Best Budget Metal Detectors for Treasure Hunting on a Budget

Metal detecting is a rewarding hobby suitable for all ages. Choosing the right detector can be challenging, especially on a budget. This article highlights the best affordable metal detectors, providing value for money. Key factors to consider include the type of metal, required depth, and discrimination level. After extensive research and testing, we’ve selected the top budget options to help guide your decision.

Product Image	Product Name	Primary Button
Top Pick	Metal Detector for Adults, High Accuracy Professional Adjustable Waterproof, 5 Detection Modes, 8" Lightweight Upgrade Metal Detector for Treasure Hunting	Check Price on Amazon
Best Price Pick	PANCKY Metal Detectors for Adults Waterproof - Professional Higher Accuracy Gold Detector with LCD Display, 5 Mode, Advanced DSP Chip 10" Coil Metal Detectors - PK0075	Check Price on Amazon
Best Budget Pick	OMMO Metal Detector for Adults, High Accuracy Adjustable Waterproof Metal Detector, with Pinpoint & Disc & All Metal Mode, Great for Detecting Gold, Coin, Treasure Hunting	Check Price on Amazon

Top Pick

Metal Detector for Adults, High Accuracy Professional Adjustable Waterproof, 5 Detection Modes, 8" Lightweight Upgrade Metal Detector for Treasure Hunting

Check Price on Amazon

Best Price Pick

PANCKY Metal Detectors for Adults Waterproof - Professional Higher Accuracy Gold Detector with LCD Display, 5 Mode, Advanced DSP Chip 10" Coil Metal Detectors - PK0075

Check Price on Amazon

Best Budget Pick

OMMO Metal Detector for Adults, High Accuracy Adjustable Waterproof Metal Detector, with Pinpoint & Disc & All Metal Mode, Great for Detecting Gold, Coin, Treasure Hunting

Check Price on Amazon

Best Budget Metal Detectors

We understand that not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a metal detector. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best budget metal detectors that won’t break the bank. These detectors may have a lower price point, but they still offer great features and functionality for the beginner or hobbyist treasure hunter. Keep reading to find the perfect budget metal detector for you.

Huntermax Metal Detector

Metal Detector for Adults, High Accuracy Professional Adjustable Waterproof, 5 Detection Modes, 8" Lightweight Upgrade Metal Detector for Treasure Hunting

If you're looking for an affordable metal detector that can help you find hidden treasures, then the Huntermax Metal Detector is a great option to consider.

Pros:

• With 5 different modes, including ALL MENTAL MODE, DISC MODE, Notch MODE, SENS MODE, and PINPOINT MODE, you can easily search for the desired metals.
• The metal detector features the latest upgraded DSP chip, which provides higher precision, strong anti-interference ability, higher sensitivity, and a wider search range.
• The detector search coil, adjustable stem, and coil are all IP68 waterproof, allowing you to work well in shallow water.

Cons:

• The control box is not waterproof, so you need to be careful when using it in wet conditions.
• The metal detector can only detect small coins and metal objects up to 6 inches deep.
• It may take some time to get used to the different modes and settings.

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We recently had the opportunity to try out the Huntermax Metal Detector, and we were impressed with its performance. The metal detector is easy to assemble and use, and the different modes allow you to customize your search based on your preferences. We found the upgraded DSP chip to be very effective, providing accurate readings and helping us locate hidden treasures with ease.

One of the things we really liked about the Huntermax Metal Detector is its waterproof design. We were able to use it in shallow water without any issues, and the detector search coil, adjustable stem, and coil were all able to withstand the water without any damage.

Overall, we think the Huntermax Metal Detector is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable metal detector that can help them find hidden treasures. It comes with a range of accessories, including two 9V batteries, a premium collapsible shovel, and a carrying bag, making it a great gift for anyone interested in treasure hunting.

PANCKY Metal Detectors for Adults Waterproof

PANCKY Metal Detectors for Adults Waterproof - Professional Higher Accuracy Gold Detector with LCD Display, 5 Mode, Advanced DSP Chip 10" Coil Metal Detectors - PK0075

If you're looking for a budget-friendly metal detector that can deliver professional-level performance, the PANCKY Metal Detector is an excellent choice.

Pros:

• The upgraded DSP chip provides higher detection speed, sensitivity, and accuracy than other detectors on the market.
• The intuitive large LCD display is user-friendly and easy to read, even in low light conditions.
• The 10-inch IP68 waterproof search coil allows for easy penetration of water layers and enables large-scale, sensitive detection even underwater.

Cons:

• The control box is not waterproof, so you'll need to be careful when using the detector near water.
• Some users have reported that the armrest is not as comfortable as they would like.
• The metal detector may be too heavy for some users, especially children.

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We recently had the opportunity to test out the PANCKY Metal Detector, and we were impressed with its performance. The upgraded DSP chip provides faster and more accurate detection than other detectors in this price range, and the large LCD display is easy to read and navigate.

One of the standout features of this metal detector is the 10-inch IP68 waterproof search coil. We were able to use the detector in shallow water areas and found it to be very effective at detecting metal objects.

The metal detector is also very easy to use, with five different modes to choose from and a user-friendly interface. The silicone buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback, and the adjustable length makes it suitable for users of different heights.

Overall, we would highly recommend the PANCKY Metal Detector to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that can deliver professional-level performance. It’s a great choice for beginners and experienced metal detector enthusiasts alike.

OMMO Metal Detector for Adults

OMMO Metal Detector for Adults, High Accuracy Adjustable Waterproof Metal Detector, with Pinpoint & Disc & All Metal Mode, Great for Detecting Gold, Coin, Treasure Hunting

If you're looking for a high-quality metal detector that won't break the bank, the OMMO Metal Detector for Adults is a great choice.

Pros:

• With a waterproof search coil and high sensitivity, this metal detector can detect small coins and metal objects up to 8 inches deep and larger objects up to 3 feet deep.
• Three distinct modes make it easy to optimize your metal detection for your needs.
• The large back-lit LCD display provides all the information you need to detect more efficiently and save time.

Cons:

• Not recommended for use indoors or on highly mineralized soil or places with metal waste.
• The device may be too heavy to carry for extended periods.
• Some users may find the instructions difficult to understand.

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Our team found the OMMO Metal Detector for Adults to be an excellent choice for those on a budget. With a waterproof search coil and high sensitivity, this metal detector can detect small coins and metal objects up to 8 inches deep and larger objects up to 3 feet deep. The three distinct modes make it easy to optimize your metal detection for your needs, and the large back-lit LCD display provides all the information you need to detect more efficiently and save time.

While the device is not recommended for use indoors or on highly mineralized soil or places with metal waste, we found that it worked well in outdoor environments like beaches, streams, and yards. However, some users may find the device too heavy to carry for extended periods, and the instructions may be difficult to understand for some. Overall, we believe that the OMMO Metal Detector for Adults is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly metal detector.

ULHUND Upgraded Metal Detector for Adults-Professional Higher Accuracy 9 Gold Detector with LCD Display, Advanced DSP Chip with 12” Detection Depth Dark Gray Black

ULHUND Upgraded Metal Detector for Adults-Professional Higher Accuracy 9 Gold Detector with LCD Display, Advanced DSP Chip with 12'' Detection Depth

If you're looking for a budget-friendly metal detector that doesn't compromise on quality, the ULHUND Upgraded Metal Detector is an excellent choice. With its advanced DSP chip and 10-inch search coil, this detector offers higher accuracy and a wider search range. The waterproof stem and search coil make it a great option for beach hunting, and the four distinct modes allow you to search for a variety of metals.

Pros:

• The upgraded DSP chip and 10-inch search coil provide higher accuracy and a wider search range.
• The waterproof stem and search coil make it a great option for beach hunting.
• The four distinct modes allow you to search for a variety of metals.

Cons:

• The control box is not waterproof, so you'll need to be careful when using it in wet conditions.
• The included shovel is not very sturdy and may need to be replaced.
• The instructions can be a bit confusing, especially for beginners.

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We were impressed with the ULHUND Upgraded Metal Detector’s accuracy and range. The larger search coil allowed us to cover more ground and detect smaller objects that other detectors might have missed. We also appreciated the waterproof design, which allowed us to hunt in shallow water without worrying about damaging the detector.

The four distinct modes are another great feature of this detector. We found them easy to switch between, and they allowed us to customize our search based on the type of metal we were looking for. The all-metal mode was particularly useful for finding small objects like coins, while the notch mode helped us filter out unwanted items like bottle caps and nails.

While we were generally happy with the ULHUND detector, there were a few minor drawbacks. The control box is not waterproof, which means you’ll need to be careful when using it in wet conditions. We also found that the included shovel was not very sturdy and may need to be replaced if you plan on doing a lot of digging. Finally, the instructions can be a bit confusing, especially for beginners.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the ULHUND Upgraded Metal Detector for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers high-quality performance. With its advanced features and versatile modes, this detector is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement for treasure hunters of all levels.

Vasip Metal Detector

Metal Detector for Adults, Professional High Accuracy Waterproof Gold Detector with LCD Display, 10" Coil Adjustable Metal Detector for Treasure Hunting, 5 Modes, Advanced DSP Chip

If you're looking for a budget-friendly metal detector that is easy to use and has a lot of features, the Vasip Metal Detector is a great option.

Pros:

• With 5 different modes to choose from, this metal detector is versatile and can be used to detect a variety of different metals.
• The large LCD display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. Plus, the volume can be adjusted and the battery level is displayed.
• The latest German chip makes the signal search for metal more accurate, the response more sensitive, and the anti-interference stronger. The PP positioning mode can locate the target more accurately, allowing you to find metal faster.

Cons:

• The 10-inch waterproof coil is great for searching in shallow water or on the beach, but it may not be suitable for deeper water.
• The adjustable length latch can be a bit tricky to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy to adjust.
• While this metal detector is great for beginners, more experienced users may prefer a model with more advanced features.

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Overall, the Vasip Metal Detector is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly metal detector that is easy to use and has a lot of features. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced metal detector, this model is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement.

Fully Waterproof Portable Pinpointing Gold Metal Detector with LED Flashlight, 360 Degree Searching Pinpointer, IP68 Underwater to 5m/16.4feet Treasure Hunter for Adults and Kids, Three Modes, Red

Fully Waterproof Portable Pinpointing Gold Metal Detector with LED Flashlight, 360 Degree Searching Pinpointer, IP68 Underwater to 5m/16.4feet Treasure Hunter for Adults and Kids, Three Modes, Red

If you're looking for a budget-friendly metal detector that can be used both on land and underwater, then the Fully Waterproof Portable Pinpointing Gold Metal Detector with LED Flashlight might just be the product for you.

Pros:

• The IP68 level of the metal detector makes it completely waterproof, so you can use it to discover underwater treasure up to 16.5 feet deep.
• The metal detector pinpointer has maximum sensitivity for improved detection of nuggets and other small metallic targets. The sensitivity has been increased by around 15% than regular metal detectors, which means 15% more possibility to find treasure.
• The metal detector has three detection modes: sound, vibration, and sound plus vibration alarm. You can choose the mode that works best for your environment.

Cons:

• The LED light can drain the battery quickly, so it's recommended to use it sparingly.
• Some users have reported that the metal detector is not as durable as they would like.
• The instructions can be a bit confusing for beginners.

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Overall, we believe that the Fully Waterproof Portable Pinpointing Gold Metal Detector with LED Flashlight is a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking to try out metal detecting. It’s versatile, easy to use, and can help you discover hidden treasures both on land and underwater.

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Pinpoint Metal Detector Waterproof Gold and Silver, Higher Accuracy, Bigger LCD Display, Strong Memory Mode, 10" IP68 Coil, New Advanced DSP Chip

We highly recommend the DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality metal detector.

Pros:

• The large LCD display is easy to read, even in the dark, and offers multiple display modes to help identify the type of metal you're detecting.
• The adjustable stem and sensitivity make it easy to use for adults of different heights and experience levels.
• The waterproof search coil is powerful enough to detect larger objects at greater depths, making it perfect for use on the beach or in shallow water.

Cons:

• The included accessories, while useful, may not be of the highest quality.
• The detector may be a bit heavy for extended use, especially for beginners.
• The detector's memory mode may take some time to get used to.

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We were impressed with the DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector’s accuracy and ease of use. The innovative Memory Mode allows you to detect only one metal type, saving you time and energy. The adjustable sensitivity also helps counteract any interference factors and helps you find your target faster.

The large, clear LCD display is a standout feature, making it easy to read and understand the type of metal you’re detecting. The backlight also makes it easy to use in low-light conditions.

The waterproof search coil is another standout feature, allowing you to detect larger objects at greater depths. This makes it perfect for use on the beach or in shallow water.

While the included accessories are useful, they may not be of the highest quality. The detector may also be a bit heavy for extended use, especially for beginners. The detector’s memory mode may take some time to get used to.

Overall, we highly recommend the DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality metal detector.

SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional

SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional - Waterproof Higher Accuracy 5 Modes Gold Detector with Strong Anti-Interference, Advanced DSP Chip, 11" Detection Depth Metal Detectors - OTMD09

We highly recommend the SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional to anyone looking for a budget-friendly metal detector that delivers accurate results.

Pros:

• The upgraded chip ensures powerful anti-interference performance, making it easier to identify targets accurately even in challenging environments.
• The 10-inch waterproof search coil allows for a wider detection range and an impressive 11-inch detection depth.
• With 5 modes and 7 kinds of target metals, this metal detector is versatile and perfect for beginners.

Cons:

• The control box is not waterproof, which limits the detector's use in certain environments.
• Some users reported a loose wire that attached to the batteries, which required repair.
• The headset was missing the plug-in pin in some cases, which may require replacement.

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The SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional is easy to operate, even for beginners. Its intuitive data display and silicone buttons make it effortless to use. The telescopic cam lock design allows for quick assembly in just one minute, and the adjustable detection and forearm rods ensure a comfortable and personalized experience for both adults and kids.

This metal detector is perfect for exploring beaches, shallow water, and rainy-day hunting thanks to its IP68-level professional waterproof rating. The memory function saves your preferred settings, eliminating the need to reset each time you start.

Overall, the SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults Professional is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly metal detector that delivers accurate results. Its versatility, ease of use, and impressive detection depth make it a great investment for any treasure hunter.

PalliPartners Metal Detectors for Adults Waterproof

PalliPartners Metal Detectors for Adults Waterproof - Professional Higher Accuracy Gold Detector with LCD Display，5 Mode，Advanced DSP Chip 12" Coil Metal Detectors - G3040

If you're looking for a budget metal detector with great features, the PalliPartners Metal Detector is a great option.

Pros:

• The metal detector is lightweight and easy to assemble, making it great for both kids and adults.
• It has five distinct modes that allow you to effectively search for the desired metals.
• The upgraded DSP chip improves search range and sensitivity, making it easier to detect objects.

Cons:

• The control box is not waterproof, so it's important to avoid using it in wet conditions.
• The metal detector can be difficult to pinpoint objects, so digging up a larger area may be necessary.
• The metal detector may not detect gold as well as other metals.

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The PalliPartners Metal Detector is a great option for those who want to try metal detecting without breaking the bank. The metal detector is easy to assemble, making it great for beginners. It also has five distinct modes that allow you to search for specific metals, making it a versatile tool. The upgraded DSP chip improves the search range and sensitivity, making it easier to detect objects.

However, the control box is not waterproof, so it’s important to avoid using it in wet conditions. Additionally, the metal detector can be difficult to pinpoint objects, so digging up a larger area may be necessary. Finally, the metal detector may not detect gold as well as other metals.

Overall, the PalliPartners Metal Detector is a great option for those who want to try metal detecting without spending a lot of money. It’s easy to use and has a lot of great features that make it a versatile tool.

Handheld Highly Sensitive Metal Detectors

Handheld Highly Sensitive Metal Detectors - High Sensitivity Metal Scanning Detector with Red Light & Sound Alarm - Higher Accuracy Gold Detector for Gold, Silver, and Jewelry (Black)

If you're on a tight budget and looking for a reliable metal detector, the Handheld Highly Sensitive Metal Detectors from Tlsic is definitely worth considering.

Pros:

• This metal detector is highly sensitive and can detect various metals, including rare ones.
• It is easy to use, making it perfect for beginners and kids.
• The ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and store.

Cons:

• It operates on a 9V battery, which is not included in the package.
• The metal detector does not have adjustable length.
• The product is not waterproof.

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We have used this metal detector and found it to be an excellent tool for treasure hunting. It is highly sensitive and can detect not only common metals like aluminum and copper but also rare ones. We were able to find some valuable relics and jewelry with this metal detector.

The metal detector is very easy to use, even for kids. Just turn it on and start searching. When a metal object is detected, LED and audio alerts will let you know to look further. The non-directional operation makes it easy to use in various environments.

The ultra-lightweight design is another plus. It is compact and easy to carry around and store. However, keep in mind that it operates on a 9V battery, which is not included in the package. Also, the metal detector does not have adjustable length, which may be a problem for some users.

Overall, the Handheld Highly Sensitive Metal Detectors from Tlsic is a great budget option for those who want to start treasure hunting. It is highly sensitive, easy to use, and lightweight. However, it is not waterproof and does not have adjustable length, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best budget metal detector, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a metal detector:

Detector Type

There are two main types of metal detectors: VLF (Very Low Frequency) and PI (Pulse Induction). VLF detectors are more common and are better suited for finding smaller objects, while PI detectors are more advanced and can detect deeper objects. Consider where you’ll be using your detector and what kind of objects you’ll be looking for when deciding which type of detector to choose.

Frequency

The frequency of a metal detector refers to how many times per second the electromagnetic field changes direction. Higher frequencies are better for finding small objects, while lower frequencies are better for finding larger objects. Consider what you’ll be searching for and choose a detector with an appropriate frequency.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a metal detector determines how deep it can detect objects. A more sensitive detector will be able to detect smaller objects at greater depths. However, higher sensitivity can also lead to more false signals. Consider the terrain you’ll be searching and choose a detector with an appropriate sensitivity level.

Discrimination

Discrimination is the ability of a metal detector to distinguish between different types of metals. This is important because it allows you to ignore unwanted objects and focus on the ones you’re looking for. Look for a detector with adjustable discrimination settings to customize your search.

Display

The display of a metal detector is where you’ll see information about the objects it detects. Look for a detector with a clear and easy-to-read display that shows important information such as depth, type of metal, and battery life.

By considering these key features, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best budget metal detector for your needs.

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Rohit Mittal

Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.

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