Best Metal Detectors For Beginners

Get Expert Recommendations For The Best Metal Detectors For Beginners!

Dying to start metal detecting but need help determining what detector is right for you? This down-and-dirty guide will help you find the right metal detector for your adventures, no matter what type of treasure you hope to find! 

Metal Detecting - A terrific hobby for beginners and experts alike!

Metal detecting is one of the fastest-growing hobbies today, and doesn't it make sense? Not only do you get to spend time outside soaking up the beauty of nature and visiting all kinds of interesting locations, but the thrill of the hunt offers excitement you don't find many other places in modern life. Honestly, it doesn't get much better than realizing you've found treasure. We're talking REAL treasure: gold, coins, jewelry, and even long-lost historical gems. Once you get rolling, you'll be astonished at the cool things you find. 

Another reason metal detecting is growing rapidly? It doesn't matter if you're a kid or an adult, a seasoned hunter, or a beginner; anyone can succeed with metal detecting! You don't have to be a professional treasure hunter with years of experience and super-expensive equipment to find something great.

As you might imagine, the first question most people looking to get started with metal detecting ask is, "What is the best metal detector for a beginner?" With the dizzying array of options available today, the choice can seem intimidating. Especially as many of the metal detectors on the market today are loaded with features that once were only available on the most expensive machines. You might wonder, "Which of these features even matter? Do I really need that to get started? What does that even do?" Don't worry; we've pulled together a detailed list of the best metal detectors for beginners. We’re going to answer all your questions and more, so you can pick a metal detector today and get hunting!  

Garrett AT PRO - Best all-around metal detector for beginners. 

 

If you've been Googling metal detectors, you've probably noticed the Garrett AT Pro has something of a cult following among metal detecting enthusiasts, and with good reason. This metal detector is tried and true. It's simple enough to use that a beginner can operate it right out of the box. Still, it offers plenty of advanced features that a more seasoned hunter will love. This is our all-time top pick for beginners; you simply cannot go wrong starting your metal detecting adventures hunting with a Garrett AT PRO.

KEY FEATURES

• The Garrett AT Pro has six preprogrammed search modes that allow you to start hunting immediately without fussing with all sorts of settings. Includes a pinpoint mode that easily identifies your target's location.
• Adjustable Notch Discrimination allows you to tell the detector what type of metal you don't want it to detect.
• Pro Audio lets you 'hear' your targets. When hunting, you'll hear different tones depending on the type of metal the Garrett AT Pro picks up.
• Iron Audio is a great feature that helps you determine whether you're looking at desirable targets like coins or flat iron objects like bottle caps.
• The Garrett AT Pro is waterproof up to 10 ft. and can be used in fresh and saltwater. 

Want more details about all the excellent features included in this metal detector? Click here for the product's full technical specifications. 

PROS

• A high-quality metal detector that is good for all-around hunting. The Garrett AT Pro works well on all terrain, from forests to beaches.
• Reasonably priced especially considering the product quality and the included advanced features.
• Simple enough for a beginner to operate right out of the box but includes advanced features like Notch Discrimination, Iron Audio, and Pinpoint Modes.
• Waterproof and safe to use in both salt and fresh water.
• Comes standard with an 8.5” x 11” DD PROformance coil.
• Made in America.
• Backed by Garrett's excellent three-year manufacturer's warranty. 

CONS

• Not a true multi-frequency detector, though it is adjustable on the 15kHz frequency, which still helps cut out interference.
• Battery is not rechargeable.
• Included headphones are not Bluetooth capable.  

Garrett ACE 300 – Best for low and medium targets, including jewelry, coins, relics, and other metal items.

 

Are you looking for gold, jewelry, or coins? Then the Garrett Ace 300 is a great choice for you! This detector's preprogrammed modes work well to find all three, plus special features like iron discrimination help you separate the treasure from the trash. Overall, the Garrett Ace 300 is a well-priced metal detector with many valuable features; despite all you get in one machine, the Ace 300 is still straightforward to use. Select a mode that matches the type of treasure you're trying to find, and off you go! 

KEY FEATURES

• The Garrett Ace 300 has multiple search modes, including a preprogrammed jewelry mode, a preprogrammed coin mode, a zero-discrimination mode, an all-metal mode, and a pinpoint mode. Not only can you zero in on jewelry or coins, but the all-metal mode also works well for finding precious metals like gold. The pinpoint mode is always helpful for narrowing down the exact location of your targets.
• Adjustable Notch Discrimination filters out the type of metals you don't want to detect.
• Another great feature of the Garrett Ace is Digital Target ID, which shows a target metal's conductivity on a numeric identification scale from 0 to 99.
• The Garrett Ace 300 also has Iron Resolution. The increased resolution, made possible by more pixels, allows precise control of how much iron discrimination to apply. This feature is helpful in areas where the treasure is masked by iron trash.
• The Garrett Ace 300 also has an 8 kHz adjustable frequency to help with external interference from other metal detectors (useful at events like crowded club hunts or rallies) and/ or any other electrical interference. The longer you metal detect, the more you'll appreciate this feature.  

Get the full technical specifications for the Garett Ace 300 by clicking here. 

PROS

• The Garrett Ace 300 is a well-built metal detector well-suited to hunting on most types of terrain.
• This detector is very easy to use with preset hunting modes. Beginners will appreciate how they can get started hunting right away. However, it still includes many advanced features you'll appreciate as you improve your hunting skills.
• The Garrett Ace 300 is very well priced, especially considering this metal detector's features, including multiple search modes, Digital Target ID, an adjustable frequency, and Iron Resolution.
• This detector has a clean and simple user interface with quick access to the settings you need the most.
• Weighing in at 2.8lbs, it's quite light.
• Comes standard with a 7” x 10” submersible concentric search coil.
• Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones with volume control, an environmental cover for the control box, and a coil cover are included with the detector.
• Made in America.
• Backed by Garrett's three-year manufacturer's warranty. 

CONS

• Does not have an Iron Audio feature.
• Not a true multi-frequency detector, though it is adjustable on the 8kHz frequency, which still helps cut out interference.
• Battery is not rechargeable.
• While the search coil is submersible, the Garrett Ave 300 is not completely waterproof.
• Included headphones are not Bluetooth capable. 

Garett ACE 400 – Best for finding silver, also an excellent choice for finding gold, jewelry, or other relics.

 

The Garett Ace 400 is the top-performing detector in the Garett Ace line and a perfect choice if you want to hunt for silver. During field testing, Michael Bennett of Nugget Noggin, a popular YouTube metal detecting channel, noted, "This machine is a silver finder!" In terms of technical specs, the Garett Ace 400 offers all the features of the Ace 300, plus sensitivity improvements to many features and the addition of the handy Iron Audio feature. Like the entire Garett Ace line, the Garett Ace 400 is still very easy to use, think turn on and go, despite additional features. This detector was designed with beginners and casual hobbyists in mind, making The Garett Ace 400 an excellent choice for a beginner who wants high performance and is willing to jump to the next price point to get started detecting.

KEY FEATURES

• The Garrett Ace 400 has five search modes, including a pinpoint mode.
• A significant feature addition to the Garrett Ace 400 is the Iron Audio feature. This can be used in conjunction with the high-resolution 40-level iron discrimination. Iron Audio lets you hear discriminated iron to avoid digging up undesired flat iron targets such as bottle caps or washers.
• Target-ID legend identifies targets as they appear on your LCD screen.
• Adjustable Notch Discrimination filters out the type of metals you don't want to detect.
• The Garrett Ace 400 also has a 10 kHz adjustable frequency to help with external interference from other metal detectors (useful at events like crowded club hunts or rallies) and/ or any other electrical interference.
• Improved audio output gives you clearer target-ID tone signals.

Want to read the full technical specs for the Garrett Ace 400? Click here for more info.

PROS

• The Garrett Ace 400 has five preprogrammed search modes plus a pinpoint mode which are easy to use, making this detector a good choice for beginners.
• The Garrett Ace 400 offers all the valuable features of the Ace 300, such as Digital Target ID, an adjustable frequency, and Iron Resolution. It is also the only detector in the Ace lineup with Iron Audio. This terrific feature helps you weed out undesirable metal targets when searching. (Watch the demo video on this feature included below!)
• Comes standard with an 8.5" x 11" DD PROformance submersible coil, which offers improved coverage and depth.
• Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones with volume control, an environmental cover for the control box, and a coil cover are included with the detector.
• Made in America.
• Backed by Garrett's three-year manufacturer's warranty. 

CONS

• Not a true multi-frequency detector, though it is adjustable on the 10kHz frequency, which still helps cut out interference.
• Battery is not rechargeable.
• While the search coil is submersible, the Garrett Ace 400 is not completely waterproof.
• Included headphones are not Bluetooth capable. 

Garrett ACE APEX – A true multi-frequency detector packed with features that still works for beginners. Use it to search for anything, pretty much anywhere.

 

 

Garett didn't go wrong when they named their Garett Ace Apex the "flagship" detector of the Ace lineup. While this detector offers all the features of the other Ace models, almost every feature has been upgraded; instead of the typical five search modes, the Ace Apex offers six plus an additional pinpoint mode. Five Tone Audible Target ID, Iron Audio, a Hybrid Audio system, and High-Resolution Ground Balance are all new or significantly improved compared to previous Ace models.

One major difference in the Garett Ace Apex compared to any other detector in the line is that the Apex is a true multi-frequency detector. Why does having a multi-frequency detector matter? Lower frequencies generally offer improved detection on larger and more conductive targets (think large silver coins). Higher frequencies typically offer improved detection on smaller and less conductive targets (hammered silver coins, gold nuggets). Considering this, having the option to switch frequencies or even search with all frequencies simultaneously gives you incredible versatility when hunting. You can use a single frequency to search for a particular target or all frequencies simultaneously to look for multiple types of targets (even in a variety of soil types). 

Now, don't start getting intimidated. You might wonder, "Is the Garrett Ace Apex really a good choice for a beginner? Did this reviewer get excited about all the features and go off the deep end?" Don't worry; while we are super excited about all the great features that will maximize your treasure finding, we still remember the needs of a beginner. The Garrett Ace Apex does many things that make it an excellent choice for beginners, like intuitive and efficient controls with direct drive buttons for the most frequently used settings and easy menu access for other adjustments. Plus, the built-in search modes still let you start hunting immediately without a huge learning curve. As you fall in love with metal detecting and improve your hunting skills, you'll love all the additional features that the Garett Ace Apex has to offer, but you certainly don't need to use or understand them all right off the bat to have a successful hunt with the Garett Ace Apex.

KEY FEATURES

• The Garett Ace Apex has six detection modes: zero, coins, US Coins (with coin icons), jewelry, relics, and custom. Of course, there's a pinpoint mode as well.
• The Garett Ace Apex also boasts a Five Tone Audible Target ID, which provides greater audible target identification. Plus, a Hybrid Audio System offers the simplicity of binary audio with the benefits of subtle proportional audio to hear faint targets.
• Iron Audio lets you correctly identify iron objects, like bottle caps, before you dig.
• The 175-point high-resolution ground balance resolution ranges from ferrous to saltwater. You can adjust and optimize this detector for searches on all types of terrain, including hunts in salt water.
• The Garrett Ace Apex is a true multi-frequency detector with 5 khz, 10 khz, 15 khz, and 20 khz frequencies. The detector can be used with one frequency at a time or all the frequencies simultaneously, making this an incredibly versatile metal detector.
• Z-Lynk Wireless, included in the Garett Ace Apex, is faster than Bluetooth wireless technology.
• The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for about 15 hours of active use.

Want to read the full technical specifications for the Garrett Ace Apex, click here!  

PROS

• The Garett Ace Apex has six different search modes, plus pinpoint mode.
• Tons of advanced or boosted features, including: Five Tone Audible Target ID, Iron Audio, a Hybrid Audio system, and High-Resolution Ground Balance.
• A true multi-frequency metal detector with 5 khz, 10 khz, 15 khz, and 20 khz frequencies. Frequencies can be selected individually or used simultaneously with a multi-frequency mode.
• The Garett Ace Apex works with wireless headphones, no cords! There is still a jack in case you'd like to use the detector with a pair of wired headphones.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with an included micro USB charging cable included. No more running out of batteries.
• Made in America.
• Backed by Garrett's three-year manufacturer's warranty. 

CONS 

• While the search coil is submersible, the Garrett Ace Apex is not completely waterproof.

Minelab X-Terra Pro –Best budget metal detector for beginners. An excellent all-around pick that's full of features and sells for a great price.

 

The Minelab X-Terra Pro has taken the metal detecting market by storm. You may even find this metal detector sold out when you're ready to buy. However, it's worth getting on the waiting list, and be sure to snag one when you get the chance! 

(A little aside, we advise you to buy your Minelab X-Terra Pro from a reputable authorized dealer. Unfortunately, whenever there is high demand for a great product like the Minelab X-Terra Pro, lots of less-than-scrupulous retailers pop up with deals too good to be true and disappear when you have questions or concerns later. Not to toot our own horn, but Metal Detecting Shop is not only an authorized Minelab dealer; we offer a 100% Satisfaction or Your Money Back Guarantee and have top-notch customer support located right here in the US so you can shop with confidence.) 

The Minelab X-Terra Pro is very effective and boasts a ton of features like high-resolution target IDs, multi-tone audio, multiple frequencies, and excellent ground balancing. Typically, many of these features are only found in much more expensive metal detector models with a much higher price. Like many other detectors we've suggested for beginners, the Minelab X-Terra Pro also has several preprogrammed search modes, so you can use the detector right out of the box on any terrain. Another major bonus is that the Minelab X-Terra Pro is one of the few metal detectors that is fully waterproof, not just equipped with a submergible coil. It handles saltwater conditions well, so it is perfect for beach use. While not the most critical factor when choosing your metal detector, we also love how lightweight the X-Terra Pro is. It also breaks down into a remarkably compact little bundle that you can easily stick in a backpack, making it highly portable without much fuss.

KEY FEATURES

• The Minelab X-Terra Pro has three preprogrammed search modes, 2X Park, 2X Field, and 2X Beach. 
• The Pro-Switch lets you switch between frequencies and detect deeper targets.
• High-Resolution Target ID
• Multi-Tone Audio means you'll not only 'hear' if a target is trash or treasure, but you'll also be able to gauge its size and depth simply by listening.
• Fully waterproof to 16' and withstands saltwater conditions. 
• Lightweight (2.9 lbs.) and packs down to 25", making this a very portable detector. 

Looking for the full technical specs? Click here to get all the info.

PROS

• Three easy-to-use preprogrammed search modes, a large LCD, and an intuitive user interface make it easy for beginners to use right out of the box and for seasoned treasure hunters to fine-tune settings quickly and easily.
• The beach search mode is particularly nice to have, considering this metal detector is fully waterproof! 
• The Minelab X-Terra Pro has several great features, like high-resolution target ID, multi-tone audio, and excellent ground balancing that you wouldn't necessarily expect to get in a metal detector at this price point.
• This multi-frequency detector lets you fine-tune your searches by selecting the frequency best for the type of metal/ treasure you are hunting for. The ability to change frequencies also helps you filter out trash. 
• The in-built speaker has relatively high-quality audio and is included. The X-Terra Pro also works with either wired headphones, including waterproof wired headphones, and is Bluetooth capable should you want to go that route.  
• Comes standard with a waterproof 12" x 9" coil. 
• Lightweight and portable. 
• Built-in flashlight, red backlight display, backlit keypad, and handgrip vibration means the Minelab X-Terra Pro is great for nighttime hunts. 
• Great pricing!
• Backed by Minelab's three-year warranty.

 CONS

• While the Minelab X-Terra Pro is multi-frequency, there is not a mode that allows all frequencies to be run simultaneously. 
• Doesn't come with headphones, though the Minelab X-Terra Pro works with wired and wireless headphones should you want to purchase a pair. 

 

We hope this list of the best metal detectors for beginners has given you the information you need to pick a metal detector today, so you can get hunting ASAP! However, if you have additional questions or would like some personalized advice, Metal Detecting Shop is always happy to help! Please visit our contact page and send us a message. We love hearing from readers and would love to help you select a metal detector that will suit your personal needs.