The Best Starter Metal Detectors For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Starter Metal Detectors
Best Starter Metal Detectors

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Bounty Hunter TK4 Metal Detector

This handy device is equipped with Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode to help you find whatever you're looking for. The preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground for accurate target identification. With a disc/notch control that distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals, you can be sure the results are reliable. Read Review

2. Runner Up: OMMO Metal Detector

With a high accuracy and waterproof search coil, this detector is capable of detecting metals up to 8 inches deep. Equipped with three distinct modes and a large back-lit LCD screen to display different detecting depths, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced treasure hunters. Plus, its adjustable stem and armrest design make it comfortable to use. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: RM RICOMAX Metal Detectors

Easy to use, lightweight and ergonomic design, this metal detector is perfect for all-day use. With an intuitive LCD display you can select from four different detection modes, allowing you to find the metals you’re looking for while ignoring unwanted metals. The IP68 Waterproof & Big Search Coil, Advanced DSP Chip and Enhanced Automatic Balance Technology make it accurate and efficient in its search. Read Review

4. Best Speed: PANCKY Metal Detectors

Featuring 5 modes of operation and an upgraded DSP chip, this metal detector can locate coins up to 10" underground with improved search range and sensitivity. With a large colour LCD display, you get real-time detection dynamics for efficient treasure hunting. Plus, it has an ergonomic design with adjustable armrest and anti-slip handle for comfortable use over long periods. Read Review

5. Best Compatible: RM RICOMAX Metal Detector

With its high accuracy and more stable performance, get ready to take your metal detecting to the next level. Featuring a P/P function, this metal detector enables you to locate targets more accurately. Plus, it comes with two-mode detection - Disc mode for more precise data and Tone mode to distinguish between high or low tones. And with its waterproof design, you can detect in all weather conditions! Read Review

Metal detectors are a great way to explore the outdoors and can lead to some exciting discoveries. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, there are a variety of detectors out there to meet your needs. From all-purpose detectors to those specialized for particular types of metal, the choice can be overwhelming.

To help, we have collected the best starter metal detectors to get you started in this exciting hobby. These detectors are easy to use and are perfect for a beginner. They are also designed to find common types of metal, such as coins and relics, and will help you hone your skills as you become more experienced. So if you’re looking to get started in metal detecting, these are the best starter metal detectors to get you going.

We think the best starter metal detectors of 2024 is Bounty Hunter TK4 Metal Detector. It is made of high-quality material for long-lasting uses and has innovative technology for accuracy detection. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding OMMO Metal Detector if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Bounty Hunter TK4 Metal Detector
Our Score:
9.7
Bounty Hunter

Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals

Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode

Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode

Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions

Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals

Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode

Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground

Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions

Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals

TOP Choice #2 OMMO Metal Detector
Our Score:
9.5
OMMO

👣👣HUMANITY DESIGN & ADJUSTABLE: Don't worry about the length of the stem, the metal detector from 30 inches to 41-inch adjustable stem, suitable for different height adults, or kids. And the armrest design will help you to save more effort, makes you more comfortable and less stressed. Let's start your treasure hunt with the lovely OMMO metal detector

👣👣3 STRONG MODES OF OPERATIONS: OMMO metal detector kit has three distinct modes that make you can optimize from in detecting metals. ① All Metal Mode - the metal detector notifies you whenever it sees any metal. ② Disc Mode - you can utilize this gold metal detector to discriminate against other types of metal for a specific one. ③ Pinpoint – According to your environment to choose the different positioning strength, aids in the detection of metals by beeping

👣👣KINDLY KNOW THAT:There are some factors are likely to interfere with the correct signal from the metal detector. 1) Not put the device on the floor, cause most of the building floor has much metal embed. 2) Not suggested to use it indoors, large appliances can also interfere with metal detectors. 3) If you use it outdoors, avoid highly mineralized soil, places with metal waste. If you carry a digging tool, please also place it a little further away from the metal detector when detecting

👣👣LARGE BACK-LIT LCD DISPLAY: Usually is used beach metal detectors for adults and kids, which equipped with a large back-lit LCD screen to display different detecting depth, discrimination, operating mode, overload warning, sensitivity level, and battery level you can get information intuitively from the screen, which let you detecting more efficient and time-saving

👣👣HIGH ACCURACY & WATERPROOF SEARCH COIL: 10-inch metal detector with IP68 waterproof search coil, it has a high sensitivity, it detecting depth of up to 8 inches deep for small coins and metal objects, larger objects up to 3 feet. Waterproof search coil enables you to use detecting to underwater, Perfect for outdoor, like beach, stream, and yard. (Note: the control box is not waterproof)

TOP Choice #3 RM RICOMAX Metal Detectors
Our Score:
9.3
RM RICOMAX

💰Advanced Chip & 10” Detection Depth - This metal detector now uses the most advanced chip in 2022. Compared with last year's version, we have enhanced the automatic balance technology of the coil, which can detect underground depths up to 10". Whatever you're a beginner or advanced metal detectorist, GC-1037 metal detector will be an unmissable choice in this summer.

❤❤ No Risk Investment & Full Accessories - Not only you can get 1×Metal Detector, but also have 1×Carrying Bag, 1× Shovel (more durable & strong than other shovels). It has a headset jack that can be used with conventional headsets, two batteries are included. All our metal detectors were manufactured under strict quality standards and 100% checked before shipment. We offer LIFETIME call center support, any questions please contact us, and for sure we will find the right solution for you.

💰IP68 Waterproof & Big Search Coil - The underwater metal detector is an IP68 waterproof unit with a 10" big search coil, and the shaft that the coil is connected to is made of aluminum. The Advanced DSP Chip makes it more accurate than others and you can detect up to 10" depth, which means you could take it to a river or the beach to explore the hidden treasure underwater.

💰Convenient to Use - RM RICOMAX metal detector weighs only 2.31 pounds, is really lighter than others. The ergonomic handle design makes it perfect for all-day use, and the adjustable height(41.3” to 47.6”) makes it suitable for both adults&child. INTUITIVE LCD DISPLAY makes you can see the detection mode, sensitivity level, battery condition, and volume level conveniently, and you can also light up the screen if you want to detect metal in the darkness.

💰4 Strong Detection Modes - RM RICOMAX metal detector can detect metals including iron, aluminum, gold, bronze, silver and their articles in ALL METAL Mode. The DISC & NOTCH Modes make you can ignore unwanted metal improving the detection efficiency, then you can pinpoints the location of target accurately in P/P Mode.

4 PANCKY Metal Detectors
Our Score:
9.2
PANCKY

【10inch Waterproof Search Coil】PANCKY IP68 waterproof metal detector enables you works well in shallow water. Perfect for beach, stream, and rainy day. which means that you can freely dive with it and find treasures hidden from the eyes of the majority. Metal detectors can be easily cleaned and save. (Note: the control box is not waterproof).

【5 Modes of Operation】PANCKY adults metal detectors has 5 distinct modes allow you to effectively search for the desired metals. 🚩All METAL MODE , 🚩DISC MODE , 🚩MEMORY MODE , 🚩JEWELRY MODE, 🚩PINPOINTER We are equipped with a full range of accessories and you can start your treasure hunt as soon as you open the package.

【Upgraded DSP Chip】Upgraded DSP chip metal detector which improves search range and sensitivity, greatly conducive to detecting efficiency. It’s so powerful it can locate a quarter coin up to 10" underground. It can find larger objects at even greater depths.

【Great Newbie Gift】 Metal detector set with detection bag, shovel, earphones, perfect for birthdays, holidays, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas and other major holiday gifts. Let the novice start a treasure hunt quickly after receiving the gift.

【Ergonomics Design】 Equipped with 39.37" to 47.24" adjustable stem applicable to different height gold detector enthusiasts. It has got an ergonomic design that involves adjustable armrest and an anti-slip handle that equips your hunting experience with comfort. Besides, we also provide one Backpack, convenient to carry and store the metal detector.

【Intuitive LCD Display 】Large color LCD display allows you to get the detection dynamics at any time. It’s convenient for you to get the type of metal target, depth, recognition, sensitivity level, operating mode. which let you detecting more efficient and time-saving.

5 RM RICOMAX Metal Detector
Our Score:
9.1
RM RICOMAX

★ YOUR ZERO INVESTMENT★ - We are confident that our metal finders (required two 9 volt alkaline batteries, not included) are manufactured under strict quality standards. For any problem, you can contact us and we will reply you immediately to solve all of your worries. In addition, we offer a FREE REPLACEMENT POLICY without any costs from your side and LIFETIME , totally no risk for you!

★High-accuracy & more stable★ - this metal detector with up to 8'' Detecting depth can pick up more buried objects. With P/p function, It enables you to locate the target more accurately. Compared to other metal detectors, the dial Treasure hunter provides a more stable detection of all-metal mode including Coins, keys, gold, silver, jewelry and their articles.

★Easy detecting with two-mode★ - simply set mode to disc or tone mode, you can find any metal you want. Disc mode provides you with more precise detection data in terms of your purpose, detecting the specific targets and remove unwanted metal according to your demand. Tone mode motion all-metal and distinguishes different metal types with high or low tones. Increase your detection efficiency.

★Enjoy Treasure hunting with 8'' Waterproof search coil★ - the search coil is designed to be 8 inches, which makes metal detecting more sensitive. Both the adjustable stem and coil (not include control box) are waterproof, which means that the gold Digger is extremely perfect for metal detecting activities in the garden, local park, on the beach and all health outdoor locations. All Season resistance.

★A perfect gift for kids with adjustable stem ★ 33 to 40. 6 inches Height adjustable stem adapts both children and adults. RM RICOMAX metal detector is a perfect gift for your families. Enjoy the time to be with your child, let them go Treasure hunt and help them to exercise their exploratory skills and curiosity. A 3. 5mm headphone jack provides a chance to search treasury in a noisy environment.

6 PalliPartners Metal Detector
Our Score:
9.0
PalliPartners

DETECTION INDICATION:audio alert and lcd display indicate the detection of metal(6.10inch detector diameter,10-100cm detection depth),once metal is detected there's beep sound and lcd screen light to remind you.

Waterproof Search Coil:Audio alert and LCD display indicate the detection of metal. Waterproof Search Coil - You can use the metal detector in the shallow water with waterproof search coil.The product only needs to use one 9V battery to work. When it stops working for a long time, please remove the battery.

Widely Use :Perfect for finding metal objects and anywhere that hidden metal.(Iron nail, iron covering, aluminum ring, small aluminum product, coins, gold, bronze, silver)etc.can be used in science education

Design Features: Light weight,easy operation,comfortable handling ,ergonomic design,high sensitivity,comes with adjustable lightweight bracket.This metal detector is suitable for Adults/Kids.

Safe & Lovely Children Design: Palli Partners always put safety as a priority. Our Kids Metal Detector is made by harmless ABS material, totally no risk to your kids, parents ompletely at ease. Moreover, the lovely profile is designed both by professional industrial designer and kids visual designer. It perfectly fits children's aesthetic. Trust me, the metal detector for kids will get along well with your kids.

7 Aneken Metal Detector
Our Score:
8.8
Aneken

【Ease of Use】Excellent starter metal detector for adults or kids new to metal detecting and treasure hunting. Its simple analog display includes adjustments for sensitivity and discrimination, giving it a quick learning curve to enjoy the excitement of discovery and exploration.

【100% Satisfaction Guarantee】 We are so confident about our product quality that all of our metal detectors come with a 2-year factory warranty and lifetime technical support. If your experience is anything less than extraordinary, please let us know. Our US based customer service team will take care of you just like their own family members.

【What's Included】1x MD5050 Starter Metal detector, 2x 9V batteries, 1x User Manual

【Versatile Detecting Modes】 The all metal mode works with no discrimination and recognizes all types of metals, including aluminum, steel, brass copper, iron, silver and gold. The MD5050 metal detector also comes with three discrimination modes and pinpoint mode, allowing you to reject trash items and only focus on what's interesting to you.

【Long Run Time】 The metal detector comes with two 9V batteries, expecting a run time of up to 30 hours, so it's ready to go straight out of the box.

【Ultra Lightweight & Ergonomic Design】 The MD5050 metal detector weighs just 2.1 pounds, and it's adjustable between 40 inches to 51 inches, which makes it fit perfectly for both children and adults.The S shaped handle with padded armrest and cushioned hand grip gives you the best comfortability for longer enjoyment of treasure hunting.

【Great Detection Capability】This metal detector's 8 inch IP68 rated waterproof search coil provides a decent balance between sensitivity, depth and ground coverage, which is suitable for hunting coins, relics, jewelry, gold and more on most terrains, including backyards, local parks, deserts, beaches or shallow waters.

8 DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector
Our Score:
8.6
DR.ÖTEK

【Unique Mode Design】Disc / Pinpoint mode. In Disc mode, the color of the center LED will flash different light when it detects different treasures. Easy and interesting for kids to identify, attracting them to enjoy exploring outdoors.The exclusive PP mode saves lots of time finding locations of objects in places suitable for playing, so you can find more treasures in less time.

【Awesome For Educational Purpose】Great students and parent-kid activities. It helps them learn about everything from science and local geology to history of coin and artifact collecting. Inspire kids' spirit of exploration and curiosity in outdoor activities.

【Waterproof & Adjustable】The 8.3-inch waterproof search coil enables you to use kids metal detector in shallow water such as beach and stream; 28-37 inches adjustable stem adapts to children of different heights. You won't have to always be busy finding new and interesting items for your kids.

【Innovative & Interesting Pentagram Screen】This kids metal detector is the finest for kids 4 and up, junior or beginners. With its ergonomic handle and interesting display screen design, thousands select this gold metal detector for their kids as it's easy and comfortable to use, lightweight, safe and fun. Choose it and let your child be the coolest one in every outdoor activity.

【Perfect Gift With Complete Accessories】This kids metal detector kit includes a metal detector, a find pouch, a sand sifter and a sand shovel. Save your extra-time for purchase. It will make an amazing birthday gift or holiday present, especially at Christmas.

9 VIVOHOME Metal Detector
Our Score:
8.4
VIVOHOME

LCD SCREEN - The VIVOHOME Metal Detector features a control box that contains all control buttons with a high-definition LCD screen that displays setting information such as metal type, depth, and sensitivity; There is also a battery indicator on the screen to remind you of replacing battery timely; The sensitivity is adjustable by pressing "+" or "-"

VARIED SMART MODES - This waterproof metal detector can locate gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, and zinc by using different modes; In SENS mode [without DISC], the detector is available for detecting all kinds of metal; By using DISC mode, you can discriminate a specific kind of metal; With the pinpoint button on the handle, you can accurately target and locate exact positions of the desired object

HIGH SENSITIVITY - Powered by 2 x 6F22/9V batteries (included), this metal detector has both an alarm and a light that signal detection; 3 distinct sound signals (high, medium, and low) match different types of metal, making this perfect for finding coins, rings, watches, bottle tops, nails, locks, and other small objects; The green light means non-ferrous metals were detected, such as copper, aluminum, gold, and silver materials; The red light is a sign of iron metal being detected

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN - Built with an 8.5-inch IP68 waterproof coil, this detector functions well on beaches or in shallow water; The ergonomic handle grip and padded armrest will save your efforts and make you feel more comfortable during use; With the headphone included, you can hear signals even in noisy environments; The function with backlight allows you to work in dark environments; Plus, a camping shovel and a carrying bag are included

A VERSATILE TOOL - With an adjustable length of 41-52 inches and adjustable head angle, both children and adults can easily use this metal detector; It is a perfect tool to explore mountains, beaches, fields, or even your neighbor streets; Use it to find lost rings, watches, metal toys, or your other valuables; Perfect for hide-and-seek with the kids and suitable for gold prospectors, relic hunters, coin hunters, jewelry seekers, or even beginners

10 Huntermax Metal Detector
Our Score:
7.6
Huntermax

【IP68 SUPER WATERPROOF】The detector search coil, adjustable stem and coil are all IP68 waterproof, allowing you to work well in shallow water. Perfect for beaches, streams and rain. This means you can free dive And find the treasure hidden in the eyes of most people. As well, the metal detector can be easily cleaned and preserved. (Note: the control box is not waterproof).

【100% Satisfaction Guarantee】 We are so confident about our product quality that all of our metal detectors come with a 2-year factory warranty and lifetime technical support. If your experience is anything less than extraordinary, please let us know. Our US based customer service team will take care of you just like their own family members.

【Metal Detector For Adults】Huntermax metal detector has 5 distinct modes allow you to effectively search for the desired metals. 🚩ALL MENTAL MODE, 🚩DISC MODE, 🚩Notch MODE, 🚩SENS MODE, 🚩PINPOINT MODE. Just switch the button and choose the different models as you need. And we are equipped with a full range of accessories, and you can start treasure hunting after opening the package.

【Upgraded DSP chip】The metal detector adopts the latest upgraded DSP chip, made in UAS, which improves higher precision, strong anti-interference ability, higher sensitivity and a wider search range. It is so powerful that quarter coins can be found 10" underground. It can find larger objects at even greater depths.

【Perfect Gift with Accessories】The handhold metal detector comes with two 9V batteries, a premium collapsible shovel, and a carrying bag. Everything you would need early in the game. Not only an excellent choice for travel, vacations, camping trips, and outings but also a great birthday gift, holiday present, anniversary gift or give for Father's Day and Mother's Day.

【Easy to Assemble and Use】Just connect the coil and the control box through the adjustment rod, and our metal detector can be easily assembled and used. Forget those complicated LCD screens and complicated functions. The Update MD5010 metal detector will beep and flash the corresponding color Lightings when it locates metal. And it has a detecting depth of up to 6 inches deep for small coins and metal objects.

What to Look For in a best starter metal detectors?

Weight

Many metal detectors spend hours in the field or on the beaches. A lightweight model is a good choice as it allows you to move around the equipment more easily. A lightweight model is especially appreciated by children and people with shoulder or back problems. Metal detectors with higher end features tend to be heavier than those that are lower-end. Entry-level models, however, can be carried easily and weigh less. A metal detector less than five pounds will provide the best searching experience. You might also consider models that allow for height adjustment. This makes it easier to use by both tall and short users.

Discrimination Features And Search Modes

Target identification is a key component of metal detectors that are more sophisticated. Advanced metal detectors not only notify the user when a metallic object is found, but they also identify what kind of object it was. Some models let you set search settings to find coins, relics and jewelry. You may be able to see or hear the device indicate what type of object was found. An auditory system is used by some people. It makes louder and more high-pitched sounds when valuable objects are found, while making a lower-pitched, quieter sound for low-value objects. Advanced models display an image that indicates the type of object detected. You can also choose from different search modes depending on the terrain. This allows you to determine whether you're in a field or a park.

Waterproof/Weatherproof

Metal detectors can be outdoors so it is important to have weatherproofing. Many models can be used at the beach or in rainy conditions without worrying about damage. However, some models can even be submerged. Some models can even be used to explore the depths of the ocean while scuba diving. The majority of waterproof models are simple waterproof coils that allow users to look in shallow waters. To avoid any damage to the metal detector, make sure you verify all manufacturer specifications.

Depth Detection

You might be surprised at the exciting discoveries made by detectors that dig deeper than normal. However, detectors that can detect deeper depths often have higher prices. Remember that depth detection is affected by variables such as soil composition and the size of an object buried.

Ground Balance

A metal detector can be set off by trace amounts of earth metals. This is a problem that many people have to deal with. To avoid false readings, metal detectors equipped with ground balance features ignore natural metals. Metal detectors can perform ground balance in many ways. The automatic ground balance features don't need user intervention. Manual ground balancing requires user input. Entry-level metal detectors typically offer automatic ground balance for maximum ease of use.

Operating Frequency

The frequency of the metal detector's signal to the receiver is a key factor. It is easier to locate objects deep beneath the earth if the frequency is lower. For smaller objects closer to the surface, high frequency metal detectors can be used. The majority of beginner metal detectors can be used for any purpose and have a low-to-medium frequency. Higher frequencies can be used to search for gold.

FAQs

How do I use a starter metal detector?

To use a starter metal detector, first assemble the detector according to the instructions provided. Once the detector is assembled, it is time to power it on. Make sure the batteries are properly installed and turn on the detector. Adjust the sensitivity setting to your desired level and start sweeping the ground in a slow, back-and-forth motion. When the detector detects a metal object, the sound or vibration will alert you and you can begin to dig.

What type of metal can be detected with a beginner metal detector?

Most beginner metal detectors can detect ferrous metals such as iron and steel as well as non-ferrous metals such as gold, silver, copper, and lead.

How deep can a starter metal detector detect?

The depth at which a beginner metal detector can detect is typically between 5 and 8 inches. However, the depth can vary depending on the type of metal being detected and the type of soil you are searching in.

How do I maintain my starter metal detector?

It is important to keep your metal detector clean and free of dirt and debris in order for it to work properly. Make sure to wipe down the detector after each use and store it in a dry, dust-free environment. Additionally, make sure to check the batteries and ensure that they are properly installed and charged.

Conclusion

It's challenging to determine the greatest product while deciding what to buy. We wanted to help you narrow things down by offering a list of best starter metal detectors above so you can make a better-educated decision before purchasing anything that might never work for you.

Would any of these ideas strike a chord with you? If that's the case, keep these in mind before making any purchases! You may also look into SUNPOW Metal Detector to find another option that is a good fit for you.


2 ratings

About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio