6 Best Metal Detectors for the Beach (October 2026)
The best metal detectors for beach hunting include the Minelab X-Terra PRO for wading and adjustable beach modes, the SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector for a foldable beach kit, and the Minelab Vanquish 360 for simple Multi-IQ detecting.
On this page (8 sections)
- How we picked these beach metal detectors
- Beach detector comparison
- The 6 best beach metal detectors in detail
- Waterproof detector or waterproof coil
- Beach modes, frequencies and target controls
- Coil size and coverage on open sand
- Weight, folding and the walk to the beach
- Which beach detector should you buy?
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is the best beach metal detector in this group because the full unit is waterproof to 16 ft and its controls include 2 Beach modes. It also weighs about 2.8 lb and packs down to 25 in.
The Minelab Vanquish 360 is the simpler fully waterproof alternative. Its Multi-IQ system works without manual frequency switching, and its three modes include a dedicated Beach setting.
A waterproof coil is not the same as a waterproof detector. Read our guide to what waterproof means on a metal detector before you carry any control box into the water.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for an all-in-one starter packageCheck it - 5
Best for a kit with a separate pinpointerCheck it - 6
Check itULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector
Best for a long adjustable shaft
How we picked these beach metal detectors
We compared water protection, controls and portability, then considered coil size and the gear included with each detector. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
The X-Terra PRO ranks first for its full waterproofing, 2 Beach modes and adjustable frequencies. The SAKOBS ranks second for its foldable design and included gear, followed by the fully submersible Vanquish 360.
We also considered DD coils, target identification and pinpoint control. Weight and packed size matter when your beach hunt starts with a walk from the parking area.
Included gear affects convenience, but it doesn't replace the detector's controls. The SAKOBS, Voyager, RIPTIC and ULHUND packages include carrying and digging gear that may suit a first-time buyer.
Our comparison is based on specifications and features. Full-detector waterproofing carries particular weight for anyone planning to wade or search near waves.
Beach detector comparison
The X-Terra PRO and Vanquish 360 are fully waterproof to 16 ft, with IP68 protection for the entire detector. The other four picks confirm waterproof or water-resistant protection for the search coil.
| Product | Best for | Water protection | Search coil | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab X-Terra PRO | wading and adjustable beach modes | Full detector, IP68 to 16 ft | 12 in | 2.8 lb | 9.1 |
| SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector | a foldable beach kit | 11 in IP68 coil | 11 in DD | 2.7 lb | 8.8 |
| Minelab Vanquish 360 | simple Multi-IQ detecting | Full detector, IP68 to 16 ft | 10 x 7 in DD | 2.6 lb | 8.4 |
| Minelab X-Terra Voyager | an all-in-one starter package | 11 in waterproof coil | 11 in | 2.8 lb | 7.8 |
| RIPTIC M55 with pinpointer | a kit with a separate pinpointer | 10 in IP68 water-resistant coil | 10 in | 6.4 lb | 7.3 |
| ULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector | a long adjustable shaft | 11 in IP68 coil; control box not waterproof | 11 in DD | 2.4 lb | 6.9 |
Coil protection can suit sand searches and shallow edges when the rest of the detector stays dry. Keep the controls away from waves and splashes, especially on the ULHUND Pro300, whose control box is not waterproof.
The 6 best beach metal detectors in detail
The X-Terra PRO leads this group, followed by the SAKOBS and Vanquish 360. Choose between them based on full-detector waterproofing, simple controls or a foldable kit with included gear.
Minelab X-Terra PRO
- Full detector is IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Two Beach modes and switchable frequencies
- 30 discrimination segments and pinpoint mode
- Packs down to 25 in
A fully waterproof detector with 2 Beach modes, switchable frequencies and 30 discrimination segments. It also has a control-pod light, red display backlight and handle vibration.
Pros
- Full detector can be submerged to 16 ft
- Two Beach modes
- Pinpoint mode helps narrow the digging area
- Three-piece shaft packs down to 25 in
Cons
- Requires manual frequency selection
- More search modes to choose among than the Vanquish 360
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is the top pick for a beach hunter who wants full water protection and room to adjust the detector. Its entire body is IP68 waterproof to 16 ft, rather than just the search coil.
You get 2 Beach modes along with 2 Park and 2 Field modes. PRO-SWITCH technology lets you change frequencies, while 30 discrimination segments help you choose which target signals to accept or ignore.
Pinpoint mode narrows the target area before you dig. A red-backlit display, backlit keypad, control-pod flashlight and handle vibration provide visual and tactile cues in low light.
The three-piece shaft packs down to 25 in and the detector weighs about 2.8 lb. That compact size helps when carrying it from a parking area to the sand.
Choose it if you expect to wade or want more control over frequencies and discrimination. Our Minelab X-Terra PRO review covers its modes and controls in more detail.
SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector
- 11 in IP68 waterproof DD coil
- Foldable design adjusts from 26 to 47 in
- Four search modes and nine target types
- Backpack, headphones and shovel included
A 2.7 lb foldable detector with an 11 in IP68 DD coil, backpack, headphones and shovel. Its four modes cover all-metal, discrimination, jewelry and pinpoint searches.
Pros
- Foldable design with included backpack
- Large 11 in DD coil
- Headphones and digging shovel included
- Backlit LCD shows target IDs
Cons
- Keep the control box dry; only coil waterproofing is confirmed
- No dedicated Beach mode
The SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector combines a DD coil with included carrying and digging gear. It weighs 2.7 lb, has a foldable design and adjusts from 26 to 47 in.
Its 11 in IP68 coil is intended for wet sand, shallow water and riverbank searches. Only coil waterproofing is confirmed, so keep the control section dry.
Four modes cover All Metal, Disc, Jewelry and Pinpointer searches. The backlit LCD supplies target IDs, and nine target types provide information about possible coins, jewelry and other metal before you dig.
SAKOBS claims detection up to 12.8 in under suitable conditions with its upgraded DSP chip. That is a conditional depth claim, so don't expect every target to register at that distance.
The package includes headphones, a digging shovel and a custom backpack. Choose it when portability and included gear matter more than full-detector submersion.
Minelab Vanquish 360
- Full detector is IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Multi-IQ technology
- Park, Beach and All Metal modes
- Rechargeable battery runs up to 10 hours
A fully waterproof 2.6 lb detector that uses Multi-IQ without requiring frequency changes. It includes Beach mode and a waterproof 10 x 7 in Double-D coil.
Pros
- Full detector can be submerged to 16 ft
- Multi-IQ runs without manual frequency switching
- Lightest fully submersible pick here
- Built-in rechargeable battery
Cons
- Only three search modes
- Up to 10 hours of battery use per charge
The Minelab Vanquish 360 is the simpler fully waterproof option here. Multi-IQ operates without asking you to switch frequencies, which removes one adjustment from the start of a beach hunt.
Its Park, Beach and All Metal modes keep the main choices short. Beach mode gives you a starting point on the shore, while All Metal provides an alternative search setting.
The entire detector carries an IP68 rating and can be submerged to 16 ft. Its waterproof V10X Double-D coil measures 10 x 7 in, smaller than the 11 in coils on several other picks.
At 2.6 lb, it is lighter than the X-Terra PRO. The built-in lithium-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of use before it needs a charge.
Pick the Vanquish 360 if you want full water protection with fewer controls to manage. See our Minelab Vanquish 360 review for a closer look at its beginner-friendly design.
Minelab X-Terra Voyager
- 11 in waterproof coil
- Four search modes
- Seven discrimination segments and pinpoint mode
- Backpack, headphones and shovel included
A portable Minelab kit with an 11 in waterproof coil, four search modes and numerical target IDs. The backpack, headphones and collapsible shovel cover basic carrying and digging gear.
Pros
- Kit includes headphones, shovel and backpack
- All Metal mode is designed for mineralized ground
- Collapses to 28.3 in for transport
- Pinpoint mode helps locate a target
Cons
- Keep the control box dry; only coil waterproofing is confirmed
- Seven discrimination segments offer less control than the X-Terra PRO
The Minelab X-Terra Voyager suits a beginner who wants a Minelab kit with carrying and digging gear. It comes with headphones, a collapsible shovel and a backpack.
Its 11 in search coil is waterproof and designed for beaches, parks and fields. Only coil waterproofing is confirmed, so keep the control section dry and away from waves.
Four modes cover All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn. Minelab says All Metal mode raises sensitivity in mineralized soils, while large numerical target IDs help you decide whether a signal is worth digging.
Seven discrimination segments give you control over unwanted targets. Pinpoint mode helps center the target before you dig.
The detector weighs 2.8 lb and collapses to 28.3 in. Choose it if you want the included Minelab kit and expect to search mainly from sand while keeping the controls dry.
RIPTIC M55 with pinpointer
- Separate pinpointer and holster included
- 10 in IP68 water-resistant coil
- Five search modes
- Adjustable from 19 to 50 in
A five-mode kit with a separate pinpointer, headphones, digger and backpack. Its 10 in coil is intended for beaches, riverbanks and other outdoor searches.
Pros
- Separate pinpointer and holster included
- Five modes include Memory, Jewelry and Pinpoint
- Shaft adjusts from 19 to 50 in
- Batteries, headphones and digging tool included
Cons
- At 6.4 lb, it has the highest stated weight here
- Keep the control unit dry; water protection is confirmed only for the coil
The RIPTIC M55 with pinpointer is the only package here confirmed to include a separate pinpointer and holster. It adds a target-locating tool to the main detector and digging gear.
Its five modes are All-Metal, Disc, Memory, Jewelry and Pinpoint. The adjustable shaft runs from 19 to 50 in, giving it a shorter minimum adjustment than the SAKOBS or ULHUND.
The 10 in IP68 coil has water-resistant protection and is intended for outdoor searches. Keep the control unit dry because full-detector waterproofing is not confirmed.
RIPTIC claims a maximum detection depth of 10 in. Don't assume that every target will register at that distance.
The package also includes headphones, a digging tool, a backpack and three batteries. Its stated weight is 6.4 lb, the highest figure in this group.
ULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector
- 11 in IP68 waterproof DD coil
- Folds with an internal cable design
- Adjusts from 22 to 60 in
- Four modes and nine target types
A light foldable detector with an 11 in DD coil and a shaft that extends to 60 in. Its control box is not waterproof, so keep it dry.
Pros
- Lightest detector in this group
- Shaft adjusts from 22 to 60 in
- Internal cable avoids an exposed coil wire
- Backpack, headphones, shovel and batteries included
Cons
- Control box is not waterproof
- No dedicated Beach mode
The ULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector is the lightest pick and extends farther than the SAKOBS or RIPTIC. It weighs 2.4 lb and adjusts from 22 to 60 in.
The 11 in IP68 DD coil is intended for wet grass, shallow edges and beach sand. The control box is not waterproof, so keep it dry and away from splashes.
An internal coil cable avoids wire wrapped around the outside of the shaft. The control section folds for storage in the included backpack.
Four modes cover All Metal, Disc, Notch and Pinpoint. Nine target types and the backlit LCD give you information before you decide to dig.
The kit adds headphones, a folding shovel, a carrying bag and two 9V batteries. Choose it for low weight and a long adjustment range when you can keep the control box dry.
Waterproof detector or waterproof coil
Choose a fully waterproof detector if waves, rain or wading could wet the control box. A waterproof coil suits searches where you can reliably keep the rest of the detector dry.
The X-Terra PRO and Vanquish 360 can both be submerged to 16 ft. Follow Minelab's care and depth instructions before using either in water.
The SAKOBS and ULHUND models use 11 in IP68 DD coils. The Voyager has an 11 in waterproof coil, while the RIPTIC M55 has a 10 in IP68 water-resistant coil.
For more choices centered on water protection, compare our best waterproof metal detectors.
Beach modes, frequencies and target controls
A dedicated Beach mode gives you a clear starting setting for shore searches. The X-Terra PRO has 2 Beach modes, while the Vanquish 360 has one Beach mode and Multi-IQ.
The X-Terra PRO lets you switch frequencies and gives you 30 discrimination segments. It suits a user who wants more control over how the detector responds.
The Vanquish 360 takes a simpler approach. Multi-IQ runs without manual frequency changes, and its short mode list reduces setup decisions.
The other four picks don't have a dedicated Beach mode. They use combinations of All Metal, discrimination, Jewelry, Notch, Memory, Custom, Learn or pinpoint settings instead.
Best beach metal detector for simple controls
The Minelab Vanquish 360 is the best beach metal detector here for simple controls. Select Beach mode and let Multi-IQ work without changing frequencies yourself.
Choose the X-Terra PRO instead if you want frequency switching, more discrimination segments and 2 Beach modes. Both models provide full IP68 protection to 16 ft.
Coil size and coverage on open sand
These picks have 10 to 12 in coils, with the X-Terra PRO offering the largest stated size at 12 in. The RIPTIC uses a 10 in coil, while the Vanquish 360 has a 10 x 7 in coil.
The SAKOBS, Voyager and ULHUND detectors each use an 11 in coil. The SAKOBS and ULHUND coils use a Double-D design, as does the Vanquish 360's V10X coil.
Coil size should not decide your choice by itself. Compare it with water protection, total weight, controls and packed size to find a detector that fits your beach plans.
Weight, folding and the walk to the beach
The ULHUND Pro300 is the lightest at 2.4 lb, while the RIPTIC M55 has the highest stated weight at 6.4 lb. The other four have weights of about 2.6 to 2.8 lb.
The X-Terra PRO packs down to 25 in, and the Voyager collapses to 28.3 in. The foldable SAKOBS adjusts from 26 to 47 in, but that adjustment range does not establish its folded length.
The ULHUND folds into its included backpack. Its 60 in maximum shaft length gives you more extension than the SAKOBS or RIPTIC.
A backpack is included with the SAKOBS, Voyager, RIPTIC and ULHUND kits. If you have a long walk over soft sand, compare weight and packed size alongside search modes.
Our beach metal detecting tips for beginners explain how to plan the rest of your first hunt.
Which beach detector should you buy?
Pick the Minelab X-Terra PRO if your best beach metal detector needs full water protection and adjustable beach controls. Its full IP68 design, 2 Beach modes and 30 discrimination segments earn it the top score.
Choose the SAKOBS if a foldable body, backpack, headphones and shovel are your priorities. The Minelab Vanquish 360 suits you if you want full waterproofing with simpler Multi-IQ operation.
The Minelab X-Terra Voyager suits a beginner who wants a Minelab package and can keep the controls dry. Pick the RIPTIC for its separate pinpointer, or the ULHUND for its low weight and 60 in extended shaft.
If you are still comparing detector types and controls, start with our complete guide to choosing a metal detector for adults.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach metal detector for wet sand?
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is the strongest overall pick here for wet sand because it has 2 Beach modes, switchable frequencies and full IP68 protection to 16 ft. The Minelab Vanquish 360 offers fewer setup decisions because Multi-IQ works without manual frequency switching.
Does a beach metal detector need to be fully waterproof?
No, a waterproof coil can suit shore searches if the control box stays dry. Choose a fully waterproof detector when wading, waves or rain could wet the controls, and follow its stated depth limit.
Follow the manual's care instructions after beach use, including any guidance on rinsing.
What coil size works well for beach detecting?
The detectors here have coils from 10 to 12 in, giving you several sizes for beach searches. The X-Terra PRO has a 12 in coil, while the SAKOBS, Voyager and ULHUND use 11 in coils.
Compare water protection, weight and controls alongside coil size.
Should a beginner choose Multi-IQ or selectable frequencies?
Multi-IQ is the simpler option in this group because the Minelab Vanquish 360 runs without manual frequency changes. Selectable frequencies give the Minelab X-Terra PRO more adjustment.
Pick simple operation for a first detector, or extra controls if you want room to learn.
