Skip to content
❄️ FREE Shipping on all orders Over $99+ ❄️
❄️ FREE Shipping on all orders Over $99+ ❄️
Cheap Metal Detectors

Best Cheap Metal Detectors: That Actually Work In 2025

Metal detecting is fun, but some metal detectors are expensive. If you're new or on a budget, there are good cheap metal detectors that work well.

This guide shows which budget metal detector work. You'll see what features matter and which models give the best value. Find real treasure without spending much.

Comparison Table: Best Cheap Metal Detectors

Model

Best For

Modes

Waterproof Coil

Weight

Price Range

Key Features

Bounty Hunter Gold Digger

Kids & Beginners

All-Metal, Discrimination

Yes

2.2 lbs

Under $100

Simple controls, lightweight

Nokta FindX

Rechargeable, All Ages

Park, Field, Beach

Yes

2.6 lbs

Under $300

Rechargeable, full bundle

Garrett ACE 250

All-Around Use

5 + Pinpoint

Yes

Light

Under $300

Trusted brand, multiple modes

Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II

Trash Elimination

4 Modes + Notch

Yes

4 lbs

Under $250

Audio tones, digital depth indicator

Minelab X-Terra Pro

Versatility & Depth

Park, Field, Beach (x2)

Fully Waterproof

2.9 lbs

Under $500

PRO-SWITCH, advanced features

Do Cheap Metal Detectors Really Work?

Yes. Cheap metal detectors can find coins, jewelry, and even gold. Cheap metal detector may lack advanced features, but they work well for beginners.

Also See: Intermediate Metal Detectors

What Makes a Good Cheap Metal Detector?

A good cheap metal detector should be easy to use and reliable. Here are a few things to look for:

  1. Discrimination Settings: Helps ignore junk metal.
  2. Sensitivity Controls: Adjust how deep you can detect.
  3. Waterproof Search Coil: Useful for wet grass or shallow water.
  4. Lightweight Design: Easy to carry and handle.
  5. Audio Tones: Different sounds for different metals.

These features help you avoid digging up trash and make your treasure hunt more fun.

Also See: Beginner Metal Detectors

Best Cheap Metal Detectors Reviewed

Let’s dive into our top picks. These models are great for beginners and budget buyers. All are under $500 and offer solid performance.

1. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger – Best for Beginners and Kids

This one’s perfect if you’re new to the hobby or buying for a child. It’s light, easy to use, and includes a trash eliminator to avoid junk.

  • Modes: All-Metal, Discrimination
  • Depth: Coins up to 6 inches, large items up to 2 feet
  • Coil: 7-inch waterproof
  • Weight: Only 2.2 lbs

It has two simple knobs to control sensitivity and discrimination. It also gives you a treasure meter to estimate target size and depth.

Read more: Best Metal Detectors Under $500

2. Nokta FindX – Best Rechargeable Detector Under $300

The FindX is a complete bundle. You get the detector, headphones, a digger, and a bag. It's light and rechargeable, making it a great choice for travel or long hunts.

  • Modes: Park, Field, Beach
  • Battery: 12-hour lithium (USB chargeable)
  • Waterproof Coil: Yes
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs

It also has a depth indicator, pinpoint mode, and simple controls. Great for people of all ages.

Read more: Best Metal Detectors Under $300

3. Garrett ACE 250 – Best for All-Around Use

Garrett is a trusted brand. The ACE 250 gives you advanced features for a low price. It works well for coins, relics, and even light gold hunting.

  • Modes: All Metal, Jewelry, Relics, Coins, Custom, Pinpoint
  • Depth Indicator: Yes
  • Weight: Very light
  • Search Coil: 6.5 x 9-inch waterproof

This model is loved for its solid build and easy controls.

Read more: Best Budget Metal Detectors

4. Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II – Best for Trash Elimination

If you hate digging up bottle caps, this one’s for you. It gives 3-tone audio feedback and a 9-segment target ID to help avoid junk.

  • Modes: All-Metal, Discrimination, Notch, Auto Notch
  • Coil: 8-inch waterproof
  • Digital Depth Indicator: Yes
  • Weight: 4 lbs

You also get visual ID, sensitivity control, and a padded armrest for comfort.

Read more: Best Low Cost Metal Detectors

5. Minelab X-Terra Pro – Best for Versatility

This model is feature-rich and waterproof up to 16 feet. It has switchable frequencies and top-notch depth detection.

  • Modes: Park, Field, Beach (multiple settings in each)
  • Waterproof: Yes, fully
  • Frequencies: 5, 8, 10, 15 kHz
  • Weight: 2.9 lbs

It’s ready for land or water use. Plus, it includes advanced audio and backlighting for night hunts.

Read more: Best Affordable Metal Detectors

Where to Buy Cheap Metal Detectors?

You can find cheap metal detectors for sale. At DetectorWarehouse, we offer budget-friendly options for all experience levels. We also have guides and accessories to help you get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cheap metal detectors worth it?

Yes. Many are easy to use and work well for beginners.

2. Can cheap metal detectors find gold?

Some can, especially if the gold is near the surface. Try the Garrett ACE 250 or Minelab X-Terra Pro.

3. What is the best cheap metal detector for kids?

The Bounty Hunter Gold Digger. It's simple, light, and affordable.

4. Do I need a waterproof metal detector?

Only if you plan to hunt near water. For full water use, pick a fully waterproof model like the X-Terra Pro.

5. How deep can a cheap metal detector detect?

Most detect coins up to 6–8 inches deep. Bigger items up to 3 feet.

6. What accessories should I get with my detector?

You’ll want a digger, headphones, a bag, and extra batteries. Some models, like the Nokta FindX, include these.

7. Can I use cheap metal detectors at the beach?

Yes. Make sure it has a waterproof coil or beach mode. The Nokta FindX and Minelab X-Terra Pro are good picks.

Also Check: Best Entry Level Metal Detector

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend much to start metal detecting. A cheap detector can find real items. Pick one, learn how it works, and upgrade later if needed.

With the right model from DetectorWarehouse, you’ll be out digging in no time!

Previous article 5 Best Small Metal Detectors of 2025 (Reviewed & Compared)
Next article Best Easy to Use Metal Detector for Beginners (2025 Guide)

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare