Head-To-Head Comparison
Minelab Equinox 600 vs Minelab Vanquish 540
A quick, honest look at how the Minelab Equinox 600 and the Minelab Vanquish 540 compare on specs, depth, price and real-world performance.
🏆 Our Top Pick
Equinox 600
Both are Minelab multi-frequency machines, but they’re aimed at different detectorists. The Vanquish 540 is the lighter, cheaper switch-on-and-go option and a genuinely good starter. The Equinox 600 costs about £250 more but gives you full submersibility to 3m, wireless audio and noticeably more depth and control. Just dipping a toe in? The Vanquish is plenty. Already know you’ve caught the bug? The 600 is the one you’ll grow into rather than out of.
Side-By-Side Specs
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 Vanquish 540
PROS
- ✓Multi-IQ multi-frequency at an affordable price
- ✓25-hour battery life
- ✓Lightweight
- ✓IP67-rated waterproof coil
- ✓Strong Minelab pedigree
CONS
- ✗Auto ground balance only
- ✗No wireless audio
- ✗Coil only waterproof, not submersible
- ✗Less depth than Equinox 600
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you buy?
Still weighing it up? Read both full reviews below, then back your gut.
