Head-To-Head Comparison
Minelab Equinox 600 vs Minelab Equinox 800
A quick, honest look at how the Minelab Equinox 600 and the Minelab Equinox 800 compare on specs, depth, price and real-world performance.
🏆 Our Top Pick
Equinox 800
Honestly, this one comes down to how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. The Equinox 600 is a cracking machine and most weekend detectorists would be made up with it. The 800 adds Beach 2 and Gold modes, adjustable recovery speed and Iron Bias, the settings that really earn their keep on trashy ground and saltwater beaches. If you mainly hunt coins and relics on permissions, save the £200 and buy the 600. If you detect often and on varied ground, the 800 is worth the stretch.
Side-By-Side Specs
Spec
Equinox 600
Equinox 800
Brand
Minelab
Minelab
Technology
Multi-Frequency
Multi-Frequency
Frequency (kHz)
Multi-IQ plus selectable 4, 5, 10 and 15 kHz
Multi-IQ plus selectable 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz
Coil Size
11
11
Waterproof
Submersible 3m
Submersible 3m
Weight (lbs)
2.96
2.96
Display
LCD
LCD
Battery Life (hrs)
12
12
Warranty (yrs)
3
3
UK Price (£)
499
699
Overall Score
8.2
9.2
Pros & Cons
Minelab Equinox 600
PROS
- ✓Fully submersible to 3m
- ✓Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency
- ✓Wireless audio built-in
- ✓Excellent beach performance
- ✓Upgradeable with aftermarket coils
CONS
- ✗No Beach 2 mode (present on 800)
- ✗No user profiles
- ✗Less customisable than Equinox 800
- ✗Rechargeable battery (can't use AA in emergency)
Minelab Equinox 800
PROS
- ✓All-environment excellence
- ✓Beach 2 and Gold modes
- ✓User-adjustable recovery speed
- ✓Iron Bias control
- ✓Fully submersible to 3m
- ✓Multi-frequency and single-frequency options
CONS
- ✗12-hour rechargeable battery requires planning
- ✗Significant learning curve to unlock full potential
- ✗Expensive but worth it
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Minelab Equinox 600 and the Minelab Equinox 800?
The Minelab Equinox 600 (Multi-Frequency, 5/10/15/20/40 kHz, 2.96 lbs) and the Minelab Equinox 800 (Multi-Frequency, 5/10/15/20/40 kHz, 2.96 lbs) differ most in technology, waterproofing and price. The Minelab Equinox 600 is rated Submersible 3m; the Minelab Equinox 800 is rated Submersible 3m. See the spec table above for the full side-by-side.
What is the price difference between the Minelab Equinox 600 and the Minelab Equinox 800?
At UK prices the Minelab Equinox 600 is around £200 cheaper than the Minelab Equinox 800. Prices move with stock and offers, so always check the current figure before you buy.
Which should I buy?
Our pick is the Minelab Equinox 800, but the right choice depends on where you detect and your budget. Have a read of both full reviews before you decide.
Which should you buy?
Still weighing it up? Read both full reviews below, then back your gut.



