The Best Gold Metal Detectors: 10 of the Best on the Market

10 Best Gold Metal Detectors in 2023

First, do research. You need to pick which brand and model of detector is right for you. There are different prices for the detectors. The lowest price is $99, but it can go way up to $7,999. There are many different gold detectors. I will help you decide which one to choose by telling you about the different brands. All of them have a different look, feel, and function. You can find out more online at YouTube and the manufacturer’s website to determine which one is best for you.

• Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors
• Fisher Labs Metal Detectors
• Garrett Metal Detectors
• Minelab Metal Detectors
• Nokta | Makro
• Teknetics Metal Detectors
• Whites Electronics Metal Detectors
• XP Metal Detectors

There are many types of gold detectors. All of these brands have them. Go to their websites and look at reviews people have left, or watch videos on YouTube for more information.

MINELAB GPZ 7000 and GPX 6000

The Future of Gold Detection

The GPZ 7000 is an exciting detector. It has many versatile features and new technologies, including wireless audio, integrated GPS, and a weatherproof platform. The detector is easy to use with page navigation for detecting and mapping functions and icons.

The GPX 6000 is a new gold detector from Minelab. It is lighter than the other detectors that they have made. It can be 4.6 pounds or 2.1 kilograms in weight and is only about the size of my arm when it’s in a case.

This detector is completely watertight. It’s possible to find it in the rain or in the water. The coils can be submerged to a depth of one meter.

FISHER GOLD BUG 2

The Most Sensitive Gold Detector Ever Built

The Gold Bug 2 is a gold metal detector that works even in wet and dry soil. It is also sensitive enough for use at 71 kHz, which means it can find gold. It has iron discrimination, so you will not get false readings on rocks or other metals. Plus, it has an audio boost, so you can hear the audio better. There are three mineralization modes to choose from too!

GARRETT ATX

Low frequencies can show more detail on large targets, while higher frequencies are more accurate when detecting small targets. EQUINOX is a multi-band frequency control solution that provides the best results. The EQUINOX 600 has no single-frequency VLF detectors. The MultiIQ frequency range shown is valid with the EQUINOX 800 as well. The graphs are indicative. Actual sensitive levels vary by target ID types, size of target ground conditions, and advanced detection settings.

For more information about metal detecting, click here.

XP DETECTOR ORX

Powerful With New Features to the Market

The world’s first and only wireless metal detector. It may be used in a variety of terrains. You choose the program and find coins, jewelry, and relics. The ORX is a fast detector that finds good objects close to junk that other detectors miss.

FISHER GOLD BUG PRO

Combo Package Deal

The Fisher Gold Bug Pro family has made gold prospecting easier and more affordable. The new targets allow you to find it faster, and the detector has great depth. The V-Break Tone Discrimination System is the best system for this type of detector.

MINELAB GPX 5000

Superior Gold Detecting

The GPX 5000 is a really good detector. It has lots of options for search coils. It is high-performance and runs well even in the toughest ground conditions, like when it is raining or rocks or other things that would break another detector. The GPX 5000 also has patented technology which means it will find gold nuggets!

GARRETT AT GOLD

The Garrett AT Max is a powerful, professional metal detector. It is the best metal detector from the brand Garrett. This all-terrain metal detector can be used anywhere. Its advanced technology makes it one of the best detectors available.

NOKTA GOLD KRUZER

Gold Prospecting at It’s Best

The Gold Kruzer is a gold detector with an operating frequency of 61kHz. The machine will find the tiniest nuggets, and it does well in the harsh ground and hot rocks. It is also very strong and waterproof, so it is the best gold detector.

MINELAB SDC 2300

All-Terrain Gold Detecting

The SDC 2300 is a gold detector of some sort. It’s a bit but an effective detector that may be used on land or underwater. It is used to locate small gold nuggets. The controls are easy to use, so you can find the treasure easily, too!

MINELAB GOLD MONSTER

Universal Gold Detector

The GOLD MONSTER 1000 is a detector you can use to find gold. It is easy to use and has the option of using different coils. This detector will be great if you look for something super sensitive for gold.

Minelab Goldmonster 1000

The Minelab Goldmonster 1000 is a great metal detector for finding gold. Detectors like this one are pricier than some others. Because Minelab is a major player in this field, the investment is worthwhile.

The Goldmonster 1000 is good for finding small gold and other metals. It has a wide range that is perfect for different environments. It automatically tracks the ground, so you don’t have to adjust it every time you move. This detector comes with two different coils, an elliptical one and around one, both of which are waterproof up to 1m.

The LED display on this detector helps you switch between modes, adjust the sensitivity or switch to auto mode, and adjust the volume. You can also see the strength of the current being received.

This metal detector is easy to fold up and put away for travel. It also comes with some accessories, including headphones, a digging tool, an AC charger, and a carrier for the charger.

Overall, the Minelab Goldmonster is a great tool for hobbyists who want a metal detector that is easy to use and comes with accessories. It also adjusts to different environments.

Nalanda MD056

The Nalanda MD056 is a great choice for people who want to find more gold. It costs around $140, which is not too expensive. You’ll finally find the treasure you’ve been searching for with this device.

This metal detector can find small pieces of gold in shallow areas. It uses an 8.5-inch coil to do this. Fortunately, the coil is watertight, but the digital control box is not, so you’ll need to be extra careful when handling it.

The digital control box will tell you all the information you need when you are out in the field. The backlit LED display will show you what type of metal you have targeted, how deep it is, and when your batteries are running low.

There are five different detection modes to choose from, including pinpoint mode, custom mode, and memory mode. You can choose which specific metal you want to target in-memory mode, so you don’t waste your time digging up lost cutlery. This is useful if you know a specific type of metal buried somewhere in your yard.

The box comes with a pair of headphones, which you can assign one of four different alarm tones too, and a folding shovel that can help you dig up your new discovery.

The MD056 is easy to use with a digital display, different modes, and a pinpoint option. This makes it less stressful for people who are not confident in the mechanics of gold detection. Plus, the Nalanda is an affordable option for beginners-intermediate detectorists.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV

Bounty Hunter is a company that makes metal detectors for people who are just starting out or who are interested in it as a hobby. The Tracker IV is one of their products, and it is designed to be very easy to use. I like that it doesn’t have a lot of extraneous features that you don’t use. That is why we think it is the best metal detector for beginners.

Using a 6.7kHz VLF detector, one can only find gold at the surface of the earth. It must be moving to pick up metal as a motion metal detector.

This is the smallest and most straightforward of the options on our list. Target indicator, headphone input, headphone output, sensitivity knob, and discrimination tone switch are all included in the device. That’s all there is to it. The Tracker IV’s absence of features is simple to operate due to the Tracker IV’s absence of features.

This product retails for around $85. You don’t get any of the box candy you would with our other picks. Plus, it doesn’t have any alternate coils, multi-tools, or headphones.

There are three search modes on this device so you can adapt to different environments: All-Metal, Tone, and Full Discriminate. However, the Bounty Hunter has a major demerit in that you can’t adjust the ground balance. This means that you won’t be able to use it on many different types of terrains.

This is a great entry point for those who have never used one before for metal detectors. It has a quick learning curve, so you can start treasure hunting right away. It also has minimal features, making it easy to use.

White’s GMT Metal Detector For Gold

The GMT is one of White’s most famous machines. Some people think it is even better than the Gold Bug 2. This claim is not taken lightly because the GMT is very sensitive.

This scanner has automatic tracking, which adjusts to the ground conditions. This is perfect for when the ground conditions are varied and complex.

The GMT metal detector comes with a 6 x 10″ DD search coil, and it operates on a 48 kHz frequency. This metal detector is 4.2 pounds and includes a full-time iron ID bar graph, which we found very useful when deciding whether to dig for a target or not.

The White GMT has been a popular choice for a long time now. Many gold prospecting veterans prefer it to newer models. It works just as well (and sometimes even better) than its more modern competitors.

This model is old, but it still has a cool graphic display. It was one of the earlier models to have this feature. This gives users a choice between seeing and hearing things.

The White’s GMT does not contain a pinpointing circuit. This means that if you want to find very small gold nuggets, you will need to dig in the general area.

Minelab Equinox 800

This detector can be used on multiple frequencies, making it a high-performing workhorse. It also has extra features that make it a great choice for finding gold.

The Minelab Equinox 800 is a great metal detector because it has many advanced features. It costs more than other metal detectors, but it is worth the price because you can find gold with it. Suppose you don’t need to find gold as deep as possible or don’t need to know the difference between iron and other metals. In that case, this detector is a good choice for you because it costs 60% less than other high-end detectors.

As a multi-frequency metal detector, you have more than one frequency that is working at the same time. This makes it work better than most other gold metal detectors, but it also uses up battery power faster. With only 12 hours of use, you will need to come prepared with chargers or a power bank if you want to hunt for gold for days on end.

The Equinox 800 has five frequencies that you can use simultaneously. This will help you find all kinds of targets, including gold. Low to intermediate frequencies are best for finding targets.

You can use multiple ground balancing methods to find gold. There are manual, automatic, and tracking methods. You can use these to balance the ground in tough conditions.

Metal detectorists and geologists will love the flexible settings to customize and control. They can adjust the threshold, noise cancel, and recovery speed to get the best results for each gold hunting site.

The Equinox 800 detector can find gold underwater up to 10 feet deep. It weighs only 2.96 pounds, making it easy to transport. For under $1000, this detector is a great value that can provide you with many hours of enjoyment searching for gold.

How To Choose A Gold Detector

What makes one gold metal detector better than another? It really depends on where you will be looking for gold, how big the nuggets are, and how mineralized the soil is.

It is important to know the answers to these questions to make an informed purchase decision. No product is perfect for everyone, so you need to find the one that fits you best.

There are many different gold detectors on the market. You need to consider the terrain, your skill level, and how you plan to use the detector when making your decision.

Skill Level

If you’re new to prospecting or metal detecting, a less expensive and easier-to-use gold detector is a good place to start. Some good options include the Garrett AT Pro and the Fisher products. You might also want to consider White’s Goldmaster GMT, a simple control panel and helpful features. You can learn more about the best metal detectors for beginners in our guide.

If you are experienced at finding gold and want the best equipment, you might want to buy the Minelab GPZ 7000 or GPX 5000. They are more powerful than other machines. If you are in the middle, you might want to buy the Garrett AT Gold, Lobo SuperTRAC, or Gold Monster 1000. They are good machines that will help you find gold.

Price

You do not need to spend a lot of money to find a good machine. In fact, there are many great low-cost options.

Intended Use

The different ways of finding gold depend on what you want to use the gold detector. If you want to find gold near the surface, you need to use a different method than looking for gold buried deep underground.

Coins and Jewelry

It is important to have a good machine when looking for coins or jewelry. This is because many people look for coins and jewelry on sandy beaches. They also get exposed to salt water and air. So it is important to choose a machine that is waterproof and durable. It is also helpful to have good headphones so you can hear well.

Relic Hunting

There’s nothing more exciting than finding an ancient relic that has been waiting to be discovered for hundreds or even thousands of years. To find such a relic, it is helpful to have the right detector.

If you’re not looking for golden relics, it’s a good idea to use a detector that doesn’t find only gold. This will help you avoid dismissing relics made of other materials, like iron and brass.

Salt Water Beach Hunting

The beach can be a fun place to treasure hunt because there is usually a lot of stuff to find. However, salt water can damage gold detectors, so it’s important to take precautions.

If you’re going to be hunting on the beach, you’ll need a waterproof detector. Some of the items on the above list are water-resistant up to a depth of 10 feet. Because saltwater can corrode metal detectors, they must also be resistant to corrosion.

Saltwater can make it hard to find minerals in sand. This is because salt water makes the signals from the minerals stronger and signals that are not from minerals. That is why you need a way to ignore them. The best way to do this is with pulse induction technology used in the Minelab GPZ 7000 and GPX 5000.

Fresh Water Hunting

Looking for treasures underwater is very exciting, and it can be a lot of fun. To do it the right way, you need to use a metal detector that is waterproof and also submersible.

Some detectors just have a waterproof coil. Coil can’t be in the water, but it’s good for shallow water. Garrett AT Pro can be in the water because it is fully waterproof.

Metal Detector Technology

When choosing a metal detector, you need to consider the different features and technologies. Some features, like ground balancing, are very important for getting good results on different types of terrain. But the most important thing to think about is the operating frequency and classification of the detector.

Operating Frequency

Detection of smaller objects is more efficient at higher frequencies. They can only go a certain depth, but they will find smaller objects. Lower frequency detectors are not as good at finding smaller targets. Still, they can find larger objects that are deeper underground.

So, which sort of detector should you buy?

It all comes down to where you plan to go in search of the precious metal. If you’re looking in a place where the gold is near the surface, then you’ll need a product that has a higher frequency. That way, you’re more likely to find it.

If you are looking for bigger nuggets buried deeper, a detector with a lower frequency might be better.

Very Low Frequency (VLF)

VLF detectors use a frequency that is between 3-70 kHz. This range is low compared to other frequencies, but it is still in the range.

Coin, jewelry, and general metal detectors typically have a frequency range of 5-13 kHz. However, detectors designed for gold usually have much higher frequencies of 15-75 kHz.

VLF detectors work better than other detectors at finding small gold nuggets and flakes. Electronic discrimination helps you ignore things that are not gold, like steel or iron.

Due to their increased sensitivity to mineralization, VLF detectors have the drawback of generating a higher number of false signals. Additionally, they aren’t nearly as effective at finding gold at greater depths.

Pulse Induction (PI)

Pulse induction detectors are used to find things in difficult conditions.

These detectors are more expensive, but they are better at ignoring false alarms than cheaper models. Additionally, they can delve deeper into the ground, searching for larger gold nuggets.

There are, of course, some downsides to PI detectors. As a result of their higher price, VLF detectors are less effective at detecting small gold particles. As a result, they’re better suited to more serious hobbyists.

Multiple Frequency (MF)

The best is metal detectors that use multiple frequencies, like the Minelab GPZ 7000. They can work in high or low frequencies. This makes them good for finding targets in different types of soil.

MF detectors are very good at finding things. But they can be expensive. Most are too expensive for someone who just wants to use them on the weekends.

Stabilizer

The stabilizer helps keep the detector steady as you sweep it over the ground. The brace makes it more comfortable to hold the detector’s weight. Most metal detector manufacturers include stabilizers as standard equipment, but some offer optional extras.

Control Box

The control panel, circuitry, speaker, microprocessor, and batteries are found in the “brain” of the metal detector. Some models have jacks for headphones.

Shaft

The shaft is the part of the metal detector that connects the search coil to the control box. Different metal detectors have different designs for their shafts. Some shafts are shaped like a flat S, making it easy to adjust and see the LCD/meters and controls. Some shafts are adjustable to set the right distance according to their height.

Search Coil

The part of the metal detector that is responsible for sensing the metal. It is also called the search head, antenna, or loop.

Audio Jack

The headphones are used to connect to the detector. They help you hear the tones better so that you can focus on what you’re listening for. The headphones also help save battery life because less current is used, and you can listen for a longer period.

Ground Balance

Almost every modern gold detector will have an automatic ground balance. Some also have a manual adjustment, which is recommended.

In fact, having an automated mode can cause problems when looking for gold. There are often high mineralization levels in areas where gold is found. The balance must be manually adjusted to successfully filter out iron found in these soils.

You should choose a detector that has a manual ground balance mode when looking for gold. You’ll be able to make any necessary alterations due to this. Although you may not need to, it is helpful to have this option.

Mineralization

The mineralization of the soil can make it difficult to get a true positive signal from a metal detector. The greater the mineralization, the more likely you will get a false signal. Unfortunately, gold is usually found in areas with some degree of mineralization.

All metal detectors are designed to find the yellow ore we all love so much. However, some work better in mineralized areas than others.

PI detectors are better than other machines at finding things in bad conditions. So, if you’re looking for something in an area with many minerals, you’re better off using a different machine.

Mineralization is important when it comes to ground balance. We talked about this earlier. Most gold detectors have automatic adjustment, but some also have a manual option.

If you want to find gold, you need to invest in a detector. This detector can help you find gold by using two ground balancing options. Don’t be alarmed; it’s not as difficult as it appears.

Discrimination

When using a metal detector to search for gold, you must be aware of all the trash in the area. False signals can be caused by this trash. But since you’re here to learn about the best metal detectors for gold, let’s assume that you don’t want to find other things.

PI detectors are good at ignoring trace metals in areas with many minerals. However, they are not good at separating gold nuggets from everything else.

VLF detectors are different from other metal detectors because they use electronic discrimination to separate good targets from trash. Using a VLF detector is a good idea if you’re hunting in an area with a lot of trash, like a park.

Target Identification

Finding the best gold metal detector starts with figuring out what you’re looking for. This is done using a number scale from 0-99, called the VDI scale, which correlates to the type of metal detected.

Iron results in low numbers on digital target IDs. Silver, copper, and nickel targets like coins produce high numbers. Gold produces a medium-range reading on digital target IDs.

Search Coils

The metal detector’s search coil is very important. It is what helps the detector find things. If the search coil is not good, the detector will not find anything.

Coil Size

Smaller five-inch search coils are more sensitive to smaller targets. They can better distinguish between materials in areas with a lot of trash.

Large coils are less sensitive and have a harder time finding smaller objects. They also don’t work in areas with a lot of minerals. However, large coils can find objects buried deeper and cover more areas in less time.

Coil Type

There are two different types of search coils: concentric and wide scan. Concentric search coils are good for finding things in an area with a lot of trash. Wide scan search coils aren’t as good at finding things, but they work better in soil with many minerals.

Accessories

When prospecting for gold, a well-made and proven detector is a must. However, you will also need some extra tools and accessories that you wouldn’t need with regular metal detecting.

Besides the standard items like headphones, gloves, coil covers, and a pinpointer, you will also need some tools to help you get through rocky ground and store the gold you find. These include a pick, vials, and a compact shovel.