Looking to get started with metal detecting? After reviewing a lot of the different options available, we’ve found the Fisher F22 metal detector to be a superb choice for beginners.
Of course, there are a couple of other excellent options you might want to consider depending on your needs. Before we get to our top picks, let’s look at the most important factors you’ll need to consider before making a buying a beginner-friendly metal detector.
Important Factors To Consider When Buying a Metal Detector
What will you be treasure hunting for
First, you need to decide what kind of treasure hunting you want to carry out. Most beginner metal detectors are designed for all-purpose hunting. So if you’re planning to look for coins, money, jewelry, and relics, they should be suitable enough. If you want to hunt for gold, however, you’ll likely need a more advanced detector that operates at a higher frequency.
Where will you be treasure hunting
Next, you’ll need to consider your hunting grounds. Some of the best locations to go metal detecting include parks, beaches, woodlands, and even your yard. The soil in your hunting ground will have some level of mineralization and this could interfere with the operation of your detector.
Thus, if you live in an area with highly mineralized soil, you’ll need a detector that can handle such conditions. Some entry-level metal detectors only offer preset ground balance which cannot be adjusted to deal with such soils. So you’ll need to look out for models that offer automatic or manual ground balance.
If you want to hunt underwater for metal items, you’ll need to get a waterproof metal detector. Most entry-level models feature waterproof search coils. However, the control box is usually not waterproof. Thus, you’ll have to tread with caution and only use it to hunt in shallow water.
Affordability of the metal detecor
Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget before making a purchase decision. Many beginner metal detectors offer great detection capabilities at an affordable price. If you’ve got a large budget, though, you can go for beginner-friendly models that offer more advanced features.
Let’s dive right in to find out which beginner-friendly metal detector fits your budget and requirements!
Top 10 Best Metal Detectors for Beginners
If you’re new to metal detecting but intend to take a serious interest in the hobby, a toy metal detector won’t do. You’ll need a product that can get you the results you want. Here is are our top 10 list of the best metal detectors for beginners available today.
1. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector
The entry-level Fisher F22 metal detector offers a lot of value for money and is a great choice for beginners. It features a lightweight design that makes it easy to handle and comfortable to use. Thus, you can use it for longer metal detecting sessions without experiencing much strain or fatigue.
A standout feature on the F22 is the adjustable Iron Audio, which allows you to adjust the signal volume for iron targets. This enables you to quickly detect if a target may be an undesirable iron object such as a bottle cap.
The F22 comes with a 9-inch waterproof search coil. Thus, you can use it in any weather and even in shallow water. It operates at a frequency of 7.69 kHz and works well for finding coins. It offers a fast retune speed and reliable discrimination levels.
Another selling point of the Fisher F22 is its large LCD screen and straightforward controls. The screen displays category ID numbers which indicate what type of metal has been detected. The F22 also offers four audio tones which you can customize to your preferred metals.
The Fisher F22 metal detector comes in at a great price and packs a lot of nice features. While it doesn’t have some higher end features such as manual ground balance, it’s an excellent entry-point for beginner metal detectors.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Waterproof search coil
- Adjustable Iron Audio
- Affordable
- Easy-to-use controls
- Large LCD screen
- Fast retune speed
- Multi tone audio
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- No manual ground balance
2. Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
The Garett ACE 300 metal detector is one of the most popular metal detectors for beginners. It combines ease of use, great features, and excellent performance in an affordable package.
On the ACE 300, you get 5 preset search modes – custom, jewelry, coins, relics, and zero-disc (no discrimination). It operates at a frequency of 8kHz which you can adjust. This feature can come in handy when you have to deal with electromagnetic interference.
The search coil is waterproof and, thus, the ACE 300 can be used to hunt metals in shallow water. Like the Fisher F22, it also offers numerical target ID functionality which helps you to identify discovered metals.
The ACE 300 also features a coin depth indicator which tells you how deep you’ll need to dig to retrieve your treasure. It also offers 3 audio tones to alert you to when targets are detected.
The product comes with three free accessories: Garett ClearSound Easy Stow headphones, ACE environmental cover up, and a search coil cover. It’s manufactured in the USA and is backed with a 2-year warranty.
The Garrett ACE 300 is a lightweight, well designed, and sturdy metal detector. If you’re looking for a good balance of price and performance, it is definitely a nice option to consider.amazon fields=”B07BR1L7SR” value=”button”]
Pros
- Coin depth indicator
- Easy to use
- 5 preset search modes
- Multi-tone audio
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Waterproof search coil
Cons
- No adjustable ground balance
- No Iron Audio
3. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
If you’re looking for a super-affordable metal detector that manages to deliver excellently on the basics, the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is for you. It features a simple analog target strength meter that works well enough. It offers three search modes: all metal, tone, and discrimination.
The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV comes with a waterproof 8 inch concentric coil that can be used for metal hunting in shallow water. It operates at a frequency of 6.6 kHz and can detect coin-size metal items up to 6 inches deep.
This metal detector is very well designed and easy to use. It weighs a reasonable 4.2 pounds and is comfortable to hold and swing. It offers an easy-to-use knob control interface that allows you to quickly switch between the three search modes.
For its price, the TK4 Tracker IV metal detector offers everything you’ll need to get started with treasure hunting. However, if you’re looking for some more advanced features such as target ID, Iron Audio, or a pinpointing mode, you might want to look somewhere else. On the plus side, it does offer preset ground balance, which is a nice bonus.
The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is an excellent budget metal detector for beginners. It’s affordable, easy to use, and gets the job done. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s one of the top rated metal detectors for beginners.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Waterproof coil
- Good depth and sensitivity
- Easy to use
- Automatic ground balance
- Sensitivity control
Cons
- No pinpoint mode
- No advanced features
4. Nokta Makro Simplex+ WHP Waterproof Detector
The Nokta Makro Simplex+ metal detector is a good option to consider if you’ve got a more generous budget. It offers a number of nice features that make it ideal for beginners and intermediate treasure hunters alike.
This metal detector comes with four search modes: all metal, field, beach, and park. You get three audio tones for distinguishing between different metals. Iron Audio is also present and you can lower the signal volume on iron targets.
The Simplex+ is IP68 water-resistant and can be submersed to a maximum depth of 10 feet (3 metres). The metal detector comes with a flashlight, which is useful for hunting in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It also offers a vibration signal feature, which is a nice touch for the hearing impaired.
The product is also lightweight and easy to use. It offers adjustable sensitivity, pinpoint mode, frequency shift, and many other useful features. You can use automatic ground balance on the all metal, field, and park search modes. The beach mode, however, gives you manual ground balance, which is great.
The Nokta Makro Simplex+ metal detector comes with wireless headphones in the package. The rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of use, which should be more than ideal for most hunting sessions. The product comes with a 2-year warranty and is an excellent metal detector for beginners.
Pros
- IP68 water-resistant
- Lightweight
- 4 search modes
- Manual and automatic ground balance
- Good value for money
Cons
- Battery life may prove insufficient for longer periods away from a power source
5. Minelab X-TERRA 305 Metal Detector
The Minelab X-TERRA 305 metal detector is another entry-level detector aimed at beginners. It packs a decent array of features that make it worth considering if you’re new to treasure hunting.
The X-TERRA 305 features Minelab’s proprietary VFLEX technology which allows you to switch between coils of different frequencies. The metal detector is compatible with 7kHz and 18.75kHz coils. You can purchase a higher frequency coil option separately.
With the X-TERRA 305, you get two preset search modes and three audio tones. You also get a noise-canceling function, adjustable target volume, and depth indicator. The product also offers manual ground balance adjustment, which is rare among metal detectors targeted at beginners.
The metal detector features a large, clear LCD and simple controls. The iron discrimination is one of the best you’ll find among beginner options. The product is lightweight and comfortable to use for lengthy hunting sessions.
If you’re looking for a high performance entry level metal detector to get started with, the Minelab X-TERRA 305 is an option you should certainly consider. It comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.ORDER NOW
Pros
- Manual ground balance adjustment
- Noise cancelling function
- Compatible with 7kHz and 18.75KHz coils
- Great iron discrimination
- Depth indicator
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Included standard coil isn’t the best option
6. Teknetics EuroTek PRO Metal Detector
The Teknetics EuroTek PRO metal detector ticks most of the right boxes and comes in at a great price for beginners. It features an 8-inch waterproof search coil and, thus, can be used in any weather and for treasure hunting in freshwater streams.
The EuroTek PRO offers adjustable iron discrimination with 40 different levels. You can also adjust the tones emitted when different targets are detected with the Fe Tone adjustable iron audio feature. The detector is lightweight, well balanced, and easy to use.
It also comes with an LED indicator that lights up when iron targets are detected. It also offers a no-motion pinpoint mode, which helps you locate the metal target. The EuroTek PRO also features adjustable sensitivity.
The product doesn’t come assembled in the box, but can be assembled easily without much hassle. It has a large LED screen with simple controls. On the minus side, there is no automatic or manual ground balance included with this model.
The Teknetics EuroTek PRO is an affordable, capable, metal detector that will suit your metal detecting needs. It has many positive reviews from satisfied customers.
Pros
- Waterproof search coil
- Large LED display
- Pinpoint mode
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Fe Tone Adjustable Iron Audio
- Adjustable sensitivity
Cons
- No automatic or manual ground balance
7. Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector
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The Garrett ACE 400 metal detector is a superb option to consider if you have a larger budget to work with. Just like the ACE 300, it packs a solid array of features. Everything on the ACE 300 is available here too but the ACE 400 adds a couple of desirable features as well.
The product comes with a larger 8.5 inch x 11 inch waterproof search coil and operates at a higher frequency of 10kHz. Thus, it offers better small object sensitivity and target separation. It also includes Iron Audio, which is lacking on the ACE 300.
The ACE 400 comes with a couple of extra accessories including a search coil cover, the ClearSound headphones, and the Garrett ACE rain cover. You also get 4 “AA” batteries in the package. The product comes with a 2-year warranty.
The Garrett ACE 400 is a nice upgrade to the ACE 300 and a great choice if you want the additional features.
Pros
- Iron Audio
- Five search modes
- 10 kHz waterproof search coil
- Extra accessories included
- Electronic pinpointing
- Notch discrimination
- Frequency Adjust feature
Cons
- No automatic or manual ground balance
- Might be a bit pricey for beginners
8. RM RICOMAX Professional Metal Detector GC-1037
The RM RICOMAX GC-1037 metal detector is another affordable option you might want to consider if you’re on a tight budget. It features three search modes: all metal, disc mode, and pinpoint. It comes with a 10-inch search coil which is IP68 waterproof rated.
The GC-1037 features a target ID scale with a range of 0 to 99. The info is displayed on a large LCD display with adjustable backlight brightness. The product is well built and comfortable to use.
The metal detector comes with a carrying bag, digging shovel, and a headphone in the box. Thus, with your minimal investment, you’re ready to begin hunting for precious metal.
The GC-1037 offers a lot of value for money and is a great product to get started with. There’s no huge learning curve with this model as it’s very easy to use. If you’re looking for a super affordable, yet high quality metal detector, the RM RICOMAX GC-1037 is worth considering.
Pros
- Waterproof search coil
- Large LCD with adjustable backlight
- Target ID functionality
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- No adjustable ground balance
9. Minelab Vanquish 540 Metal Detector
If you’re looking to hunt for gold, silver, and jewelry, the Minelab Vanquish 540 is a capable metal detector for the job. It features Minelab’s Multi-IQ technology which gives you a wide range of frequencies to work with.
The Minelab Vanquish 540 metal detector features a 12 inch x 9 inch DD waterproof coil. It offers four pre-set search modes: relic, coin, jewellery, and all metal. You also have the option to add custom search modes with your preferred settings.
The Vanquish 540 also features audio control, iron-bias control, and pinpoint mode. It offers 5 different target tones, and offers 10 levels of volume and sensitivity adjustment. It also offers target ID functionality and 25 segments of discrimination. The product is lightweight and easy to use.
If you’re looking for pro-level performance in a beginner package, the Minelab Vanquish 540 is hard to beat. It offers excellent value for money if you can afford its price tag.
Pros
- Multi-IQ technology
- Audio control
- Waterproof search coil
- Pinpoint mode
- Iron-bias control
- Adjustable volume and sensitivity
- Custom search profiles
Cons
- Might be a little expensive for beginners
10. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro is a great entry-level metal detector that has a lot of nice features. It features seven modes of operation, four audio tones, target ID, pinpoint mode, a depth indicator, manual and automatic ground balancing, and variable notching.
The Land Ranger Pro comes with an 11 inch DD waterproof search coil. It operates at a frequency of 7.9 kHz. The detector is well designed and can be used for long periods without much fatigue.
The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro comes with a 5 year limited warranty. The product offers a good balance of affordability and features.
Pros
- 7 search modes
- Target ID
- Manual and automatic ground balancing
- Waterproof search coil
- Pinpoint mode
Cons
- No accessories included in the package
Ranking Criteria of How We Chose the Best Beginner-friendly Metal Detector
When ranking our picks for the best metal detector for beginners, we focused on three important factors: features, price, ease of use. The metal detectors reviewed above are targeted at beginners and, thus, are very easy to use and offer great value for money. They also offer a lot of useful features that you’ll appreciate having even as a beginner.
Most of these options are also very lightweight and portable. If you’re on a tight budget, we included a couple of super affordable options such as the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector.
Metal Detector Frequency
The operating frequency of a metal detector refers to the number of times it transmits and receives a signal every second. Most entry-level general purpose detectors operate at lower frequencies in the range of 5-10 kHz.
Metal Detector Discrimination
Discrimination refers to a detector’s ability to recognize and ignore certain types of metal items such as bottle caps and pull-tabs. This feature is a must-have if you want to avoid the frustrating experience digging up garbage repeatedly.
Depth Indicator
Some metal detectors offer a basic coin depth indicator which provides you with a rough estimate of the depth of your find.
Ground Balance
Ground balance refers to the ability of your detector to bypass minerals in the soil. This reduces chatter and increases the detection depth in mineralized areas. Preset ground balance, which is common among entry-level detectors, means that the manufacturer has set the ground balance at a level suitable for most environments.
Some entry-level models offer automatic ground balance, which adjusts automatically to different conditions. Manual ground balance, found in higher-end detectors, allows the user to set the ground balance manually.
Frequently Asked Questions on Metal Detectors
How much do metal detectors cost?
Metal detectors vary in price depending on the features they offer. They’re usually not prohibitively expensive, though. Most entry-level metal detectors cost as little as a few hundred dollars to purchase.
What’s a good metal detector for beginners?
The Garrett Ace 300 metal detector is an excellent option to consider. It offers a great balance of features, affordability, and ease of use.
What’s the best metal detector for a beginner?
The Fisher F22 metal detector offers the best bang for your buck. If you’re looking for the best all-round metal detector for beginners, the Fisher F22 is the one to get.
Just Starting out? Here’s a Guide on How to Use a Metal Detector as a Beginner
The best way to learn how to use a metal detector is to practice using one. Before you get started, though, make sure to read the user manual. This will help you to get acquainted with your detector’s features and settings and to get the most out of it.
Your metal detector will likely be set to the default search mode, which is usually the All Metal mode. You can switch to other modes using knobs or the buttons on the display. Once you’ve set the mode you want, you’re ready to begin detecting.
Getting started with most beginner metal detectors is usually as simple as powering on the machine and starting to sweep or swing your device. You do this by moving the search coil from side to side as you systematically cover the area you’re searching.
When swinging your detector, you’ll want to move slowly as moving too fast might cause you to miss weak signals and compromise depth. It should take between 2-5 seconds to complete a cycle from left to right and back.
It’s also important to sweep low. Keep the search coil within 2 inches of the ground for the best depth and coverage. Also, try to keep the search coil parallel to the ground and avoid lifting it at the end of a sweep cycle. At the same time, you’ll need to take care not to allow the search coil to get bumped and jolted as you swing.
To pinpoint a target with your detector, you’ll need to make a mental note of where a signal is loudest as you sweep. You can also get a handheld pinpointer for this purpose. With a bit of practice and some patience, you’ll soon be enjoying your rewarding hobby.
3 Essential Metal Detector Tips for Beginners
Test your metal detector
It’s a good idea to test your device before heading to a search site. You can collect a couple of different metals and bury them at different depths. Check to see if your detector can pick up each item. Experiment with your detector’s settings and note the results produced.
Prepare a basic kit
In addition to your metal detector, you’ll need a couple of other tools for treasure hunting. Some of these include headphones, gloves, digging tools, and coil covers. Some metal detector products come with some of these accessories in the box.
You’ll probably also want to get a pinpointer once you begin to enjoy treasure hunting. This relatively cheap accessory could save you precious time when trying to retrieve items. Of course, some metal detectors include this functionality, so you may not need to get one.
Be patient
Metal detecting is a hobby that rewards patience and persistence. Digging up worthless trash is part of the game. However, if you take the time to learn the craft and hone your skills, you’ll enjoy your treasure hunting and, eventually, find something worthwhile.
In Conclusion to Beginner-friendly metal detectors
Treasure hunting can be a truly rewarding activity. With a good beginner metal detector, you’ll be able to get up to speed quickly without spending a fortune. If you’re looking for such a product, be sure to check out the options reviewed above.
SAY CHEESE! My name is Mike and I love technology, software, and crypto. I grew up around my ‘nerdy’ engineering parents who’ve worked for high tech start-ups and aerospace companies. They’ve taught me everything I know, from destructing the latest phones to playing around with drones, writing lines of code and investing in cryptocurrencies. I take things apart, put them back together and add some (code). I breathe and live tech and can’t wait to teach you more!