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10 Best Metal Detectors 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

PANCKY Metal Detectors for Adults Waterproof, Professional Higher Accuracy Gold Detector with LCD Display, 5 Mode, Advanced DSP Chip 10" Coil, PK0075

The PANCKY PK0075 Metal Detector is designed with beginners in mind, offering an array of features that aim to make treasure hunting both easy and effective. One of its standout attributes is the upgraded DSP chip, which increases detection speed, sensitivity, and accuracy by 25%. This helps in focusing on valuable targets while ignoring irrelevant items. Additionally, the device is equipped with a large, backlit LCD display that is user-friendly and can be read easily even in low light conditions, making it versatile for day or night use.

The 10-inch search coil that comes with an IP68 waterproof rating allows users to explore shallow waters, though it's worth noting that the control box itself is not waterproof. Ergonomics are thoughtfully addressed with an adjustable length suitable for both adults and kids, and a lightweight design that includes an armrest and anti-slip handle for comfort during prolonged use. However, the metal detector's weight of 6.42 pounds might be a bit heavy for extended periods of use for some users.

The product includes a comprehensive set of accessories like a carry bag, steel shovel, and earphones, which can enhance the treasure hunting experience. It operates on a 7 KHz frequency, which is ideal for general metal detection tasks but might not be specialized enough for detecting very fine or deep targets. The five different operational modes provide flexibility in different detecting scenarios, such as the all-metal mode or jewelry mode. The PANCKY PK0075 is a robust choice for beginners who need a reliable and feature-packed metal detector, though more experienced users might seek higher-end models for specialized detecting needs.

#2

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector for Adults Waterproof, Professional Gold Detector Kit with High Accuracy, 10" IP68 Coil, Backlight LCD Display, 5 Modes, Advanced DSP Chip for Treasure Hunting, MTXR-Red

Rating
9.6
Discrimination
Ground Balance
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
5940 reviews

Discrimination
The metal detector is incredibly useful for quickly screening out metal items, boasting strong recognition ability and durability.
Ground Balance
Some users found the detector less effective in highly mineralized soils, but it performs well in typical conditions and for locating surface-level items.
Weight and Ergonomics
It's easy to assemble and intuitive to use, making it suitable for beginners and exciting for treasure hunting adventures.

The DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector is designed for both amateur and professional treasure hunters, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore the world of metal detecting. One of its key strengths is the innovative Memory Mode, allowing users to focus on detecting specific metal types, which can significantly reduce search time. The large LCD display is another highlight, featuring a backlight for easy visibility in low-light conditions, and providing clear information on the type of metals detected. The 9.8-inch waterproof search coil is effective at locating coins and larger objects up to 10 inches deep, adding versatility for both land and shallow water searches.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. While the adjustable length accommodates various heights, users might find the 2.2-pound weight a bit cumbersome during extended sessions. Additionally, while the sensitivity can be adjusted, some users may experience interference in highly mineralized soils, which could affect detection accuracy.

The package also comes with useful accessories, including a premium headset, a digger shovel, and a carrying bag, making it a practical gift option for enthusiasts and beginners alike. The DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector offers a good mix of features that cater well to those interested in discovering treasures. It’s especially suited for users looking for a user-friendly experience with plenty of customization options, although some may find it less suitable for prolonged use due to its weight.

Rating
9.6
Discrimination
Ground Balance
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
5940 reviews

Discrimination
The metal detector is incredibly useful for quickly screening out metal items, boasting strong recognition ability and durability.
Ground Balance
Some users found the detector less effective in highly mineralized soils, but it performs well in typical conditions and for locating surface-level items.
Weight and Ergonomics
It's easy to assemble and intuitive to use, making it suitable for beginners and exciting for treasure hunting adventures.
#3

MINELAB X-Terra (3. X-Terra Pro)

Rating
9.3
Operating Frequency
Discrimination
Ground Balance

Most important from
1325 reviews

Operating Frequency
Equipped with multiple frequency options, it allows you to adjust settings for different types of soil and targets, ensuring you don’t miss out on hidden treasures.
Discrimination
Adjustable sensitivity controls, notch discrimination, and customizable search modes provide a wealth of features.
Ground Balance
The advanced ground balancing system minimizes the effects of mineralized soil, providing more accurate readings.
Target Identification
Great sensitivity and lots of options to customize to your dirt fishing needs.
Waterproofing
The waterproof coil is a huge bonus, making it suitable for various terrains, including shallow water.
Weight and Ergonomics
Its lightweight but sturdy design makes it comfortable for extended periods without causing fatigue.

The MINELAB X-Terra PRO Waterproof Treasure Metal Detector targets both hobbyists and serious treasure hunters with its comprehensive features. It operates on a notable Pro-Switch technology allowing you to switch frequencies, which is essential for detecting different types of metals in various conditions. With an operating frequency of 7.69 KHz, it helps in finding both shallow and deep-lying treasures. The ground balance feature ensures you can detect metals without interference from mineralized soil, which is great for accuracy. The inclusion of three detect modes – Park, Field, and Beach – makes it versatile for different environments and types of searches.

Moreover, the device is fully waterproof and submersible up to 16 feet, broadening your search capabilities to underwater areas, which is a significant benefit for beachcombers and divers. The ergonomic design, weighing only 2.9 lbs, ensures comfort during long detecting sessions. It's also compact and portable, easily fitting into most backpacks. Audio control provides clear sound differentiation between trash and treasure, enhancing your detecting efficiency.

On the downside, the item weight mentioned in the specs seems inconsistent, as it lists both 10.5 ounces and 298 grams, which could be confusing for some users. Additionally, the reliance on a lithium polymer battery might be a minor inconvenience for those who prefer replaceable batteries. The built-in flashlight and backlit keypad are useful features for low-light conditions. For those willing to invest in a reliable, versatile, and comfortable metal detector, the MINELAB X-Terra PRO could be an excellent choice.

Rating
9.3
Operating Frequency
Discrimination
Ground Balance

Most important from
1325 reviews

Operating Frequency
Equipped with multiple frequency options, it allows you to adjust settings for different types of soil and targets, ensuring you don’t miss out on hidden treasures.
Discrimination
Adjustable sensitivity controls, notch discrimination, and customizable search modes provide a wealth of features.
Ground Balance
The advanced ground balancing system minimizes the effects of mineralized soil, providing more accurate readings.
Target Identification
Great sensitivity and lots of options to customize to your dirt fishing needs.
Waterproofing
The waterproof coil is a huge bonus, making it suitable for various terrains, including shallow water.
Weight and Ergonomics
Its lightweight but sturdy design makes it comfortable for extended periods without causing fatigue.

Buying Guide for the Best Metal Detectors

Choosing a metal detector is about matching your needs and interests with the features that each device offers. People use metal detectors for several purposes, such as searching for coins, jewelry, relics, or gold, at different locations such as parks, beaches, or even in the mountains. The right choice depends on where you plan to search, what you hope to find, and your experience level. Think about how you’ll use the detector most often, and which features can make your searches more effective and enjoyable.
FrequencyFrequency in metal detectors refers to how many times per second a detector sends an electromagnetic signal into the ground. Low frequencies (like 3-8 kHz) are generally better for finding larger, more conductive metals such as silver or copper coins, and tend to penetrate deeper into the ground. High frequencies (like 15-70 kHz or more) are more sensitive to smaller items and lower-conductivity metals like gold, but may not go as deep. If you’re mainly looking for coins or general items, a low or mid-frequency detector works best. If you’re after small gold nuggets or tiny jewelry, a high-frequency detector is better. Consider what you want to find most often and match your frequency to those targets.
DiscriminationDiscrimination is the detector’s ability to tell the difference between different types of metals, helping you ignore unwanted items like iron nails or bottle caps. Basic metal detectors might only allow simple discrimination between ferrous (iron) and non-ferrous metals, while more advanced models let you fine-tune which metals you want to detect or ignore. For general treasure hunting like coins or jewelry, higher discrimination helps you avoid digging up junk. If you're interested in relic hunting where iron objects might be valuable, you’ll want a more adjustable setting. Always consider the typical trash in your search area and your target metals to decide how much discrimination control you need.
Ground BalanceGround balance is how the detector adjusts for the natural minerals in the ground, which can interfere with detecting actual metal objects. Some detectors have fixed ground balance, suitable for typical soils that aren't heavily mineralized. Others offer manual ground balance for experienced users who want more control, or automatic ground balance that adjusts on its own to changing soil conditions. If the places you plan to search have highly mineralized soil, such as near beaches or goldfields, opting for a detector with good ground balance options will drastically improve your results. For beginners or casual users in typical parks or fields, a basic or automatic system works just fine.
SensitivitySensitivity controls how strongly the detector reacts to metal objects. Higher sensitivity helps you detect smaller or deeper items, but it can also make the detector more responsive to ground minerals or electrical interference, which may cause false signals. Lower sensitivity can make the machine more stable in tough soils, but you might miss weaker signals. The right sensitivity setting depends partly on the type of ground you’ll be working in and the size of the items you want to find. If stability is more important, lower sensitivity is better; if finding the smallest targets matters most, higher sensitivity is worth trying, with patience for some extra false alerts.
Coil Type and SizeThe search coil is the part of the metal detector that you swing over the ground. Larger coils can cover more ground and detect objects deeper, but are less sensitive to small items and can be heavy to handle for long periods. Smaller coils are better for pinpointing targets, working in trashy areas, and finding small objects, but won’t reach as deep. There are also different coil designs, such as concentric or double-D (DD) coils, with DD coils generally handling mineralized soils better. Choose the coil size and style based on your main location (wide open fields versus trashy parks) and what you want to find (deep large relics versus small surface items).
Water ResistanceWater resistance refers to whether the metal detector can handle moisture, rain, or even submersion. Some detectors have waterproof coils but non-waterproof control boxes (the electronics part), while others are fully waterproof. If you plan to search along beaches, in shallow water, or in wet conditions, having at least a waterproof coil is important to protect your equipment. For serious underwater treasure hunting, look for a completely submersible model. If you’ll only hunt on dry land, regular water resistance is normally enough.
Weight and ErgonomicsWeight and ergonomics mean how comfortable the metal detector feels to carry and use for long periods. Lightweight detectors are easier to handle, especially for kids or anyone who plans to search for hours at a time. Features like adjustable shafts, padded grips, and balanced designs reduce fatigue and make the hunt more enjoyable. Before buying, consider who will be using the detector most and how much time they’ll spend searching. Trying different models or reading user experiences about comfort is a smart move.

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