Are you looking for the best metal detector for beginners? Don’t know what features to look out for?  Our experts with a combined experience of over 2-decades will help you out.

America has been a fan of gold prospecting ever since James Marshall discovered gold in the American River in 1848. While equipment has changed over the years – with high-tech detectors replacing gold pans – the passion for gold prospecting has remained the same.

Inculcating the same passion in the new generation are the best metal detectors for beginners.

Packed with useful features, they have waterproof coils, provide immense depth ranges, and are also lightweight. And in case you’re wondering where you could find such detectors, that’s where this article comes into play.

Best Beginners’ Metal Detector – Comparison Table

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker– Best Metal Detector for Money

The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker offers a unique amalgam of low-price and high-end features. It means if you don’t want to pay over the odds, this is a tracker you should consider. But not before you look at its features.

Features:

First thing first, the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker has a detection depth of 8’’ for smaller coins. And provided you’re looking for something bigger – such as a gold bullion – it can go as far as 2-feet below the surface with ease.

Next up is its display, and there’s nothing to look for here, really, as this detector has a non-digital display. So, if you want to adjust its depth, sensitivity, and power – all of which are adjustable – you’ve no choice but to turn to the detector’s knob interface.

More importantly, you’re given the option to discriminate between your search targets by this detector. You could decide using the knob whether to narrow down the search to a specific target – i.e. gold – or whether to enlarge it to include every metal object.

Then there is the feature which makes the TK4 truly special: preset ground balance. This feature makes sure that the detector ignores any salt contents that may exist in its target area to ensure that the occurrence of false signals is minimum.

Also, if you intend to search underwater, you may find it good to know that this unit is waterproof. However, that doesn’t mean that it can be fully submerged in water, as only the 8’’ coil of this unit is water-resistant.

Finally, making the storage of this unit a cinch is its adjustable stem which allows you to decrease its height for easy storage. It also offers a padded armrest which keeps hand pains at bay even when you use this unit for extended periods.

Bounty Hunter BHJS– Best for 6-year-olds

Weighing just under 1.5-pounds and with dimensions of 5 x 6 x 22 inches, the Bounty Hunter BHJS especially targets the kids’ market. If your child’s age is six or above, you won’t want to miss out on this unit.

Features:

That the metal detector aims to target the kids’ market doesn’t mean its feature-set is on the lighter side. Rather, it allows your little ones to adjust its sensitivity to phase out the occurrence of false signals. It also features adjustable volume controls using which you could tone its volume up or down.

Turning our attention to its detection depth, and the BJHS disappoints on one count and excites on the other. It disappoints with its range for detecting coins as it won’t go more than 5’’ deep to search small relics. However, if it is large objects that you’re after, it offers a mammoth 3-foot range.

Since beginners have a lower level of tolerance than veterans, the BHJS decides not to test their patience by providing this unit with a preset ground balance. Though not as good as tracking ground balance – which adjusts the detector on the move – the automatic ground balance is much better than its manual counterpart which relies on your expertise to phase out false signals.

Making sure that your little one remains interested in his hobby is the target indicator feature of this model. This feature tells what the target is likely to be, and it does that by displaying numbers between 0 and 100. It also displays signals whose strength increases as you dig close to your target, so you know that you’re going in the right direction.

What’s more, you can eliminate iron and other trashy items from this detector’s final results by using its discrimination feature. Remember, the higher the discrimination, the fewer items the detector targets. So better keep the number low if you’re just starting.

Finally, while its coil isn’t waterproof, what the BHJS does provide is a weather-resistant coil, which is normally enough to handle humid conditions. You can also adjust the sensitivity of this model and a low battery indicator comes built-in on the unit.

Fisher F22 – Best Gold Metal Detector for Beginners

The Fisher F22 is an upgrade on the F2 metal detector, a device which ruled the entry-level roost ever since its inception in 2007. And as its features would tell, the F22 is a worthy successor.

Features:

Starting from what the F22 can do, and the list is pretty exhaustive, to be honest. For, in addition to boasting 10 adjustable sensitivity levels, it has a detection depth of 9’’ in clear conditions. Its coil, though not waterproof, has enough sturdiness to handle humid conditions. A 2 digit Target ID, which ranges between 1 and 99, is also on offer.

Impressed with its early features? Here’s the best bit: the F22 also offers a pinpointing feature. This feature helps locate the exact spot the treasure lies once the detector magnetic rays have reached that area.  Afterward, as you dig and their distance with the treasure reduces, the tone will get louder to tell you that you’re going the right way.

Also, regardless of what you’re after, the four searching modes of this device will help you out. Among the four modes, activate the artifact mode if you’re after steel stakes and turn to the coin mode if you want the detector to act with speed. The relic mode, meanwhile, detects gold and silver – whereas we have already discovered the pinpoint mode.

Since it is charged by two high-power AA batteries, you should expect to get more than 15-hours on one charge. The screen of the F22, meanwhile, offers a readout to tell the distance between your current position and the resting position of your target. So you could tell how close (or far) you’re from your target.

Finally, just because it tells you the distance doesn’t mean the F22 requires you to dig all the way down to discover what the hidden object is. Instead, it has a nine-segment visual and numeric target ID which tells you in advance what lies beneath the surface.

Fisher Gold Bug – Amazon’s Choice

The Fisher Gold Bug Metal Detector isn’t as cheap as some others in this review but it does have the features to justify its price tag. Add to this its low maintenance and large battery timing, and this detector might be what you need.

Features:

First of all, the Fisher Gold Bug has a dual-mode operation to attract your attention, the first of which is the All Metal Mode. And if you don’t like the false signals that are a given in this mode, you could use the Discrimination Mode to iron things out.

Complementing both the modes is the impressive battery timing and large detecting depth of this device. Starting with the former, you could easily get 25+ hours from the 9-volt battery of the Gold Bug. As for the latter, it allows you to look as low as 12’’ beneath the surface for buried relics.

Equally important are the two discriminating tones which the Gold Bug offers. The first among those tones has a high pitch, and it beeps whenever the Gold Bug’s rays hit iron. Or, if you are lucky, you’d get a high tone albeit with varying pitch and volume depending on the distance of the target from the detector.

To aid you in search of your target, four features of this model deserve particular attention. The first among them is a large LCD screen which displays all the info you’d ever need. Then there is the 99 Numeric Target Identification which tells you via numbers the type of object buried underneath the ground.

Also available is a target alert which comes into play every time the detector detects a large target. Finally, to tell you how far (or close) you’re from the target, a signal strength indicator is also available. And if that feature wasn’t enough, the computer-assisted ground balance of this model should surely win your heart.

Tesoro Silver uMax – Best Metal Detector for 7-year-olds

If your child is just getting their feet wet in the detecting hobby, the Tesoro Silver uMax deserves your attention. This model has been so popular that despite being released in 2005, it is still going strong.

Features:

Just like the abovementioned Fisher Gold Bug, the Silver uMax has got two search modes: All Metal Mode and Discrimination Mode. It takes the lead over the Gold Bug, however, by offering both these modes at zero volume. It means you won’t have nosy beeps disturbing your expedition.

Complementing the Silent Search Modes is the low noise circuitry of this device which makes sure it operates at near silent volume. Then there is its 9-volt battery which keeps the unit going for 20hours+ on one charge. And you could check the remaining battery life by pressing a push battery button located on the control panel of the uMax.

Moving on, while the 8’’ concentric coil of this unit isn’t waterproof, what it does offer is an excellent detecting depth of up to 12’’. The coil also comes built-in with a ground balance feature which keeps minerals away from appearing in the search results of this device.

Finally, to let beginners understand the nuances of metal detecting, this unit doesn’t offer any digital output or display. Also absent are other features including a pinpointer, Target ID indicator, and a depth readout. It means that the uMax provides only those features which one expect from a beginner-level detector.

Winbest Master 200– Best Metal Detector for Child

For an under $200 model which is a new entrant into the market, the Winbest Master 200 attracts the attention of customers with its low price tag, large LCD display, and a user-intuitive control panel. That said, it doesn’t provide any bells and whistles.

Features:

The Winbest Master 200 relies on a 10’’ concentric searchcoil which provides it with a detecting depth of around 10’’. It then displays the depth of its target using about a dozen notches. Remember, if the display offers more notches, it means the target lies deep. Conversely, if it shows relatively few of those, it means you’re close to the target.

Instead of relying on a straightforward discrimination mode, Winbest relies on the combination of disclination and notching capabilities. Both these features allow you to exclude certain types of metal from your search to refine the final results.

One feature that truly stands out about this model is its large display screen. Apart from displaying a target ID number which corresponds to various metal types, the screen contains small tabs to tell whether you’ve hit a screw, nail, pull-tab, quarter, nickel, and various other finds. Also, while the screen has sensitivity levels as well, what it lacks is volume control.

Finally, the Master 200 is a cinch to assemble as it requires no tools for the same. It runs on two 9-volt batteries and weighs a paltry 2.3 pounds, making it one of the lightest metal detectors in this review, and arrives with a one-year warranty. An arm-strap, which allows easy maneuvering and control of the detector, is also included in the package.

Tesoro Mojave Metal Detector – Best Metal Detector for 12-year-old

For those of you who want to take no risk with their money, the Tesoro Mojave – thanks to its lifetime warranty – provides just that. However, it doesn’t contain all the other features which we have seen in some high-end detectors in this review.

Features:

The first thing the detector would do when you turn it on is to conduct an automatic battery test. That is, even before you start detecting, you’d know how much battery life the detector has left, with louder tones meaning longer battery life. However, the lack of volume control means you cannot adjust the noise level of the tone.

Its interface contains three controls: sensitivity, ground condition, and discrimination. You are allowed to choose from six sensitivity levels with a dial if you are not picking anything up or receiving too much feedback. The ground condition can be adjusted via a switch; with low position for areas with less mineralization and high dial position corresponding to areas with loads of mineralization.

Then comes the discrimination and like sensitivity, you can customize it using a dial. If you turn its dial to the extreme left, the detector won’t detect anything but precious metals. Turn it too far to the left, and the device would start picking up junk.

However, if you are using Mojave, the fact that it doesn’t provide a target ID indicator means you know nothing about the object buried underneath unless you dig it up. Thankfully, a manual pinpointing feature is on offer.

Finally, the 9-volt battery of this device keeps it running for 15-hours hours and since it weighs a paltry 2.2 pounds, you shouldn’t have any problem maneuvering this detector.

INTEY Classic Metal Detector – Best Entry Level Metal Detector

Of all the metal detectors that we have reviewed thus far, this one is certainly the most inexpensive. That, however, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have some quality features.

Features:

The Classic Metal Detector provides two search modes, the first of which is the All Metal Mode. You can trust this mode if all you’re looking is for some buried coins, iron, or aluminum. However, if it is silver or bronze you’re after, turn to the Discrimination Mode which is also on offer.

Belying the meager price tag of this model is its sensitivity function which relies on a combo of volume and pointer movement. That is, the closer you’re to your target, the higher the volume of the beeping tone and the more tilted will be the pointer towards the extreme right.

It also lets you find the exact position of the target with its pinpoint function. All you have to do to activate this feature is to press the red button, move the detector slowly before releasing the detector once it beeps. Then, wait for 2 seconds and you’d have the exact position of the target.

You can also take this detector with you to the beach as it is waterproof. Remember, while the coil and the stem can withstand shallow water, the display panel couldn’t. Otherwise, if you dip it in water, the display panel might malfunction.

Finally, if you’re searching in a noisy street, the detector has an audio jack which accepts headphones connection to provide volume direct to your ears. There is also a low battery indicator and the manufacturer sweetens the deal of this detector by providing a shovel in the package.

NHI Classic Metal Detector – Best Metal Detector for 11-year-old

Not all of us can afford to spend our money on expensive metal detectors. There is a large majority which wants the best bang for their buck. And guess what, the NHI Classic Metal Detector – with its meager price tag and above-average features – vows to serve the majority.

Features:

Even before you start using this device, the contents of its package would make a good impression in your mind. For, in addition to the detector itself, 1x Multi-Function Folding Shovel and 1x Beginners guidebook is included in the package, and that is apart from the user-guide.

Once it has made its reputation in your mind, the NHI would sustain it by providing an above-average set of features for its price tag. Take, for instance, the discrimination function which lets you program the device to differentiate trash from treasure, before eliminating the former from your results.

Complementing the discrimination feature are the different sensitivity modes which allow the device to focus on the target. Then there is the pinpointer function which tells you exactly where the target you’re looking for is lying underneath the ground.

Adding the cherry on top of the features’ cake of this device is its waterproof coil and steam and a red-light low battery indicator. And if you’re still worried about whether this device will suit you, its 2-year warranty should erase all your doubts.

URCERI GC-1069 Metal Detector – Best Starter Metal Detector

The Urceri GC-1069 is the 3^rd-most inexpensive model on this list which is also accurate and intuitive in the way it performs. So potent has been its feature-set that the fact that it is one of the newest entrants in the market hasn’t dented the GC-1069’s reputation.

Features:

Like the NHI Classic, the GC-1069 tries to attract your respect right from the moment you take it out of the delivery package. It does that by providing a handsome list of accessories – which includes a shovel, pair of headphones, a carrying bag, and a user manual – in the package.

Thanks to its 8.7’’ waterproof search coil, the GC-1069 could go as deep as 5’’ below the ground. It also has two operation modes, the first of which only searches for metals. The second mode, meanwhile, discriminates to provide more precise results. Also available is the adjustable sensitivity mode and an audio jack for the headphone is also provided on the device.

Every piece of information which this detector collects is showcased on its color-LED display, including depth, battery level, and sensitivity. The control panel, which, unlike the stem and coil isn’t waterproof, also contains the volume adjusting button.

A battery indicator is also provided which will notify you whenever the battery gets low. Though, since it weighs 5.95 lbs., it is clearly visible that so many controls on the panel weigh the unit down.

Brian Fielding

Hi, My name is Brian Fielding, for the last 10 years ive been taking metal detecting from a hobby to my full time research. I love the idea that you can just relax and kick back while you listen to the noises, ive been lucky enough to love the sport, keeps me healthy and keeps me going!