6 Best Metal Detector Brands: Garrett, Minelab, Nokta (October 2026)
The best metal detector brands include the Minelab X-Terra PRO for switching between parks and beaches, the Minelab Vanquish 360 for an easy start across varied ground, and the Garrett ACE 400 for numeric target information.
On this page (4 sections)
Minelab ranks first among the best metal detector brands compared here, thanks to the Minelab X-Terra PRO’s terrain modes, waterproofing and discrimination controls. Garrett offers numeric target ID, while Nokta offers a compact carbon fiber shaft.
We compared 6 models from Garrett, Minelab and Nokta by search modes, water protection, target information and useful extras. These models cover different needs, from simple first hunts to switching between terrain types.
If you’re choosing your first machine, start with our guide to metal detectors for adults. For brand-by-brand tradeoffs, see Garrett vs Minelab.
Our picks at a glance
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How we chose the best metal detector brands
Minelab places highest here because its top-scoring model combines Park, Field and Beach modes, submersion protection and 30 discrimination segments. We weighed each model against common needs, including learning the basics and moving between parks and beaches.
Garrett’s ACE models offer numeric target ID, while the Garrett ACE 400 adds Iron Audio and electronic pinpointing. The Nokta Simplex Ultra stands out for its retractable carbon fiber shaft and USB firmware updates.
Our scores weigh specs and features against what you’re shopping for. They compare these models rather than every detector each brand makes.
For a broader look at the options, browse our best metal detectors guide. If price tier is part of your decision, our cheap vs expensive metal detectors guide explains which differences can matter.
| Product | Best for | Search modes | Waterproof rating | Packed length | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab X-Terra PRO | switching between parks and beaches | 2 Park, 2 Field and 2 Beach | IP68, up to 16 ft | 25 in | 9.1 |
| Minelab Vanquish 360 | an easy start across varied ground | Park, Beach and All Metal | IP68, up to 16 ft | 8.4 | |
| Garrett ACE 400 | numeric target information | 8.0 | |||
| Minelab X-Terra Voyager | a ready-to-go kit | All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn | 7.8 | ||
| Nokta Simplex Ultra | a retractable carbon fiber shaft | 7.7 | |||
| Garrett ACE 200 | simple first hunts | 7.6 |
The best metal detector brands and models
The Minelab X-Terra PRO ranks first for its combination of Park, Field and Beach modes, waterproof construction and target-control settings. The 6 picks below follow their scores from highest to lowest.
Minelab X-Terra PRO
- Park, Field and Beach search modes
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Packs down to 25 in
- 30 discrimination segments
Park, Field and Beach modes and waterproofing to 16 ft make this Minelab a flexible choice for varied terrain.
Pros
- 6 search modes across 3 terrain types
- Waterproof to 16 ft
- 30 discrimination segments
Cons
- More settings to learn, including frequency switching and 30 discrimination segments
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is our top pick for moving between parks, fields and beaches. It has 2 modes for each terrain type, plus 30 discrimination segments for choosing which targets to ignore.
The detector is IP68 waterproof to 16 ft. Its 3-piece shaft packs down to 25 inches for transport.
A large LCD, backlit keypad and control pod flashlight can help when light is low. The handgrip also vibrates, and the detector offers 5 audio modes.
Frequency switching and discrimination settings give you several controls to learn. For help getting started after you choose, read how to use a metal detector.
Minelab Vanquish 360
- Park, Beach and All Metal modes
- Multi-IQ technology
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Up to 10 hours of run time
Multi-IQ and 3 straightforward modes suit a new detectorist who wants to move between parks and beaches without switching frequencies.
Pros
- Multi-IQ technology
- Waterproof to 16 ft
- Rechargeable battery with up to 10 hours of run time
Cons
- Fewer search modes than the X-Terra PRO
The Minelab Vanquish 360 suits you if you want Multi-IQ without manual frequency switching. It has Park, Beach and All Metal modes and weighs 2.6 lb.
The detector is IP68 waterproof to 16 ft. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to 10 hours of continuous run time, and the included V10X Double-D coil measures 10 by 7 inches.
The Minelab Vanquish 360 has 3 search modes, compared with 6 on the Minelab X-Terra PRO. For another comparison involving our top pick, read our Minelab X-Terra PRO vs Nokta Simplex Ultra guide.
Garrett ACE 400
- 0–99 Digital Target ID
- Iron Audio
- Electronic pinpointing
- Adjustable frequency
A numeric Target ID scale and Iron Audio give you 2 ways to assess a signal before you dig.
Pros
- 0–99 Digital Target ID
- Iron Audio can help identify iron trash
- Electronic pinpointing
Cons
- IP54 protection does not support full submersion
The Garrett ACE 400 suits you if numeric target information and Iron Audio are priorities. Its Digital Target ID uses a 0–99 scale, while Iron Audio can help you recognize iron trash before digging.
Electronic pinpointing helps narrow down a target’s location during recovery. Adjustable frequency can help reduce interference from electrical sources or other detectors nearby.
This model has IP54 protection, which does not support full submersion. Choose one of the IP68 Minelab models above if you need a detector rated for underwater use to 16 ft.
Minelab X-Terra Voyager
- 4 search modes
- 11 in waterproof coil
- Backpack, headphones and shovel included
- 7 discrimination segments
The included backpack, headphones and shovel make the Voyager a kit-style option for someone who wants several basics together.
Pros
- 4 named search modes
- Waterproof 11 in coil
- Backpack, headphones and shovel included
Cons
- 7 discrimination segments, fewer than the X-Terra PRO
The Minelab X-Terra Voyager brings a backpack, headphones and collapsible shovel together with the detector. Its 4 search modes are All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn.
It has an 11-inch waterproof coil for beach, park and field searches. Large numeric Target IDs provide signal information, while 7 discrimination segments let you filter unwanted targets.
The detector weighs 2.8 lb and collapses to 28.3 inches. It includes several kit extras, while the Minelab X-Terra PRO offers more search modes and discrimination segments.
Nokta Simplex Ultra
- Carbon fiber shaft
- Retracts to 25 in
- 11 in search coil
- Online firmware updates
A carbon fiber shaft that retracts to 25 inches helps with transport, while USB firmware updates let you update the detector through a PC.
Pros
- 11 in search coil
- Retractable carbon fiber shaft
- Online firmware updates
Cons
- Bluetooth headphones are not included
The Nokta Simplex Ultra suits you if a retractable carbon fiber shaft matters for transport. It retracts to 25 inches, matching the packed length of the Minelab X-Terra PRO.
An 11-inch search coil is included. Online firmware updates are available through a USB connection to a PC.
Nokta describes it as waterproof to 16 ft, but an IP65 specification also appears for this model. Confirm the exact unit’s submersion limit with Nokta before taking it underwater.
Bluetooth headphones are not included, so account for that if wireless audio is part of your plan. For more context on water protection, see what waterproof means on a metal detector.
Garrett ACE 200
- Simple touch-and-go operation
- 0–99 Digital Target ID
- Waterproof searchcoil
- 2.8 lb
Simple controls and a waterproof searchcoil make the ACE 200 a basic entry point for parks, backyards and damp shoreline sand.
Pros
- Simple touch-and-go operation
- Waterproof searchcoil
- Adjustable stem
Cons
- Control box is not waterproof
The Garrett ACE 200 offers touch-and-go operation for a new detectorist who wants basic controls. Its adjustable stem and 0–99 Digital Target ID scale add fit adjustment and numeric signal information.
The 6.5 by 9-inch searchcoil is waterproof for shallow water, streams and damp shoreline sand. The control box is not waterproof, so keep it out of the water.
The detector weighs 2.8 lb and includes 4 AA batteries. If you want a wider selection for new detectorists, compare it with our best metal detectors under 200 dollars.
Which metal detector brand fits your kind of hunt?
Minelab is the clearest fit here for varied terrain and full submersion options. The Minelab X-Terra PRO offers 6 terrain-based modes, while the Minelab Vanquish 360 combines 3 modes with Multi-IQ.
Garrett makes sense if target ID and audio cues are priorities. Choose the Garrett ACE 400 for Iron Audio and electronic pinpointing, or the Garrett ACE 200 for touch-and-go controls and a waterproof coil.
The Nokta Simplex Ultra offers a carbon fiber shaft that retracts to 25 inches. That makes it worth comparing if shaft material, packed length and PC firmware updates matter to you.
Before choosing a model for the shore, compare the coil and control-unit water limits. Our best waterproof metal detectors guide focuses on those differences.
How do you choose between Garrett, Minelab and Nokta?
Choose the model by its modes, controls and water limits. Minelab offers dedicated terrain modes, Garrett offers numeric target information on both picks, and the Nokta Simplex Ultra pairs a compact carbon fiber shaft with firmware updates.
Choosing the best metal detector brand for your first hunt
Start with the features your usual hunt needs: simple controls for learning, Beach modes for shore trips, or included gear for a first kit. The Garrett ACE 200, Minelab Vanquish 360 and Minelab X-Terra Voyager each address one of those needs.
Among these best metal detector brands, pick the Minelab X-Terra PRO for terrain settings, the Garrett ACE 400 for Iron Audio, or the Nokta Simplex Ultra for its shaft. Read our beginner guide to choosing a metal detector to narrow the choice.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Which metal detector brand is best for beginners?
Minelab and Garrett both have beginner-friendly options in this group. The Minelab Vanquish 360 has streamlined controls and Park, Beach and All Metal modes, while the Garrett ACE 200 uses simple touch-and-go operation.
Choose by the ground you plan to cover and how much control you want.
Is Minelab or Garrett better for beach detecting?
Minelab offers more beach-focused options among these picks. The Minelab X-Terra PRO has Beach search modes and is waterproof to 16 ft, while the Minelab Vanquish 360 has Beach mode and the same depth limit.
The Garrett ACE 200 has a waterproof coil, but its control box must stay dry.
Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra fully waterproof?
Nokta describes the Nokta Simplex Ultra as fully waterproof to 16 ft, but an IP65 specification also appears for this model. Those descriptions conflict, so confirm the exact unit’s submersion limit with Nokta before underwater use.
Its carbon fiber shaft retracts to 25 inches for transport.
What should you compare when choosing a metal detector brand?
Compare search modes, water protection, target information, weight and included gear at the model level. The Minelab X-Terra PRO has Park, Field and Beach modes, the Garrett ACE 400 combines numeric Target ID with Iron Audio, and the Minelab X-Terra Voyager includes a backpack, headphones and shovel.
