Best Budget Metal Detectors in 2025 | Top Picks for Performance

Choosing a budget metal detector can feel confusing. There are lots of models and features to compare.

This guide will help you focus on what matters most. You’ll learn what to look for and find five great options that work well and won’t break the bank.

What to Look for in a Budget Metal Detector?

A budget-friendly metal detector doesn’t mean it’s low quality. You can find great detectors packed with features that work well for coins, relics, gold, and jewelry.

1. Easy to Use: Look for detectors with simple controls. If you’re a beginner, avoid complex setups. Pre-set search modes are helpful.
2. Adjustable Settings: The ability to adjust sensitivity or ground balance helps you get better results in different soil types.
3. Waterproof Coils: Many affordable detectors come with waterproof coils. These are great for hunting near water or in wet soil.
4. Discrimination and Target ID: These features help you avoid digging up junk. They also help you know what kind of metal you’ve found.

Also Check: Beginner Metal Detectors

Budget Metal Detectors Comparison Table

Best Budget Metal Detectors That Don’t Compromise on Performance

Let’s take a closer look at the best metal detectors that are budget-friendly but still powerful.

1. Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector

Best for:

Serious hobbyists who want waterproof performance and advanced features under $700.

Key Features:

• Waterproof up to 10 feet
• 6 Search modes (Standard and Pro)
• Digital Target ID
• High-Res Iron Discrimination
• Ground Balance (Auto/Manual)
• Fast Recovery Speed

Review:

The Garrett AT PRO is an all-terrain metal detector with features you usually find in higher-end models. It’s ideal for coin, jewelry, and relic hunting. You can use it in freshwater and saltwater environments.

Its Pro Mode Audio gives more sound detail, helping you tell the difference between targets. With a 15 kHz frequency, it does a great job at finding small items like gold or tiny coins.

You get six search modes and fast recovery speed, which makes it easier to detect good items in trashy areas.

Pros:

1. Waterproof to 10 feet
2. Great audio detail
3. Finds small targets
4. Reliable brand

Cons:

1. Learning curve for beginners
2. Pricier than some entry-level units

Final Verdict:

The AT PRO is a smart choice if you want pro-level features at a fair price. It’s one of the Best Metal Detectors Under $1000.

2. Minelab X-Terra Pro Waterproof Metal Detector

Best for:

All-terrain hunters who want frequency options and beach performance.

Key Features:

• Switchable frequencies: 5, 8, 10, or 15 kHz
• Waterproof to 16 feet
• Beach Mode
• 6 Search Profiles
• Lightweight (2.9 lbs)
• Red Backlight and Handgrip Vibration

Review:

The X-Terra Pro from Minelab is a sleek, modern detector that’s easy to use but full of smart features. Its PRO-SWITCH tech lets you change frequencies depending on what you’re hunting.

It works well on dry land, parks, fields, and even wet saltwater beaches. It also includes advanced audio, letting you tell the size and depth of targets by sound.

The red backlight and handgrip vibration are nice touches for night hunting or underwater detecting.

Pros:

1. Frequency control
2. Fully waterproof
3. Super lightweight
4. Great for beach use

Cons:

1. No manual pinpointing feature
2. Battery is built-in (not replaceable on the go)

Final Verdict:

The X-Terra Pro is flexible and travel-friendly. It delivers serious performance and is easily one of the Best Metal Detectors Under $500.

3. Nokta Legend "Next Gen" PRO PACK

Best for:

Versatile use in harsh conditions, gold prospecting, and serious hobbyists.

Key Features:

• Multi-Frequency + 5 Single Frequencies
• Two coils included (12” and 6”)
• FREE pinpointer, pouch, and digger
• Advanced Iron Discrimination
• Bluetooth headphones
• IP68 Waterproof (10 ft)

Review:

The Nokta Legend Next Gen PRO PACK is the best value bundle in this lineup. You get two coils and a waterproof pinpointer, making this ideal for advanced users and value hunters.

It offers multi-frequency detection, great depth, and is extremely stable on beaches and mineralized soil. The detector is well balanced and comes with a long battery life.

Pros:

1. Big accessory bundle
2. Multi-frequency power
3. Strong beach and gold performance
4. Long battery life

Cons:

1. More features than most beginners need
2. Slightly heavier setup

Final Verdict:

For those who want a pro-grade bundle at a budget-friendly price, this is it. It rivals more expensive models and belongs in our Best Affordable Metal Detectors list.

4. Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector

Best for:

Beginners and casual users looking for an affordable entry-level option.

Key Features:

• Digital Target ID
• 8 Sensitivity Settings
• Five Search Modes + Pinpoint
• 7” x 10” Coil
• Audio Tone ID
• Lightweight (2.8 lbs)

Review:

The ACE 300 is one of the most popular beginner detectors. It offers good sensitivity and an easy learning curve.

The Digital Target ID helps new users understand what they’re digging. It has a larger coil for better ground coverage and deeper finds.

You also get headphones and a coil cover, making this an affordable bundle.

Pros:

1. Easy to learn
2. Accurate Target ID
3. Great starter bundle
4. Lightweight

Cons:

1. Not waterproof beyond the coil
2. Fewer advanced features

Final Verdict:

A solid pick for new detectorists. One of the Best Metal Detectors Under $300 and perfect for our Beginner Metal Detectors collection.

5. Minelab Vanquish 540 Metal Detector

Best for:

Users who want multi-frequency power at a lower cost.

Key Features:

• Multi-IQ Technology
• 12” Coil + Cover
• Adjustable Iron Bias
• Pinpoint Mode
• Red LED Backlight
• Rechargeable Batteries

Review:

The Vanquish 540 offers premium features without a premium price. Its Multi-IQ tech means it works well on all metals and all soils. It’s ideal for coins, relics, and jewelry.

The iron bias lets you focus on valuable targets and skip trash. It includes pinpointing for accurate digging, and the backlight helps in low light.

Pros:

1. Multi-frequency performance
2. Good beach performance
3. Backlight and pinpointing
4. Rechargeable batteries included

Cons:

1. Not fully waterproof
2. Limited customization

Final Verdict:

Great for users who want top-tier detection at a middle-tier price. Another top pick for our Intermediate Metal Detectors.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Budget Metal Detector

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy metal detecting. Whether you want something simple or full of pro features, there’s a model for you.

All five detectors in this guide offer real value. They come from trusted brands and are backed by DetectorWarehouse with fast shipping, full warranties, and amazing support.

If you’re just starting, we recommend the Garrett ACE 300 or the Minelab Vanquish 540.

Looking for something more advanced? Try the Garrett AT PRO, Minelab X-Terra Pro, or the full-featured Nokta Legend PRO PACK.