May 2023
Metal Detectors: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Metal Detector rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 5 May 2023 and 7 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 71 Metal Detector endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
44 Metal Detectors were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 7 May 2023, Garrett AT Pro takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed metal detector with 4 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 metal detector' this month. It is followed by Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV and Minelab CTX 3030 , with 4 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Minelab:
9 Metal Detectors
(#1 is Minelab Equinox 600 )
-
Garrett:
6 Metal Detectors
(#1 is Garrett Pro Pointer AT )
-
Bounty Hunter:
4 Metal Detectors
(#1 is Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. )
-
Nokta Makro:
4 Metal Detectors
(#1 is Nokta Makro Anfibio Multi )
-
XP Metal Detectors:
3 Metal Detectors
(#1 is XP ORX )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Metal Detector |
Your Best Digs
|
ZD Net
|
money.com
|
Metal Detecting in the USA
|
Bob Vila
|
Tech Metals Research
|
BestReviews
|
The Strategist
|
Kellyco Detectors
|
Task and Purpose
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $581 |
Garrett AT Pro
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $80 |
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $2398 |
Minelab CTX 3030
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $239 |
Nokta Makro Simplex
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
|
5
|
- | $383 |
Garrett Ace 400
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Garrett Ace 250
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $899 |
Minelab Equinox 800
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
14
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $270 |
Garrett Ace 300
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $54 |
Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $430 |
Garrett ACE Apex
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $1599 |
Minelab Excalibur II
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $229 |
Fisher F22
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $599 |
Fisher Gold Bug Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $499 |
Minelab Vanquish 540
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $907 |
Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Metal Detector |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | $53.58 | Bounty Hunter Gold Digger [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $79.99 | Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $229 | Fisher F22 [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $239 | Nokta Makro Simplex [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $269.95 | Garrett Ace 300 [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $383.44 | Garrett Ace 400 [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $429.95 | Garrett ACE Apex [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $499 | Minelab Vanquish 540 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $581.50 | Garrett AT Pro [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $599 | Fisher Gold Bug Pro [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $899 | Minelab Equinox 800 [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $906.90 | Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $1599 | Minelab Excalibur II [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $2398 | Minelab CTX 3030 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Garrett AT Pro #1 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Garrett AT Pro as #1.
money.com
Editor's Pick
|
Pros
Works in all terrains and has modest gold detecting capacity
|
Cons
Lack of backlit display makes night usage difficult.
|
Metal Detecting in the USA
our top pick overall
|
Pros
Fully waterproof and submersible to 10 ft
Manual and auto ground balance
Proportional audio
Iron audio
|
Cons
Underwater headphones sold separately
|
Bob Vila
Best for Freshwater
|
Pros
Waterproof down to 10 feet
Adjustable handle
Discrimination mode
Automatic and manual ground-balance settings
|
Cons
Limited maximum search depth
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best Value
|
Pros
Waterproof up to 10 feet
Easy to use
Can be upgraded via Z-Lynk (Garrett’s proprietary wireless technology) for use with wireless headphones
|
Cons
Limited depth and less than accurate reading in saltwater
The Zero mode is not a true all-metal mode
No backlight
|
We ranked Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV #2 in May 2023 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.
ZD Net
Best metal detector overall
|
Pros
Very affordable
Different sound tones for different metals
Simplified interface
Detects objects up to 2 feet underground
|
Cons
Not ideal for meteorite hunting
No coil protector or headphones included
|
Bob Vila
Best for Depth
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
No pinpoint function; may be hard to narrow down search area
|
BestReviews
Simple Yet Solid
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Learning curve for younger users is steep but not impossible.
Practice with coins is encouraged. False alarms do occur.
|
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 May 2023 ranking
Your Best Digs
ZD Net
money.com
Metal Detecting in the USA
Bob Vila
Tech Metals Research
BestReviews
The Strategist
Kellyco Detectors
Task and Purpose
We ranked Minelab CTX 3030 #3 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Minelab CTX 3030 as #1.
money.com
Best All-Terrain Detector
|
Pros
Technology to detect several materials at once with higher precision.
|
Cons
One of the more expensive detectors available.
|
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for high-end features
|
Pros
Superior discrimination and target ID
Don’t need to buy separate land machine
Lots of coils available
LCD display
Digital Target ID
|
Cons
Price
Can’t be used for diving
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best of the Best
|
Pros
Programmable to fit your needs
Most accurate target identification on the market
GPS to track your finds
|
Cons
It is heavy — over 5 pounds
Higher price point
Slower processor than newer detectors on the market
|
We ranked Nokta Makro Simplex #4 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for entry-level users
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Controls not as basic as other entry-level detectors
|
Tech Metals Research
|
Pros
Digital display
Submersible
Wireless compatible
Iron volume
Notch
|
Cons
Not for diving
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best for Beginners
|
Pros
Turn on and go
No false signals
Lightweight and well-balanced
|
Cons
Very basic (no bells or whistles)
Large coil
Tones can seem amateur
|
We ranked Garrett Ace 400 #5 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Garrett Ace 400 as #1.
money.com
Best for Low Prices
|
Pros
Digital target ID feature helps to easily identify different materials.
|
Cons
Control box lacks weatherproofing.
|
Tech Metals Research
Best for Beginners
|
Pros
5 search modes
Target ID
Digital display
Iron audio
Accessories included
|
Cons
Preset ground balance
|
Task and Purpose
Best Overall
|
Pros
A clear display indicates what type of metal is being detected
The waterproof coil allows you to search in shallow water
|
Cons
This metal detector certainly isn’t overpriced, but the cost might deter some new enthusiasts on a tight budget
|
We ranked Garrett Ace 250 #6 in May 2023 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 #7 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
ZD Net
Best metal detector for relic hunting
|
Pros
12-hour battery
Rechargeable
8 user profiles
Waterproof
|
Cons
Very expensive
Sharp learning curve
|
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for relic hunting
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Included headphones aren’t waterproof
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best for Beginners
|
Pros
Fast recovery speed and target separation for trashy areas
Multi IQ technology (the newest technology on the market)
Lightweight
|
Cons
Does not come with a manual
The charging block is sold separately
It has a learning curve if you’re not familiar with Minelab detectors
|
We ranked Garrett Ace 300 #8 in May 2023 because:
- 2 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
|
Pros
Simplified controls
Covers and headphones included
Waterproof detection coil
|
Cons
On the expensive side
|
Bob Vila
Best Overall
|
Pros
Frequency adjustment dial
Adjustable discrimination sensitivity
Pinpointing mode and target depth indicator
Padded, ergonomic grip
Includes a set of headphones
|
Cons
Some reports of manufacturing defects
|
We ranked Bounty Hunter Gold Digger #9 in May 2023 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
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
For smaller objects, such as coins, this unit can only go about 6 inches deep under optimum conditions.
|
We ranked Garrett ACE Apex #10 in May 2023 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
|
Pros
Price
Multi-frequency
6 frequencies
Audible target ID
Z-Lynk compatible
|
Cons
Special searchcoil
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best for Beginners
|
Pros
Can be used in various mineralization conditions
High-resolution ground balance
Multi-Frequency Technology
Adjustable armrest
|
Cons
Control box is not waterproof
Does not come with an armrest strap
No adjustable shaft
|
We ranked Minelab Excalibur II #11 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
money.com
Best for Underwater
|
Pros
Fully submersible up to 200 feet, outstanding detection accuracy.
|
Cons
Not suited for gold detecting, despite its hefty price tag.
|
Metal Detecting in the USA
our pick for saltwater beach hunting
|
Pros
Excellent iron discrimination
Multiple frequency machine that can also be used for diving
Very accurate tone ID
Submersible to 200 ft
|
Cons
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.
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best of the Best
|
Pros
Waterproof to 200 feet
Uses Broad Band Spectrum (BBS) multi-frequency technology
Different tone for each frequency
|
Cons
Headphones are hardwired to the machine
Without proper care, the seals can wear down
A little heavy at over 5 pounds (but not too bad if used underwater)
|
We ranked Fisher F22 #12 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
Metal Detecting in the USA
runner-up for entry-level users
|
Pros
Weatherproof
Iron Audio
Fast Recovery (Processing) Speed
Digital Target ID
Lighter, easier to use
5 Year Warranty
|
Cons
No adjustable ground balance
|
Bob Vila
Best for Beginners
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Not meant for deep-water submersion or overly wet conditions
Pricey compared to similar metal detectors available on the market
|
We ranked Fisher Gold Bug Pro #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best for Gold
|
Pros
Continuous ground-condition sensor system
Detects gold and small materials
Discrimination, all-metal, and pinpoint modes
Depth indicator
Visual and audio alerts
|
Cons
Limited search depth
|
Tech Metals Research
|
Pros
High frequency
Ground Grab
Target ID
Motion all-metal
VCO audio
|
Cons
No volume control
|
We ranked Minelab Vanquish 540 #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
BestReviews
Expert Recommended
|
Pros
Multi-IQ technology combines metal-detecting technologies to let users search all soil and metal surfaces. It's ready to go out of the box and is engineered to locate copins and jewelry, and adjustable bias control helps separate trash detection.
|
Cons
Some users found the monitor difficult to read.
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best for Beginners
|
Pros
Comes with two search coils
Multi-IQ tech
Great for every type of soil
|
Cons
More expensive than the basic model
Will update as more reviews come in!
|
We ranked Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II #15 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Metal Detectors” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best for Salt Water
|
Pros
Submersible down to 200 feet
All-metal and discrimination modes
Adjustable elimination threshold
Comes with fully submersible headphones
|
Cons
May be challenging for beginners to use
|
Kellyco Detectors
Best Value
|
Pros
Affordable pulse induction machine (one of the least expensive PI machines on the market)
Waterproof to 200 feet
Non-motion deep-seeking mode for diving
|
Cons
The discrete Elimination mode is not as advanced as some other machines
A little heavy at over 5 pounds (but not too bad if used underwater)
There is no coil cover for the 8” coil
|