The Best Metal Detectors You Can Get for Under $300

Metal Detectors Under $300

When you are new to metal detecting, you want to use it without spending time. Nowadays, metal detectors are easy to use because they have buttons and knobs that you can push. You can find these three metal detectors, which will work for you and save you hundreds of dollars even if this is your first time using one.

Metal Detectors for Beginners at a Reasonable Price

Below I have listed three metal detectors that are affordable and under $300. These machines come highly recommended if you’re new to metal detecting and looking for a new detector. These machines are simple and inexpensive to operate (turn them on and go). Kellyco Metal Detectors also throws in a few extras that come with the machine at their price.

Here are 3 of the best metal detectors under $300

• Minelab Vanquish
• Nokta Makro Simplex (100% waterproof)
• Garrett Ace 250 and 300

Several points to make, If you’re looking for a completely waterproof metal detector, the Nokta Makro Simplex is the detector for you. For people looking for multiple frequency technology, there is the Minelab Vanquish.

Benefits of Multi-Frequency Technology

One of the three machines in this article is called “Multi-Frequency.” What does that mean? The Minelab Vanquish is the best metal detector of the three. It has a multi-frequency technology that allows it to search in several frequencies at one time. You might miss targets with other metal detectors that only work on one frequency because these targets hit differently on different frequencies.

Which Metal Detector Is Best For A Beginning Detector User?

After reading about the benefits of multi-frequency, you might think the Minelab Vanquish is right for you. But it is not 100% waterproof. The Garrett Ace and Simplex are 100% waterproof, and each has only one frequency. So, it comes down to what type of metal detecting you want to do. The Simplex is good for you if you are around water a lot. The Vanquish is probably best for you if you hunt parks and beaches. And if you never plan on hunting in wet sand or water and want something that has been proven over time, then Garrett might be right for you.

Now Is an Excellent Time to Begin Metal Detecting

With recent advances in technology, these three metal detectors are great for beginners. They have high-end features and reasonable prices. It is a good time to start metal detecting if you’ve been sitting on the sideline so far. Metal detectors these days are better. They are easy to turn on and go. The learning curve is no longer as steep as it once was. You can buy them and start right away, but I suggest watching instructional videos before buying one (on YouTube). This will shorten the time it takes for you to start finding treasure.

For Beginners, Rent a Metal Detector or Take a Test Drive

Many people who try to metal detect don’t like it. If you buy expensive metal detectors, you will spend a lot of money. Before spending money on something, you may not enjoy, keep this in mind. If you have a friend who likes metal detecting, ask them to show you how it works. You can try it out for a few days or rent one for the day. When you are done, find out if this is something you want to continue with or not.

Beginners, Please Don’t Break The Bank

If you’re new to metal detecting, start with a low-cost detector. It is critical not to overspend on your first metal detector. I have been metal detecting since the 1990s. When I first got my metal detector, it was a Whites 5900. It was a great machine that is more advanced than what I am used to. I spent a lot of money on something that was far too complicated for me to use, and I’m sure I’ll never figure it out. If you don’t want this to happen, make sure you get an easier one and try it out before you buy it so you know if you like using it or not. The Vanquish, Simplex, and Ace metal detectors are easy to learn. They have a low price of $300. If you still need help, try this

With Every New Metal Detector Comes Great Power

Sometimes you will not find gold, silver, or coins when digging. Sometimes people only find nails, pull tabs, and junk. It is still important to dig because it might be hard work, but you will get something at the end of the day. When you use your metal detector, the more hours you use it, the better. It will start to make sense and become easier. If you have 60-100 hours of using your metal detector, then that is when you are a master and no longer a beginner. Thanks for reading!

1. Fisher F44

For starters, the F44 is a good detector with which to begin your search. Even though it may be a bit tough at first to learn all of its functions, you will become more familiar with it and will find lots of applications for it for a long time to come. It contains a digital display that includes a numerical target ID, a depth indicator, configurable discrimination, and five search modes, among other features.

You may set the sensitivity to 20 different levels, as well as the threshold, so that you can hear even the weakest and deepest targets. There is also a ground balance option. For hunting in any of the discriminating modes, ground balance has been pre-programmed at the factory, however Ground Grab is activated automatically when you’re in all-metal mode.

The Fisher detector also includes a headphone jack as well as a volume control, so you won’t have to spend extra money on headphones that include a volume control. As for the headphones, you will need to purchase them separately because the device does not come with any accessories other than the waterproof 11″ semi-elliptical searchcoil.

The Fisher F44 is a fantastic metal detector with a large list of capabilities that few other metal detectors can match. The F44 is a good place to start if you’re new to detectors. It may be difficult to immediately learn all of its features, but you’ll become used to it and find lots of uses for it in the future. It contains a digital display with a numerical target ID, depth indicator, discrimination adjustment, and five search modes.

You can set the sensitivity to 20 levels, the threshold of hearing even the weakest and deepest targets, and ground balance are also available. Ground balance has been pre-programmed for hunting in any of the discriminating modes. However, Ground Grab is only available in all-metal mode. The Fisher detector also has a headphone jack and volume control, so you don’t need to buy headphones with volume control. You’ll need headphones because it doesn’t include any extras besides the waterproof 11″ semi-elliptical searchcoil.

2. Minelab Vanquish 440

This company is famed for its Multi-IQ technology. You can bet that even their entry-level metal detectors have it. As you can see, the Vanquish 440 comes with everything you need. All included a digital display, target ID, five-level target depth indicator, and four search modes. There are ten sensitivity levels, ten-volume levels, three tones, and twelve discriminating segments.

The Multi-IQ technology is what you actually want to know about. This metal detector is intended to be used for various purposes and in various environments. Individual frequencies at work have not been revealed, but we know that many frequencies are working on the ground simultaneously. The Vanquish is hard at work, whether in the park or on the beach, dry or wet.

It’s working hard because it consumes a lot of juice. The Minelab detector runs on four AA alkaline batteries, lasting about 10-12 hours. This is enough time for one or two days of serious hunting and keeps extras on hand for those “just in case” situations. It’s a good deal for multi-frequency technology at this pricing.

As you can see, the Vanquish 440 is loaded with all of the bells and whistles. A digital display, target identification, a target depth indicator with five levels, and four search modes are all included. There are also ten levels of sensitivity, ten levels of volume, three tones, and twelve discrimination segments to consider.

You’re really curious about Multi-IQ technology. This metal detector may be utilized for a range of tasks and environments. While the exact frequencies at work are unknown, we do know that many frequencies are simultaneously manipulating the earth. The Vanquish works hard in the park, on the beach, dry or wet.

You can tell it’s working hard because it consumes a significant amount of juice while doing so. The Minelab detector requires 4x AA alkaline batteries, and you can expect to receive roughly 10-12 hours of operation out of each battery.

This is more than enough time for one or two days of devoted hunting. Just make sure you have plenty for “just in case.” At this pricing, multi-frequency technology is a good deal.

3. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro

Bounty Hunter’s Land Ranger Pro is one of their top metal detectors. Why? Let’s have a look.

All of your money on the Land Ranger Pro will be spent on the Land Ranger Pro, so don’t anticipate any garbage extras. Yes, you’ll have to purchase your own, but you can make sure they’re worthwhile and suit the setting.

Good headphones are required because the Bounty Hunter metal detector employs VCO audio. This oscillating audio allows you to educate your ear to recognize different signals. Advanced detectorists have developed trained hearing, which is a crucial talent.

This low-cost Bounty Hunter metal detector also has automatic ground balance, important for hunting in loud soils. You can also modify the transition between the detector’s distinct tones for different metal types and the VCO taking over. The Land Ranger Pro has a lot of room for improvement. Is that something you’re prepared for?

4. Garrett ACE 300

Although the Garrett ACE is not as advanced as some of the other models in this series. It provides a user-friendly platform that is better suitable for first-time metal detector customers. The ACE 300 is a good detector that would be a nice choice for a newbie. Ground balance is adjusted at the factory for average soil conditions across the country to cater to newcomers.

You may shift between the various search options and discriminate further with Iron Masking. And learn how Target ID can be a useful tool in recognizing various metals to add some intricacy to the design. The ACE 200 has a fixed frequency, but the ACE 300 has a frequency shift. You can modify your operating frequency slightly when performance is hampered by neighboring metal detectors or EMI interference.

You may also learn how to pinpoint using the searchcoil. This is a challenging technique to master, but you must start somewhere if you want to be a skilled hobbyist. Although the ACE 300 has more features, it maintains things simple enough for a newbie to grasp what they’re doing when they need to do it and where to get more of the excellent stuff.

5. Sunpow OT-MD02

Don’t dismiss the Sunpow simply because it’s inexpensive. It boasts widespread support and user-adjustable features rarely seen at this price bracket. The Sunpow OT-MD02 is a great deal. The Sunpow metal detector is an entry-level metal detector ideal for novices. Unfortunately, there have been concerns concerning user error and misunderstandings about how the system works. This is not due to the detector’s fault. Still, it highlights the fact that there is a learning curve despite its beginner-level operation and quality.

It doesn’t have a Target ID, but it does have a 6-target category scale that will place the detected item into one of the categories. It’s simple. You’ll be able to locate what you’re looking for, thanks to 3-tone audio, All-Metal, and DISC modes. The Sunpow’s manual ground balance feature makes it an outstanding buy and deserving of note in this price bracket. The ground balance on most low-cost detectors is preset. For changing and highly mineralized soils, it cannot be manually adjusted. It defies the standard for entry-level detectors with this one.

6. Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector

The waterproof search coil is standard on the Teknetics Delta 4000 metal detector, although the entire metal detector is not. As a result, it can be used in wet areas like a beach, river, or lake, but it should never be soaked thoroughly. It has a frequency of 7.8 kHz and runs on a common 9V alkaline battery, which can be found in most places. According to the manufacturer, a 5-year limited guarantee covers against defects in materials and workmanship.

This metal detector was designed to be lightweight, weighing only 2.6 pounds. You may use it for longer periods without placing too much strain on your arm. This metal detector’s shaft is adjustable, which means that numerous users can use it simultaneously. It can be adjusted to fit the present user’s height without difficulty. Finally, this metal detector features an easy-to-read LCD screen for targeting and locating your prize.

7. Minelab GO-FIND 66 Metal Detector

The Minelab GO-FIND 66 metal detector’s waterproof search coil operates at 7.8 kHz. This metal detector stands out from the crowd thanks to features like a smartphone holder and two camouflage skins. This metal detector also features Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to metal detect while wearing wireless earphones or headphones, unlike other metal detectors. Removing the inconvenience of unnecessary cords from traditional headphones.

Noise interference is minimized by using the auto ground-tracking mode, which helps to optimize the target signals from the ground. The LCD screen is designed to be easy to read and understand. The metal detector features a comfortable grip that makes it easy to hold. Finally, this metal detector has a digging shovel with which you can easily dig up your discoveries.

8. 13″ Professional Metal Detector

This metal detector features an easily accessible earphone jack that you can connect right into to hear when you’re coming closer to something. The handgrip and arm cuff are padded for increased comfort. The stem is adjustable, allowing it to be used by people of various heights. Another great advantage of this metal detector is that you don’t need to buy a handheld pinpointer. It has its own function that allows you to accomplish the same thing without carrying around another item.

Because the LCD screen is backlit, you can use this metal detector in various lighting conditions and still see what is being detected beneath the ground. It also features a detector stand attached to the rear of the armrest to protect the metal detector from injury when used to dig up your finds on the ground. This metal detector also includes noise-canceling headphones. Which makes it easier to hear the varied tones emitted by the metal detector as you move closer to your target, independent of ambient noise. Finally, this metal detector was created with archeology, treasure hunting, and finding lost goods in various locations, including caves, seashores, saline lines, and caves, in mind.

9. SUNCOO Pro Metal Detector

The SUNCOO Pro metal detector was created with precision positioning in mind. It includes a screening function that allows the user to effortlessly go through the various modes to guarantee that they only detect what they want to find. This metal detector was built to operate for persons of various heights. Depending on the object’s size, it can detect some things up to 8.2 feet in the ground. Furthermore, this metal detector includes a few attachments that can help it outperform many other metal detectors in its price range.

This metal detector, for example, comes with its own carrying pouch that allows the user to travel with the detector while keeping it secure from various travel and severe circumstances. It was designed to run at a frequency of 19 kHz. It can be used in most situations with temperatures ranging from -10 to 50 degrees Celsius and humidity levels ranging from 0% to 90%. Unlike some of the other high-end metal detectors under $300, this one comes with an easy-to-understand user manual, ideal for beginners. This metal detector also includes a pair of high-quality earbuds with cuffs to make it easier to hear. You get closer to an object and comfortable arm support for longer metal detecting trips.

10. Treasure Cove TC-9800 Detector

Metal detecting is a fantastic pastime that hobbyists may perform to obtain fitness and have fun without being cooped up inside their homes in today’s era of social distancing. The Treasure Cove TC-9800 metal detector has a huge search coil that can identify quarters up to 12 inches underground, far better than most metal detectors in this price range. It has a huge LCD display that allows users to customize what the metal detector finds, saving time digging for unwanted items.

On the other hand, this metal detector comes with pre-programmed auto settings that make it simple for beginners to get started while learning the ins and outs of metal detecting. This detector also has a “Notch Mode” that allows users to ignore certain types of metals and things they don’t want to find. Ensuring that they don’t waste time digging up metals or stuff they don’t care about. Finally, this metal detector was created by a reputable company producing metal detectors for more than 15 years. They’re known for standing behind their products and giving customers peace of mind when they choose their metal detectors over others on the market.

Budget Appropriately

There should be a strong temptation to spend a little extra, then a little more, on a better metal detector. However, if you’re just starting, you shouldn’t spend too much money on it. You’re looking for a metal detector that’s just a little bit better than the one you now own, but not by much.

It would be best to avoid overbuying and sinking into the next price bracket by purchasing an overly complex device to get the most out of a detector. Even if you’re annoyed by a great detector, the detector’s shortcomings keep it from reaching its full potential. A reliable metal detector in this price range is an excellent start for beginners. In this instance, little is more.

Metal Detector Components

For the most part, a metal detector consists of three parts: a machine body, two search coils, and a control box. The coils generate an electromagnetic field (EMF) and transfer this field to the ground. The EMF is detected when it comes into contact with an object, and the gadget emits a sound or displays a message on the screen. Deeper metal detection is possible when the search coil is of a bigger diameter. When finding small yet precious items, bigger search coils are less sensitive. On the other hand, Tiny search coils are more efficient at finding smaller things, but they lack the depth of bigger coils. Last but not least, the majority of metal detectors make use of one of the following three technologies:

• Multi-frequencies, the most costly
• Pulse induction, the least expensive but more common
• Extremely low-frequency, the most frequent

Under $500 and $1,000, metal detectors combine low frequencies with multi-frequency technology, so you may pick one that fits your needs and budget.

Metal Detector Components

For the most part, a metal detector consists of three parts: a machine body, two search coils, and a control box. The coils generate an electromagnetic field (EMF) and transfer this field to the ground. The EMF is detected when it comes into contact with an object, and the gadget emits a sound or displays a message on the screen. Deeper metal detection is possible when the search coil is of a bigger diameter. When finding small yet precious items, bigger search coils are less sensitive. On the other hand, Tiny search coils are more efficient at finding smaller things, but they lack the depth of bigger coils. Last but not least, the majority of metal detectors make use of one of the following three technologies:

• Multi-frequencies, the most costly
• Pulse induction, the least expensive but more common
• Extremely low-frequency, the most frequent

Under $500 and $1,000, metal detectors combine low frequencies with multi-frequency technology, so you may pick one that fits your needs and budget.

Frequency

The entry-level standard is 6-7 kHz, and there will be plenty in this price range that will suffice for the coin, relic, and jewelry searches. Higher frequencies, on the other hand, are better for gold prospecting. Lower frequencies are ideal for achieving maximum depth.

Ground Balance

Some detectors in this price range still include preset ground balance, which is done expressly to make performance easier for the inexperienced. However, at the present time, you can obtain a detector that can provide computer-assisted ground balancing, so this is a preference.

Waterproofness

Ensure the searchcoil is submersible, not merely “weatherproof,” if you want to go into shallow water. To safeguard the electronics in the control box, you may want to use a coverup. Metal detectors that are submersible or underwater are in a class by themselves.

Beach Hunting

You’ll need a multi-frequency metal detector if you know you’ll be going to the beach. These are hard to come by at this price point, but they exist. These are ideal for beach hunting because they can detect metal while canceling minerals. They are significantly better at discriminating than pulse induction metal detectors.

Battery Type

This may not seem like a significant concern now, but whether the batteries are easy to find, whether you just need two or eight. Whether it has a built-in battery that can be charged later can be a big deal.