5 Best Affordable Metal Detectors in 2025 (Value-Packed Picks)

Metal detecting is a fun and exciting hobby. But many people think they need to spend a lot of money to start.

Good news! You don’t have to. Today, we’ll show you the best affordable metal detectors. These are great for beginners and hobbyists.

We’ve even included bundles and packages to give you more value. Ready to start your treasure hunting journey?

Browse our full metal detector collection to see more great options.

What Does “Affordable” Mean?

Affordable metal detectors usually cost between $300 and $1000. They give good performance without high prices.

How to Pick the Affordable Metal Detector?

Key Features to Look For:

• Waterproof coils for beach or river hunting
• Clear audio tones and target ID
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Bundled extras like headphones, pinpointers, or bags

If you're just starting, explore our Beginner Metal Detectors collection.

Comparison Table of Affordable Metal Detectors

Top 5 Best Affordable Metal Detectors 

1. Garrett ACE 300 – Great for Beginners

Best For: First-time users and kids

Features:

• Digital Target ID for clear signals
• 7" x 10" waterproof search coil
• Headphones included
• One-touch treasure hunting
• Easy-to-read depth indicator

Garrett ACE 300 is simple to use and has helpful features. You’ll know how deep your treasure is, and you’ll hear clear tones when something is found. The waterproof coil means you can hunt near lakes or on the beach.

Pros:

1. Easy for beginners
2. Lightweight
3. Comes with headphones

Cons:

1. Not great for saltwater
2. Fewer advanced settings

Final Verdict:

The ACE 300 is a reliable, fun detector for first-time treasure hunters.

Check it out in our guide to Best Metal Detectors Under $300.

2. Garrett ACE 400 with Pro-Pointer AT – Best Bundle for Value

Best For: Value seekers who want more tools

Features:

• Iron Audio to skip trash targets
• Pro-Pointer pinpointer included
• 8.5" x 11" waterproof search coil
• Camlocks for stability
• Adjustable frequency

This bundle gives you the ACE 400 metal detector and a Pro-Pointer AT. It’s perfect for finding and pinpointing treasure quickly. Iron Audio helps you avoid nails and junk. The detector is stable, even on rough ground. Plus, you get headphones and other handy extras.

Pros:

1. Great value for price
2. High-quality pinpointer
3. Works well in parks and fields

Cons:

1. Slightly heavier
2. May be too much for casual users

Final Verdict:

The ACE 400 bundle is one of the best deals from Detectorwarehouse. You get top accessories at a best price.

Also featured in our Best Metal Detectors Under $500 guide.

3. Minelab X-Terra Pro – Best for Versatile Use

Best For: Detect on land, beach, and water

Features:

• Switchable frequencies (5 to 15 kHz)
• Fully waterproof up to 16 feet
• Lightweight and foldable
• Built-in flashlight and vibration alert
• Audio tones to guess depth and size

The Minelab X-Terra Pro is a smart choice if you go detecting in different places. You can use it at the beach. It is waterproof and it's light enough to carry all day. Switch modes and frequencies easily. The audio even helps you guess what’s below.

Pros:

1. Great for all environments
2. Waterproof and light
3. Easy to use but still powerful

Cons:

1. Not many accessories in box

Final Verdict:

A smart, flexible choice that feels pro-level without the price.

A great step up from our Beginner Metal Detectors to Intermediate Metal Detectors.

4. Nokta Legend PRO – Best Advanced Package

Best For: Advanced hobbyists and beach hunters

Features:

• Multi-frequency technology
• 2 waterproof coils included
• Bluetooth headphones
• Waterproof up to 10 feet
• 4 custom user profiles

Nokta Legend Pro is one of the most feature-packed detectors under $1000. You get two coils, wireless headphones, and a waterproof build. You can save your favorite settings for different places. It even vibrates when you find a target!

Pros:

1. Top features at a lower price
2. Two search coils included
3. Great for saltwater

Cons:

1. May be overwhelming for newbies

Final Verdict:

This metal detector is full with many features and a great value.

Check it out in our Best Metal Detectors Under $1000 guide.

5. Garrett AT PRO – Best for All Terrain

Best For: People who hunt in any condition

Features:

• Fully waterproof up to 10 feet
• 15 kHz frequency for gold and relics
• Pro Mode Audio for target info
• Iron Audio and digital target ID
• Pro-Pointer AT included

This Garrett AT Pro rugged detector is made for tough spots. Use it in rivers, mud, or rocky areas. It gives clear sound and tells you what kind of metal it sees. The Pro-Pointer helps you dig less and find more. It’s reliable in all weather and all terrains.

Pros:

1. Works anywhere
2. Great for serious hobbyists
3. Trusted USA brand

Cons:

1. Heavier than others

Final Verdict:

The AT PRO is the best pick for people who want to detect anywhere.

Why Bundles Are Best Deal at DetectorWarehouse?

When you buy a bundle, you save money. You get useful gear like:

• Headphones
• Pinpointers
• Extra coils
• Carry bags

At Detector Warehouse, Bundles like the Garrett ACE 400 or Nokta Legend give you more tools for less money.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Detector for You?

If you’re just starting, pick the Garrett ACE 300 or ACE 400. They’re simple and fun.

Want to level up? Try the Minelab X-Terra Pro or Nokta Legend Pro Pack.

Need something for rivers or salty beaches? The Garrett AT PRO is your best metal detector.