April 2024
Metal Detectors: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of metal detectors rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 9 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 70 metal detector endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
43 metal detectors were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 Apr 2024, Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed metal detector with 4 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 metal detector' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Garrett: 6 metal detectors
(#1 is Garrett Ace 300)
-
Minelab: 6 metal detectors
(#1 is Minelab Equinox 800)
-
Fisher: 5 metal detectors
(#1 is Fisher F22)
-
Bounty Hunter: 4 metal detectors
(#1 is Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV)
-
Nokta Makro: 4 metal detectors
(#1 is Nokta Makro Simplex)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Metal Detector |
Metal Detecting in the USA
|
Tech Metals Research
|
Your Best Digs
|
Task and Purpose
|
The Strategist
|
BestReviews
|
ZD Net
|
Bob Vila
|
Popular Mechanics
|
money.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $79 |
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $270 |
Garrett Ace 300
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $383 |
Garrett Ace 400
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Garrett Ace 250
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $949 |
Minelab Equinox 800
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
6
|
-1 | Check price |
Garrett AT Pro
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
1
|
|
7
|
+3 | Check price |
Nokta Makro Simplex
|
1
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
-1 | $299 |
Minelab Vanquish 440
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
9
|
-1 | $427 |
Garrett ACE Apex
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
10
|
-1 | $67 |
Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
+2 | $2418 |
Minelab CTX 3030
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
12
|
- | $1699 |
Minelab Excalibur II
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
|
13
|
+1 | $216 |
Fisher F22
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
+1 | $129 |
Nokta Mini Hoard
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
15
|
+1 | $128 |
Garrett Pro Pointer AT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
+1 | $345 |
Fisher Gold Bug Pro
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
New * | $907 |
Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV #1 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV as #1.
BestReviews
Simple Yet Solid
|
Good discriminator
Lightweight yet durable build with different detection modes.
Decent price point, yet can handle searches in different types of ground.
It’s great for beginners, although kids may need some adult help.
|
Learning curve for younger users is steep but not impossible.
Practice with coins is encouraged. False alarms do occur.
|
ZD Net
Best metal detector overall
|
Very affordable
Different sound tones for different metals
Simplified interface
Detects objects up to 2 feet underground
|
Not ideal for meteorite hunting
No coil protector or headphones included
|
Bob Vila
Best for Depth
|
Cheap metal detector compared to similar options on the market
Preset ground balance for user-friendliness; adjustable target sensitivity for finding different metal and object types
Comes with convenient, large carrying bag that makes transporting and storage easy
|
No pinpoint function; may be hard to narrow down search area
|
We ranked Garrett Ace 300 #2 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Garrett Ace 300 as #1.
ZD Net
Best metal detector for beginners
|
Simplified controls
Covers and headphones included
Waterproof detection coil
|
On the expensive side
|
Bob Vila
Best Overall
|
Frequency adjustment dial
Adjustable discrimination sensitivity
Pinpointing mode and target depth indicator
Padded, ergonomic grip
Includes a set of headphones
|
Some reports of manufacturing defects
|
Popular Mechanics
Simple and Portable
|
Five search modes
Notch discrimination
|
Less feature-rich than other models in price range
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend metal detectors.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of metal detectors, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for April 2024 ranking
Metal Detecting in the USA
Tech Metals Research
Your Best Digs
Task and Purpose
The Strategist
BestReviews
ZD Net
Bob Vila
Popular Mechanics
money.com
We ranked Garrett Ace 400 #3 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Garrett Ace 400 as #1.
Tech Metals Research
Best for Beginners
|
5 search modes
Target ID
Digital display
Iron audio
Accessories included
|
Preset ground balance
|
Task and Purpose
Best Overall
|
A clear display indicates what type of metal is being detected
The waterproof coil allows you to search in shallow water
|
This metal detector certainly isn’t overpriced, but the cost might deter some new enthusiasts on a tight budget
|
money.com
Best for Low Prices
|
Digital target ID feature easily identifies materials
Ability to detect coins up to 10 inches deep
Headphones with volume control for convenience
Appropriate for beginners, intermediates and advanced users
|
Control box lacks weatherproofing
No volume control on the beeper without headphones
|
We ranked Garrett Ace 250 #4 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Garrett Ace 250 as #1.
We ranked Minelab Equinox 800 #5 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for relic hunting
|
Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
Multi-frequency for better target ID
Wireless headphone capability
Switch between frequencies based on your needs
Weighs under 3lbs
Value for money
|
Included headphones aren’t waterproof
|
ZD Net
Best metal detector for relic hunting
|
12-hour battery
Rechargeable
8 user profiles
Waterproof
|
Very expensive
Sharp learning curve
|
Popular Mechanics
Most Powerful
|
Lightweight
Supports all terrains and detecting types
Good display backlight
|
Some portability concerns
Not as good at gold prospecting as PI machines
|
We ranked Garrett AT Pro #6 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Garrett AT Pro as #1.
Metal Detecting in the USA
our top pick overall
|
Fully waterproof and submersible to 10 ft
Manual and auto ground balance
Proportional audio
Iron audio
|
Underwater headphones sold separately
|
Bob Vila
Best for Freshwater
|
Waterproof down to 10 feet
Adjustable handle
Discrimination mode
Automatic and manual ground-balance settings
|
Limited maximum search depth
|
money.com
Editor's Pick
|
Works well in all terrains
Offers superior depth and accuracy
Has a long-lasting battery life
Includes feature-packed customization options
|
No backlit display makes night usage difficult
Depth indicator may not always be accurate
|
We ranked Nokta Makro Simplex #7 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nokta Makro Simplex as #1.
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for entry-level users
|
Mid-level detector performance for entry-level price
Powerful DD coil
Fully submersible to 10 ft
Built-in rechargeable battery
Wireless audio when used with compatible headphones
|
Controls not as basic as other entry-level detectors
|
Tech Metals Research
|
Digital display
Submersible
Wireless compatible
Iron volume
Notch
|
Not for diving
|
We ranked Minelab Vanquish 440 #8 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Minelab Vanquish 440 as #1.
Popular Mechanics
Best Overall
|
Simple, yet full-featured
Multi-frequency support
Lightweight
|
Not as water-resistant as more expensive models
|
We ranked Garrett ACE Apex #9 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Garrett ACE Apex as #1.
Tech Metals Research
Best Overall
|
Price
Multi-frequency
6 frequencies
Audible target ID
Z-Lynk compatible
|
Special searchcoil
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Value
|
Good depth penetration
Weatherproof
Large backlit display with six modes
|
We ranked Bounty Hunter Gold Digger #10 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bounty Hunter Gold Digger as #1.
BestReviews
Best of the Best
|
Easy to assemble
easy to use.
This model is suitable for beaches, fields, and parks. "Trash Eliminator" settings ignores most unwanted items while the "Power Level" sets the depth of your search.
|
For smaller objects, such as coins, this unit can only go about 6 inches deep under optimum conditions.
|
We ranked Minelab CTX 3030 #11 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for high-end features
|
Superior discrimination and target ID
Don’t need to buy separate land machine
Lots of coils available
LCD display
Digital Target ID
|
Price
Can’t be used for diving
|
money.com
Best All-Terrain Detector
|
Technology to precisely detect multiple materials simultaneously
High learning curve but very accurate readings
Excellent depth and sensitivity
Easy preset modes to get started
|
One of the more expensive detectors available
Not as easy to use as some models
|
We ranked Minelab Excalibur II #12 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for saltwater beach hunting
|
Excellent iron discrimination
Multiple frequency machine that can also be used for diving
Very accurate tone ID
Submersible to 200 ft
|
Iron signals null delay can make you miss good targets
Hardwired headphones
Requires additional kit to hip mount
No tone on deep, faint signals. Just threshold change.
|
Popular Mechanics
Best for Underwater
|
Suitable for diving
Can be used on all terrain, including wet beaches
|
Heavy
|
money.com
Best for underwater detecting
|
Fully submersible up to 200 feet
Great value for money
Easy to set up and use
Highly durable construction
|
Not suitable for gold detecting
Instructions may be complicated
|
We ranked Fisher F22 #13 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Metal Detecting in the USA
runner-up for entry-level users
|
Weatherproof
Iron Audio
Fast Recovery (Processing) Speed
Digital Target ID
Lighter, easier to use
5 Year Warranty
|
No adjustable ground balance
|
Bob Vila
Best for Beginners
|
All-purpose detection; capable of detecting multiple object and metal types
Sturdy, weatherproof construction; this metal detector can withstand heavy-duty use
Hand grip and arm cup makes holding the detector easier;
Easy-to-read screen and push-button controls
|
Not meant for deep-water submersion or overly wet conditions
Pricey compared to similar metal detectors available on the market
|
We ranked Nokta Mini Hoard #14 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best for Kids
|
Child-sized
Useful display
Actually works
|
Only $100 less than true entry-level models
|
We ranked Garrett Pro Pointer AT #15 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best Waterproof
|
Waterproof down to 10 feet
Locator alarm
3 sensitivity settings
LED light for locating objects
|
Limited search depth
|
We ranked Fisher Gold Bug Pro #16 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Tech Metals Research
|
High frequency
Ground Grab
Target ID
Motion all-metal
VCO audio
|
No volume control
|
Bob Vila
Best for Gold
|
Continuous ground-condition sensor system
Detects gold and small materials
Discrimination, all-metal, and pinpoint modes
Depth indicator
Visual and audio alerts
|
Limited search depth
|
We ranked Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II #17 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best metal detectors” rankings.
Metal Detecting in the USA
|
Interchangeable coils and headphones
Has large 10×14 accessory coil
Independently sealed battery compartment
Pulse Delay for heavy iron beaches
|
No volume control
|
Bob Vila
Best for Salt Water
|
Submersible down to 200 feet
All-metal and discrimination modes
Adjustable elimination threshold
Comes with fully submersible headphones
|
May be challenging for beginners to use
|