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10 Best Metal Detectors

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#7
Generic Mi
Available on
£349
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

XP Metal Detectors Deus II - 11" FMF Coil with MI-6 pinpointer & WSAII Headphones Bundle - Waterproof and Fully Wireless - with Remote Control & S-Telescopic stem (DEUS2-28FMFRCEG + MI-6 + WSAII)

10.0  score

Available on
£1,129
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,116
Sensitivity
Sensitivity
The detector quickly uncovered deep targets like coins and buttons buried about 11 inches down, demonstrating excellent sensitivity.

The XP Deus II with an 11" FMF coil, MI-6 pinpointer, and WSAII wireless headphones is a high-end metal detector that caters well to treasure hunters and hobbyists who want advanced yet user-friendly equipment. It stands out as the first fully wireless metal detector with Fast Multi-Frequency technology, allowing you to choose from 12 preset programs or fine-tune between 49 single frequencies from 4 to 45 kHz. This flexibility helps in discriminating between different metals and adapting to various ground conditions, including mineralized or saltwater areas, thanks to a reliable ground balancing feature. Sensitivity is excellent, helping you detect small or deep targets. The 11" coil size offers a good balance between search area and target pinpointing, suitable for general use.

The detector and included MI-6 pinpointer communicate wirelessly, which is convenient and reduces cable clutter. The headphones are lightweight, waterproof, and adjustable for volume and sound quality, making outdoor use comfortable even in wet weather. Battery life is another strong point, lasting up to 25 hours, so you can detect longer without frequent recharges.

On the downside, the price and learning curve might be a consideration for beginners, as the many settings and wireless features can feel overwhelming at first. Also, while the detector is waterproof, the stem and remote control are splash-resistant rather than fully submersible, which limits underwater use. This bundle is an excellent choice for serious metal detector users who want cutting-edge wireless capabilities, versatile frequency options, and solid waterproofing for most terrains, though it may be more than casual users need.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,116
Sensitivity
Sensitivity
The detector quickly uncovered deep targets like coins and buttons buried about 11 inches down, demonstrating excellent sensitivity.
#2

MINELAB MANTICORE High-Power Multi-IQ+ Waterproof Metal Detector Bundle for Adults — Includes 8

9.4  score

Available on
£1,799
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Rating
9.4
Frequency
Waterproofing
Frequency
Its multi-frequency technology combined with powerful audio feedback makes it effective in diverse environments, including underwater.
Waterproofing
The unit’s lightweight carbon fiber construction and full waterproofing up to 16 feet make it highly versatile for wet conditions.

The MINELAB MANTICORE is a high-power, professional-level metal detector featuring Multi-IQ+ technology, which offers 50% more power than typical models. It can scan using multiple frequencies simultaneously, enhancing its ability to locate a variety of targets ranging from small coins to deeper objects. Its advanced discrimination and 2D target ID allow users to quickly differentiate valuable finds from junk, reducing time spent digging unwanted items.

The detector comes with three coils (8", 11", and 15"), enabling users to switch between searching for small, shallow targets or going deeper in rough terrain, adding flexibility depending on the hunting environment. It is waterproof up to 16 feet, making it suitable for beach and underwater searches, ideal for treasure hunting in wet conditions. Sensitivity is customizable, and the device offers multiple search modes tailored to various environments like inland, beach, and gold fields. Additional features such as adjustable audio settings, backlit controls, and a built-in flashlight enhance usability in different lighting and noise conditions.

Weighing about 3 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for extended hunts. The bundle’s price and complexity make it more suited for serious hobbyists or professionals rather than beginners, and understanding all its options may require some time for new users. This detector is well-suited for experienced metal detector users or dedicated enthusiasts seeking powerful, versatile performance across diverse environments, including underwater. For those wanting a combination of advanced technology, rugged design, and multiple coil options, the MANTICORE is a solid choice.

Rating
9.4
Frequency
Waterproofing
Frequency
Its multi-frequency technology combined with powerful audio feedback makes it effective in diverse environments, including underwater.
Waterproofing
The unit’s lightweight carbon fiber construction and full waterproofing up to 16 feet make it highly versatile for wet conditions.
#3

XP Metal Detectors Deus II - Waterproof and multifrequency, Ideal for treasure and relic hunting - with 11" FMF coil, remote control, WS6 wireless headphones & S-Telescopic stem (DEUS2-28FMFRCWS6EG)

8.5  score

Available on
£1,258
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Rating
8.5
Frequency
Frequency
A fantastic all-round multi-frequency detector, excellent for finding small hammered coins and gold.

The XP Metal Detectors Deus II stands out as a versatile and advanced metal detector suitable for various terrains including land, beach, and underwater environments. With its waterproof design and IP68 certification, it can be submerged up to 66 feet, making it ideal for underwater treasure hunting. The 11-inch FMF coil is large enough to cover significant ground while being sensitive enough to detect smaller items. Its multi-frequency capability, with the option to choose between 12 factory programs or 49 single frequencies (4 to 45 kHz), offers great flexibility in different hunting conditions.

The wireless technology, which is 10 times faster than standard Bluetooth, ensures quick and efficient communication between the components, enhancing the user experience. The inclusion of WS6 wireless headphones adds to this convenience. The Deus II also excels in discrimination and ground balance, which are essential for identifying different types of metals and reducing false signals, respectively. The customizable audio settings and sound library allow users to fine-tune their experience based on personal preferences and needs.

However, it is worth noting that this metal detector is relatively complex and may require some learning for beginners to fully utilize its advanced features. Additionally, while the battery-powered operation ensures portability, it might require frequent recharging during extended use. The product has received positive feedback, reflected in its high customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, indicating user satisfaction. To summarize, the XP Metal Detectors Deus II is a high-performance tool for serious treasure hunters and professionals seeking reliability, versatility, and advanced technology in metal detecting.

Rating
8.5
Frequency
Frequency
A fantastic all-round multi-frequency detector, excellent for finding small hammered coins and gold.

Buying Guide for the Best Metal Detectors

Choosing the right metal detector can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you're interested in treasure hunting or exploring the outdoors. The key to finding the perfect metal detector is understanding your needs and matching them with the right features. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced detectorist, knowing what to look for in terms of specifications will help you make an informed decision. Consider where you'll be using the detector, what types of metals you're interested in finding, and how often you plan to use it. This will guide you in selecting a model that suits your lifestyle and goals.
FrequencyFrequency in metal detectors refers to the number of times the detector's coil sends signals into the ground per second. It's important because different frequencies are better suited for detecting different types of metals. Lower frequencies (around 3-7 kHz) are ideal for detecting larger, deeper objects like coins and relics, while higher frequencies (above 15 kHz) are better for smaller, shallow targets like gold nuggets. If you're interested in general treasure hunting, a mid-range frequency (around 10 kHz) is a good choice. Consider what type of metal you are most interested in finding to choose the right frequency.
DiscriminationDiscrimination is the ability of a metal detector to distinguish between different types of metals. This feature is crucial for avoiding unwanted items like trash or iron when searching for valuable metals. Discrimination settings can be adjusted to ignore certain metals, allowing you to focus on specific targets. If you're searching in areas with a lot of metal debris, a detector with good discrimination capabilities will save you time and effort. Beginners might prefer a model with simple discrimination settings, while experienced users may opt for advanced discrimination features to fine-tune their searches.
Ground BalanceGround balance is a feature that helps metal detectors filter out signals from mineralized soil, which can interfere with detecting metals. This is important because different terrains have varying levels of mineralization, and a detector that can adjust to these conditions will perform better. There are automatic and manual ground balance options; automatic is easier for beginners, while manual allows more control for experienced users. If you plan to search in areas with highly mineralized soil, such as beaches or goldfields, a detector with effective ground balance is essential.
SensitivitySensitivity refers to a metal detector's ability to detect small or deep objects. Higher sensitivity settings can detect smaller or deeper targets, but they may also pick up more interference from the environment. It's important to find a balance that suits your search area and target size. If you're searching for small items like jewelry or gold, higher sensitivity is beneficial. However, if you're in a cluttered area with lots of metal debris, you might need to lower the sensitivity to avoid false signals. Adjust the sensitivity based on your specific needs and the environment.
Search Coil SizeThe search coil is the part of the metal detector that sends and receives signals. Coil size affects the depth and area covered during a search. Larger coils can cover more ground and detect deeper objects, making them ideal for open areas. Smaller coils are better for precision and detecting smaller items, especially in cluttered environments. If you're searching in wide open spaces, a larger coil will help you cover more ground quickly. For areas with lots of obstacles or when searching for small items, a smaller coil is more effective.
WaterproofingWaterproofing is a feature that allows metal detectors to be used in wet conditions or underwater. This is important for those who plan to search near water bodies or in rainy weather. Some detectors are fully waterproof, while others have waterproof coils only. If you intend to search in shallow water or on beaches, a fully waterproof detector is ideal. For occasional wet conditions, a detector with a waterproof coil may suffice. Consider where you'll be using the detector to determine the level of waterproofing you need.