TOP 20 best metal detectors: rating of 2021-2022 by depth of search and what budget model to choose

Over the past few decades, such a hobby as searching for antiques and relics has become very popular.

The main tool in this activity is a metal detector, originally a military invention. What model can be advised to a beginner? Are there any devices suitable for underwater search?

What is the principle of operation of this device?

You may face these questions when deciding to buy a metal detector.

We have made a rating of the most reliable and popular devices for different skill levels in the price/quality ratio. The information was obtained from official sources - websites of manufacturing companies and forums with expert reviews.

We were able to identify not only the main parameters of the devices, but also to create a list of their weaknesses and strengths.

Rating TOP-20 best metal detectors by depth of search 2021-2022

Location	Name	Price
TOP 4 best metal detectors by depth of search by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack	Check price
2	Garrett AT Pro + Pro-Pointer AT	Find out the price
3	Makro Multi Kruzer	Find out the price of
4	Nokta&Makro Anfibio Multi	Find out the price
Top 4 best metal detectors for beginners
1	Minelab Vanquish 440	Check out the price
2	Bounty Hunter Tracker IV	Check price
3	Minelab Go-Find 66	Check out the price
4	Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker	Learn the price
Top 4 best metal detectors with depth up to 1.5 m
1	Minelab E-Trac (Pro version)	To know the price
2	XP Metal Detectors ORX	To know the price
3	Minelab Vanquish 340	Check price
4	Minelab Go-Find 44	Learn the price
Top 4 best budget metal detectors
1	Bounty Hunter Discovery 2200	To know the price
2	Garrett ACE 200i	To know the price
3	Teknetics Eurotek	Learn the price
4	Garrett ACE 150.	Learn more about the price
Top 4 best underwater metal detectors
1	Nokta&Makro Simplex Plus	You can find out the price of
2	Makro Kruzer	Find out the price
3	Deteknix Quest Quest PRO	Learn the price
4	Garrett At Max	Find out the price

How to choose a metal detector?

When buying a metal detector, it is important to consider the main characteristics on which the device operation is based.

But in the first place it is important to determine for what level of user you need a metal detector.

This will immediately indicate the price range of the product. After that, you can move on to the other parameters.

TOP 4 best metal detectors by depth by price/quality for 2021-2022

Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack.

One of the leaders in sales and positive customer reviews in 2021-2022 was this ground metal detector from Minelab.

It belongs to the professional devices with good sensitivity to various non-ferrous and precious metals, and is also able to filter out interference from extraneous, unnecessary objects that are not the object of the search. Powered by four AA batteries, they last for 10 hours of autonomy.

Alarm has a different tone and is output to the built-in speaker, there is also an output and under the headphones, which are not included in the package and bought separately.

The coil is moisture-proof, so it is suitable for searching in wet ground and can be used even in the surf zone on the beach. The device is very light, the rod is telescopic, extends up to 135 centimeters.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF
2. The maximum depth - up to 90 cm
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - from 9 to 19.
4. Weight - 1.2 kg.

Garrett AT Pro + Pro-Pointer AT

Representative of professional metal detectors to work in dry and Moist ground, as well as under water due to a high degree of protection from moisture. Powered by four AA batteries, the charge is economical, autonomy is maintained up to 20 hours.

Both automatic ground balance and manual ground balance are available.

Powerful radiation of the elliptical coil allows you to search for objects located at a depth of up to three meters, without being distracted by the noise of extraneous objects.

The kit includes a pinpointer, which can be used when the discrimination is turned off.

The sensitivity can also be adjusted to suit your needs. The sound signal is fed into the headphones, which are included. Comfortable armrest and light weight ensures comfortable use even after hours of work.

Main features:

1. Detection mode - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - up to three meters.
3. Frequency of operation - 15 kHz.
4. Weight - 1,4 kg.

Makro Multi Kruzer

Reliable handheld metal detector that is suitable for searching objects not only in the The device is completely sealed under the ground and under water as well..

Own accumulator makes the metal detector self-contained, which capacity is enough to provide up to 19 hours of work. It takes about six to seven hours to charge it. There is an automatic and manual balancing on the ground.

Audio notification is given to the built-in speaker and wireless headphones, which are included.

Due to the good radiation from the search coil the depth of detection of large objects is up to one meter, and shallow objects - up to 50 cm, which is a very good indicator for such a versatile device.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - up to 1 meter.
3. Frequency in kHz - 5, 14, 19.
4. Weight - 1.4 kg.

Nokta&Makro Anfibio Multi

Another popular professional metal detector for ground and underwater comfortable armrest and small screen.

Autonomy up to 19 hours provided by its own battery, which takes about six hours to charge. Wireless headphones are included, the volume is not adjustable.

Due to the fact that the coil and the entire body have a high level of protection from water, which does not affect the sensitivity of the device, it shows good results in wet ground, and on the coast, and under water.

The depth of detection reaches one and a half meters. There is an adjustment of sensitivity, discrimination, automatic and manual ground balance. Management is quite simple, as much as possible adapted to the user.

Main characteristics:

1. The method of detection - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - up to 1.5 meters.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 5, 14, 20.
4. Weight - 1,7 kg.

Top 4 best metal detectors for the beginner

Minelab Vanquish 440

One of the best representatives of the ground metal detectors for the beginner, with both simple and and with more settings.

Reel in the shape of a butterfly is protected from moisture, so it can be used in wet ground and on the beach, but you can not submerge the device under water - there is no protection from moisture in the power supply and display.

Powered by four AA batteries, the kit lasts for 8 hours of continuous searching..

In the package, in addition to protection on the coil, includes a detailed instruction and a rain cover. All settings and indicators are displayed on a small screen without backlight, there is discrimination, so you can not be distracted by extraneous noise.

The sound signal is output to the built-in speaker, there is an output for headphones, which are purchased separately.

In addition to the native coil can put other coils from other manufacturers.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth of up to one meter.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - multifrequency.
4. Weight - 1.2 kg.

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV

An American-made product that is affordable and with positive ratings from users.

A great option for beginners in the search, since it is installed a single, clear and effective, program for the detection of valuable objects. Does not require long to understand the settings, no screen, works with a single frequency of 6.6 kHz.

There is a jack for headphones, a sensitive coil (not protected from moisture), there is an automatic ground balance.

The device is very light and mobile, and sliding rod with adjustable length from 114 to 135 centimeters.

Comfortable armrest guarantees a perfect fit of the device in your hand.

Work is done by two 9 volt batteries, enough for 5-6 hours of continuous searching. The depth of detection of small objects ranges from 15 to 30 cm, large objects can be identified at a depth of 90 cm.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - 90 cm.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 6.6.
4. Weight - 1.18 kg.

Minelab Go-Find 66

The basic metal detector with advanced features. The coil has an unusual Its diameter is 25 centimeters, it is not afraid of moisture and does not need to install additional protection.

The device is quite sensitive, the depth of detection reaches 80 centimeters, and large objects it is able to catch a dozen or so deeper.

Very compact, weighing one kilogram, fits perfectly in your hand, has a comfortable armrest. There is a LED indicator, which notifies what metal is found (red - iron, green - jewelry or base metal). At 3-4 hours of search need a set of four AA batteries.

Equipped with Bluetooth to communicate with the owner's smartphone. There is special software, which, however, sometimes gives out errors.

Main characteristics:

1. The method of detection - VFLEX.
2. The maximum depth - 80 cm.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 7.8.
4. Weight - 1.06 kg.

Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker

Lightweight, compact, reliable ground metal detector, which will quickly learn the basics of searching for rarities in both wet and dry ground.

There is protection from moisture for the coil, works from two crowns. Audible tone, the signal is output to the speaker or through headphones, without volume control. Ground balance is only automatic, manually you can not adjust the figures.

The depth of detection of large objects reaches 70 cm, buttons and coins will find a depth of 40 cm.

There is discrimination, it can be balanced by yourself, so the device does not react to extraneous noise from unnecessary objects.

Weight of the device with all components is 1300 grams, for the convenience of carrying an ergonomic armrest is installed on the boom, which takes the load off the shoulder and back.

Main characteristics:

1. The method of detection -VLF.
2. Maximum depth - 70 cm.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 6.6.
4. Weight - 1,3 kg.

Top 4 best metal detectors with a depth of detection up to 1.5 meters.

Minelab E-Trac (complete set Pro).

One of the best metal detectors ground type for professionals. There is a setting There are settings for frequencies (about 28), sensitivity, mineralization and discrimination.

The coil has a diameter of 28 cm, installed moisture protection, has a small display, which displays information about the content of the soil as a system of coordinates.

The device runs on 8 AA batteries.

The metal detector is very light, with a comfortable armrest and a firmly assembled body made of durable plastic.

It is possible to connect the device to a computer to exchange settings and data on the search with colleagues.

Thanks to the extensive settings and good balance, the depth of detection of even small objects reaches 100 centimeters, so this device is considered a leader among the ground metal detectors.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - FBS.
2. The maximum depth - 1 meter.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 1.5, 100.
4. Weight - 2 kg.

XP Metal Detectors ORX

French metal detector for professionals that meets all the basic needs of searcher in 2021-2022.

Very light, weighing only 760 grams, with a telescopic rod made of molded plastic without any weights. Works with a wide range of frequencies, so it is effective in finding both metal and precious objects.

It is possible to use the automatic programs set by the manufacturer or set your own, custom.

The device is very sensitive, does not react to extraneous noise from iron debris, and can be used in places of "littering.

The package includes wireless headphones, the device runs on its own battery. The coil is protected from water, which allows you to search in shallow water, immersing the metal detector at 1 m under water.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth of 1 meter.
3. Frequency of operation - from 13 to 59 kHz.
4. Weight - 760 grams.

Minelab Vanquish 340

Nothing superfluous, just useful settings that any beginner will understand. Lightweight, with a molded plastic body.

The software is regularly updated. This is a ground version of the metal detector, but the coil has protection against moisture and can be used on the coast (without submerging under water).

Powered by 4 AA batteries, you can use rechargeable batteries.

There are three automatic modes - coin, relic and all metals. The sound alert has four levels of volume and three levels of tone, there is a balancing discrimination, which eliminates unnecessary interference.

The device can be easily folded for easy transport, not afraid of salt water.

There is a built-in speaker, wired headphones with 3.5 mm jack are also included. The control unit is water resistant, so you can use the device even in the strong, pouring rain.

Main Features:

1. Detection mode - VLF.
2. The maximum depth is 1 meter.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 6.6.
4. Weight - 1.2 kg.

Minelab Go-Find 44

Ground metal detector, which is suitable for beginners and experienced professionals on easy areas.

Rugged construction of molded plastic, light weight and comfortable armrest.

Powered by four AA batteries, they last almost 40 hours of work. The device is very durable, has a small display, with which it is convenient to adjust the metal detector to yourself.

This device cannot be called sensitive, so the depth of detection is only 80 cm.

By the way, there is also a Bluetooth module, which means there is an opportunity to connect to your own smartphone to get access to extended functionality.

The device is capable of filtering noise from foreign objects, and its cost is ideal for the novice searcher.

Main characteristics:

1. The method of detection - VFLEX.
2. Maximum depth - 80 cm.
3. Frequency - 7.8 kHz.
4. Weight - 1.06 kg.

Top 4 best budget metal detectors

Bounty Hunter Discovery 2200

The device, which is well suited to the beginner searcher due to the simplicity of settings and use.

For comfortable use, the manufacturer has taken care of a small display and alarm alerts at four levels of tone. Has a mono coil with a diameter of 20 cm with a conical field.

The most effective depth of objects detection (coins, buttons) is 15 cm, is also able to distinguish such things up to 30 cm, and large objects weighing about 1000 grams will detect at a depth of 60 cm.

The signal can be filtered without wasting time on all kinds of metal debris.

Such a feature is definitely useful in places where there are a lot of things in the ground and splinters.

You can adjust the sensitivity and adjust the device to the degree of mineralization of the soil.

The body is well assembled, weighs just over one kilogram and does not pull the hand or shoulder.

Key Features:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - 60 cm.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 6.7.
4. Weight - 1.13 kg.

Garrett ACE 200i

ACE series, produced by this brand of metal detectors has become a great option for learning how to work with this kind of devices.

Therefore, if you are a beginner in search - take a closer look at the model 200i, which proved itself among the users. The device is unpretentious, does not need a protective cover for the coil, easy to set up and operate.

This metal detector can be presented even to a child.

Works on a low frequency and is very sensitive to copper, bronze, silver and other similar metals with high conductivity.

There is a system of discrimination, which will allow you to conduct a directed search for coins, buttons and other similar items.

Very economical in terms of power consumption, one set of AA batteries is enough for almost four months of regular use.

This model is an example of a good balance of price and functionality.

Main characteristics:

1. The method of detection - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - 90.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 6.5.
4. Weight - 1.27.

Teknetics Eurotek

Well-built and balanced device for beginner level of searching, working crone.

Here we immediately identify the essential drawback of the device - the charge is enough for no more than 8-10 hours of work.

However, for its cost device has a good sensitivity and is very easy to set up, while the depth of detection of large objects is about 100 centimeters.

The main functions that can be adjusted, the device has only two: discrimination and sensitivity.

It shows itself equally well when working on dry and wet ground, is not afraid of sand, so you can use it on the beach. Small fragments and objects can be picked up at a depth of up to 30 cm.

When you turn off the discrimination, the metal detector can be used as a pinpointer (static). Note that the headphone jack is very unusual and will have to find a suitable adapter.

The main characteristics:

1. The method of detection - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - 100 cm.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 7.
4. Weight - 1 kg.

Garrett ACE 150

The youngest and most budget model in the line, recommended by experts as a Learning device with simple settings without redundant features..

Designed for a wide range of tasks. The three-section plastic boom is S-shaped and easy to transport and operate, equipped with an armrest with soft foam.

This allows the user's elbow to be fixed in one place and relieves the strain on the back, which can become noticeable after several hours of searching..

The device has adjustable sensitivity and discrimination, there is automatic ground balancing, but manual balancing is not available. Sound is output to the built-in speaker, but there is a headphone output.

For autonomy is responsible power supply for a set of four AA batteries.

Charge lasts for 40 hours. The coil has protection from moisture, so you can search not only in dry ground, but also in wet.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth is up to 80 cm
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 6.5.
4. Weight - 1,2 kg.

Top 4 best underwater metal detectors

Nokta & Makro Simplex Plus

Reliable, high quality assembled metal detector with full water protection, Suitable for searching in shallow and deep water.

It has a huge number of settings, is very sensitive to a variety of metals and produces a powerful radiation, through which the depth of detecting objects up to three meters.

Discriminator has 99 steps (most of them are not useful), there is a setting of mineralization of the soil.

Small objects are picked up in the area of 50 centimeters. The coil has a diameter of 11 centimeters.

It is convenient that the rod is sliding and can be increased up to 132 cm.

The device runs on its own battery, a full charge of which is enough for almost eight hours of work (it takes half the time to charge it). It is possible to buy an additional battery separately.

Main characteristics:

1. The method of detection - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - up to three meters.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 12.
4. Weight - 1,3 kg.

Makro Kruzer

This device can be used to search for relics in the ground or underwater. Good radiation from the coil leads to a detection depth of up to one meter.

Small in weight (although heavier than conventional ground units), it is easy to transport and work, the package includes wireless headphones and a charger for the native battery, providing autonomy up to 19 hours.

There is a built-in speaker with three levels of alert tones. There is vibration.

You can adjust sensitivity or use automatic modes, there is automatic and manual ground balancing.

This is a multifunctional metal detector, which will help in the search for coins, buttons, pellets and other interesting antiquities, as well as pointing to precious metals.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. Maximum depth - up to one meter.
3. Frequency of operation at 14 kHz.
4. Weight - 1.4 kg.

Deteknix Quest Quest PRO

Professional metal detector used to search for rarities in dry and Wet ground, and can also be taken for diving to a depth of five meters.

All due to the high level of moisture protection of the coil and the whole body. The depth of detection of large objects is up to three meters. The device is famous for its performance and high sensitivity.

Autonomous operation is provided by its own rechargeable battery, a full charge of which is enough for 30 hours of work.

Therefore, the device is indispensable in trips and hikes. It can be easily disassembled and transported. Can connect to smartphones, has a Bluetooth-module for information exchange and mapping.

The device is very popular among professional searchers, it is used to find precious metals.

Main characteristics:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth is up to three meters.
3. Operating frequency in kHz - 5, 14, 20.
4. Weight - 1.35 kg.

Garrett At Max

Universal metal detector for searching in the soil and diving to a depth of up to three meters.

It features a wide range of settings to filter extraneous noise, ground balance (automatic and manual), the sensitivity.

The maximum depth of objects detection reaches three meters. Convenient telescopic shaft and a padded armrest for comfortable operation and easy transportation.

Autonomy provides power supply, consisting of four AA batteries (also suitable rechargeable).

Charge lasts for 20 hours, which is a good indicator. Includes proprietary wireless headphones, without volume control, but with three levels of alert tones.

Good for finding a variety of small non-ferrous or precious metal objects.

Key Features:

1. Detection method - VLF.
2. The maximum depth - 3 meters.
3. Frequency of operation in kHz - 13.6.
4. Weight - 1.4 kg.

Object detection method

The most popular methods are:

1. VLF (very low frequency) - Operating frequency up to 20 kHz. Receiving and transmitting coils are placed in one unit. Upon receiving the signal, the device indicates what kind of metal is detected or the object is classified as trash.
2. VFLEX is an advanced version of the VLF, most commonly used by its creator, Minelab. It is not an analog signal, but a discrete signal, which speeds up processing and makes it of higher quality, minimizing the number of errors.
3. PI - pulse induction. It uses only one coil as a receiver and transmitter, and is most commonly used in saltwater underwater search models.
4. FBS - full range spectrum. Another product of the company Minelab. There are several frequency generators and they are used simultaneously, which allows you to get all the information about the found object.

Frequency generator

Indicates whether other coils will fit this metal detector. If the operating frequency is one, then only one type of coil can be used.

Coil Design

Two types of designs of this element are used:

• mono - Two circles of winding, one of which is placed in the second;
• DD - two windings that are placed next to each other.

Mono coils cope better with extraneous interference from unwanted metals (discrimination). But if the search is carried out in the ground with a lot of minerals, then you should choose a metal detector with a DD coil.

In addition, you can not ignore other parameters:

1. Number of manual settings. Help to adjust the work of the device for a specific terrain and the task at hand.
2. Tone (number of levels). Indicates the proximity of the find.
3. Ability to make a map of finds.
4. Connecting the metal detector to gadgets or computer - To exchange data and save the results of the search.
5. Autonomy. Can I use rechargeable batteries? How long does the charge last?
6. Purpose. Do you need the device to search exclusively in the ground or are you planning to work in water?

These points also affect the pricing and if you manage to identify features that are unnecessary for your purposes, then you can buy a device with the perfect balance of price and performance.

What brand should I choose?

According to the ratings, the most popular brands are Garrett (USA) and Minelab (Austria).

Their main features from the main competitors are a variety of models for all tastes and wallets, the balance of price and functionality, long service life.

Most often, beginners in search business give preference to these companies, and then come back for more powerful models.

What is the difference between professional and amateur metal detectors?

Amateur metal detectors differ from their "experienced" counterparts by a narrow set of settings and a simple package. This is done so that a beginner in the search could grasp the principle of working with such a device, not overpaying for features that he will not use.

Amateur devices have a small frequency range, low level of extraneous noise filtering, and are not designed to work in extreme conditions.

For example, under heavy rain, at low or high air temperatures, at great depths in fresh and salt water. Also, amateur metal detectors are not geared to search for precious metals, but they are good at distinguishing antiquities.

Customer Reviews

Helpful video

From the video you will get an overview of the best metal detectors: