Metal Detector Reviews & Comparisons
Metal Detector Reviews UK & USA
Independent, hands-on reviews of metal detectors for UK and US detectorists – from first machines to advanced relic and gold rigs. Compare detectors on depth, target ID, weight, waterproofing and price, then read the full write-up before you part with your cash.
Find the right metal detector before you buy
Choosing a metal detector is a balance of where you swing, what you’re hunting and how much you want to spend. A beginner machine will happily turn up coins and relics on most permissions, while a multi-frequency flagship earns its keep on mineralised ground and saltwater beaches.
Every review here is built from the full spec sheet plus how the detector actually behaves in the field — how cleanly it rings up good targets, how it handles trashy ground, and whether it’s light enough for a full day’s detecting. Use the listings below to compare detectors, then dig into the individual reviews.
Useful for
- Beginner-friendly metal detectors
- All-purpose machines for coins and relics
- Waterproof and beach detectors
- Gold prospecting detectors
- Detectors compared by brand
- Honest scores based on real-world use
Detector Reviews
Browse Metal Detector Reviews
Every card links to a full review pulled from our detector database. Jump straight to detectors by experience level, what you’re hunting, or brand.
What to look for in a metal detector
The right machine depends on where you swing and what you’re chasing. These are the factors that make the biggest difference in the field — and the ones our reviews focus on.
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Depth & sensitivity
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Target ID & discrimination
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Weight & waterproofing
Best metal detectors for beginners
If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to drop big money. The best beginner detectors are light, switch on and go, and forgiving on ground balance so you can spend your time learning to read signals rather than fighting the settings. A solid entry-level machine will happily turn up coins, buttons and the odd bit of treasure on most permissions.
Detectors for experienced detectorists
Once you know what you’re doing, the gains come from multi-frequency operation, better target separation, deeper detection and proper waterproofing. Advanced machines reward the time you put into learning them – expect more customisation, sharper target ID and the depth to chase the signals others walk over.
Browse detectors by brand
Metal Detector Review FAQs
Each detector gets an overall score out of 10 based on detection performance, ease of use, build quality, features and value for money – weighted by what matters for its price bracket and intended use. Scores reflect how the machine performs in real-world detecting, not just what’s printed on the spec sheet.
The best beginner detector is light, simple to switch on and swing, and forgiving on ground balance. You don’t need to spend a fortune — a good entry-level machine will find coins and relics on most permissions. Browse our beginner detector listings to compare the options.
Higher-end detectors usually add multi-frequency operation, better target separation, deeper detection and waterproofing. They’re worth it if you detect often or hunt difficult ground like saltwater beaches, but a mid-range machine is plenty for most hobby detectorists.
It varies. Some detectors only have a waterproof coil for wet grass and shallow puddles, while others are fully submersible to several metres for river and beach work. Always check the rating before you take a machine anywhere near water.
Know a detector we haven't reviewed?
We’re adding new metal detector reviews all the time. Suggest a machine, flag an error or request a head-to-head comparison and we’ll add it to the queue.
