enhances searches in salty soils for more precise detection, while the waterproof coil (up to 3 ft) works in wet conditions.
Pros
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High frequency for micro-nuggets
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Simple auto-setup, low fuss
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Includes small and mid coils
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2-year Minelab warranty
Cons
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Not a coin/relic all-rounder
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Single-purpose tuning limits versatility
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Wired audio by default
Social proof
Prospectors report strong sensitivity to small pieces in hot ground. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you mainly coin/relic hunt, get an SMF all-terrain model above and rent a gold machine when needed.
Scores: Performance 4.5/5 · Small-nugget sensitivity 4.7/5 · Ease of Use 4.3/5 · Value 4.1/5
Quick compare
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Nokta The Legend — Best for most: SMF, IP68, 3-yr warranty; a bit heavier than XP.
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Minelab Equinox 900 — Best for saltwater: Multi-IQ, IP68 to 5 m; pricier, excellent surf stability.
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Nokta SIMPLEX Ultra — Best budget: Waterproof to 5 m, easy UI; single-frequency limits salty performance.
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XP DEUS II WS6 Master — Best ultra-light premium: 20 m waterproof, 5-yr warranty; premium price/learning curve.
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Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 — Best for gold: High frequency, simple operation; not ideal for coins/relics.
Buying guide
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Saltwater or mineralized ground? Choose simultaneous multi-frequency (Legend, Equinox 900, Deus II) for stable IDs and better mixed-target performance; single-frequency budget units can chatter in wet salt.
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Waterproofing & depth: If you wade or dive, check IP rating and depth. 5 m covers surf/shallow diving (Legend/Equinox). Go 20 m if you actually dive (Deus II).
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Weight & ergonomics: Long hunts reward lighter, balanced rigs (Deus II is the champ). If shoulder fatigue matters, prioritize weight and collapsible shafts.
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Warranty & support: Typical ranges are 2–5 years; Nokta lists 3 years on Legend/SIMPLEX, Minelab commonly lists 2–3 years depending on model, and XP lists 5 years (core components).
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Specialization vs. versatility: Prospecting in hot ground? Pick a high-frequency gold unit (Gold Monster). Mixed parks/fields/beaches? Get an SMF all-rounder.
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Accessories: Bigger coils increase coverage; smaller coils improve separation. Wireless audio reduces cable snags in brush/surf.
FAQs
Q: Do I need multi-frequency for freshwater lakes?
A: Not strictly, but SMF is more forgiving across changing sand/silt and mineral pockets. If budget allows, it’s the safer choice.
Q: How deep do these detect?
A: Depth depends on target size/shape, soil, coil, and settings. SMF models typically maintain more consistent IDs at useful coin depths in varied ground. Makers don’t quote universal “max depth” for this reason.
Q: Can I snorkel with these?
A: Legend and Equinox 900 are submersible to 5 m; Deus II is rated to 20 m. SIMPLEX Ultra is also rated to 5 m.
Q: Which one is best for tiny gold?
A: The Gold Monster 1000 is designed for small-nugget sensitivity and simple setup in goldfields.
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