Best Metal Detectors
Top metal detectors ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Minelab Equinox 900
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Multi-frequency finds everything everywhere
- IP68 waterproof to 5 meters
- 12-hour rechargeable battery
Cons
- Steep learning curve for settings
- Premium price for the hobby
Don't buy this if…
- Multi-frequency operation requires understanding ground balance settings — poor setup leads to false signals in mineralized soil.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Waterproof to 10 feet for underwater use
- Z-Lynk wireless audio included
- Legendary Garrett reliability
Cons
- Single frequency limits versatility
- Heavier than competitors at 3.03 lbs
Don't buy this if…
- The included headphones are not wireless — you must purchase the Z-Lynk compatible wireless headphones separately.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Free firmware updates add features
- Lightweight carbon fiber shaft
- Excellent value for multi-frequency
Cons
- Newer brand with smaller user community
- Stock coil is average quality
Don't buy this if…
- Firmware updates require a specific USB cable and computer — the update process can brick the unit if interrupted.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Multi-frequency at mid-range price
- Familiar Garrett interface
- Lightweight at 2.5 lbs
Cons
- Not fully waterproof — control box is water resistant only
- Z-Lynk headphones cost extra
Don't buy this if…
- The control box is only water-resistant, not waterproof — do not submerge in water or use in heavy rain.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 2D target identification is industry-leading
- GPS waypointing built in
- 5-inch high-res color display
Cons
- Heaviest in its class at 3.1 lbs
- Expensive with limited coil options at launch
Don't buy this if…
- The advanced 2D ID system requires significant time to learn — expect a lengthy adjustment period coming from other detectors.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Completely wireless operation
- Ultra-fast recovery speed for trash
- Modular component system
Cons
- Complex menu system
- Premium price for the wireless convenience
Don't buy this if…
- Each wireless component has its own battery — all three must be charged independently before detecting sessions.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Extremely affordable entry point
- Simple three-mode operation
- 25-hour battery life on 9V cells
Cons
- Single frequency limits discrimination
- Control box is not waterproof
Don't buy this if…
- The 6.6 kHz frequency struggles with small gold jewelry and thin gold rings — consider a higher frequency for jewelry hunting.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Weatherproof for rain detecting
- Iron audio helps reject trash
- Very lightweight at 2.3 lbs
Cons
- Fixed single frequency
- No wireless headphone support
Don't buy this if…
- Weatherproof does not mean waterproof — the coil can be submerged in shallow water but the control box cannot.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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