What is a metal detector?

A metal detector is a device that emits an electromagnetic field to detect the presence of metallic objects.

How does a metal detector work?

Metal detectors work by transmitting an electromagnetic field from the search coil, which then detects the magnetic field returned from a metal object.

Can a metal detector detect all types of metals?

Yes, most metal detectors can detect a wide range of metals, but sensitivity may vary depending on the type and size of the metal.

What are the main features to consider when buying a metal detector?

Key features to consider include detection technology, depth range, sensitivity settings, and whether it is waterproof.

Can I use a metal detector in any type of soil?

Yes, but the level of mineralization in the soil can affect the detector's performance.

April 2, 2026

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10 Best metal detectors of 2026

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Best Choice

1

Clicked 277 times in the last month

Garrett Metal Detectors
Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector for Adults - Made in The USA - Waterproof Coil and Headphone Plus Accessories
Main highlights

Key Features and Benefits
Garrett ACE 300 with waterproof coil, ideal for diverse terrains.

Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for beachcombing, treasure hunting, and hobbyist exploration.

Praised Feature
Excellent battery life and energy efficiency with AA batteries.
9.8

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.3
Light weight

9.1
worth the money

9.1
Simple to use
How do we rank?

Powerful technology We scan thousands of products and stores, analyzing reviews to find what matters most to users like you

Careful review Our team ensures quality, value, and fit based on real user feedback

Trusted insights AI and human analysis guide your decisions, reflecting real user priorities
Real users impact

Thousands of users trust our site daily

Based on millions of stores and reviews

Shoppers influence our rankings
Analyzing top stores
Value for Money

2

SUNPOW
SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional - High Accuracy with 12" Waterproof Coil, 2x Backlit LCD Display, Advanced DSP Chip, 5 Modes, Adjustable Length (19"-59"), Sturdy Spiral Structure -OTMD14
Main highlights

Enhanced Display and Control
2x larger backlit LCD and symmetrical handle for better visibility and control.

Versatile Treasure Hunting
Ideal for beaches, forests, and various terrains with 12-inch waterproof coil.

Praised Performance
Customers love its ease of use and deep detection capabilities.
Key specs
- product dimensions:17.32L x 11.22W x 6.69H
- adjustable length:Yes
- power source:Battery Powered
- display type:LCD
- international protection:IP68
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating
3

GreenRex

Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Waterproof Pinpoint, High Accuracy Gold and Silver Detection, Underwater and Beach Use, 10'' IP68 Coil, Bigger LCD, New Advanced DSP Chip, Black

30% Off Limited Time Deal
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating
4

Franklin Sensors
Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150/X990 Stud Finder with Live Wire Detection and 9-Sensors, Wood & Metal Stud Detector/Wall Scanner, Made in The USA
Main highlights

Accurate Detection with 9 Sensors
The ProSensor M150 uses 9 sensors for precise stud detection, ensuring accuracy up to 1.5 inches deep.

Ideal for Home Improvement Projects
Perfect for mounting shelves, TVs, and cabinets with confidence and ease.

Praised for Easy Visual Display
Customers love the LED display that shows stud edges and centers clearly.
Key specs
- Display Type:LED
- Power Source:Battery Powered
- Detection Depth:1.5 inches
- Calibration:No calibration required
- Scan Modes:One mode
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

9.3
Simple to use

9.3
clearly written

8.7
worth the money
5

Garvee

Garvee Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, Waterproof Metal Detectors with High Accuracy 11" Search Coil, All Metal & Disc Modes for Gold Detector
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating
See Today’s Deals & Prices
6

OKESAM
Metal Detector for Adults Waterproof - 2000mAh Chargeable Professional Cordless Gold Detector with LCD Display, Retractable Foldable Higher Accuracy Metal Detector with 10" IP68 Coil - OKESAM

34% Off Limited Time Deal
Main highlights

Powerful Battery and Accuracy
Equipped with a 2000mAh lithium battery, offering 20 hours of operation and high accuracy with an upgraded DSP chip.

Versatile Use for All Ages
Ideal for outdoor treasure hunts, suitable for adults and children with adjustable size from 26.8 to 50 inches.

User-Friendly and Effective Detection
Customers praise its ease of use and effective pinpoint detection, making it a great choice for beginners.
Key specs
- product dimensions:17L x 9W x 6H
- adjustable length:Yes
- power source:Battery Powered
- display type:LCD
- international protection:IP68
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating
7

gogonova
Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, GoGonova Kids Metal Detector, Waterproof Metal Detectors with High Accuracy Lightweight 8" Search Coil, All Metal & Disc Modes for Junior & Youth Gold Detector

11% Off
Main highlights

High Accuracy and Versatility
Detects various metals with precision; suitable for both adults and kids.

Ideal for Outdoor Adventures
Perfect for beaches, creeks, and yards with its waterproof coil.

User-Friendly Design
Praised for ease of use and adjustable features for all ages.
Key specs
- product dimensions:17 x 10.75 x 5.5 inches
- adjustable length:39.3 to 51.3 inch
- power source:Battery Powered
- display type:LCD with backlight
- international protection:IP68
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating
8

SUNPOW
SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional - High Accuracy with 12" Waterproof Coil, 2x Backlit LCD Display, Advanced DSP Chip, 5 Modes, Adjustable Length (19"-59"), Sturdy Spiral Structure -OTMD14

23% Off
Main highlights

Enhanced Display and Control
2x larger backlit LCD and symmetrical handle for better visibility and control.

Versatile Treasure Hunting
Ideal for beaches, forests, and various terrains with 12-inch waterproof coil.

Praised Performance
Customers love its ease of use and deep detection capabilities.
Key specs
- product dimensions:17.32L x 11.22W x 6.69H
- adjustable length:Yes
- power source:Battery Powered
- display type:LCD
- international protection:IP68
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating
9

ULHUND
ULHUND Professional Metal Detector for Adults - 12" Deep Detection, Waterproof DSP Technology, Lightweight Design for Beach, Yard & Treasure Hunting

45% Off Limited Time Deal
Main highlights

Enhanced Detection Accuracy
Upgraded DSP chip and 10-inch coil increase range and sensitivity.

Ideal for Water and Beach Use
IP68 waterproof design allows exploration in various environments.

Easy Assembly Praised by Users
Customers appreciate simple setup and robust battery terminals.
Key specs
- product dimensions:16 x 11 x 6 inches
- adjustable length:Yes
- power source:Battery Powered
- display type:LCD
- international protection:IP68
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to use

9.9
for starters

9.7
Light weight
10

LOLARAN
LOLARAN Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Up to 20 Hours of Extended Runtime, Adjustable Retractable Foldable Metal Detector Waterproof High Accuracy Gold Detector, Backlit LCD Display
Main highlights

Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Charges faster, lasts longer with a 2000mAh battery for 20 hours of use.

Versatile Outdoor Use
Ideal for beaches, forests, and varied terrains, with waterproof coil.

Highly Adjustable Sensitivity
Users praise its adjustable sensitivity and modes for precise detection.
Key specs
- product dimensions:5.9L x 17.4W x 9.3H
- adjustable length:Yes
- power source:Battery Powered
- display type:LCD
- international protection:N/A
8.5

Good

Our Rating

8.0
Light weight

8.0
Simple to use

8.0
for starters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a metal detector?
A metal detector is a device that emits an electromagnetic field to detect the presence of metallic objects.

How does a metal detector work?
Metal detectors work by transmitting an electromagnetic field from the search coil, which then detects the magnetic field returned from a metal object.

Can a metal detector detect all types of metals?
Yes, most metal detectors can detect a wide range of metals, but sensitivity may vary depending on the type and size of the metal.

What are the main features to consider when buying a metal detector?
Key features to consider include detection technology, depth range, sensitivity settings, and whether it is waterproof.

Can I use a metal detector in any type of soil?
Yes, but the level of mineralization in the soil can affect the detector's performance.

10 Best metal detectors of 2026

1

Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector for Adults - Made in The USA - Waterproof Coil and Headphone Plus Accessories

9.3

9.1

9.1

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional - High Accuracy with 12" Waterproof Coil, 2x Backlit LCD Display, Advanced DSP Chip, 5 Modes, Adjustable Length (19"-59"), Sturdy Spiral Structure -OTMD14

3

Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Waterproof Pinpoint, High Accuracy Gold and Silver Detection, Underwater and Beach Use, 10'' IP68 Coil, Bigger LCD, New Advanced DSP Chip, Black

4

Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150/X990 Stud Finder with Live Wire Detection and 9-Sensors, Wood & Metal Stud Detector/Wall Scanner, Made in The USA

9.3

9.3

8.7

5

Garvee Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, Waterproof Metal Detectors with High Accuracy 11" Search Coil, All Metal & Disc Modes for Gold Detector

6

Metal Detector for Adults Waterproof - 2000mAh Chargeable Professional Cordless Gold Detector with LCD Display, Retractable Foldable Higher Accuracy Metal Detector with 10" IP68 Coil - OKESAM

7

Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, GoGonova Kids Metal Detector, Waterproof Metal Detectors with High Accuracy Lightweight 8" Search Coil, All Metal & Disc Modes for Junior & Youth Gold Detector

8

SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional - High Accuracy with 12" Waterproof Coil, 2x Backlit LCD Display, Advanced DSP Chip, 5 Modes, Adjustable Length (19"-59"), Sturdy Spiral Structure -OTMD14

9

ULHUND Professional Metal Detector for Adults - 12" Deep Detection, Waterproof DSP Technology, Lightweight Design for Beach, Yard & Treasure Hunting

9.9

9.9

9.7

10

LOLARAN Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Up to 20 Hours of Extended Runtime, Adjustable Retractable Foldable Metal Detector Waterproof High Accuracy Gold Detector, Backlit LCD Display

8.0

8.0

8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

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